Stand by Me {Review}

Neta Jackson, of the well-known Yada Yada Prayer Group series, has released her latest title: Stand by Me, a SouledOut Sisters novel.  This first novel in the series follows the life and trials over two very different women and how their lives intertwine one Chicago summer.

Avis Douglas seems to have it all together.  A successful elementary school principal, happily married, and faithfully serving as worship pastor at her local church, Avis' life is turned upside down by an invitation to serve overseas with long-time friends.  Her husband is eager to accept the offer just as her daughter goes missing for several months.  To confuse matters further, their church falls into crisis and there's a pesky group of young college students moving in downstairs.

Enter Kat Davies: young, energetic, idealistic, and taking the world by storm.  What she lacks in experience, Kat more than makes up for in enthusiasm.  And it's this exact enthusiasm that has tongues wagging at the local church, Avis' church.

As these two women enter the summer, they find themselves at odds with each other.  Youthful idealism brushing up against experience and raw wounds.  Little do these two realize that they are exactly what the other needs.  And only together can they make sense of the months to come.

Having never read any of Jackson's previous books, I was delighted to find that I couldn't put down Stand by Me.  The characters are real and relatable, and the author crafts an engaging story from cover to cover.  While the book ties up most of the loose ends, Neta Jackson leaves herself plenty of room for a second book.  One I'd be eager to read.

*Disclaimer: A copy of this book was supplied free of charge for my review.  All opinions are my own.
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