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Windy City Neighbors #4
Pound Foolish
POUND FOOLISH Greg Singer coordinates consumer sports shows for powerboats, four wheelers, snowmobiles, and jet skis-macho toys for outdoor men like himself. But the job puts tremendous stress on his marriage with Nicole, who for the first time notices the handsome lawyer at the end of the block. "Greener pastures?" When the recession hits Greg's industry, he thinks the crisis is merely an opportunity for God to bless him with unmatched prosperity, a promise he hears preached each Sunday, and he steps out in bold faith . . . But is he being "pound foolish"? The fourth in the Windy City Neighbors series, POUND FOOLISH explores the economic upheaval and uncertainties challenging every family. Intersecting with PENNY WISE (book three), the Jacksons employ the innovating storytelling technique of "parallel novels." Though each book follows its own drama and story arc, the characters' lives become intertwined and affect one another. Pound Foolish returns us to Beecham Street-a typical American neighborhood . . . where a growing friendship brings new meaning to prosperity.
- GenresChristian FictionFiction
332 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2014
34 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 16, 2014
Another stellar book from Dave and Neta Jackson.
Greg is a firm believer in prosperity preaching. Nicole is not so sure. She feels that God's blessings are not necessarily financial. They can't agree on this, and while the cracks in their marriage are beginning to show, Greg gets ever more determined to bring about his financial blessings, making bad decisions.
This covers many of the issues which bother people today. It is gripping, although I sometimes want to shake Greg. The characters are believable. Yet another good read from two of my favourite authors.
Greg is a firm believer in prosperity preaching. Nicole is not so sure. She feels that God's blessings are not necessarily financial. They can't agree on this, and while the cracks in their marriage are beginning to show, Greg gets ever more determined to bring about his financial blessings, making bad decisions.
This covers many of the issues which bother people today. It is gripping, although I sometimes want to shake Greg. The characters are believable. Yet another good read from two of my favourite authors.
November 27, 2014
POUND FOOLISH is the fourth book in the Windy City Neighbor series. I enjoyed the first book in the series Grounded, but didn't care much for the third book, Penny Wise. This fourth book is about a married couple with realistic struggles. An overwhelmed, loey, homeschooling mom who things her husband is gone too much working and she is in desperate need of me-time and a date with her husband. His response is typical male. Go on a short two day vacation where he fishes all day and she still does all the work.
Fans of the Jacksons' books will want to read this newest book. The Jacksons' have a firm grasp of humanity and are able to write realistic characters with unique voices. Readers will root for Nicole and want to give Greg a good talking to. Mostly. Sometimes she needs the talking to. And I really think they need a new church and not one that preaches prosperity instead of the gospel.
Like I said. Realistic characters.
Fans of the Jacksons' books will want to read this newest book. The Jacksons' have a firm grasp of humanity and are able to write realistic characters with unique voices. Readers will root for Nicole and want to give Greg a good talking to. Mostly. Sometimes she needs the talking to. And I really think they need a new church and not one that preaches prosperity instead of the gospel.
Like I said. Realistic characters.
November 14, 2014
I just had the pleasure of finishing Book 4 in the Windy City Neighbors series, Pound Foolish by Dave and Neta Jackson � of which I have read the entire series (as well as all the Yada Yada books and Souled Out series) � if you want to see my other reviews here just do a quick search, I won’t bore you with linking each one. Pound Foolish is like the others a parallel book, so the characters from the other books will be seen and heard from in this book so I encourage you to read the first three as well as the other books that this trickles from. This book though focuses on the Singer family � the dad holds down a job while mom stays home and homeschools their two children, but when a crisis in the form of an employment situation arises will the family crumble under pressure or come out fighting? Nicole Singer has a degree and used to work briefly as a paralegal and then when the children came she stayed home � as the book continues Nicole is dissatisfied with her life, her husband tends to ignore her so she finds another man who seems to like her, she wants to go back to work. Greg Singer listens to some poor counsel at his church and begins falling for get rich schemes and it finally takes some blunt talk from Harry Bentley to set him on the right path.
Even though I have to say that Nicole isn’t the typical homeschool homemaker � the majority of the moms I know don’t seem to feel their life is over � Nicole does school at home rather so they seem to be stuck inside a lot. I digress � I won’t nitpick the book based on what homeshool looks like it in and isn’t. I really enjoyed this book, as I have all the other books in this series � it’s fast paced and the twists come and I think to myself, “I didn’t expect that�. While it’s not all roses at the end, thankfully the Jackson’s books are a bit realistic so everything isn’t tidy, the good does shine as does God working in the family’s life shows loud and clear. Dave and Neta Jackson weave together real life, even the hard hitting area of a would-be affair, with God’s Word and how He is always there if we just let Him into our life. It can’t be easy to write a novel where the characters are flawed, where the characters struggle with their faith in their daily life like we do, and ultimately how God makes His way known.
The book takes a hard look at what can happen when a marriage isn’t thriving � when spouses ignore one another and think that they can do all things on their own � whether it’s the education of children at home or the financial or even the romantic side of marriage. Throw in job instability and the whole thing is a mess � with a real look at the messes we create when we try to do things on our own and how even when we think He isn’t around or doesn’t care see how God works through our messes and can begin healing the broken people and ultimately the marriage. I’ll be eagerly awaiting Book 5, Snowmageddon to be released so I can see what is next for the neighbors of Beecham Street.
**I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.
Even though I have to say that Nicole isn’t the typical homeschool homemaker � the majority of the moms I know don’t seem to feel their life is over � Nicole does school at home rather so they seem to be stuck inside a lot. I digress � I won’t nitpick the book based on what homeshool looks like it in and isn’t. I really enjoyed this book, as I have all the other books in this series � it’s fast paced and the twists come and I think to myself, “I didn’t expect that�. While it’s not all roses at the end, thankfully the Jackson’s books are a bit realistic so everything isn’t tidy, the good does shine as does God working in the family’s life shows loud and clear. Dave and Neta Jackson weave together real life, even the hard hitting area of a would-be affair, with God’s Word and how He is always there if we just let Him into our life. It can’t be easy to write a novel where the characters are flawed, where the characters struggle with their faith in their daily life like we do, and ultimately how God makes His way known.
The book takes a hard look at what can happen when a marriage isn’t thriving � when spouses ignore one another and think that they can do all things on their own � whether it’s the education of children at home or the financial or even the romantic side of marriage. Throw in job instability and the whole thing is a mess � with a real look at the messes we create when we try to do things on our own and how even when we think He isn’t around or doesn’t care see how God works through our messes and can begin healing the broken people and ultimately the marriage. I’ll be eagerly awaiting Book 5, Snowmageddon to be released so I can see what is next for the neighbors of Beecham Street.
**I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.
November 10, 2014
About the Book:
POUND FOOLISH Greg Singer coordinates consumer sports shows for powerboats, four wheelers, snowmobiles, and jet skis-macho toys for outdoor men like himself. But the job puts tremendous stress on his marriage with Nicole, who for the first time notices the handsome lawyer at the end of the block. "Greener pastures?" When the recession hits Greg's industry, he thinks the crisis is merely an opportunity for God to bless him with unmatched prosperity, a promise he hears preached each Sunday, and he steps out in bold faith . . . But is he being "pound foolish"?
The fourth in the Windy City Neighbors series, POUND FOOLISH explores the economic upheaval and uncertainties challenging every family. Intersecting with PENNY WISE (book three), the Jackson's employ the innovating storytelling technique of "parallel novels." Though each book follows its own drama and story arc, the characters' lives become intertwined and affect one another. Pound Foolish returns us to Beecham Street-a typical American neighborhood . . . where a growing friendship brings new meaning to prosperity.
My Review:
Things get increasingly harder as each day passes in marriage and in life, this book is a prime example of how this is so substantially true these days. Every family has to meet these obligations daily and the stress eventually takes its tole on that family that is trying so hard to fit it all in. Greg and Nicole have issues that have let go for far too long and you can tell as it erodes their marriage. Soon Nicole starts to look elsewhere, sort of like she allows another to capture her attention. Soon the couple are forced into trusting God, will they survive it all?
The Jackson's will capture you in this their fourth book in the Windy City Neighbors series. The authors always write about real life scenarios and will capture your thought process every time because we in one way or another can connect to the characters. Always with strong story line and rich, full characters you will suddenly find yourself enraptured by their every word. If you would like to learn more, you can at this link.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse Publicity.
POUND FOOLISH Greg Singer coordinates consumer sports shows for powerboats, four wheelers, snowmobiles, and jet skis-macho toys for outdoor men like himself. But the job puts tremendous stress on his marriage with Nicole, who for the first time notices the handsome lawyer at the end of the block. "Greener pastures?" When the recession hits Greg's industry, he thinks the crisis is merely an opportunity for God to bless him with unmatched prosperity, a promise he hears preached each Sunday, and he steps out in bold faith . . . But is he being "pound foolish"?
The fourth in the Windy City Neighbors series, POUND FOOLISH explores the economic upheaval and uncertainties challenging every family. Intersecting with PENNY WISE (book three), the Jackson's employ the innovating storytelling technique of "parallel novels." Though each book follows its own drama and story arc, the characters' lives become intertwined and affect one another. Pound Foolish returns us to Beecham Street-a typical American neighborhood . . . where a growing friendship brings new meaning to prosperity.
My Review:
Things get increasingly harder as each day passes in marriage and in life, this book is a prime example of how this is so substantially true these days. Every family has to meet these obligations daily and the stress eventually takes its tole on that family that is trying so hard to fit it all in. Greg and Nicole have issues that have let go for far too long and you can tell as it erodes their marriage. Soon Nicole starts to look elsewhere, sort of like she allows another to capture her attention. Soon the couple are forced into trusting God, will they survive it all?
The Jackson's will capture you in this their fourth book in the Windy City Neighbors series. The authors always write about real life scenarios and will capture your thought process every time because we in one way or another can connect to the characters. Always with strong story line and rich, full characters you will suddenly find yourself enraptured by their every word. If you would like to learn more, you can at this link.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse Publicity.
November 13, 2014
Nicole and Greg Singer are married with two children whom Nicole homeschools when Greg decides in an abrupt manner to plan a three day vacation for the family. While at Deep Lake, Greg receives a call from his boss regarding an upcoming vendor show and must end the family vacation early. Before Greg is laid off his job he suggest to Nicole to begin a home based business that could enhance the children’s homeschooling experience learning how to start and run a self owned business but is met with apprehension from Nicole.
Greg and Nicole both begin to think how things have changed between them since the early days of their marriage and wonder how to get the fire rekindled. After attending church service Greg and Nicole have different understandings of the Pastor’s sermon with Greg believing he received a message from God to go forth to create an opportunity resulting in an inheritance from while Nicole believes the Pastor is focusing on self centeredness and “What’s in it for me?� message. Will Greg and Nicole find the missing piece of the puzzle to their happiness in marriage and business before it is too late?
Pound Foolish is book four in the Windy City Neighbors Series by husband and wife writing team Dave and Neta Jackson. The novel is definitely titled perfectly with its main character fitting the top billing in this financial rollercoaster themed book. Nicole is truly a wife who handles her husband’s terrible decisions regarding finances a lot better than most women would tolerate. The differences in receiving ‘the message� from the Pastor’s sermons made me lean toward Nicole’s thinking more than Greg’s understanding although the scriptures Greg referred to were right on point but he failed to include his wife in decision making regarding their finances. I recommend this novel to readers of marriage, family relationships, and Christian reading for an enjoyable and easy read on a lazy weekend.
I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.
Greg and Nicole both begin to think how things have changed between them since the early days of their marriage and wonder how to get the fire rekindled. After attending church service Greg and Nicole have different understandings of the Pastor’s sermon with Greg believing he received a message from God to go forth to create an opportunity resulting in an inheritance from while Nicole believes the Pastor is focusing on self centeredness and “What’s in it for me?� message. Will Greg and Nicole find the missing piece of the puzzle to their happiness in marriage and business before it is too late?
Pound Foolish is book four in the Windy City Neighbors Series by husband and wife writing team Dave and Neta Jackson. The novel is definitely titled perfectly with its main character fitting the top billing in this financial rollercoaster themed book. Nicole is truly a wife who handles her husband’s terrible decisions regarding finances a lot better than most women would tolerate. The differences in receiving ‘the message� from the Pastor’s sermons made me lean toward Nicole’s thinking more than Greg’s understanding although the scriptures Greg referred to were right on point but he failed to include his wife in decision making regarding their finances. I recommend this novel to readers of marriage, family relationships, and Christian reading for an enjoyable and easy read on a lazy weekend.
I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.
November 17, 2014
REVIEW
I would suggest reading the entire series of the Windy City Neighbors. This book is Book 4. The books in the series carry forward as the characters travel from one book to the next. The book is about the Singer family. The father is the bread winner while the mom is a stay at home mom and homeschools their two children. All was going well, until an employment problem came up. What will happen to the family? Will they fall apart or will they fight this out together?
The mother, Nicole Singer used to be a paralegal until the children came. She then stayed at home. Nicole begins to become dissatisfied as her husband begins to ignore her. She finds a man who appeared to like her. She wants to go back to work. Greg decides to take some counseling form the church, poor counseling. He starts to get into the get rich schemes. It took a heart to heart talk from a friend to set him straight.
The author wrote a fast paced book with some twists and turns that come as you read. You get to thinking, "I sure didn't think of that". It sure isn't a roses to roses tale but neither is real life. The Jackson's wrote a realistic book where everything isn't perfect. With God leading the family, the good does come forth.
The Jackson's wrote a nitty gritty tale of real life, with God always there if we just listen and talk to him. The authors wrote a wonderful book where as in reality, characters are flawed, they struggle with their faith every day just as the rest of us do. If we listen and hear what God has to say, his way will be known. He'll help us through our transgressions, our financial problems and all the messes we can make in our lives. Broken people can be healed and led to the right track. Lots of valuable lessons to be learned in this book, but lessons aren't any good if we don't listen and apply.
I was given a complimentary copy of POUND FOOLISH from the authors, Dave and Neta Jackson and Litfuse Publicity for my view of the book. No other compensation took place.
I would suggest reading the entire series of the Windy City Neighbors. This book is Book 4. The books in the series carry forward as the characters travel from one book to the next. The book is about the Singer family. The father is the bread winner while the mom is a stay at home mom and homeschools their two children. All was going well, until an employment problem came up. What will happen to the family? Will they fall apart or will they fight this out together?
The mother, Nicole Singer used to be a paralegal until the children came. She then stayed at home. Nicole begins to become dissatisfied as her husband begins to ignore her. She finds a man who appeared to like her. She wants to go back to work. Greg decides to take some counseling form the church, poor counseling. He starts to get into the get rich schemes. It took a heart to heart talk from a friend to set him straight.
The author wrote a fast paced book with some twists and turns that come as you read. You get to thinking, "I sure didn't think of that". It sure isn't a roses to roses tale but neither is real life. The Jackson's wrote a realistic book where everything isn't perfect. With God leading the family, the good does come forth.
The Jackson's wrote a nitty gritty tale of real life, with God always there if we just listen and talk to him. The authors wrote a wonderful book where as in reality, characters are flawed, they struggle with their faith every day just as the rest of us do. If we listen and hear what God has to say, his way will be known. He'll help us through our transgressions, our financial problems and all the messes we can make in our lives. Broken people can be healed and led to the right track. Lots of valuable lessons to be learned in this book, but lessons aren't any good if we don't listen and apply.
I was given a complimentary copy of POUND FOOLISH from the authors, Dave and Neta Jackson and Litfuse Publicity for my view of the book. No other compensation took place.
November 20, 2014
Dave and Neta Jackson's books never disappoint - and Pound Foolish, the fourth book in the Windy City series is no exception. I was blessed to receive a copy and I just could not put it down. It was wonderful to be reunited with the residents of Beecham Street, and to be reminded of other of the Jackson's books, as the Yada Yada prayer group and the House of Hope also popped up in the novel.
Pound Foolish focuses on Greg and Nicole Singer and their two children. If you have read any of the earlier Windy City books (I read book three), then the reader sees situations that were in previous books, but from the Singer's viewpoint.
Greg is a successful businessman, Nicole stays home to home school their children, but is qualified as a paralegal. They go to church and seem like the perfect family. Then Greg is made redundant and life starts unravelling.
The pastor of their church preaches a prosperity gospel - Nicole is sceptical but Greg believes the pastor and sees redundancy as the opportunity to dabble in "get rich quick" schemes. The deeper he immerses himself, the wider the chasm becomes with Nicole.
Greg is invited to a men's Bible study by neighbour Harry Benson, who as an African American goes to a very different church. Here, Greg meets a bunch of men who help each other, not only in times of crisis, but also in their daily lives. And they do not believe in the prosperity gospel.
As with previous novels by Dave and Neta Jackson, once begun, I did not want to put down Pound Foolish. Faith in God is a central theme, but not faith in God for what you can get out of it here and now - but faith in God where one builds up trust in Him to look after you through all and every situation.
Pound Foolish can be read as a stand alone novel, but it's even better to have read other novels by the Jacksons, as intimate knowledge of the characters just adds to the enjoyment. So don't delay - download or buy a book today - you'll be glad you did!
Pound Foolish focuses on Greg and Nicole Singer and their two children. If you have read any of the earlier Windy City books (I read book three), then the reader sees situations that were in previous books, but from the Singer's viewpoint.
Greg is a successful businessman, Nicole stays home to home school their children, but is qualified as a paralegal. They go to church and seem like the perfect family. Then Greg is made redundant and life starts unravelling.
The pastor of their church preaches a prosperity gospel - Nicole is sceptical but Greg believes the pastor and sees redundancy as the opportunity to dabble in "get rich quick" schemes. The deeper he immerses himself, the wider the chasm becomes with Nicole.
Greg is invited to a men's Bible study by neighbour Harry Benson, who as an African American goes to a very different church. Here, Greg meets a bunch of men who help each other, not only in times of crisis, but also in their daily lives. And they do not believe in the prosperity gospel.
As with previous novels by Dave and Neta Jackson, once begun, I did not want to put down Pound Foolish. Faith in God is a central theme, but not faith in God for what you can get out of it here and now - but faith in God where one builds up trust in Him to look after you through all and every situation.
Pound Foolish can be read as a stand alone novel, but it's even better to have read other novels by the Jacksons, as intimate knowledge of the characters just adds to the enjoyment. So don't delay - download or buy a book today - you'll be glad you did!
November 19, 2014
Dave and Neta Jackson in their new book “Pound Foolish� Book Four in the Windy City Neighbors series published by Castle Rock Creative, Inc. takes us into the life of the Greg Singer.
From the back cover: Pound Foolish
Greg Singer coordinates consumer sports shows for powerboats, four wheelers, snowmobiles, and jet skis-macho toys for outdoor men like himself. But the job puts tremendous stress on his marriage with Nicole, who for the first time notices the handsome lawyer at the end of the block. “Greener pastures?� When the recession hits Greg’s industry, he thinks the crisis is merely an opportunity for God to bless him with unmatched prosperity, a promise he hears preached each Sunday, and he steps out in bold faith . . .
But is he being “pound foolish�?
What happens when someone comes under the influence of a false teacher and buys in to their false doctrine? What happens when a man gives way too much of his time to his work and neglects his wife in the process? What does the neglected wife do? These are serious issues that can affect any family and the Jacksons expertly showcase the struggles and how they have to lean on God to fix things for them which isn’t easy. As we live with them through the course of the book we come to appreciate them and then when trouble strikes we are right there. As they struggle to find their center in God it is as though we struggle with them. “Pound Foolish� is a wonderful, interesting story with power and depth that will keep you flipping pages.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.�
From the back cover: Pound Foolish
Greg Singer coordinates consumer sports shows for powerboats, four wheelers, snowmobiles, and jet skis-macho toys for outdoor men like himself. But the job puts tremendous stress on his marriage with Nicole, who for the first time notices the handsome lawyer at the end of the block. “Greener pastures?� When the recession hits Greg’s industry, he thinks the crisis is merely an opportunity for God to bless him with unmatched prosperity, a promise he hears preached each Sunday, and he steps out in bold faith . . .
But is he being “pound foolish�?
What happens when someone comes under the influence of a false teacher and buys in to their false doctrine? What happens when a man gives way too much of his time to his work and neglects his wife in the process? What does the neglected wife do? These are serious issues that can affect any family and the Jacksons expertly showcase the struggles and how they have to lean on God to fix things for them which isn’t easy. As we live with them through the course of the book we come to appreciate them and then when trouble strikes we are right there. As they struggle to find their center in God it is as though we struggle with them. “Pound Foolish� is a wonderful, interesting story with power and depth that will keep you flipping pages.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.�
October 17, 2014
REVIEW OF Pound Foolish- by Dave and Neta Jackson
Pound Foolish is the 4th book in the Windy City Neighbors Series. While 4th in a series it can be read as a stand-alone novel.
Having not read the previous three books in the series I was worried that perhaps I wouldn’t enjoy it or feel like I was missing too much. But it really can stand alone. The characters in this book are part of a neighborhood, really just those few houses that are on a cul de sac. It does reference other neighbors and while you don’t always have the back stories that may have happened in the previous novels, it is not to the point that you are completely lost in the activities/actions of any of them.
We get to revisit with some from novels /series from previous years.
The Jackson’s writing is wonderful as always. Thankfully, their characters are far from perfect, and have flaws…just like the rest of us.
This novel focuses on one couple in particular, situations beyond their control, some that are completely within their control and the consequences that result. Some of those consequences last thru the ending of the book, but always there is redemption and God’s Truth portrayed.
That’s what I have always enjoyed and loved about the Jackson’s and their writing. Take ordinary people, situations that we can often relate to, and let God shine His light through it all. Even when it involves non-believers, and those believers who doubt their faith. Always, there is God’s Truth spoken and redemption happening.
I was blessed to receive this book free from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
Pound Foolish is the 4th book in the Windy City Neighbors Series. While 4th in a series it can be read as a stand-alone novel.
Having not read the previous three books in the series I was worried that perhaps I wouldn’t enjoy it or feel like I was missing too much. But it really can stand alone. The characters in this book are part of a neighborhood, really just those few houses that are on a cul de sac. It does reference other neighbors and while you don’t always have the back stories that may have happened in the previous novels, it is not to the point that you are completely lost in the activities/actions of any of them.
We get to revisit with some from novels /series from previous years.
The Jackson’s writing is wonderful as always. Thankfully, their characters are far from perfect, and have flaws…just like the rest of us.
This novel focuses on one couple in particular, situations beyond their control, some that are completely within their control and the consequences that result. Some of those consequences last thru the ending of the book, but always there is redemption and God’s Truth portrayed.
That’s what I have always enjoyed and loved about the Jackson’s and their writing. Take ordinary people, situations that we can often relate to, and let God shine His light through it all. Even when it involves non-believers, and those believers who doubt their faith. Always, there is God’s Truth spoken and redemption happening.
I was blessed to receive this book free from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2015
I loved the Yada Yada Prayer Group and am so happy to have the series take a bend but keep going. This one had me repeatedly saying, “No! Don’t do it!� as I felt the characters were so alive! What a great book!
Greg Singer is one of the neighbors in the Windy City series. I have read the previous ones � but this totally stands alone as it takes place during the same time period as the others but from a different character’s point of view. Greg lost his job when his company folded but still needs to support his homeschooling wife and 2 children. His pastor keeps preaching about how God wants us to prosper and be rich. Greg’s internal question is how can he get some of that wealth?
This was a fabulous story of the need for communication between husband and wife and what Biblical leadership in the home is all about (or not!). I enjoyed it immensely and highly recommend it! I can’t wait to read the next book!
Greg Singer is one of the neighbors in the Windy City series. I have read the previous ones � but this totally stands alone as it takes place during the same time period as the others but from a different character’s point of view. Greg lost his job when his company folded but still needs to support his homeschooling wife and 2 children. His pastor keeps preaching about how God wants us to prosper and be rich. Greg’s internal question is how can he get some of that wealth?
This was a fabulous story of the need for communication between husband and wife and what Biblical leadership in the home is all about (or not!). I enjoyed it immensely and highly recommend it! I can’t wait to read the next book!
November 23, 2014
This is the second book I have read from the Windy City Neighbors series. "Pound Foolish" is about the Singer Family-Greg and his wife and two children.
I had mixed feelings about this book. I really liked it, but it wasn't a "happily ever after" or "escape from your own troubles and read a happy book" kind of book. It was very well written and kept my interest, but it was sad (and a little close to home) to read about the struggles and misunderstandings with jobs, money, kids etc. Real life struggles-which is why I continued to read the book to the end because I wanted to see how things would work out.
The story line and character struggles felt real but good advice from friends and earnest prayer to God was sought out, so in the end, the book finished well. I enjoyed "Pound Foolish" and would recommend it! Can't wait to read more from this series!
I had mixed feelings about this book. I really liked it, but it wasn't a "happily ever after" or "escape from your own troubles and read a happy book" kind of book. It was very well written and kept my interest, but it was sad (and a little close to home) to read about the struggles and misunderstandings with jobs, money, kids etc. Real life struggles-which is why I continued to read the book to the end because I wanted to see how things would work out.
The story line and character struggles felt real but good advice from friends and earnest prayer to God was sought out, so in the end, the book finished well. I enjoyed "Pound Foolish" and would recommend it! Can't wait to read more from this series!
November 12, 2014
this is a novelization of a critique of the Christian prosperity teaching. A husband has lost his job and, based on the teachings from their church, gets caught up in get rich schemes. He continues to make unwise decisions, believing God will bless his efforts. There are some other issues in the novel too, such as the husband and wife working together to make decisions for the household. This would be a good book for men to read.
See my complete review at .
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Litfuse Publicity for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
See my complete review at .
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Litfuse Publicity for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
January 15, 2015
Coming into this series at Book 4, I had a little difficulty getting into the swing of the personalities of the characters - ok, frankly, I didn't like them one bit! But then again, when an author (or authors in this case) can pull this kind of emotion from a reader, then they have done a good job of creating a realistic and meaningful work.
Pulling from their strong faith-based backgrounds and drawing inspiration from the dramas of the world around us today, the Jacksons once again prove why they are such popular writing team with this novel. I would recommend reading the previous novels in this series, but "Pound Foolish" can be read as a stand-alone with some ease.
Pulling from their strong faith-based backgrounds and drawing inspiration from the dramas of the world around us today, the Jacksons once again prove why they are such popular writing team with this novel. I would recommend reading the previous novels in this series, but "Pound Foolish" can be read as a stand-alone with some ease.
May 26, 2016
A great book displaying why prosperity gospel preachers are false prophets. Frankly, I suspect most of them aren't even saved. Regardless, it gives good Scriptural references, in context, that those preachers often take out of context. I will say, however, I couldn't stand the main character Greg. I just can't fathom a grown adult making the stupid choices he did. Yet I know they do every single day. Disliking him so much made the book my least favorite of all Dave & Neta Jackson's, but it was still a decent read.
November 26, 2014
What a wonderfully inspiring book, the neighborhood that is so rich with awesome characters...some believers...some not. All at different levels in their walk in life. Harry Bentley's relationship with a neighbor began with an invitation to a men's bible study. Eventually the neighbor accepts, what's in between is an exciting tale of normal folks with normal problems that allow God to take control. Highly recommend this series!
March 3, 2015
Again, this book had a different feel than the first two in the series. It is almost like the Jacksons are stretching in order to reach a different demographic. There were a couple of scenes I could have done without in this book which push it more toward 'adult content'--in a mild way but noticeable in Christian fiction. I was glad for the resolution to the story and surprised by one character in particular. Over all it was good but different and, for me, a little uncomfortable.
July 20, 2015
This is a great read by a one of my favorite authors. The characters are so real. I couldn't stand Greg and I would love to meet Nicole. And of course I love Harry Bentley. Wish he was my grandpa! It's so neat to see how they have problems that most likely every family faces from time to time, and when they truly rely on the Lord and Godly friends they can handle those difficulties. Highly recommend, along with all of Neta Jackson's books.
March 16, 2015
I am just such a fan of all the Yada Yada books. This one I really related to, which was frightening. I could totally relate with Nikki's position as wife and mom and unfortunately relate with Greg's money issues. I guess for the characters and myself good thing we are looking more to the goodness of the guiding word.
March 28, 2015
Didn't care for this as much as the other books in the series though the others were written by Neta Jackson and this was written by her husband. The main male character was a jerk and the story was contrived. Hope they stick to women as main characters in the future--I've really enjoyed the other books.
December 1, 2015
Fourth in a series; I couldn't relate as well to the main characters in this novel as I could to some of the others in the series. Greg Singer just wasn't a likable person, and I didn't have a whole lot of sympathy for his wife, either. I did appreciate that it filled in some of the narrative gaps from book 3, as it happened concurrently with that book.
January 5, 2015
"Pound Foolish: Windy City Neighbors" Book 4, by Dave & Neta Jackson is an easy to read new story focusing on one of the families living on Beecham Street. Love this series. Can't wait until Book 5 is out.
February 23, 2015
I had read Penny Wise first and really didn't like the characters then that are the main characters of Pound Foolish. Probably would not have read the whole thing if I wasn't on an airplane without another read for 6 hours. I've read most of the Jackson's books and this was my least favorite.
October 12, 2014
Quite good. Once again, Jackson has written a story with situations a reader can easily identify with. Compelling characters, faith based with a satisfying (but in no way cliché) ending.
January 23, 2015
Great Story
I have read many books by The Jackson's. I have never been disappointed. I recommend this and all their books!
I have read many books by The Jackson's. I have never been disappointed. I recommend this and all their books!
May 7, 2015
I greatly enjoyed having two perspectives of events as they unfolded. Sure shows the difference in the way men and women process.
November 16, 2015
Really good subject matter covered in this one and a fantastic ending!
January 4, 2016
I loved the book but felt like it was a repeat of information in the previous book in the series.
January 2, 2016
Couldn't finish this book. Read half of it and hated it. DISAPPOINTED. Didn't do homeschoolers justic.
July 3, 2017
This is the fourth book in the Windy City Neighbors series. For me, this was, by far, the best book in the series. It had two strong themes throughout the storyline. First, it focused on prosperity preaching and second, flirting with temptation. As always a strong Christian theme threaded it's way through the plot.
This book focuses on Greg and Nicole Singer another family in the Beecham Street neighborhood. They attend the Victorious Life mega church where the pastor's message is always directed to how God's word (misused) tells God's followers that they will be provided with all the good things in life (aka "prosperity gospel"). When Greg loses his well paying job, even though Nicole has questioned the minister's interpretation of Scripture, Greg finds himself pursuing two different paths that he feels will lead him to all the "material things" that God will provide him. It takes two sets of dire consequences as well as a lot of advice from his neighbor, Harry, before Greg realizes that he has been misled. I have to say that there were numerous times I wanted to slap Greg upside the head to wake him up.
Nicole, meanwhile, is flirting with temptation as she turns to wealthy, single neighbor, Lincoln. He offers her a part-time job at his law firm and limo service. His neighborly concern is misconstrued by Nicole and she begins having dreams of a life with kind, caring Lincoln. A surprise wake up call leads her to realize the path she was beginning to walk.
The authors definitely targets two issues that are evident in today's society. The characters were well developed and the plot line definitely kept my attention as Greg gets deeper and deeper into trouble and Nicole walks a fine line of infidelity even if only in her mind. I also liked Harry's explanation of how God's view of marriage with the husband worked without taking away from the wife's role as a partner in marriage. I hated to see this series end as I really enjoyed the neighborhood on Beecham Street.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "A nonexistent being can't teach you anything. But the fact that God made the effort to teach me something proved not only that He existed, but it proved He was with me and cared about me."
" 'Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." That's what I mean about penny wise and pound foolish. All the necessities of life--where you'll live, what you'll eat, the clothes you'll wear--those aren't the pounds. They're actually just the pennies. If you focus on them, you might miss the pounds, the really big stuff in life.....He'd been imagining big ticket items - condo in Florida, thousand dollar suits--but these shrank to mere "pennies" when compared to the Kingdom of God."
"That's what I'm trying to say, man. Being the head ain't about calling the shots. It's about taking responsibility to act together in unity...When you eally work together for a while, you'll start listening to each other until you come to unity, and you'll begin to defer to one another in certain areas."
This book focuses on Greg and Nicole Singer another family in the Beecham Street neighborhood. They attend the Victorious Life mega church where the pastor's message is always directed to how God's word (misused) tells God's followers that they will be provided with all the good things in life (aka "prosperity gospel"). When Greg loses his well paying job, even though Nicole has questioned the minister's interpretation of Scripture, Greg finds himself pursuing two different paths that he feels will lead him to all the "material things" that God will provide him. It takes two sets of dire consequences as well as a lot of advice from his neighbor, Harry, before Greg realizes that he has been misled. I have to say that there were numerous times I wanted to slap Greg upside the head to wake him up.
Nicole, meanwhile, is flirting with temptation as she turns to wealthy, single neighbor, Lincoln. He offers her a part-time job at his law firm and limo service. His neighborly concern is misconstrued by Nicole and she begins having dreams of a life with kind, caring Lincoln. A surprise wake up call leads her to realize the path she was beginning to walk.
The authors definitely targets two issues that are evident in today's society. The characters were well developed and the plot line definitely kept my attention as Greg gets deeper and deeper into trouble and Nicole walks a fine line of infidelity even if only in her mind. I also liked Harry's explanation of how God's view of marriage with the husband worked without taking away from the wife's role as a partner in marriage. I hated to see this series end as I really enjoyed the neighborhood on Beecham Street.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "A nonexistent being can't teach you anything. But the fact that God made the effort to teach me something proved not only that He existed, but it proved He was with me and cared about me."
" 'Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." That's what I mean about penny wise and pound foolish. All the necessities of life--where you'll live, what you'll eat, the clothes you'll wear--those aren't the pounds. They're actually just the pennies. If you focus on them, you might miss the pounds, the really big stuff in life.....He'd been imagining big ticket items - condo in Florida, thousand dollar suits--but these shrank to mere "pennies" when compared to the Kingdom of God."
"That's what I'm trying to say, man. Being the head ain't about calling the shots. It's about taking responsibility to act together in unity...When you eally work together for a while, you'll start listening to each other until you come to unity, and you'll begin to defer to one another in certain areas."
June 26, 2017
Another Excellent Story!
Dave and Neta are experts at writing characters who become friends. This is another example of their amazing story of the people living in and around the Chicago neighborhoods. A must read!
Dave and Neta are experts at writing characters who become friends. This is another example of their amazing story of the people living in and around the Chicago neighborhoods. A must read!
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