Soul Journey

Rating:
Summary: Soul At Stake
Review: I admire the author for writing a subject that is so misunderstood about women pastors. Unfortunately, many are forever learning and never coming into the knowledge of the Truth, as with Journee. Her father stood his ground on not only believing, but actually knowing for a fact, that women pastors are a "no-no." If you are a believer in The Holy Bible, it clearly outlines a woman's position in the body of Christ and it does not include pastorship. Speaking of pastorship, there was another novel I read called "Lust of the Flesh" by Beverly Rolyat and it had a woman pastor name Reverend Hall as one of the characters (and she was a trip). "Lust of the Flesh" was an outstanding read because the author showed how when a woman takes a superior position as a pastor over many flock, she outlined what the outcome could bring.

Although "Soul Journey" is a story that is easy to follow, it leaves some characters with cliffhangers, which leads the readers to believe that sequels will follow.

Rating:
Summary: Called To Do The Work of The Lord
Review: In Jacquelin Thomas' latest offering, Soul Journey, Journee Carter knows deep in her heart that the Lord has called her to be a preacher, just like her father. At age seven, she was preaching to her friends, dolls and stuffed animals. Her father, Reverend Theodore Carter believes that women have no place in the pulpit. For every scripture Reverend Carter quotes why Journee should not be a pastor, she is able to counter with a scripture that says she can. When Journee defies him and becomes the pastor of New Faith Baptist Church, the relationship between she and her father suffers.

Being the Pastor is difficult for Journee. Not only does she have to deal with church members who do not want a female pastor, but also her own demons. She is single and lonely. Kingston Lavery is a good-looking member who catches Journee's eye, and she wonders if he is the one God is sending her. Kingston knows of her interest in him and uses this information to try to make advances towards her, even though he is engaged to another. Other members also can see Journee's interest in Kingston, and this attraction, no matter how innocent could be the cause of her downfall when the disgruntled Assistant Pastor sets a trap for her.

Jacquelin Thomas composes a wonderful story, just in time for Father's Day, about a daughter's love for her father. Even though they have their ups and downs, their bond is strong and true. This story explores the old tradition of the Southern Baptist Churches that women should not be pastors It also sheds light on the difficulties of a pastor's life. There is more to being a pastor than just getting up on Sunday morning and preaching. Journee is a real woman with the same issues and dreams of other women. This is a very good book that I highly recommend.

Jeanette
Motown Review Book Club
APOOO BookClub

Rating:
Summary: This Novel is indeed a Heavenly Gift worth reading!
Review: Jacquelin Thomas has raised the roof with her new novel, SOUL JOURNEY. She has creatively dealt with a controversial subject matter about women in the pulpit and leaders in the church. Her book offers an opportunity for people to comfortably share their feelings , ideals, and the pro's and con's of women pastoring a church. The book is a very useful medium in allowing the readers to re-evaluate how one may choose to interpret their beliefs about who GOD calls to deliver HIS WORD. I read the book twice, and highly recommend it. I look forward to reading more in a future novel about Journee Carter in the ministry.

Rating:
Summary: Taking a stand...
Review: Journee Carter, a young, single female, wants nothing more than to become the new head pastor of New Faith Baptist Church. After several intense meetings with the governing board of the church, her dream is finally realized. Journee's tenure is not without opposition; not only must she face ridicule and criticism from several members of her church, but also from the one person she least expects. Will Journee stand strong in her faith, or will she let opposition and temptation deter her from what she believes she was called to do?

SOUL JOURNEY was a wonderful, inspirational read. Although the storyline contradicts my beliefs, I was able to get beyond that and see the real message - standing strong for what you believe in. I commend Jacquelin Thomas for tackling a very controversial subject. She did so in a manner that had me cheering for Journee and wanting to strangle those who dared stand in her way.

Reviewed by Renee Williams
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Rating:
Summary: Anointed
Review: This book was well written. It showed the struggles of being a woman called to preached. Journee was called to preached from her mother's womb. Her mother dedicated Journee back to the Lord, just as Hannah did in First Samuel. I still wonder did her father accept the calling on Journee life. Or did he support Journee because she was his daughter. Nevertheless the book was full of surprises.

I believe that Journee was a little naive when she got involved in counseling Kingston by herself. It opened the door for the enemy to come in. I believe Journee should have gotten Rev. McKinney involved in the counseling process. This would have gave no room for the enemy to place havoc in her life and cause a bunch of confusion and misunderstandings. But things happen and that is as real as you can get. Kingston got exactly what he deserved. The old saying goes "everything that shine ain't gold".

Rating:
Summary: Great story.
Review: This story provides great insight concerning females in the ministry. It moves steadily making you want to quickly make it to the end.

Jacquelin's characters were real, not overdrawn everyday sinners as unfortunately some so-called Christian fiction does today.

This was a breath of fresh air in Christian fiction. She never missed the point that it is all about God's purpose, thankfully leaving out the typical drama.

Rating:
Summary: SHE DOES IT AGAIN....
Review: Where do I begin? When I picked up this book I knew it was going to be a good read. The story grabs readers from the beginning and hold them until the end of the story. I knew I wasn't going to be disappointed. Mrs. Thomas is a good author and it also shows how every book doesn't have to have sex and curse words just to make the book good. Keep the christian books coming Thomas b/c I will keep buying. Keep up the work! As Always God Bless you!