New Releases by Neta Jackson

UPHILL BOTH WAYSHe left her a bike and a map-but why?Maggie Cooper and her husband had been looking forward to retirement together-but everything changed when "Coop" Cooper died suddenly of a heart attack while restoring his vintage motorcycle and sidecar. After decades of marriage and following God's call to get out of their comfort zone and immerse themselves in multi-cultural friendships and ministry . . . now what?Then Maggie discovers that Coop had had plans for a cross-country trip on that motorcycle to revisit the various stops on their life journey, though she wasn't sure why. Nostalgia? A trip down memory lane? That didn't sound like Coop. Maybe the only way to find out was to honor her husband's wishes and take that trip-against everybody's advice. After all, she was sixty-five! Her kids thought she ought to just sell the bike, sell the house, and settle into a retirement village.But she knew at least two people who would say, "Go Maggie!" Her now-departed husband and her estranged youngest son. And God. Yes, Maggie had a sense God was up to something.Accompanied by her dog and an unexpected runaway, Maggie sets out on an unforgettable journey, and invites YOU to come along for the ride."It's okay to look behind you.Sometimes it's the best wayto get yourself home."-An African saying

Prayer is a powerful spiritual weapon. And the Yada Yadas are about to learn just how strong it really is. The women of the Chicago-born Yada Yada Prayer Group have developed a strong sisterly bond. They’ve had a wild year full of joy, sorrow, and a healthy dose of laughter. Lots of laughter. But just when life gets comfortable, things get shaken up. The sisters don’t expect trouble to crop up so soon after the exuberant wedding of Yada Yada member Avis Johnson. But it happens, and sorrow meets their joy head–on. It’s the kind of sorrow that shakes up their whole town, their whole group, their lives. And it’s not just sorrow—it’s fear and hate and a whole lot of tension. A white supremacy hate group targets a local university and viciously attacks Nony’s husband, barely sparing his life. With their loved one balancing between life and death, the mismatched sisters get tough—really tough—and their prayer group becomes much more than just a Bible study. It becomes a lifeline.

The Yada Yada Prayer Group is in trouble—and they’re having a hard time getting out. Jodi Baxter is feeling overwhelmed, to say the least. Every day it seems that more blessings, problems, and everything in between crop up among her Yada Yada sisters, and their prayer list is getting out of control. Not only are the Yada Yadas still recovering from the vicious racial attack on Mark, but Ruth and Ben’s midlife pregnancy takes a dangerous turn, Avis’s daughter and grandbaby show up unannounced, Florida’s artistic son gets caught tagging, and Uptown is talking about merging with New Morning into one racially mixed church—raising anxiety and stress to new levels. To top it all off, Jodi keeps saying yes—to everything. It’s getting harder to see God in the everyday rat race of life, especially in the face of exhaustion. With so many burdens resting on her circle of sisters, Jodi fi nds herself trapped by the good—and bad—habit of trying to fi x everything and everyone. After lots (and lots) of failures, Jodi begins to learn that God can use anything, even the messes we make, to accomplish His good purposes. What will it take to help the Yada Yadas focus on God’s promises instead of getting caught by the lies we so easily believe?

The sisters of the Yada Yada Prayer Group are learning how to be real—with each other and with God. After a particularly exhausting year with the Yada Yada Prayer Group, all Jodi Baxter wants is a break. She even asks God for a little “dull and boring” in the new year. Instead she finds that when you’re open to His plans, life is unpredictable—in the best and hardest ways. Jodi’s life is suddenly full of changes, and they can be described as anything but boring. Out of all the Yada Yadas, God has Leslie “Stu” Stuart move into the Baxter’s upstairs flat, which requires a lot of patience—and tongue-biting—on Jodi’s part. She’s continually unnerved by guilt stemming from the accident and dreads the day when she comes face-to-face with Hakim’s mother. Plus, Bandana Woman, who was safely locked up in prison, has returned. Phew! Through prayer and friendship, the Yada Yadas are getting real. Dull and boring? Not a chance.

The Yada Yada Prayer Group seems invincible—until tension and distrust shake its very foundation. Jodi Baxter is slowly recuperating from a horrific car accident, but before she’s fully recovered, other problems arise within the Yada Yada Prayer Group—big problems. The turmoil starts when a heroin-addicted woman charges into a prayer meeting with a knife and isn’t afraid to use it. Things really take a turn for the worse when grim accusations are made against Jodi’s husband. Racial division, pain, and pride are tearing this close-knit group of women apart, and Jodi isn’t sure if she and her spiritual sisters will be able to survive the mess. The Yada Yadas are forced to get down to the nitty-gritty in their relationships and in their prayers. But is forgiveness possible—not just of their closest friends . . . but also of their enemies?

Includes discussion questions and an excerpt from Penny wise.

"Lucy Tucker, the crotchety old bag lady from the popular Yada Yada House of Hope series, is a veteran of the Chicago streets and not about to give up her independence, even as she approaches her 80th birthday. Until, that is, a young displaced woman with her gentle ageing mother and a dog named Dandy seem to need her--unsettling the secretive Lucy, who doesn't let anyone get too close. But just when it seems her past is catching up with her to bring her in out of the cold, Lucy disappears again"--Back cover.

From the author of "The Yada Yada Prayer Group" comes the third novel in her touching SouledOut Sisters series.

This 3-in-1 eBook bundle includes the first three books from the Yada Yada Prayer Group series by Neta Jackson: The Yada Yada Prayer Group, The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down, The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Real. This series tells the stories of twelve diverse women, assigned to a prayer group at a women''s conference. These women become the best of friends as they support each other through the challenges and crises in their lives. The Yada Yada Prayer Group focuses on the group’s beginnings and the impact it has in the lives of its members. When Jodi Baxter faces the biggest crisis of her life, God uses her newfound Sisters to show her what it means to be just a sinner saved by grace. In The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down, the Yadas gather again to praise and pray, but an intruder breaks in, brandishing a knife and demanding money. Can the Yadas recover as a group after this terrifying experience? Then a well-meaning gesture among the friends goes badly, forcing them to confront age-old pain and distrust—and stretching their friendships to the limit. The story of the Yadas continues in The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Real as God leads them on a crash-course to an even deeper level of understanding and practicing forgiveness. Jodi discovers that with eleven Yada Yada sisters as diverse as a bag of Jelly Bellies, life will always be unpredictable. The longer they pray together, the more "real" things get, not only among their group, but also with God.

Gabby knows God is the God of second chances. But can she give one to the man who betrayed her? When she was thrown out of the penthouse she shared with her husband and their sons, Gabby didn’t know if she’d ever find a soft place to land. But after seeking refuge at the shelter where she works, extraordinary things happen as she is reintroduced to God. From the ashes of her marriage comes the House of Hope—a safe haven for homeless moms and their children. But now those ashes of her destroyed marriage are being stirred again. When her long-gone husband’s life hits rock bottom, he reappears and asks for one more chance. And Gabby faces what feels like an impossible choice. Take him back. Or keep moving forward without him. Toward someone new who hasn’t betrayed her. Is God redeeming what Gabby thought was gone forever? Or is He leading her down a different path and giving her something—and someone—new?

You can only walk forward when you learn how to lean. Just months after her husband threw her out of their penthouse and sent their two sons away, Gabrielle Fairbanks is finally getting back on her feet. She has a job she loves at the homeless shelter, an apartment for her and the boys, caring friends, and even a new love interest. Best of all, an unexpected windfall has given her a brand-new dream--a House of Hope for homeless mothers and their children. Piece by piece, Gabby''s new life is coming together--but the old one keeps dragging her back. First her husband Philip hints at a reconciliation...then hits her up for a loan to pay his gambling debts. And when Gabby tells him no, he makes a desperate move that puts them all in harm''s way. How can she even think of embarking on a new venture when so much is up in the air? Gabby is realizing that she needs something far greater than her own strength or even that of her friends. That to move forward, she must first lean on the only One who knows what the future holds.

Popular with parents, teachers, and homeschoolers, these five-in-one volumes introduce readers to real Christian heroes from history. The fifth Trailblazers collection features famous church reformer Martin Luther and also includes missionaries Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, Governor William Pen, "Amazing Grace" hymnist John Newton, and missionary John G. Paton.

In the last place she ever imagined she''d be, Gabby will discover what she''s made of--and for. Gabrielle Fairbanks knew her husband was upset with her. But she never expected him to change the locks on their Chicago penthouse, cancel her credit cards, and disappear with their two boys. Now she''s literally on the streets with her elderly mother, her mom''s dog...and $220 to her name. Thank goodness she has somewhere to go--Manna House, the women''s shelter where she works. But even in the bustling shelter--surrounded by residents and the Yada Yada Prayer Group--Gabby feels more alone than ever. She longs for someone she can really talk to, someone to help mend together the pieces of her broken life. Her warm-hearted lawyer seems ready to offer more than legal counsel...but is he the answer to prayer or just a pleasant distraction? As her fragile plans fall apart, Gabby hits on a possibility so wild and wonderful it has to be one of those "God things." Something she''s only seen happen to other Christians. Until now. For everyone who loves the best-selling Yada Yada Prayer Group novels...The Yada Yada House of Hope series features familiar faces and places, with a fresh new life all its own.

Famous Bible translator William Tyndale paves the way for this new collection of Trailblazers heroes. In addition to Tyndale, the third volume includes Civil War hero Frederick Douglass, missionaries to China Jonathan and Rosalind Goforth and Gladys Aylward, and martyred pilot missionary Nate Saint.

In addition to renowned Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman, the first Trailblazers collection also introduces readers to Salvation Army founders William and Catherine Booth, Liberian prince Samuel Morris, Native American chief Spokane Garry, and Ugandan bishop Festo Kivengere.

The second Trailblazers collection presents missionary to India Amy Carmichael as well as missionary to China Hudson Taylor, Moravian missionary David Zeisberger, Gospel Recordings founder Joy Ridderhof, and Peruvian pastor Rómulo Sauñe.

Sometimes you find hope in the last place you look. Gabrielle Fairbanks has nearly lost touch with the carefree, spirited young woman she was shen she married her husband sixteen years ago. But when the couple moves to Chicago to accommodate Philip''s ambition, Gabby longs for the chance to find real purpose in her own life. A chance encounter with a homeless woman suddenly opens a dooor she never expected. The women of Manna House Women''s Shelter need a Program Director--and she has the right credentials. Gabby''s in her element, feeling God''s call on her life at last, even though Philip doesn''t like the changes he sees in her. But she never anticipated his ultimatum: quit your job at the shelter or risk divorce and losing custody of our sons. In this moment, Gabby''s entire foundation shifts. She must find refuge, as in the song they sing at Sunday worship: "Where do I go when there''s no one else to turn to . . . I go to the Rock I know that''s able, I go to the Rock." For everyone who loves the best-selling Yada Yada Prayer Group novels comes a brand new series sprinkled with familiar faces and places from the Yada Yada world. It''s the perfect novel to start with--or to meet friends from past Yada stories.

A devastating fire wakes up the Yadas to a new reality: God is on the move. What I''d like to know is, why does God keep rearranging my comfort zone? It could have something to do with my Yada Yada prayer sisters, who aren''t afraid to get in each other''s faces and tend to expect big things from God. But to move forward, sometimes we have to let go of what''s behind. In spite of the loss of two dear friends. In spite of the breakup of a teenage love. In spite of the curse of HIV. In spite of prison time hanging over the head of a beloved child. In spite of fire consuming the hopes of those who have nothing. Yet out of the ashes, God is doing a new thing! It''s time for the Yadas to press on, pray on, and get rolling!

Drawn from the lives of key Christians from the past and present, Heroes in Black History is an inspiring collection of forty-two exciting and educational readings that highlight African-American Christians through a short biography and three true stories for each hero. Whether read together at family devotions or alone, Heroes in Black History is an ideal way to acquaint children ages six to twelve with historically important Christians while imparting valuable lessons. Featured heroes include Harriet Tubman, George Washington Carver, William Seymour, Thomas A. Dorsey, Mary McLeod Bethune, Martin Luther King Jr., and many more. Includes brand-new material as well as content from previous Hero Tales editions.

A 2 in 1 collection of Yada Yada Prayer books authored by Neta Jackson.

From Thanksgiving and Christmas to rolling in the New Year, the Yada Yadas are "decked out" to celebrate the holidays! Turkey dinners, tree trimming, and decking the halls--it''s that time of year again! And I, Jodi Baxter, can''t wait to celebrate. My kids are coming home for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and then all of us Yadas are getting decked out for a big New Year''s party. But God''s idea of "decked out" might just change the nature of our party plans. A perplexing encounter with a former student, a crime that literally knocks me off my feet, a hurry-up wedding, and a child who will forever change our family...it''s times like these that I really need my prayer sisters. This holiday season, we Yada Yadas are learning that no one can out-celebrate God. So let''s get this party started!

Dave and Neta Jackson present the fourth volume of the Hero Tales books. These stories educate and excite readers--fostering Christian character in children and families.

This smartly designed companion book includes thought-provoking quotes from the three novels, with related scriptures and nuggets for life-application along with blank pages for the reader''s own thoughts and prayers.

Readers will discover the remarkable stories of those who have suffered for the cause of Christ throughout the course of history. This volume reveals what inspired the great heroes of faith and drove them to give their all.

An adventure with Frederick Douglass teaches a boy unable to fight with the Union soldiers to be proud of himself just as he is. Ages 8-12.

Trailblazer Books makes history exciting and relevant for both boys and girls. Mehdi Ksara, a Muslim boy in Morocco, collects items he finds among the foreigners living in his village. He knows he risks his parents' wrath by treasuring the pictures of Jesus given to him by missionary Maude Cary. Will the missionary's God save Mehdi when his pictures are discovered?

Set in modern-day Peru, this is the exciting tale of a young boy who sees the courage of a missionary in the face of the Shining Path. Ages 8-12.

This astonishing book tells the true story of two lives, two paths and two spiritual forces that crossed one fateful day. No Random Act is a tribute to one honorable man who died a martyr's death, an expos of hate groups, and a compelling wake-up call to the spiritual realities behind the headlines.

In 1854, a group of children who come from different circumstances to the Children's Aid Society in New York come under the care of Rev. Charles Brace, who eventually finds homes for them in Cowagiac, Michigan.

A Trailblazer Book on the life of noted African-American George Washington Carver. This fictionalized biography shows his mission in helping families carve a life of their own.