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In Times of Trouble
Impressed by outward appearances, Lisa Hampton is quick to judge others based on their status and wealth—until her powerful friends try to ruin her happiness.Divorced, single-mother Lisa Hampton has been able to start a new life after a scandalous incident that forced her to relocate to Ohio. Thanks to her job, she has the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the wealthiest and most influential people in the state. Lisa’s biggest issue nowadays is her rebellious teenage daughter, Chanelle. Other than the stress of dealing with Chanelle, life couldn’t be any better for Lisa. She is best friends with Isaac and Olivia Scott, the most influential and powerful couple in the state. If she isn’t hanging with Olivia, Lisa is spending time with her new beau, Minister Eric Freeman. His prayers and words of encouragement have helped her weather the storms in her life. Lisa looks forward to the possibility of a future with Eric, though his expectations may be more than she can handle. When Chanelle accuses the Scotts’ son of rape, Lisa discovers how quickly her friends become foes as Olivia and Isaac use their wealth, prestige, and power to manipulate justice. And just as things seem to be going smoothly for Lisa and Chanelle, Olivia makes one last destructive move that threatens everything they hold dear.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2013
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52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 2, 2013
Lisa Hampton has been divorced for years. Although she isn't quite over what her husband put her through, she is living an okay life. She has a nice home, a good job and a best friend who is "well off". Her teenage daughter, Chanelle, is a hand full, though. What will it take for the two of them to get along?
Generational curses and family curses are what came to mind as I read this story, but I guess bad choices was the main reason why Lisa and her family had so many issues, so much family drama. I shook my head with disbelief at times. I laughed at times. I became irritated at times. I saw some things coming, and others were a total surprise.
Sanders tackles quite a few serious topics; however, what I thought about most as I finished this book was how people judge by appearances: A single mother doesn't have much and she doesn't live in the best neighborhood. Does that mean she's not a good person? A woman has money and shares a bit with others. Does that mean she is a good person? A young man seems thuggish. Does that mean he doesn't want to do something with his life or that he doesn't know how to treat a girl? A guy is a privileged scholar-athlete. Does that mean he's trustworthy and respects young ladies? A young lady dresses "sexy". Does that mean she's wants to have sex?
Yolonda Tonette Sanders is a talented writer. She creates believable characters and realistic situations, and she includes Scripture at just the right moments. I purchased Soul Matters a while back, but I haven't read it yet. I have read Secrets Of A Sinner, and I enjoyed that story as much as I enjoyed this one. Highly recommended!
Generational curses and family curses are what came to mind as I read this story, but I guess bad choices was the main reason why Lisa and her family had so many issues, so much family drama. I shook my head with disbelief at times. I laughed at times. I became irritated at times. I saw some things coming, and others were a total surprise.
Sanders tackles quite a few serious topics; however, what I thought about most as I finished this book was how people judge by appearances: A single mother doesn't have much and she doesn't live in the best neighborhood. Does that mean she's not a good person? A woman has money and shares a bit with others. Does that mean she is a good person? A young man seems thuggish. Does that mean he doesn't want to do something with his life or that he doesn't know how to treat a girl? A guy is a privileged scholar-athlete. Does that mean he's trustworthy and respects young ladies? A young lady dresses "sexy". Does that mean she's wants to have sex?
Yolonda Tonette Sanders is a talented writer. She creates believable characters and realistic situations, and she includes Scripture at just the right moments. I purchased Soul Matters a while back, but I haven't read it yet. I have read Secrets Of A Sinner, and I enjoyed that story as much as I enjoyed this one. Highly recommended!
June 8, 2015
All she wanted was to forget her past and move on in life. And to this end, Lisa Hampton, who is divorced and a single mother, relocate from Maryland to Ohio. After all, for a fresh start you need a new environment where your past is locked up inside your heart.
Lisa's new life is almost perfect. She has a steady job that allows her the opportunity to rub shoulders with wealthy and influential people. Ending her nightmare, she also found a new love interest in Minister Eric Freeman, whose encouragement helped her weather the storms in her life. She is best friends with Isaac and Olivia Scott, an extremely rich and powerful couple. Life couldn't be more perfect, or was it?
Yet, scandal seems to be following her around. This time in the form of her rebellious teenage daughter, Chanelle. Turning her new world upside-down, her daughter accused the Scotts' son of rape. Soon all her friends deserted her. And the Scotts were willing to go to any length to protect their image and shield their son, even to the extent of destroying Lisa and Chanelle.
In Times of Trouble, a Christian contemporary inspirational novel published by Simon and Schuster/Strebor Books and released on April 23, 2013 is an engrossing read that tells the struggles of a divorced single mother and her daughter as they fight for justice and survival. You wouldn't want to put it down once you start reading it.
Lisa's new life is almost perfect. She has a steady job that allows her the opportunity to rub shoulders with wealthy and influential people. Ending her nightmare, she also found a new love interest in Minister Eric Freeman, whose encouragement helped her weather the storms in her life. She is best friends with Isaac and Olivia Scott, an extremely rich and powerful couple. Life couldn't be more perfect, or was it?
Yet, scandal seems to be following her around. This time in the form of her rebellious teenage daughter, Chanelle. Turning her new world upside-down, her daughter accused the Scotts' son of rape. Soon all her friends deserted her. And the Scotts were willing to go to any length to protect their image and shield their son, even to the extent of destroying Lisa and Chanelle.
In Times of Trouble, a Christian contemporary inspirational novel published by Simon and Schuster/Strebor Books and released on April 23, 2013 is an engrossing read that tells the struggles of a divorced single mother and her daughter as they fight for justice and survival. You wouldn't want to put it down once you start reading it.
March 26, 2019
Awesome, awesome, awesome read! This book stirred so many emotions in me. In Times of Trouble is a story written about ups and downs...how we can fall but we can also get back up. Lisa had a life storm come her way involving her ex-husband (RJ). That scandal rocked her world and tore her family apart. There was also relationship storms with herself between her sister, father and mother, and her daughter. This book is about learning to trust God in times of troubles because what the devil does to destroy...God can take away the storm and create blessings.
February 6, 2020
I just love this author!! Literally read this in one day.
June 24, 2013
"In Times of Trouble" is a Christian general fiction novel. The characters dealt with realistic and serious issues (like rape, physical abuse, suicide, gambling adictions, and more). They responded to the situations in realistic ways, and I felt like this story could have really happened somewhere. Even when I didn't think a character was making a wise choice, I fully understood why they were acting that way or making that choice. I liked that Lisa learned from her mistakes and grew as a person.
The suspense came from not knowing what was going to go wrong next. There was a lot of relationship tension within the family, between friends, related to romance, and even with God.
The characters were Christians who realistically struggled with their faith even as they remained faithful. They were portrayed with both good and bad tendencies, and they grew in their relationship with God. There was a lot of "God talk," but it flowed naturally from the situations and character personalities.
The only thing I wasn't crazy about were a few scenes where everyone in the scene knew "the big secret" and were dealing with its fallout, but the reader is left in the dark about the secret. I found this frustrating and confusing. I'm more emotionally engaged in a scene when I can understand what the characters are dealing with rather than left to guess why they're upset or quarreling or at the emergency room.
There was a very minor amount of explicit or implied bad language. There was some graphic description of the date rape. Overall, I'd highly recommend this interesting and engaging novel.
I received this Advanced Readers Copy from the author for review purposes. The final copy of the book may differ from this ARC, so the "problem" I commented on may no longer exist in the final version.
The suspense came from not knowing what was going to go wrong next. There was a lot of relationship tension within the family, between friends, related to romance, and even with God.
The characters were Christians who realistically struggled with their faith even as they remained faithful. They were portrayed with both good and bad tendencies, and they grew in their relationship with God. There was a lot of "God talk," but it flowed naturally from the situations and character personalities.
The only thing I wasn't crazy about were a few scenes where everyone in the scene knew "the big secret" and were dealing with its fallout, but the reader is left in the dark about the secret. I found this frustrating and confusing. I'm more emotionally engaged in a scene when I can understand what the characters are dealing with rather than left to guess why they're upset or quarreling or at the emergency room.
There was a very minor amount of explicit or implied bad language. There was some graphic description of the date rape. Overall, I'd highly recommend this interesting and engaging novel.
I received this Advanced Readers Copy from the author for review purposes. The final copy of the book may differ from this ARC, so the "problem" I commented on may no longer exist in the final version.
January 12, 2016
This is the first book I read by Yolonda Tonette Sanders and it will not be my last (I am now reading Wages of Sin). I was pulled into this novel from the first page.
While Lisa is trying to get over the hurt and disappointment from her broken marriage, she is dealing with her rebellious daughter, Chanelle, who like the typical teenager is breaking rules and can't wait to become eighteen so she no longer has to live by her mother's rules.
RJ, Lisa's ex-husband, is trying to do everything he can to redeem himself, forget his past demons and get his family back. Will Lisa find a way to forgive RJ and repair what was once broken?
Callie, Lisa's sister, is devastated by the death of her husband that who took a startling secret to his death. The secret is she discovers is nothing compared to what makes her lose all faith in God and question her beliefs.
The family drama does not stop there...
This is a book about real-life family issues about forgiveness, faith and love. There was a nice flow and I like how I was able to get in the "mind of the characters and see things from their points of view. If you enjoy Christian fiction, you will love this novel.
While Lisa is trying to get over the hurt and disappointment from her broken marriage, she is dealing with her rebellious daughter, Chanelle, who like the typical teenager is breaking rules and can't wait to become eighteen so she no longer has to live by her mother's rules.
RJ, Lisa's ex-husband, is trying to do everything he can to redeem himself, forget his past demons and get his family back. Will Lisa find a way to forgive RJ and repair what was once broken?
Callie, Lisa's sister, is devastated by the death of her husband that who took a startling secret to his death. The secret is she discovers is nothing compared to what makes her lose all faith in God and question her beliefs.
The family drama does not stop there...
This is a book about real-life family issues about forgiveness, faith and love. There was a nice flow and I like how I was able to get in the "mind of the characters and see things from their points of view. If you enjoy Christian fiction, you will love this novel.
August 11, 2013
What Lengths Some Will Go to Trying to Push Their Own Agenda!
Lisa and Olivia are from two totally different worlds but are the best of friends until one critical mistake tears their friendship apart. Lives are destroyed, lies are told and a murder results, all in the name of the haves and the have nots! Some people will do and say anything to keep one’s sins a secret. Was it all worth it?
I really enjoyed Yolonda Tonette Sanders’ “In Times of Trouble.” It really shows that sometimes we think we know a person, but when the rubber meets the road, their true colors come out. The storyline was great. Although it started off a little slow, as I kept reading I must say I kept going until I finished the novel and I really thought it was a great read. I found a couple of grammatical errors, but they in no way took away from the storyline. I think the author did a very good job.
Reviewed by: Lisa M.
Lisa and Olivia are from two totally different worlds but are the best of friends until one critical mistake tears their friendship apart. Lives are destroyed, lies are told and a murder results, all in the name of the haves and the have nots! Some people will do and say anything to keep one’s sins a secret. Was it all worth it?
I really enjoyed Yolonda Tonette Sanders’ “In Times of Trouble.” It really shows that sometimes we think we know a person, but when the rubber meets the road, their true colors come out. The storyline was great. Although it started off a little slow, as I kept reading I must say I kept going until I finished the novel and I really thought it was a great read. I found a couple of grammatical errors, but they in no way took away from the storyline. I think the author did a very good job.
Reviewed by: Lisa M.
May 16, 2013
This was an excellent read, I really enjoyed this book. Lisa and Olivia were best friends. Lisa had a wayward daughter Chenelle and Olivia had a son Justin. When Chenelle starts dating a guy that Lisa doesn't deem worthy, she tries to make Chenelle break up with him. The guy she wants for her daughter is her best friend's son. As it turns out, Justin rapes Chenele and Olvia tries to pay Lisa off to make it all go away. Olivia sets Chenelle up and Chenelle is killed. As the rape trial looms on, Justin is sent to jail for Chenelle"s rape and Olivia is sent to jail for her part in Chenelle"s murder. There is lots of drama in between. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for her next one. Read: May 2013
August 3, 2013
My Review:
In Times of Troubles by Yolonda Sanders was very inspiring to me as a reader. Many of the incidences do happen in every day life. We either hear of it or/and it happens in our family and neighbourhood. There were tears in my eyes for every sad moment. It is powerfully written making the reader realize how people can transform instantly from looking so decent to becoming so emotionally hardened and unfeeling. I believe that there is higher power and justice does exist. I liked Lisa Hampton from the start and always wondered about the Scott family. We are not made of the same clothe but you be the judge when you read it. Highly recommended.
Adriana LG
In Times of Troubles by Yolonda Sanders was very inspiring to me as a reader. Many of the incidences do happen in every day life. We either hear of it or/and it happens in our family and neighbourhood. There were tears in my eyes for every sad moment. It is powerfully written making the reader realize how people can transform instantly from looking so decent to becoming so emotionally hardened and unfeeling. I believe that there is higher power and justice does exist. I liked Lisa Hampton from the start and always wondered about the Scott family. We are not made of the same clothe but you be the judge when you read it. Highly recommended.
Adriana LG
July 14, 2013
The book revealed the importance of family coming together during a time of crisis. The biblical principles and scriptures addressed were addressed with tact. The ending of this particular story was surprising. The author did an excellent job of addressing "how bad things do happen to good people", but it takes faith in God to stand in times of trouble.
December 4, 2013
Yolonda Sanders is an excellent writer who encourages the reader to read the entire book. In Times of Trouble, Lisa experiences one disaster after another. Once the plot thickens with the betrayal of Olivia, her best friend. One quickly learns a lesson that we should not judge a person on outward appearances especially based on status and wealth. Faith is stronger than anything.
May 20, 2015
Amazing read, this book will stay with you long after you have turned the last page. Life can bring such much joy and just as much sadness but even in times of trouble we can over come. Highly recommend. So many family issues in the story mother/daughter struggle, husband /wife and just a whole lot of drama
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2014
I enjoy reading authors that I have never heard of. I love even more when they exceed my expectations. This was one of the best books I've read this year. There were a lot of twists and turns that kept me looking for more. I will definitely keep this author in my radar.
March 17, 2014
Overall this was a good read. However, the second half of the book could have been structured better. The story started to go all over the place.
August 1, 2013
I loved this book! See link below for full review:
http://ogcmat.blogspot.com/2013/07/in...
http://ogcmat.blogspot.com/2013/07/in...
December 29, 2013
This is a 3.5 read for me.
December 31, 2013
There are a lot of tradgies in this book but the characters persevered and are now on top. This is a story of how we tend to value the wrong things in life and friends are not always your friends.
February 8, 2015
Amazing Story!
The author did a wonderful job of relaying real life troubles. Perseverance at its best! This is a must read.
The author did a wonderful job of relaying real life troubles. Perseverance at its best! This is a must read.
February 24, 2016
OMG!! This book was so good and so powerful. I've never read anything from this author, but it definitely won't be the last time.
August 3, 2015
This book was not what I expected. It was better! I love the way faith is woven into the story. We need more books like this. I would recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews