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 Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Caught by Neta Jackson is book 5 in the series. I want to rush through the books to see what is happening, but at the same time I want to savour the Yada Yadas’ stories and delay the ending.
For the Yada Yadas, getting caught up in troubles is not the problem; it is how to get free. Only weeks ago, the Yadas toughened up their prayer knees when one of their own was the victim of a vicious racial attack. Now it seems each household is being thrown into even bigger and badder circumstances. It especially worries Jodi Baxter because she is a fixer by nature, and the prayer list is getting out of control.
Ruth and Ben are caught up in an unplanned pregnancy - in their fifties! Chanda is deluded by the glitter of her lottery dream come true. Florida wants to move her family, hoping to leave trouble behind, but it looks like it may catch up with her anyway. And Jodi is finding that even good things like the prayer group can consume her in no time flat.
If there is an upside, it is that all the trouble is revealing the subtle lies the Yadas believe about God, themselves, each other, and life. Maybe their best hope is to catch on to what God is doing - and catch on quick! - before the enemy can take any prisoners. That would be a freedom worth celebrating. And celebrating is what Jodi and her spiritual sisters do best! 5 stars
Loved it just as much as I've loved all of the others! Reading about this group of women, their families and friends makes me wish I was one of them. Actually, I can "see" myself in some of their characters. Even though I started reading this series several years ago and in between have read many other books, it's still very easy to come back feel like I'm just catching up with old friends. Can't wait to see what happens with Hoshi and Sarah. Since I read Stand By Me (the first in the SouledOutSisters series) I know what has happened to Rochelle and Connie, but it was good to be able to see where it all started. Can't wait to read the next book and also the next in the SouledOutSisters and series and the next Harry Bentley and the next House of Hope. I hope Neta and Dave Jackson never stop writing these books!!
I read the first 4 books in the Yada Yada series several years ago. I didn’t really remember specifics about them, just that they were good, easy summer reads. This is the 5th in the series, and the author does backtrack to things that happened prior to the stories told here. I don’t remember them being so “in your face” Christian, not that I find anything wrong with that. There was not a lot of action in this edition, but it was a squeaky clean and pleasant enough read. I just couldn’t figure out what they got caught at. And as another reviewer said, the subject of spousal abuse was VERY poorly dealt with.
Another great book in this series! I love the characters of Ruth and Ben so I loved this one especially! It had a truly satisfying ending! *Even better the second time through!
I picked this book up for an airplane read based upon the recommendation of a friend who has read the whole Yada Yada Prayer Group series. I wasn't disappointed. The book follows a multi-ethnic group of female friends through the trials and tribulations of life. Once a month this group gets together to worship God and pray for each other. I like the way the book weaves prayer into real life and shows the struggles of one woman in particular to do this. It was an engaging read and a practical primer on how to Pray First!
If you've been following the women of Yada Yada along this journey; then you will understand where I'm coming from. Neta Jackson has done an amazing job of wrapping you into every characters life and showing you the hope and purpose God has for each of them. All along the way she manages to remind you of that still small voice we often forget is there nudging us to surround ourselves with the love and support that comes from the most unexpected places. Wonderful read - again!! Can't wait for book 6.
After having read through the series to this one- Book 5 - I feel like I am meeting with old friends now! These books are just awesome . They are encouraging and very real. I can't recommend them high enough.
4.5★ This is another great instalment of the Yada Yada Prayer Group, with issues ranging from pride to learning to trust God more fully with all aspects of our lives.
I love how the Yada Yada ladies are there for each other and how this has extended to their husbands and some of the kids looking out for each other as well.
I can't wait to read the final 2 books in the series, but I will also be sad when they are finished!
My goodness, our Yada Yada sisters are snippy and snappy in this book. This one has a problem...that one has a problem...Jodi the anchor worries of them all until she remembers once again to take it to God in prayer (cue music). Side note on the baby names: one seemed incomplete (kept wanting to add "Nigila" hehe).
Loved this one and love the series. Only two left, I'll be sad when it's done. Already read House of Hope! Thx so much for writing them, Neta. They all have encouraged and enhanced my own prayer life so much. Life is not about me-it's about God and His purpose for all of us!
Not quite as good as book 4 but still had a few amazing moments, even a few tears from this emotional Mama, of course! It's a simple yet powerful look into how Christians do everyday struggles, & how we are blessed when we help each other bear these burdens through prayer.
Winning the lottery, racial attacks, trouble, and pregnancy, and many visits to the hospital keep Jodi and the Yada Yadas on their knees. They decide to stand up for what they believe in and it challenges them continually. This might be one of the most intense page turning books in the series.
Not my cup of tea. Stereotype characters, oversimplification, extensive backstory references. I haven't read the rest of the series, so perhaps those who have will enjoy this more.
Such a great series and this book didn't disappoint! Felt like much more happened and it wasn't as slow as the other books read. Ended wonderfully. Ready for the next one!