Heavenly Places

by Kim Cash Tate

Treva Langston's life has suddenly been turned upside down. She lost her high-powered job, her family has returned to a town that brings only memories of heartache, and she's beset with uncertainty about what makes her worthy. To her husband, she's blind to the blessings of their young family; to her mother, her awkward homecoming is just another reason why she'll never be a success. Unable to shake her fears, Treva feels nothing can save her... Treva's sister understands that trials that come with self-doubt. So with the help of her women's prayer group, she invites Treva to ask God for what she can't do alone. Despite herself, Treva rediscovers the gifts and the people she never took time to value. She finds that the promised Heavenly Places she has always looked for have been in front of her all along.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction

356 pages, Paperback

First published March 7, 2008

About the author

Kim Cash Tate is the author of several books and a former practicing attorney. She has a deep love for the word of God, and loves to ignite a passion in others to not only know the Lord, but to walk intimately with Him. Kim lives in St. Louis with her husband of twenty-three years and their two children.

Reviews

[Janna Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard good things about this book and knew I needed to check it out for myself - what I found blew me away. Here we have a cast of characters that focuses on Treva, a wife and mother but mainly a career lawyer, who has her world pulled out from underneath her when they make a move for her husband's sake and she can't get her career going again. She is "forced" into a Bible study by her sister with 4 other women who she can't stand, barely tolerates being a mom and resents (and rightfully so) her own mother. Throughout the course of the book we get to sit in on the Bible study of Ephesians (very insightful), deal with many cultural issues (abortion, incest, modesty, career vs. family, etc...) as well as many spiritual issues (forgiveness, our Father's love for us, forgiveness, power of prayer, forgiveness, importance of the Word of God, forgiveness, etc...) and oh, did I mention forgiveness? There are too many things to even point out in a little 'ol review, but I was blessed by reading this book. I highly suggest finding a copy of this for yourself as I will be re-reading this one over and over. It is labeled as "African American Fiction", but I fail to see how the themes of forgiveness and God's love don't speak to everyone. Excellent book!

[Toni Buycks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept my attention

I found myself talking, crying, studying and praying about situations in my life. Kim Cash Tate did an amazing job of tying in so many life issues without getting the reader bogged down and confused with characters. I am taking several gold nuggets to put into action in life.

[Dionna Johnson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Picked it up because it seemed interesting considering I had read the author but after the first couple pages, I couldn't get with it.

[Michelle Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving thyself

I truly enjoyed this book. Kim Cash Tate has woven many relevant issues of today into a beautifully written book. Colorism, the struggles of motherhood, and family relationships bring the story and characters to life. In a world where how you look and how much money drive the lives of many, this book drives home the only opinion that truly matters in the end is God's.

[His Wife7474 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Heavenly Places had several good parts. I especially liked the lessons on faith, redemption, self-love, and forgiveness. I gave it 2 out of 5 stars because, though I appreciated these lessons, the dialog (inner and outer) with most of the characters was redundant. This made the story drag on longer than it should have. I understand that in real life we tend to yo-yo back-and-forth with ourselves and others, and in that sense, the dialog was true to form. However, reading that dialog was not very enjoyable. That said, I would recommend this book to others. It hit on some important issues that still exist in African-American communities, and those who have unresolved issues of regarding skin color and self-hate will likely glean much from this story.

[Darlene P. Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read!

I really enjoyed this book, as I do all Kim Cash Tate books. She is an excellent story teller. The story line in this book was well developed and expertly told. I love the snippets of the Bible studies, wish I could actually participate in them. I like how the main character evolved, there are always lessons to take away from the stories of the characters in Ms. Tate's books, they are so relevant. I almost always see myself in some aspect of the women portrayed. If you like a faith based novel that is realistic and not preachy, follow Kim Cash Tate, you won't be disappointed.

[S · Rating 2 out of 5]

I stumbled across this author's books midway, so after reading the previous ones and working my way to Heavenly Places, I was surprised at Treva's character in this one. I say that because her character is more fleshed out, as well as more grounded, in the other books. I assume her spiritual journey and eventual acceptance of herself changed her outlook and attitude, thus paving the way for character tranformation. That being said, it was just hard to get through this one. She was subjected to a lot in her past (shame on the person who put her through that), and it showed big time. Page after page. I finished it, but it isn't my favorite.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man, this one was a rough start! I could not stand Treva in the slightest and had to take lots of breaks because this girls mindset was just taxing on my brain. But wow, that turn around and ending. I loved the Bible study group, the ever so gracious and forgiving Faith, the loving mom in law, and of course, the world’s best fictional husband, Hezekiah!! And reflecting on the book, some of the attitudes and thoughts Treva had were things we might struggle with ourselves, so I probably judged her too harshly really. Really enjoyed the book overall and can’t wait to start the next one!!

[Brenda Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

He Will Do More Than We Could Think

What happens when your "little world" crumbles and all you are left with is time? Treva Campbell can tell you firsthand that God invades your personal space - like what personal space. Years of wrongly conceived nations with far-reaching effects are done away with. The desires of a heart are met, even desires she didn't know she had. Her good and GOD'S GLORY!

[Denise Herndon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging

I enjoyed the inspiration and encouragement. I want that Bible study lesson. This book has given me some news ideas for memorizing Bible verses. I found Hope Springs during a search for Christian fiction on my library app. Once I read Hope Springs, I looked for more books by Kim Cash Tate. Kim Cash Tate is one of the names I mention when someone asked if I have read anything good lately. Read the books in order.

[Gloria Hyde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heavenly Places

This book made me want to sit and read Ephesians my self. I was made at first, but then I was touched by the reading of the Scriptures. At first I couldn't understand how Kim could write this book about dark skinned and then I kept reading and my eyes and heart was opened, according to the Word of God. KUDOS to you Ms. Tate

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

I gave this book five stars because it was an experience. It was filled with emotions that everyone can relate . The book gives you the spiritual direction rather you are a baby I'm CHRIST or a seasoned Warrior. I recommend it to anyone who is struggling with their journey with CHRIST.😊

[Nancy DeValve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and a tear or two may have even fallen from my eye. It's a book about Ephesians, a book about the complexities of black skin tone, and a book about beauty and seeing yourself as God sees you. The main reason I didn't give it a five is because, honestly, I didn't like the main character. I just had a hard time identifying with her attitudes, I guess.

[Nicole Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woo-hoo!

This book blessed me! It was like Bible study, faith in action and a praise party!
Kimberly did this one! I ready this series out of order, but it was so worth it to come back to this one!
Awesome story!

[Nicole Scott-McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and could really relate to it since I myself have mother issues. This opened me up to stop and take a look at what God is doing in me. I can not wait to read more from Kim Cash Tate!

[Lauri Gentry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of transformation through the word of God. Enjoyed going along with the characters in their study of Ephesians and how this study changed their lives. A story of self acceptance, dealing with changes in ones life and forgiveness.
Now I want to do a study on Ephesians!

[Karen V. Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing Pain Birth Spiritual Peace

Throughout this story, I kept hearing my families stories and how we overcame with God's grace. This book represents so many families. What satan means to kill, steal, and destroy... BUT GOD!!! Thank God

[Arthur Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely the best!

This book is a must read for all who suffer with self-esteem issues, because of how the world views them. This book is well written and addresses real issues and gives Godly solutions! Karen Tate Cash is an excellent writer!

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really, really, REALLY, did not like being in Treva’s head. Which is why it took months upon months for me to finish this one. I did appreciate how God’s word was woven throughout the story.

[Anna Middleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very emotional, reader capturing, and filled with one bump after another, yet this book is referrals piece of statement to life under God’s divine will.

[Tongeia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book deals with some heavy stuff but that’s life. I liked the lessons on faith, self-love, and forgiveness but the story seemed to drag on maybe longer than necessary.

[Neny Opeodu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a perfect read. Literally felt like the author understood the season I'm currently in and wrote a story just for me. The Holy Spirit really breathed into this book. I highly recommend anyone trying to find intimacy with God to read this book and experience the wonder.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have you ever tried to decide whether you liked a book or hated it? This is a book about an African-American wife of a college professor and mother of three daughters and how she moves from self-hate to seeing herself as God does. Most of this change comes through a Bible Study she is doing with a group of African-American, largely middle to upper middle class stay at home moms. They are studying Ephesians and much of the book is their discussion of the book and quotes from the study guide they are using. That puts the book in the category of a sermon wrapped in a story which generally isn't my cup of tea, but I will say this was better done than most. I really felt for the main character and though, on the suface, this African-American wealthy attorney from a dysfunctional family and I would seem to have little in common, I was able to find some of myself in her on several occassions.

One thing I didn't like about the book was the theology espoused. At one point, the Bible study group is exchanging salvation stories and one of them says that she has always been a part of the church and God has always been a part of her life. The others are quick to point out that she has to have had a salvation moment where she has prayed the sinners prayer and accepted Jesus. She does so then and there--but why was she at the Bible study to being with--or attending church as an adult--if she didn't love God and want Him in her life? There were other parts of the book too where it was clear that this Catholic was reading about someone else's religion.

Another thing that annoyed me was that everthing worked out too well. The message was very much the "trust God and do His will and you will be happy here on earth". That was quite a contrast to what I heard at mass Sunday: "Pick up your cross and follow me".

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much of this book is about the nuances in shades of color, mostly browns. Mama was light-skinned and gave birth to two daughters who were both different shades, Mama Patsy preferring the lighter of the two, Jillian. The older and darker daughter, Treva gave birth to three daughters, each a different shade. And on and on it goes.

It's also about Treva looking for a position of stature as a high-powered attorney -- something that she can flaunt before her mother whom she calls by her first name, Patsy. Patsy is all about image.

Treva balks at Jillian's invitation to join a bible study with other mothers but allows the women to use her house for the first meeting. Having the bible study materials in her possession, she reluctantly begins it the day before they are to meet again.

Treva really gets in to the music scale "Do, re, me, fa, so, la, ti do" but got stuck on me, me, me. Though she acts as if it's all about her and all she does is whine, she did move for her husband. She did give up a high-powered position to make that move for him. She did move close to her mother - something that was very difficult for her. She made other sacrifices for him.

While there is much self pity going on and I wanted to make a remark along the lines of "Get over yourself!" more than once, I saw a lot of myself in Treva. Not in the exact situations she faced but in her thoughts about them.

While this along with most Christian books ends up with similar events taking place, Heavenly Places is done with such a deft hand, making the outcome of this book bearable.

[Jasmine Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life Changing!!!

This book is amazing, I can see some parallels between my mindset and Treva's. As I read through this book, it felt as though God was sharing with me, who I am to Him and that my value and worth stem from me being made in His image, not my outward appearance and possessions. I pray that I get an opportunity to join a group like the one in the book, where I can get with other sisters of the faith to encourage and push one another closer to Christ!

[Jacquelin Stoner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd Tate book I've read and couldn't put it down

Loved the characters, the tangled relationships, the Great spiritual practicality of the book. Due to family history I've battled feelings of not being good enough my whole life. This book made me think long and hard. Would highly recommend it!!!

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad my wife brought this novel to my attention. A compelling first novel by Kimberly Cash Tate. Both moving and insightful. A must read for men, if you want to know how to treat a woman. Kimberly's memoir, "More Christian than African American" is a must read.

[Joelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful. The main character Treva is transformed through family, new friends and God. Awesome Christian fiction. I found it to be a real page turner.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about knowing who you are in Christ. Deals with prejudices, racial issues, forgiveness.

[Lee Ann]

I am currently reading this and really enjoy her as an author.
I hope she continues to write because I fly through her books.