Though I Stumble (A Promises of God Novel Book 1)
Stephanie London thought she’d heard from God when she moved to Hope Springs, N.C. But a tragedy in that small town left her soul desolate. Now her husband’s inattentiveness has pushed her over the edge. Bereft of hope, she travels home to St. Louis as a women’s ministry conference kicks off. Though less than enthused to attend, new friendships offer strength and light. But what happens when the weekend ends and real life begins again?
Treva Langston grieves still the loss of her husband of twenty-two years. Now, two years later, her heart is breaking again as her oldest daughter’s travails come to light. Traveling from DC to St. Louis for a women’s conference seems the last thing she should do, given the circumstances. But in St. Louis her path crosses with someone new—and her world turns upside down. Will it only lead to more heartbreak?
Jillian Mason can’t wait to attend the Living Word women’s conference. She’s done their Bible studies for years and expects God to show up in an amazing way. But the weekend delivers something unexpected—a discovery about her husband. As the state of her marriage hangs in the balance, Jillian is suddenly anxious about returning home.
Faith Langston has always been a girl after God’s heart. She loves Living Word studies and registered early for the conference. But at the end of her college sophomore year, she finds herself in circumstances she never imagined—with a heart that has strayed from God. She makes it to St. Louis nonetheless, with her boyfriend in tow—but how will she find her way back to God?
Four women in different seasons of life converge at a women’s conference—with a theme that charges them to run “in hot pursuit” for Christ. But how do they run when challenges seem insurmountable? And can they help one another navigate the difficult terrain?
“The author has a gift for bringing God’s love and light into even the darkest situation.” — Romantic Times (The Color of Hope)
Reviews (182)
Good enough to stay up all night to read
Yes indeed, I stayed up all night to finish this book. I was already invested in these characters from Kim's previous books. BUT, even if you haven't read one of them (but why not I would ask), the story line just kept drawing me in. You know, if I stop after this chapter then I won't know what Stephanie and Lindell are going to do. And why did I not have pastor's like Lance? Hmmm? I love that the characters were dealing with real life issues, not fluff. Each lady and her family were dealing with things I have either personally experienced or walked through it with someone I know. It endeared these characters to me even more. Now SOME might say the conference scenes were preachy. I say they gave me a conference for the cost of this book. A steal I tell you! And if I can't get some Word in my Christian fiction, what am I reading it for? I hope Kim writes fast because I am ready to see what transpires next with these characters. They truly have stolen my heart!
An Unscripted Reality Show in writing!!!!!
I know you may be thinking...How can it be unscripted if it's in writing. Well here's how.... Unlike the hugely successful "reality sitcoms" that have taken over TV land, but are no where near real life, the arguments and pursuing fights are plotted and staged for viewership ratings. Kim Cash Tate on the other hand has managed to develop a series of fictional characters with real life scenarios that we can relate to and believe because one or more of the characters are bound to resonate with your own personal life experience(s). I know I could!! As such I was able to feel real emotions that had me nodding my head in agreement, crying tears of joy and/or happiness, and even wanting to fight. Through it all though the power of God was evident. Some may say it's too preachy, but guess what? - it's Christian Fiction! If you select Christian Fiction then you SHOULD EXPECT to get some Word in and throughout the entire story. This story had characters from adult age down to early teens that demonstrated how in this day and time we all face circumstances that are going to cause us joy, peace, happiness, sadness, grief and despair. More importantly Kim's books in general show how we all need one another in addition to God. I highly recommend reading this book!!!
'Happily ever after' NOT!
From the intro I thought this book might help me as I dealt with the death of my husband. I truly know that God is a miracle worker. He also deals in the impossible. He is a forgiving God plus a God of second chances. Yet often times even as we rely on Him our situations and\or relationships are not saved. We sometimes cannot ride off into the sunset where everyday is Sunday. That is the reality of life for believers & nonbelievers. The ups and downs of life - where not all marriages are saved; where unwed father's refuse involvement in his childs life. Let's get real here. Share the story of how God continues to lead\guide folks when there is no reconciliation in marriage or when babies are given up for adoption or when people become alcoholics or substance abusers. Maybe the author wanted to send a message of hope by letting all end well. But the real message to me is that we must learn to be hopeful and remain hopeful when the outcome of our situation is not sunny & bright and coming up rosey.
A MUST READ!!!! You will definitely want to get the series!!!!
I stumbled upon this book, no pun intended, just looking through my Amazon app as I do most days. I decided as part of my New YEar's Intentions I would start reading again. I have been reading parenting books and wanted something new, fun, and to get me out of my everyday issues. OMG!!!! I am so glad I came across this series!!! I hadn' t heard of the author but the book sounded interesting enough. I could not put the book down!!! I literally had to force myself to stop reading because I did not want it to end. The more I read the more I researched the author and looked into her other books!! That is when I started ordering all of her books which seem to introduce the characters I've grown to love in this book. Though I Stumble is easy to relate to the experiences, trials and tribulations that each are going through despite being a single mom, I can still relate to the emotions, relationship issues and life choices. The excitement comes from seeing how they dealt with their struggles and were able to relate scriptures to their situations. I refused to allow myself to finish the book until I received the next 2 in the series which I of course ordered through Amazon Prime when I was halfway through. This has definitely been a FEEL GOOD, Life Changing, MOTIVATIONAL and INSPIRING Book which leads to the SERIES!!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE these books!!! I have recommended it to my friends and look forward to reading it again to take advantage of the reading group guides!!!
Stumbles in Places, Yet Maintains Solid Footing
Though I Stumble was my first book by Kim Cash Tate, and for the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I sought it out because I was looking for authors and characters of color during this difficult time in our country, but I got a lot more than that (although, it is important. Both Christian and secular markets, but especially the Christian market, is hurting for diversity and I don't understand why we can't rectify that issue). Anyway, Though I Stumble is a warm, inviting book. The atmosphere of the St. Louis women's conference led me to expect a certain type of story, where the characters grow spiritually but don't feel like real people. Actually though, the opposite happened. Treva, Faith, Stephanie, and Jillian felt real throughout. Their problems and triumphs were relatable, and I think Kim did a great job of letting them be good friends without age and experience, or lack thereof, getting in the way. I also appreciated the different situations and angles Kim used to explore relationships. Although Treva has a brand new romance within Though I Stumble, and although two major conflicts focus on marriage, this is a "relationship" novel more than a "romance" novel, which I love. Stephanie and Lindell's arc was especially interesting (probably because Steph and I share a name, hardy har har). I also enjoyed Faith's arc, because I'm closest to her in age and remembered how being in college and longing for meaningful relationships felt. Jillian's relationship with Cecil got a couple of good twists, and Treva's whirlwind romance--I usually don't like those, but Kim did this one well. Kendra's presence was a selling point; she was more than just the first wife who died of cancer. I loved how she actually helped Lance and Treva grow closer to each other and to God, even if she wasn't there. However, I think the best relationships explored here were the relationships of each woman to God. Cyd's conference session, closely followed by Lance's, were two of my favorite scenes, but I liked the spirituality outside of the conference, too. I applaud Kim for showing that Christians can make mistakes--we can even commit some of the "big sins"--and God still has a purpose for us if we know Him. Not that we should sin because grace abounds, not at all (Romans 6). But it is often in those times that we truly learn His love is unconditional and what our passions are. With all that said, I did take a star away for a couple of reasons. While I love these characters, I found I loved them more for what they could've been. They often felt two-dimensional. For instance, a big deal is made about Treva being insecure because of her dark skin. And no, I did not need or want to see her mother abusing her to understand why that was. But colorism is a huge issue in America, and I was disappointed that Kim didn't delve deeper. Same for Stephanie's spiritual journey; it's mentioned she used to be something of a party girl, then changed, then went back to drinking, couldn't "grow up..." I wanted more details! Same for Jillian the homeschool mom of four kids--how had she chosen that path? Was it common in her community? What were her kids like as individuals? You get the drift. I also felt some of the events were sketchy--as in, one- or two-dimensional. The biggest one I can think of is, there's a scene where Jillian's little boy Trevor is rushed into emergency surgery, which brings Cecil back around. Jillian sums up the events before that, but...um, it kind of came out of nowhere? Also, the plot never seemed to "thicken." The women seemed to spend a lot of time talking and not a lot doing. Overall, Though I Stumble might be a 3.5-3.7. However, I enjoyed enough here to keep reading the series, and I hope Kim delves deeper next time. I'll certainly be looking for more and deeper books like this, too.
This is a great read that reminds us of God's grace even when ...
This is a great read that reminds us of God's grace even when we fall. I enjoyed the fact that the main characters and supporting characters encountered realistic problems, went through real emotions and learned how to overcome these by going to God and walking the talk. There is something in it for people of all ages and stages of their spiritual walk. I really like that Cyd's story was referenced for us older females who have been waiting for years for marriage to remind us it is ok to feel real and raw emotions but to keep going. The references to scripture were incorporated seamlessly and the dialogue used among characters was natural and help everything to flow well.
Fantastic, like all of Kim's books!
Kim Cash Tate has done it again - she always meets women right where they are with the perfect mix of great fiction and timely, Godly truths. I love this group of women (so good to see some old friends from Kim's other books!) and the message was right into my heart. I knew this would be a gem of a novel, so I ordered the Kindle AND the paperback because I could not wait to get started. I read the Kindle version in less than 2 days, and my paperback copy is set to arrive in 3 days - I'll read it again then! :) If you have not read anything else by Kim, what are you waiting for?! Her books are all fantastic....they are the perfect blend of Bible study and a great read. For those of you who might be hesitant about the Christian aspect, don't be - the books are not "preachy" at all; they show a love for God and His ways and the characters are down-to-earth and really, really real. Thanks, Kim, for another treasure.
Delightful Read and a Real Page Turner....Author is Gifted and Invites Reflection About Our Own Lives
I purchased the book in advance of the launch date eagerly anticipating sitting down and spending a quiet weekend reading through it. Well let's just say life intervened and it took a little longer but I found each page that I turned made me want to keep going. I feel inspired moving forward to "run" not just away from life and everyday happenings but towards our Lord and seek his guidance in my life. No I am in no way shape or form perfect because I too stumble...and this book made me realize that none of us is infallible. Thank you Kim for writing such an awesome book, with well developed characters and twists/turns that no one would expect. Looking forward to March 2017 when Cling is released and I can work towards being intimate with our Lord...keep writing....your words are right on time for where I am in my life today.
Ended too soon!
We've traveled to 3 cities and we have gone through countless seasons with these characters and as always overwhelming sadness takes place once you read the last page. I really loved this book. I was impressed because the story was told from 4 points of view, yet we the readers never felt shortchanged. Each character had a storm that they were battling, 3 out of the 4 were in the fight of their life. One thing they all shared though was their trust in God and His power to intercede on their behalf. The message was strong- Even if we feel as if the fights too much to face, He always has us. My only pet peeve was that I felt that the author left out some key characters for the sake of condensing the book. Without giving away spoilers, there was a major life event, yet there was no mention of characters who I felt were important to the individuals involved. If your book has to be 500 pages so we can get a complete feel, so be it. Your fans won't mind. Other than that, this was a great book. When you find yourself stretching the last 10 minutes of a book to 3 days because you don't want it to end, then you know it's great.
Another amazing story by Kim Cash Tate, and I'm already looking forward to the next one!
I love Kim Cahs Tate's books. I've read all of them so I am familiar with the characters. What I like about Kim's books is they can stand alone but if you've read the prior books they come together perfectly and continue the stories old characters will introducing new ones, adding enough to look forward to the next book. I also like that she intertwines Bible lessons into her stories while being realistic with the characters and their stories. I love the reflection/study questions at the end of each book. I am so thankful for books that represent African-American Christians in a good and godly light while keeping it real and not being exclusively written for Black readers. Thank you, Kim, for always leaving me with something new to think on. The last book encouraged me to start a home Bible study and now I want to go Boston to visit more African-American historical sites. Summer goals. :) Finally, as a writer myself, I love the way Kim tells the story. I haven't written fiction yet but I take notes while reading Kim's books because writing a fiction book is a goal of mine. If I tell the stories God's given me half as well as Kim does I know I have honored God with my gift.
Comments
Post a Comment