Who do I Lean On? by Neta Jackson
Reviewed by Darlene ‘Dee’ Bishop, Radiant Lit
Genre: Faith, Drama
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Dates: June 15, 2010

Gabrielle Fairbanks is a single-again mother of two who is learning to survive—and thrive—after her well-to-do husband kicked her out of their luxurious penthouse and sent their 12 and 14 year-old sons off to boarding school in another state.

Rebuilding her life one piece at a time, Gabby has a new job at the women’s shelter that housed her during her homeless crisis; a “new” apartment (albeit without air-conditioning in the middle of a hot Chicago summer); new friends who care about her, support her and even admonish her when needed; a new chance with her boys; a new suitor; and a renewed relationship with God.

She also has a new dream of buying the classic six-flat brick building in which she lives and converting it into second-phase housing for other homeless moms and children who are working to get back on their feet like she is.

But the going is not easy by any means. Gabby’s faced with opposition from many sides, including her estranged husband who hints at a reconciliation then drops a bombshell loan request in her lap, and her Legal Aid attorney who prefers Gabby focus on finalizing her divorce so she can pursue a relationship with him rather than give her money away to a group of homeless moms.

Having always depended on someone else, Gabby must decide who she can depend on as she weathers the storms of life. Should it be her friends? Her job? Her God? Who Do I Lean On? is about one woman’s struggle in adjusting to life’s unexpected and unwanted changes with courage, humor and a measure of faith.

Though I would, personally, have preferred she show a greater measure of faith, I tried to remember that Gabby’s faith is new. While she does grow, this character seems to struggle in ways that a good dose of the Bible would alleviate considerably. Bouts of anger, self-centeredness and a romantic relationship with another man while she’s still married are issues I find inappropriate in a Christian novel. But not everyone would agree.

At any rate, Who do I Lean On?, book three in the Yada Yada House of Hope series, and the first of the Yada Yada books by Neta Jackson that I’ve read, is an enjoyable book overall. It’s light, entertaining reading, yet filled with hope, meaning—and admittedly increasing—faith and growth in God’s grace.

Rated: PG – For one scene of temptation that Gabby faces.