Member Reviews
At the beginning of Something Good, all of the characters portrayed were struggling with something. There were secrets, lies, mental illnesses, depression, and financial worries to contend with. None of them could see an end out of their situation.
The turning point came when Trish prayed and things began to change. The change didn't at first appear to be positive but over time, the characters grew and changed.
One of the major themes in Something Good is the power of prayer. All of the characters were struggling with something but Trish's prayer became a catalyst that changed things, not only for herself, but for the other characters in the book.
Ms. Miller tackled some difficult topics in Something Good such as the dangers of texting and driving and the different ways mental health can manifest itself. Something Good will make you think about the impact of your actions and how they can change someone's life for the foreseeable future.
I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.
I enjoy stories told from multiple viewpoints, but this one felt a bit forced at times. The storyline was interesting enough, but the pace was too slow, and it made it difficult for me to stay fully engaged throughout. There is a religious message throughout, but it's not overpowering. I enjoyed the diverse cast, as well as the fact that Miller addresses timely issues, such as mental health, social and racial, and relationships. The ending did feel a bit unrealistic, but perhaps that was intentional to add to the "feel good" nature of the book.
This book was too sappy for me. The storyline message about not texting while driving was great but the writing style itself did not fit well with me. Having a "rich" white family and a "poor" black family also rubbed me the wrong way because I thought it was stereo-typed. Also this book is very much on the Christian side. There is a lot of praying, church and God mentioned. I did finish so I could review but I also found the ending very predictable.
Thanks to #netgalley, and #thomasnelson for an ARC of this book for an honest review.
Don't text while driving. We all know that but Alexis breaks the rule and her accident causes major changes in three families. The young man she hit, Jon-Jon, is paralyzed, his parents financially and emotionally strained, Alexis's husband doesn't want her to admit she was on the phone because it might impact his company but she's filled with guilt. She's also struggling with her mother, Then Marquita, young mom to Marcus, appears and it is Marquita who leads to positive difference. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Three families and faith.
TITLE: SOMETHING GOOD
AUTHOR: Vanessa Miller
Three unsuspecting ladies Alexis Marshall, Marquita Lewis, and Trish Robinson will impact each other lives in ways that will enable them to become come more loving, compassionate, and increase their faith in God. As I was reading this story the old gospel song "Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray" kept coming to mine; the line "way down yonder by myself and I couldn't hear nobody pray". Each of these ladies was in this valley until they turned to God and each other for support. SOMETHING GOOD is well written, easy flow as it deals with real-life scenarios. A must-read to read and see the power of prayer.
Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Vaness Miller for this ARC of SOMETHING GOOD. This is an honest review.
#MamaToni'sBookNook #ThomasNelson, #NetGalley #CillasBookManiacs #VanessaMiller.
The premise for the book is very intriguing and focuses on the bounds of forgiveness. The story was interesting and I found myself drawn into the world of Alexi, Trish, and Marquita and rooting for them all. They are all struggling with their own issues but I enjoyed how their faith bought them together, or more Trish's faith. The story was well-paced and kept the reader engaged until the end. The big twist felt a bit forced and honestly I would have enjoyed the book better had that been left out. I think there was enough of a solid story of redemption and forgiveness without making some big revelation/white savior moment. Without the plot twist, I thought Alexis was towing that line but when she made it her mission it just felt forced. Overall, I give the book 4 stars. Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an ARC.
In this book "Something Good" we are connected with Marquita, Trish and Alexis. These ladies are dealing with some serious issues and unbeknownst to them their lives become connected. This story is well written and the author did an awesome job in sharing about mental illness, forgiveness, greed, family values and so much more. My least favorite character was Michael. If you are looking for a good read I highly recommend this page turner. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
The title also describes the book as it is definitely 'something good'. So far it is my favorite book I read this year and I will definitely recommend that it be purchased for library circulation as soon as available. It will probably end up as one of my staff picks, too!
I loved so many things about Something Good by Vanessa Miller! There are several story lines to follow, all very realistic and relatable. The characters are all well-developed, and I saw how each person
made choices that we all find ourselves facing often. Ms. Miller reminded us that God should be our foundation, and that he is able to work with and make good come from every circumstance. I greatly
appreciated the spiritual tones, and found this story uplifting and encouraging. My only concern was the way every piece had a perfect ending, which seemed a little unrealistic, although that's part of the reason this was such a "feel good" book. I highly recommend Something Good.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and will definitely not be the last. I really enjoyed the characters of Alexis, Trish and Marquita. I also enjoyed how some aspects of the story were so difficult but there was the chance for forgiveness and reconciliation.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I began reading this book in the middle of the night and did not love it. It started out with the most out there, "ghetto" character I've bumped into. I re-read the summary to make sure I chose the correct book and tried again the next night. Beginning with the second chapter and found characters that I fell in love with and couldn't put the book down at all. I'm very happy that I gave Something Good another try. I feel like my faith has grown when I think about all the characters went through and how God worked it out for his good. This is my first Vanessa Miller book and I will definitely start following her for more excellent books.
Thank you Vanessa M. and NetGalley for this ARC copy that has helped me find my new favorite author.
Right from the very beginning, the book has hooked me up. After reading the 50 pages, I have to recheck the synopsis of the book if I requested the right book. It has surprised me that this is in fact a Christian fiction book. It has a relatable story. Following each character’s story with every turn of the page is truly deep and strongly felt. It has made me laugh, and sometimes cry specifically in the middle of the story. The mother-daughter relationship has impacted me the most. The writing style of the author, Vanessa Miller, is simple and straightforward which has made the storyline beautiful. It has a powerful Christian message which is a great deal for a food of thought.
On other note, I like how well diverse this book is. The portrayal of the characters include people from a range of different social and racial backgrounds. It also addresses relevant issues like distracted driving, mental health, African-American community and dysfunctional family.
Although the near end of the book is slow paced for me, it has still shown full of hope and opportunities for growth. If you are interested to read the book, please allow yourself half a chance to open up your heart and soul while reading this because this kind of Christian fiction shares real-life scenarios.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you for this opportunity to read an ARC.
This book was not what I expected at all, and I don’t mean that in a nice way, I usually don’t discriminate against multiple povs but in this book they felt like a personal attack. The writing style wasn’t enjoyable for me, I think the author tried to hard when narrating from different backgrounds, or when trying to voice these different backgrounds out. The pacing is horrible and it took me so long to get into it even though it could’ve been an easy and fast read had the book been better. Is a no for me.
When Alexis stoops to check her phone while driving and hits a young man, little does she realise that she has started a chain of events that will affect her and her family and a whole lot of other people.
Jon Jon the victim, is a young football player who can no longer walk and his accident causes a huge rift between his parents - Trisha and Dwayne Robinson family. They struggle to cope with their emotions, the physical challenges of caring for him and the financial strain this is placing on them. Overwhelmed, Trisha throws herself and her family at the mercy of God, trusting Him to make something good of their situation.
Meanwhile, Marquita, a 19 year old, is struggling to keep it all together, with a young baby to look after and her inability to keep a job because of her poor attitude. With no sign of her baby's father, she has to reluctantly depend on her mother to babysit Marcus. Her mother struggles with jobs, finances and is regularly evicted from her home. Marquita is very concerned about the wellbeing and future of her siblings Marc and Keke. When her life intersects with that of the Robinsons soon after Trisha's prayer, things start looking up for her and the Robinsons.
Meanwhile Alexis' mother, who suffers from mental illness and was placed in a home soon after Alexis married Michael, takes very ill. Despite her husband's displeasure at this, Alexis brings her mother home where she spends time with her twin grandchildren. Michael in his attempt to constantly put on the facade of a perfect family, is starting to put Alexis off very badly. A chain of events causes her to take a stand for herself and do the right thing by Jon Jon and family.
How these three families come together and how grace and healing take place makes for a very good story, that covers a lot of ground about family, relationships, mental health and a lot more.
I absolutely enjoyed this book about facing challenges, speaking your truth and finding something good in every situation!
I have read all of Ms. Miller's books over the years but hadn't seen anything from her in awhile. OMG, what a powerful and inspiring story that intertwines the lives of three families with issues that are indeed relevant today. I too have been guilty of looking at my phone or trying to send a text white driving. Never again! Even though I knew I shouldn't do it, this book really, opened my eyes and made me think! KUDOS MS. MILLER ON AN EXCELLENT BOOK!
Told from the perspectives of Alexis, Trish, and Marquita this book explores the tragedy that brought the three women together and touches on many important issues, including white privilege and mental illness.
This book had me hooked from the beginning to find out what the tragedy was and how these women would become the most unlikely friends! I honestly couldn't put it down and really enjoyed the writing in addition to the story itself.
SOMETHING GOOD by VANESSA MILLER is a most enjoyable read with very real people in very real situations. The author takes us thrugh family relationshisps across the board - black and white, rich and poor, parents and children , husbands and wives - and shows us how the Lewis, Marshall and Robinson families are affected by a car accident caused by Alexis Marshall’s distracted driving. It is obvious that the author has an understanding of human nature, and this, together with her Christian faith, which shines through the novel, makes for a very touching story.
With her son Jon-Jon in a wheelchair and ready to give up on life, and her husband Dwayne working on her last nerve, Trisha takes her mother’s advice and asks God for somethng good instead of all the bad they are experiencing. I really like the idea of the Red Cardinal being a harbinger of good things.
These three families are brought together, secrets are uncovered and broken people and relationships healed when the Lord Himself brings hope into hopeless situations.
I like to see the wealthy Alexis being determined to be true to herself even if it means toppling their “perfect” family and estranging her husband, Michael.
This is a book whose inspirational story, unforgettable characters and strong Christian message will really speak to you.
I highly recommend Something Good as a refreshing read which gives us a great deal of food for thought.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson.
Thank You Thomas Nelson for this eARC!
This book was absolutely outstanding!
This story grabbed me right from the very first page and never let me go.
My heart was falling for these women more and more with every turn of the page.
This is the first book I read by Vanessa Miller.
Her writing style is simplistic and straightforward which afforded a clear, concise and beautiful storyline.
I adored this book for reminding me of things I already knew and for teaching me new lessons.
Everyone should read this book!
It shows readers that even though we may believe or be different....
If we all stick together God can help us all in our worst times possible!
I can't thank y'all enough for this ebook! I loved everything about it!