Humbled

Reviewed by Phee Paradise

Finding Jeena
By Miralee Ferrell

Finding Jeena is about humbling - the kind that is referred to in the phrase, “How the mighty have fallen.” The book begins with Jeena Gregory at the top of her career, making a lot of money and spending it on the material things that will flaunt it. She’s supremely confident, arrogant and self-centered. But she has a few things going for her. She has a grandmother and a friend who care about her spiritual condition. And God loves her enough to let her fall.

The first part of the book lets us get to know Jeena as I’ve just described her. But, as a result of an unfortunate job decision and some poor choices, Jeena’s security is stripped away. As she loses all the things she values, she has to face her prejudices, her past and her fears. And eventually she has to face God.

In Jeena, Ferrell has created a character who is forced into circumstances that create growth. As she is humbled, she gradually recognizes her pride and begins to learn humility. In spite of this, I have to admit I didn’t like Jeena. I can’t relate to either of the worlds she lived in and I found myself criticizing all of her responses to them both. Her shallow selfishness is something I don’t encounter in many of the people I know. Although the theme of humility was clearly developed, it seemed like the author had purposely created an obnoxious character, then forced the circumstances to turn her into someone likeable.

However, one of the things Ferrell did well, was to develop several sub-themes that created empathy for women in difficult circumstances. The ones Jeena meets in a women’s shelter are diverse and authentic. I liked them all, even the one that Jeena didn’t like. And their tentative faith helped Jeena listen when God came knocking.

Pros: Sympathetic depictions of women with serious problems and the people who show them God’s love. Also, a thorough treatment of the road from pride to humility.

Cons: A main character that is not very sympathetic, and whose choices may not seem completely authentic.

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Finding Jeena Kregel Publications (March 8, 2010)

by

Miralee Ferrell


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

In October 2007 Kregel Publications published The Other Daughter with excellent reviews. The Romantic Times Review magazine gave it Four out of Four and a half stars, with a very strong review. Two different major motion picture studios are currently considering the book as a possible family movie, and my second book in the series (Past Shadows) is on my publishers desk being reviewed for a possible contract offer now.



In February of 2009, Love Finds You in Last Chance, California was published by Summerside Press and Finding Jeena released in March 2010 from Kregel Publications.



Miralee Ferrell lives in Washington with Allen, her husband of more than 37 years, ans has two grown children. She serves on staff at her local church ans is actively involved in ministry to women.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Jeena Gregory thought she’d made it. She has everything a woman could ask for and a budding career promises more. But when rumors around town cast her boss in a shady light, Jeena starts to question her employer’s integrity. Was she wrong to trust this man and this job?



When the boss disappears, salaries go unpaid, and Jeena overhears several hush-hush phone calls, she realizes her carefully crafted world is crumbling. Shaken to the core at the threat of losing everything, Jeena is suddenly confronted with her prejudices─and with a God she had long forgotten.

To read an excerpt of Finding Jeena, click HERE.