The Someday List: A Novel

Rachelle and Gabe Covington have been married eleven years. Rachelle had everything she could possibly want as far as material things, but she longed for something more meaningful. Tired of being in the presence of a man who just didn't get it, she left Houston, TX and took a trip to San Diego; her childhood friend, Jillian, had requested her presence. The reason for the invite was a sad one, however, Rachelle was sure of one thing when she left - It was time to figure out who she was and what she wanted in life.When Rachelle's plane landed in Houston, she was not ready to go home. She got in her car and headed to Jubilant, TX to spend some time with her Aunt Irene, Uncle Charles and the rest of her family. She found them at St. Peter's Baptist Church along with something much unexpected.Back in Houston, Gabe was having a temper tantrum because his wife wasn't at home where she belonged. He was about to leave for Uganda and Rachelle should have been there to drive him to the airport.The thought came to me as I was writing this review that with all the talk of God in this book something was missing. Characters spoke of having a relationship with God, and this was good. However, there can be no "true" relationship with God unless a person accepts Jesus as personal Lord and Savior. Jesus is the key. He is the One who died for our sins. He is the mediator between God and man. He is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. As characters talked about living for God and having a relationship with Him it would have been great if this extremely important point was made clear. Chapter twenty-five or twenty-seven; either would have been a perfect place for this gifted author to include it.I did enjoy reading The Someday List. I liked Aunt Melba; she was a lively woman. Rachelle stayed in Jubilant for quite a while and during that time she resolved past issues, learned about forgiveness, and started to talk to God. And while in Uganda, Gabe learned quite a few important life lessons. The story didn't end the way I was hoping it would, but Rachelle seemed okay with the choice she made and that was a good thing. I like how the author shows Christians are not perfect people, reminding us saved folk that we all fall short but God is always there ready to forgive and to help get us back on the right path.This book includes an excerpt from the next novel in the Jubilant Soul series. It looks like Rachelle's cousin, Indigo, has returned to Jubilant after attending college. I liked Indigo. I didn't get to know her very well in this book, so I'm really looking forward to reading her story!

I will admit to having some qualms about this particular book, knowing it to be a "faith based" storyline, where I tend to find those either forced or preachy, yet this was a pleasant surprise.Dealing with issues of marital discord and that odd place where you are an adult yet with your parents you are often thrust back to those old patterns, that pull to be the child and the knowledge that you are an adult, full of the wondering about unfulfilled promise and potential, and perhaps even some angers that are left unsaid but hang heavily in the air are dealt with in a way that doesn't feel forced or preachy.Now I can expect that regular and voracious readers of Christian fiction may find the references could have gone further and been more prevalent. However, that is why I tend to shy away from books with this label. What I discovered in this story, through Rachelle's journey dealing with her husband, her questions of motherhood, love, the loss of a best friend, dealing with the loss of the 'starry eyed' vision of a friend and mentor with addiction, her marriage and even her re-introduction to the man she thought was her "true love" the reliance on faith and the simple detailing of her search for answers was touching and revealing, without coming off as a "you must do this" list.The book was friendly to a non-faith reliant reader, and provided yet another insight into lives that people do not necessarily see in their daily existence.

Rachelle Covington is a wife and mother, who, while she enjoys the amenities of her life, is wondering about the what ifs. With the children off to spend the summer with her parents, it seems as if she and her husband, Gabe, are virtual strangers. Sure she knows everything about him, but does he know anything about her? For that matter, does Rachelle know anything about herself?Gabe is off to a medical conference and then on a mission trip to Africa. Rachelle can't wait as she's got plans of her own that don't involve the children, or her husband. Unfortunately, as she lands in Los Angeles to visit Jillian, her childhood best friend, she learns that the life she's become accustom to doesn't exactly define her.In her visit to Los Angeles, Rachelle just isn't ready to return home. Instead she heads to Jubilant, Texas, where she went to college to visit her aunts and uncle. What Rachelle soon discovers is her past has pulled into town right along with her and it's time to deal with `the what ifs.' Unable to decipher all that's going on in her life, Rachelle turns to the only person who can truly help her, GOD. It appears that she isn't the only one making transformations. Will this be the beginning of a new life or the end to an old life?THE SOMEDAY LIST by Stacy Hawkins Adams was a very good read. I enjoyed that the story explains the past without detouring from the current story. The characters are entertaining and I can see myself continuing in this series. I especially loved how relevant forgiveness, love and God are to the story, as in life.Recommended reading!

I like the fact that the book talks about real things that happen in marriages and daily activities.What I took away from story is:Danger of parents interfering in their children's marriageParents using money to bribe their childrenSpouses thinking money is everythingFight for your marriageThings don't always seem as they areIt is always good to have goalsOne person's mistake can affect a whole lot of peopleDon't wait until something bad happens before doing something with your lifeEvery decision we make whether good or bad has a consequenceAll in all, it made a good read, but was a bit disappointed with the way it ended. I thought the reconciliation bit could have been expanded a bit more.

I chose this rating because I enjoyed the theme of the story. It's an easy gentle read, simple and uncomplicated. There was nothing in particular I disliked. I would recommend this book to adults who is interested in the theme of the story which I believe is forgiveness; God's forgiveness of us and our responsibility to forgive ourselves and others. Would read another of this author's work.

Appreciative of the reminder of God's love.Very good read, and highly recommendable.Glory be to God.Certainly five star

Great read