Review of Mama B. – A Time To Speak

2012/November by Marji Laine 2 Comments

I have had the pleasure of critiquing with Michelle Stimpson on parts of Mama B. over the course of the last year, so when the grand lady finally hit Amazon, I scooped her up fast.Growing up in the south, regardless of your race, you’re going to have a Mama B. in your life. Mine just happened to also be African American, my babysitter and mother figure for many years, Gladys.

Choosing my favorite thing about this book is just plain hard. I love Mama B.’s straight-forward opinions, and her humble way of keeping them to herself. I love her prayers – talking to the Lord as her good friend, for that He is. And I love the way she dotes on her family, but not so much that they can’t stand on their own two feet. But I think the best thing about this book is the plot. The irreverent surroundings in which she finds herself and the way the cancerous attitudes grow toward an unexpected climax.

This novella is full of wit and wisdom and just plain made me happy! Tweet this!

Here is the back cover information from Amazon:

The good folks at Mt. Zion Baptist are doing their best to keep the church flowing smoothly while Pastor Phillips takes time off to be with his wife in her final days. Beatrice “Mama B” Jackson even opens her home so that the women’s groups can continue to meet faithfully after some “rascal” stole the copper from the church’s air conditioning unit. With her semi-estranged granddaughter and great-grandson staying in the guest room, Mama B soon has a full house.

When the interim preacher and his wife start touting messages that don’t line up with the Bible, Mama B wonders how and if she can intervene without causing strife in the congregation or discouraging the young couple.

However, Mama B can only take so much of this foolishness. Though her own faith might be intact, she can’t have her great-grandson believing that God is a Sugar Daddy in the sky. Soon enough, Mama B will realize that there is much more at stake than she or anyone else at Mt. Zion ever imagined. And it’s time to speak.

Mama B – A Time to Speak is a novella (a short novel) full of godly wisdom and humor that will make you take a deep breath after that last page and smile from the inside out.

Bravo! Five stars from me!

About Michelle: (This is her formal bio, but her informal bio is a wealth of information!)

Michelle Stimpson is an author, a speaker, and an educator who received her Bachelor of Science degree from Jarvis Christian College in 1994.  She earned a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2002.  She has had the pleasure of teaching elementary, middle, and high school as well as training adults.

 

In addition to her work in the field of education, Michelle ministers through writing and public speaking.  Her works include the highly acclaimed Boaz Brown, Divas of Damascus Road (National Bestseller), and Falling Into Grace.  She has published several short stories for high school students through her educational publishing company, Right Track Academic Support Services, atwww.wegottaread.com.

 

Michelle serves in the Discerning Hearts women’s ministry at her home church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, and she is also currently pursing her ministerial certifications. She ministers to women through her online newsletter: http://www.womengrowinginchrist.com.

 

Michelle tours annually with the Anointed Authors on Tour.  She regularly speaks at special events and writing workshops sponsored churches, schools, book clubs and other positive organizations.

 

Michelle lives near Dallas with her husband, their two teenage children, and one crazy dog.