Teresa Slack

Joy Redefined Teresa Slack

When the Lord was handing out backbones, Joy Kessler was on the phone with the insurance company appealing a claim that was, of course, ultimately denied. After thirty-nine-years of trying to muster the nerve to stand up for herself, she's pretty much accepted that going after what she wants isn't worth the trouble. Joy dreams of redefining herself--as a mother, a wife, and a woman of courage. The only one who sees her potential is her neighbor and best friend Dorothea Westlake. With Dorothea in her corner, Joy can almost see herself as a lioness capable of impacting the world rather than a mouse no one respects. When a nephew Dorothea hasn't seen in twenty years moves in under the guise of working on a college dissertation, Joy's suspicions go into full alert. Why is Gunnar here and what does he want from his trusting aunt? Three days after his arrival, Dorothea disappears. As days turn into weeks with no sign of her friend, Joy becomes convinced something is terribly wrong. With no one taking her or her concerns seriously, Joy must uncover the truth on her own if she hopes to save Dorothea...and herself. Another Great Read by Teresa SlackJoy Redefined is a gripping suspenseful novel with a great character arc for Joy and for the members of her family. Joy grows in confidence and grace while solving a mystery and learning to stand up for herself and speak her mind. A real eye-opener for all who are tempted to go along to get along. ---author, Patty KyrlachLoved Seeing How Joy was RedefinedCould not quit reading this book once I started it! Full of mystery and suspense that kept me wanting to read more. Life lessons on how we ignore the real problem hoping it will be okay tomorrow until we finally face it with the strength that comes from our Father were so powerful. Great book! ---Linda FullerEnjoyable and Self-ExaminingI found myself looking forward to coming home from work and hoping I would have time to read more. As someone who isn't a reader I was amazed at losing myself for sometimes hours in the story. It has a great self-evaluation aspect and Proverbs 31 perspective. ---Pastor John CoyleFive StarsStand up for what you believe in, or else live with what you don't. ---Aryn the LibraryanI Thoroughly Enjoyed this BookThis book is a combination of a cozy mystery and a portrayal of spiritual growth in a meek wife, mom, and neighbor. Joy goes from a timid marshmallow to a lioness able to stand her ground. The growth is encouraging to witness. The spiritual truths are real and practically applied. The humor is clever. The mystery had me hooked. I didn't want to put this book down till I figured it out. ---Sarah G. TiptonGreat ReadI am a prolific reader of Christian fiction. With many of the books out there, it's the same story, different location, different names. In the first chapter you know just how it's going to end. This is NOT the case with this book. Teresa Slack does a great job of fleshing out her characters... In this book, Joy definitely does not fit the mold. Joy is a reluctant hero who really doesn't want to draw attention to herself. I really wasn't sure where the book was going and I loved that!! The character development and story line was outstanding. I would best compare Teresa's writing style to Angela Hunt or Terry Blackstock. ---Patricia E. Ramsey