Blessings in Disguise :: Education by Design Store

Editorial Review

The second book in an exciting and inspiring new series from national bestselling author ReShonda Tate Billingsley

They share a precious gift. . . .

Joining Rachel Jackson's church youth group has been a lifesaver for Camille, Alexis, Jasmine, and Angel. The fabulous four share everything from juicy gossip to mentoring school kids. But their loyalty is put to the test when two of the girls get caught up in problems of their own -- and may drag their girlfriends down with them.

Will they forget who their friends are?

Wealthy Alexis seems to have the perfect life -- but no one can see her fear as her parents head for divorce. Meanwhile, Jasmine is tired of being the glue that holds her mother and siblings together, and she escapes by moving in with her father. Both girls are tempted to do something drastic to get the attention they crave, and both need to hear Rachel's hard-won advice on why stealing will only get them more trouble. But when it comes to winning back Camille and Angel's trust, Alexis and Jasmine will have to find the answers in their own hearts.
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Customer Reviews

All That Glitters Isn't Gold

2008-07-31
In Nothing But Drama (Book 1) Camille, Angel, Alexis and Jasmine became friends after joining the Good Girlz Club, and, although the reader learned a bit about each character, the main focus was on Camille. In Book 2 of ReShonda Tate Billingsley's Christian teen series the author introduced another Good Girlz Club member, Trina, who had a habit that got her and other members into trouble, and she touched on Alexis' issues with her parents, however, the main focus was Jasmine's story:
Jasmine's brothers got on her every nerve, she was responsible for most of the cleaning and cooking at home, and she always seemed to end up in situations that reminded her of the fact that she didn't have money. Jasmine hated her life, and she believed that if she could just find the father she'd never known a relationship with him would make everything much better. Jasmine's mother, Jetola, refused to even speak of this man and became highly upset when her daughter brought him up, so there was no way Jasmine was going to convince her to reveal her father's whereabouts. Still, a determined Jasmine found her father, but she also found out that all that glitters isn't gold. That was cool in the end, though, because a lesson learned brought Jasmine closer to her mother.
With only 166 pages this book was a quick read. I really enjoyed it, and I'm looking forward to the next one.

Blessing Lessons (4.5) Stars

2007-03-23
Blessings in Disguise by ReShonda Tate Billingsley picks up six months after her first book in the teen series, Nothing But Drama, ends. In the first book, we were introduced to Camille, Alexis, Angel and Jasmine, who had become a part of a Christian teen group, dubbed The Good Girlz. The first book was told in alternating, character chapters. In Blessings in Disguise, Ms. Billingsley allows the story to be told in one voice, the voice of Jasmine.

Jasmine is a plus-sized, fifteen-year old with many insecurities and a chip on her shoulder. She is plagued by feelings of being unattractive, poor and overworked by her family. She is also consumed with finding the father she has never known. Jasmine's fate changes when she discovers that Donovan a star athlete, new to her school, has genuine feeling for her. Her relationship with Donovan is a bright spot in her life, but there are always other issues.

Jasmine discovers that her friends from the Good Girlz are involved in illegal activities, and though she does not agree, she finds herself going along for the ride. She also has a lead on where her father might be located. She is convinced once she finds him her life will be perfect. What Jasmine discovers is that everything that looks good is not necessarily good for you. Finding herself in trouble will prove to her and her friends that trouble can often be blessings in disguise.

Blessings in Disguise is a fast-paced, enjoyable cautionary tale. This book is recommended for any young person and anyone who remembers being young.

Angelia Menchan
APOOO BookClub

What a Blessing!

2007-02-07
I have been a fan of Reshonda Tate Billingsley for only a short while but I can tell you this: This book is a great Christian read - for the young & old!

Wonderful, wonderful book

2007-02-01
Book 2 doesnt dissapoint as the drama with the good girlz continues. This is the type of book I've been waiting on for my daughter. Both of us loved it! I loved how the girls made wrong choices, and were able to learn from their mistakes. We need more books like this. I cant wait for the third book!