Customer Reviews

Ladies in Waiting

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Linda Hudson Smith has done a wonderful job in writing this very enlightening and inspirational story. You will be enlightened on a number of things once you read this book. Marlene, Alexis, Rosalinda, Keisha all have their own delimma and they are all different in a number of ways, but one thing is very common in these women, they are all Ladies in Waiting. Marlene is a Spirit filled patient woman with 2 men in her life, both that she loves unconditionally but in loving them, she is hurting them and herself. She has a lot to teach, but also a lot to learn. Alexis has the world at her fingertips, but she has allowed the man in her life to just take over and she has put more into him and what he thinks that she has forgotten how to think for herself. Keisha is a young mother with obligations that should allow her to see straight, but she can't see past Zach, and even though she is fore warned on numerous occasions, she just can't let go. Rosalinda is caught up and messed up with Ric. Some men are just scum face it. All these women are victims and accessories. They do find common ground and it is compelling to watch this story unwind, it is also very interesting to look into the lives of these men behind these women. From cover to cover this story is a page turner. It is filled with Inspiration and insight with a realism that is so compelling. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading. You will see the power of Prayer, the work of committed women, the strength that God gives and the ghetto mentality of two bit hustlers and their victims. You will find that money doesn't always bring you happiness, and being on welfare doesn't make you nasty. GO and get this book if you don't have it. You will enjoy it.

Marlene Covington is the wife of Reverend Jesse Covington. She is a gracious and spiritual woman, always looking for the good in others, always ready to lend a helping hand. Rosalinda is the girlfriend of Ricardo. She has a problem of loving a man who is not in her best interest. When he asks her to make the ultimate sacrifice, she loses respect for him and it finally gives her the courage to break things off with him. Keisha Reed loves the father of her two children, Zach Martin. He does not help her out and is always looking out for his best interest even if it means taking food away from his babies. Nothing can make Keisha leave this man, even when she catches him cheating on her. Alexis is extremely beautiful and very rich and married to R.J., legitimately a stockbroker but has other dealings on the back burner. Anyone else in her shoes would be happy to have all that she has, but Alexis is miserable. R.J. makes sure she has all the desires of her heart, but kept her away from the most important thing, her family. All four of these women meet when they come together to visit their mates. The women are dubbed as Ladies in Waiting. Waiting for their man, guests of the State of California Correctional Facility, a prisoner.

Man seldom understands God`s plan, Reverend Jesse Covington is in prison, falsely accused of a crime he did not commit, but he is still able to fulfill his calling by witnessing to R.J. and bringing a sheep into the fold. Marlene is able to help a number of women who also have a man in prison to overcome obstacles and barriers set in their path by the devil. Under her guidance, Rosalinda, Keisha and Alexis show growth and make important decisions about their lives and relationships.

This thought provoking book has many messages. It talks about choices, salvation, forgiveness and friendship. If you have never been on the inside of a prison to visit or serve time, after reading this book, you would not want to experience either. The author does a wonderful job of telling and intertwining each woman's story. This inspirational book will make you laugh, fuss and cry with each Lady in Waiting as you become entangled in their lives. Highly recommended.

Jeanette
APOOO BookClub

First my disclaimer--I know and like Linda Husdson-Smith. That said, I was ambivalent about reading Ladies In Waiting. I imagined a story about homegirls with laquered nails and hair, courtesy of AFDC--not my idea of a thought-provoking read.

Instead I was introduced to four women of substance who meet under unfortunate circumstances and look to each other for encouragement and love. Two of the characters Keisha and Alexis are polar opposites and their stories really touched me. Keisha's choice, in the end, of how she wants to deal with her man, really gave me a lot to think about. The story of Marlene and her husband, Rev. Jesse Covington is inspiring on several levels. I liked it that they are middle-aged, long-married best friends and that they still share unbreakable spiritual and sexual connections. Their experiences illustrate that even the best marriages are tested from without (Jesse's incarceration) and within (Marlene's faults).

I recommend this book to all women, especially those who are ladies in waiting themselves.

All I can say is "wow, what a novel!" I purchased the book out of the curiousity that a "preacher" was in incorrectly incarcerated. Ms. Hudson-Smith does an awesome job of depicting each character. Keisha, Rosalinda, Marlene and Alexis, while different in character, they all share a similiar characteristic. They are Ladies in Waiting. Never before had I ever given must thought to the trials and tribulations that individuals go through while supporting a love one in prison. Normally, the support system is designed for the inmate; however, Ms. Hudson-Smith brings to light the need for a multiple support system. I thorougly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Actually, the ending brought tears to my eyes. Ms. Hudson-Smith confirmed through her book that regardless of whatever situation you find yourself in, God is right there waiting to deliver you! She also stressed the importance of having a personal COMMITTED relationship with Christ! This is the first book that I've ever read by Ms. Linda Hudson-Smith and am looking forward to her next inspirational novel! Ms. Hudson-Smith, you now have a fan in Chicago!

This was a wonderful book. When I first started reading this book I felt it was kind of boring but, I decided to keep reading. I am glad that I decided to do so.

The author did a wonderful job of describing each one of the characters and what led them to become ladies in waiting.

Marlene the preacher's wife could see the wrong in other people but was unable to see the wrong in herself or her son Malcolm. As time progressed she learned the error of her ways. Because of her not discipling her son correctly, her husband suffered the consequences.

Keisha's character was kind of disappointing to me because I wanted more for her.

Rosalinda really surprised me when she developed backbone and stuck to her decision. A wise one at that.

Alexis was my favorite character because she had to be brought back to reality the hard way but she persevered.

All in all this was a very good book and I am glad I decided to read it.

This is a must read novel. The book is good from start to finish, especially if you are or have ever been a, Lady in Waiting. This book truly touches home. Your heart goes out to all four (4) of the ladies in this novel. It'll help you get a grip of your own self-esteem. Be it high or low. After the first 1/4 of the way thru the book is where you can't put the book down till the end. It also contains some very deep scriptures that can bring you thru anything. It would be so helpful if there really was "this kind" of support group to help the Ladies in Waiting of today. So many ladies have no one to talk to because everyone want to judge what others do in stead of help and support "LiW". Buy this book!! You won't be sorry.

Linda Hudson-Smith has gotten off to a great start in the inspirational fiction category. I really enjoyed this book and found it hard to put it down. I could relate to Keisha and Rosalinda being in relationships with men who did not respect or love them. I appreciated Marlene befriending Alexis, Keisha and Rosalinda and how she tried to witness for Jesus by the way she treated them. Marlene had problems with her son but was finally able to practice tough love because her marriage was at stake. Alexis learned that money cannot buy you true happiness and does not make you immune to trials and tribulations. I look forward to future inspirational fiction from Mrs. Hudson-Smith.

I have never read a book quite like this one. Linda Hudson-Smith is a creative writer. This book made you FEEL what was going on. Kiesha, Marlene, Alexis and Rosalinda were so different but soo much alike. This is one of those books that you can't put down but don't want to end either. I'd recommend this book to anyone... It is well worth your money!

This book open my eyes to the world that I never thought twice about. Incarcerated men who ladies are out there waiting. It surprise me, that these women were so faithful to their mates. As I continued to read, I was enlightened by the commitment each lady had for their man. There was a twist near the end of the book, that surprise me. It turned out better than I expected. I enjoyed this book. I looked at it from both points of view. I tried to place myself in the shoes of these ladies that were waiting on their man to get out of prison. Alexis took me on an emotional ride, my heart went out to her. I will be recommending this book to my book club. I'm sure this will be a very good topic.

job well done, this book was very touching.