Though I Stumble (Promises of God Novel)

What a fun ride with lots of twists and some expected unexpected turns. The characters have their own personalities and made you love them. It was a real page turner for me but I did have to take notes to keep track of the characters and their relationships. I was glad I did because without it, I might have been lost. I really appreciated the relatable topics, like New Edition concerts and songs, scriptures that are relevant to the topic at hand, and complicated love stories of the individuals in the story. I don’t want to spoil the ending, but wish it wasn’t so predictable. That was a little disappointing. I also think the secondary characters, like the husbands (especially Lindell and Cecil) had more information to create some context to who they were and about their journey. Some of the names were too similar, like Cecil and Cedric, and a dog named Lancelot and character named Lance. I wish I knew how the name Treva was pronounced, and more physical descriptions. I wish I knew more about Lance's prison time. I also think Faith's friend group should have been included. The story about Sam doesn’t seem realistic. Why would this make the news like CNN? What was going on in Sam'a life that made her so distraught. That could’ve been developed and explained more. That was my least favorite part. But what I read about Sam was like “meh”. Still I loved the book and I’m excited to read more.

I was intrigued throughout. I just loved following the trials of these women and the encouragement they received all the way to the end. I was so inspired how they prayed about everything and resisted the enemy and pressed forward toward the mark. Good read and well written.

My friend and I are reading this book for the second time. The first time was good but this time around I'm finding so much more to be excited about. The way scripture is woven into the story lines and it being so relatable and applicable to the issue at hand. Masterful writing. I only wish that we'd found the book sooner so that we could have had access to the In HOT Pursuit devotional mentioned in the book.

Though I Stumble was my first book by Kim Cash Tate, and for the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I sought it out because I was looking for authors and characters of color during this difficult time in our country, but I got a lot more than that (although, it is important. Both Christian and secular markets, but especially the Christian market, is hurting for diversity and I don't understand why we can't rectify that issue).Anyway, Though I Stumble is a warm, inviting book. The atmosphere of the St. Louis women's conference led me to expect a certain type of story, where the characters grow spiritually but don't feel like real people. Actually though, the opposite happened. Treva, Faith, Stephanie, and Jillian felt real throughout. Their problems and triumphs were relatable, and I think Kim did a great job of letting them be good friends without age and experience, or lack thereof, getting in the way.I also appreciated the different situations and angles Kim used to explore relationships. Although Treva has a brand new romance within Though I Stumble, and although two major conflicts focus on marriage, this is a "relationship" novel more than a "romance" novel, which I love. Stephanie and Lindell's arc was especially interesting (probably because Steph and I share a name, hardy har har). I also enjoyed Faith's arc, because I'm closest to her in age and remembered how being in college and longing for meaningful relationships felt. Jillian's relationship with Cecil got a couple of good twists, and Treva's whirlwind romance--I usually don't like those, but Kim did this one well. Kendra's presence was a selling point; she was more than just the first wife who died of cancer. I loved how she actually helped Lance and Treva grow closer to each other and to God, even if she wasn't there.However, I think the best relationships explored here were the relationships of each woman to God. Cyd's conference session, closely followed by Lance's, were two of my favorite scenes, but I liked the spirituality outside of the conference, too. I applaud Kim for showing that Christians can make mistakes--we can even commit some of the "big sins"--and God still has a purpose for us if we know Him. Not that we should sin because grace abounds, not at all (Romans 6). But it is often in those times that we truly learn His love is unconditional and what our passions are.With all that said, I did take a star away for a couple of reasons. While I love these characters, I found I loved them more for what they could've been. They often felt two-dimensional. For instance, a big deal is made about Treva being insecure because of her dark skin. And no, I did not need or want to see her mother abusing her to understand why that was. But colorism is a huge issue in America, and I was disappointed that Kim didn't delve deeper. Same for Stephanie's spiritual journey; it's mentioned she used to be something of a party girl, then changed, then went back to drinking, couldn't "grow up..." I wanted more details! Same for Jillian the homeschool mom of four kids--how had she chosen that path? Was it common in her community? What were her kids like as individuals? You get the drift.I also felt some of the events were sketchy--as in, one- or two-dimensional. The biggest one I can think of is, there's a scene where Jillian's little boy Trevor is rushed into emergency surgery, which brings Cecil back around. Jillian sums up the events before that, but...um, it kind of came out of nowhere? Also, the plot never seemed to "thicken." The women seemed to spend a lot of time talking and not a lot doing.Overall, Though I Stumble might be a 3.5-3.7. However, I enjoyed enough here to keep reading the series, and I hope Kim delves deeper next time. I'll certainly be looking for more and deeper books like this, too.

I could not put the book down. I love how she captured every detail in this book. I could feel myself in every aspect of the stories. This book has helped me to pray more and to continue to run the race. My favorite quote is Though I stumble, I will not fall. I am using that til this day. I know God is leading me. You will not be disappointed reading this book. The characters come to life. Great job.

I just read this book for the second time. It was the "Read of the Month" for the Book club at church. This book was such a great read. All of the characters were so relatable.Can't wait for our review! I will definitely read other books by Author, Kim Cash Tate.

I really enjoyed this author and am glad I chose to read this book first. I loved how the author wove the truths of Scripture into the characters' lives. Not as preachy as some books in this genre tend to get. My favorite person--Lance Alexander. I appreciate how well he was written. Some of the characters were harder to connect with, but overall, I enjoyed seeing their points of view.I appreciate the masterful way tough issues are introduced and how each of the characters deals with conflicts, heartbreak, sickness, etc. The dialogue was realistic and refreshing. I can't wait to dive into the subsequent books by Mrs. Tate.

I heard Kim Cash Tate speak on the Revive Our Hearts 21’ conference and I just loved her. Then I found out she was an author of Christian fiction, which is the kind of books I like to read just to relax... I wasn’t expecting that I would be so blessed by this one!It’s the story of 4 different women, in different seasons of life, dealing with different struggles, and they all meet in a women’s conference, where they deepen their relationship with the Lord and experience the transformations of a prayer life. It’s a beautiful story, which strengthens our faith and encourages us to keep growing in our relationship with God. Highly recommend it!

I have finally read all that I could find from this author and all I can say is...more please! I Love this series, and all her other work's and I can't wait to see what else Kim Cash Tate has in store. I am so happy to have found another Holy Spirit lead author. Until next time y'all Peace, Love and happy reading.

This book resonates a lot with challenges that many people face in life. I love how the author makes us see what a life with Christ is like , how through it all His love endures (forever) , the importance of a support system especially if they have Christ in the centre. So many emotions were felt whilst reading this and I am grateful I have learnt a lot. Would recommend this to anyone who feels lost, going through heartbreak, doesn't know the love of Christ

Inspiring. I could see myself in many of the stories and received a lot of revelation.For women and men alike.

It gave me strength as the Lord was speaking directly to me through the book. I Highly recommend it. I also like the fact that the author says that we should be in "hot pursuit" in our relationship with the Lord.