“All Traynor Deveraux wanted to do was live his life for the Lord and preach the Gospel, but his wife, Jessie Belle's , sights were set on him making a name for himself. She wanted the mega church, the Christian radio station, the big house, expensive jewelry, luxury cars, high-priced designer clothes, etc., and she would stop at nothing to get them. She gave the appearance of a dutiful, loving first lady of the church, but appearances can be deceiving.
Jessie Belle used manipulation, threats & blackmail to get what she wanted, and she didn't care who she hurt in the process, and that included her own family members.
When her schemes and manipulation caught up with her - the first time when her husband found out some things, that is, because she doesn't quit there - she wouldn't take responsibility for her actions, but blamed those who allowed themselves to be manipulated. She went from controlling her husband to controlling the life of her only son, and then justified her selfish choices by claiming she was doing it all for them.
Nearing the end of the story Jessie Belle must admit that she needs help to become a better person, and she knows that God is the One she must first turn to. This woman, referred to as Jezebel by many, repents of her wicked ways and works toward finding peace within herself and, most importantly, peace with God. But there's who I call a 'mini Jessie Belle' out there lurking - someone even more treacherous than Jessie Belle ever was; someone who brings much more pain to her life than she brought to the lives of others.
I will admit that I don't open up my Bible to the Old Testament as much as I do the New Testament, so, although I'm familiar with the story of Jezebel, I don't know it well. Since I've read this book, I plan to take time to read about this queen of ancient Israel in 1 and 2 Kings. Jacquelin Thomas did a good job when she penned her contemporary version of the biblical story. ”
