Miss Brenda and the Loveladies

A Heartwarming True Story of Grace, God, and Gumption

By: Brenda Spahn, Irene Zutell

Narrated by: Pam Ward, Bahni Turpin, Johanna Parker, Adenrele Ojo

Length: 7 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

One woman's fight to provide hope for the hopeless...

Seven ex-cons who changed her heart forever…

For Brenda Spahn, entrepreneur and businesswoman, wealth was a lifestyle - until a brush with the law threatened to send her to prison. In those dark moments, Brenda made a promise to God.

Spared incarceration, a renewed Brenda glimpsed into the lives of women serving time in one of the worst places in America - the JuliaTutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka, Alabama. What she saw prompted a God-inspired vision.

With a heart to help and a will that couldn't be crushed, Brenda fought the system and overcame tremendous obstacles to take ex-cons into her home and help them navigate the alien world of life on the outside.

This is the story of Brenda's journey from rags to riches to redemption. It's the story of the first unlikely year of her "Whole Way House" and of the extraordinary lives of the first seven women who came to call her "Miss Brenda". It's a story that testifies to the power of faith and how God changes hearts every day.

©2014 Brenda Spahn and Irene Zutell (P)2014 Blackstone Audiobooks

Grace, God . . . and Giving Back

I was so happy to find this book about the Loveladies. Our women's ministry at church collects little "goodies" for the Loveladies each year for their Christmas luncheon, so that each can have a little package at their table, just for them. You see, our church is in North Alabama, about an hour and a half from Birmingham, where the Loveladies Ministry is. Some of our own women have gone to the program there, which is now open to women suffering from abuse, addiction, and other trauma, not just parolees. I had to laugh at some of the reviews, which were skeptical about Miss Brenda . . . and her tax business, arrest and her husband's bankruptcy . . . there but for the grace of God go we . . . she put it all out there, not hiding a thing . . . so if people want to judge, then let them . . . and let them hang their own dirty panties out on the line for all to see . . . I am so very thankful that we serve a God that is NOT like that, for we'd all be doomed . . . doomed to fail . . . doomed to depression . . . doomed to being alone . . . and doomed to HELL . . . thank you, Jesus . . . for your mercy and grace . . . I laughed and cried during this book . . . nothing was hidden, it was all laid bare, and I think that's what it takes . . . otherwise it can't be fully cleansed out of our systems . . . thank you, Miss Brenda for being real with these women . . . and with all of us . . . BRAVO!!! This is a book for everyone to listen to . . . and then feel JOY!

Oh, you gotta hear this one!

Simply, I loved this book. I cried, I laughed out loud, I was amazed and astounded.

I was encouraged.

A great story, well told and the narration was wonderful. I actually would have loved more details than she shared about her thought processes and details on other things, but that's OK. She kept the tone pretty light though dealing with weighty matters. Makes me wonder what God could do through the rest of us, if we'd only listen and be that audacious?

Wonderful book. highly recommend!

Just touched my heart deeply.

amazing how God calls us-even when it doesn't seem to include our family or what we are accustomed to. Love that Brenda's family finally all seem to have fallen in love with what she does!

Listened to it all in one long evening!

This story is so full of knowledge that I haven't known or understood. I was spellbound & haven't spent a evening/night staying up to read a book in a day for at least 20 years. Fabulous story. Something we all should learn & help if we can.

Love the Loveladies

I enjoyed listening to this book on Audible, narrated by a superb cast. The story is inspiring. Wasn't fond of the excessive use of euphemisms as well as some cursing.

Such an inspiring read!

if you're looking for an entertaining and inspirational book, this is it! I was swept away by the story. I found myself challenged to live a life of stronger faith. I view parolees differently now. I better understand the social problems they face. Those who did the reading for this book absolutely brought it to life. I can't imagine reading a paper copy! The voices and energy put into each chapter made it totally come alive. This book is a fantastic read that I highly recommend!

Mixed

While I admittedly rated this high, it simply reflects on the book as presented for entertainment and education. I do, however, withhold any judgment about the author herself in this rating. I find such Christian advocacy suspect and always wonder how exploiting it is, knowingly or not, for personal gain. I also wonder about the authenticity of her argument about no longer being interested in riches or glitz given that photos of her persist in showing a rather less humbly dressed and bejeweled lady than she professes to be now. And those bankruptcies and tax fraud...I don't completely believe all the gloss she paints over her faults.

Loved

I loved this book! I just finished and listened to the epilogue twice. It’s one of those books I hate to say goodbye to.

God is good and reveals things in his own timing.

I’m currently fasting from any secular tv, books, or social media. So I was looking for something that was a true story and that shows God at work. This book came up and I started reading it and within the first chapter I hit me. I know what the program was. My sister who was on drugs and in and out of jail for 20 plus years was sent there. It’s been about 4 years and she is still clean. God really used this place to change her life. She isn’t perfect but she is definitely different. I love knowing about the history of how this place came about. Thank you Brenda for listening to God’s call and sharing this part of your testimony.

We are Children of God

This audible was an inspirational listen. It reaffirms our brokenness and how we as humans are quick to dismiss others for a variety of reasons. Those of us who say we are believers and are followers of Jesus Christ should listen and / or watch stories to remind us of what Jesus did for all of us. Those who don't know or have given up on Jesus, I am heartbroken. From my short walk as a believer, I am learning that my Heavenly Father has always had my best interests at heart.

I will listen to this again and highly recommend this audible.

Refreshing , heartwarming and very funny

an amazing story and the best narration I have ever heard (I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks)

Miss Brenda

Not going to lie expected to turn this book on and after a chapter delete it. But was massively impressed by how good it actually was. Good to hear the women’s stories and especially Miss Brenda who could have retired and had a wonderful life. But instead put her life into this program. Would highly recommend

Fabulous

A beautifully read book that had me belly laughing and shedding tears as the story unfolded. Lots of nuggets and things to reflect on. Lord please help us to hear you and to do your will

Inspirational all the way through

Having been involved with the criminal justice system and also worked with people with life controlling addictions in the U.K. for 25 years, I could relate to much of what was written but found it fascinating, inspiring and humbling

all at the same time. It demonstrates, yet again, what God can accomplish through a human being who is willing to commit their lives to Him and obey Him in good and bad. It was humorous and, there is no doubt about it, Brenda has a big personality!!! I’ve already been recommending it to others.
The book reminded me a bit of David Wilkerson and The Cross and the Switchblade. Brenda and David shared a passion to see broken lives made whole by The power of the love of God and it became their life’s work.

Inspirational

Love this book ,amazing women doing amazing things for each other through God's love.

Amazing story

I couldn't stop listening to this story.
what an amazing lady. Renewed my faith..thank you.

A story of hope.

What a lovely, refreshing story of hope and success through really tough times! such an inspirational tale.

A good read in every sense. Highly recommended.

Very funny, well written, and well-read - and an amazing true story.
This is one of the rare books that build you up and you would do well to keep on your favourites shelf .