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Master's Plan, The
USA TODAY bestselling author Stephany Tullis invites you to share this impassioned search for love and life purpose…
Love is always the answer…
‘SB’, aka, Selena Beatrice Jones is first to admit that she is not your typical preacher’s wife. She struts her stuff in five-inch stilettos, tossing a honey blonde lion’s mane even Beyoncé would envy. And she’s proud of it. She loves her husband and he loves her. Her biggest problem?
Husband and esteemed Pastor Woodruff (Woody) T. Jones’ congregation despises his new wife. She’s too young and she doesn’t look or behave like a First Lady. And Janice, his daughter, never misses an opportunity to remind her father that he married much too soon after her mother’s sudden death.
Weary of dodging her daughter-in-law’s southern comfort punches and refusing to succumb to the congregation’s finger pointing, SB launches her personalized master plan, hoping the Lord will not only order her steps but save her marriage.
Selena’s best-laid plans go awry when she partners with a local politician whose mission is to get himself elected—at any and all costs. Is Woody’s disappearance a part of the plan? If so, which plan? Who’s plan?
Love is always the answer…
‘SB’, aka, Selena Beatrice Jones is first to admit that she is not your typical preacher’s wife. She struts her stuff in five-inch stilettos, tossing a honey blonde lion’s mane even Beyoncé would envy. And she’s proud of it. She loves her husband and he loves her. Her biggest problem?
Husband and esteemed Pastor Woodruff (Woody) T. Jones’ congregation despises his new wife. She’s too young and she doesn’t look or behave like a First Lady. And Janice, his daughter, never misses an opportunity to remind her father that he married much too soon after her mother’s sudden death.
Weary of dodging her daughter-in-law’s southern comfort punches and refusing to succumb to the congregation’s finger pointing, SB launches her personalized master plan, hoping the Lord will not only order her steps but save her marriage.
Selena’s best-laid plans go awry when she partners with a local politician whose mission is to get himself elected—at any and all costs. Is Woody’s disappearance a part of the plan? If so, which plan? Who’s plan?
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2013
145 people are currently reading
3183 people want to read
About the author
Stephany Tullis
26 books300 followersSTEPHANY TULLIS
Stephany Tullis is the USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of character-driven edgy inspirational fiction including The Master’s Plan, A Novel, her What Love Can Do, Angelica Mason and Chandler County Series. Stephany grew up in upstate New York and fell in love with books on her first trip to the library, influenced by her mother who was an avid reader!
Her motto, 'writing with purpose', reflects her intent to have her stories not only entertain readers but to inspire and uplift their spirits. Her readers write: " As is the norm with this author, she has a firm grasp on human nature and what makes them (people) tick.
Stephany is energized by the sun, thrives on music (all genres) and is inspired by the serenity of the ocean. She loves to travel and summer is her season. Beach-based outdoor music festivals allow her to creatively combine these interests.
Stephany Tullis is the USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of character-driven edgy inspirational fiction including The Master’s Plan, A Novel, her What Love Can Do, Angelica Mason and Chandler County Series. Stephany grew up in upstate New York and fell in love with books on her first trip to the library, influenced by her mother who was an avid reader!
Her motto, 'writing with purpose', reflects her intent to have her stories not only entertain readers but to inspire and uplift their spirits. Her readers write: " As is the norm with this author, she has a firm grasp on human nature and what makes them (people) tick.
Stephany is energized by the sun, thrives on music (all genres) and is inspired by the serenity of the ocean. She loves to travel and summer is her season. Beach-based outdoor music festivals allow her to creatively combine these interests.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 6, 2015
The Master's Plan by Stephanie Tullis is a wonderful family story of faith and the strength we can build on that faith. This reader was reminded of all those glorious black and white movies that so perfectly depicted struggling families using their faith to overcome diversity. The author expertly manipulates the story weaving in the entire range of human emotions that creates strong, believable characters.
Selena is married to Pastor Woodruff and is convinced God has a special purpose for her to complete for their church. Selena certainly has her hands full to overflowing convincing the church committee her Master's Plan for their beloved church. The sudden unexplained disappearance of her husband makes matters more than worse and complicates all Selena's well-thought out plans. This inspiring novel is full of hope, perseverance, love strength of belief and strength of purpose.
This is a FIVE STAR family drama and very highly recommended.
Selena is married to Pastor Woodruff and is convinced God has a special purpose for her to complete for their church. Selena certainly has her hands full to overflowing convincing the church committee her Master's Plan for their beloved church. The sudden unexplained disappearance of her husband makes matters more than worse and complicates all Selena's well-thought out plans. This inspiring novel is full of hope, perseverance, love strength of belief and strength of purpose.
This is a FIVE STAR family drama and very highly recommended.
October 21, 2014
Interesting Book!
The author Stephany Tullis has done a great job of fleshing out her characters. I found myself caring about them and the outcomes of their decisions. They felt like real people with real problems, which made it all the more compelling for me.
One of my favorite quotes from the novel, “Janice’s body, with ample due diligence from its owner, finally relaxed. The deep breathing, meditation, and double dose of Xanax paid off. She drifted to sleep…felt like she had been out of it for an hour or so and was seriously fighting the call back to reality.”
The author Stephany Tullis has done a great job of fleshing out her characters. I found myself caring about them and the outcomes of their decisions. They felt like real people with real problems, which made it all the more compelling for me.
One of my favorite quotes from the novel, “Janice’s body, with ample due diligence from its owner, finally relaxed. The deep breathing, meditation, and double dose of Xanax paid off. She drifted to sleep…felt like she had been out of it for an hour or so and was seriously fighting the call back to reality.”
July 14, 2014
The Master's Plan is a fast paced easy to read page turner! Selena Beatrice Jones aka 'SB' to her friends, 2nd wife of Pastor Woodruff T. Jones is convinced she's been called to move her husband's traditional Baptist church into the 21st century. Out to save her floundering marriage and tired of her daughter-in-law's jealousy and animosity, SB partners with a local politician who also has a master plan. Commissioner Reginald Thompson III leaves no stone unturned as he recruits a NYC operative to guide his singular focused search for power via his master plan.
The author's well developed characters and convincing dialogue thrust you as reader into the lives of a host of likable people and their day to day challenges; each following and several actively creating their own personal paths to purpose. Following the characters over their often intersecting and many times divergent paths made me feel as though I was 'walking a maze' never knowing where the next path would take me.
The novel is set in fictional Smoothville, Georgia where residents are just as quick to give you a hearty, 'hey y'all' as to curse you out--all in the name of their God!
I enjoyed this novel because it explores sensitive relationship issues including trust, marital fidelity, race, spiritual beliefs, family and friendships. I am impressed with Ms. Tullis' creative use of humor and satire to refine and shape her characters and tell their story. I commend the author on her debut novel and look forward to reading her next.
The author's well developed characters and convincing dialogue thrust you as reader into the lives of a host of likable people and their day to day challenges; each following and several actively creating their own personal paths to purpose. Following the characters over their often intersecting and many times divergent paths made me feel as though I was 'walking a maze' never knowing where the next path would take me.
The novel is set in fictional Smoothville, Georgia where residents are just as quick to give you a hearty, 'hey y'all' as to curse you out--all in the name of their God!
I enjoyed this novel because it explores sensitive relationship issues including trust, marital fidelity, race, spiritual beliefs, family and friendships. I am impressed with Ms. Tullis' creative use of humor and satire to refine and shape her characters and tell their story. I commend the author on her debut novel and look forward to reading her next.
November 21, 2014
The book opens with a scene that will leave you wanting to get to the explanation of what exactly happened. Once you meet the characters you start to realise that it's going to be a thrilling and engaging story that will take you along the path to the true Master's plan. Pastor Woody, when faced with a hidden past and difficulties, ignores God's plan for him and goes off to do his own thing, telling himself that it was meant to be. This isn't the kind of book I would usually read, but I did love it from start to finish. I found myself waiting with baited breath to find out what Woody's secret was and whether or not it tied in with the other secrets of other characters. My first time reading Stephany Tullis and I was not disappointed! I loved her writing style and the way she had crafted her characters and will be keeping her on my watch list for her next books! A great read overall and much enjoyable!
August 25, 2014
The Master's Plan by Stephany Tullis is an inspiring read that moves at a fast pace. I really enjoyed this story and read with gusto wanting to know the outcome. The author tells a very compelling story. This book dealt with real life-like struggles. Some I could surely relate to. The story had me thinking about my own life. I found this hit home. Very realistic. Issues such as fidelity, belief systems, relationships and trust are brought to the forefront. The church politics of Smoothville, Georgia were at times laugh out loud funny. So much hypocrisy.
The Master’s Plan shares a positive message as the main character, Selena searches for fulfillment. This book is not just about Christianity and it is not at all preachy. It’s about being good and doing good. I find that inspiring.
Quote ~
“For the first time since the stairway was installed, she climbed the stairs without noticing the beauty of the wood features. The staircase always reminded her of the winding path of her life as she tried to stay on path and make her way to heaven. She had laughingly shared with Woody that the staircase-her private stairway to heaven-served as a frequent reminder of God’s goodness and His presence in her life. But it was evident from the slam of her bedroom door that Selena was not happy with the evening’s events.”
May 18, 2014
The Master's Plan: A Novel About Purpose, by Stephany Tullis, appeals to me on so many different levels. First, it is set in Georgia and deals with topics many small town southerners face, secondly it tells of the Master Plan for us all.
Selena Beatrice Jones is married to Pastor Woodruff T. Jones, pastor of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, Smoothville, Georgia. She struggles with her life as the Pastor's second wife, she struggles with his family and his church of 25 years, too.
After celebrating her 50th birthday, Selena has an epiphany and is excited about God's plan - The Master's Plan - in her life. Selena doesn't know that Commissioner Reginald Thompson II agrees to buy into her Master’s Plan because he has his own plan - one to get him elected into a higher office than commissioner.
The Master's Plan it is a finely written book that will appeal not only to reader's of Christian fiction but reader's of all genres due to the well developed characters and the defined plot. This is a story with a message for us all.
Selena Beatrice Jones is married to Pastor Woodruff T. Jones, pastor of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, Smoothville, Georgia. She struggles with her life as the Pastor's second wife, she struggles with his family and his church of 25 years, too.
After celebrating her 50th birthday, Selena has an epiphany and is excited about God's plan - The Master's Plan - in her life. Selena doesn't know that Commissioner Reginald Thompson II agrees to buy into her Master’s Plan because he has his own plan - one to get him elected into a higher office than commissioner.
The Master's Plan it is a finely written book that will appeal not only to reader's of Christian fiction but reader's of all genres due to the well developed characters and the defined plot. This is a story with a message for us all.
May 27, 2014
In The Master’s Plan, Ms. Tullis takes the reader through an enjoyable, and sometimes hilarious, romp through the local and church politics of Smoothville, Georgia. It is the story of Selena Jones, 2nd wife of revered Pastor Woody Jones. Wanting to aid her husband, Selena (SB to her friends) naively has put together a plan – a master plan – to help him spread the good word. Throw in to the mix, Commissioner Reginald, who has plans of his own, his advisor Shawn, who is becoming disillusioned, Woody’s daughter by his first wife who is hell-bent to see Selena gone, and a host of other marvelously drawn deacons and church-goers, the result is an outstanding read. Ms. Tullis keeps the reader in suspense throughout, wondering just what Selena’s plan actually is and what in the heck is going on with Woody?
Anyone who enjoys vivid characterizations and southern literature will be delighted by Ms. Tullis’ work. I highly recommend it.
Anyone who enjoys vivid characterizations and southern literature will be delighted by Ms. Tullis’ work. I highly recommend it.
April 28, 2014
This review is from: The Master's Plan (Kindle Edition)
review by Robert K. Swisher Jr.
First off I am not from the south, western guy all the way, and, sorry to say in many ways, I am not religious, but, with this said and done I really enjoyed THE MASTER'S PLAN. maybe there is a plan for all of us and not the random actions that I find myself believing in. This is a serious, at times funny, and always captivating book. The characters spring out of the words and there are aspects of each that live in all of us. It is a great read and makes me want to be a Baptist for at least one day.
July 11, 2014
Exceptional!
I am very impressed with this author. Her work in this book is exceptional. The characters are complex and real, so that you feel as if you know them and can relate to them. The book takes on some really difficult and important philosophical issues that are integral to and enhance rather that distract from the very enjoyable plot. The story is very engaging with plenty of interesting twists and turns to hold your attention. I highly recommend this book and hope to read more from Stephany Tullis.
I am very impressed with this author. Her work in this book is exceptional. The characters are complex and real, so that you feel as if you know them and can relate to them. The book takes on some really difficult and important philosophical issues that are integral to and enhance rather that distract from the very enjoyable plot. The story is very engaging with plenty of interesting twists and turns to hold your attention. I highly recommend this book and hope to read more from Stephany Tullis.
June 4, 2014
This book came at a time that I really needed it. I think that we all question 'Why we are here' at times. It is encouraging to know that other people face the same dilemmas. I appreciated how the author touched on 'church politics.' This book had a little of everything including humor. I look forward to ready more of this Author's work.
August 1, 2014
This inspiring tale, a central message of faith relevant to non-Christians, hope, integrity, goodness and perseverance prevail. A book about choices we make, temptation and belief. Wonderfully written, inspiring and interesting, I couldn't put it down. Thank you Stephany Tullis for this inspiring book. A must read!
August 3, 2014
The intrigue of finding out what exactly is "The Master's Plan" keeps you turning the pages. These people were real, making real mistakes and receiving (and giving) real forgiveness. Stephany Tullis has created a vibrant read I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves great fiction.
September 8, 2014
Where in the world is Pastor Woodruff [Woody] T. Jones?
That question drives much of the story behind the Master’s Plan that portrays how interwoven church, politics, community and family can be. Not an easy tapestry to navigate, even when folks [mostly] mean well. Trouble walks in and shakes things up, revealing that not all the motives are pure even among those at the heart of the church.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable tale of the struggle to do the right thing in the face of day-to-day challenges to figure out what the heck that is. Sometimes humorous, sometimes sad and distressing, there is always a sincerity and tenderness that urges the reader forward. Loved the intermittent use of the vernacular, the descriptions of the characters and lifestyle are all well drawn and the story hopeful and uplifting.
In my former life, as a social and behavioral scientist, I was privileged to have a colleague who wrote with erudition about the critical importance of interconnectedness of family, church and politics to the Civil Rights Movement [See: The Origins of the Civil Rights Movements: Black Communities Organizing for Change by Aldon D. Morris]. Flash forward to the current era. Stephany Tullis’ fictional account brings the importance of those connections ‘home’ in a personal, more intimate and engaging way. A recommended read for those of you who like family sagas, set in the larger context of local politics and community, and who enjoy reading books that boost your spirits.
That question drives much of the story behind the Master’s Plan that portrays how interwoven church, politics, community and family can be. Not an easy tapestry to navigate, even when folks [mostly] mean well. Trouble walks in and shakes things up, revealing that not all the motives are pure even among those at the heart of the church.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable tale of the struggle to do the right thing in the face of day-to-day challenges to figure out what the heck that is. Sometimes humorous, sometimes sad and distressing, there is always a sincerity and tenderness that urges the reader forward. Loved the intermittent use of the vernacular, the descriptions of the characters and lifestyle are all well drawn and the story hopeful and uplifting.
In my former life, as a social and behavioral scientist, I was privileged to have a colleague who wrote with erudition about the critical importance of interconnectedness of family, church and politics to the Civil Rights Movement [See: The Origins of the Civil Rights Movements: Black Communities Organizing for Change by Aldon D. Morris]. Flash forward to the current era. Stephany Tullis’ fictional account brings the importance of those connections ‘home’ in a personal, more intimate and engaging way. A recommended read for those of you who like family sagas, set in the larger context of local politics and community, and who enjoy reading books that boost your spirits.
July 24, 2015
A must read! Sharp sighted story about human nature, that is written warmly and with humor. The characters are so realistic I laughed my butt off at times when recognizing things from my life in their behavior. Excellent and something I can easily recommend to everyone!
I picked up this book as a friend recommended it to me. It isn’t my usual genre, since it’s a Christian story, but I’m happy I took the leap into the unknown as I enjoyed the story enormously.
Politics and religion….add one determined pastor’s wife and the soup is ready to boil over. The Master’s Plan could be a real story. The plot is really thought through and the characters well developed. The more I read, the more I wanted to know…it was like peeking into the culture that is not familiar to me…a true portrait of southern Baptist people. Yet, the story is funny, with its little twists and inspirational messages, and I think anyone who enjoys a good book might like this one.
The message is clear. No matter what obstacles life throws at your feet, you will survive. If you fall, someone will help you up. In this case it was the pastor’s wife who stepped up when her husband, Pastor Woody, stumbled in his faith.
Excellent job!
I picked up this book as a friend recommended it to me. It isn’t my usual genre, since it’s a Christian story, but I’m happy I took the leap into the unknown as I enjoyed the story enormously.
Politics and religion….add one determined pastor’s wife and the soup is ready to boil over. The Master’s Plan could be a real story. The plot is really thought through and the characters well developed. The more I read, the more I wanted to know…it was like peeking into the culture that is not familiar to me…a true portrait of southern Baptist people. Yet, the story is funny, with its little twists and inspirational messages, and I think anyone who enjoys a good book might like this one.
The message is clear. No matter what obstacles life throws at your feet, you will survive. If you fall, someone will help you up. In this case it was the pastor’s wife who stepped up when her husband, Pastor Woody, stumbled in his faith.
Excellent job!
August 6, 2016
“The Master's Plan” by Stephanie Tully is an inspiring story about marriage, politics, purpose and faith. Selena Jones, second wife to Pastor Woodruff, becomes convinced that God has a mission for her on earth and – all inspired – goes about to realise her goal.
Things do not go smoothly with the Commissioner who promised to help her and with the church committee. It gets worse when her husband suddenly miraculously disappears.
In this inspiring tale, whose central message of faith is relevant also to non-Christians, hope, integrity, goodness and perseverance prevail.
The characters are not holier than thou but real people with real problems who aspire to solve their struggles the best they can.
A book about choices we make, temptation and belief. Told with sharp observations about human nature and behaviour, wit and humour and with a caring and warm tone this should appeal to many.
Things do not go smoothly with the Commissioner who promised to help her and with the church committee. It gets worse when her husband suddenly miraculously disappears.
In this inspiring tale, whose central message of faith is relevant also to non-Christians, hope, integrity, goodness and perseverance prevail.
The characters are not holier than thou but real people with real problems who aspire to solve their struggles the best they can.
A book about choices we make, temptation and belief. Told with sharp observations about human nature and behaviour, wit and humour and with a caring and warm tone this should appeal to many.
August 6, 2014
This beautifully told christian tale has it all; hope, subterfuge and redemption.
Selena is looking forward to moving, with her ever loving Pastor husband, to Mt Sinai to continue to spread the good word.
However, the nefarious Commissioner Reginald has his own plan to use Selena to catapult him into political office.
What lifts this amazing story so high above its contemporaries, is the authors understanding of characterization; Selena and Reginald really represent our own internal voices - one seeks to strive and do good, whilst the other seeks to indulge in the excess of base debauchery.
This is really a story of temptation, and through the two opposing characters we understand the allusion to the Temptation of Christ... and through Him, we better understand ourselves and strive towards the True Path.
Fans of Sally Stuart will love this, and new readers to the genre will fall in love with the message.
Recommended.
Selena is looking forward to moving, with her ever loving Pastor husband, to Mt Sinai to continue to spread the good word.
However, the nefarious Commissioner Reginald has his own plan to use Selena to catapult him into political office.
What lifts this amazing story so high above its contemporaries, is the authors understanding of characterization; Selena and Reginald really represent our own internal voices - one seeks to strive and do good, whilst the other seeks to indulge in the excess of base debauchery.
This is really a story of temptation, and through the two opposing characters we understand the allusion to the Temptation of Christ... and through Him, we better understand ourselves and strive towards the True Path.
Fans of Sally Stuart will love this, and new readers to the genre will fall in love with the message.
Recommended.
September 14, 2014
I bought 'The Master's Plan' as it was on the Top 20 in Women's Fiction.
The story tells about a pastor's wife who decides to lead her husband's church into the 21st century. At the very beginning it reminded me a Hollywood movie when a noveau Noah saves the city from a new Great Flood, but The Master's Plan turns more into a funny, realistic story of life motivation and fulfillment.
SB, the main character, could be anyone who has faith in God and people. She finds a way to enhance her life and new, valuable purposes to pursue. She doesn't have a straight, smooth way ahead though, as lots of issues and political matters gets her road to success more like a steeplechase.
The message of the whole story is pretty clear and you can either read the novel to learn something about yourself or just to entertain, as it's pleasantly funny.
Five stars and recommended.
The story tells about a pastor's wife who decides to lead her husband's church into the 21st century. At the very beginning it reminded me a Hollywood movie when a noveau Noah saves the city from a new Great Flood, but The Master's Plan turns more into a funny, realistic story of life motivation and fulfillment.
SB, the main character, could be anyone who has faith in God and people. She finds a way to enhance her life and new, valuable purposes to pursue. She doesn't have a straight, smooth way ahead though, as lots of issues and political matters gets her road to success more like a steeplechase.
The message of the whole story is pretty clear and you can either read the novel to learn something about yourself or just to entertain, as it's pleasantly funny.
Five stars and recommended.
July 25, 2014
For any Christian who has ever questioned your path in life, this book is for you. Beautifully yet accessibly written, The Master's Plan traces Selena on her journey to fulfilling what she believes to be her life's calling. But when politics and religion collide, chaos ensues and Selena must pick up the pieces. I was particularly drawn to how connected I felt to the characters as the author's faith shines through in this absolute gem. Bravo Ms Tullis! Highly recommend!
August 8, 2014
Well written and imaginative story, using the second wife of a pastor as the protagonist. She is trying, really doing her best to "find" her purpose in life. Unfortunately, the plot thickens. Unusual relationships form between church officials and an aspiring politician. Recommended.
July 31, 2014
Always believing in a higher power and wondering what my purpose in life really is, The Master's Plan held my interest from the first page. Wonderfully written, inspiring and interesting, I couldn't put it down. Thank you Stephany Tullis for this remarkable book.
July 30, 2014
The Master's Plan A Novel About Purpose by Stephany Tullis is a wonderful book laced with humor and characters that we all can relate with. Highly recommended!
July 31, 2014
An interesting and engaging read with an intricate plot. Thoroughly enjoyed myself!
August 5, 2014
I love this author. She has a way with words, as all authors should. The story of church and politics, and the woman behind both was entertaining, funny and brilliantly written. More please......
July 31, 2014
Love the cover, which alone was enough to make me open the book and read the rest of it -- nonstop!
July 31, 2014
This is one of the most interesting books that I have read in a very long time. Excellent!
July 31, 2014
A great read! How inspirational!
August 27, 2016
Interesting read.
July 31, 2014
This book has something for everyone. It was a warm and humorous read. A thoughtful book.
July 31, 2014
Witty, wonderfully told and a marvelous story. I'm glad I managed to finally finish the read. Well worth the price.
August 1, 2014
A fast paced page turner. Borrowed a copy.
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