Women Books

"Life doesn't just happen to us. There is one spectacular moment when it happens for us," says Mary Gauden Hughes (psychology '81). Her book, The Last Slow Dance, conveys that sentiment in the story of a musician who must decide between his career and the love of a writer who may have found her best story yet in him. These two "not-so-young" lovers must figure out how to balance their dreams and fears when love is involved and when the past isn't resolved.

This is a powerful, poignant and compelling love story of love found and the transforming power of this love. The story is marked by Hughes's simplicity of form and purity of line, comparable to the best selling author, Nicholas Spark's novel, The Notebook. A pleasant and relaxing read.

I certainly have enjoyed "The Last Slow Dance." It would be a great movie as it would be interesting for young folks as well as older folks. It is so nice to read a book that doesn't have unnecessary and unwanted descriptions. It is a book that you can be proud of. Keep more books coming!

This book was great! I fell in love with the characters in the first chapter. Micheal Mcain is such a deep character. I'm sorry that can't write much now, but this book is great!

I read this book in one sitting! What an excellent, uplifting story of life and love. This author's writing style is beautiful and easy - it flows so well - you just can't put it down. If you liked The Bridges of Madison County, you will also love The Last Slow Dance. I look forward to more books by Mary Gauden Hughes.

In "Leaving November", award winning author Deb Raney has written another "Can't put the book down". This second book in the Clayburn series left me with a deep yearning for the release of her next book. As usual, Deb has the reader turning pages in anticipation of her character's life-choices in the small town of Clayburn, Kansas. Deb is second-to-none in creating believable, exciting characters and does so in "Leaving November". She also catches us up on the lives of characters we came to love in her first book in the series, "Remember to Forget". As I followed Vienne Kenney and Jackson Linder through the pages of "Leaving November", I was amazed at Deb's ability to connect the reader with the realities of life that Vienne and Jackson have to face, so that we "feel" their frustrations, fears, disappointments and temptations along with them. Vienne and Jackson face their deep-rooted problems head-on, yet in true-to-life experiences that tug on the heart. The couple's gradual love and trust for each other leaves the reader with a contented heart. But Deb didn't choose a "happily-ever-after" ending for her story, but one that whets the reader's appetite to read more about this couple we've invested our hearts in.
Congratulations go to Deb Raney for writing such a wonderful story of faith and love, and triumph and victory. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

In November, Vienne Kenney makes a life-changing decision. After failing the bar exam, again, she decides to return to Clayburn, the town she left eight years ago. She learns quickly that the ghosts of her past still inhibit the small town. Nor has she found the strength to forgive her alcoholic father. She tries to make a go of her mother's café. With the help of town artist, Jackson Linder she might succeed at something. Jackson Linder left Clayburn eight months ago for reasons he would like to forget. Those who matter to him, realize the accident that took the life of his best friend's wife wasn't his fault. But he drank to forget and became chemically dependent. Months of rehab have sobered him. Trevor is remarried and happy. Can he return to a town full of gossips that won't let him forget?Award winning author, Deb Raney has woven yet another great story of overcoming insurmountable odds through the grace available in Christ. Christians are not immune to disappoints, failures, and tragedies. Sometimes these experiences can alter our lives in ways we could never expect. Sometimes, we find God forgives our past more readily than our neighbors or church associates. Through Vienne and Jackson's story, Leaving November, the heartwarming sequel to Remember to Forget, reminds us that our pasts are in the sea of God's forgetfulness. Where they need to stay.

LEAVING NOVEMBER
By Deborah Raney

Reviewed by Marion Kelley Bullock

Vienne Kinney failed the bar exam-- a second time. After she'd spent tens of thousands of dollars on a law degree that's now useless. Then her mother suffered a stroke and Vienne came back home to Clayburn, Kansas, determined to make a go of the fancy coffee shop that was once her mother's café. She must swallow her pride and try to forget that the townspeople probably view her as a failure-- just like her father, who was the town drunk.

Jackson Linder is back in Clayburn, after a mysterious absence of nine months. He must make his art gallery a success. How many people know his secret? He's working hard and keeping busy shooting prayers up to God-- the God whom he leans on.

Vienne and Jackson, two new business owners, form a tenuous friendship. When she finds out about Jackson's past, she vows to have nothing to do with him. If she dares to let herself fall for a man with the same addiction that killed her father, she fears it will end up like it did for her mom.

Leaving November explores the curse of addiction, the healing balm of forgiveness, and the faith in God that makes it possible to succeed one day at a time.

A beautiful story, I could never do it justice in a review. As have other Deb Raney books, it touched my heart in a special way. Vienne and Jackson, and even Pete, will live on in my memory because Deb made them real.

As a child of an alcoholic, I can relate to Vienne Kenney. She does not really want to return to painful memories of Clayburn, KS after her mother's stroke, but she must. The business, a cafe, needs attention. Vienne turns the lunchroom into an upscale coffee shop and names it Latte-dah and meets a bit of opposition from some in the small town. Romantic tension is provided by Jackson Linder, Vienne's high school crush, when he returns from rehab to reopen his art shop across the street. Jackson has problems of his own as he struggles to stay sober. Can Vienne overlook Jackson's past? Will her mother approve the changes in the cafe? Will there be enough business to keep these two new business ventures going?

This is the first book by Deborah Raney I've read, and what a delightful surprise it is! It will not be the last one of hers I read.

Deborah Raney never disappoints. With skill, faith and depth, she tells stories that are real and filled with hope. Her characters could be your neighbor, your best friend, maybe even you. In Leaving November, she takes us back to the small town of Clayburn, Kansas where we meet some new characters and become reacquainted with old ones.

Vienne Kenney, left Clayburn with plans never to return. Eight years and two failed bar exams later she is back. When her mother suffers a stroke, she determines to stay, refurbish Clayburn Diner into a coffee shop and run it until her mother recuperates. But will she ever get used to the small town gossip and find her place in the community and in God's plan? Jack Linder returns to Clayburn to face his largest challenge. He must reopen his art gallery and face his past mistakes without running to the crutch he used before. Will he be able to fight off temptation and convince Vienne that he truly has changed his ways?

Deborah creates flawed characters you will love and a story you will believe. She weaves faith and truth masterfully in the pages and when you close the book you will want to visit Clayburn, Kansas again. I highly recommend Leaving November and the first book in the series, Remember to Forget.

The summer of 1944, Gretchen Gilman was only thirteen. Yet thanks to the shortage of available workers, she is able to land a prize opportunity -- working as a reporter for her hometown newspaper.

Delighted to cover even mundane stories, Gretchen never imagined she'd find herself at the center of the biggest crime ever to hit her sleepy little Oklahoma town.

Faye Tatum, Gretchen's neighbor and mother of her friend Barb, was brutally murdered in her own home. Her husband Clyde, a soldier on leave, is nowhere to be found -- a fact that convinces most area residents he's responsible.

As the days pass, Gretchen is torn between her duty to cover the story for the newspaper, and between loyalty to Barb, who is staying with Gretchen and her grandmother. She's also struggling to deal with her widowed mother, away in Tulsa working for the war effort, as it seems Lorraine may have a few changes in mind for the Gilmans.

As narrator, Gretchen's voice alternates between two phase of her life -- that summer when she was 13, and present-day, when she's an older woman, who's had a successful journalism career. Hart does an excellent job, combining the elements of a mystery and that of small-town fiction.

and I have read a lot. I very much enjoy Carolyn Hart's other books, but not as much as this book. The imagery is as compelling as the dialog. The characters are drawn lovingly & realistically. Her use of the letter, the preset & the past in each chapter keep me racing to read more. I felt that the "mystery" serves as a backdrop for the story of the characters, unlike most thriller/mystery works where the plot is the most important part of the book. I love mysteries, but for those who do not, this is just as wonderful a book showing the slice of life for these characters. This is the first review I've ever written, but this book compelled me to share my thoughts. It really is the best book I've ever read. Ms. Hart has my respect... and thanks.

I enjoyed this book and will read more Carolyn Hart mysteries. I found the ending - the mystery's solution - particularly satisfying. But much of the story called on way too many all-too-familiar and overused cliches of small town America. Which we all know (yawn) is narrow-minded, hypocritical and suspicious of those artistic types. The book's Children of the Corn mob scene is way over the top.

Nearly all of the characters fall into two rather obvious piles - the saints, and the villains. Grandmother is a perfect, selfless saint a la Ma Joad; the victim, Faye, is the Saintly but Misunderstood Artist. And the preacher, of course, is a slimy, evil purveyor of hell-fire-and-damnation. And then you have the silly side plot about the townfolk veering into vigilantism over what everybody clearly assumes is a domestic murder. HUH? And I had to stifle a snicker when, at the city council meeting, the leathery-faced, tobacco-chewing farmer yells out, "How come you ain't found Tatum yet?" How imaginative.

The mystery itself could have held its own without having to take these detours into such overworn territory.

The descriptions are so vivid that you can almost smell the starch in the doilies,taste the crunchy watermelon and feel the blast of hot air through the window.

Not only does Ms. Hart place us amidst the happenings, seen through the eyes of Gretchen, she manages to make the story twist and turn so that at the end, we are truly surprised at the outcome.

The two young girls, Gretchen and Barbie, follow very divergent lives, and their story is told through fragments of a letter sent to Gretchen and her thoughts as she looks back to that time long ago.

This book should satsify any mystery fan and those who love stories from the 40's. We get a feel for the times with women doing war work, rationing and young boys from the town that are killed.

And one great thing about this book is that a young girl is given her break into journalism by a crusty old editor. A concept that in those times was remarkable indeed.

Gretchen Gilman is only thirteen the summer of 1944, but she's managed to get a summer job at the local newspaper. With all the men off fighting the war, the editor was desperate. It's hard work, but she's enjoying herself and gaining great experience.

One night, her friend and neighbor Barb comes to her window asking for help. They return to find Barb's mother, Faye, murdered in the living room. Immediately, the rumors start about Faye's dancing at the local tavern every night while her husband is off at the war. But Gretchen finds herself getting more caught up in events that will scandalize a small town and change her life forever.

I'll admit this book took a chapter or two to fully get. Each chapter starts with part of a letter the grown up Gretchen has received, a few thoughts of her own, then flashes back to the third person account of the story as it unfolded. Once I got into the story, I was hooked. Foreshadowing keeps the suspense up, while the writing style pulls you in. I felt like I was in the small Oklahoma town that summer with its problems, prejudices, and pride. The ending is as surprising as it is logical and extremely powerful.

In spite of all I've heard about her, this is my first Carolyn Hart book. It won't be my last.

I was lucky enough to see Lois Lowry speak in Knoxville, TN over a year ago. Lowry is a phenomenal story teller--both in print and in person. She told the audience much about her family and growing up...indulged us with photgraphs, stories, and memories. I felt like I was listening to a member of my own family telling me stories; I was completely enthralled and really appreciated Lowry willing sharing her life with so many people. "Looking Back" gave me the same feeling.

The book is not a typical memoir: no linear narration. It is, as she states, "about moments, memories, fragments, falsehoods, and fantasies." Photographs (most taken by herself or her father) are dated and presented with short explanations, memories, or revelations. It brings together two of my very favorite things: pictures and stories. I especially love the story of how she met her second husband, Martin, and her quest for the ideal dog. Fans of Lowry's books (especially of the Anastasia books, Autumn Street, and The Giver) will enjoy quotes from novels which relate to Lowry's life. While reading this book, readers will revel in the extent to which Lowry has placed her own experiences, memories, and stories into her fiction. It's all about stories; how we become ourselves and the importance of remembering.

I believe that I, as a child or teen, probably would not have been entirely interested in "Looking Back." I believe it takes a more mature reader to realize/appreiciate the intimacy and life experiences and milestones expressed in the book. But young fans of Lowry could enjoy learning more about a favorite author and where her stories came from.

How do writers create the characters for their books? Writer Lois Lowry answers this question in this beautiful book of memories. Each individual memory with accompanying black and white photograph illustrates an important event in the author's life. Together they weave a story that is impossible to put down and leaves the reader wanting more. There is humor reminiscent of Erma Bombeck and sadness that makes you want to weep. Lois Lowry includes quotes from characters in her books echoing experiences that are provided in the memories. The death of her sister is found in Number The Stars, her grandparent's house is in Autumn Street, and her son and his horse in The Giver, and she herself in books like Anastasia Krupnik and The One Hundredth Thing about Caroline. Read this book to learn more about a new friend or to find a new one.

How do writers create the characters for their books? Writer Lois Lowry answers this question in this beautiful book of memories. Each individual memory with accompanying black and white photograph illustrates an important event in the author's life. Together they weave a story that is impossible to put down and leaves the reader wanting more. There is humor reminiscent of Erma Bombeck and sadness that makes you want to weep. Lois Lowry includes quotes from characters in her books echoing experiences that are provided in the memories. The death of her sister is found in Number The Stars, her grandparent's house is in Autumn Street, and her son and his horse in The Giver, and she herself in books like Anastasia Krupnik and The One Hundredth Thing about Caroline. Read this book to learn more about a new friend or to find a new one.

Browsing at my local library, I stumbled upon this book. "HMMMM, this looks interesting," I thought to myself. Little did I know that I had found a book that would bring me to my knees crying and give me one of the biggest "book hangovers" ever. This book followed me through my weekend, and inspired me as a writer ( who wishes she could write with even 1/100th of Lowry's talent) a teacher (who thought of about a zillion really cool writing and reading lessons I could spring from this book) and as a mother (who realized the joy of life, and exactly how fragile and tenacious it really is).

You must read this book. It is easy, and unfolds into a love story, a story of loss, and a story of absolutely LIVING life with as much passion as the moment allows. I don't want to give this book away, because the suprise of it, the thing that made most of the essays connect, is what left me gasping and delighted on snowy Sunday here in Denver.

Absolutely appropriate for children, but I would guess that the essays would appeal more to girls. And if you are a teacher, you will discover a hidden treasure in the book by and about one of the most talented childrens authors of our day!

Enjoy. Have the kleenex handy.

The memoir I read is called "Looking Back a Book of Memories" by Lois Lowry. The book is a collection of Lois Lowry's memories throughout her life. Lois Lowry is a prize winning writer of fiction novels. Each chapter is separate memory. She begins each chapter with a quote from one of her many novels. In this memoir she relates different quotes from her novels back to life experiences. The memories that she describes seem to be used throughout her novels. Writers will draw on memories and events from their own life as part of their story telling.

Lois Lowry noted that she has a lot of babies as characters in her books. For example, in the novel "The Giver" one of the characters was the baby Gabriel. In the novel "Rabble Starkey" there was a baby named Gunter Bigelow. Lois Lowry thinks that she likes to use baby characters because she likes newborn babies. Her fondness for newborn babies was started by a picture her father took of her when she was born in 1937. Fathers weren't normally allowed in the hospital ward but he worked for the hospital and he was a photographer. Her memoir also includes pictures of grandchildren as babies.

In the book, "Find a Stranger, Say Goodbye", she describes a girl looking up as she is standing in thick forest. She describes the emotions as fearful, humorous, and warmth all wrapped together. When Lois was two years old her father took a picture of her standing in a thick "tropical growth" near her house in Hawaii. She is looking up at her father's camera in the same way that she describes the girl in the book. She comments that her life had challenges but was mostly filled with warmth and humor. She says most of the time she remembers she laughed a lot.

In the book, "Anastasia at Your Service", she describes a scene where a young boy is trying to prove to another young girl that he can read. In this scene it is very important for the young boy to be able to read and prove it. She relates this to her need to want to read. When she was 3 years old and her sister was 6 they would play school. Her sister was the teacher because she could read. Lois wanted to read so that she could be the teacher.

In her book of memories, Lois Lowry describes her life using quotes from her fictional books. She discovered that most of the scenes in her books came from her own experiences. She used her own life as an inspiration for her writing. It would be easy to find scenes inspired by her own life in her books because so much of her own life is in her books. She documented many of these in her book of memories.

This is an extremely thorough, even-handed and well-written bio. The author's approach is intelligent and his research and references are extensive.

One learns that Brooks began as an upper middle class wildchild from the plains who determined early to be a great dancer. She had talent and determination. But Fate along with timing made it possible for her to escape Kansas for New York City at the tender age of 15 (!) to train with a premiere dance company. She seems never to have gotten past being that wildchild and was, at 17, dismissed from the troupe for unacceptable behavior. Soon she was a dancer on Broadway, including a stint with the Ziegfeld Follies. Next stop, the movies!

Being admittedly "selfish and stubborn" as well as volatile, Brooks tore through New York, Paris, London, Hollywood, Berlin and back, living it up and burning bridges all around. By age 25 she was finished in terms of ever becoming a movie star or great dancer. She eventually disappeared into a gin bottle, was reduced to dance instruction, retail sales and finally "love for sale."

This is all fascinating enough, but her late-in-life resurrection as a rediscovered silent era "icon" (based mostly on films made in Europe in the late 20's) and as a newly minted writer is the surprising twist toward the end of an otherwise bleak life story.

Her work in Pabst's "Pandora's Box" ought to provide Brooks all the immortality any actress could desire. She is spectacular as Lulu and deserves every accolade. She was a beauty, but there were other beauties of her era who achieved greater stardom - Joan Crawford, Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo, Jean Harlow. Her "black helmet" hairstyle was well suited to her looks, but it's more likely that Colleen Moore actually popularized the look, having been a superstar of the 20's (which Brooks wasn't)and the iconic "flapper." As for her skill as a writer (with reference to "Lulu in Hollywood"), I find Brooks interesting, insightful and even poetic, but there is an underlying note of bitterness that undermines any claim of objectivity. And, considering her decades of gin guzzling, I question her ability to be very accurate 40-50 years after the fact. For me, the mystique and power of Louise Brooks comes down to her performance in "Pandora's Box," her primary and glorious claim to fame.

Read "Louise Brooks" by Barry Paris and form your own conclusions. Don't miss "Pandora's Box." The Criterion Collection DVD boxed set includes Kenneth Tynan's 1979 profile, the TCM production, "Looking for Lulu," a 1970's interview with Brooks and other extras.

This book is an expansive overview of the life of Louise Brooks and also of the early days of the movie industry. Very throughly researched, it gives a nuanced look and the beautiful, brilliant and maddeningly self-destructive icon. It also is a wonderful history of the entertainment world in the 1920's and the personalities who populated that world. A must-read from fans of Louise Brooks.

Several books have been written about Louise Brooks, but this book is probably the most concise and most thorough of them all. The book starts off with Louise's birth and it describes all the people that helped to make Louise so interesting and famous. There are many black-and-white photos of Louise, from the time she started in show-biz (at age 4) to Louise in her later years, just before her death.

Since Louise Brooks had such a fascinating life, it is not a surprise that this book is so long. Each Chapter basically covers a chunk of her life, and each Chapter describes (in detail) the characters that encountered & shaped Louise, and also all the Theatre and Movie productions that Louise was involved in.

This is what a biography should be: insightful, understanding, offering a measured & complex view of its beloved subject. And what a subject Barry Paris has in Louise Brooks! Her beauty, her intelligence, her compelling charisma all shine in these pages, giving us a multi-faceted view of this ravishing star. For someone who had never heard of Louise Brooks, this biography will send him or her in eager pursuit of her all-too-few films & her own writing -- and both are of the very highest standard.

It's clear that Brooks never did anything without wanting to give her all, to make true art out of it, a work of beauty & meaning that would stand the test of time. And the same could be said of this superb biography. While Paris clearly adores Brooks (and with good reason), he never succumbs to blind hagiography. Nor does he stumble in the opposite direction of pathography. His purpose is to explore the life of a fascinating woman, and to present it to the reader as thoroughly & lucidly as possible. He succeeds on every level. Louise Brooks emerges from these pages as both a flesh & blood woman, and as the dazzling, mysterious icon she became to countless admirers.

In short, the best book on Louise Brooks you'll ever find, most highly recommended!

I have not yet read this entire book, but just glancing through it when it arrived I would find that I have just read twenty pages or so whenever I openned it up. I can't wait until I read it cover to cover.

In this story the author does a profound job of talking about relationships. He is very careful from the start to make sure his readers get a vivid picture of his main character Darryl and his relationships with three women; Sherry, Michelle and Tasha.

Darryl's approaches and encounters with his friends, family and relationships are very important in this story because they act as anchors to many learning experiences most readers may identify with. The story centers around Darryl finally learning lessons of life and realizes what becoming a man and dealing with some very heavy social issues is all about.

Being a strong black women myself I enjoyed trying to relate and I strongly recommend this book as a good read to all especially young black men. In my overall opinion if you are objective there are encounters Darryl faces that we all face if we are to be real with ourselves. The last few chapters the story really builds into some riveting moments where all of your emotions come out, and you don't want to stop reading. The writer is true to his objective in presenting this story from a man's prospective and this I found very refreshing since the majority of stories I have read or know about are usually told from a women's point of view. The title is very appropriate to the story.

I applaud the author in challenging his readers to wonder about the twist in his ending. As a writer myself , I was left with several questions regarding a couple of his characters and situations, and wonder if this was done purposely as an opener for a sequel , if so, I can't wait. Again, I strongly recommend this book as a good read to all. And I am looking forward to reading more books from this author.

Reviewed by Tempie D. King of Memphis RAWSISTAZ

I really enjoyed this book. I started reading it and couldn't put it down. I recomended this book to all my friends. This book made me laugh and then it made me cry. I never read a book that actually made me cry. I hope Mr. Burns is able to write more books and accomplish all his dreams. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book... I just wish the ending would have been a little different. i.e. did Tasha have H.I.V? How did Darryl tell his friends? What was their reaction?

The story of Darryl, and the three women he play around on. Darryl finally meets a woman he makes him give up his playing ways. I was kinda of shocked with what happened to Darryl at the end of the book, and I also would have liked to have known Sherry's and Michelle's result. The book gives you a pretty good look at how a man thinks.

The book was recommended by a very good source.

Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. If really "flowed". The author made reading this book seem as if you were watching a movie. You could picture every characters physical make up, their emotions and every detail in your mind. The only thing that was missing were the refreshments.

This book will definitely take you away and draw you in at the same time.

I am looking forward to more books from this up and coming author.

"A Man's State of Mind" is a heart renching eye opener for the man that thinks he is a "player" I thinnk this book was well written. Chris really knows how to bring out the realness of his characters. This book will make you laugh and then out of nowhere it will make you cry. The thing I enjoyed the most was that Chris didn't sterotype the African American women to be the loud, rude women with bad attitudes that people assume they are. Even though this book is fiction it is still the truth as to how it really is in the world, as fr as the way the chacters think and feel. When I started reading this book I couldn't put it down I recomended this book to all my friends male and female. I also recomend this book to you. I look forward to more books by Christoper D. Burnes

MEETING MS. RIGHT WAS A REALLY GOOD BOOK ITS SHOW THAT MAN CAN BE VIRGINS TOO THE AUTHOR BROUGHT REALLY GOOD QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE HAVE TO DEAL WITH FINDING LOVE IN THEIR LIFE AND IF THEY WILL EVER MEET THE RIGHT PERSON SO IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A GOOD READ THEN GO GET THIS BOOK.

Who gets chosen--The good guy with a good job and nice conversation or the rich guy with a great body and nice bank account? Most would go for the latter. Meeting Ms. Right will introduce you to Dexter and Malcolm, best friends, but polar opposites. Malcolm is a ladies' man, working as an auto mechanic for one of the world's top car manufacturers, pulling in over 75K a year. Dexter is a High School English teacher who just can't seem to land his perfect mate. As Jeanty's tale unfolds Dexter and Malcolm will come to heads with a few life changing decisions. Overall this book was a refreshing read.

1. What did you like best about this book?
I liked the way Mr. Jeanty developed both of his characters. They were very believable.

2. What did you dislike about this book?
This book was a fun read. Not much that for anyone to dislike.

3. How can the author improve this book?
There really isn't anything noteworthy that I would change about this book.

In Jeanty's MEETING MS. RIGHT readers are introduced to best friends Malcolm, a school teacher, and Dexter, a mechanic, who find themselves making some very important decisions in life.

Malcolm is having trouble finding a woman who will take him seriously. He's always walking in Dexter's, player extraordinaire shadow. So when he decides it's time to be a man he sets out on a mission to find the woman of his dreams. Malcolm finds just what he's looking for in Eileen but will he be graced with the know how to make it last?

Dexter has so many women he doesn't know whether he's coming or going. When he and Malcolm go clubbing he always makes sure his best friend meets someone as well. Tired of the monotony of bedding so many women, Dexter is forced to make a life-altering decision that will change the outlook of his perception of women.

MEETING MS. RIGHT is a well-written and highly engaging read. The storyline, plot and memorable characters are sure to please. Page after page the words flowed effortlessly thus my not having to reread a single passage for clarity. This is my first novel by the very talented Richard Jeanty but it certainly will not be my last.

Reviewed by Pamela Bolden
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Malcolm and Dexter are lifelong friends who are more like brothers yet are as different as night and day. Dexter gives new meaning to the word "playa" and has no problems meeting women while Malcolm is shy and more reserved and has decided to wait until he meets "Ms Right" before engaging in an "intimate" relationship. When Malcolm wins the lottery, and begins to change his appearance by buying new clothes, working out etc etc, he still refuses to disclose his new found status, wanting the woman he meets to love him for him, not his wealth. Dexter, on the other hand, believes in living his life to the fullest but soon begins to feel that something is missing and finds his potential mate in an unlikely source: Jessica. The woman that Malcolm has had an crush on for years. When Malcolm meets Eileen, he falls head over heels only to have to have the rug snatched from under him as a shocking secret comes to light. Has Malcolm finally found the one? Will Dexter ever settle down and be in an monogamous relationship? Meeting Ms Right is an engrossing , thought-provoking story that asks the age-old question, when it comes to relationships and finding your soul-mate, what do men and women really want? Do we set ourselves up for disappointment by setting expectations and standards too high? Reviewed by Shay C of PeoplewholoveGoodBooks

Meet Malcolm a 30-year-old virgin, 9th grade H.S school Social Studies Teacher who is looking for Mrs. Right. He has high standards and himself is just an average Joe. He wants beauty, Brains, simulating conversation. The problem is he is no pretty boy or a thug type male. He takes a chance and buys a lotto ticket and hits big: now he feels he must conceal his winnings from the world until he finds Mrs. Right and not Mrs. Right Now! Take the ride with Malcolm as he tries to find Mrs. Right, and find the answer to the question.... do nice guys finish last?


Meet Dexter, Malcolm's best friend he gives new meaning to the word "womanizer". He is a pretty boy with a great body and job to match who drives a BMW 528...Yes, all the makings to meet fine woman. During their clubbing ventures, he always tries to hook up Malcolm and always has Malcolm back. When Malcolm hits it big of course, he takes care of Dexter with a big pay off. Unlike Malcolm, Dexter does not hide his wealth. Will he ever settle down? Will he meet the woman of his dreams? Take the ride with Dexter and find out if bad boys end up on top?


Richard Jeanty does a great job pulling this story together. He takes you from Boston to Jamaica with vivid description you feel as if you are there. He does a great job taking you on the emotional roller coaster these friends take. While this work is fiction I found myself asking what would I do if I met a male virgin this day and age? As with my thinking Richard hits it in the book as Malcolm's sexual orientation is questioned.

This is my first read by Richard Jeanty I must say I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from him in the future.

I would recommend this book, as it was a great read and gave some insight into the male way of thinking about relationship.


SiStar Tea
ARC Book Club Inc.
Star Rating: 4

Love this series. Yes, the second book is ever bit as good if not better than the first book. It is smart, clever, witty, and fast paced.
Be sure to start with Happy Hour at Casa Dracula, which provides essential info on the characters and plot. Milagro is so life like.
Can relate to her thoughts and actions. Enjoy her clever repartee as well as witty thoughts. Am a fan of Marta Acosta's refreshing writing style. More please.

This is book 2 in the Casa Dracula series by Marta Acosta. I loved Happy Hour at Casa Dracula (book 1) and thought it might be hard beat. I was wrong. Midnight Brunch is just as good, if not better. The book is written differently, a little (very little) less comedy and more depth. Milagro is growing up and becoming someone that she and others really like.

Midnight Brunch takes place about a year after Happy Hour at Casa Dracula. Milagro and Oswald are very happily together, then his parents come for a visit. This parental visit is the beginning of a downward turn in Milagro's life; she fights with Oswald, gets involved in some twisted vampire ritual, and gets caught up with a washed-up actor. Through it all Milagro remains her witty self.

There were several things about Midnight Brunch that I liked. I loved the Milagro had to be on her own, without Oswald and his family. We really get to see her take care of herself, and how much she cares for her new family by not involving them in her troubles. I also really enjoyed the conversations between Milagro and Nancy, two such different people. The reappearance of Ian Ducharme also made me very happy. I know that he isn't the man for Milagro, but he makes me hot!

Midnight Brunch is romance, humor, and mystery all rolled into one delicious book.

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The Casa Dracula books are crisply written with great vivid characters--best of all it's laugh out loud funny.

Can't wait for the next installment!

From eccentric & sometimes annoying family members, to cryptic ceremonies, to boyfriends disappearing (even if it is for a good cause), to the return of a fabulous lover, to a tabloid journalist & a washed up heartthrob, Mrs. Acosta does it again in her sequel to Happy Hour at Casa Dracula. Her character development and story telling ability is spectacular. Marta is definitely one of a kind. Her writing is sexy & spicy, yet witty & charming. The lead character, Milagro de los Santos, is a beautiful Latina grad from an Ivy League school, trying to find her way as an author in a world she never would have believed in if it hadn't jumped out and bit her. Literally. Secrets & lies and even Mil's life being threatened as to where she has to hide away at an upscale desert resort, the impending chaos ensues. Will Mil get her happy ending? Pick this book up...you will not regret a single page!

Midnight Brunch is just as satisfying as Happy Hour. I loved the new cast of characters and the emotional vampire/actor at the resort. Marta's characters are very real and relatable and she infuses her knowledge of literature (like a previous reviewer I too squealed at the Northanger Abbey reference)and pop culture (heiress, self absorbed actor.) As a writer, I love to read Milagro's struggles with her career path. Again I love how Marta turned Vampire stereotypes upside down and tries to reinvent them. I can't wait to read Bride and I already pre ordered the book.

I enjoy Kathy Hogan Trochecks books, although when I was reading this one, once I reached page 54, it then went to page 295. I was able to pick it back up again at page 88. I'm sure a printing error, But I did miss out on 34 pages of the book.

I love all of the Callahan Garrity books, and I own the entire series. This was my favorite out of all them. The suspense and twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat, but the humor and heart are the backbone of the books. I love that the Callahan books are set in Atlanta; it's so much more refreshing than the typical New York or LA settings that many books use. I wish Ms Trocheck would write more Callahan books, but from what I can see, she has moved on to romances (written under the name Mary Kay Andrews) which are still good, but not as good as Callahan.

I adore all of Callahan Gerrity Mysteries and this one was the fiest de resistance. I could not put it down. I ate, slept and drank every word and loved it....Kathy Trochek is a master of description and weaver of mystery. Just loved it.

It's a few days before Christmas, and sometimes disorganized Callahan Garrity, actually has things under control for a change. That is, until her deadbeat brother, Brian, shows up after 10 long years, with a toddler, Maura, who he says is his daughter. Callahan is always used to trouble following Brian, so when she finds out that he's actually kidnapped Maura from his estranged wife, she's not surprised. But, when Brian's ex-wife is found dead, the lead suspect is Brian. And though Callahan knows that he's many things, she knows that he's no murderer. So now it's time for her, her hilarious mother, Edna, and the employees of the House Mouse Cleaning Service to do some serious detective work around Atlanta, before Christmas is ruined for everyone.

This was my first Callahan Garrity mystery, and I was not one bit disappointed. Callahan, and her mother Edna are two hilarious characters, and the mother/daughter relationship between the two of them is absolutely fantastic. Whether you're a mystery lover, or a fan of family drama's, this is a must-have this holiday season.

Erika Sorocco

I deliberately waited over a year to purchase and read Midnight Clear by my favorite mystery author, Kathy Hogan Trocheck. I've always paced myself with her books because there aren't that many to begin with plus it's been over 3 years since KHT last wrote one. I hope that she is working on something new, because all of us Callahan Garrity fans are anxiously awaiting the next mystery featuring Callahan, Edna & the rest of the House Mouse cleaning crew! As for Midnight Clear-it just doesn't get any better than this. Kid brother Brian, who had been in absentia for 10 years suddenly shows up at Edna's doorstep with a surprise in his truck-a 3 year old girl named Maura. There is a major murder mystery for Callahan to solve, but it looks like Brian is the prime suspect-his ex-wife is found murdered in her bed. You'll find yourself rapidly turning the pages until you reach the surprise ending, KHT pulls out all the stops with this one. Once you reach the very end, however, you realize you want more books to come out featuring Callahan Garrity & co. As the previous reviewer mentioned, if only Ms. Trocheck would write as often as Sue Grafton does! Very highly recommended-along with all of her other books. Enjoy!

I love the graphics in this book which portray so much emotion! The story of Harriet Tubman is inspiring and amazing and to be coupled with these graphics makes it really come alive for the reader. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants an inspiring book of courage, determination, and perseverance!

Well let me tell you you are wrong if you don't already have this book! This book is simply breathtaking. I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to get it! I've never heard a Harriet Tubman story told quite this way before. She prays to God and listens to His responses to lead her away from slavery that first fateful time. I actually felt like I was there...hiding...holding my breath. Will she make it? Of course we know the answer but the way the book is written is just amazing.

Now on the equally tantalizing images. Kadir Nelson lives up to his reputation here. Quality through and through with this project. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it.

Beautiful pictures, historically accurate account of Harriet Tubman in a personal way, told from her point of view. Excellent for thrid graders.

This book is truly inspirational. It shows what one person in God's hand can do to change the world around them. Harriet Tubman was truly a heroine. She was a humble person who was raised up to do a great and mighty thing. The illustrations are wonderfully drawn and the writing is almost poetic. This is a wonderful story for parents who are trying to teach their children about social justice, hearing the voice of God, and communing with Him. I highly recommend it!

This is a very spiritual book. We have a copy for our home and gave one to the Godparents. It has a creative flair to it and lots of wisdom. It is a good guide to remembering to trust in God.