Women Books

I absolutely love all of Ms. Billingsley novels. She always leaves you wanting more. I hate when the story ends. I'm like a fein when it comes to her work. Very powerful stories that always leads the characters back to the WORD.

Like all her other books, this one was fantastic as well. Very well written. Made you laugh, made your cry. I could really relate to the characters.

ReShonda Tate Billingsley wrote a great novel when she wrote "Can I Get A Witness?" She wrote a very inspiring and heart touching story. ReShonda takes you to Houston into the life of Vanessa and Thomas. She leads you on a journey of heartbreak and decit. Vanessa is heart broken to find the news of her husband's Thomas' affair and the resulting effects of that affair. ReShonda did very well in writing this intriging story. It's an awesome page turner from the first page til' the last page!

Thanks for sharing ReShonda!!!!

Sisters Vanessa and Dionne seem to have trouble all over them. Older sister Rosalyn may not be in much trouble now, but she's seen her share and tries to assist as they try to get their selves in order.

Vanessa is brutal in her courtroom. She has dreams and her marriage sometimes collides with her time. When her husband is no longer capable of excusing Vanessa's missing in action tactics, she's caught up with pride and having to learn to not only forgive, but adjust. Is this marriage worth it?

Dionne, the baby of the trio, is used to being smothered with attention. She's in love with a man who hasn't vocalized his emotions for her. She knows he's married, but they are divorcing and Dionne is ready to be the newest Mrs. However, when love plays a cruel joke with her heart, Dionne is hell bent of seeking revenge. Will the woman scorned have love again?

I haven't had the pleasure of reading anything by ReShonda Tate Billingsley prior. I was engaged throughout the entire book and loved the way the bossy, intrusive aunt had her say. This is a book I'd easily recommend to all.


Reviewed by: Peaches

As `Can I Get a Witness?' opens we're introduced to Vanessa, a divorce court judge hearing a case about a cheating husband. Every day it was the same case, just different participants. The only thing that was appeasing was that this was simply a stepping stone to her political career. But what happens when, suddenly, the case being heard involves Vanessa and her husband? Not so ordinary now is it?

Rosalyn, the older sister, appears to have it all right. She's married to a preacher, with one son, cooks cleans and works. Her life is flowing correctly. But what her sisters don't know is that she's dabbled with the wrong and is now an advocate for what can happen. Will her sisters heed her advice?

Dionne has the ideal relationship, or so she thinks. Well it has a few flaws, but they are manageable. When Dionne finds out that in addition to her boyfriend being married that he has a girlfriend, she is no longer able to idly sit by. Will a decision she makes in haste destroy her plans?

Aunt Ida, the matriarch of the family, has a way with words. Despite what the girls get entangled in and whether or not they want her assistance, she's there; ready, willing and able to get them in order verse by verse.

`Can I Get A Witness?' is a wonderful novel about family, marriage and forgiveness. This is just one of those feel good reads.

This is a great book! Good tips and ideas--I have had my own business for 10 years and still have learned a great deal. Would highly recommend--easy reading!

Elizabeth Gordon and Leanna Adams really lay it all out on the table. Putting your business in higher heels is an efficient business strategy for any woman who wants to be a wildly successful business owner and strong woman. I think Ms. Gordon's book, website and blog is of ongoing relevance to all women who want to be strong and independent.

Nobody knows how to write a book about women entrepreneurs like Elizabeth W. Gordon. The Chic Entrepreneur: Put Your Business in Higher Heels tells the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Gordon impresses with this down-to-earth (and very chic) how-to guide for women entrepreneurs. From knowing your value to figuring out what customers really want and measuring your results, The Chic Entrepreneur is packed with enough vital information to help entrepreneurs run their business while avoiding costly mistakes.

Most importantly, The Chic Entrepreneur is a fun and humorous read. Know that you are not picking up another textbook because Gordon provides us with humorous accounts of life in the business world. This is great book to add to your entrepreneur reference library.

I work with a lot of women business owners. And it's apparent to me that Elizabeth Gordon does as well. She's seeing the same issues that I am.

I found the book very accessible. Another reviewer has stated that some of the comparisons are a bit outrageous. Well, they are. But the point is to have you sit up and take notice. Gordon does well at taking what is new (business knowledge) and marrying it to the world that most women understand -- relationships.

Start with the last chapter. Give yourself the entrepreneurship test -- are you really ready to commit? Gordon says: "Women tend to be eager to commit to relationships, to marriage, to their families, and even to their best friends, but when it comes to committing to business, ironically, women are the ones who can't commit."

Ouch! Yes, it sounds harsh. But I see it again and again. Given a choice between a $300 business education course and a $300 purse, far too many women choose the purse. Owning a business is work, and yet, at the same time it is the most exhilerating thing that you can do with your life, other than raising a family. Both have their own joys and pitfalls -- even more so if you are doing both.

When you first learned to make your way in the world, you did some trial and error. (Try to walk, fall down, get up, try to walk, fall down...) But you also had someone there to hold your hand and help you get the concepts.

Elizabeth Gordon has given you the concepts in manageable language and format. I recommend this book to any women thinking of starting a business, just started a business or hopelessly lost in business. Even if you don't fall into any of those categories, the book is a good read. You will probably pick up something that will lead you to explode your business in the next 12 months.

The Chic Entrepreneur: Put Your Business in Higher Heels

As an aspiring entrepreneur who happens to be female, I was really looking forward to this book based on the other reviews because I wanted a woman's perspective on starting and growing a business. The Chic Entrepreneur was very uneven and at times had me shaking my head and saying "What?!"

Elizabeth Gordon mixes big business case studies with small, mostly female owned small business examples to make her case in areas such as What Do Customers Really Want?, Attracting and Retaining the Best Employees, The Importance of Systematic Processes, and How to Plan and Measure Your Results. For me, the small business examples worked better as some of the big business analyses seemed like a stretch. For example, her commentary on crash dieting versus Weight Watchers as an explanation for the importance of processes just didn't make sense to me.

This leads in to my other big problem with Gordon's book. I know she is trying to appeal to women, their interests, and what they know, but more often than not she comes off as condescending. Maybe it's just me being overly sensitive, but as an example: On page 109 in the sales and marketing chapter, Gordon says "getting customers is like flirting and keeping them is like marriage, only you are allowed to have as many customers as you can attract, without any pesky polygamy charges getting in the way." She goes on to discuss how you should "consummate the relationship" and seal the deal. Later she says: "Do you perpetually drop your prices in an act of desperation? Stop showing your panties and instead figure out a way to give the folks a better show with your clothes on."

Just two examples (and I could go on), but these comments seemed inappropriate for a business book. And if they were made by a male author, readers would be outraged.

My suggestion? Find a good entrepreneur/business book that isn't gender specific and go for it. I can guarantee that you'll get more out of it than this book.

If you enjoy Anne Perry, you will love this little novella for
Christmas as I did. It is about hope and change. I think we
all want to see redemption and this little book delivers.

A Christmas Guest was a quick, engaging, and fun Christmas mystery. I found Grandmama to be somewhat of a prude, but endearing still the same. In addition to uncovering the mystery of Maude Barrington's death the story also provides some light humor and a good message. Although it is not your typical Christmas read, if you're alright with Victorian-type novels this is one worth checking out during the Christmas season.

Anne Perry presents readers with a neat puzzle in this holiday mystery in the classic tradition. Like the rest of Perry's books, this a a page turner, and it will hold your attention right up to the last page!

Also recommended:
Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices

A Christmas Beginning: A Novel

Item was sent very quickley and in excellent condition.

I don't want to give away too much of the plot, but this Anne Perry gem truly SHINES. No, it's not your average Christmas story with predictable, shopworn plot devices. But being atypical is what makes it so great. Anne always delivers a great story and this is NO expection!!!

I love her historical mysteries...she puts you right THERE...you're always cheering for the hero or heroine, and her villians are really despicable...And if you're looking for a complex character, you'll be fanscinated with "A Christmas Guest's" Grandma Ellison...

Another atypical holiday story I thoroughly enjoyed was : "Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices" by John Allen. It's heartbreaking, it's inspiring...and if you hang till the astonishing climax, it's comforting...

This book is not terrible. I found it to be cliche at times, and it definitely contained a number of gender stereotypes, which the author would include and apologize for, which I found to be somewhat annoying. It's a quick read, so at least I didn't feel like I was wasting a lot of time. I have read a lot of books on women in corporations, and I didn't think this one was particularly new or innovative, and at times, the writing was poor. At the end of every chapter, there were exercises, and I did think those were helpful. For example, one suggestion was to write one hand written thank you note per week - not particularly innovative, but it is a good practice, I think, and a good reminder to do that.

In all, I think Lois Frankel's books are much better written, with much better advice.

It was a pleasure having Kathleen Archambeau host a recent Bank of America Diversity Brown Bag event in Concord, California that featured "Climbing the Corporate Ladder in High Heels". The buzz continues among male and female associates about Kathleen's book because it is not only a practical educational reference but an actionable guide for dealing with work/life balance. The book supports a core value we have taken to make our workplace a family friendly environment through inclusive meritocracy.

"Climbing the Corporate Ladder..." is a practical guide to career success. Extremely well-written. Inspires lots of "ah-ha" moments. Helps young and seasoned professionals remember to find a better work and life balance. Encourages readers to consider success from all angles. I loved it!

Not just for women. Kathleen provides important tips that all men can use to further their own careers. Provided in an easy to read and use format.

Full of insight and inspiring stories that will make any woman, regardless of her chosen field or career path, search her heart for the answers she needs to live a rewarding and fulfilling life. This book brings light and awareness to the often difficult and confusing choices we make along our journey through life. With humor and wit, Kathleen challenges us to look into the deeper parts of ourselves to identify what our true hearts desire is and then guides and empowers us with tools to achieve it.

Country Girl is an awe-inspiring tale told powerfully with little words, and only nine pages. The impact of the story however, will last a lifetime. Molly P holds on to her family values, her courage and her beliefs and still manages to dream the dream, and go for it. Lana Ho-Shing
is a powerful wordsmith whose tale is almost sung as it plays out before your mind's eye. The contrast between the two worlds is something most of us can relate to, whether we are city people, or country folk. Impressive, encompassing the very soul of human nature.

Back in the mid nineties, we visited Jamaica on vacation and I found the whole island beautiful and the people a joy. We visited small villages and met people selling their wares as we traveled around the Island on day trips. This was an experience I shall never forget. Reading this wonderful story of love and hope with the dream of a better life has it all. Ms Lana M. Ho-Shing is a definite story teller. I would really love to see more stories from this author.

Reviewed by Vickie, ( Tory Lynn author of "My Charming Protector")

Who'd a thought a cow in ribbons could be such a pivotal character in a wonderful read such as Country Girl?

Lana M Ho-Shing brings her readers into the country and down to market so easily that you can just hear the Jamaican accents as you read this heart-warming, edifying tale from the country.

Thoroughly enjoyable, down to the very last word.

This story celebrates the courage [and imagination!] of a young woman of African and mixed cultural descent enduring the loneliness and heartache as she emigrates from her beloved Jamaica to what she no doubt hopes will be a life of better economic opportunity in the United States.

The story flows from scene to scene as she draws upon the rich family heritage of her people to get over those dark and lonely nights inevitably following days of struggle to get a foothold in this strange, fast and often unfriendly place that represents not only a better future economically for herself but also her people back home.

Ms. Ho-shing not only tells a free-standing tale of inspiration and guts, she effortlessly in the process educates us in the cultural strength possessed by the family of this Jamaican "country girl", with priceless glimpses into their religious and philosophical outlook, an outlook that gives her what she needs to take on New York City and win!

I also commend Ms. Ho-shing for introducing us in crisp, well-paced dialogue to the sonorous island patois of her people, making "Country Girl" a literary feast for the "ear" as well as the heart, soul and mind. I wish "Country Girl" a wide distribution and Ms. Ho-shing a long and successful career as a creative writer. In organization, content and style I would describe her talent as beyond promising. She is there!
Belladonna and How I Became A Godman come well recommended. ATH

Asa Hensley is a tenured Associate Professor of English in the Michigan University System.

What a fantastic piece penned by Lana M. Ho-Shing. I loved the dialect, though I have to confess it did slow my reading down as I tried to get into the Jamaican rhythms and patterns of speech. It often takes a while when I read Huckleberry Finn for the first time in a long time as well, so Ms. Lana shouldn't take this as criticism - it is not.

A simple story, yet one based on very basic humanities, Country Girl is heart-warming, faith-building, and I am absolutely taken by the line from the story I used as title for this review. Everyone should read this!

When 10-year-old Zoe Elias sees a documentary about the legendary pianist Vladimir Horowitz, she is instantly hooked. She knows that she wants to play the piano like Horowitz, to be a prodigy and to appear onstage at Carnegie Hall. In Zoe's daydreams, music, fame and really fancy shoes seem to go hand in hand: "And then you lift your hands high above your head and slam them down on the keys and the first notes come crashing out and your fingers fly up and down and your foot --- in its tiny slipper with rubies at the toe --- your foot peeks out from under your gown to press lightly on the pedals. A piano is glamorous. Sophisticated. Worldly."

As usual in Zoe's life, though, her daydreams are worlds away from her everyday existence. In real life, Zoe is just a girl whose best friend has abandoned her, who is ostracized for wearing funky toe socks because, as a popular girl points out, "'Nobody wears socks. Everybody knows that.'" She's not even a girl who plays the piano, because her well-meaning father has bought her a Perfectone D-60 organ. Instead of transforming into a piano prodigy, Zoe struggles to learn the theme songs to "Gilligan's Island" and "Green Acres."

Soon enough, though, Zoe discovers that her organ playing just might be causing some unexpected transformations after all. Her lovable but anxiety-ridden and agoraphobic father, who has always spent his days earning absurd "degrees" through correspondence courses by Living Room University, loves dancing around to Zoe's music, especially when she turns on one of the bouncy rhythm accompaniments. Zoe's playing also earns her the respect of a most unexpected friend, one who might love Zoe despite (or even because of) her dorkiness and who might also help Zoe's dad at the same time. Most importantly, Zoe might just have the chance for that Carnegie Hall moment --- or something like it --- when she enters an organ-playing competition.

The theme of Linda Urban's wise, witty and utterly realistic debut novel is voiced by none other than Vladimir Horowitz himself: "Perfection itself is imperfection." In other words, when you're playing the piano, even if you get every note exactly right, you still won't be making music. In A CROOKED KIND OF PERFECT, Zoe learns that in life, as in music, it is possible to accept --- and even embrace --- the flaws in ourselves and those we love.

Zoe's family is particularly realistically drawn, warts and all. Her father, so paralyzed by anxieties that he can barely leave the house, recreates their home environment, down to the tablecloth on the table and the pictures on the wall, when they stay in a hotel. Her mother, a workaholic state controller who believes that everything in life can be reduced to a ledger sheet, breaks Zoe's heart as often as she balances a budget. And Zoe herself can be timid, worried, resentful and suspicious --- but readers will love her, and her loving family, anyway. Zoe's Horowitz daydreams might not come true --- exactly. But she discovers that holding onto those dreams --- and being willing to create new ones --- just might be what she and her family needed all along.

--- Reviewed by Norah Piehl

A Crooked Kind of Perfect is a testament to normal families everywhere. Every child has dreams of fame and Zoe Elias is pretty much perfect in that regard. However, dealing with a workaholic mother and an agoraphobic father does not necessarily make for the All American family, or does it?

Zoe does not concentrate on her father's disability nor her mother's dominant personality because in her world they are perfectly normal. In fact Zoe participates in many of her dads Living Room University courses where you can learn any trade from the privacy of your own home.

Through out the book Zoe keeps the readers informed of a variety of Living Room courses her dad takes. Everything from a Golden Gloves Boxing Coach, to the Scuba-Dooba-Do, diving lessons which required him to stay under water for half an hour. "He took the test in our bathtub breathing through a bendy straw. I timed him."

Zoe dreams of being a concert pianist but when her dad buys a Perfectone D-60 Organ which comes with six months of lessons from Mabelline Person, she resigns herself to the fact she will never be able to play at Carngie Hall as a piano prodigy.

However, when Mabelline Person insists Zoe enter the Perfectone O'Rama Organ competition things at school and at home begin taking hillarious turns.

A Crooked Kind of Perfect is a great read for middle grade youth. The chapters are short. Chapter one is two pages and chapter two is only one page. This book is not slap-on-the-knee type of humor but it is full of chuckles and an occasionall laugh out loud.

I think this would make a wonderful book club book. Zoe has the unique situation of having her dad buy her an organ when she actually wants a piano. Urban's diary-like writing style really hooks the reader into feeling empathy for Zoe.

I'm sure most students would be familiar with pianos, but I wonder how many would need to see an organ or at least a picture of one to get an idea of how it works. Much of the story and plot are dependant on at least an acquaintance with the organ, so there would need to be some background knowledge. Zoe plays several classic TV hits from the 70s and I also wondered if young readers would follow what was happening, but I suppose those parts are just funny on different levels of understanding.

Zoe interacts with boys at school and one of them "likes" her. I don't think it is at all inappropriate for 3rd grade or older students. Other complicated issues present are divorce and agoraphobia. It should make for some interesting discussion!

The fictional book, A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Lisa Urban is a wonderful and inspiring book that shows the importance of following a dream. In this book a young girl has a tough time, has much perserverence, and is very brave. I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars because when i read this book, I felt like i was a character in the book. I recommend this book for girls ages 9-15 because I think they would be able to relate to the story. In the book a girl who wants to be a pianist gets an organ that she doesn't like but plays it any way, then her friend ditches her for a new friend. So the main character makes a new friend who supports her through stage fright. If your interested in buying the book it is $16.00. I recommend it!

Ten-year-old Zoe dreams of performing at Carnegie Hall one day. She thinks pianos are glamorous, sophisticated, and worldly. She'd love to have a grand piano and be taught how to play impressive, difficult pieces by a grandfatherly maestro.

Instead, she gets a Perfectone D-60 organ and six months of free lessons from a woman named Mabelline Person. Instead of Fur Elise, Moonlight Sonata, or even Frere Jacques, she is given television theme songs from the sixties and seventies. Not exactly glamorous.

Zoe is an only child. Her mother is a straightforward, working professional, a controller for the state who spends a great deal of time a work. Her father enjoys earning degrees from Living Room University, learning how to scrapbook, coach boxing, and pilot a plane - all from the comfort of his own home, using objects he has around the house. After school, before or after her own lessons, Zoe helps her father with his. Sometimes, she delights in his antics, but other times, his errors - like getting her a wheezy organ! - make her cringe. Her goofy classmate named Walker befriends her father and the two bake in the background while Miss Person sets up a metronome and a Hits from the Sixties songbook for an exasperated Zoe.

Zoe's getting frustrated. She's not a prodigy. She's not a concert pianist. But she's also not a quitter. Slowly but surely, she learns how to play the organ and surprises herself with how much she likes it. When she goes on to compete at Perform-o-Rama, winning over her parents is far more important to her than winning a trophy.

With quirky characters and quick chapters, Linda Urban's debut is as close to Perfect as you can get. The humorous writing will satisfy both reluctant and avid readers. From her head to her toe socks, Zoe is a lovable little girl, and her voice rings true. If this book were a song, it would be music to my ears. One of the best books of 2007, in my opinion. Highly recommended.

I picked up this book thinking that it would be a fluffy and girly book about boy-crazy fantasies, but I'm happy to say that I couldn't have been proven more wrong. "The Date Book" completely lives up to its name- its filled with accurate and healthy advice that make it a true bible for anyone entering the dating world. I thought I would have heard all of this stuff before, but this book impressed me with how down-to-earth and relevant it was. Cool side bits like the dating personality quiz and the "pre-date zen flow chart" made this book really entertaining, so much so that I gave it to my sister, who loved it too. For anyone who wants a simple handbook for navigating the dating world or even for someone who thinks they already have it figured out, I'd highly recommend "The Date Book."

I'm a boy, and it took a lot top make me pick up this extremely girly book. I wasn't able to take a lot of the advice at face value, but it did help me through reverse engineering. The book was mainly oriented at girls and how they should conduct themselves while getting a date, during a date, within the aftermath of said date. Many of the strategies given in this book probably would have worked on me and many of my friends. In terms of love,nothing beats primal instinct and the advice of crazy old men who talk to you on trains, but if you just need a push this book is the thing to do it.

This book is great for any girl with qualms about that first date. The advice is spot on, accomodating both teenage daters and parents alike. I would recommend this book to any potential teenage daters and parents who want to have some perspective on whats going on.

I love this book!! If you're confused in anyway about a date, or how to get a date...read this! I love the chapter that explains what one should wear on a date, because it's hard to tell what to wear sometimes (formal, informal).
And my all time favorite chapter is "Make Out or Make Your Escape". This chapter teaches you how to shorter or sweeten your date...it's always good to have a list of excuses you could go through!

As a high school English teacher, I would highly recommend this book for teenage girls. It is practical and fun to read. The advice given applies such a wide range of situations and my students find it both interesting and useful.

"Daughter of China" is a very realistic book about the persecution of Christians in China. Throughout this story, the main character, Kwan Mei Lin, goes through prisons and orphanages, seeing and feeling the horrors of each. The reader of this book will go along with her, cry when she cries, see what she seees, and be touched by what touches her. "Daughter of China" is a very powerful book; so don't think you can read it without thinking about it for weeks afterwards. Yet it is a book that every person who calls him/herself a Christian should read. This book will encourage you to live closer to God.

This was an excellent book and I recommend it to all who love to read. You won't be disappointed, I promise.

WONDERFUL BOOK, with a great true story, about what life is really like for Christians in China.

A GREAT reminder to pray for the believers in countries that are against Christianity!

I couldn't put Daughter of China down. It grabbed me from the first page. Miss Flinchbaugh has used fiction to bring to us the heartbreaking conditions that the Church endures in other countries. She also brings to light the distressing treatment of female children and Chinas one child mandate.
Daughter of China is a wonderful first novel and will by turns cause you to cry and also praise God for what He is doing. So grab a cup of tea, sit back and enjoy.

THIS IS A WONDERFULLY WRITTEN BOOK. I'M THE MOM OF 4 CHINESE DAUGHTERS AND ALTHOUGH THIS BOOK IS FICTION, IT IS BASED ON THE REALITIES OF REAL LIFE IN CHINA. THE BOOK TOUCHES ON THE ONE CHILD POLICY AND THE ONGOING CHINESE CULTURE THAT STILL REVERES THEIR BOYS OVER GIRLS. THE GOVERNMENT ALSO CONTINUES TO PERSECUTE THE CHRISTIAN BELIEVERS SO THEY MEET IN UNDERGROUND CHURCHS ALL OVER CHINA. THE AUTHOR PULLS IT ALL TOGETHER IN THE END FOR A MARVELOUS, MIRACLE ENDING! MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A BOX OF TISSUES HANDY!

Anne Cameron's account of Native Americans of early Vancouver Island is beautifully written and combines history of the area with Native American lore. Most of us are ignorant of that lovely island and it's history before the Europeans arrived.
I learned a lot and enjoyed the writing. I read Daughters of Copper Woman for a graduate religion class and was very impressed.

This is a story that will touch your heart and you will never be the same.

This is a story that will touch your heart and you will never be the same.

This is a story that will touch your heart and you will never be the same.

A great book, it has more than just mythology. The stories show how we are all one people of different tribes.

This novel is laugh out loud funny in several places.

As soon as I finish writing this review, I'm going to google what a sugar glider is. That tempermental pet was responsible for some my biggest laughs in this book, from the beginning when it attacked it's owner to the end when it saved her life.

Bell the main character is hysterical and it seems like she and I would hit it off immediately if we met in real life.

This novel stretches the molds of christian fiction. Usually I like edgier inspirational stories. This one dealt with murder, gay relationships, self mutilation, and lots of lust.

I guess it was a little too edgy for me to feel like I was reading christian suspense. I felt more like I was reading a secular story where the characters just happened to be believers. I suppose there's a fine line between the two and this novel went just over it. That's the reason I didn't give it five stars.

Amanda Bell Brown is at it again!! This time it's the love of her life that is in trouble. When Jazz Brown "the finest man she knows" shows up at her door with stracthes on his face she wonders what happened but before he tells her, she gets a call from her sister Carly saying that they have found Jazzy's ex-wife Kate dead in his apartment! Now not only is she trying to figure out who killed Kate (meanwhile wondering if he did), she is also trying to figure out whether Jazz really loves her or if she deserves him. While all of this is going on she finds out that she may never have a baby if she doesn't get pregnant soon.

Will she be able to find Kate's killer,learn how to let go of the pain of her past and move on? Death, Deceit, & Some Smooth Jazz is about trusting God to work things out, love, and controlling lust.

In Death, Deceit, & Some Smooth Jazz, Claudia Mair Burney paints her characters human. This second book in the Amanda "Bell" Brown series goes even deeper than the wonderful first book, Murder, Mayhem & a Fine Man. This time the chemistry between the two Browns, Bell, the striving-to-be-holy forensic psychologist, and Jazz, the smooth and equally God-fearing detective is still potentially explosive. But there's the mystery of a recently murdered ex-wife that needs to be solved.

Burney is funny and suspenseful as she keeps us guessing about romance, guilt, and faith. She even takes her writing ministry a step further by making us care about the book's supporting characters. One of the potential suspects's lifestyle is sometimes blasted at from pulpits, but Claudia Burney handles the character in a way that forces us to ask ourselves how Jesus would handle the character. (With compassion.)

I finished this book, satisfied with the story, but wanting more, and I can't wait to get it in book three.

I really enjoyed this book and the first book in the series. The dialogue as well as the plot was outstanding. I've been disappointed with a few of the books I've read lately and this book was a breath of fresh air. The way she describes love and playful banter is this book is great. The characters are lively and interesting.

It was nice to see if Bell would finally get her man. I was really rooting for love and goodness to win in this book. I had faith in Jazz as well and was hoping for a happy ending. Oh, the marsupial was so much fun as well. The story kept you reading page after page. This is truly a must read and I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out.

Amanda Bell Brown, the spunky Girl Columbo, is back, and this story about Bell and her man Jazz , faith, and love is even better than the first book in the series. Death, Deceit, & Some Smooth Jazz is the funniest crime novel I've read, and I laughed even in situations that were deadly serious because of Bell's quirky personality and her outlook on her circumstances. Burney's honest, raw depiction of maintaining faith in the midst of great personal struggles is encouraging. She isn't afraid to address issues that most Christian novels avoid, and her voice is much appreciated.