REVIEWS: DECEMBER 2

MAY BOOKS

I DIDN’T WORK THIS HARD JUST TO GET MARRIED
NIKA C. BEAMON

Chicago Review Press, Inc
ISBN: 978-1-55652-819-4
Published: May 2009

Non-Fiction

Rating: 4 Stars - Excellent

Reviewed by: Camellia Varnado

What every single woman needs to read in the various stages of their single life is “I didn’t work this hard just to get married”. This book takes account of a diverse successful group of women, so it reaches all women somewhere in their lives.
One theme that’s consistent throughout the book is having high regard for you as a woman with or without a man. “Ultimately women have to save themselves and not define who they are through the eyes of a man.” Beacon gives many real life examples to show all women that you can make it whether you have a man or not. Some women do want a husband and when it happens it will happen. But don’t put your life on hold or think of yourself less because you don’t have one at this moment in life. Keep living your good life.

APRIL BOOKS

Up at the College
Michelle Andrea Bowen

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Published: April 2009
ISBN: 0446577758

Rating: 4 Stars - Excellent

Reviewer: Shelia Marie

Up at the College is the second book I’ve read by Michelle Andrea Bowen. Yvonne Copeland’s life turns upside down when her husband of fifteen years leaves her for another woman. Yvonne doesn’t wallow in self-pity but instead goes on a mission to get closer to God.

On her quest to find peace, she meets Curtis Parker. Curtis is dealing with crooked coaches and other staff members that are determined to get him ousted as the head basketball coach. Curtis and Yvonne are in two different places when it comes to their spirituality. Will this hinder their new found friendship that is on the edge of blossoming into a relationship?

Yvonne and Curtis are the main characters but some of the minor characters are begging for the lead. The pace starts off fast, but slows down. Because I was invested in the outcome of the characters lives, it didn’t stop me from wanting to read more. There were a few loose ends that will hopefully be answered in a sequel. Overall Up at the College by Michelle Andrea Bowen is a good read.

MARCH BOOKS

Deadly Charm
Claudia Mair Burney

Howard Books
Simon & Schuster, Inc.
ISBN-13: 978-1-4165-5195-9
Published: March 2009

Romance/Suspense

Rating: 4 Stars – Excellent

Reviewer: Candice Perkins

This book began with a great story line leading you into the Drama that is Ms. Amanda Bell’s life. The book first and foremost is a great read. It is very easy to get entangled into the mystery of the characters in the book not only in their current situation but also in the mystery of their past as well. I was surprised at how much I actually laughed as I read and not just a giggle, but truly laughed out loud. Every character had their own story, in some way you could relate it to a family member, church member, or from some time in your own life.

The story also touched on the wonderful miracles of God that touch many of our lives, that many of us like Ms. Amanda Bell don’t believe we deserve or even that it will happen. This story shows how prayer works and how faith can be our only sustaining power. Although many of the characters had been wounded by a past experience which, believe it or not, happened through some form of religion, they still were able to bounce back through God’s strength. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone as a wonderful Christian novel to read.

FEBRUARY

Road to Seduction
Ann Christopher

Publisher: Kimani
Published: February 2009
ISBN: 0373861036

Rating: 5 Stars - SUPREME

Reviewer: Shelia Marie

Ann Christopher’s novel A Road to Seduction is a fast paced read. Isabella Stevens will make you look twice at your male best friend. Eric Warner seems oblivious to Isabella but that all changes when they go on a road trip. Isabella loves Eric but doesn’t want to get involved with a playboy.

Isabella and Eric already have the bond of friendship between them, but when their affections turn physical, the car is not the only thing overheating. One question they each have to ask themselves “is it okay to cross the line between friendship to lovers?”

This was not my first Ann Christopher novel and it won’t be my last. I would love to see Road to Seduction as a Lifetime movie.


JANUARY BOOKS

Body Chemistry
Dara Girard

Publisher: Kimani
Published: January 2009
ISBN: 0373860994

Rating: 4 Stars - Excellent

Reviewer: Shelia Marie

Body Chemistry is the third book in Dara Girard’s Black Stockings Society series. I absolutely love this series. The main character Brenda Everton goes from being a nerd to a sex kitten with the little help from the Black Stockings Society.

Something life changing happens for Brenda that causes her to reevaluate her life. She’s looking for a change and surprisingly to her, Dominic, someone from her past might be the one that adds excitement into her boring life.

The tension between Brenda and Dominic is there because of past misunderstandings. Will Brenda be able to get over the past and give Dominic a chance?

I would suggest reading books one (Power Play) and two (A Gentleman’s Offer) in the series before reading Body Chemistry. Of course after being drawn into this series, I read Dara Girard’s final installment in the series, Around the Clock. Now that all four books are out, don’t just buy Body Chemistry, but them all—you won’t be disappointed

The Birth to Five Book: Confident Childrearing Right from the Start
Brenda Nixon

Revell
Published: January 2009
ISBN-10: 0800733193
ASIN: B002SB8O2U

NONFICTION

Rating: 4 Stars - Excellent

Reviewed by LaShaunda C. Hoffman

All parents want to know they’re doing right by their children. If you’re like me you’re reading every book you can get your hand on. This book was perfect for me the third time around. Yes I have two older kids, but for some reason the third one was like starting all over again.

This book showed me I wasn’t the bad mother I thought I was. Sometimes you do have a few issues with your children. This book gives you the extra help you need to keep your children on the right path.

Ms. Nixon uses her own experiences as mother to guide you on the journey of birth to five. She doesn’t beat you over the head with I’m right and you wrong. She just tells you what worked and what didn’t work with rearing her children.

I’ve been receiving Ms. Nixon disciplinary newsletter for a few years and she’s been kind of enough to answer my questions. I like having this book because I don’t have to bug her with my many questions.

This book will make the perfect gift for the new mother or the mother with the toddlers. We all can use a little advice.