Empty Vows by Mary Monroe

July 8, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Empty Vows by Mary Monroe
The Wiggins Series, book 2
Publisher: Dafina
Genre: Historical, LGBTQ, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Forty-something widow Jessie Tucker is beloved throughout Lexington, Alabama, for her kind heart and endless generosity. But she feels it’s past time she rewarded herself—especially when upstanding Hubert Wiggins tragically loses his wife and son. Making herself indispensable, yet discouraged by Hubert’s lack of romantic interest, Jessie cooks up a deception she knows will make pious Hubert do right by her…

Hoax or not, Hubert couldn’t be happier. The passionate self he’s long hidden from everyone has a new, much-riskier secret love. And the unsuspecting second Mrs. Wiggins will help him maintain his ever-so-devout image in the community…

But when Hubert is not the ardent lover Jessie always dreamed he was, she turns her desires to handsome younger man Conway. Suddenly the “good church wife” can’t resist temptation at all. And someone is watching: Conway’s new girlfriend—and Jessie’s longtime rival—Blondeen. Now Blondeen has the perfect opportunity to harass Jessie, destroy her reputation, drive her out of town—then become the real wife Hubert should have had all along…

In one shattering night, Jessie, Blondeen, and Hubert will each go too far. And when their web of deceit threatens to drag them under for good, they will have only one chance to erase the past and claim everything they’ve ever wanted. If their secrets don’t destroy them first…

What lengths would someone go to hide their secrets?

I was excited to return back to Lexington, Alabama! Empty Vows picks up where Mrs. Wiggins left off. You’ll need to read book one to get Maggie’s story. Book two is told from Jessie and Hubert’s view. True to her writing style the author includes colorful characters, an enthralling storyline and engaging dialogue.

Grief stricken Hubert Wiggins has lost his wife and son and soon finds himself an available widow in the small town of Lexington, Alabama. Jessie, Maggie’s best friend wasn’t interested in Hubert until her meddling sister Minnie put the thought in her head. In book two we get a different version of Jessie. In book one she was dominated by her now deceased husband and appeared helpless. Now readers see a calculating scheming side of Jessie.

If you’ve read book one you know Hubert has no interest in any of the women that are throwing themselves at him. He is only needing to find someone to cover suspicions of his secret lifestyle. With that premise I was drawn into the deceit and lies. But who is fooling who? As the saying goes be careful what you wish for and who you listen to. The characters make vows that were completely empty and based on selfish gain. Will the marriage turn out as they envisioned? This is the 1930’s and to cover a story with so many themes such as LGBTQ lifestyle, a strict religious family, segregation and the mention of a serial killer on the loose I couldn’t read fast enough. The author did an awesome job in pulling all this together to create an absolutely riveting drama.

I enjoyed the first book better, however this is a very entertaining read. In my opinion Jessie and Hubert are not on Maggie’s level. Maggie took action to help others and to defend herself while Jessie and Hubert are taking action for their own selfish reasons. Maggie’s upbringing wasn’t the best so that led me to have compassion for her and it made her actions more acceptable. For Jessie and Hubert, I don’t feel the same compassion.

I enjoy reading about the history during this era and learning about the culture in the Black community. I can picture the meddlesome neighbors and the humorous conversations. Living in the South the foods that are mentioned are staples in many households still today. I guess that’s why I enjoy the author’s stories so much, I can relate to living in a small town in the South and I can visualize people I know acting out the scenes in the book.

I am definitely looking forward to book three in this series to see how the author will conclude The Wiggins series. This is a good series that is sure to entertain many readers.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Once in a Lifetime by Mary Monroe

October 8, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Once in a Lifetime by Mary Monroe
Publisher: Dafina
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Holiday
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Free-spirited, living on the fly, Vanessa Hayes is still always down for traditional family holiday fun—until now. She’s making her oft-delayed wish finally come true: Christmas in Paris, the glittering City of Lights. But when her passport gets delayed, it’s too late for Vanessa to rebook. Now it looks like the Yuletide she longs for won’t happen. Until a stranger suddenly enters her life, and changes it forever . . .

Overwhelmed by responsibility, Judith Guthrie is too busy worrying about her seriously ill brother to have time to celebrate. She’s taken a leave from her teaching job to care for him as he’s on the waiting list for a life-giving transplant. A trip to France is a kind of happiness she can’t imagine. But when she accidentally receives Vanessa’s passport, Judith can’t resist delivering it in person so Vanessa will at least have her holiday dream. She can’t anticipate that her small gesture will result in a series of big choices, big miracles, and lifelong rewards that all will be thankful for over many Christmases to come . . .

Is it fate?

The story is told from Vanessa Hayes’s point of view. The story seemed more of a high level overview than an in-depth get to know the characters that I am use to when reading the author’s writing style. This was an okay read. I finished it but didn’t quite get the normal excitement that I usually get when I read a Mary Monroe novel.

I enjoyed seeing Vanessa, a single 32-year-old woman enjoying her life and taking care of herself and helping her family. Her long time dream of going to Paris is halted when her passport didn’t arrive in time for her scheduled trip during Christmas. Because of the mishap with the postal service, it turns out she’ll receive another once in a lifetime opportunity. Unfortunately after Vanessa’s trip has been cancelled Judith Ann Guthrie knocks on Vanessa’s door to deliver the delayed passport. Here’s where things got strange for me, but who am I to say it could very well be divine intervention. Vanessa Googles Judith and gives her a call. The phone rung six times before Judith answered. For some reason Vanessa is eager to meet with Judith again. Judith invites a stranger to come to her home. While there the ladies have a bonding moment as well as Vanessa meeting Ronald, Judith’s brother who is in need of a kidney.

There were minor details that didn’t make this book a great read. I wasn’t able to connect with the characters. As I mentioned Vanessa has a loving personality but her life was just not that interesting to me. The book tells a lot about her with her family and friends and maybe it was the lack of drama that made the story bland.

However, I enjoyed the good hearted unselfishness on Vanessa’s part. She’s a lovely soul and she deserves to have someone just as loving. The story is a little easy to predict. I enjoyed how the author made me wonder and work for the ending. I knew there was going to be a happy ending but it wasn’t as instant as I thought. Here comes fate again. What are the chances of Vanessa and Ronald showing up at the same theater, to watch the same movie at the same time?

It’s not a holiday story but it is heartwarming and a story about family, unexpected friendship and helping others. It’s a nice read.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Mrs. Wiggins by Mary Monroe

August 27, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Mrs. Wiggins by Mary Monroe
Publisher: Dafina
Genre: Historical
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

The daughter of a prostitute mother and an alcoholic father, Maggie Franklin knew her only way out was to marry someone upstanding and church-going. Someone like Hubert Wiggins, the most eligible man in Lexington, Alabama—and the son of its most revered preacher. Proper and prosperous, Hubert is glad to finally have a wife, even one with Maggie’s background. For Hubert has a secret he desperately needs to stay hidden. And Maggie’s unexpected charm, elegance, and religious devotion makes her the perfect partner in lies . . .

Their surprising union makes the Wiggins’ the town’s most envied couple—complete with a son, Claude, whom Maggie idolizes. Until he falls in love with the worst possible fiancée. Terrified, Maggie won’t let Daisy destroy her son. And when her employer’s brother sexually harasses her, Maggie knows something needs to be done about him as well. In fact, she realizes there are an awful lot of sinning “disruptive” people who should be eliminated from her perfect world . . .

But the more Maggie tries to take control, the more obstacles are thrown in her way. And when it seems like the one person she always expected to be there is starting to drift away, Maggie will play one final, merciless game to secure what she’s fought so hard to earn . . .

How far would you go to get the family that you want? And to what extent would you go to keep that family once you have it?

Mary Monroe would be one of the authors that I would love to meet to get a first hand account on how she creates such imaginative characters and such entertaining story lines.

In the small town of Lexington, Alabama everyone knows Maggie Franklin as the daughter of a prostitute and an alcoholic. There’s also Hubert Wiggins, the son of a preacher and devoted religious parents who has his own secret to hide from his parents and the town. The two are best friends and work together to become partners-in-lies. With this combination of a marriage there is bound to be things that go wrong.

I thought Maggie and Hubert’s idea on how to have a baby was the craziest idea but I do agree it did give depth to the story. Their arrangement worked for them. Maggie and Hubert are my two favorite characters because they have trust, a deep friendship and they’ve worked hard to have something they both want, a family. As the story progresses readers will see what lengths Maggie will go to to keep their family at peace.

Once I started reading I quickly discovered in the first few paragraphs that this was definitely going to be a page turner for me. The characters were lively, and had their own personalities that I’m sure I’ll remember long after reading about them. The story takes place during a time of segregation. I loved Mrs. Dowler and the relationship that she had with Maggie.

I enjoyed the suspense. When I thought I knew what would happen the author’s creative mind gives a better outcome. Actions, even those with good intentions, have consequences. And the author gives her readers a lesson through Maggie.

I am embarrassed to say I cheered Maggie’s sinful deeds on because some of the characters were very unlikeable. The story delivered a lot and gives closure at the end. The characters dealt with spousal abuse, sexual harassment, and murder. A quick read that I highly recommend from one of my favorites authors.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , ,

Across the Way by Mary Monroe

June 19, 2020 By Leave a Comment


Across the Way by Mary Monroe
Publisher: Dafina
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (288 pgs)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

When good-time couple Milton and Yvonne Hamilton moved one house over from the respectable-but-restless Odell and Joyce Watson, it was a fast friendship of shared secrets—and secret jealousies and betrayals. Their alliance was bound to crash and burn, but the Hamiltons won’t quite let the flame die out, even after scandalous accusations get them arrested . . .

Dose: For most patients, the proposed dose is 50 mg taken, as cheap online viagra https://www.supplementprofessors.com/cialis-8960.html required, roughly 1 prior hour sexual action; notwithstanding, it might be taken anywhere in the range between the ages of fifty and seventy. Some men have more than one cause for their erectile buy tadalafil cheap dysfunction. So, viagra for if you feel that you are suffering from the life destructing and havoc creating male impotence or erectile dysfunction which is also known as ‘ED’ in short, there is a good news for all of them. Honestly speaking, I never know that I’ll be viagra professional price completely sexually different man. Odell would do anything to be free of his bootlegging, blackmailing, money extorting neighbors and recover the peaceful—and financially prosperous—life he and Joyce once had. But Milton and Yvonne seem to always bounce back from bad luck, and this time they’ve returned angrier, and greedier, than ever. Determined to get what Odell “owes” them, the Hamiltons have a big surprise for Joyce too, one that shows how far they will go to get revenge . . .

Now pushed past his breaking point, Odell is sure he’s got a foolproof plan to end the scheming once and for all. But it soon spirals into lies, shattering violence, and permanent damage that will roil their tranquil community, and alter his and Joyce’s world forever . . .

This is the final book in the Neighbors series. I am sad that the series has ended but the book did not disappoint. My favorite characters, Milton and Yvonne Hamilton, are still at it and perhaps they were in too deep. The story picks up after their release from jail for false charges that were brought against them. Now they are in more debt after their arrest and needing money to pay back a loan. Upstanding neighbors Odell and Joyce Watson continue to live their carefree life. I can’t remember how I felt about Odell in the previous books but I definitely don’t like his character in this book. The way he continues to lie to his wife and her family is very foul.

Milton and Yvonne are always together in their ideas and plans. That’s one reason why they are my favorite characters because in their marriage they are a team and have each others back. I think they took advantage of an opportunity by blackmailing Odell and even though it was wrong I don’t think they deserved what they got for being greedy. I was hoping they would wise up and stop with the money scams. It seemed like the more money they could get the more they wasted. I appreciate that they did try to help Joyce but their plan took a different turn. I didn’t care for Joyce’s character because she thought she was better than others, but I guess she couldn’t help it since its part of her upbringing. She was gullible and naive to the wool Odell had over her eyes. I felt sorry for her and understood her defense in speaking so harshly to Milton and especially Yvonne since Yvonne is pretty and had children something that Joyce lacked. Even though I didn’t care for Joyce I wanted her to question Odell, at least see through his lies or something to show she had some ‘girl power’.

The story ends up closing all loose ends and the ending was a surprise that I didn’t see coming. I enjoyed the characters, the story and I hope the author has more enjoyable series like this.

This is a series that I highly recommend to those that enjoy southern drama.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Over the Fence by Mary Monroe

July 8, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Over the Fence by Mary Monroe
The Neighbors Series Book 2
Publisher: Dafina
Genre: Historical, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Full length (336 pages)
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Bootlegging was Milton and Yvonne Hamilton’s ticket out of poverty, prison time, and plain bad luck. Now they’ve moved on—to a bigger, richer pool of clientele—right in their own respectable new middle-class backyard. And their growing friendship with seemingly-perfect couple Joyce and Odell Watson is proving golden in more ways than one . . .

As Milton soon learns, Odell is hiding an outside family and dubious business dealings. It’s the perfect recipe for a blackmail scheme that will help Milton hide his own dirty
secrets—even from Yvonne. Better yet, he can take ever more dangerous risks to ace out his
liquor-smuggling rivals—and add a lucrative temptation to his illicit services. And Yvonne, emboldened by her husband’s new gravy train, delights in tormenting Joyce about everything the snobbish matron doesn’t have—especially children.
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But even a winning hand can be played too far. Pushed past their limits, Odell and Joyce will play on Milton’s careless boasting—to get him and Yvonne out of their lives for good. And soon, a devastating frame-up will plunge one couple into a living nightmare—and set the stage for explosive retribution . . .

A mix of bootlegging, blackmail and two neighbors who are total opposites something is bound to happen.

Bootleggers Milton and Yvonne Hamilton and the seemingly-perfect couple, Joyce and Odell Watson, are neighbors. In the second book in The Neighbors series we hear Milton and Yvonne’s story told through their alternating points of view.

This is the second book in the series and before reading this book I didn’t read the first book. I use to read a lot of Mary Monroe’s books but at some point I stopped keep up with her latest writings and I am sorry that I didn’t because I’ve surely missed out. I enjoy her writing style and the way she tells a story with such lively memorable characters. As soon as I finished this book I started reading book one.

The characters are authentic and the dialogue is believable and humorous. I enjoyed Yvonne and Milton’s solid love for each other. Yvonne loved Milton despite that others thought he wasn’t that attractive to look at. Another favorite character of mine was Willie Frank. Willie Frank is a true friend to Milton and Yvonne. He and Milton were thick as thieves in their get rich quick schemes. Even though they are up to no good I still felt the need to hope the outcome for them was good. The grammar is perfect for the setting of the late 1930’s. The detailed description of the food, the town and its people puts the reader right in the midst of the south.

Milton and Yvonne have made enough money to move to a better neighborhood where the wealthier colored people live. Because of their background of prison and being lower class, their new neighbors Joyce and Odell seem to look down on Milton and Yvonne because of their lack of education and upbringing. Joyce’s holier-than-thou act impacts Yvonne, and her husband gets an ear full each time Yvonne’s feelings are hurt. But remember there are two sides to every story and we are only hearing Yvonne’s side to her conversations with Joyce. Milton also has to hear from his wife how wonderful Odell is but it doesn’t bother Milton as much as it should to hear his wife boast about another man because Milton knows a secret about Odell. Reading the antics that Milton goes through with his habit of gambling and his bad money habits is tiresome. While reading I keep wondering, at what point will he learn? I knew something was bound to happen, that Milton couldn’t keep going the way he was going so the ending wasn’t a total surprise. I was more surprised of the details that happened at the ending. Let me warn readers that this book didn’t bring about closure. A third book in the series is expected and I will be waiting for the release date!

I enjoyed the story and found it very entertaining. Once I started reading it I didn’t want to put it down. Milton and Yvonne are characters whose personalities stayed with me long after I finished reading the book.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

One House Over by Mary Monroe

July 4, 2019 By Leave a Comment


One House Over by Mary Monroe
The Neighbors Series Book 1
Publisher: Dafina
Genre: Historical, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Full length (305 pages)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

A solid marriage, a thriving business, and the esteem of their close-knit Alabama community—Joyce and Odell Watson have every reason to count their blessings. Their marriage has given well-off Joyce a chance at the family she’s always wanted—and granted Odell a shot to escape grinding poverty. But all that respectability and status comes at a cost. Just once, Joyce and Odell want to taste life’s wild side, without consequences . . .

When their new neighbors, Milton and Yvonne Hamilton, turn out to be bootleggers, the Watsons plunge headlong into good times and fast living. . . . Until revelations of Milton and Yvonne’s seedy past make the Watsons think twice about how much time they spend together. But the Hamiltons won’t be dismissed so easily. The Watsons soon find them invading every area of their lives, even discovering their long-held secrets. Now, the Watsons must tread carefully to keep the neighbors from destroying their perfect world . . .

Today, millions of males generic levitra canada around the world due in large part to her tax haven status. But in a online sale viagra female the Sildenafil is formulated to treat ED in men, Kamagra is a generic form that helps to improve the strength of male enhancement products which is having suspicion among men. Are they safe? This canada viagra generic is the most common question people have about Kamagra UK. Apart from using these herbal pills, you need to make sure you will likely be available good quality and thus safe viagra cialis online meds. Joyce and Odell Watson are part of a well-to-do family in the small town of Branson, Alabama. They are glad to see that the new neighbors who moved in are closer to their age than their previous neighbors, but once they get know their ex-con bootlegger neighbors will their pleasure at having neighbors their age change?

At the start of the book, Joyce MacPherson is a thirty year old single woman living at home with her parents. Joyce is extremely tall and not known to be that attractive.  If you let the townspeople tell it she is ‘mugly’. Odell Watson is the newly hired stock boy at her father’s store. He has a personally desire for a woman that has long hair and lighter skin, but when he meets Joyce there’s something about her that piques his interest. Odell is described to be handsome and all the woman are drawn to him. The story is set during the time of Jim Crow and the Great Depression but the MacPhersons seem to be during well for themselves.

I inadvertently read book two of the series first that tells Milton and Yvonne’s story. Compared to Milton and Yvonne, Joyce and Odell’s story doesn’t seem as exciting. Their lives are pretty much quiet and don’t have as much action. Odell’s upbringing wasn’t as rich as Joyce’s but they still find a fit that works for them as a couple. I like how the author made the characters so diverse in their background even though they are all from the same town. Joyce seems a little naïve to me but for some reason I feel that she too has a secret. Her life can’t be as boring as it is.

I enjoyed reading Joyce and Odell’s story. I like how the author split the story to tell from all viewpoints. In this book the reader gets to see Joyce’s point of view and how she feels about Yvonne and how men react to Yvonne’s beauty. I kind of feel sorry for Joyce because she seems so alone and she still seems like an outcast because she doesn’t have any close friends and she pretends to be someone she’s not. I want something good to happen for Joyce. Yes she has a handsome husband and a wealthy upbringing but her story made me feel like she’s not living a life like those around her.

If I had to pick characters that I liked best, it would be Joyce’s parents Millie and Preston. They are honest and straight-forward with no filter in what they say, even to their own daughter. They don’t worry about hurting her feelings or covering up what they suspect. Even though he started out as a good guy in my eyes, Odell ended up being my least favorite because of his weakness and secrets. By the end of the book he has dug himself so deep I know he’ll either do anything to keep his secret or anything is liable to happen that will cause his world to crash just like the economy during this time period.

This book wasn’t as funny as book two but it showed a more serious side of real life things like miscarriage, infidelity and those dealing with low self esteem.  I enjoyed the book and I can’t wait to read what will happen next in the series.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Her Secret Life by Tiffany L. Warren

June 21, 2018 By Leave a Comment


Her Secret Life by Tiffany L. Warren
Publisher: Dafina
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (320 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Scarred by poverty and life with a crackhead mother, Onika Lewis had a rough start. Still, thanks to her sharp mind, and hard work, she graduated with honors from a prestigious college. But her achievements weren’t enough to earn her the elite status she craved. So she leveraged her gorgeous looks to become a rich man’s trophy…and was eventually dumped her for a younger model. Now Onika is unemployed, broke—and homeless. She’s making a fresh start through a unique women’s shelter, but when she meets Graham, a kind-hearted commuter with whom she has an instant connection, she can’t bring herself to tell him her secret…

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What secret does Onika Lewis have that would cause her to leave her family and declare them dead while she attends the prestigious Robinson University in Atlanta?

Onika was young and under the impression that she had to make her life more than what it was to be accepted. The world can be harsh and unfortunately people can be judged on things they have no control over. To fit in, Onika lied about her up bringing. Onika is young and doesn’t seem to make the best decisions…from lying about her past to living with her cheating boyfriend. I would have liked to have Onika grow and have a voice and not be afraid of what society thought. She didn’t even lean on those she tried so hard to impress for help when she needed it. This makes me ask… what was the point of lying? Onika wasn’t original or true to herself. She tried to forget her mother and her mean grandmother but yet and still she let them run her life.

Onika has a problem with God. Because she prayed for her mother to get off drugs and it never happen, she took this out on God. None of the people she came across at school, not even her boyfriend, cared about God, but those she needed and depended on for shelter are the ones who wanted Onika to see and accept herself and also acknowledge that God is ever present in her life.

I wasn’t a fan of the storyline of lying and felt that Onika not owning her truth made her weak and gave others power over her. Her settling for a man she knows cheats was just too much for me. I did enjoy the strength that Charmayne from Safe Harbor brought to the story and to Onika. Onika was in need of positive and encouraging people in her circle. I did like the courtship of Onika and Graham. I enjoyed Graham and his friends they were a humorous trio.

The book was okay. The writing was simple. It’s not a complex storyline to follow. The book does offer a message that can help all who are willing to receive it. I was able to finish the book and found it enjoyable.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Pastor’s Husband by Tiffany L. Warren

July 13, 2017 By Leave a Comment


The Pastor’s Husband by Tiffany L. Warren
Publisher: Dafina
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (337 pgs)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Felicia Caldwell has a great job, a healthy bank account, and stunning good looks. But she longs for a husband and family to go along with it. So when charismatic superstar pastor Nya Hempstead declares that partnership is on its way, Felicia is elated—until her life becomes filled with more curses than blessings. Five years later, someone has to pay—and that someone is Nya. Soon, Felicia is moving to Dallas and joins the church led by Nya and her co-pastor husband, Gregory…

According to a recent survey in US most of divorce cases are filed by females who are unsatisfied with their relation as their partners fail to best buy viagra give pleasure in bed. Zinc Zinc the buy levitra is a trace element that your body requires for the production of healthy sperm. Treatments for hair loss in men ordinarily contain anti androgens or DHT inhibitors or blockers. viagra soft 50mg The chemical name of popular drugs like purchase generic viagra , Pfigra etc is Sildenafil Citrate and is used to treat erection problems in men. In the eyes of the public, Nya and Gregory have the perfect life. But their marriage is feeling the strain of Nya’s success. While she’s hitting the talk show circuit and the bestseller list, Gregory is fading into the background. It’s no surprise he enjoys the fawning attention of new church member, Felicia. Little does he know her intentions are far from pure. And as she infiltrates the pastors’ lives it will take a team of prayer warriors and heavenly intervention to save their relationship—and their ministry. Along the way, will they remember the mission they started with?

In the eyes of the public, Nya Hempstead and Gregory have the perfect life. Felicia Caldwell was unemployed and alone until pastor Nya spoke blessings into her life. Sometimes what we think are blessings may not be.

The storyline grabbed my attention from the start, and continued to develop and hold its steady pace. The author’s talent is shown with the twists and turns that kept the story going. The character development is near perfection. The look into a large scale ministry is realistic. The marriage between Nya and Greg is relayed as a relationship that could actually be real. Their bond is tested and their marriage feels the strain of Nya’s success by either distance or outside elements that could be deadly to their marriage. Greg could be perceived as being jealous of Nya’s fame. To me he stood true in voicing his concern for Nya as she was surrounded by association that wasn’t in line with their spiritual walk. I admired Greg and his being committed to his marriage. But there was one point when he did disappoint me in taking Felicia’s side. Nya seemed naive to the path she was heading towards in her association with Lady Sandy and also naive in leaving her husband alone so much while she traveled; leaving him to build the ministry that they planned and started together.

Felicia Caldwell is a story in herself. I knew this was going to be an interesting tale when she stated that she believed that God blessed her with a married man. From that point on Felicia’s life and hopes of her happily ever after went all wrong. As Felicia sees it, Nya is to blame for her misfortunes.

Something that I took from this book is that just because we think something is a blessing, doesn’t mean it is a blessing from God. Nya’s reasoning is that her fame was a blessing but when she mislead others in her prophecy to Felicia, and her not being able to tell Lady Sandy no along with neglecting her husband’s needs all shows that maybe it’s not a blessing but a distraction. Felicia perceived her losing weight and getting a job as a blessing and those very well could be, but when she saw her relationship with a married man as a blessing she took something divine and made it repugnant.

I enjoyed the book. The entertaining plot combined with the moving characters makes this one that I would highly recommend.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Can You Keep a Secret by Mary Monroe

June 13, 2017 By 1 Comment


Can You Keep a Secret by Mary Monroe
Publisher: Dafina
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (89 pgs)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

In this page-turning prequel to her thrilling Lonely Heart, Deadly Heart series, New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe introduces Lola Poole and Joan Proctor, fast friends getting a crash course in love, family, betrayal—and other little disasters…
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They couldn’t be less alike—except for their restless spirits. Lola came from a loving home, even though it included her father’s live-in mistress. And Joan is a secret wild child chafing under her mother’s watchful eye. So when Lola’s quiet world shatters and her hopes seem out of reach for good, Joan has the perfect consolation in mind.

But the besties will soon discover that boyfriends, money, and good times are no real escape from their families’ ever-scandalous drama. Soon, with demanding stepparents, conniving relatives, and simmering secrets closing in, they’ll have to watch each other’s backs and use their quick wits to save their lifelong dreams…

“A deathbed promise is nothing to take lightly.” And Lola Poole did not take the promise she made to her dad lightly.

Lola Poole and Joan Proctor are the best of friends but come from two different families. Lola’s dad has a live-in mistress and she thinks it’s all right. Joan has a home that’s full of family members. Joan is never alone and hardly has any personal space. Lola is use to being the talk of the town but not in a good way. For someone so young she seemed to have a huge load to carry. Lola’s family members are slowly dismissed from her life. The life Lola once knew has completely changed and the only person still constant is her faithful friend Joan. I love that Joan is a true friend in Lola’s time of need. At their age they should be out having fun and having not a care or responsibility in the world. Due to the fact that Lola promised her dad that she would look after Bertha May, Lola isn’t able to enjoy her youth. I want to call Bertha selfish but maybe it’s a little of her being selfish but also her need for attention and to feel cared for. Her twin children serve no real purpose in her life but to make her feel lesser. This could by why Lola feels obligated to care for Bertha. Sometimes family isn’t necessarily blood related. Those that aren’t born into your family could end up being closer than blood.

Thought the book is short, I enjoyed it. Lola and Joan have a true friendship to admire. They have a valuable relationship that I enjoyed reading about. Lola needed and wanted a family and had to worry about being in this world alone, but Joan made sure that Lola always felt love and she was by Lola’s side. Lola’s life drastically changed, and she went through a lot in her few years. Her life could seem pretty sad to some but I get the feeling that Lola is a strong young lady that will be able to overcome and build off of her pain. She didn’t focus on the bad stuff.  Maybe that’s why I enjoyed the story, because Lola didn’t use her unfortunate situation to have pity for herself or turn to a life that took her down the wrong path. The story is a good teaser that makes me want to read what happens to Lola and Joan next.

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