Heard It All Before by Michele Grant
Dafina Books, January 2010
320 Pages, Paperback, $14.00
ISBN: 0758242190
Genre: Street Fiction

RAW Rating: 4.0 (out of 5)

After successful suburbanite, Jewellen Capwell and her ex-fiance went their separate ways two years ago, she couldn’t wait to get back into the dating scene. However, she quickly learns dating can be emotionally draining. Jewellen has heard it all before; the games and lies from the men she’s dated. When her best friend Renee invites Jewellen to attend a basketball game on the Southside, she is reluctant to go because she’s afraid of going into that part of town. Although still unenthusiastic about venturing to the other side of town, she accepts the invite. When she literally falls under the spell of Roman Montgomery’s alluring eyes, where she is no longer matters.

Playing games is Renee Nightingale’s forte. Before anyone thinks to play her, she always has a game plan in the back of her mind. She doesn’t want to reach the age of thirty still single, so she schemes to get her boyfriend Gregory to pop the question. However, the attraction to another man puts a sensual twist in her plan; will she lose it all?

Cleverly and creatively written, Michele Grant’s debut novel, HEARD IT ALL BEFORE, contains plausible characters and issues about young African American professionals. The characters express their lives and situations in their own point of view. Highly spiced with boundless drama and hilarious moments, the reader surely will be entertained.

Reviewed by Sharon Lewis, RAWSISTAZ.com
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Sharon Lewis, a married mother of five and a grandmother of eight, is an eclectic bookaholic. She works as an Administrative Assistant and resides in Cincinnati, Ohio.

As mentioned in last month’s 5 on the Fifth Column, we have compiled a listing of The RAW Reviewers’ Favorites for 2009, as featured on Blogging in Black.  Our team read hundreds of books last year, but we only spotlight 5 a month via this column, so be sure to check out http://www.blackbookreviews.net to see other titles which made it to our favorites list.

We look forward to sharing more great books with you in 2010!

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January 2009
Once You’ve Touched The Heart by Iris Bolling
The Hood Life: A Bentley Manor Tale by Meesha Mink and Denesha Diamond
What Doesn’t Kill You by Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant
Zora Hurston And The Strange Case of Ruby McCollum by C. Arthur Ellis, Jr., Ph.D
Moving The Furniture by Barbara Joe Williams

February 2009
Fire and Desire by Brenda Jackson
He’s Gone… You’re Back by Kericka Fields
Playbook For Christian Manhood: 12 Keys Plays For Black Teen Boys by Dr. James C. Perkins
It’s All Love: Black Writers on Soul Mates, Family and Friends by Marita Golden
The Journey Less Traveled: Choose to Turn Your Tragedy into Triumph by Loretta “Faith” Harris

March 2009
Where The Line Bleeds by Jesmyn Ward
Too Much of A Good Thing by J.J. Murray
In Love With A Younger Man by Cheryl Robinson
Cop Out by Robert Davis
Until There Was You by Francis Ray

April 2009
Til Debt Do Us Part by Michelle Larks
That Devil’s No Friend of Mine by JD Mason
Freedom By Any Means: Con Games, Voodoo Scheme, True Love and Lawsuits on the Underground Railroad by Betty DeRamus
Caged Innocence by A.P. Ri’Chard
Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia: A Life in Poems by Patricia Neely-Dorsey

May 2009
Going Down South by Bonnie Glover
Serving Justice by Jacqueline D. Moore
The Black Man’s Little Book of Encouragement by Cassandra Mack
Just Loving You by Frederick Williams
Cop Out by Robert Davis

June 2009
The Way We Roll: A Bama Gamma Pi Novel by Stephanie Perry Moore
Finding Grace On A Less Traveled Road: A Cancer Doctor Reflects on Living and Dying by R. Elliot Willis, MD
Assata and The Secret of The Cowrie by Vickie M. Oliver-Lawson
This is What I Signed Up For by Jerald Howard
Before I Forget by Leonard Pitts

July 2009
Have Mercy by Earl Sewell
Body By Night by Zuri Day
Miracles In Action by Angela Alexander
The Kat Trap by Cairo
Oracle of The Sun Gods by M. Chelley Laurenz

August 2009
Love Trumps Game by D.Y. Phillips
Mom’s The Word by Marilynn Griffith
Billy by Albert French
Children of The Waters by Carleen Brice
Hood Rats by E.R. McNair

September 2009
Gut Bucket Blues by Anita August
A Step Into Deliverance by Toni Pugh
My Sister’s Ex by Cydney Rax
God Ain’t Blind by Mary Monroe
Homosexuality, AIDS and Voodoo by Wintrell Phillips

October 2009
Love Yourself First by Delvon Johnson
Wife of The Gods by Kwei Quartey
Flirt by Tracy Brown, K’wan and Angel Mitchell
Cliches: A Life In Verse by La’Shawnda D. Jones
The Barack In Me by Moses Miller

November 2009
A Gifted Child In Foster Care: A Story of Resilience by Dr. Grace LaJoy Henderson
A Peek Into My Soul Redux by Monda Webb
Sizzling Seduction by Gwyneth Bolton
Lessons Learned: It It What It Is by Portia A. Cosby
It’s In My Blood by Shawneda Marks

December 2009
Undead On Arrival by L. A. Banks
A Deep Dark Secret by Kimberla Lawson Roby
Spoon by Robert Greer
Sins of The Father by Angela Benson
In Love With Losers by LaToya S. Watkins

*As featured on our column on Blogging in Black*

Flirt by Tracy Brown, K’wan and Angel Mitchell
St. Martin‘s Griffin, November 2009
304 Pages, Paperback, $14.99
ISBN: 0312537018
Genre: Street Fiction

RAW Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

Tracy Brown’s “Flirting with Disaster” chronicles 20-year-old Chloe as she navigates the dating scene.  Armed with good looks and high self esteem, Chloe refuses to fall victim to guys who just want to get in her pants.  When she meets Trey, she  thinks she’s found a man who respects her enough to wait and who doesn’t mind spending money on her.  But all that glitters isn’t gold and Trey may be way more than Chloe can handle.

K’wan’s story “Wild Cherry” centers around Gina and Princess, two women who are both in love with abusive men.  Former childhood friends, the two meet as adults and decide they could each get rid of the other’s abusive mate.  Their scheme is as a dangerous as it is deadly and neither girl may be able to live with the consequences of their actions.

Angel Mitchell spins the last and most disturbing tale with “Twice In A Lifetime”.  Marley is a young lady who refuses to give into love after a traumatic experience with her first love, DeJuan.  When Marley finally decides to give love one last try, she finds herself caught up in a eerie case of déjà vu.

Readers, who’ve enjoyed previous books by the aforementioned authors, will definitely be in for a treat. Tracy Brown fans will find that less is not really more and might feel shortchanged by a short story that ends way too soon.  Fans of K’wan’s gritty style will be impressed at the steaminess he displays as well as his story’s shocking conclusion.  While Angel Mitchell, who’s previous book displayed tons of drama, has revealed a much darker side.

Reviewed by Delonya Coners, RAWSISTAZ.com
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Delonya Conyers is an avid reader who enjoys nothing more than immersing herself in a good book.  She resides in NYC with her teenage son who shares his mother’s passion for reading.

DISCLAIMER:  All reviews are the personal opinion of the reviewer indicated and should not be looked upon as a consensus from RAWSISTAZ™, its founder, or The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers as a whole. They should however help in giving you an idea of what a book is about, along with its strengths and/or weaknesses.  In addition, books are submitted by the author, publisher or reviewer and NO FEES are ever associated with our review service.  They are done as a free service to the literary community.

**NOTE: This review should not be used without our permission.

Wife of The Gods by Kwei Quartey
Random House, July 2009
336 Pages, Hardcover, $24.00
ISBN: 1400067596
Genre: Mystery

RAW Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

Darko Dawson, detective inspector with the Accura, Ghana police department, is called to investigate a murder in the remote town of Ketuna.  A young medical school student whose passion was to provide HIV/AIDS awareness and education to the residents of Ketuna and surrounding towns, is found murdered and the powers-that-be believe the truth will prevail by utilizing the investigative skills of the police from the capitol city ,and specifically Darko, because of his ability to speak their native language.

Several obstacles are at play; Darko is married and has a sickly son, who he does not want to leave.  His son, Hosiah, is suffering from a congenital disease; Darko and his wife must save money for the medical procedure, which may save his life, much to the consternation of his mother-in-law.  Ketuna is an isolated village where the villagers believe in and practice trokosi, a custom by which teenage girls are offered by families to local priests.  The priests ward off the family’s demons in exchange for servitude by the girls.  The murder victim was an opponent of this practice and was very passionate in her disbelief.  Darko family, an aunt, uncle and cousin, in Ketuna and this is the place where his mother was last seen twenty-five years earlier.  Darko sees this as an opportunity to investigate her disappearance as well.

WIFE OF THE GODS by Kwei Quartey aptly displays a country and the characterizations of the inhabitants in a detailed fashion. For example, Darko, while skilled in detective work, has some weaknesses, one being a bad temper, which Quartey highlights several times as an Achilles heel.  He constantly displays Darko’s contrast to the man many assume he should be.  Detailed accounting is provided for many of the characters, which provides for a complete picture.  The imagery is also distinct and picturesque.

WIFE OF THE GODS is a captivating and affecting mystery.  The setting is alluring, the story-telling is educational and the murder mystery is convincingly chilling.

Reviewed by Dawn Reeves, RAWSISTAZ.com
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Dawn Reeves is a Program Coordinator for a public school system and is an avid sports fan.  In addition to participating in on-line book clubs, she is the manager of a local book club.

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DISCLAIMER:  All reviews are the personal opinion of the reviewer indicated and should not be looked upon as a consensus from RAWSISTAZ™, its founder, or The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers as a whole. They should however help in giving you an idea of what a book is about, along with its strengths and/or weaknesses.  In addition, books are submitted by the author, publisher or reviewer and NO FEES are ever associated with our review service.  They are done as a free service to the literary community.

**NOTE: This review should not be used without our permission.

The Day Begins With Christ by Adrienna Dionna Turner
AuthorHouse, December 2008
224 Pages, Paperback, $18.98
ISBN: 1438919018
Genre: Christian Fiction

RAW Rating: 5.0 (out of 5)

Adrienna Dionna Turner presents a tool for every five-fold ministry and layperson to develop a close and secure relationship with God.  THE DAY BEGINS WITH CHRIST is a blessed 50-day workbook guide.  Adrienna has certainly allowed God His honor and omnipotent teaching at every level of Christianity.

This 50-day workbook is a foundation for teaching, learning, and practicing righteous living.  Readers will understand as a layperson or minister or preacher the righteous roadmap God has simplified for us to be believers.  THE DAY BEGINS WITH CHRIST offers thought-provoking questions as well as useful scriptures and resources to edify the Body of Christ.  As a student Evangelist, this guide is absolute in containing daily material to aide the five-fold ministry and empower Christians with knowledge.

THE DAY BEGINS WITH CHRIST opens discussions about what God requires for Kingdom living and eternal life preparation.  It is a guide to be embraced day after day, year after year.  The guide brings forth fruit in every aspect of carnal living including eating a well-balanced diet, parenting, how to avoid being a lazy worker on your job, and setting marital boundaries for the husband and wife to give God all His glory!  This book provides the necessary empowerment to move every carnal soul closer to God.

Reviewed by Swaggie Coleman, RAWSISTAZ.com
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Freelance writer Swaggie Coleman resides in northern Maryland.  In addition, she is a Professional Blogger who maintains a blogazine, Swaggie’s Voice, which includes her exclusive “Thumbs-Up” Reading List at: http://swaggiecoleman.blogspot.com.  Swaggie’s Voice is exclusively published by www.levineoliverpublisher.com.

A Deep Dark Secret by Kimberla Lawson Roby
William Morrow, September 2009
192 Pages, Hardcover, $19.99
ISBN: 0061443093
Genre: Fiction

RAW Rating: 5.0 (out of 5)

Seven-year-old Jillian was the happiest little girl in the world.  She was finally going to get a father and soon a new baby sister.  She grew into a responsible teenager, obeying her parents, exceeding in school and being a loving, attentive older sister to her baby sister.  On the outside, Jillian is your typical energetic teenager, but on the inside, she’s protecting a deep, dark secret.

Afraid to tell anyone because she knows they wouldn’t understand or believe she wasn’t telling the truth, she carried the awful pain alone.  Her schoolwork begins to suffer and she starts to draw into herself, until a teacher inspires her to keep a journal.  As time goes on, Jillian develops strength and courage to gain control of her life.

Written with compassion and warmth, A DEEP DARK SECRET is a stirring piece of literature which focuses on a serious issue that is running rampant, and how a family overcomes and survives the dark cloud that hovers over their lives.  Roby skillfully influences the reader to float into the heart and soul of Jillian’s character and feel her anguish.  The subplot ties in perfectly as the story unfolds.  A DEEP DARK SECRET…a tender masterpiece of  family loyalty, friendship, and peer pressure.

Reviewed by Sharon Lewis, RAWSISTAZ.com

Author’s Website: http://www.kimberlaroby.com

—-
Sharon Lewis, a married mother of five and a grandmother of eight, is an eclectic bookaholic.  She works as an Administrative Assistant and resides in Cincinnati, Ohio.

MAMA DEAREST – BOOK DESCRIPTION

One of E. Lynn Harris’s incomparable heroines, Yancey Harrington Braxton, is working her way back to Broadway and beyond. And this diva supreme always stirs up drama in and out of the spotlight….

New York City, you’ve been warned: Yancey Harrington Braxton is back. The ambitious singer and actress is fired up to move past her recent professional and personal setbacks — including an explosive romance with NFL tight end John Basil Henderson — and prove her talents are stronger than ever. After being out on tour, Yancey realizes what she really wants is to star in her own reality TV series, and she’s even found a rich and well-connected lover to make it happen. There are, however, two women fierce enough to derail Yancey’s plans with ambitions of their own: Madison B., a hot new bombshell taking the music industry by storm, and Ava Middlebrooks, who happens to be Yancey’s own mama dearest.

Ava is out, about, and ready to reclaim her throne. Not even a stint in prison for attempted murder has curbed Ava’s competitive nature, and it doesn’t faze her in the least that her #1 rival is her own daughter. Ava is willing to do whatever it takes to make Yancey pay, including using Madison B. to turn Yancey’s world upside-down by forcing her to confront the past…and making her comeback dreams more exciting and dangerous than she ever imagined.

Taking readers on a wild, passion-filled tour of the entertainment world, E. Lynn Harris’s Mama Dearest delivers sensual thrills and electric plot twists — with one unforgettable woman of radiant star power, sexual magnetism, and unapologetic ambition at the heart of the action.

RAWSISTAZ BOOK REVIEWS

BASKETBALL JONES gives a very detailed look at the down low lifestyle from those who live a very public life and the lover who has to deal with it. Harris continues to do what he does best, which is to produce extremely well-written novels that shock and enthrall, as well as provide an educational backdrop for relationships society has labeled. He is a master at developing characters that draw you in and keep you involved throughout the story.

I raised an eyebrow or two in a few of the scenes in which he orchestrated an erotic moment between Dray and AJ. The potency, while shocking, was very tastefully delivered. Fans will not be disappointed in his latest offering. READ ENTIRE REVIEW

- Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon

The long awaited release of JUST TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE is a deviation from the norm by E. Lynn Harris, but it is a well-written, compassionate read that embodies all of what readers have come to expect from Harris. It is filled with secrets, deceptions, twists, turns and a few life lessons. Being perfect is a figment of the imagination. We are all human and are subject to human frailties. Putting our lives under a microscope reveals our perfect intentions are sometimes thwarted by our imperfect actions.

As a master storyteller, Harris brings us a compelling story about the relationship between a single mother and her son, which is hampered by forces from the outside. With solid writing and memorable characters, don’t let summer end without reading this one. If not already an E. Lynn Harris fan, you will definitely become one.  READ THE ENTIRE REVIEW

- Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon

E. Lynn Harris does it again with SAY A LITTLE PRAYER. This page-turner reveals a part of the African-American community many choose to ignore: the intolerance of the homosexual community in the church. This is not a typical E. Lynn book. This is not another extension of the Raymond and Basil love affair, even though two past favorites, Basil and Yancey do make small cameo appearances. Never fear fans, it does give updates on the storylines that we love, while introducing you to new characters you will love and want to know more about as well. You will find yourself engaged in the life of Chauncey, wanting to laugh, cry, get revenge and pray right along with him.  READ ENTIRE REVIEW

- Reviewed by Skyy

WHAT BECOMES OF THE BROKENHEARTED takes us from the time Harris is a child through his young adult life. He shares his fears, his desire to be in a loving relationship, and his realization that he does prefer men to women; despite his attempts otherwise. Through his candid and honest recount of those times in his life, we learn of his fight with depression, the abusive relationships he’s had the misfortune to suffer through and the make-believe world he built around himself to hide not only his poor upbringing, but also his sexual preference.  READ ENTIRE REVIEW

-Reviewed by Tee C. Royal

In A LOVE OF MY OWN, E. Lynn Harris’s eighth novel, he brings us into the lives of Raymond and Zola. Also, he beautifully intertwines the September 11 tragedy and the death of R & B singer Aaliyah into the storyline and portrays them with compassion and accuracy. As a reader it was very interesting to see how these two tragic events affected Raymond, Zola and the people around them.

A Love Of My Own was a wonderful book. Raymond Tyler Jr., is my favorite character and I was very pleased to see him back. I have just one complaint about this book, and that is that I finished it and now I have to wait for E. Lynn Harris’s next literary offering.  READ ENTIRE REVIEW

- Reviewed by Simone A. Hawks

GUMBO: A Celebration of African American Writing

Editors Marita Golden and E Lynn Harris introduce us to a concoction of witty, soulful, provincial, urban, thrilling, and stunning works by some of the most talented African American authors on the planet. Pronounced a literary rent party benefiting the Hurston-Wright Foundation, Gumbo is divided into 4 sections spanning everything from the “Family Tree” to a “Love Jones”. Numerous affecting short stories and excerpts contribute to this amazingly filling collection.

Witty stories like Yolanda Joe’s Miss Prissy and the Penitentiary and Harris’ Dinner Party modulate the emotions invoked by pieces such as David Anthony Durham’s “The Boy-Fish” and acclaimed horror author Tananarive Due’s “The Knowing”, my personal favorite. Other notables include J. California Cooper’s “$100 and Nothing”, Tayari Jones’ “Press and Curl”, Faith Adiele’s “Fire: An Original Tale”, Elizabeth Nunez’s excerpt “from Discretion”, and Alexs Pate’s “To Haiti or To Hell.” There is truly something for everyone in this abounding congregation of African American authors coming together for a cause.

-Reviewed by CandaceK

The Seeds of Green Mangoes by Janete Scobie

RAW Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

THE SEEDS OF GREEN MANGOES is literary fiction at its best.  This debut novel by Scobie is beautifully written and layered with more than just a coming of age story.  Creola Phlogene is a young woman living on the fictional Caribbean island of St. Dominique.  Living with her embittered grandmother, who treats her as royalty in their impoverished surroundings, is finding life confining when she discovers she has sensual love.  However, the pain of the past and the uncertainty of the future start to taint Creola’s relationship with her grandmother and Creola’s quest for freedom comes with a heavy price.  Going from life on the island to the city life of America, Creola journeys into the unknown and with pain she endures along the way she finds a way to live without boundaries and discover her true self.  With her dies the long line of women who have found nothing but pain and hurt at the hands of their husbands or lovers.

Scobie tackles issues which may seem taboo to some.  She deals with the issues of skin color, sexuality, abuse, religion, classism and more.  Weaving prose which is lyrical and full of depth, one is transported from St. Dominique to New York and finally France, each place splendidly described.  Her depiction of the characters is rich with intensity and strength.  The pacing is almost poetic in the way each portion of the story is woven together precisely.  THE SEEDS OF GREEN MANGOES is a welcomed addition to the literary world.

Reviewed by Cashana Seals, RAWSISTAZ.com
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Cashana Seals currently resides in Montgomery, Alabama. An avid reader since she was very young, she spends her spare time reading and is the President and Founder of a local book club.

‘Til Debt Do Us Part by Michelle Larks
Urban Books, June 2009
300 Pages, Paperback, $12.95
ISBN: 160162994X
Genre: Christian Fiction

RAW Rating: 5.0 (out of 5)

 

When Nikki and Jeff married, Jeff devised a five-year plan for their life together.  During the first five years, they were to lay the groundwork for a life financially stable enough for them to start a family.  At the core of having a five-year financial plan was Jeff’s desire to never live in poverty.  Though Jeff’s plan was a good one, he became tenacious about following it and, as a result, he was viewed as controlling by both Nikki and her friends. However, unbeknownst to Nikki, Jeff also had a backup plan.

On the other hand, Nikki felt inadequate due to the plan and Jeff persistence on following it. She felt Jeff was not very trusting with her in their financial affairs and secretly, she wanted a child now versus waiting a few years.  Instead of communicating her concerns with Jeff, she chose subterfuge to get him to allow her to contribute to their monthly financial planning.

Still feeling somewhat inadequate and under pressure not to mess up, Nikki develops an outlet which pushes them into financial jeopardy and it becomes a race against time to keep Jeff from finding out.  But, like the saying goes, “what’s done in the dark, shall come to the light.”  When the secrets unfold, Nikki gets busted in a major way and their marriage hangs in the balance.  Nikki and Jeff will have to depend on all that is Holy to bring them through.  They each learn a lesson in what marriage vows truly mean.  Can they look beyond self to see the bigger struggle looming?

In ‘TIL DEBT DO US PART, Michelle Larks has written a powerful and very real testament to the trials and tribulations couples can go through trying to make a marriage work financially, emotionally and spiritually.  She uses her writing skills to weave a very believable story around two of the biggest problems facing couples today:  finances and a lack of communication.  She presents not only the problems and the natural responses to them, but she also offers spiritual solutions. I thoroughly enjoyed this hearty read.  Though predictable in some aspects, the entire journey was one surprisingly intense and  inspirational ride.

Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon, RAWSISTAZ.com
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Brenda M. Lisbon is an avid reader and a big supporter of school-sponsored reading activities for children in her community. She and her son reside in Bishopville, SC.

© Copyright 2001-2008

RAWSISTAZ Literary Group
—————

DISCLAIMER:  All reviews are the personal opinion of the reviewer indicated and should not be looked upon as a consensus from RAWSISTAZ^TM, its founder, or The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers as a whole. They should however help in giving you an idea of what a book is about along with its strengths and/or weaknesses. 

**NOTE: This review should not be used without our permission.

Gumbo For The Soul: Here’s Our Child, Where’s The Village? Edited by Beverly Black Johnson, foreword by Tee C. Royal

RAW Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

GUMBO FOR THE SOUL: Here’s Our Child, Where’s the Village? compiled by Beverly Black Johnson, is a collection of essays and poems focusing on the foster child, the adoptive child and the families who care for them.  Also, surprisingly highlighted are the different type of villages, one may not have considered.  Each author of an essay or poem has knowledge of the subject matter and each eloquently expresses their views or experience.

It is very difficult to select a favorite essay, so I will list a few.  Will by Anna K. Stone depicts a defiant child and the struggle of a teacher who literally provides shelter and guidance in a very unorthodox way. She was not “his” teacher, she was “a” teacher in the building who stumbled upon his mishaps.  Call Me Ma’am by Terra B. Little highlights the respect she commands for herself and for her clients as a probation officer.  Through the Eyes of A Child:  Aunt Louise’s Red Shoes by Sharon Gray is a love story about the unconditional love of a child toward her aunt.  When the aunt’s mask is revealed the continued love from the child shines through.  In Our Ghetto by Michael Guinn, the author paints a picture of the ghetto through the use of analogies and metaphors utilizing a lyrical prose.  The technique is effective in forcing you to visualize, acknowledge and empathize with what is written.  Some of the poems I enjoyed were Love Stew-Cooked in a Slow Cooker by H Renay Anderson, Am I Tomorrow’s Keeper by Lorraine Elzia and Mama Cries by Demetrius Phillips.

This GUMBO FOR THE SOUL collection is a testament to the many people throughout the world who create and maintain our villages for the sake of the children.  Also included is a resource section which provides additional knowledge as it relates to foster care and adoption systems.  This is a wonderful collection which provides some awareness to the mounting situation of our children’s struggles.

Reviewed by Dawn Reeves, RAWSISTAZ.com
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Dawn Reeves is a Program Coordinator for a public school system and is an avid sports fan.  In addition to participating in on-line book clubs, she is the manager of a local book club.

© Copyright 2001-2009 RAWSISTAZ Literary Group
—————

DISCLAIMER:  All reviews are the personal opinion of the reviewer indicated and should not be looked upon as a consensus from RAWSISTAZ^TM, its founder, or The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers as a whole. They should however help in giving you an idea of what a book is about along with its strengths and/or weaknesses. 

**NOTE: This review should not be used without our permission.

If you’ve read it already, definitely share your thoughts!!

BOOK REVIEW

THE DEVIL IS A LIE by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Pocket Books, July 2009
304 Pages, Paperback, $14.95
ISBN: 1416578048
Genre: Fiction

Click HERE to Purchase

RAW Rating: 4.5

Money can’t buy everything…

Ever wondered what it would be like to never have to worry about finances again? Nina Lawson is a step away from claiming millions after winning the lottery. Even though she fantasizes a bit with Rick, her fiance’, she stays level-headed. She is set on saving some money, helping out her family, and ensuring Rick gets his own business up and running. She is thrown for a loop when her ex-husband pops back into the picture, with his new woman in tow, the one he cheated on her with, and they’re claiming half of Nina’s fortune. I’m sure you’re wondering how, with him being the ex and all? Well, he really isn’t her ex since the girlfriend went shopping with the money he gave her to mail his paperwork for the divorce.

Nina soon finds out that with all the scheming going on, money can’t buy everything, especially happiness. While trying to figure out how to handle her relatives with their hands out, her ex, and her fiance’, with his increasingly rude attitude regarding the money, she learns that sometimes things aren’t what they seem. She also learns a lot about herself in the process, and in the end about family; how they might just surprise you when you least expect it.

ReShonda Tate Billingsley has a knack for portraying the “down home” feel of family and the dynamics between them. I would highly recommend THE DEVIL IS A LIE to readers with an interest in heart-warming stories with realistic characters and situations. Though the drama is abundant, it doesn’t overshadow the story; the message is clear, even before completing the book. THE DEVIL IS A LIE is a wonderful read showcasing how important it is to stay true to yourself, and that even during what should be happy times, the devil will show up and try to show out. In spite of this, in the end, love always prevails.

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ^TM Reviewers

Author’s Website: http://www.ReshondaTateBillingsley.com

Follow the Blog Tour at: http://bitly.com/TheDevilIsALie

Sisters and Husbands by Connie Briscoe
Grand Central Publishing, June 2009
288 Pages, Hardcover, $24.99
ISBN: 0446534897
Genre: Fiction

RAW Rating: 4.0 (out of 5)

SISTERS AND HUSBANDS is the sequel to Sisters and Lovers, where we first met sisters, Evelyn, Charmaine and Beverly…and the drama continues.

Beverly has been engaged three times and the last two engagements she broke off just before walking down the aisle.  Now she believes she’s met the man of her dreams in Julian and she’s sure she wants to spend the rest her life with him.  Her family is happy she is finally settling down.

Family and friends see Evelyn’s and Kevin’s marriage as picture perfect, both have successful jobs, a beautiful home, fancy cars and two children.  But there’s trouble in paradise and Evelyn is not sure how to handle it.

Three times divorced, Charmaine is now living in married bliss of one year with Tyrone until havoc erupts, as she tries to bring two families together.

After learning of her sisters’ marital problems, Beverly begins evaluating her relationship with Julian.  She knows they love each other, but is marriage worth it if she has to work so hard at it?  Will she marry Julian? Or will she call it off at the last minute….again?

SISTERS AND HUSBANDS is a refreshing summer read.  Briscoe’s writing is light and airy with a sprinkle of spice and a whole lot of drama.  The depiction of the characters is genuine and the flow of the novel is smooth from beginning to end.  I recommend SISTERS AND HUSBANDS for a quick summer pick-me-up!!

Reviewed by Sharon Lewis, RAWSISTAZ.com
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Sharon Lewis, a married mother of five and a grandmother of six boys and one girl, is an eclectic bookaholic.  She works as an Administrative Assistant and resides in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Visit www.blackbookreviews.net for more reviews by The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

ASSATA AND THE SECRET OF THE COWRIE by Vickie M. Oliver-Lawson, Illustrated by Karen Summerville
New Day Publishing, February 2008
28 Pages, Paperback, $15.00
ISBN: 0972154256

Genre: Children’s Fiction    (4-8)
 
BUY IT – http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0972154256/rawreviewers
 
RAWKidz Rating: 5 (out of 5)
 
The History Behind Cowrie Shells

 Have you ever seen someone wear porcelain-like seashells at the end of their locs? Did you wonder why wear seashells? In ASSATA AND THE SECRET OF THE COWRIE, Vickie M. Oliver-Lawson tells a story about cowrie shells that explains what they are, where they come from and why they are used to adorn the hair. The story begins in a small African country, near a river, where a little girl named Assata spends her days looking for these beautiful shells.

Although infatuated with the shells, she doesn’t understand where they come from. Her grandfather provides the rather colorful background of the cowrie through stories from the old Griots of their village. Knowing that there is a celebration approaching soon for the young women in the village, Assata looks for a way to bring attention to herself; she uses the beautiful shells. The idea she comes up with is a big hit in more ways than one.

Ms. Oliver-Lawson attacks the natural curiosity of children with a vibrant, wonderful story that educates at the same time as she introduces the young ones to a new culture. New words are established in an entertaining, non-threatening way and with the aid of a vocabulary list. The crayon-like illustrations by Karen Summerville worked to add lots of life and zest to the book as well. This is a great story for sharing with all children at any time, but it is especially good for those who have that inquisitive nature about them.

Reviewed by Brenda Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Publisher’s Website: http://www.write4us.com
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Brenda M. Lisbon is an avid reader and a big supporter of school-sponsored reading activities for children in her community. She and her son reside in Bishopville, SC.

Serving Justice by Jacqueline D. Moore

RAW Rating: 5.0 (out of 5)

Angela Jenkins was raised by her grandmother because her parents died while she was quite young. She lived in a nice neighborhood but didn’t have the money to have the things the other kids did. As a result, she was frequently teased and always felt like an outsider. Her grandmother encouraged her in Christian ways and urged her to excel in school. When she entered college, her three roommates became her family. They all went to law school and two, including Angela became judges. They remained good friends after college.

Angela fell in love with her driver, Tony, and when she needed an escort to an awards dinner, she asked him to go with her. She worried her friends would find out what he did for a living. Imagine the surprise of her three friends when they found out Tony was a cab driver. It didn’t matter that he had a PH.D in psychology and was doing what he wanted to do. Angela asked them to leave it alone but the women had to find out about him. They discovered he had a secret and they felt it would hurt Angela as a judge. The relationship is about to the rip the friends apart. Is Angela going to bow to the wishes of her friends or is she going to go with her feelings and Tony’s?

SERVING JUSTICE by Jacqueline D. Moore is a book filled with romance, suspense and friendship. A quick flashback about Angela’s early years builds her character and makes readers understand who she is and why she does the things she does. Her friends are well-developed also, and it is easy to follow their behavior. The added suspense is enough to keep those pages turning; who will win in Angela’s life – her friends or God? I would recommend this book to everyone.

Reviewed by alice Holman, RAWSISTAZ.com

Author’s Website:  http://www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com
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Alice Holman is an avid reader, a writer and a community activist. She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband Ray and her little dog Boo.