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A New Face in Christian Fiction
Roishina Clay Henderson
Come meet …. Jacky
Jayson, Denise "Neicy" Chavez and Prescilla "Cee-Cee" Bates in the debut novel of "Make Me Whole."
“Make Me Whole” takes
you on a fascinating journey of three Atlanta women who each battle with their personal downfalls and everyday-life issues
of broken marriages and finances, and yes-- even careers that make you want to pull your hair out. So, you just
might see yourself in the lives of Jacky, Neicy and Cee-Cee. This small circle of friends make a trip to a church conference,
where the church is on the brink of celebrating their history in faith. What they don't know is that when they get to the
city, where the conference is being held, they just may create their own memorable moments that could change the direction
of their life. There's no guarantee that old demons won't be there waiting on them when they return home with their brand
spanking new spiritual walk either.
Can they
learn that God can be the power source to pick up the broken pieces of their life and make them whole? Only God can....
Make Me Whole!
For those who've read "Make Me Whole," Get ready for the sequel: "Not Built
To Break." Look for updates and excerpt in the coming months on the author’ s web-site www.roishina.com
Make Me Whole was read by the Sistah Girls Reading
Club Atlanta Connection and is given a rating of 5.
We encourage book-clubs across the United States
and abroad to embrace this new face in Christian Fiction (Roishina C. Henderson) to read and share the realties of our everyday walk as women of God and the joys, sorrows, triumphs, defeats, laughter
and tears that we so often fail to share but we all endure in our journey to becoming whole.
Submitted by: Karen Anderson-Archer –
SGRC Atlanta Connection
The Interruption of Everything
by Terry McMillian
I recently read The Interruption Of Everything, although the novel was very good, it was not up to Ms McMillian usual
standards. This story share some issues we as women go thru in our lifetimes. I found myself in the beginning of the book
trying to find the one part going to grab my attention and hook me for the rest of the book. By Chapter 10 I was off and running. I identified with several characters in this book and I feel Ms. McMillan hit home on quite
a few issues. I applaud her ability to write something like this under duress, but it was informative and entertaining.
I suggest the book to anyone that has interfamily issues that has been unresolved.
Bonita Butrell
SGRC-Miami Connection
A great read. Well written and a real page turner.
Very emotional. Makes you cry, laugh and seek revenge as mood swings of a mother go beyond your wildest unbelievable expectations.
Delores Phillips tells this saga as if she lived with the Rozelle and the Quinn clan.
Martha Carter
SGRC-Atlanta-Connection
All I Ever Did Was Love A Man, By Sharon Denison Allison-Ottey, this is a must read book for women of all ages! The author
brought forth several strong relationships to help the reader understand, educate, and fight an issue that is starting to
plague the African American community. In the beginning, the book will have you thinking that this is typical romance novel,
however once the story unfolds the reader is quickly seized by how one issue can create such a cascading effect. The book
gives the reader a look into the life of Sabrena, the main character, who is an independent single-mother of two young daughters
and is in love with a man who lies and cheats. Sabrena’s life is turned upside down with some news that forces her
to revisit her life and pave a way for survival because she knows that her whole existence will never be the same.
We read this book for the month of November and it was rated an overall total of 4.5, We had one member rate it 5.0 for the
highest and one member for a low of 4.0. Everyone agreed it was a good book and a page turner, but there were a lot of loose
ends, some story lines were rushed and we found quite a few grammatical errors in the story. As a whole everyone enjoyed the
book.
Fyphine O'Neal
Atlanta Connection
A MEMOIR OF A BOY SOLDIER, is a current events story told to us by the Child Soldier Himself. To travel the roads
that took this young child/man into a war that was not his choice, to experience the terrible horrors of was through a child's
eye is the story you will read. Thank GOD that our children are safe, or are they? Read please, hold on to
your heart, remove your safety glasses, this is REAL...we truly are blessed to be able to NOT know the horrors of
the world outside of our United States, or are we?
SISTAH GIRLS, It is always a blessing and favor to be in the company of so many wonderfully charged BLACK WOMEN. I had
an awesome time.
By Ingrid Jacobs..
Atlanta Connection...rating 4
SIN NO MORE, by Kimberla Larson Roby...Curtis & Charlotte Black have agreed to forgive and move forward
as husband and wife. However, the past can place doubt and question to that. Is it easier to change or to stay the same? Consequences
of our actions can cause pause. Sin no more...easier said than done.
Ingrid Jacobs - Atlanta
Connection 04/08
Inspired by a true story, A GREAT READ!! Just as the front cover states; this book is a story of Courage, Hope and Transformation. A easy read, and definitely a page turner. L.Y. Marlow, takes you on a journey of
four generations of mothers and daughters terrible cycle of physical, and emotional abuse, endured by the men in their lives.
The first generation starts with her grandparents Eloise and Isaac. Isaac, starts out to be a very loving man towards his wife Eloise.
Then he turns into a horrible man who endures unspeakable abuse towards his wife and children. They learn to fear and resent the man in the same breath.
L.Y. Marlow also shares with her
readers the painful trials and tribulations of her own cycle of domestic abuse, from her daughter Treasure’s father
Lloyd. She also shares the heartache of her younger sister Angie’s battle
with mental illness. Witnessing her own mother Mattie being abused and experiencing
physical abuse herself, its heartbreaking yet inspiring to know Lydia (L.Y. Marlow) ended this vicious
cycle. The love of family, forgiveness and faith in God, keep the women in this
family committed to one another and each other’s support system.
This book is a must read, and should
be shared with anyone who has endured any type of physical or emotional abuse, and felt there was never a way out.
I rate this book a 10.
Deshawn-SGRC Jacksonville 2008
Color Me Butterfly
By L.Y. Marlow
Spanning over sixty years, this poignant well-written book tells the story of four
generations of mothers and daughters who embrace a legacy of unconditional love, old-fashioned family values, and faith to
triumph over a life plagued with unspeakable abuse and pain.
Written with the flow of a novel, with frank wisdom and wit, Color Me Butterfly encourages the reader to immerse themselves into this family's life and become
an advocate for change. It will incite discussion, debate, and heightened awareness about intergenerational abuse and its
impact on our society. In the end, it will leave readers applauding the women of this story for their courage and strength
and wanting to champion change for all women whose story shares the same face. As stated by: http://www.colormebutterfly.com/
Overall, the ladies enjoyed the book. For those that were not too inhibited and shared with us their
personal stories thank you! Whether it is intergenerational abuse...being physical, emotional, mental or sociological ...
this type of abuse often becomes the pink elephant that sits in our family corner and we often too fearful
to acknowledge it or make reference to it.
Times have change and women today are less likely to take that type of abuse and I know that
our daughters will not! But, if we all really admitted it most of our mothers, aunts and grandmothers were the products
of the generation of intergenerational abuse in some shape form or fashion!
Submitted by: October 2009
Hostess - Karen Anderson-Archer
Little Black Girl Lost - Review
If you have read the book, you will know that Johnnie Wise, one of the main
characters, was fifteen years old girl when her mother sold her virginity to a white insurance man named Earl Shamus. Earl
was a dirty old man, known to have had many young girls in the neighborhood. But because of her beauty and wisdom, he ended
up falling in love with Johnnie, doing almost anything she asked just to spend time with her. Johnnie, struggled initally
with her abuse and her love for God, but she eventually became very savvy and learned how to use Earl to her benefit, or so
she thought. Set in New Orleans during the 1950's, many other characters in the book participated in this sad world
of betrayal, envy, lust and murder. One editorial review said, Little Black Girl Lost will shock you right up to the
very end."
Let's see how the Sistah Girl Reading Club rated the book:
RATING
On a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the highest); 6 out 14 members gave the book an average rating of 3.5.
COMMENTS
- The plot was lacking and what little plot that was in the book was rushed through.
- I enjoyed the story line but the content was somewhat different from what I expected.
- I feel the author did a good job with the story and his characters. This does not mean that I could not have expressed
a more favorable direction for some of the characters. But that makes for a good story, right?
- I could not quite figure out what time period we were in(even though dates were given) ... therefore, I did not feel
as if I were making a connection. The events of the story just did not match with the time frame and the way things would
have been then.But, then I don't know. I guess there may have been a time after SLAVERY ... where desperate
times called for desperate measure. I have to give to the daughter ... she knew how to get what she wanted out of a situation
that she had no control over. But ... did she not have control over the situation?
- I really enjoyed all three books thanks.
- The book was an easy read but had extreme moments of harsh language and sex that led to nowhere.
- Book review by Carla Felton of Sistah Girl Atlanta
- 8/2008
I speak (I hope) for the overall consensus when I say “we enjoyed
the book, its story line, and its characters. The setting was one that could be related to well by the “Georgia Peaches.” The sharing of family stories made us
all realize that every family has one of “Them” a Viola and a Hawk!!! The story challenged us to also examine our own assumptions about race or “Them.” It is a novel
I will be thinking about for a while. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well written and thought provoking book.
Who is "Them?" Them takes
place in Atlanta's historic Fourth Ward, former home of Martin Luther King, Jr. It is a community with deep roots and pride,
but also with its share of problems. Situated close to downtown, the Fourth Ward is premium real estate, attracting white
b uyers who want to live in the city and who also believe they are promoting integration. Nathan McCall explores issues of
race and gentrification through the story of two main characters one of which is white. The buying up homes and making changes
in a historic, black neighborhood is told through these characters. Barlowe, a middle aged black man who lives in Atlanta's
Fourth Ward and Sandy, a socially active white woman who moves in to the house
next door. Barlowe and Sandy's ideas and relationships change during the novel as the result of their friendship.
Them was page turning and thought provoking.
McCall does not over simplify the situation or make generalizations. By taking us into the minds of white and black characters,
McCall exposes the roots of misunderstanding, and reveals how differences in history, culture and underlying assumptions contribute
to racial tension.
SGRC Atlanta Connection rated Them
a 4. Rated by Karen Archer2009
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Mountain High Valley Low
by Renee Flagler
"A Must Read!"
This is an excellent read that captures you from the beginning. You will be anticipating what is to become of Lexie
and Brian. Will this couple endure their trials and tribulations? Pick up the book and find out. I can't
wait for her next novel.
Coretta
SGRC - Texas Connection
Pearl Cleage did a wonderful job creating a novel full of characters who lives intertwined some way or another. Blue Hamilton
is one of the main characters who along with his friend, the General, are determined to protect their community at any cost.
The General falls for a stripper who ultimately contributes to his downfall. Baby brother is a war deserter who plays off
women and men in order to better himself. Then there's Kwame who's a DL brother who is being blackmailed by Baby Brother
who is also the son of Precious Hargrove, a Georgia Senator. She also touches on the supernatural, crooked cops and pushes
the envelope on how far people would go to get ahead in life.
Kiesha
SGRC-Jacksonville
Jim & Louella’s Homemade Heart-Fix Remedy
By Bertice Berry
We were surprised – most pleasantly – with the subject matter and the “salty” marriage
relationship which develops between the main characters, an older couple, Jim and Louella.On the surface, Jim and Louella
are working out their own marital “rut,” with some guidance from Louella’s wise ancestors. (Clearly this
is not fully reality-based, but fun, none-the-less) But on a deeper level, the book is about the scars we bear from our past,
their impact on who we are and the healing power of love.
The story is full of wise observations made by Louella about life, love and relationships. These golden tidbits alone make
the book worth reading, but we also found joy in reading about a marriage which had withstood many years (and circumstances)
yet thrived and many times, even smoldered. (wink, wink). Louella’s colorful language brought many a belly laugh, in
spite of sometimes serious subject matter. It’s important to note one strong “nay” vote within our group.
The detailed, intimate scenes between Jim and Louella, and the less-than-wholesome thoughts of many other characters made
it hard to appreciate those qualities which appealed to the rest of the club.
Shelley Williams-Atlanta Connection
October 2006
Mama’s Lies-Daddy’s Pain by Brian W. Smith
Uncovers seventeen years of deception and pain. The book starts off with a young man’s decision to do the right thing
by becoming a parent to his child, however there is no happy ending for the readers. Every page is filled with drama that
eventually leads up to an ending laced in betrayal. Although the author used the first person perspective for each character,
to help the reader understand the thought process behind the actions, the reader is still left asking the same question over
and over-WHY? Why did Jamal, the main character, choose, accept and handle his situation in this manner? Why did Jamal’s
parents believe their son’s circumstances without any recourse? Why did Tracy, Jada and Greg betray Jamal? After reading
this book, the question may be asked why did Smith write a book of this nature and it is a simple question to answer…to
inform men of questionable paternity. In some cases, a person’s word is just not enough proof. The group found the book
to informative and rated it a 3.
Tammy Washington
Atlanta Connection
My latest love is . . . . .Eric Jerome Dickey, ... ....oops my bad
I meant Sleeping with Strangers and Waking with Enemies.
I am going to do a twofer....2 for 1. I read SWS first, and I
must say I was a little surprised with this new novel by EJD. It's a big departure from his earlier works, the entire
series takes place in the United Kingdom (London). Our man character is a hitman named Gideon (that's right...from
the Bible). The poor tortured soul begins a journey thru self discovery and a yearning he did not realize he had.
From the beginning, you get a glimpse of the type of work he does and how it affects him every time. On one particular
trip to handle his business, Gideon meets two lovely ladies that give him a reason to think about other thing besides "killing".
In SWS, the ground work is laid for WWE. You find our "Hitman" caught up in a love triangle of sorts, along
with dealing with personal issues and a vendetta from childhood he can't seem to let go.
In WWE, Gideon paranoia begins to surface and that may be the one thing
that keeps our man alive. We find out that all the dirt he has done in the past will come back to bite him in his a**.
You will find yourself rooting for this young man once you see the troubles he has gone thru to reach the point
where he's at now. I could not put either book down, until I quenched my desire to find out WHAT HAPPENED??? When
I first read the synopsis, I was like Ugh! By the end of the first chapter, I was hooked. As you will be if you are
a true EJD fan.
I give each one of these books . . . . BBBBb (41/2B's). Until
next time, Beloved. "Remember, you can't help who you love, but you can be selective in who you give your HEART to."
Kisses from the Missus, 8/08
Mrs. Bonita B.-Miami Connection
If you didn't know, now you do. . .it ya girl Bonita B
with another review on Carl Weber's - Something on the Side.
First off, shoutout to Carl for showing us Big Girls mad love.
Read the book and you'll know what I mean. Secondly, I truly enjoyed this book and I'm not just saying that because
I am a fan of Mr. Weber's, but his latest endeavor has quite a few twists and turns even I...Bonita B..The Queen of Smut didn't
see coming. I will admit that a few of the characters will have you in utter disbelief at their antics but eventually
they will endear themselves to you. It's hard to select one character out of this book to give ya a heads up on without
revealing all the foolishness and mayhem that happens in 390 pages of Carl Weberness..I hope y'all enjoy this as much as I
have and I know this will make for a very interesting BOOK CLUB discussion. Until next time..Be Breezy!
This novel receives 3 1/2BBBb.
Always on the hunt for the next best thing,
Bonita B in pursuit...-Miami Connection 2008
rated 4
"A Woman's Worth is a masterfully written story where Price-Thompson not only demonstrates her writing talent
with prose that makes you read a sentence twice because of its beauty, but she also provides a compelling not-happily-ever-after
story that will keep you flipping the pages... A novel that will have your heart pounding, your eyes tearing, and a story
lingering in your mind long after you've read the last page."
Prestina Rogers Atlanta 2009
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Joplin's Ghost
by Tananarive Due
"Good Read"
If you like supernatural
I enjoyed the book but it wasn't her best. The story line moved slow.
I was especially impress with the historical facts about Scott Joplin
intertwined with the fictional ghost story.
Annette SGRC-Miami Connection
P.G. County by Connie Briscoe
Must Read!!!
This was the first time I read anything by the author. I truly enjoyed this book it kept my interest from the beginning to
the end. I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen to Jolene my least favorite character. I immediately
ran out and picked up the sequel “Can’t Get Enough”. I am looking forward to reading more of Ms. Briscoe
work.
Jacqueline
SGRC-Jacksonville Connection
Every Woman Needs A Wife
I had never read anything by this author before. The unexpected was not the expected
and the book was well written and an easy read. Every wife who has been cheated on by their husband should feel some
honor in knowing that pay back can be lethal. Naleighna Kai is a master story teller...This is a must read
Katherine Richardson
Atlanta Connection
By Mary R. Butler
Abandoned as a child by his father, Bill finds solace in his good friend Travis and Travis' family. The two boys are inseparable
as they share each other's pains and joys from childhood to manhood..Mary Butler's novel chronicles the lives of two men and
their pursuit of unconditional love and friendship..This novel is excellent, each character holds their own and a must read
for all. SGRC, Atlanta Connection rated this book a 10...
Katherine Richardson
Atlanta Connection
"Unequally Yoked" by Pamela Wilson.
A captivating story of two young adults that fall madly in love and decide to get married
against the advice of all those that love them. Angie, a long-time Christian, beautiful,
sweet, and very much in love with Richard, her soon-to-be husband. He's her perfect mate or is he? This story keeps you guessing until the very end. Eventually, God has the final say with Angie
and with Richard. You will not guess the end to this love story.
I rate this book a 3.5 overall.
Yolanda Radcliff-Atlanta Connection
A must read. For an authors’
debut novel the tale was remarkably told with elegance and style. The characters were introduced and remembered as the tale
did unfold in your heart and left a mark on your soul. This read edges on family ties, bloodlines, kin, love, tradition and
survival.
The story takes place
in a small rural area between Shelby and Tipton counties of west Tennessee in the 1930’s. They tell you of the home
of a ghost whose legend lives on through his son and son’s son as they each reveal the marks of traditions passed on
through a trade used to take care of the family through any means necessary.
Known secrets stood the
test of time as each tattered with the powers of the unspoken while its history repeats itself again and again.
Check out the Bar-B-Q
and moonshine recipes and notice how they were prepared with pride and shared with love.
Note: The author joined
us by conference during this book discussion and his remarks follow:
“Thanks to the Atlanta connection of the Sistah Girl Reading Club
for reading my novel The Legend of Quito Road. It was a magical time discussing this southern tale with you this evening.
I look forward to meeting you in person when I visit Atlanta on July 31 through August 3. Your host for today's meeting and
I will set up a book club meeting in Atlanta to discuss The Knees of Gullah Island, my next novel due out in March 2008.
Remember, reading illuminates your soul and, if you ain't reading, your lights are not on.
God bless! Take care and be safe.
Dwight Fryer
Martha Carter- Atl Connection
Rate 5
Y'all know I'm always looking for a good book and this was not IT.
I did not think it would happen but EJD finally has disappointed me. I mean really...If you are gonna Bump da Uglies..must
you sit down and over analyze it for at least 2-3 hours. What gets me in this book, the main character Nia Simone (nice
name isn't it?) starts to live her life the ways she wants it or doesn't she? See, that didn't make sense or did it?
This what this entire book is about, Nia rethinking every sexual move she has made or plan to make instead of living in the
moment and dealing with all that emotional frustrations later. If your thing is reading about sex, thoughts, sex,
despair, adultery and more sex. . .then by all means read the book. I will admit to a small moment where I enjoyed
the book towards the end when one snobbish female gets her comeuppance, other than that...this just did not do it for ME.
I give this novel.. 1 1/2Bb (it's my baby daddy, I cant be too hard on him)
Always reading and 4ever seeding my thirst for more. .
Bonita B.-Miami Connection 2008
Latest book read - Do You Take This Woman by RM Johnson.
I enjoyed this book tremendously, although a little far-fetched for the times that we live in. As you read this book,
you will see what I mean. We have two childhood friends that fall in love with the same woman. Remember that old
saying to put your family first. Obviously, these two men (close enough to be brothers) decide that love will conquer
all. Both men set out in their own way to win the heart of this woman. I must say that there is enough betrayal
in this book to last me for years to come. RM Johnson brings out the baser human nature in this novel and make you say
that "All's fair in Love & War". Well that not exactly true. . .depending on how the war is fought and if your conscience
allows you to sleep at night, then by all rights.... I could not put this book down until I reached the heart wrenching
decision the object of their desire makes when she is forced to choose between the two men. Another great book from
Mr. Johnson.
I give this novel BBBBb (41/2 B's) . Until
next time, Beloved. "I'll see you between the Sheets"
Feeding my need to READ...
Bonita B.-Miami Connection 2008
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