Bliss by Gabrielle Pina
By Yasmin Coleman • Feb 2nd, 2010 • Category: Book Review 2002 •
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From the 2002 Archives
What if your entire life, as you’ve known it, was an illusion? Who do you turn to when the people you trust the most are the ones lying to you?” Claudine Jenkins is an unattractive, overweight child from an abusive family. Her Mom is an alcoholic and barely pays any attention to her while her father and twin brother taunt her because she’s obese. Claudine seeks food for protection and believes it provides a cushion between her and the rest of the world. Claudine’s aunt, the mysterious and exotic Hattie Mae Jones, recognizes early on that Claudine is gifted and that it is possible for dreams to take her away from the dysfunctional family members who do not deserve or appreciate her.
Francesa Valentine is one of the most talented violinists in the world. She is attractive, slim, well-spoken, well-traveled and well-known. She is also a workaholic, touring constantly, giving interviews and doing what ever is necessary when it comes to her career so that she can avoid life.
Despite Claudine and Francesa’s dreams and accomplishments, would either one of them be able to really escape her past? What happens when three generations of lies come to the surface? Power, deceit, greed, and lust collide-leaving you with sheer Bliss.
Bliss is a story about powerful women, fearless women, and strong women. Women who handle stress under fire with grace and lack of tears. Via Claudine, Francesa, and Hattie Mae we experienced feelings of hope, determination and perseverance. We felt pain, the struggle and the joy of the journey and we also laughed and smiled along the way. Bliss is about love, hate, secrets, lies, deceit, betrayal and mother/daughter relationships. Its a riveting and compelling story of triumph over adversity; I highly recommend this book to others. I read it on the same day that the mailman delivered it and several hours later I was finished and satiated. First time author Gabrielle Pina delivers a powerful story that grabs the reader and does not let go until the very end. I look forward to future works from this talented author.
Yasmin
APOOO BookClub
Visit amazon to order a copy of Bliss.
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Yasmin Coleman is a literary publicist and promoter, book reviewer and founder of APOOO Books and BookClub. In 2000, she founded APOOO, www.apooobooks.com, an online author and reader community dedicated to advancing African-American literature.
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