The Devil is a Lie by Reshonda Tate Billingsley
By Jeanette Wallington • Aug 12th, 2009 • Category: Book Review 2009 •
Email This Post
• 
Print This Post
Nina and her ex-husband, Todd, were high school sweethearts. Against the advice of family and friends they married young. It seemed like they had proved everyone wrong as they were married for about ten years, but then Todd got the wandering eye and wondered what it would be like to experience another woman. Todd files for divorce and becomes involved in a relationship with his new woman, Pam. Only, Todd soon finds the grass is not greener on the other side. Pam is irresponsible, money hungry and selfish. Pam’s character flaws lead to the demise of their relationship and to Todd being able to help the person he loves the most, his grandmother. In ReShonda Tate Billingsley’s newest novel, the Devil Is a Lie, Todd and Nina must come to terms about their respective relationships and the problems that greed brings.
Nina can hardly believe that she has the winning lottery ticket. In her mind, she makes all kinds of plans for the money, including helping her new man, Rick Henderson, open his gym. She even has a plan to help out her money-grubbing relatives, even though they can hardly wait for the check to clear before they are at her door holding out their hands. However, on the day she was to get her check, things come to a screeching halt as Todd and Pam are also there with papers stating they are entitled to half of her winnings.
When I first saw the title and synopsis of this book, I thought, okay drama and more drama, but I was surprised. Todd turned out to be a sensitive and caring person with a conscious. Nina and Todd’s gullibility at times was so aggravating, and I found it a little hard to find compassion for both of them. I really liked that Billingsley took this subject and did not give it the usual neck rolling, argumentative twist. I think readers will like this book and the lessons learned by Nina and Todd, that money is not the cure all or end all.
Jeanette
APOOO BookClub
CLICK HERE to order a copy of The Devil is a Lie and to vote accordingly for Jeanette’s review.
Related Posts
Jeanette Wallington is a Michigan native and resides in the greater Detroit area. She has been a member of APOOO since its conception. She is also the co-founder of the Motown Review Book club and a member of the APOOO Exchange Team. You can find her reviews on Amazon.com. She loves to read. Reading allows her to escape from the pressures of life, live vicariously through characters and learn about new and exciting places, cultures and experiences. She cannot name her favorite author or books because her list changes constantly--she enjoys a variety of genres and writers. If you were to view her home bookshelves, you will find that her books are diverse and eclectic.
Email this author | All posts by Jeanette Wallington
I was pleasantly surprised that I liked Todd also. ReShonda did a great job with this book. I loved the ending.