APOOO http://www.apooobooks.com Celebrating African American Literature. Promoting Our Voices. Showcasing Our Stories. Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:00:14 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 en http://feeds.feedburner.com/Apooo?format=skinhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/http://www.apooobooks.comhttp://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/fb_pwrd.gifAPOOO Bookclub2088906http://www.feedburner.com Noon Time Chat for Going Down South by Bonnie Glover http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Apooo/~3/460896852/ http://www.apooobooks.com/south-bonnie-glovernoon-time-chat-wrap/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:00:14 +0000 APOOO http://www.apooobooks.com/?p=2088 Did you know that several book bloggers got together this week to discuss Going Down South by Bonnie Glover?  Or that the author, Bonnie Glover, also joined us?  What a fun time we have had discussing, sharing points-of-view, and thoughts regarding Going Down South.  Each day a different blogger hosted the noon-time chat, and today [...] Did you know that several book bloggers got together this week to discuss Going Down South by Bonnie Glover?  Or that the author, Bonnie Glover, also joined us?  What a fun time we have had discussing, sharing points-of-view, and thoughts regarding Going Down South.  Each day a different blogger hosted the noon-time chat, and today we’re wrapping it up at APOOO.  But don’t fret, you can still stop by each site and join in on prior discussions.  For convenience, I’ve listed all of the sites below.

Monday: J. Kaye’s Book Blog
Tuesday: Peeking Between the Pages
Wednesday: Literarily
Thursday: She Is Too Fond of Books
Friday: APOOO Book Club

But, before you leave APOOO, stay awhile as we share some of the highlights from this week and ponder mind-boggling situations.  As APOOO discovered in September, Going Down South is an excellent book for a discussion group as there were so many themes addressed–mother/daughter relationships, teenage pregnancy, parental sacrifices, husband/wife relationships, interracial relationships, holier than thou pastors, and secrets…

We kicked off the week at J. Kaye’s Book Blog.  She opened the discussion by stating that she didn’t like Southern Literature and was wondering why she choose this book to read and discuss.  But, she was also very open-minded and explained that one should never judge a book by its cover.  It seems that the father, Turk, and his treatment of his young daughter, Daisy, really got under J. Kaye’s skin…and I can understand because Turk was not a very endearing character and at the end of the book he still had no redeeming qualitys…imo.  J. Kaye ended her post with the following question:

What did you all think of Olivia Jean’s only request for her birthday was for her father to sing her a song and what Turk did? I wanted to get the broom after him like Daisy did at the beginning. Did that part really stand out for you? If not, what part did?

What a great question.  We continued the momentum the next day with Dar over at Peeking Between the Pages.  We were HERE and HERE.  Dar’s focus was on Daisy and Olivia Jean.  As with J. Kaye, and the rest of us, Dar empathized with Olivia Jean.  Here’s what she had to say:

Olivia Jean is by far my favorite character, at least for now. She is a very like able and endearing character. I can really feel how lonely she is within her family. In Olivia Jean’s family, her mother Daisy is the center of attention and although Olivia Jean adores her father Turk, he for the most part has eyes mostly for her mother. At times I find it hard to read when I can so clearly feel Olivia Jean yearning for the love and attention she needs as a young girl from both of her parents.

 Regarding Daisy, Dar admits that as she learns more about her that she might not be as bad as she appears to be on the surface.  Maybe there’s more than meets the eye and explains why Daisy behaves the way that she does.

Dar’s primary take away thus far was this…

 From what I’ve gathered so far this story shows us a lot of how each generation manages to affect the next and not always in a good way.

Dar also addressed  HERE questions previously asked  by the author regarding whether or not Olivia Jean had unrealistic expectations and mostly walked around with her head in the clouds and if Turk was really a bad guy.  My answers…the short of it…no and YES!  LOL.

Day 3, we hung out with Shana at Literarily.  She asked a very provocative and thought-provoking question that generated a lot of discussion.

 If your 15 year-old daughter came home today telling you she was pregnant, what would YOU do?

Those who know me, and know me well, know that I had a lot to say about this topic.  Hmmm…probably why my comments were moderated and never posted.  LOL.  There were some really good comments shared tho’…so when you have a moment, please stop by and read them. 

Okay, moving right along.  Day 4, we hung out at She Is Too Fond Of Books.  We discussed Birdie’s voice, secrets that separate us/families, and met Shorty Long, Lupe Rawlins and the god-awful, preacherman–Percy Walker.  She is Too Fond Of Books left us with these questions:

Does anyone else feel that Daisy is jealous of the relationship that has developed between Olivia Jean and Birdie?  I’m starting to see some regrets on Daisy’s part, I think that’s what inspired the family trip to church (this scene is in Part Four, “Of One Accord,” you might not be there yet). 

What has stood out to you as you’ve read?  Do you have any favorites passages, examples of Bonnies’ writing, that you’d like to share?  I post some excerpts that really struck me (later, in the comments section)

And now for today, APOOO leaves you with a review from team member Phyllis.  CLICK HERE to read  Phyllis’ review.  

I LOVED this book…there was so much to discuss and there were so many situations that are still relevant today.  Things that stood out for others also stood out for me…but Daisy not recognizing who her father was…or at least having an idea of who he was was just mind-boggling to me.  What about you?  Here’s what Glover had to say about my quest for ‘who da baby daddy be’…

Yasmin/Dawn - as far as Daisy not knowing who her father was — I spoke to a group of ladies from my church. The age varied. But to a one, the older of them said there were certain things that just weren’t talked about back then. Remember why there was a split? There might have still been danger. And, I do think Daisy was naive up til she left town and after she had too many other things to deal with rather than thing of fatherhood. I think.

What say you?  Do you disagree or agree?  Why? 

Now that we’ve all finished the book…let’s delve further and leave comments regarding the following questions:

What did you think of the ending?  Was it satisfactory or were there loose ends for you?  If there were loose ends, what were they and do you want a sequel?

Did Percy Walker get what was coming to him?  Or should we respect what happened and not talk ill of the man of God?

What did you think of Daisy’s decision regarding naming who the baby’s father was?

After getting to know the characters, did your opinions/views change regarding their character?  Why or why not?

If you were the author, is there anything you would have written differently?

Thanks everyone for stopping by.  Thanks J. Kaye for coordinating this week’s noon time chat.  And Bonnie Glover thank you for giving us such a wonderful book to discuss.

Everyone feel free to discuss Going Down South among yourselves and don’t forget to leave comments.

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]]> http://www.apooobooks.com/south-bonnie-glovernoon-time-chat-wrap/feed/ http://www.apooobooks.com/south-bonnie-glovernoon-time-chat-wrap/ In My Own Words by Djuanna Brockington http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Apooo/~3/460372889/ http://www.apooobooks.com/words-djuanna-brockington/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:00:28 +0000 Djuanna Brockington http://www.apooobooks.com/?p=2083 I started journaling in high school.  It was a great way for me to deal with my teenage angst, and plan for my future.  I stopped in college, but picked it back up a few years after I got married.   Today, after completing an entry in my journal, I decided to read it from the [...] I started journaling in high school.  It was a great way for me to deal with my teenage angst, and plan for my future.  I stopped in college, but picked it back up a few years after I got married.  

Today, after completing an entry in my journal, I decided to read it from the beginning (this particular volume was started in November 2004). In the past, I have gone back through my journal entries for that particular year to see if there were any significant differences in my life from the beginning of the year to the end of the year.    Except, I haven’t really done this in the last four years.  Until today.

And let me tell you.  I about fell out of my office chair.  Entry after entry, nothing but pessimism, misguided thinking, and just a dark and dreary Eeyore like mindset.  There were four recurring themes:  a better relationship with my daughter (when she hit the age of 10, I thought she had lost her mind), a grown up relationship (I was getting tired of playing with men with the mentality of little boys), a job that would let me work from home (like consulting- that is what I actually wrote), and eventually the ability to make a living as a writer.  

I was lamenting about all of these things, but I was doing very little in terms of moving forward.  

And then around September 2006, the entries become few and far between.  As a matter of fact, six months went by before my next entry.  And even though there was chaos in my professional life at the time, my entries begin to reflect a change in my attitude.  

And then there began to be changes in my life.  

I started finding more effective ways to parent my child (I had to use her creative and energetic spirit to my advantage instead of trying to bend her to my will).

I found myself in a real relationship with a real grown up.  But I told ya’ll about that.

Eight months ago, I started working from home, as a consultant, no less.

And I am engaging in activities that will very well lead to me being a full-time writer (that can afford to pay her bills and take of her daughter).

One thing I did notice- the more I was “doing”, the less I was journaling.  

So what did I learn today?  My words have power, but my attitude is just as important.

Do you journal?  Why (or why not)?  What do you think about the “old” versions of yourself?  Holla!

Djuanna Brockington

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]]> http://www.apooobooks.com/words-djuanna-brockington/feed/ http://www.apooobooks.com/words-djuanna-brockington/ Friday Fill-In, November 21, 2008 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Apooo/~3/460357448/ http://www.apooobooks.com/friday-fillin-november-21-2008/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:40:17 +0000 APOOO http://www.apooobooks.com/?p=2089 And…here we go! 1. The last band I saw live was _____________. Does Destiny’s Child count? 2. What I look forward to most on Thanksgiving is _________. (if you don’t celebrate thanksgiving, insert your favorite holiday) having the day off and spending time with immediate and extended family as well as close friends. 3. My Christmas/holiday [...]
And…here we go!

fridayfillin.gif

1. The last band I saw live was _____________. Does Destiny’s Child count? ;)

2. What I look forward to most on Thanksgiving is _________. (if you don’t celebrate thanksgiving, insert your favorite holiday) having the day off and spending time with immediate and extended family as well as close friends.
3. My Christmas/holiday shopping is __________. nowhere close to being done.
4. Thoughts of _____________ fill my head. why do we have to bail out everyone
5. I wish I could wear ______________. skinny jeans.
6. Bagpipes ________. have no need for them.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to _____, tomorrow my plans include _____ and Sunday, I want to _____!

Friday–Beginning my vacation.  Yippee.  I’m on vacation from 11/21 - 12/1.
Saturday–Daughter’s cheerleading competition; AKA workshop; nails/pedicure; dinner with friends.
Sunday–Rest, relax, read, cook dinner..maybe church.

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]]> http://www.apooobooks.com/friday-fillin-november-21-2008/feed/ http://www.apooobooks.com/friday-fillin-november-21-2008/ Thank God for a Book, Of Blood and Sorrow by Valerie Wilson Wesley (Day 3) http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Apooo/~3/459228180/ http://www.apooobooks.com/god-book-blood-sorrow-valerie-wilson-wesley/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:41:13 +0000 APOOO http://www.apooobooks.com/?p=2082 Valerie Wilson Wesley's private investigator, Tamara Hayle, whom the Houston Chronicle calls "smart, sexy, tough but tender," has earned enthusiastic acclaim from reviewers and readers alike. Now Newark, New Jersey's savviest detective confronts the one case she never saw coming--and discovers how ties that bind can easily become a noose. I have friends who are book lovers and swear by the Valerie Wilson Wesley’s Tamara Hayle series.  I’m a die-hard mystery, suspense, thriller lover.  But, when it comes to mysteries, I prefer the likes of James Patterson’s Alex Cross character/series.  I want my mysteries to be fast-paced, action-filled, cat and mouse themes.  I don’t care if the main character has a lover, wife, significant other, or hasn’t had sex in six months.  Not my concern…but catching the perp is. 

My favorite book by Valerie Wilson Wesley is Playing my Mother’s Blues…and while Wesley’s previous mystery left me unsatisfied, I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by Of Blood and Sorrow and would recommend it to Tamara Hayle fans.  For more about Of Blood and Sorrow, CLICK HERE to read the review from APOOO reviewer Angelia.

To enter to win a copy, read the details below.

Now, how TO ENTER TO WIN.

If you would like to win a copy of Of Blood and Sorrow by Valerie Wilson Wesley, leave a comment on this post, along with your email address, by midnight EST, Sunday, November 23.  You can increase your chances of winning, by entering more than one comment, but each additional comment must be meaningful and different.  Also, if you post about this giveaway on your own blog and link back to APOOO, you get two more entry points.  This contest is open to US and Canadian residents.  I will use random.org to choose the winner.  The winner will only be notified via the Web site, so you will need to come back to the Web site to see if you have won.  The winner will be announced on Monday, November 24. 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

(All are about Valerie Wilson Wesley)

Have you read any books by Valerie Wilson Wesley?

If so, what are some of your favorite reads?

What do you think of the Tamara Hayle character as a sleuth, private detective?

If you could have dinner with Wesley, what questions would you have for her about Tamara Hayle?

I was at a book festival several years ago, and Wesley mentioned that she would really like to write more contemporary fiction and move away from writing the Tamara Hayle mysteries.  She has written several contemporary fiction books.  If you’ve read any of them, share your thoughts as to whether or not you like them better than the Tamara Hayle series.   

It’s Thanksgiving weekend and you’ve invited Ms. Wesley to join you and your bookclub for a weekend to remember.  What events would your book club come up with to keep Ms. Wesley entertained. If you don’t belong to a local book club, share what the two of you would do together for your get-together weekend.

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]]> http://www.apooobooks.com/god-book-blood-sorrow-valerie-wilson-wesley/feed/ http://www.apooobooks.com/god-book-blood-sorrow-valerie-wilson-wesley/ Thursday Thirteen, Great American Smoke-Out http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Apooo/~3/459185056/ http://www.apooobooks.com/thursday-thirteen-great-american-smoke-out/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:05:59 +0000 APOOO http://www.apooobooks.com/?p=2080 Today is the 33rd annual Great American Smoke-Out (GASO) Day.  Annually, on the third Thursday of November, the American Cancer Society for the last 33 years has asked smokers to give up smoking just for today.  The belief is if smokers can quit for a day, make that first quit attempt, then maybe they can continue [...]

Today is the 33rd annual Great American Smoke-Out (GASO) Day.  Annually, on the third Thursday of November, the American Cancer Society for the last 33 years has asked smokers to give up smoking just for today.  The belief is if smokers can quit for a day, make that first quit attempt, then maybe they can continue for another day and so forth and so forth until they’ve quit for good. 

If you are a smoker, or have a friend or family member who is, today’s meme is Thirteen reasons for QUITTING SMOKING.

  1. Your Health
  2. High Cost of Cigarettes
  3. Increase Your Life Span
  4. Live to Watch Your Son/Daughter Graduate From High School
  5. Walk Your Daughter Down the Aisle
  6. You Want to Get Pregnant
  7. Lowers the risk of lung cancer, other cancers, heart attack, stroke, and chronic lung disease.
  8. Ex-smokers live longer than people who keep smoking.  Ex-smokers enjoy a higher quality of life with fewer illnesses from cold and flu viruses, better self-reported health, and reduced rates of bronchitis and pneumonia.
  9. Smoking is less socially acceptable now than it was in the past. (If you smoke, do you like going outside in the cold to smoke?)  Smokers may also find their prospects for dating or romantic involvement, including marriage, are largely limited to other smokers, who make up less than 20% of the adult population.
  10. If a mother smokes, there is a higher risk of her baby developing asthma in childhood, especially if she smoked while she was pregnant.
  11. Smoking is also linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and low-birth weight infants.
  12. Babies and children raised in a household where there is smoking have more ear infections, colds, bronchitis, and other lung and breathing problems than children from non-smoking families.
  13. SECONDHAND SMOKE KILLS!  Studies have shown that secondhand smoke causes thousands of deaths each year from lung cancer and heart disease in healthy non-smokers.

 

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others’ comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!


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]]> http://www.apooobooks.com/thursday-thirteen-great-american-smoke-out/feed/ http://www.apooobooks.com/thursday-thirteen-great-american-smoke-out/ Thank God for a Book, Something on the Side by Carl Weber, Day 2 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Apooo/~3/459141282/ http://www.apooobooks.com/god-book-side-carl-weber-day-2/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:02:58 +0000 APOOO http://www.apooobooks.com/?p=2079 Carl Weber--the New York Times bestselling author of The First Lady and So You Call Yourself a Man--represents with a straight-up novel about friendship and love, sex and betrayal, and how getting some on the side is never as simple as it seems. Meet Tammy, Egypt, Isis, Nikki, Coco, and Tiny--the bodacious women of the Big Girls Book Club. There's only one rule to being a member. You must be at least a size 14... In his last book, Something on the Side, Carl Weber appeared to be branching out and spreading his wings.  I remember reading Lookin’ for Luv when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer. That book(Lookin’ for Luv) made me laugh and forget my fears…if only for a moment.  I came through that traumatic time, and eight years later I’m still moving forward and Carl Weber is still writing books.  Albeit, the last one is a little, okay a lot more erotic than Lookin’ for Luv ever was.  Actually as funny as Lookin’ for Luv was…this one is probably as filled with sex, sex, sex and more sex.  The ladies of the Big Girls Book Club seem to have a lot more on their mind than discussing books.  To find out more about Something on the Side by Carl Weber, CLICK HERE to check out APOOO’s review by review team member, Jeanette.

To enter to read a copy, read the details below.

Now, how TO ENTER TO WIN.

If you would like to win a copy of Something on the Side by Carl Weber, leave a comment on this post, along with your email address, by midnight EST, Sunday, November 23.  You can increase your chances of winning, by entering more than one comment, but each additional comment must be meaningful and different.  Also, if you post about this giveaway on your own blog and link back to APOOO, you get two more entry points.  This contest is open to US and Canadian residents.  I will use random.org to choose the winner.  The winner will only be notified via the Web site, so you will need to come back to the Web site to see if you have won.  The winner will be announced on Monday, November 24. 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

(All are about Carl Weber)

Have you read any books by Carl Weber?

If so, what are some of your favorite reads?

Who are some of your favorite Weber characters?

If you could have dinner with Weber, what character would you want to know more about?

Webers writing has changed since he first burst on the scene.  Do you have a preference for his writing style?  Do you want more of what it was like when he first started out or do you believe it’s time for him to move on…as he had in his last couple of titles.

It’s Thanksgiving and you’re inviting Mr. Weber to dinner…what do you think the affair will be like?  (What type of guest will he be?  What will you serve for dinner?  What type of board or card games will you play?  The sky’s the limit…and creativity is encouraged).

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]]> http://www.apooobooks.com/god-book-side-carl-weber-day-2/feed/ http://www.apooobooks.com/god-book-side-carl-weber-day-2/ Thank God for a Book, Dying for Revenge by Eric Jerome Dickey,Day 1 http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Apooo/~3/459088738/ http://www.apooobooks.com/god-book-dying-revenge-eric-jerome-dickeyday-1/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:49:23 +0000 APOOO http://www.apooobooks.com/?p=2077 From November 17 - December 12, APOOO will host the Thank God for a Book GiveAway. Each day, Monday - Friday, we will give away a 2008 book release from a popular African American author or a book about the Black experience. Both hardcover and paperback books will be given away. Most books will be brand new but a few will be "Like New." Increase your chances of winning, by stopping by each day and leaving a comment. Okay, APOOO is just a little behind with The Thank God for a Book Giveaway.  But, we’re ready to rock-and-roll now.  The first book up for giveaway is a ‘day late and a dollar short’…it’s a new release and it just came out yesterday, November 18.  For those who’ve followed and enjoyed the Gideon series from Eric Jerome Dickey, Dying for Revenge could be yours for free.  This is what APOOO reviewer Angelia says about Dying for Revenge,

Those who enjoy intriguing novels with a backdrop of violence and sexuality will like this book.

To read Angelia’s entire review, CLICK HERE 

 

Now, how TO ENTER TO WIN.

If you would like to win a copy of Dying for Revenge by Eric Jerome Dickey, leave a comment on this post, along with your email address, by midnight EST, Sunday, November 23.  You can increase your chances of winning, by entering more than one comment, but each additional comment must be meaningful and different.  Also, if you post about this giveaway on your own blog and link back to APOOO, you get two more entry points.  This contest is open to US and Canadian residents.  I will use random.org to choose the winner.  The winner will only be notified via the Web site, so you will need to come back to the Web site to see if you have won.  The winner will be announced on Monday, November 24. 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

(All are about Eric Jerome Dickey)

Have you read any books by Eric Jerome Dickey?

If so, what are some of your favorite reads?

Who are some of your favorite Dickey characters?

If you could have dinner with Dickey, what character would you want to know more about?

Dickey’s writing has changed since he first burst on the scene.  Currently, he writes in several genres.  What’s your favorite genre.

It’s Thanksgiving and you’re inviting Mr. Dickey to dinner…what do you think the affair will be like?  (What type of guest will he be?  What will you serve for dinner?  What type of board or card games will you play?  The sky’s the limit…and creativity is encouraged).

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]]> http://www.apooobooks.com/god-book-dying-revenge-eric-jerome-dickeyday-1/feed/ http://www.apooobooks.com/god-book-dying-revenge-eric-jerome-dickeyday-1/ Book Lovers…Sorry To Inform You http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Apooo/~3/459039239/ http://www.apooobooks.com/book-lovers-sorry-inform-you/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 01:37:36 +0000 APOOO http://www.apooobooks.com/?p=2076 Sometimes the best laid plans go awry.  Sometimes things don’t go the way we would like and we have to change mid-stream.  This was the case with the APOOO Thank God for a Book  Giveaway.  See…what happened was…LOL…the ladies of APOOO couldn’t come to a consensus on the Top 20 best reads for 2008.  At [...] Sometimes the best laid plans go awry.  Sometimes things don’t go the way we would like and we have to change mid-stream.  This was the case with the APOOO Thank God for a Book  Giveaway.  See…what happened was…LOL…the ladies of APOOO couldn’t come to a consensus on the Top 20 best reads for 2008.  At most, we have 10 books that we agree on as a group as the favorite/best reads of 2008. 

So, I’m sorry to inform you that the Thank God for a Book Giveaway has changed.  Bad news is that we will not be announcing the Top 20 Books for 2008.  The good news is that APOOO will still  host the Thank God for a Book Giveaway for the next 20 days.  There’s so much uncertainty in the world right now, that we thought it would be a welcome relief to spread some goodwill and pay it forward with a good book.  Oh and the books we will give away…they primarily represent books that came out doing 2008 with a few of our favorites thrown in for good measure.

As far as our favorites…around mid-December we hope to announce our Top 10 Picks for 2008.  Stay tuned.

In the meantime, check out the upcoming Thank God For a Book post where we will offer the first three books for giveaway.

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]]> http://www.apooobooks.com/book-lovers-sorry-inform-you/feed/ http://www.apooobooks.com/book-lovers-sorry-inform-you/ The Lotus Blossom Chronicles: Book 2 by JM Jefferies and Dyanne Davis http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Apooo/~3/458927640/ http://www.apooobooks.com/lotus-blossom-chronicles-book-2-jm-jefferies-dyanne-davis/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:14:43 +0000 Priscilla Johnson http://www.apooobooks.com/?p=2075 Elle Walker is a Goth computer whiz. In fact, she narrowly escaped a federal prison sentence for hacking. In Dirty Little Secret, by J.M. Jefferies, Elle must face her biggest challenge – two weeks with her parents. She arranges to take a date with her. Someone that she is sure her parents will not like. J.M. Jefferies and Dyanne Davis joined forces in the latest The Lotus Blossom Chronicles: Book 2.
 
Elle Walker is a Goth computer whiz.  In fact, she narrowly escaped a federal prison sentence for hacking.  In Dirty Little Secret, by J.M. Jefferies, Elle must face her biggest challenge – two weeks with her parents. She arranges to take a date with her. Someone that she is sure her parents will not like.  However, Merrick Lee, the half-Chinese, African American redneck whom she thought she had hired, is handsome, charming, intriguing and everything her parents like.  He also excites her in ways she is too scared to face.   
 
Social Worker, Tanya Reed, is dedicated to her job of finding suitable and safe homes for all of her kids.  When her newly married friends, Heaven and Harrid, invite her to come for a visit to Pakistan, she jumps at the chance.  Tanya devises a plan to meet and marry one of Harrid’s millionaire brothers.   Instead she meets Imran, his writer/school teacher cousin. He is arrogant, sexy, and everything she does not want.  Yet, she wants him more than anything.
 
Both stories were very entertaining to read.  In Jefferies’ story, readers watched a wild child mature and accept a man that was her equal.  I really wanted to read more and hated when the story ended.  Davis ‘ character was self-centered, rude, and in many ways unlikable, until she was tamed by a man who had similar tastes and desires.  I enjoyed both stories; however, I noted that there were many editing errors in the advance copy I was given.  All in all, true romance lovers will be pleased with this edition of the Lotus Blossom Chronicles. 
 
Priscilla C. Johnson
APOOO BookClub

CLICK HERE to purchase a copy of The Lotus Blossom Chronicles.

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]]> http://www.apooobooks.com/lotus-blossom-chronicles-book-2-jm-jefferies-dyanne-davis/feed/ http://www.apooobooks.com/lotus-blossom-chronicles-book-2-jm-jefferies-dyanne-davis/ What Could Have Been? by John R. Williams http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Apooo/~3/458910127/ http://www.apooobooks.com/john-williams/#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:55:35 +0000 Cheryl Hayes http://www.apooobooks.com/?p=2074 Brooklyn Price is a street savvy heart throb from Chicago. He has the total package; good looks, chiseled physique, a great career, loads of personality, too much charisma and tons of sex appeal. Despite this, he has had his fair share of unfortunate experiences with women. Having been privileged with the opportunity to live, work and play in some of the nation's hottest spots has exposed Brooklyn to the good, the bad and ugly elements of women. What Could Have Been? by John R. Williams starts off by taking us through the life of Brooklyn from adolescence to adulthood.  A young man who loves the opposite sex, he encounters multiple women and engages in ménage a trios, orgies; you name it he is down for whatever. 
 
He has traveled the world and bedded women of all calibers, from the shy, naive type to the wanton, lust-crazed vixen.  During his travels he never denounces women, but that they all are different, and he has had his heart broken a time or two in the past. We then stumble across an accident where we find Brooklyn laid up for quite some time, with no details on how he got there or what happened.
 
The scenes were not consistent and then seemed to run from each other rather than embrace and creature a genuine story.  While these tales are full of humor and very descriptive I left each chapter wanting to know more about the main character. I was baffled on more than one occasion while reading this book, however the ending was enlightening.  Mr. Williams talked of a love worth dying for and it is evident in his acknowledgment to his dear wife.
 
Reviewed by: Cheryl H
APOOO BookClub

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