The Wedding Day: A Novel

Average customer rating:

Fun but unrealistic

great chick lit stuff

Started out with a great premise, then just fizzled

This book was loads better than alliot's others

it's OK

The Wedding Day: A Novel
Catherine Alliott
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Divorce | Women's Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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Accessories:

Avon ANEW CLINICAL 2-Step Facial Peel

ASIN: 0345462823
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Customer Reviews:

Fun but unrealistic.......2007-06-23

I had a lot of fun reading this, but 2 whoppers stopped me in my tracks. May I just say, without spoiling the plot, that (1) no one just finishing his thesis would be appointed head of a department of a university hospital and (2) there is no desert in Nicaragua!

great chick lit stuff.......2007-01-10

If you are a fan of good, witty chick lit this is a great book. a bit predictable and slow in places, but overall great entertainment.

Started out with a great premise, then just fizzled.......2006-04-25

Annie is a wanna-be novelist and single mum raising a pre-teen daughter and getting ready to marry the doctor that turned her heart around after she and her philandering spouse called it quits. A summer in the seaside community of Cornwall is just what the doctored ordered for R&R and a chance to complete her first novel. Luckily, his eccentric aunt has just the place for her to stay free of charge,

When she arrives, she discovers that absent-minded Aunt Gertrude rented the house out to Matt Malone, a hunky American psychiatrist who is on a sabbatical to write and reconcile with his teenage son. While she tries to get him evicted, Aunt Gertrude lets her know that his rent has already been spent. With no money of her own to shell out for a hotel, she and Matt enter into an agreement to share accommodations.

Soon their little abode is overrun by relatives, exes and friends. As Matt and Annie develop feelings for each other, she is torn between David, the doctor who rescued her from her self-imposed exile after her divorce, and Matt, who challenges her at every turn. And of course her ex Alex just keeps popping in on her wanting yet another chance.

The plot was engaging; the execution was so so. It appears that Alliott has either never been to the US or knows no Americans - the dialogue attributed to the American characters is completely British. At one point, Matt uses the term "nutters," I doubt any American, let alone a doctor would use such a term. And let's face it - Annie never really had to make a choice - it was made for her to keep her conscience clear - what a cop out. This one started out with a bang and had me laughing, but towards the end, I was just ... disappointed.

This book was loads better than alliot's others.......2006-02-05

The characters were actually believable, and I really liked it, appart from the contstant finger nail biting from the main female character, it annoy's me that alliot's characters always bite a certain nail, or lick their lips under stress.

Rosie Meadows was also really good, this book was actually very enjoyable. But after the above, alliot has gone from being fresh milk, to being the dodgy milk that was past its use by date a decade ago.

Please don't read "going too far" by alliot - I can assure you, you'll waste 10 hours of your life on absolute fairy floss, and a character that licks her lips, 152 times in the book.

Yes, it was so bad ... you start actually remembering the flaws, the main character was dumber than dumb, and so completely stupid, that if I met her in the street, I'd want to punch her teeth out, and I've never ever done one violent act in my life.

alliot was obviously on a 3 book deal or something from her publisher, and to fulfil her contract "going too far" was the one - a complete and utter load of crap.

If she was not an acknowled author, I can assure ou, this manuscript would've been binned, and I wish it had. A waste of trees to print complete non-inspired, non-interesting rubbish.

it's OK.......2006-01-29

I kind of liked this book. It's a great story of growing up emotionally, satisfying your needs instead of giving in to an unsatisfying relationship, friendship, family relationships (good and bad) and raising children.

However, I thought Annie was at best impulsive and possibly manic. She certainly did not have stable moods and this is presented as humorous, even when she almost kills herself in a carwash, because she has to wash the car RIGHT NOW and the antenna is still up, in a dramatic overreaction to her daughter's criticism that the car was too messy. There are other incidents of very impulsive behavior in this book (such as driving while extremely upset) that made me question her stability and wonder why so many men were attracted to her.

I also did not like the way mental illness was portrayed in this book. People either had problems, and took drastic action to overcome them, without drugs or therapy (such as the way that Annie lives her love life, and another two characters I won't discuss because it's a spoiler). Or else through a fortunate chain of events, they are rescued from their own stupidity, which happens to a number of characters. No one gets therapy or medication in this book - they have magical epiphanies and all is well. Real life doesn't work like that for most people and I'm tired of the deus ex machina element present in too much chick lit and romance novels.

On the other hand, there are people who are "barking mad" and beyond hope. I won't go into this either because it's another spoiler, but a one character and some peripheral ones are described like this.

But what I especially don't like is that all of the adults, with the exception of Annie's mother and Gertrude, are in my opinion immature and have acted unwisely in a number of ways, including both doctors, yet they succeed despite themselves. It's a good story, but does not communicate good values.

And WHEN are we going to see a chick lit protagonist who is not a total ditz and needs to be on medication for ADHD, etc? I'm really tired of these charming, but somewhat hopeless heroines.

Average customer rating:

Six Days in January Review
Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!
True Love??????
Sucks you into the world of the book
Don't Ever Change.

6 Days in January
William Fredrick Cooper
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0743296141

Book Description

SIX DAYS IN JANUARY - A NOVEL by William Fredrick Cooper

Customer Reviews:

Six Days in January Review.......2007-05-17

This was the first book written and published by William F. Cooper and I have to say that yet again I was most impressed with his writing style. I read his second novel There's Always A Reason first and was so moved and overwhelmed with emotion, that I just had to read everything written by this author. I was not disappointed with this book at all.

Mr. Cooper shows the flip side to the dating relationship from a man's perspective. Most women feel that men don't have a perspective; that they don't feel like women do and that they control the ebb and flow of the relationship, but that simply isn't the case as Mr. Cooper shows in his novel. Men are perceived as "weak", "punks", or "gay" if they show that they feel pain from being hurt in a relationship. Mr. Cooper does an excellent job of showing that men can be sensitive and strong at the same time and that because a man cries that doesn't mean he is weak; just human.

Mr. Cooper also does an excellent job of showing how some men can realize that they are not acting and treating women right and they can choose to change. William McCall undergoes just such a transformation and I found it refreshing to watch his revelations unfold. In the beginning of the book we do see McCall as being weak, but not because his character is flawed, but because he loves too much when the love isn't returned. He tries everything he knows how to do to make her love him, but he finally realizes that it isn't him that is flawed it is her. He goes through many past experiences soul searching to find himself and in the end he does. Thank you Mr. Cooper, for reminding us women that men are really human beings after all and they hurt too at times. Sometimes we need that reminder with all the stereotypes out there about what "real men" are supposed to be.

This is a must read in my opinion and I look forward to many more novels by Mr. Cooper with great anticipation. He will most definitely be one of the best authors of our time and I am looking forward to the journey. Kudos to you William. Fabulous work.

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-04-25

William Fredrick Cooper is a great romantic writer. This book was a great and fast read and I could relate to all of his characters. You could tell from the 1st page that that this was going to be a great story. Anyone that has not read this book I would highly recommend it. William you have a God given talent with your writing.

True Love??????.......2007-04-05

Okay, so i'm a lil' backwards here. I read William F. Cooper's 2nd book 1rst and his 1rst book 2nd! Oh well!! LOL I'm sure my review would have been the same either way. While reading "6 Days in January" I saw a number of the same things going on in my life. Now I don't think I was ever a player, but I can relate to the William's character and his emotions. It's hard to be real person and show true emontions these days. William gave his ALL in hopes of winning his 'soulmate'. In the end it always seems the one 'just like him' ends up winning. I can truly relate to that feeling. It's crazy I know!

Now I can't say I would have ever went as far as William did to try and win Andrea's heart. I guess I've just never felt love like that yet. I hated how Andera used William the way she did. It shows how weak some women are. Yet a the same time, it showed the true devotion from a male's point of view that is so rarely seen. I love to see a man who isn't afraid to show his true emotions and his love. Cooper showed a lot of emotions in his William character. He did an excllent job writing his debut novel.

Sucks you into the world of the book.......2007-03-26

It's one of the books where you can put yourself into the roles of each charactor. You can identify with each one of them and the emotional turmoils that they go through. It keeps you anticipating more.

Don't Ever Change........2007-01-24

The title and the cover are fitting for the story that is held between the pages of William Fredrick Cooper's novel "6 Days In January".

This story is of a man (William McCall) whose current love Della has just broken up with him. William takes the next 6 days to examine his past and present relationships, and more importantly his views on love. The 6 days turn into a roller-coaster ride of emotions and self- discovery.

A few years back William McCall was confident about love but when he met Andrea she slowly stripped that confidence away in a one sided relationship where William give his all and she gave nothing but heartache.
"Don't ever change" are the words often said to William by females. But he did change...when love dealt him a dirty hand and he got hurt... he did change. Then that change put him on the other side of the street; where he became insecure in his search for love, and the giver of hurt instead of the recipient.

Take some time out to read this excellent novel written by author William Fredrick Cooper.
Be prepared to read about love from a man's perspective and how love can be a double edge sword that can hurt and maim future relationships.

Locksie

ARC BOOK CLUB INC.
Star Rating *****5.0

Average customer rating:

Better than these guys let on
Don't listen to the critics
Much too long
Two adjectives: trite and pretentious
"To love is to be ready to lose, it's not to have, to keep."

The Light of Day: A Novel
Graham Swift
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1400032210
Release Date: 2004-08-10

Book Description

On the anniversary of a life-shattering event, George Webb, a former policeman turned private detective, revisits the catastrophes of his past and reaffirms the extraordinary direction of his future. Two years before, an assignment to follow a strayed husband and his mistress appeared simple enough, but this routine job left George a transformed man.

Suspenseful, moving, and hailed by critics as a detective story unlike any other, The Light of Day is a gripping tale of murder and redemption, as well as a bold exploration of love and self-discovery. This powerful novel signals yet another groundbreaking achievement from Graham Swift, the author of the Booker Prize-winning novel Last Orders.

Customer Reviews:

Better than these guys let on.......2005-11-03

This book is about style and the journey. It is about rehashing the past. It's about how we dwell on little things that done differently would have had huge impacts on our lives. It is not a mystery. It is not "hard boiled". It is obviously not what a number of reviewers were looking for when then started it. That doesn't mean it's not good. It just means they haven't separated the two.

It's true that the narrator seemingly falls for this woman without reason or explanation to the reader. One critic said this was hard to believe, that without enough this depth and explanation the whole premise to the story was flawed. But then isn't that exactly what guys do. Suddenly they are mad about someone for absolutely no reason. Just the right time or mood when they meet a woman, or a unexpected comment or smile. It's that easy.

The book is maybe a little long but it does feel like you've rehashed the incident as if it were your own. This is exactly what happens when people go down a road that makes them miserable but one that they feel stuck in. They spend ridiculous amounts of time going over and over the situation, with slightly different tangents each time.

Don't expect a plain Jane detective novel. Don't assume you know George because of what you read about him on the flyleaf and you may enjoy how the book says what it does.

Don't listen to the critics.......2005-08-31

I don't know what book the critics read but it wasn't this one.
The reader reviews by "Jeffrey N Hobbs" and "James Chaffee" are dead on. This book seems to be more about the author's writing style than anything else. Rather than enhancing the story, the writing style just gets in the way. I could understand the lack of plot if there was character development but there's very little of that either. The book revolves around George's very extreme actions because of his love for Sarah, but the few interactions George has with Sarah aren't enough to make his actions believable. Harry Potter has more psychological insights than this book.

Much too long.......2005-06-03

Though there is an occasionally beautiful image or turn of phrase, this book is definitely not worth the time or money. It is the literary equivalent of picking a scab. There is little plot here, certainly not enough to justify 300 pages. The narrator circles around and rehashes the same events over and over and over and over again. 2/3 of the way through, it became clear that there would be no more "revelations," so the last 1/3 was simply maddening. Not to mention that the lack of linearity and the pretentious literary style are simply inappropriate for the narrator: George Webb, ill-educated, womanizing private detective (gourmet chef and passionate devotee to Sarah Nash though he may be) would NEVER express himself like this. I recommend choosing something else.

Two adjectives: trite and pretentious.......2005-03-17

This is how the book is written. The whole thing. Like this. Like this makes it deep. A story worthy of maybe twenty-five pages, parceled our in over three hundred. Little snippets. As if that makes the trite tale deep. Shallow. A shallow story, stupid in fact. So this trite tale blown up like this. Pretension. So the critics can claim he is like James Joyce. Wow. Really? Critics who can barely read with comprehension. Using big words they don't really understand, like nonlinear. For dribbling out the tale in little segments placed here and there in time. Told like this. Prose suitable for a dull forth grader. But isn't that what are critics are for? To make semiliterate readers think they are reading deep, difficult stuff? Want to read something like Joyce, read Portrait of the Artist or Ullyses. Skip this thing.

"To love is to be ready to lose, it's not to have, to keep.".......2005-02-03

Initially resembling an old-fashioned, hard-boiled detective story, this novel by Graham Swift becomes, as the perspective widens, an investigation of love, man's need for love, and the sacrifices we are all willing to make for love. Private detective George Webb allows the reader to "tag along" during one day of his life in 1997, talking to his readers about aspects of his life as they impinge randomly on his consciousness. Description is not a big part of George's life, and it takes the reader some time to understand all his references in this lengthy interior monologue. We don't know, at first, why Nov. 20 is a significant date to him or where he goes every other Thursday, nor do we know about his personal relationships with the women introduced at the beginning, or the reason he's buying flowers, or why he's had a woman's handbag in his possession for two years.

As George's recollections, memories, and observations expand, however, we gradually come to know him and his past, including his relationship with his father, his own broken marriage and the circumstances surrounding it, his alienated daughter, his womanizing, the scandal which has resulted in his leaving the police force, and his decision to specialize in "matrimonial work." We learn, too, that George's client, Mrs. Nash, is now in jail, the reasons for this unfolding even more gradually, as we come to know her, her husband Bob, and the privileged life they've led. Always, however, our opinions of these characters and their relationships are colored by George's point of view, and we, as objective observers, learn as much about them from what George does not say as we do by what he does say.

All of George's memories are concerned with the vulnerability of people who are in love, as Swift raises questions about whether we choose the people we love, or whether we are chosen by them. Does love just happen? What makes it last? What happens to lovers who are "unchosen"? And can we love too much? Although a mystery story is not usually the framework for such a serious, philosophical analysis of love in all its permutations, Swift manages to make this work through his beautifully wrought character study of George, buffeted every which way by the loves in his life. In the lean, unemphatic prose style he first employed in Last Orders, Graham Swift presents a sensitive investigation of love with all its mysteries and ineffable sadness. Mary Whipple

Great Modern Short Novels(Lost Horizon, Red Pony,Third Man, A Single Pebble, Light in the Piazza, Seize the Day, Breakfast at Tiffany's)

Average customer rating:

Great Modern Short Novels(Lost Horizon, Red Pony,Third Man, A Single Pebble, Light in the Piazza, Seize the Day, Breakfast at Tiffany's)
Graham Greene, John Hersey, Elizabeth Spencer, Saul Bello, Truman Capote James Hilton John Steinbeck
Manufacturer: Nelson Doubleday,Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MOIYN4

Average customer rating:

Perfect summer read
This is a wonderfully poignant story that is the perfect anytime read.
Excellent
Heavy and emotional, not the same old Barnett
Awesome summer read

The Days of Summer: A Novel
Jill Barnett
Manufacturer: Atria
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0671035355

Book Description

In 1957, the Banning family leads a life of privilege, wealth, and domestic unhappiness. At the head of this California dynasty is oil magnate Victor Banning, a man of great power and even greater obsessions who is determined to teach his son and grandsons to be predators in his dog-eat-dog world.

Jimmy Peyton is a rising star in the music business, a young man with a bright future and no connection to the Bannings, until the fateful night their cars collide on a Los Angeles street, forever changing the lives and future of two innocent families.

Laurel Peyton, Jimmy's daughter, has lived her entire life in the shadow of grief. Though her mother, Kathryn, struggled to keep her daughter safe and secluded after the terrible accident that ruined their family, she cannot guard against the one danger she never expected: love.

In 1970, Victor's grandsons, Jud and Cale, meet the beautiful and spirited Laurel, and these two families cross paths once again, this time on a passionate course that pits brother against brother and mother against daughter, a clash of wills that gradually draws them all closer to the truth of their tragic connection.

Spanning thirty years and three generations of Peyton women and Banning men, The Days of Summer is an epic drama that explores our deepest ties to family, the mistakes we make in the name of love, and is a reminder of our ability to hope, to forgive, and to find the courage to change.

Customer Reviews:

Perfect summer read.......2007-06-13

Interesting and entertaining. Perfect poolside read. I really enjoyed it. Nice sotry and not so much sex.

This is a wonderfully poignant story that is the perfect anytime read........2007-01-20

In 1957, Rudy Banning arrived drunk at his wife's art showing. Despite their privileged lifestyle and Rachel's fame as an artist it's not a match made in heaven. Enraged by Rachel's trying to get him out of the public eye while intoxicated, Rudy stumbles out to his car. In an attempt to stop him, Rachel climbs into the car and attempts to take the keys but he's belligerent and drives at a breakneck speed through the Los Angeles streets. Rudy's drunk driving caused the fiery crash killing both himself and his wife as well as up and coming singing star, Jimmy Peyton.

After the accident, the Peyton's young children, Cale and Jud are sent to live with Rudy's father, Victor. They'd never met this cold, overbearing grandfather who seems to delight in pitting them against each other. Jimmy's widow, Katherine, and their daughter, Laurel, move in with Jimmy's mother, Julia. She's a controlling, possessive woman who lived her life for Jimmy and now that he's died she's transferred that obsession to Jimmy and Katherine's daughter as well as trying to keep any memories of Jimmy in the forefront of everyone's mind.

By 1970, Katherine and Laurel moved to Santa Catalina Island where Jud and Cale meet Laurel purely by accident. None of them are aware of the tragedy that binds them together. Laurel begins dating Cale but Victor's meddling soon comes between them, then Lauren develops feelings for Jud. The brother's go back into competitor mode and Laurel is finally told the truth about the history between the Bannings and Peytons. Is there any way to resolve the pain and anger between these two families?

Jill Barnett's THE DAYS OF SUMMER spans over thirty years of history among the three generations of Peyton women and Banning men. Hurt, anger, jealousy, devotion, and love are all amplified by the raw emotion that can be felt throughout this entire book. What truly fascinated me with this story is the obsession that Victor carries for obtaining all of Rachel's artwork at any price, and the fact that Katherine has a painting but out of spite chooses not to sell. I loved the little secrets that slip out at different stages while you're reading. With each secret revealed you feel like you understand a little more about the characters. Nobody's perfect, and hindsight is 20/20. We all have things we wish we could have done differently and I adore that you get the chance to see not just how Laurel, Jud, and Cale all turn out but how the next generation turn out as well and some of the conflicts they face. This is a wonderfully poignant story that is the perfect summertime read. It's full of drama and characters that readers will adore.

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

Excellent.......2006-08-30

Few books grab you and make you feel. This one makes you think and feel just about life. You end this book with a better feeling and outlook on life. Thank you Jill Barnett. I haven't read any of your other books but I will. I promise!

Heavy and emotional, not the same old Barnett.......2006-08-14

This story is heavy and emotional and I suggest setting aside as much time as you can in one sitting to read it through, because it takes you through a dark, sad, and depressing tunnel until it comes out on the other end to a happier ending. I stopped 2/3 of the way through and was dragged down with it, until I could pick it up later to finish it. It is worth the read, as overwrought as it is. Almost poetic in the writing. It is sure to stay with me for awhile as did Sentimental Journey (which was a better story). I miss Barnett's lighter writing, though. I will have to follow this up with a book that is light, frothy, and happy!

Awesome summer read.......2006-07-20

I have never before written a review, but this book was so good I had to do it. I also wanted to read it in one sitting, but with so much emotion, and getting to love the characters, especially Laurel, I just couldn't do it. I wanted to keep savoring every page. My only complaint is the book had to end someday. I will read more books by Jill because this was truly one of the best books I have ever read.

Average customer rating:

Lovely, lovely, lovely... 7 stars!
Can I Give It Ten Stars?
One of the best books I've read this year!
Excellent Debut!
Compelling, thought provoking, engrossing

Light of Day: A Novel (P.S.)
Jamie M. Saul
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0060747536
Release Date: 2006-07-25

Book Description

Light of Day is a powerful and illuminating novel about love, loss, and the unforeseeable darkness that lurks around the corners of everyday life.

Respected professor Jack Owens brought his son, Danny, to Gilbert, Indiana, to escape a betrayal too painful to endure anywhere but in this quiet Midwestern college town. After ten years, Jack believed they were safe. But on a seemingly ordinary day, the world Jack thought he knew and the future he anticipated abruptly comes apart at the seams, leaving him haunted by the questions why and what next. Redemption, however, could come with the arrival of an unexpected friend whose prescient understanding slowly helps Jack cope with the unacceptable. But with healing comes clarity -- and secrets best left unrevealed by the stark, glaring light of day.

Customer Reviews:

Lovely, lovely, lovely... 7 stars!.......2006-08-25

A beautifully rendered story such as this reminds me why I love to read. Simply one of the best books I have ever read. I was so involved with Jack Owens, and his pain. I'm not afraid of other people's pain, having had several losses in my own life. I find a book like this honestly validates how painful life can get, and how we all, universally, ruminate over our choices, our losses, wondering how things might have been different if only...
I eagerly await for a second novel by Jamie Saul! Well done, sir.

Can I Give It Ten Stars?.......2006-03-27

This novel is a humble masterpiece. I felt blessed just to hold it in my hands. In the most beautiful, elegant, flawless writing the author tells a tale of love, loss, grief, abandonment, and fathering with such delicate precision you know immediately you are in the presence of a genius. An artist with words, the author leads you slowly into a father's pain and agony. You will read it once for the story and then again for the appreciation of every finely crafted sentence. And then you will be haunted for days wondering what happens next, after THE END because you will care, deeply, for this father who has been so wounded.

One of the best books I've read this year! .......2005-11-14

If you are a parent (as I am), you may find it painful to read this book because it focuses on a man's reaction to the death of his 15 year old son and the mysteries surrounding that death. I nearly rejected this book because of the story itself, one that touched on my deepest fears (the loss of one of my children).

I'm glad I went ahead and read this one because this book is simply one of the best I've ever read and it is hard to believe it this author's FIRST novel, as it is written with a clarity and style that seems confident and sure. For those who are grieving or who have experienced grief, this one will ring absolutely true, as Jamie Saul has managed to capture the nuances and variations of a parent mourning a dead child, as well as the guilt and questions that surround the fact that death. I don't want to give anything away but there are mysteries and surprises to be revealed as the story unfolds and the reasons for this death are ones that aren't predictable- or expected - and I was riveted by the details as they unfolded.

The book starts out slowly, revealing background info about the small town of Gilbert, Indiana and about Jack Owen, a professor at the local university. He is in his office, finishing up some last bits of work before going off on vacation with his son when a detective arrives and tells him that the boy, Danny, is dead and, even more shocking, that he seems to have committed suicide.

Jack's immediate reaction is confusion and, of course, grief, but as time goes on he is forced to confront painful realities and questions. Could he have prevented this? Were there any signs that his son was depressed? Did Danny actually commit suicide or could it actually have been a murder?

Jack also has to face his past and the painful memories of his ex- wife, a woman who abandoned the family when Danny was only 6 years old, perhaps scarring the child forever. Past, present and future combine into an intriguing mix, but if you think you can figure out WHY the death occurred, think again...there is a shocking development that took my breath away. I look forward to reading more of Mr. Saul's books and hope that this book finds the readership it deserves, as it is haunting, memorable and finely crafted.

Excellent Debut!.......2005-08-14

LIGHT OF DAY by Jamie M. Saul
August 13, 2005

Rating: 4 ½ stars

Earlier this summer I read a wonderful book titled LIGHT OF DAY by Jamie M. Saul. One of my favorite books this year so far, it is the story of a man, Jack Owens, who must come to terms with his 14-year old son's suicide. As the book begins, Jack is in his office at the college where he teaches, and is waiting to get a call from his son. Instead, he receives word from a detective that his son has been found dead of an apparent suicide.

LIGHT OF DAY examines a parent's grief of the death of a child, but more than that it focuses on whether a person can be counted responsible for someone else's suicide. As Jack looks back on their lives, starting from his courtship with Danny's mother, Anne, their marriage and breakup, and finally Jack and Danny's life together in this small college town, Jack grapples with the idea that he could have prevented Danny's death.

Jack, as well as the reader, will begin a journey into Danny's life, and it isn't until the very end of the book that one understands Danny's angst, and why he did what he did. LIGHT OF DAY brings to mind some ethical and moral questions, including "what is the right thing" in terms of one's decisions in life? Is loyalty more important than morality? Is it more important to stay true to oneself? These are the questions that Jack ponders every day, (as does Danny) as he tries to put together the puzzle to Danny's suicide.

I really loved LIGHT OF DAY, for its focus on character and heavy moral and ethical questions that will have one question the same issues. I still do not know whether Jack did the "right thing" at the end of the book. It's a book that had me thinking for days after I read that last page.

Compelling, thought provoking, engrossing.......2005-06-19

This book took me in with pure craftsmanship and kept me with a compelling story and beautifully drawn characters. A lovely novel that should not be missed. If your book club is up for an intense, multi-faceted discussion, I highly recommend LIGHT OF DAY.

Average customer rating:

Cover wack but book excellent
(RAW Rating: 3.5) -- Searching for Mr. Right
Happily Ever After or Not?
A fun tale of two friends looking for love in HOTlanta
Thumbs up

Crazy Love
Desiree Day
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1416503501

Book Description

From a bright new voice in African American women's fiction comes a sexy, scandalous, and scintillating novel set in steamy Atlanta.

Stacie Long thinks she's God's gift to men and she keeps a list of qualities (phat ride, freak in bed...) that she's looking for in an ideal mate. But behind all her confidence she's got a secret -- one that even her best friend doesn't know about, one that may just keep her forever searching for her perfect man.

Tameeka Johnson is a successful businesswoman who owns one of Atlanta's top wellness shops. But even with business booming, success in her bedroom is at an all-time low. Then, when she meets her black prince -- a loving man who promises to treat her like gold -- her insecurities about her sizeable body may just keep her from living the dream.

Stacie and Tameeka are super tight, but their friendship is tested by sexy NBA players, baby mama drama, and temptations like they've never known before. Because if there's one thing these girls like better than each other, it's men.

Download Description

"From a bright new voice in African American women's fiction comes a sexy, scandalous, and scintillating novel set in steamy Atlanta. Stacie Long thinks she's God's gift to men and she keeps a list of qualities (phat ride, freak in bed...) that she's looking for in an ideal mate. But behind all her confidence she's got a secret -- one that even her best friend doesn't know about, one that may just keep her forever searching for her perfect man. Tameeka Johnson is a successful businesswoman who owns one of Atlanta's top wellness shops. But even with business booming, success in her bedroom is at an all-time low. Then, when she meets her black prince -- a loving man who promises to treat her like gold -- her insecurities about her sizeable body may just keep her from living the dream. Stacie and Tameeka are super tight, but their friendship is tested by sexy NBA players, baby mama drama, and temptations like they've never known before. Because if there's one thing these girls like better than each other, it's men. "

Customer Reviews:

Cover wack but book excellent.......2007-08-05

i loved this book b/c it teaches u so many valuable lessons. you have 2 friends one is sort of a gold digger and the other finds love but abuses it. very good book once you get into it not a dull moment at all. i will support this author, b/c i loved everything about this book.

(RAW Rating: 3.5) -- Searching for Mr. Right .......2005-12-31

Searching for Mr. Right

In CRAZY LOVE, first time novelist Desiree Day delivers an interesting and witty tale of two friends searching for Mr. Right. Tameeka and Stacey have been best friends for as long as they can remember and share many memories. Although they share a special bond, they long to find that one special person. Unfortunately, the baggage that they carry may prevent them from finding the perfect mate.

Tameeka Johnson is a successful businesswoman who owns one of Atlanta's top wellness shops. Although her business is a success, her love life is a failure due to her low self-esteem. Tameeka is a full-figured woman who doesn't believe that any man can be attracted to her. When she finally meets a wonderful man who promises to love her and treat her like a queen (large size and all), the insecurities resurface. Can Tameeka overcome her self-esteem issues and take a chance at love?

Stacey Long can best be described by one word---DIVA. In her opinion, she is God's gift to men which makes her deserving of only the best. In her quest for the best, she develops a long list of qualifications a man must possess to be worthy of her time. For example, he must be a "freak in bed" and he must "make at least $80K." For Stacey, her list is sacred and she will not deviate from it. However, things change when she meets Jackson, a sexy single father with his own list of issues. Although Stacey is full of
self-confidence, she has a secret that even her best friend doesn't know about. Will her secret prevent her from pursuing Mr. Right?

CRAZY LOVE is about relationships and the journey two friends take searching for true love. Desiree Day adds spice to a familiar theme. She delivers a well written storyline with likable characters. CRAZY LOVE is filled with drama and surprises which will keep the reader's attention from the beginning to the end.

Reviewed by Tabatha Taylor
TRR Guest Reviewer

Happily Ever After or Not?.......2005-11-05

Crazy Love is a witty and titillating story about relationships from first-time novelist, Desiree Day. Tameeka Johnson and Stacie Long have been friends for so long that it is often hard to determine where one ends and the other begins. While the bond they share is important, they would both prefer to form a committed, long term relationship with someone of the opposite sex and wonder if they will ever find "Mr. Right". Tameeka is a full-figured sistah who lacks confidence in her ability to attract a good man. Stacie is so busy trying to find a man who meets ALL the qualifications on her list that she sometimes misses out on who is good for her and often loses sight of the fact that she has a secret that if exposed it might be a turnoff. Can either of these women move beyond their insecurities and secrets long enough to form a lasting relationship with the right man?

In Crazy Love, Day works with a time-worn theme, but she spices it with her own unique spin. Day gives the reader a storyline that is refreshing, strong, edgy and energetic. She presents well-developed, three dimensional characters, who, despite there idiosyncrasies are likeable divas. The characters, whether primary or secondary, are richly drawn, mature and deal with situations in an adult-like manner without a lot of drama. I enjoyed the interaction between, main characters, Tameeka and Stacie and liked that their friendship was realistically portrayed. Just as in real life, their friendship was not always smooth sailing. At times arguments ensued, feelings were hurt, words were spoken that evoked anger and riled tempers, and their friendship was tested. I, also, enjoyed that there were sub-plots involving relationships with secondary characters that were intricate to the plot.

Crazy Love is a compelling and witty novel and a step above most contemporary fiction reads. Day has given us a familiar theme, but, what sets Crazy Love apart from other novels with similar themes is the writing. Strong storytelling skills allow Day to craft a book which shows rather than tells, exhibits balance between the narrative voice and dialogue, and does not rely on raunchy sex scenes or excessive cursing to deliver the plot. Erotic scenes and snappy dialogue are strategically placed throughout the book, but their delivery is not over the top. Day's new novel is filled with surprising and shocking twists and turns, and her edgy style and fluid pacing will keep you quickly turning the pages. I look forward to reading future releases from this shining star.

Yasmin
APOOO BookClub

A fun tale of two friends looking for love in HOTlanta.......2005-11-04

Stacy and Tameeka are thick as thieves - good girlfriends who live and play together. Stacy has her eyes open for the perfect man - a man with maximum assets, both in the bank and physically. Since her youth she's had an evolving list of the qualities she needs in her Mr. Right. Unfortunately, she hasn't found him yet...

Tameeka is a large and lovely lady who is insecure about the large part. She doesn't have the long list Stacy has - for her she just wants to meet someone who makes her soul sing and makes her feel whole.

As the book opens they are attending a New Year's Eve party where Stacy meets an NBA star who looks like the answer to her prays. At the same party, Tameeka meets Tyrell who loves every inch of her large, bodacious body and isn't afraid to say so.

From this auspicious beginning, we set off a journey during which Stacy and Tameeka try to determine if these men are the real thing or if they should keep their eyes open for other prospects. Along the journey they each deal with other men who challenge their ideas of what the real Mr. Rights looks like.

This is a fast moving and interesting tale that at times seems a bit disjointed. All in all, however, it's a fun story of two best friends trying to make the most of their love and personal lives.

Thumbs up.......2005-10-06

A tale of two friends searching for "the perfect mate"... a well written story from a new author in African American fiction. Very intriguing, I could not put it down. Beware, it appears to be a tradtional story line but there are defintely some loops, twist and turns that will wow you!!! The introduction of different characters with wonderful personalities add to the story line and make this a must have.

Average customer rating:

Great Read!
Friends at Sea
Sexy and Sassy at Sea
fascinating character study
Hot Fun In The Sun!!!

Cruising
Desiree Day
Manufacturer: Pocket Star
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 1416547428

Book Description

On a passion-filled Caribbean cruise, what happens on the ship stays

on the ship!

At dinner and drinks once a week, four girlfriends who are as close as sisters

share everything with each other. But each woman has a scandalous secret...

Redheaded beauty Blair thinks her husband's sleeping around. People-pleasing

Lauren's marriage has become a no-sex zone. Sex-crazed Madison's father has

dropped a bomb that seriously rocks her foundation. And innocent LaShawn, an

engaged kindergarten teacher, is planning her dream wedding - but fantasizing

about a student's dad.

When the girls finally get real with each other, they decide to go on a two-week

Caribbean cruise. And on a ship full of sexy, desirable, single men, there's no

way not to have an all-out sensual adventure in paradise...

Customer Reviews:

Great Read!.......2007-10-01

Ms. Day novel "Cruising'" is a fast pace, well written, and laugh out loud story of four women who are pretending that life is all good. However, when the stress of dealing with pressures on the job, family drama, and crazy boyfriends become too much they decide to take a cruise. The scenes are steamy. Makes you want to gather your closest girlfriends/boyfriends and take a cruise. This was a very good read.

Friends at Sea.......2007-02-10

CRUISING by Desiree Day is the tale of four women that bonded in a yoga class. Eventually, their time in class turns into a weekly meeting for dinner and drinks. All the women have a secret that leads to a 14-day Caribbean cruise that will give them the opportunity to escape their hectic and tumultuous lives.

Blair is a Caucasian woman whose marriage is on shaky ground due to her husband's infidelity. Lauren is a successful career woman whom while pleasing everyone else has managed to neglect her family, including her patient husband. Madison is a striking beauty that learns a decades old family secret that shakes her foundation. Stacy is a Christian woman who is engaged, but fighting an attraction to one of her student's father.

CRUISING was an entertaining read. Each of the women's situations reminded me of something my friends have gone through. How the women deal with personal issues is described accurately and completely by the author and allows the reader to understand why each of the women makes the choices they made. Desiree Day effectively uses language to paint a picture of the beauty of the Caribbean. The true story in CRUISING was the meaning of true friendship.

Reviewed by Katrina G
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Sexy and Sassy at Sea.......2007-01-17

Desiree Day introduces Madison, LaShawn, Blair and Lauren in her latest book, Cruising. They are all beautiful women that seamlessly balance love, work and family...or so it seems.

Things begin to unravel at one of their weekly "Screw Men Night" gatherings. Lauren is running herself ragged trying to be superwoman at work and at home. Madison 's libido leads her through a string of sexual romps with no sign of a meaningful relationship in sight. A family secret comes to light that turns her world upside down. Bible-toting LaShawn is the chaste, blushing bride-to-be. Unfortunately her fiancé prefers to make other women blush as LaShawn soon discovers. Blair lives a full life as a loving housewife and mother. She is forced to take off her rose-colored glasses and acknowledge that her husband is having an affair.

Finally admitting the mess their lives have become, the four friends decide that a two-week cruise is the only way to handle their troubles. All are determined to "get their groove back" on the open sea. Madison, LaShawn and Blair concoct a competition that has the boat buzzing. Unfortunately, the competition takes a turn for the worst and threatens their new-found happiness.

Day's Cruising will have you laughing out loud as you follow Madison, LaShawn, Blair and Lauren. The cruise allows each woman to rediscover herself and rebuild her confidence. Madison 's character is outrageous to the point of disbelief but Lauren's voice of reason offsets her antics. Blair and LaShawn's characters fall somewhere in-between both extremes.

Cruising is a great vacation or lazy-day read for anyone looking for humor, romance and adventure.

Reviewed by M. P. McKinney
APOOO BookClub

fascinating character study.......2006-09-03

In Atlanta, Blair Ricci, Madison DuPree, LaShawn Greene and Lauren Hopson are close friends who every Thursday celebrate "Screw Men Night". This time they decide to get away together on a Caribbean cruise. Each needs the time desperately to think how to fix their out of control life.

Suburbanite Blair is shocked to learn that her perfect spouse makes mistakes that can prove quite costly to their relationship. Single swinger Madison finds sex is no longer a turn on as her parade of one night stands seem lacking lately. Religious fanatic LaShawn's insistence on celibacy is driving her fiancé away. Finally Lauren is a super-spouse, super-mom, super-business mogul and definitely super-tired. CRUISING together these buddies seek some harmony in their respective lives after the ship docks.

The four disheartened females are likable protagonists with different needs, desires and troubles that distinguish them from one another. The audience will understand and appreciate that the consistency of the personalities the foursome display throughout as each seeks solutions to their woes seem apropos to that person's basic behavior. Though much of the subplots are conventional, readers will enjoy how each responds to the issue of how to regain some harmony and balance in their respective lives.

Harriet Klausner

Hot Fun In The Sun!!!.......2006-08-30

Madison, Blair, LaShawn, and Lauren are four Atlanta girlfriends that met at a yoga class. They start having dinner and drinks on a weekly basis and become as close as sisters. But each of them have a secret. Madison's no-strings attached sex life comes to a halt when her dad shows up with a bombshell that will turn her world upside down. Suburban housewife Blair suspects that her husband is cheating on her. Lauren is burning herself out pleasing everyone except her husband. LaShawn is an engaged kindergarten teacher who's planning her dream wedding and fantasizing about a student's father. The women decide a vacation is in order and go on a two-week Caribbean cruise. With a ship full of sexy eligible men, they decide to have some naughty fun out on the high seas. But will that fun come with a price?

Cruising is a refreshing and breezy read by Desiree Day. Day does a wonderful job of drawing the reader into the story. This author's writing is so descriptive that I felt like I was actually on the Caribbean cruise. I liked that each of the four friends came from different lifestyles and backgrounds. This story is not just about a cruise but how people deal with whatever life throws at them, no matter how devastating it is. A novel about a seductive Caribbean cruise wouldn't be complete without a fair share of juicy sex scenes and there is plenty of it for all to enjoy. Cruising is light, tantalizing, and delightful.

Average customer rating:

What a nice apple?
bitter and jarring
Coming of Age
Very Mediocre...Very Unfulfilling
so bad it's bizarre it was written or published.......

Light Before Day: A NOVEL
Christopher Rice
Manufacturer: Miramax
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 1401397557

Book Description

Adam Murphy, a twenty-five-year-old journalist, is chasing a career-making story of a serial killer preying on young gay men in West Hollywood when he is abruptly fired by the magazine that employs him. He soon learns his former lover has disappeared, but what hes about to uncover is far more diabolical than he could ever have imagined. Light Before Day is a riveting and complex mystery set against the gothic landscape that Rice has made his own.

Customer Reviews:

What a nice apple?.......2007-08-11

I must admit that I bought his first novel purely because of his Mom! I soon ignored the "apple does not fall far from the tree" because he was taking me somewhere else. I have read all his work and cannot wait for the next! So take a bite of this beautiful apple, the juices will not disappoint!

bitter and jarring.......2007-07-16

I had gotten this book with high hopes. Being a huge fan of A Density Of Souls, I couldn't wait to see what Christopher Rice's latest book was about. I noticed within the first 10 pages that this book was a far more gritty, de-sensitized, jaded piece of work than his first novel. Where A Density Of Souls was a tender, passionate, deeply personal story about one person and how he relates to the world, Light Before Day is a cynical, ultra-secular, hard-boiled, drug-riddled trip into the harsh realities of the real world. I wouldn't go so far as to say this book seemed to glorify drug use, promiscuity, underage sex, violet relationships, and drinking binges - but honestly, it focused on these dysfunctions so often it honestly made me wonder what Christopher Rice has been through in the last few years that's made him so jaded. I liked reading A Density Of Souls because it was an ESCAPE from the dysfunctions of modern life, and was filled with fragile vulnerability, soaring emtions, and tender sensitivity. Light Before Day just hits you over the head with its grittiness and materialistic, abrasive hedonism. I wish I could say I enjoyed reading it, but I didn't. I'll give the author another chance though, and see what his upcoming book is like. I hope it's much closer in writing style to his first novel. Oh p.s., I had actually planned on going to Christpher Rice's website and sending him this feedback personally, but I didn't see a link for readers to contact the author. So I'm getting it all off my chest in this review. Cheers!

Coming of Age.......2007-05-20

I have read all of Christopher Rice's books and with this one it seems he has really hit his straps as a writer. The writing is clear and punchy with a great story. It gives intersting insights into the culture of West Hollywood with a sympathetic and critical eye. The story has enough twists to keep it a page turner and although the lead characters are not always likable,they are real. Real enough to want to shake them at times to get them on track.

In fact the novel is very real. A great read.

Very Mediocre...Very Unfulfilling.......2007-03-21

This book was a little confusing and difficult to follow. I always read before I go bed each night and usually can't wait to do so. In this case, I wasn't excited to crack open my book each night. There were too many similar characters and not enough substance to hold my interest. Granted, I did read the entire book and enjoyed the denouement, but getting to that point was hard. I learned a lot about the meth problem in Central California and was surprised at the extent of havoc it wreaks. This book was definitely written for a gay audience (not that there's anything wrong with that) and that particular population might enjoy Light Before Day more than your garden-variety reader. I would NOT recommend this book to readers under the age of 16, or to anyone who is not completely open-minded. Overall, there is nothing really special about this book, skip it and find something better. I usually read about one book per week. I feel like this past week was a waste of time.

so bad it's bizarre it was written or published..............2006-08-18

Christopher Rice is a good writer, with an occassional sly wit, and a gift for spinning involved interesting tales. But he tends toward the end of his books to get a bit overwrought with improbable turns of events. This book however reads like a bizarre parody of his writing style. Too many characters, characters with nonsensical motives. This starts crisply, with nice scene setting background, but then a cascade of characters starts and it all falls apart. This is a clunker if there ever was one. Mr Rice ought to get new editors.

Light of other days,: A novel of Mount Royal,

Average customer rating:

Light of other days,: A novel of Mount Royal,
Elizabeth Frances Corbett
Manufacturer: D. Appleton-Century Company, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0006AO8TS

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