Hand-me-down Heartache : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Teen Diary
Review: After finishing college, Nina attempts to find a career, and the right man. She ends up meeting Maurice, who has a terrible temper. Nina also has to deal with her father abusing her mother. After Nina's first date with Maurice, she should have realized he was kind of crazy. I throught the book was good, but didn't really care for Nina's attitude sometime.

Rating:
Summary: My Review
Review: Excellent. Ms. Butler's sophmore novel, Hand-Me Down Heartache, is a great follow up to the smash, Sorority Sisters.

Although I am a male and the protagonist is a female, I could in certain areas relate to Ms. Nina Lander.

There were times when I shouted at the book, particulary at Nina, I laughed, and at times used expletives but for me that makes a good book as the author and in this instance, a female, did her job. I connected.

I also did not want to finish it but knew that I had to. Its like taking a band-aid off (smile).

This book stands alone from Sorority Sisters and although the women protrayed in this book are featured in this book, it stands by itself.

In the end, Where's the party at?

peace and blessings

KUDOS to Tajuana Butler and hope you're enjoying my city, Los Angeles.

Rating:
Summary: It's for guys too!
Review: Hand me down heartache reads like a movie and, although the story is told from a woman's perspective, the male bashing is kept to a minimum. I liked that! Leo is a character who a lot of guys will identify with, a thoughtful, considerate brother who's at first kicked to the curb because the main character, Nina, is deeply in love with a dog named Maurice, who treats her badly. TJ Butler has crafted a wonderful story about family, life, love and relationships. Guys, do yourself a favor and pick up this book.(FYI: the pink cover is easily removable.)

Rating:
Summary: Not Good At All!!!
Review: I am one to give a new author a shot. This book however was a total let down. There was too much going on and nothing really solid to concentrate on. There are very few books that had female leads that I did not like and Nina was one of them. I have not read Ms. Butler's previous novel and now I am not sure that I want to.

Rating:
Summary: HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT
Review: I did not enjoy this book at all. The plot seemed appealing when I read the synopsis on the back cover, but my goodness!
Ms. Butler's style of writing is better suited for a high school creative writing class, not adult fiction.
She does not have the narrative skill to keep her in the running as a promising writer. If you are a fan of YA fiction this may be the one... but I HAVE to give this book a thumbs down.

Rating:
Summary: True story to many young women
Review: I read this book prior to a book club conference and thoroughly enjoyed it. I read it in 1 day. The characters were authentic and well defined.

Rating:
Summary: This is so true!!!!
Review: I thought this book was a terrific book. I believe all females should read this book. things like this go on in real life, so you can relate to it. This book is a must read.

Rating:
Summary: IGNORE THE HATERS!!!
Review: This novel is a great little tale about a young woman newly graduated from college, who sets out to conquer it all but is beset with challenges that arise in both her professional, but mostly personal, life. Main character Nina is focused on her lifelong goal of becoming a news anchorwoman; until she meets aspiring NBA star Maurice, and becomes embroiled in an unhealthy and destructive relationship. Nina is so encompassed with catering to his every whim, that she neglects both her job and her family. When Maurice unceremoniously dumps her, Nina finds herself being drawn into the irresistibly nurturing web that is Leo, aka LJ Love, an aspiring rapper who has secretly loved Nina for years. Meanwhile, Nina is observing what appears to be an unhealthy dynamic between her parents; that of slave and master, with her mother being the epitome of subservient. When Nina's mother becomes ill, she eventually pleads with Nina to find a love that is truly deserving of her. But can Nina break the cycle? Or will she sacrifice all that she has become with Leo when Maurice comes calling?

This novel is a must-read for any young woman, no matter her ethnicity, who is coming into her own. Author TJ Butler provides insight into the need to pursue healthy relationships in all aspects of our lives. Fours stars only because I simply wasn't ready for the book to end; I felt the need to know more about what became of Nina and brother Brice's relationship with their father, and even more about Nina and the delicious Leo. Perhaps the author will grace us with a sequel.....??


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