Here and Now

Rating:
Summary: Vivid Clarity of Life
Review: Not since Bridges of Mdison County have I been so moved by printed material. I read quite a bit, a variety of authors, subject matter - fiction, non-fiction, etc., but this story line has stayed with me. Perhaps because it's so true to what "real" life is all about. I must admit Raquel's character tested my patience, but maybe that's because I have been blessed with knowing what it means to be a mother. The pain and sheer agony that Marcella went through caused me to put the book down so that I could re-group. Corrine is the epitome of motherhood. I follwed Ms. Roby's challenging career start with her self-publication of "Behind Closed Doors" and couldn't believe she couldn't find a publisher. Now I am sure that whoever she sought and declined her as a client is feeling quite foolish. I absolutely loved this book.

Rating:
Summary: Family, friends and life......
Review: This book was definitely a tear jerker. To have a loving mother that help her daughters, and helped their good friend. This book is one of my favorites. It has a lot of love, trust, understanding, faith and true friendship that lasted.

This book is an excellent book to read over.

Rating:
Summary: DEPRESSING
Review: This was the most depressing book I have ever read. I was unable to find any purpose in it. Although Ms. Roby shows that she is a gifted writer (the reason I rated this 3 stars), I simply could not find anything positive about this novel. I hated the characters from the start, the sister with the kids had an attitude that simply ruffled my feathers. It was hard for me to find any sympathy for her. Although I empathised with Racqual in the beginning she ultimately got on my last nerve. Upon reaching the "dream" scene I hade simply had enough. I picked the book up later hoping it got better but to my disappointment it didn't. Tragedy is a real part of life but this book seemed to only dwell on it. It there was a light at the end of the tunnel I missed it trying to clear away the murk. As a single parent I would love to see novels written showing positive black men who live up to their responsibility whether they are with the mother or not. As black women we really need to give the brothers a break. (Just an idea for your next novel, you are a very talented writer).