Rating:  Summary: Well-written story with solid characters Review: Francis Ray, no doubt, is an adept storyteller. She knows how to build her plot, develop her characters, and give her story a realistic feel through actual settings and believable dialogue. In her latest offering, she does just that through characters we can feel and with whom we sympathize. From the heroine, Madison Reed, a strong yet vulnerable woman yearning to fill the void of her husband's death, to the man who becomes her hero, Zachary Holman, a tender, caring individual who at times seems too good to be true, and to the baby who is the center of this story, Manda, a delightful child who is surrounded by love, Ray convinces us that her skills are to be commended. The only parts which didn't command the most attention were those that include the sub-plots which included a romance that seemed to compete with the primary characters' romance, however, there was enough action and spiciness through the main storyline to make I Know Who Holds Tomorrow a most enjoyable read.
Rating:  Summary: Life isn't always picture perfect Review: From the out side looking many may see that Madison and Wes have a picture perfect marriage. Both have successful media careers but their marriage is falling apart. Wes is critically injured in a car accident and a woman is killed. Before Wes dies he confesses to Madison that the woman was his mistress and he is the father of her nine month old daughter. Madison struggles to put her life back together but can she care for another woman's child eventhough her husband fathered the child? Close friend Zachary of Wes promises to be the shoulder Madison needs to get through the rough time and rebuild her life. He has secrets of his own. I know Who Hold Tomorrow was a touching and engaging tale. The characters were very well developed and the story flowed easily. The sub plots and characters blended right in to make this an excellent read. Blessings to the author.
Rating:  Summary: I've got a secret Review: I have enjoyed Francis Ray novels since I picked up my first Arabesque romance by her, FOREVER HERS. She has the ability to weave a romance tale that will intrigue you and have you rooting for the characters to overcome all obstacles to get together. With this mainstream novel, she does not miss a beat. Madison and Wes Reed are the perfect couple in the public view. At home, another story could be told. There is no affection or communication. When tragedy strikes, Wes reveals a secret that will change Madison's life forever. With the help of Zachary, Wes' friend, who also has secrets he is unable to tell, Madison is able to come to terms with Wes' secret. An added plus is the romance that goes on between the secondary characters of Camille, a social worker and Gordon, Madison's boss. Grab a glass of Iced Tea and a lounge chair. This is one I would recommend for your lazy day of summer reading list.
Rating:  Summary: This is a keeper! Review: I knew I had to have this book as soon as I read a review in a magazine. The late night trip to the book store was worth it. This book surprised me, angered me, and made me cry a little bit, too. Franis Ray is a superb writer who gives Black readers what we want; she's mainstream but she doens't sacrifice substance in her novels. The characters in this book have real emotions that I could get next too; the burgeoning love affair between 'mother' and child was great. Not too many women would be able to handle a situation like that. If I'm being vague, it's because you need to read the book. Enjoy!
Rating:  Summary: Poignant, Moving, Satisfying Review: I know when I read one of Francis Ray's books I am going to get a novel with all the elements of a good storyline; family dynamics, romance, and suspense. Additionally Ms. Ray's graces us with well developed characters and intelligently woven tales of middle/upper African American lifestyles. Madison and Wes Reed appear to have it all; successful media careers, a custom built lavish home, and the lifestyle of the rich and famous. But there are cracks in the carefully constructed facade that are threatening to crumble to pieces. After a devastating miscarriage, Madison has becomes withdrawn from her husband, and Wes, unable to express his feelings, becomes equally inaccessible to his wife. When tragedy strikes, secrets, lies, and deceit are discovered. Madison hardly has enough time to grieve for her husband when she is confronted with the evidence of Wes's most deceitful deeds. Madison is comforted by Zachary Holman, Wes's friend, and a successful homebuilder. He forces Madison to face her fears and impels her to look within herself to be the compassionate, loving woman that he knows she is. Meanwhile Madison feels compelled to keep up the masquerade of the grieving, devastated widow but because she is in the public eye, wolves in sheep's clothing are constantly looking for dirt. Madison also has to contend with Wes's parents, a self absorbed couple, who value class and economics above everything else to the extent they are also carrying around demons that lies and secrets have created. There are imposing secondary characters who enrich the storyline as well as support the main characters. This novel is a lesson in what can happen when a couple lacks communication in their marriage, how life choices and circumstances can change momentarily, and how one woman faces her tribulations with her head held high. There were some predictable moments in the story but kudos are in order for Ms. Ray as a classic story teller. Dera Williams APOOO Bookclub
Rating:  Summary: Deadly Secrets! Review: I Know Who Holds Tomorrow by Francis Ray is a very human account of one woman's struggle to right her life after learning secrets which turned her world upside down. Talk show host Madison Reed is loving her career but struggling with her marriage. Then a tragic automobile accident kills Madison's husband Wes and the young woman whose tire he was changing. The woman's nine month old daughter, Manda is unharmed. Before Wes dies he begs Madison to care for the baby. Once she promises, Wes tells her that he is the biological father. Madison is devastated. She wants to hate someone, but Wes is dead and Manda is an innocent victim. She begins a tug of war; can she really care for her husband's child by another woman? In steps Zachary, Wes' good friend, he offers to assist Madison, promising that he will always be there to help. But Zachary shared secrets with Wes that he is afraid could destroy Madison and turn her against him. I felt the same anticipation you experience as you ascend for a wild roller coaster ride, knowing once you reach the top you are in for a treat. The secrets kept you hanging on to the bar as Ms. Ray brought this intriguing ride to a climactic end. This is a very good read. ...
Rating:  Summary: Excellent Read Review: I Know Who Holds Tomorrow is a heart wrenching story of a woman who played the hand she was dealt. It wasn't easy for Madison Reed a famous Oprah Winfrey type talk show host to move on with her life after her even more famous husband Wes Reed is killed. As she tries to put her life back together, she uncovers lies, betrayal, mistrust and infidelity. She has to come full circle in order to take care the little girl left behind after the accident even if she is reluctant to do it. Then there's Wes good friend Zachary Holman. She finds he knows more than he's telling, but can she really trust him. Francis Ray has always been one of my favorite writers. She is just a skillful writer. When I heard about this story I was set to dislike the hero, but in a style in which only Francis can do, she changed my mind about Zachary Holman. I really liked him. He was definitely someone I know. The story was vivid and the characters were memorable. I also liked her secondary characters. I think I'm still a big Francis Ray Romance Fan.
Rating:  Summary: A Masterpiece for Love Stories Review: I Know Who Holds Tomorrow is a superb book with a well-written story line. In this book, a well-known talk show host, Madison Reed, and her husband, Wes Reed, a popular television reporter, are everyone�s idea of the perfect couple. After the loss of their child, Wes and Madison began to grow apart and are now husband and wife in name only. One morning Wes is critically injured in a car accident and a woman is killed. While in the ICU, Wes confesses to Madison that the woman killed in the accident was his mistress and also the mother of his nine month-old daughter, Manda. Before he dies, he asks Madison to raise the child. His close friend, Wes, promises to watch after Madison and Manda. I Know Who Holds Tomorrow will make you think of how important family is, and how you should never take people you care about for granted. Many people think if they have a lot of money, and make it to the top in their career, all their problems will be solved. Perhaps, but as Madison Reed learns money and a good job can�t bring happiness. I Know Who Holds Tomorrow is a masterpiece for love stories. Francis Ray style of writing is exciting and real and makes you feel like you know the characters. The ending of this book has an unexpected spin to it. I Know Who Holds Tomorrow will definitely touch your heart and help you realize the healing power of love.
Rating:  Summary: A Masterpiece for Love Stories Review: I Know Who Holds Tomorrow is a superb book with a well-written story line. In this book, a well-known talk show host, Madison Reed, and her husband, Wes Reed, a popular television reporter, are everyone's idea of the perfect couple. After the loss of their child, Wes and Madison began to grow apart and are now husband and wife in name only. One morning Wes is critically injured in a car accident and a woman is killed. While in the ICU, Wes confesses to Madison that the woman killed in the accident was his mistress and also the mother of his nine month-old daughter, Manda. Before he dies, he asks Madison to raise the child. His close friend, Wes, promises to watch after Madison and Manda. I Know Who Holds Tomorrow will make you think of how important family is, and how you should never take people you care about for granted. Many people think if they have a lot of money, and make it to the top in their career, all their problems will be solved. Perhaps, but as Madison Reed learns money and a good job can't bring happiness. I Know Who Holds Tomorrow is a masterpiece for love stories. Francis Ray style of writing is exciting and real and makes you feel like you know the characters. The ending of this book has an unexpected spin to it. I Know Who Holds Tomorrow will definitely touch your heart and help you realize the healing power of love.
Rating:  Summary: Great Book Review: I know Who Holds Tomorrow was my first experience with Francis Ray and let me just say....I'm hooked. This book was definately a page turner. The story of Wes and Maddison Reed's failed marriage and Wes' untimely dealth, which left Maddison with Wes' illegitimate child Manda to care for, was definately a book I would recommend.
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