Scandalous is the only way to describe it

I'm a Carl Weber fan. He can tell a story like no other and this time, he didn't disappoint. If you've read Preacher's Son or The First Lady, you have a little background on womanizer James Black. He's the preacher's best friend. And this time the story centers around him, his son, Darnell and his daughter, Jamie.

You're only a few pages in before the first scandalous act ... Darnell catches his bride-to-be in bed with his best friend on the night before their wedding. He commences to beating his so-called best friend within an inch of his life, and it goes downhill from there. (This is not a spoiler ... it's in the book jacket). This event turns Darnell into a sometimes rational, sometimes crazy man. I wanted to like his character, but some of the motivations for his actions were a little far-fetched. I guess that's because I'm more likely to forgive and forget than to forgive and give a second chance.

James is still up to his old tricks -- loving them and leaving them. At least he's honest with his conquests. And most of the women know and don't care. I would find this unbelievable if I didn't have friends and relatives who have been doing the same thing for years. So sad! But like I always tell them, one of those women is going to get you, and before you know it, you're going to be the one all in love, walking around sprung. It happens to James with the most unlikeliest of women. It's fun to watch that unfold, even though I was sad about the ultimate outcome.

Jamie is a spoiled little girl who loves her Daddy, but is also emotional scarred by the treatment she has seen him give women throughout her life. That makes it hard for her to trust men, including the love of her life that she's just moved in with. The interactions between the two of them are entertaining and I was pleasantly surprised by the way their storyline was resolved.

If you like Carl Weber's books, then you'll like this one. The ending might surprise a few of you Weber faithfuls. I don't think he's ended one like this before -- still on the fence about how I feel about it.

Secrets can be deadly

This is the second novel by Barbara Delinsky that I've read, and I enjoyed it. The plot of this novel focuses on the relationship of a recently divorced woman and her teenage daughter who are involved in an accident while driving home a rainy night. The mother's decision about the events of that night cause more heartache and grief than either of them could have ever imagined.

Delinsky is a great storyteller. I think I enjoy her books because of the relationships that are explored. Divorce is probably never easy for any child, but you add in the stress of high expectations from parents who are not really talking to each other or anyone else, a grandfather who expects perfection from everyone even though he has secret flaws of his own, and a little brother with serious eye problems and it's enough to make any 16-year-old crazy. The lengths to which the mother goes to protect her daughter is admirable, even if it's misguided. This is a great look at a mother-daughter relationship.

I personally enjoyed the Jill character, who doesn't really care what anyone thinks about her, because she reminded me of my favorite aunt.

In the end, the family pulls together and resolves most of their issues. A satisfying novel that leaves just enough "what if" to keep it from having one of those "tied up in a neat bow" endings that I absolutely hate.

I'm adding her new one to my library cue.

E. Lynn leaves me Jones-in'

If you've ever read an E. Lynn Harris book then you know there's going to be some love, a little mystery and lots of drama. Basketball Jones delivers all that and then some. In fact, if you liked his earlier novels then you'll love this one. He's definitely returned to his roots.

This time it's the story of Dray and AJ. They meet in college when AJ is hired to tutor Dray, the freshman basketball sensation, in math. AJ is gay and knows it. One night after great test results, Dray and AJ hook up and there begins their love story. Dray is drafted the next year and AJ becomes his stylist/interior designer. He's basically a kept man.

All the drama, lies and hurt that you would expect from a DL relationship ensue. And when someone threatens to shake up their little world, you might be a little shocked to see who the culprit is. Then again, if you've read enough of these stories you might not be.

It's a short read, and there are lots of reasons to believe that this one will have a sequel -- including the fact that Basil makes an appearance. And don't we all want another Basil story! Just don't make me wait too long, okay E. Lynn!

Next up: Kimberla Lawson Roby's latest that features the daughter of Rev. Curtis Black all grown up.

From whence you came ...

Have you traced your roots? Do you know about all the branches of your family tree?

This weekend I finished reading Barbara Delinsky's Family Tree. This was my first time reading this author. I was intrigued by the plot of this book after reading about it online.

In the book, a white couple is mystified when their child is born black. The baby was conceived naturally, so there was no mix up in a lab. The husband can trace his family back to the Mayflower so everyone assumes that the source of the baby's features are from his wife. Her history is not so documented -- she never met her father and only has a name and photo left behind by her mother who is no longer alive.

I could relate to the reaction of the mother -- it was her baby no matter if it was purple, blue or green. It was a little harder for the father thanks to comments from family, friends and complete strangers. With a little investigation they discover the truth behind the situation.

I liked the ending, even though it was a little predictable. It was an easy read. I wasn't feeling well on Saturday so it was a nice distraction. Her writing style reminds me a lot of Jodie Picoult, especially with the family theme like this. I'll will probably check out another one of her novels since I liked this one.

Next up ... The Soloist. I have to read it before I check out Jamie Foxx in the movie later this year.