RIM's Review of The Upside of the Down Low, a Pastor’s Wife’s Memoir by Yolanda Stephen

RIM's Review of

The Upside of the Down Low, a Pastor’s Wife’s Memoir

by  Yolanda Stephen

This offering is billed as an inspirational testatment to the power of faith in the face of overwhelming adversity. The main characters, Edgar Jacksyn (PJ) and his wife, Yolanda's story told through her eyes during their 3-plus year union and his subsequent demise.
 
The story was intriguing enough to hold the attention of the reader, though it felt very rushed. There, in my opinion, should have been much more detail given so that the reader could fully understand not just Yolanda and her past, but also Edgars. As the story plays out, this missing information becomes very pertinent. The meeting, dating, and marriage all happened so quickly that one had to go back and reread certain sections to make sure one had not missed anything.

The tone of the book began to change almost midway into more of a subtle bashing of Edgar as a minister versus man, with Yolanda more and more in the role of hapless victim. This position I couldn't condone simply due to Yolanda's own arrogance and vanity that was demonstrated at the beginning of the book. There were of course portions where one did feel sympathy for her, but again, questioned her own contribution to the shambles that had become their existence together.

Of course at the end of the unfolding events one is glad to know that Yolanda has so profoundly embraced her faith and all the lessons taught, but it also begs the question, being a pastor's child, where was the faith, the discernment, before she ever walked into the situation. This is not judgement nor condemnation, simply a query. It is this reviewers opinion that this book could become a very inspirational and powerful testament to God's ability to heal, deliver, and set free, those things that do plague us, but without the biases that are presented inside it right now, and with more emphasis on the faithbuilding and healing process.

Reviewers rating: 3.5 KR Bankston
Readers In Motion Bookclub

Readers In Motion Author Spotlight of September 2010- Author Lady La

Readers In Motion Author

Spotlight of September 2010-

Author Lady La

1. Tell us a little about you.

I’m a mother of three girls. I’ve been a Paralegal/Legal Office Assistant since 2003. I graduated from Robert Morris College with my Associates Degree in Applied Science, with my major being Paralegal/Legal Office Assistant. I’ve been writing poetry since my Freshman year of High School.

2. How did you come up with the idea for your book?

This is going to sound crazy. But I dreamt of my book, before I knew I wanted to write one. My book came to me in a dream and I woke up the next morning and sat at my computer and wrote half of my book right there on the spot.

3. Hollywood is calling your book. Who would you like to see play the part of your main characters?

Samantha, I can see being played by Nia Long.

Lester – I can see being played by Morris Chestnut

Louise – I can see being played by Taraji P. Henson

Eric – I can see being played by Michael Ealy

4. What would you consider your writing style?

Urban Romance. I’m a hopeless romantic and love, romance and drama, come easy for me. I have so much inspiration around me every day. I try to find ways to use what I see or hear and translate it into a story or situation and then move on and try to work it into a book. Everyone has relationship/marital issues, but not everyone wants to talk about it. So I that with me when writing. Sometimes it’s challenging, because I don’t want my characters to all have the same problems every time I write, but I want to broaden my horizon and explore all possibilities as far as relationships and marriage goes.

5. Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Yes. JReal, Traci Bee, Kr Bankston, Shante Hannon and Cotton Carpenter to name a few.

6. Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I learned alot! But what I’ve learned and continue to use is that I have to be true to my work. I can’t let anyone try and change my vision. My writing reflects me as a person, and if I let someone change that, then the readers won’t get the chance to know me as a writer.

7. Who designed the covers?

Donna OsbornClark of Creations By Donna.

8. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? And why?

I would have to say Marlon Mccaulsky. He is very supportive of my works. Even before I decided to pen Which Way To Turn, I was going to publish my first book of poems. He has given me insight, pointers, direction and most of all his support. He’s believed in me since day one and I cherish that. He has showed me that you can have a fan base and still be down to earth and humble in whatever you do. To take criticism for exactly what it is. If I can learn from it, then take what I can use and run with it, the rest leave it where it is.

9. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Yes. Giving my characters their own voice and sense of direction and to make it unique and different. When writing multiple characters, you want them each to stand out in their own way and possibly have a message that the readers can take and learn from.

10. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I want to say THANK YOU for reading my work. I hope that I don’t disappoint you, and I hope to keep you all as avid readers. I hope that you find a message in each book that I write. Rather it helps you or someone you know.

RIM'S Review of Beautiful Disasters by Dawn Jaspers

Beautiful Disasters by Dawn Jaspers

Anika Conners is a woman born from hurt and pain. Her conception was that of rape from a whiteman in a small town in South Carolina where racism still looms. She is determined to get even with the man that took her mother’s life, but the question is will she get back at the right man. Along this journey of her revenge, she also plans on making a pit stop to get back at her half sister; Lisa. She is doing this to her sister to make sure that she does not receive her part of the inheritance left by their father. So Anika makes it a point to let everyone know her sister’s true secret.



Akina also has a strong sexual craving. While falling in love with Tatyana Simmons she was unknowingly sleeping with Tatyana’s husband, David Walters who is in in love with her. But she wants none of them after a chance meeting with an old friend from high school, Eric. The passion between Eric and Anika starts off as just that passion but the passion is turning into love. But Anika is not ready for true love or is she?



So many sub stories that are linked to one story is what I can sum up the concept of this book to be and Dawn Jasper could have not done this better. There was at no point where I was confused about any of the plot lines. The Author gave this character the hurt and pain that any person in this situation would feel. The book has such a smooth flow that it was finished in one day. I cannot wait until the sequel comes out.


Rated: 5 stars
Reviewed by Patrice Smith
For Readers In Motion BookClub

RIM's Review of Sins Of the Father by KR Bankston

RIM's Review of

Sins Of the Father by KR Bankston

Twenty years have passed and albeit they have been very rocky, Kayla is living her life. Her daughter Mariah the center of her joy. But as we all know legends never die and Kayla can testify to that. Behind the smile and warm words, when she is alone Dezi is there, leaving up to his nickname the Devastator. Kayla believed she was over him and does everything in her power to move past her lost love, but is hit with another blow. Old faces and bad memories from the past resurfacing knocking the floor from under her. Kayla regains control only to be hit with a blow that no one forseen, changing her and her family's life forever.

Bankston is a woman on a mission. A mission to bring suspense and craftsmanship back to urban fiction. Take a bow Mrs. Bankston mission accomplished. This sophomore project will leave you craving for more and cursing the author for not including at least one more chapter.

Final Rating 5 stars
Reviewed by Kim for
Readers In Motion Book Club

RIM's Review of A Deadly Encounter by KR Bankston

RIM's Review of

A Deadly Encounter by KR Bankston

Dezi Gianni is every woman’s dream and every man’s nightmare. Gianni nickname is Devastator and the name is very fitting. A ruthless crime lord, Gianni runs his empire with an iron fist, but like they say every thug needs a lady. Kayla DeWitt is sexy and sophisticated and able to do what every woman wants to, capture Gianni’s heart. The two begin a whirlwind love affair but happily ever after doesn’t seem like the end result for the couple. The FBI wants Gianni and they want him bad and someone else has their eyes set on Kayla. Please keep all hands and feet in the car as you partake on this rollercoaster called A Deadly Encounter.

Bankston does an outstanding job with her debut novel. Her characters are believable, humanistic, and unforgettable. Just when you think you know the outcome Bankston throws another curve that will have you dumbfounded and anxious. A Deadly Encounter is a great book that will have craving the sequel Sins of Our Father.

Final Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by Elizabeth Lashaun for
Readers In Motion Book Club

RIM's Review of Project Queen by Teresa Patterson

RIM's Review of

Project Queen by Teresa Patterson

Every little girl dreams of being the queen of their own little kingdom. But what happens when that kingdom is a project fulled with drug dealers and haters. Would you still want to be a "project queen". Sahe byrts was just that a "project queen" trying to get out at all costs but they say to be careful of what you ask for because you might not like the outcome but for Shae Byrts anything was better that what she had to endure at the hands of her abusive and alcoholic mother. Shae was forced to drop out high school of be the mother of her younger sibling due to her mother's behavior. Looking for the quickest way out of her current situation Shae by passes love up for money. When she pushes her childhood friend away for the projects biggest dope boy. who turns out to be Shae's worse nightmare.


Willing to endure anything to make out Shae allows her self to verbally and physically abused that is until she finds out her brother has somehow gotten himself in deep with her boyfriend. Things go from bad to worse when their grandmother is found dead and her twin brothers are poisoned.

T.D. Patterson does a great job of showing the readers that everything that glitters isn't gold. This was a good read and the story flowed very well. I gave this 4 stars.

Reviewed by Kecia for
Readers In Motion Book Club
www.readersinmotionbookclub.ning.com

RIM's Review of God is in the Equation by Adrienna Turner

God is in the Equation

by Adrienna Turner
Sometimes in life we all can use some help. We pray, talk to our friends, seek inspiration, and read either a book or a Bible. It is in those times that we look for something that speaks to us and in those times we realize we make the simple things difficult tasks that defeat our everyday thinking and living. When in actuality our situation is much more simple than we realized and in this book are steps to keep us going on this journey called life.

In this book the author hits you with quick steps that are just like the title says, an equation. Steps that we have all learned at some point in our school age so need not worry about your math skills. The steps are add, subtract, multiply and divide. Not only are the steps there but the reasoning an...d application also. And of course some thought provoking homework as to how the equation will be used in day to day activities and the long term progression of your life. Along with the simple math steps there are other helpful skills such as dream, study, figuring out the equation and completion.

This is not your average self help book, this is calling everyone that calls themselves a Christian to take note of what they are doing and in some cases not. The author is backed by her own personal knowledge, advice, nuggets of wisdom that she has learned from other profound teachers and leaders like Dr. Joyce Meyer and she also uses contextual scripture. This will help anyone looking for a better way to live their predestined life the way it was intended to be lived. Also help one find the love, peace, joy and the perseverance to keep on keeping on.

Rating 3 ½ stars
Review for Readers In Motion Bookclub
Review by Karen Reynolds