Book Review - Differences: Sibling Rivalry is Bad... But it's Worse When There's Money Involved by Brian W. Smith

Differences by Brian W. Smith

Source: Purchased from Hollygrove Publishing

Paperback, 224 pages

Published June 6th 2011 by Hollygrove Publishing

About the Book

A wealthy man dies and leaves his dysfunctional kids $100,000 each. But in order to get their inheritance, they have to team up and go on a scavenger hunt to find the money. They have forty-eight hours to find the money or it will be donated to charity. Can these six malcontents deal with their differences long enough to find the money?

About the Author

Brian W. Smith is president of Hollygrove Publishing, Inc. He is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and currently lives in the Dallas, Texas, area with his wife and two sons. His educational background consists of two Bachelor of Science degrees in business administration and criminal justice and an MBA from the University of Dallas.

Read my Interview:          Smith, Brian W.  2/6/11

My Review

I pre-ordered Differences back at the beginning of the year and couldn't wait to read it!  When I came, I had to stop everything and read it!

It's a tough situation when a parent dies.  The children each think that they should be entitled to certain things, but then they listen to the reading of the will to find out what the verdict really is.  The children in this book have a big surprise when their father's will is read.  They each get a certain portion of money, but there is a string attached.  They have to go on a scavenger hunt to find the money, and time is ticking!

I thoroughly enjoyed the situations brought up in the hunt for the money.  Secrets were revealed, and Beulah's was something I never expected at all.  I liked how the children were forced to work together.  Their father gave them more in the end than any money could have bought them.  Did they find the clues in time?  I will never tell because you NEED to read this book!

Of course, this just wouldn't be a Brian W. Smith book without humor added in.  Here is an example of what I mean:  "She looked more disinterested than a gay man getting a lap dance from a female stripper."  p.8    Brian W. Smith always writes about deep issues, but he has a way of incorporating humor into the story to keep you smiling!

Brian W. Smith never fails to bring readers something new with each book.  You can always bet that he is going to keep you entertained, but teach you something at the same time.  Just when you think you have a favorite Brian W. Smith book, he comes out with a new one that tops it!   This is a must-read for book clubs.  If I was in a book club, this would definitely be one that I would recommend for a good discussion.  No matter what type of book you like to read, I recommend that you purchase this book and read it.  If you haven't read anything by Brian W. Smith (is that even possible?), then I guarantee after you read this book you will want to read more of his work!

My Rating

5/5 Diamonds - Perfect!  Highly Recommend!

Where can you buy it?

I would recommend:

Hollygrove Publishing.com

If you click on that link, you will be able to see and purchase all of the other great Brian W. Smith titles.  I've read several of his books.  Here are links to my reviews (they are all 5/5 diamond books):

Deadbeat

Beater

Mama' Lies Daddy's Pain

Nina's Got A Secret

Disclaimer:  My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist. They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.