Title: Money Can't Buy Love
Author: Connie Briscoe
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publish Date: June 27, 2011
Hardcover, 304 pages
Source: Review copy provided to me TLC Book Tours
Buy the Book: Amazon
(book 5 of 13 - 3rd Quarter 2K11 Reading/Reviewing Challenge)
About the Book:
Lenora Stone used to say if she didn't have bad luck, she wouldn't have any luck at all. At age thirty-eight, instead of socializing with Baltimore's A-list, she photographs them for Baltimore Scene, a glossy magazine filled with beautiful people who, unlike Lenora, never have to worry about car trouble and overdue bills. As much as she'd love to slam the door on her overbearing boss, quitting isn't an option. She's barely making her mortgage payments and, though her condo might not be a palace, it's hers. Lately even things with her boyfriend Gerald haven't been right. They've been together for three years but he can't seem to ask the one question she's been waiting for. But what Lenora doesn't know is that her luck is about to change...Just when she thinks things can't get worse, Lenora wins the jackpot in the Maryland lottery. In a heartbeat, all her dreams become possible. She quits her job and indulges her every desire-starting with a shiny, silver BMW and a million-dollar mansion. Gerald is finally ready to put a ring on her finger and the city's most exclusive women's group is dying for her to join, officially moving Lenora from behind the lens, into the limelight. But in Lenora's lavish new world, all that glitters definitely isn't gold. Her old friend's are concerned about her sudden changes, and Ray, a sexy, young landscaper Lenora covered for the magazine is looking for more than a purely professional relationship.
As her life starts to come together, the things Lenora holds dear begin to fall apart. Has her world really changed for the better, or does fortune come with a heavy price?
My Review:
Lenora is a 37 year old who has a boyfriend named Gerald. She really wants to get married, but he keeps putting the subject off. They have been together for 3 years, and she wonders if he will ever be ready. He is trying to get his business off the ground and wants to get their finances in order before getting married. I didn't like Gerald at all. He made comments about Lenora's weight (I have had to deal with this problem myself, and it doesn't help matters at all...just makes me feel worse), and he was always so busy. He seemed like he never had time for her. On top of all that, she doesn't like her boss and is having trouble paying her bills.She buys a lottery ticket and kind of forgets about it. She ends up finally finding it a few days later and has the surprise of her life! She wins the lottery. All her problems are solved right? Well, her life will never be the same, that's for sure.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was really easy to follow, and the characters sound like real people. I got a little annoyed with Lenora when she waits so long to bring her ticket in and with some of the other things she does. I kind of had an idea of what was going to happen, but I didn't know exactly how things would turn out in the end. I was surprised at her conversation with Ray at the end. I'm glad she said what she did. It would have been nice to know what happened next for her though! Will there be another book to follow up? Also, I still wonder about Gerald. Was he really that busy with work? Even though Lenora made some dumb decisions and she was annoying at times, I wouldn't have changed anything about this story. I highly recommend it!
My Rating
5/5 diamonds - Loved It and Highly Recommend!
About the Author:
Connie Briscoe is the author of seven novels, one novella, and one nonfiction book. Her third novel, A Long Way From Home, the story of her ancestors, was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Her work has appeared on the bestseller lists of the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, Boston Globe, Boston Herald, USA Today,and Publishers Weekly.
Her nonfiction title, a photo-essay book featuring luminaries such as actress Ruby Dee and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, was coauthored with celebrated photographer Michael Cunningham. The collection of novellas was coauthored with Lolita Files and Anita Bunkley.
She currently lives in Maryland with her family.
Giveaway:
If you would like to be entered to win, please leave a comment with your e-mail address. Also, answer this question: What would you do with the money if you won a million dollars or more?
Giveaway ends on August 8, 2011 at 7:00 a.m.
Connie Briscoe’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:
Monday, July 18th: Life in Review
Wednesday, July 20th: Buckeye Girl Reads
Thursday, July 21st: Colloquium
Monday, July 25th: Arms of a Sister
Wednesday, July 27th: A Chick Who Reads
Thursday, July 28th: Mocha Momma
Friday, July 29th: Fiction State of Mind
Monday, August 1st: Black Diamond Book Reviews
Wednesday, August 3rd: Reflections of a Bookaholic
Thursday, August 4th: Living Outside the Stacks
Tuesday, August 9th: I’m Booking It
Thursday, August 11th: Drey’s Library
Tuesday, August 16th: Joyfully Retired
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 reading this on a site other than blackdiamondsbookrev.fatcow.com, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl’s feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
I would definitely read the follow-up as I think there were loose ends. What was next for Lenora? Why did Gerald not have time for her? Was he cheating, or just not that into her? And how exactly did she lose every penny? I have a lot of questions, but the book was very entertaining and good.
ReplyDeleteIf I won the lottery, I would prioritize. This is what Lenora should have done. LOL
**Please don't enter me as I have already received and reviewed a copy.
If I won a million dollars or more, I would payoff all my bills, invest some of the money and donate some to charity. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read this book. Tore923@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI'm really excited to read this one - so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for being a part of the tour.
ReplyDeleteWell, number one would be paying off my house and any other bills. Then I would invest a huge hunk, and I'd love to start a foundation or something. I always thought it would great to start an organization that works with the homeless, giving them a place to list for an address on job aps, providing training, day care and business clothes and such to help them get back on their feet.
ReplyDeletenfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
I'm just realizing this site is here. There is also another site linked to from my Facebook page, with the same or a similar name and it also has my book review and posts. A little confused??
ReplyDeleteAnyway, good luck to you all. And Marie, I have gotten lots of requests for sequel and I'm giving it some thought.
Thanks, Connie. I will stay tuned for news of a sequel.
ReplyDeleteMe too Connie.. i left a msg over there.. i think cheryl has both of the pages... :)
ReplyDeleteWell.. I will answer the question again..
If I won a million dollars I would quit my job and open a book/cake shop...
msolyoung9@gmail.com
Orsayor--you won! Congratulations!
ReplyDelete