Guest Author - Dianne Rosena Jones
No one wants to admit that they know someone just like Natalie, Monica, or Leslie; but look closely and you’ll find these sisters seem awfully familiar. Three women defined and scarred by their childhood experiences. Each of them secretly carries remnants of pain from childhood experiences into adulthood leading to damaging consequences. Secrets, pain, lies, and distorted self-images lurk behind the seemingly sunny lives of each character. Ironically, each of them works in the Social Services arena helping the less fortunate while their own lives seems to unravel like a thread pulled from a cheap sweater.
Natalie’s insecurities from unresolved childhood trauma contribute to her affair which jeopardizes her marriage to a wonderful, hard working man. Monica's distorted self-imagine results in her chasing after a man who has proven to be unworthy of her love or devotion. Self-absorbed Leslie finally meets her match and is forced to face a reality that she can’t seem to come to terms with.
Sunny Rain has an all too familiar theme with a small twist towards the end. Actually, I was disappointed by the turn of events because I found that Leslie’s character hadn’t evoked enough sympathy from me as the reader in order for me to not see her actions as just another sign of how selfish and self-absorbed she was.
There are so many writers with common themes filled with sisters and their usual drama peppered with erotic moments. I really enjoyed Ci Ci Foster’s writing and would love to read more of her work. I’m hoping this author will find her our unique way of storytelling. She has shown that she is capable of creating characters with depth and substance. However, I’ve read so many books similar to this one: black women with issues ranging from being self-centered, to insecure, and unfaithful due to childhood abuse, denial, and secrets etc… The tale always ends with them learning their lesson the hard way. Sure, readers want to be able to relate to the characters in some way, but I believe Ci Ci Foster has what it takes to create a tale weaved with fascinating details that builds suspense and adds a shroud of mystery, which leaves us totally shocked by the twist at the end. I look forward to reading future works from this talented writer.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publicist and/or author in exchange for a fair review. Compensation was not exchanged.
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Dianne Rosena Jones is an avid reader, Editor of African-American Literature at BellaOnline: the Voice of Women, Transformational Life Coach, Inspirational Speaker, Co-Host of “Becoming Who I AM” on BlogTalk Radio, Founder of “Transforming Life Institute”, and Author of the award-winning “Tragic Treasures: Discovering Spoils of War in the Midst of Tragedy” voted “BEST INSPIRATIONAL BOOK OF THE YEAR [2010].”
