this was my first romance novel that I ever bought. I was only 16 when this came out and I enjoyed every minute of it. I'll pick it up from time to time to read it still. But it's a good book.

I was glad that Rachel and Logan were able to get back together after the big misunderstanding that pulled them apart for so long.

As expected, Ms. Ray's done it again. A very lovely story about two complex characters finding their way back to love. Written, as always, beautifully. It's never a miss with Ms. Ray.

After having such a hard time finding this book, I knew that it would be good. And I was right. This story was an excellent love story because of Adam's blindness he fell in love with the person and not her looks. Both Lily and Adam had to over come lifes road bumps to heal one another.

The secondary characters really helped to make the story a fast-paced enjoyable read. There were some unanswered questions with Adam's sister Kristen and I think we may see a story on her in the future.

Good job Francis. Thanks for a great story and I can't wait for you to continue with the T/F/G books and more mainstream novels.

Following the death of her beloved mother-in-law, Lilly Crawford decides she no longer wants to remain married to her abusive spouse Myron. Though they live three hours from Houston, Lilly heads to Louisiana hoping to regain the dreams Myron crushed. However, her aging, dilapidated car breaks down forcing the penniless Lilly to need employment rather quickly. She accepts a job as caretaker to bitter, depressed Adam Wakefield.

The former California based neurosurgeon Adam is blind due to a violent carjacking. He is acrimonious and angry, taking out his fate on everyone including Lilly. She struggles not to flee into the night as his temper is too close to what she recently left in East Texas. Still, as Lilly and Adam become better acquainted they begin to heal one another through love.

THE TURNING POINT is a well-written relationship drama starring two individuals suffering from life's battle fatigue syndrome. The fast-paced story line could have turned melancholy yet sugary. However, Francis Ray makes the plot move quite quickly forward through her lead characters. They will receive empathy from readers that will pray the duo find happiness.

Harriet Klausner

THIS BOOK TOUCHED MY HEART. I ENJOYED READING THE ENTIRE BOOK FROM START TO FINISH. LIFE IS SO SHORT, AND I'M GLAD THAT LILLY AND ADAM REALIZED THAT FACT. I ONLY HOPED THAT ELEANOR AND JONATHAN GOT TOGETHER TO ENJOY EACH OTHER, AND SHAYLA HOPEFULLY FOUND SOMEONE TO LOVE AND CHERISH HER. AS FOR LILLY'S HUSBAND MYRON, I'M SURE IN HIS LIFETIME, HE WILL REAP WHAT HE SOAR... IN LIFE "FAITH" MAY BE ALL WE HAVE TO LIVE FOR, SO I GUESS THAT OLD SAYING "LET GO AND LET GOD" IS TRUE... I BOW TO YOU MS. FRANCIS FOR WRITING SUCH AN TOUCHING STORY AND FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, LIVING PART OF IT. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS AND HEAL YOU SO THAT YOU CAN CONTINUE TO ENTERTAIN US WITH YOU WRITING.

St. Martin's Press really has a good thing going with the anthologies with the best of the romance writers. From Rosie's Curl and Weave, to Island Magic to Della's, they are back with the supper club Leo's located in Washingto DC.Rochelle Aler's A Second chance looks at love with the mature Leigh and Dr. Scott Alexander. Can Leigh let go of the past and find love with Dr. Scott?My favorite story Donna Hill's Eye of the Beholder. Plain Jae comes to Leo with her friend and when she is left alone for a moment she is spotted by the charming Clyde. She wows them at the supper club with her voice, but can she forgive Clyde for his lies?Brenda Jackson's Main Agenda is another great read. The Anderson sisters only know they have to be sucessful and accomplish all of their goals before they would even consider marriage. When Raven runs into an old flame, Clint, can she see past her goals and find love?Francis Ray, Sweet Temptation finds Chase, a Texas lawman in DC. he agrees to a blind date with a reluctant partner Julia. Julia find her way into his heart by tempting his sweet tooth.Overall these authors gives the reader enjoyable reading about finding love at a supper club called Leo's

I loved Rosies Curl n Weave & Dellas House of Style

In Welcome To Leo's the atmosphere is not a hair salon where love is sprung in each story. This time it all happens in this eloquent supper club owed by the Hardcastle men and a female cousin.

In the first story Rochelle Alers's Second Chance no matter what the age or circumstance you can always find love again, even after losing your husband and 6 month old child.

Donna Hill shows us in Eye of The Beholder that church going conservative dressers can also look good in a knee high a-line dress and find Mr. tall dark and handsome.

Main Agenda by Brenda Jackson spins a tale of 3 beautiful successful sisters obsessed with the words their mother left, they each almost lose out on true love until.....the baby of the bunch shows them you can have it all.

Francis Rays Sweet Temptation.

All in all this was a wonderful refreshing book as always when you get this dynamic 4 together.

"Welcome to Leo's" is a clear-cut winner with 4 breathtaking stories from 4 of my favorite authors, Brenda Jackson, Francis Ray, Rochelle Alers and Donna Hill. Each story carries its own weight from start to finish and each left me with that special feeling that comes after reading a first-class novel. I honestly can't say which story I enjoyed more as they were all beautifully written. There are definite highs and lows in each story but finding that special someone has never been smooth sailing. As we all know, romance can certainly be found in a variety of places even when we're not looking for it. "Leo's" was the perfect setting for each of these 4 masterpieces. My advice to those of you who enjoy reading high-quality material, is to go out and purchase this novel as there is no doubt in my mind that once you start reading "Leo's", you won't be able to put it down until you've reached it's conclusion. IT WAS FANTASTIC!!!

As one of the poets featured in Will Work for Peace, one might expect me to be a bit biased, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Most poets work in a virtual vacuum, only tenuously connected to each other by the occasional workshop or shared membership in a 'poetry society'. When Brett Axel first approached me for a submission to an anthology he was considering, the names Marge Piercy, Lyn Lifshin, Moshe Bennaroch and so many others were abstractions to me as a fledgling poet. I knew these tremendous writers were 'out there' somewhere, beating down doors with their words and keeping a struggling artform alive. But to think that someday I would ever share a credit with these dynamic modern poets would be a pipe dream at best. It is through the sincere efforts of Brett Axel that many newer voices like mine have an extraordinary opportunity to appear with Pulitzer Prize winners and other poetic heavyweights. By way of an honest review, however, I will say this- not everything in this book will be to your particular liking. I myself came across some works that did not move me in the way the author may have intended. Some imagery can be raw and visceral, using shock value in place of craft at times. But to ignore those voices would be an even more shocking turn of events, so praise be to the editor for not sacrificing his vision to a senseless conformity. As Pete Seeger so aptly put it in his quote, trying to read all these poems at one time would be like trying 'to swallow Manhattan whole'. I say to you- buy this book, read this book, but understand that it's what you do after reading this book that will ultimately define who you could be. Poetry is alive and well, and lives in the blunt pages of Will Work for Peace.

Just amazing start to finish! I like the disregard for fame used in putting the book together. That great poems got in even if they were writtenby nobodys. Look at Roger Bonair-Agard's poem on page 74. Shortly after Will Work For Peace came out he won Slam Nationals, becoming Slam Champion of 1999, which will be getting him lots of offers. But Zeropanik Press didn't need to be told he was good by an award. They could tell by his writing! Good for them and good for all of us because Will Work For Peace is a literary milestone. It's a new standard for all future anthology editors to try to live up to. Thumbs up to Brett Axel and Thumbs up to Zeropanik Press for their guts and integrty.

Brett Axel visited my Church and I bought a copy of Will Work For Peace from him, not for poetry, but because I care about working for peace. I started reading through it thinking It'd just go on my shelf and that'd be the end of it, but the book grabbed me and kept me rivited. If I had known that poetry was this alive I'd have been into poetry. I've been reading some of the poems to my friends who also didn't think poetry was important and they are saying the same thing. Fantastic! There's no way to get through this book without having your old mindsets challenged. It's funny, powerful, sad, and uplifting. A book that deserves to be read by everyone. A book that really can make the world a better place!

I have each and every book written by Mrs. Ray. I find her style of writing exciting and real. Until There Was You is a good book. I enjoyed it, but it did not keep me tied to every word like her other books. There were times when I had to re read to keep focused on the plot or timeline. I also had a hard time taking in the overall impact of Luke and Catherine's relationship. I did like the exchange between them and the inter play of their family and friends. I especially like the way Mrs. Ray portrays loving, supportive and happily committed men who "take care of thier loved ones". All of her books have unique qualities that make them special. I look forward to reading about Morgan and can"t wait for Sierra's story! I am looking forward to her next book! Keep up the good work Mrs. Ray.

I give Mrs. Ray 5 stars and the book was just wonderful. I really enjoyed the suspense of it.She kept my attention throughout the entire book. if any people out there has not read the book yet, it is a must that you do so asap.Luke and Catherine make a faboulous couple, not to mention luke is extraordinarily fineeeeeeee.I can't wait to see who Luke's mother has for his brothers and sister. Also if catherine is going to go to the doctor to see if she can concieve children by luke. Again please read asap.Also read the Heart of the Falcon if you have not read it yet. there's a great resemblance of luke and Daniel.

I truly enjoyed until there was you i read the book twice because i didn't realize that their were four books before that until i read forever yours then i realized that there was another part than i had to read only hers, heart of a falcon, break every rule than i read until there was you again.I really enjoyed how Catherine came at Luke with the gun because she had hurt his pride and he came of like he was to good be with any other women an she broke him down real good and i liked how she really made him give in and finally feel what true love was all about. I would like to know what will happen with Nicole and the doctor. And really would like to know if the story about Morgan Luke brother is that story ever going to come out. Mrs Ray should do an update with all of them with Kane and Victoria, Matt and Shannon, Daniel and Madalyn and Luke and Catherine

Reviewed by: Shaun Williams

F. Ray's "The Wish"

A visit to the grocery store turns handsome bachelor Nicholas Darling upside down. Word gets around about his chatting with Mrs. Augusta Evans and suddenly he is bombarded with attention from every eligible female in town. Upset he goes to confront Mrs. Evans only to come face to face with Andrea Strickland, the most beautiful woman he's ever seen. As he gets to know her he believes she can help him stop all of the attention her aunt's wish has caused him. Setting up a scheme Andrea pretends to be his intended. Both enjoy the time they spend together under pretense of being a couple. Dreading the outcome of the wish Andrea hides her true feelings for Nicholas. Nicholas on the other hand continues to battle the validity of Mrs. Evans gift wishing that his dream girl were Andrea. Before its too late he has to make a choice for the future and for love.

B. Jenkins "Homecoming"

On her way home Lydia Cooper runs into her old flame handsome Gray Dane. Seeing one another again bring back feelings from a long time ago. Lydia and Gray work through regrets from the past, pain and mistrust, binding together ties that will build a new relationship. Homecoming is intense passion, romance, the power of forgiveness and understanding that brings everlasting love to Lydia and Gray's doorstep.
Beverly weaves this historical romance in her renowned style. She gives us a glimpse of a time when strong black men and women still found love in the midst of hard times during the 1800's.

M. Jackson "The Way Back Home"

This is a romantic story about a biracial woman who has never known her African American filiations. A seminar given at her school has invited handsome Dr. Trey Fraser whom Anne Donald secretly admires. His speech is the catalyst that spurs on her need to find the other side of her family. In her search to find her estranged family members she develops intimate feelings for Trey. As Trey's feelings for Anne escalates they run into extreme opposition from Trey's family about their relationship. The passion becomes too overwhelming to deny as Trey and Anne pursue their relationship with vigor. As Anne overcomes her low self-esteem and need to fit in she finds love everlasting in the arms of Trey Fraser.

G. Guillaume "The Seventh Principle"

Distance has taken its toll on attractive Paul Barrett and beautiful Kirby Kayin's relationship. Kirby is home visiting for the holidays and both are at wits end as to what to do about the relationship. Paul doesn't want the distance anymore and Kirby is unsure of where the two stand. Racial issues at the school where Paul is the principal are running high and Kirby's professional expertise is needed to bring some order to things. Working close together they try to hurdle the stormy weather of their relationship. The two decide too incorporate the seven principles of Kwanzaa to accomplish the tension at school as well as with their personal lives. Paul and Kirby know their relationship is worth preserving and look forward to a lasting future together.

"Homecoming" by Beverly Jenkins. In 1883 Lydia travels from Chicago to her home, but stops at a Detroit boarding house where she meets Gray, the man she loved as a teen. The next day they travel together towards their hometown with each in denial that their respective hearts still believe they belong together forever.

"The Way Back Home" by Monica Jackson. Graduate student Anne has never fit in anywhere even as an orphan raised by her deceased white mother's family. She has never met her black father's kin. Author Trey encourages her to search for her roots so Anne seeks her African-American heritage, but she also wants her professor's love.

"The Seventh Principal" by Geri Guillaume. Mississippi high school principal Paul struggles with teen problems and racial trouble caused by the debate over celebrating Kwanzaa. As he tries to do the right thing yet adhere to the rules, Paul dreams of his beloved, former counselor Kirby. When she returns home, Paul tries to persuade her that they belong together even as the racial controversy nears the explosion point.

This quartet of African-American holiday romances are all stalwart stories with anyone of them capable of being a feature length novel due to the hearty characterizations that provide a Happy Kwanzaa and a Merry Christmas to all.

Harriet Klausner

Going to the chapel is four romance stories of finding love, and marriage from four of the best romance writers of today. All of the stories were really good.

Going to the Chapel is a wonderful collection of fourshort stories that are delightful eay reads./perfect to put in your bag to read while on the beach, teaveling, or for your lunch break.You will get hooked. Each story is unique and shows the great talents of all four women. It will make you want to say IDO!!Whiel the stories are fairy tale/Cinederalla there are lessons to be learned.Its just enough fantsasy with enough reality to make them womenderfu.You wil eb temepted to read the last page of eachs tory to see what happens-but dont read put on your seat belt and enjoy the summer!!

This book is composed by four of the best African-American authors. After reading this book, I felt like sitting outside and waiting for my prince to come by. I highly recommend this novel. If you believe in love, believe that this is an excellent book.

I was asked to review this book for the Meda P. Washington Book Club (A school for expectant mothers in the St. Louis Public Schools). The librarian wanted a selection for February and thought that this might be appropriate for the ladies.

I found the anthology appropriate and an easy book to read with a messasge for living carefully woven through the pages of each story but was not "preachy". The ladies of Meda P. will definitely enjoy this book. If you are a widow, widower, under thirty, over fifty, blue color, white color, male or female, you will see yourself in one of these four stories. No story was predictable; two of them had a twist that was not revealed until the last page. The authors not only did an excellent job of describing New York, Harlem and the surrounding area. You also knew that they were all familiar the happenings in a beauty shop.

Read and enjoy!

It's been ages since I've read short stories. This was a great reintroduction. All of the stories were entertaining. One good thing about short stories, there is no overkill of words. I bought this book, because Felicia Mason was at a local book store autographing copies. I was not dissapointed. If you like romance and short stories then Rosie's Curl and Weave is what you want.

I found all 4 stories to be quite good and commend all the writers. This is a must read for Valentine's Day. I met Ms. Mason and Ms. Ray at the Romance Writers of America Convention in Chicago last summer and have an autographed copy of this book and others.

Why can't I meet Mr. Right while getting my butter whipped (ha-ha!)? I highly recommend this to your collection of AA written books. Good Work Ladies.

Watch for the next writers convention and attend, it's really worth it.