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Satin Doll
Satin Doll is a witty, insightful, heartbreaking, and honest tale about romantic relationships, friendships, and class distinctions.
Until that fateful moment when she was shot and left for dead, Regina Harris was living la vida loca with pimps and hustlers and using whatever money she had to get high and forget that she was living in poverty in Harlem. Now she's a college graduate and journalist who has turned her life around, living on the Upper West Side and hobnobbing with movers and shakers. She's become the classy Satin Doll of the Duke Ellington song...but she's never forgotten where she's from.
On a night out partying with her girls in Harlem, Regina meets aspiring lawyer Charles Whitfield, who comes from a prominent, upper-class black family in Philadelphia. As a relationship begins, Regina tries desperately to hide her former life—and her friendships with Yvonne, who's a single mother looking for a man; Tamika, who's raising two kids while their father does time; and Puddin', who has a weakness for bad boys and weed. But when Regina's past is revealed, it threatens to destroy both her relationship with Charles and the life she has worked so hard to create.
Until that fateful moment when she was shot and left for dead, Regina Harris was living la vida loca with pimps and hustlers and using whatever money she had to get high and forget that she was living in poverty in Harlem. Now she's a college graduate and journalist who has turned her life around, living on the Upper West Side and hobnobbing with movers and shakers. She's become the classy Satin Doll of the Duke Ellington song...but she's never forgotten where she's from.
On a night out partying with her girls in Harlem, Regina meets aspiring lawyer Charles Whitfield, who comes from a prominent, upper-class black family in Philadelphia. As a relationship begins, Regina tries desperately to hide her former life—and her friendships with Yvonne, who's a single mother looking for a man; Tamika, who's raising two kids while their father does time; and Puddin', who has a weakness for bad boys and weed. But when Regina's past is revealed, it threatens to destroy both her relationship with Charles and the life she has worked so hard to create.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
About the author
Karen E. Quinones Miller
21 books196 followersKaren E. Quinones Miller is the author of the Essence best selling novels Satin Doll, I’m Telling, Using What You Got, Ida B., (nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction), Satin Nights, and Passin’.
Miller was born and raised in Harlem and dropped out of school in the 8th grade, but later finished her education and became a reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
In 1999 she self-published her first novel, Satin Doll, and sold 3,000 copies in just six weeks --and ultimately sold 28,000 copies in six months. The publishing rights to Satin Doll and a second book were ultimately sold at auction for a six-figure deal. She has subsequently been published by Simon & Schuster, Warner Books, and Grand Central Books.
Miller, who is included in the book Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African-American Women in Literature, is a frequent and accomplished public speaker. Miller has conducted numerous publishing/self-publishing workshops that have been attended by people nationwide.
But more than anything, Miller’s passion is writing. She used her publishing company – Oshun Publishing Company, Inc. – to publish Harlem Godfather: The Rap on my Husband, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson -- the first biography written about the Harlem gangster who was depicted in the movies Cotton Club, Hoodlum and American Gangster – which she co-authored along with Bumpy’s 93-year-old widow, Mayme Johnson. Oshun Publishing also recently published Raw: An Erotic Street Tale by Shay, and Prey For Love by Leyton Wint.
Miller was born and raised in Harlem and dropped out of school in the 8th grade, but later finished her education and became a reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
In 1999 she self-published her first novel, Satin Doll, and sold 3,000 copies in just six weeks --and ultimately sold 28,000 copies in six months. The publishing rights to Satin Doll and a second book were ultimately sold at auction for a six-figure deal. She has subsequently been published by Simon & Schuster, Warner Books, and Grand Central Books.
Miller, who is included in the book Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African-American Women in Literature, is a frequent and accomplished public speaker. Miller has conducted numerous publishing/self-publishing workshops that have been attended by people nationwide.
But more than anything, Miller’s passion is writing. She used her publishing company – Oshun Publishing Company, Inc. – to publish Harlem Godfather: The Rap on my Husband, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson -- the first biography written about the Harlem gangster who was depicted in the movies Cotton Club, Hoodlum and American Gangster – which she co-authored along with Bumpy’s 93-year-old widow, Mayme Johnson. Oshun Publishing also recently published Raw: An Erotic Street Tale by Shay, and Prey For Love by Leyton Wint.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 24, 2009
This was the first book that I've ever read of Ms. Quinones-Miller, and it was not the last. I loved the book, the characters were real and intriguing. Just by reading this book, Ms. Quinones-Miller has become one of my favorite authors, and each book that I've read of hers after that has confirmed this. Her writing style is a easy read and full of life. None of her books has EVER dissapointed.
August 24, 2009
It's been so long since I read this book...but I know it was good. After I read my first Karen E. Quinones Miller book, I went and found all of the books she had written at the time in the library. Still one of my favorite authors.
November 27, 2025
4.5 really
I always hated the ending of this story. I feel that it didn't do the luxurious plot justice.
I always hated the ending of this story. I feel that it didn't do the luxurious plot justice.
June 25, 2023
Satin Doll reads differently at age 42 than 24 and that’s not a bad thing. I don’t remember much of my first impression, aside from being glad the story ends with friendships intact & Regina a winner. That hasn’t changed though I think with me getting older I empathize more with the theme of starting over & building a life of one’s choosing. That is difficult for anyone to accomplish and I’m not mad at Regina for protecting her peace. On the surface it looks like her marriage to Charles was a failure since it ended in divorce but my perspective saw it as more of the end of one phase of life. While Charles & Regina are attracted to each other and probably love each other, they don’t make a great couple. Neither one is willing to compromise much nor are they truly able to communicate in a healthy manner consistently. Not to mention they compete a lot and it’s not always the same goal they’re working to accomplish.
Overall this was a good read. I’m mad at myself for dragging it out an entire month, but that’s on me. It was a definite plus to see Tamika & David grow, especially Tamika going back to school and growing in confidence, never compromising her identity for anyone. That is what I believe to be the lesson of the story-we are who we are, perfectly imperfect. Work to be a better version of you, that is lifelong and continuous.
Overall this was a good read. I’m mad at myself for dragging it out an entire month, but that’s on me. It was a definite plus to see Tamika & David grow, especially Tamika going back to school and growing in confidence, never compromising her identity for anyone. That is what I believe to be the lesson of the story-we are who we are, perfectly imperfect. Work to be a better version of you, that is lifelong and continuous.
January 2, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It made me laugh out loud several times. I really got invested in the characters. I kind of wish it ended differently.
September 9, 2018
Loved it!! Regina was so relatable.
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February 18, 2009Very down to earth...loved
November 5, 2012
Eh, it started out really good, but I kinda got bored as the story progressed. Karen E. Quinones Miller is a good writer, though.
October 21, 2018
Enjoyable!
Exceptional writer! The author defines strong, analytical and intelligent women with calculating and scheming minds. Already anticipating the author's next book.
Exceptional writer! The author defines strong, analytical and intelligent women with calculating and scheming minds. Already anticipating the author's next book.
January 22, 2020
Friends
This was a cute girlfriends story who looked out for each other. I plan to pick up on what goes on with the gang in part two Satin Nights. A few errors but a good read.
This was a cute girlfriends story who looked out for each other. I plan to pick up on what goes on with the gang in part two Satin Nights. A few errors but a good read.
February 8, 2021
I thought this was a good read. I will be reading more from her.
January 20, 2015
Eh well this was a quick two day read but it didn't blow me away, I can honestly say I have read this story better written somewhere and I just didn't get with any of the parts I was supposed to...the unveiling of a troubled past which underwhelmed me (uh I know people who have done wayyy more LOL), the sisterhood of four girls that seemed forced and wooden, or the relationship drama with the arrogant Charles and the woman of the novel Regina...Side Note here so Charles last name is Whitfield also LOL and his family is real well off and snooty and they speak of ruining the Whitfield family name and good breeding and money ooh I know its only fiction but it made me proud :) So yeah Regina escapes a past riddled with illegal means of self survival and deceit where she rises, graduates from Temple University and builds herself a career as a freelance writer intent on being someone well educated and bred hiding herself but sliding back to Harlem and her crew of clichéd homegirls with their troubled lives and flimsy backstories until her charade backfires and she is exposed..but alas always the figure of reason and stability of any black novel the maternal affectionate and excellent cook Mama Tee in her way brings everyone back together in the end..So that is basically the book I left out some parts and surprises/betrayals, side stories I suppose but again, eh....so what's next my friends....
August 20, 2020
I seriously loved this book, and so happy my cousin decided to let me have this book. I loved Regina (the main character). Her background is really sad of her loosing her mother and having to drop out of school and take care of her niece since her mother was addicted to drugs. Also, it was tragic to read how Regina was sexually assaulted.
Aside from her tragic background, I loved that Regina was able to turn her life around by getting her G.E.D and going to college. Although things are going great for Regina, and she meets a man and get married, things don't stay all peaches and cream for her. I want get into any further details other than there being secret affairs, and Regina having problems with her friendship. Other than that, this is a great book over all, and it deserves more than five stars!!!
I know Karen E. Quinones Miller has more books, and I am so excited to order and read them, especially "I'm Telling'.
Aside from her tragic background, I loved that Regina was able to turn her life around by getting her G.E.D and going to college. Although things are going great for Regina, and she meets a man and get married, things don't stay all peaches and cream for her. I want get into any further details other than there being secret affairs, and Regina having problems with her friendship. Other than that, this is a great book over all, and it deserves more than five stars!!!
I know Karen E. Quinones Miller has more books, and I am so excited to order and read them, especially "I'm Telling'.
September 10, 2007
A Promising Beginning...
Ms. Karen E. Quinones-Miller had a gem of novel in "Satin Doll". It started off with all the right stuff. An intriguing plot, memorable characters and well-developed dialogue. I was immediately drawn to Satin Doll's main character, Regina Harris, who despite her tragic background, became a succesful career woman. Her story was quite realistic and gripping. Regina's painful backstory was expertly woven throughout the novel, and Ms. Quinones-Miller did an excellent job of showing why Regina said and acted the way she did.~~~~~~~I enjoyed most of "Satin Doll". Ms. Quinones-Miller win me over up until the end, and then her plot and her characters totally unraveled. The ending frustrated me. In the end, Regina's actions just made no sense at all, and the decision she made in the end made even less sense. Had it not been for the unsatisfying ending, I probably would have given the book more stars.
Ms. Karen E. Quinones-Miller had a gem of novel in "Satin Doll". It started off with all the right stuff. An intriguing plot, memorable characters and well-developed dialogue. I was immediately drawn to Satin Doll's main character, Regina Harris, who despite her tragic background, became a succesful career woman. Her story was quite realistic and gripping. Regina's painful backstory was expertly woven throughout the novel, and Ms. Quinones-Miller did an excellent job of showing why Regina said and acted the way she did.~~~~~~~I enjoyed most of "Satin Doll". Ms. Quinones-Miller win me over up until the end, and then her plot and her characters totally unraveled. The ending frustrated me. In the end, Regina's actions just made no sense at all, and the decision she made in the end made even less sense. Had it not been for the unsatisfying ending, I probably would have given the book more stars.
July 26, 2015
This book was a pretty good read ; especially if you got enough free time to sit down and read it. I expected the book to be about all of the women. But it focused more on Regina. I really wish I could've knew more about why Puddin' does drugs & her friends have no problem with it. For this book to be fiction it seemed real enough to me. Charles was a pure jerk I still have no clue why Regina wants him
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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September 10, 2010If you'd like to know what I thought of this book, please contact me directly and I'd be happy to discuss it with you.
All the best,
- TB
All the best,
- TB
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July 9, 2022So good! It made me feel raw emotion. I was with this Main Character the whole way through even though the book was gritty and harsh at times. So, so good!
July 18, 2012
it was good
April 3, 2015
A quick read. It was ok. Plot weak.
October 6, 2017
One of those old school real authors that you're just hearing about, check them out and wonder what took so long for you to discover them. I enjoyed the story about Regina and her friends.
July 20, 2009
I really liked it. Funny how your past can catch up with you!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews