After The Loving

The Harringtons #2

by Gwynne Forster

In the much anticipated follow-up to Once in a Lifetime, full-figured caterer Velma Brighton is constantly comparing herself to her thin, beautiful sister, Alexis, who seems to have everything. On Alexis's wedding day, Velma's insecurity kicks into overdrive when she puts on a formfitting maid-of-honor gown that reveals all of her curves. Worse still, the man who makes her heart race will be escorting her down the aisle. How will he react to her very shapely physique?Rugged, tough and a loner, Russ Harrington is every woman's dream. And Velma is his type of woman. He fell for her-beautiful curves and all. But he has little patience with her lack of self-esteem. Setting aside his concerns, Russ pursues Velma…until she tries to undergo a complete makeover. Ironically, Velma's attempt to attract Russ could cause her to lose the very thing she wants the most-his love.

Genres: African American Romance, Romance

315 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2005

About the author

Gwynne Forster (1922-2015) was the pseudonym of American novelist, short fiction writer, demographer, and sociologist Gwendolyn Johnson-Acsadi. Forster was best known as an early innovator of the African American Romance fiction tradition. Forster was a prolific writer who authored more than 50 books, as well as multiple studies in the field of demography. Forster won a wide readership with her novels and garnered awards, including the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Black Writers Alliance Gold Pen Award.

Reviews

[Shonnie · Rating 1 out of 5]

My initial thought is that the characters conversation seems stiff or mechanical. Even their thoughts seem to lack a certain flow. It’s just WEIRD.

An example was the first chapter; the author didn’t allow you the opportunity to get to know the characters. (Granted I know it’s a romance novel however if you can descriptive details about the home, the kid, the brothers etc, then you should be able to cut back on those descriptive details and give me more character development so that I can relate.) I was thoroughly confused with who’s who and what’s what. It was like a continuation of the first book however if you didn’t read the prior book, you’re going to be lost. In fairness, maybe my Kindle edition was missing a few paragraphs/sentences and that’s why I didn’t get a proper introduction to the characters. Yeah (Insert my sarcasm).

Nonetheless, I like the premise of the book I just didn't like the execution.

[Leigh-Anne Ford Lyons · Rating 4 out of 5]

To love oneself

To love and to be loved. This is a great that explains that love yourself as you are not for what people expect you to be. The love and happiness that Russ and Velma shared is a blessing. Great job writing this book.

[Brette White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different from books of the current day

I always appreciate Miss Forster’s books because they bring back verbal discourse from a different time. Her characters have mystery and integrity, and although she has steamy scenes she also has heart felt passion of a by gone time.

[KAREN MCCRAW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Velma & Russ

From the beginning Velma bought changr to Russ's life. She had a lot of hangups but found her way through finally. Tarz was a joy and I was glad for the update on Grant Roundtree.

[Mary Calton Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

The power of the past or perceived actions of the past can definitely define our actions of the present. And if we are not careful can test our future. The characters in this well-developed story almost succumbed to the inaccurate perception of their existence.

[Brandy Nolen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love!

Good romance read! Enjoy I the series so far. About to buy the rest of the books to read! Yay!

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like the first story, Once in a Lifetime, the dialogue is kinda stiff and it's hard to understand what they're saying. The first story I think was a little better as far as dialogue, but this one had the potential to be a great story, but the way they talk to each other is very weird, and it leaves you unable to connect with the characters. It's unrealistic. Also there were too many dressy words. I kept having to use the dictionary, seriously. Example "I have to go straight to my brothers, and that will be tantamount to passing military inspection." Why not say "and that'll be like trying to pass a military inspection." It's almost like she's trying to show how many big words she knows, but that ruins the story.

[Janina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the harrington brothers!
can't wait to read Drake's story next..
Love... Can never go wrong with a good romance!

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story of a woman who's self esteem about her weight holds her back from the man she wants. She learns to believe in him.

[Carolyn]

For its contents the book is too long. Would be much better if it was condensed to makebe 150-200 pages.

[Barbara Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best than the first one just never wanted it too end

[Rolanda A. Gillis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your typical romance


This is a good read. The language used is a bit different for today's Times, but the story is good.

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: The Harringtons