When You Dance With The Devil

by Gwynne Forster

"A great story with wonderful life lessons . . .."—Books 2 Mention MagazineAfter the death of her demanding mother, Sara Jolene Tilman is alone in the world for the first time—and ready for a fresh start. Sara becomes Jolene, and moves into the Thank the Lord Boarding House, an oceanside sanctuary that houses eleven other "misguided souls," as proprietress Fannie Johnson thinks of them. Surrounded by strangers, Jolene sees how socially awkward—and lonely—she really is. Yet, as she naively begins her search for love and belonging, Jolene finds she's not alone. . .Disillusioned by romance and success, wealthy Richard Peterson has given up his career and registered at Thank the Lord Boarding House. But he is taken aback by the humble surroundings, and the down-to-earth housemates for whom his status means nothing. Still, Richard discovers simple pleasures—and a promising new relationship. Now, with a little help from Fannie, Jolene and Richard will struggle to find themselves—and each other—at last."Ms. Forster has given more than a story of redemption; it is a story that encompasses the growth of the inner-self, the cleansing of souls, and an exposure to a time that is strikingly old-fashioned. This story should appeal to the innocence in readers."—The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Genres: Fiction, African American Romance, Romance

353 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2006

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

[Samantha-Leigh Anderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've never not finished a book, but this pained me to read. Found ALLL OF THE CHARACTERS irritating to some degree which just ruined the whole thing.
Disappointing really as I've read a book by Gwynne before and very much enjoyed it. Shame.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book by accident but it was a good read!

[Melissa Andrews · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know why this book has such high ratings (granted, it's only got a few reviews/ratings) - it really didn't do it for me. By the end, I was just praying for it to end. The only saving grace was Judd (not sure of the spelling as I listened to this as an audiobook). I couldn't identify with the characters, even though I tried really hard to. They all had aspects that were just too unbelievable, or that annoyed me to no end. The one thing that did keep my attention was that the book takes place on the eastern shore of Maryland and I saw/drove past some of those places this summer. If you've absolutely got nothing else to read, then go ahead...

[Lucy Bilik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Gwynne Forster. Just like anything else in life it's NOT for everyone. however if you're open to psychological nuances, then it's a book for you. It's was a great read and very much enjoyed of how people can relate and mature in most unexpected places.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Book...Showed a woman learning her worth after making several mistakes because she did not have the right information...Really good at describing people and how they view themselves and others.

[Gelena Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book is was funny.
I love the storyline.

[Gerda Leek · Rating 2 out of 5]

not interested at this time

[Aniesha Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book but it was rather slow. And anticlimactic.

[Vernetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read loved Judd

[Nicole Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book. Second time reading actually. I enjoyed it!