The Honey Well

by Gloria Mallette

When her wealthy mother Esther, who owns a brothel, threatens to expose her dark secret if she does not agree to perform one last favor, Arnell Rayford, newly engaged to an upstanding member of the community, refuses to give in, plunging them all into a dangerous game of greed, power, sex, and hate. 30,000 first printing.

Hardcover

First published November 1, 2003

About the author

(SEE VIDEO below)

2007 was a wonderful year for me. Although I have been published by major mainstream publishers, this year I chose to return to the self-publishing arena (Living, Breathing Lies) in order to continue to write the stories I like to write. I am so appreciative of those readers who have continued to read my books despite who my publisher is. I always say, "Never let anyone tell you that you can't; show them that you can." I am about staying on the literary path I asked God to set my feet upon. I hope you, as well, are going about fulfilling your dreams and letting no one bound your mind, soul, or hands.

Also this year, my latest book, Living, Breathing Lies placed as a WINNER in the USA Book News National Best Books Award for 2007 in African American Fiction (USABookNews.com). Do I count this as a blessing? You bet I do.

Currently, I am working on my 10th title, SASSY, due out June 2008.

Please visit me on my website, and please check out my video for Living, Breathing Lies on Goodreads or Youtube.com.

Reviews

[Sue Lauzon]

I really enjoyed reading this book even though it was somewhat a difficult topic to be reading about. In quite a few spots in the book I wanted to smack the mother (Queen Esther) right upside the head!! (I am not a violent person but this mother was a piece of work). At the age of fourteen Arnell is prostituted out by her mother (Queen Esther) to their much older landlord in exchange for rent money (money Queen Esther doesn't have). Eventually her mother has the money to start her own brothel and what follows is Arnell's quest to be free from her mother's clutches and the life of a prostitute. A lot of twists and turns in this book and some real surprises in the plot line. Worth the read!!!

[ThePurpleElephant]

Mama or not Esther would’ve be outta here a long time ago! Arnell ain’t have a bit of sense, ain’t that much fear in the world. She really let her mother rob of her of her prime. What happened as a child wasn’t her fault and I’m not lumping that into this. However, everything that happened after she became an adult was a choice. A threesome with your mama, come on now.

None of the characters were likable, they were all insufferable. Arnell-Weak, Esther-pure evil, James-Simp, Trena-Green, Big Walk-Big Simp, Melvina-PickMe. The only one who had good sense was Arnell’s best friend.

The writing was great and the story was well developed.

[Essence Cropper]

Whew at first I was pissed at Esther and then I was pissed at Arnell and then pissed again at Esther. I enjoyed the book though. Lol

[Lenny Aguirre]

i love this book so much, i read it at least once a year.

[Toni]

Great read

Esther was a hug are character to fathom but I love happy endings. Her timely demise did that for me.

[Wyldchild]

This book gave a very good view into the ties that bind. It shows how fragile the relationship between a mother and daughter can be.We sometimes overlook that not all mother and daughter relationships are pleasant.The mother daughter connection might have been saved if one of the main characters had been able to receive counseling for the sexual abuse she endured at the hands of her uncle.

It also shows us once again how deeply secrets can hurt and tear a family apart for good.

Great read and you will enjoy every page. I try not to give away endings but you will be blown away

[Natasha]

I thought it was an intersting read. It grabbed my attention early on and was moving at a steady pace. It made you really want a happy ending for the daughter and the ending had a bit of a twist to it so not ultimately predictable in my opinion. I enjoyed reading it and knowing it had to get better for this woman but thinking I knew how it was going to end but being pleasantly surprised with the author's twist on it.

[Olivia Roberts]

A story of a self centered mother, Queen Esther, so hardened by life's encounters, greed and choices that she prostituted her virgin daughter at age 16 to the landlord to pay the rent. For years Queen Esther ran The Honey Well, an upscale brothel. She continued her manipulation and control as her past and her current actions clash. Vile, debauched. Good, if you like that type read.

[Mia]

This book deals with a relationship between a mother and daughter. The mother was basically a madam and prostituted her daughter. The repercussions of that are detailed in the book. I found it interesting.

Please note there is some sexual content.

[Blkjewelz]

This book started off slow but once you get into the meat you will be on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what her mother will do next. This book will stir up many emotions (anger, sadness, laughter and even have you wanting revenge.)

[Damika]

This was a really good story that I could kind of relate to. My mother tends to be very overbearing, and while I know she wouldn't get me wrapped up in anything like this, I can definitely relate to Arnell.

[Dacia]

This book was excellent. Queen Esther was a mess. She was cold. I believed Arnel could have broken free of Esther sooner. I didn't want Esther to die, but I wanted her to get it. James was a punk. I'm glad Arnel ended up happy and Trena got on track even though she gave Chad up.

[Shannon]

This book was excellent makes you wonder what the hell is wrong with some people! I loved it devoured it in a day.

[Ezraela-Baht]

I felt bad for the character in this book, but was later glad to see she was able to get from the tight hold her mother had on her and start on a journey of her own,

[Mohammad Khan.ch.]

dear,



very nice book. yours, khan.peace to all.""

[Ashley]

Mallette put a great twist on this book. Didn't have much advertising for it, but I thought it was amazing.

[Amanda]

Interesting premise but the writing was a slight turn off

[Tracee]

I absolutely loved this book!

[MShe]

THis book was really good.

[Tiffany]

The book was indeed scandalous. Here mother was wrong. This book was full of surprise and disbelief. I could not image a parent doing the things she did to her daughter.

[ToniReads_1]

Easy reading because it was well written. Talk about manipulation and greed. One of those books that will make you appreciate your mother.

[Shannan Harper]

This book was one of the best examples of a mother/daughter relationship going wrong. I enjoyed the story all the way through and was totally shocked at the end. Marvelous job.

[Christine]

Trifling!