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Yancey Harrington Braxton #3
Mama Dearest
Diva supreme Yancey Harrington Braxton is working her way back to Broadway and beyond—and stirring up drama in and out of the spotlight—in the acclaimed New York Times bestseller from E. Lynn Harris. After being out on tour, the ambitious singer and actress is fired up to move past her recent setbacks—including an explosive romance with NFL tight end John Basil Henderson—and prove her talents are stronger than ever. What Yancey really wants is to star in her own reality TV series, and she’s even found a rich and well-connected lover to make it happen. There are, however, two women fierce enough to derail Yancey’s comeback Madison B., a hot new bombshell taking the music industry by storm, and Ava Middlebrooks, who happens to be Yancey’s own mama dearest.Not even a stint in prison for attempted murder has curbed Ava’s competitive nature. Now she will bring down her #1 rival—her own daughter—by using Madison B. to turn Yancey’s world upside-down. . . .
528 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 14, 2008
33 people are currently reading
1315 people want to read
About the author
E. Lynn Harris
47 books747 followersE. Lynn Harris was born in Flint, Michigan and raised, along with three sisters, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where he was the school's first black yearbook editor, the first black male Razorbacks cheerleader, and the president of his fraternity. He graduated with honors with a degree in journalism.
Harris sold computers for IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and AT&T for thirteen years while living in Dallas, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. He finally quit his sales job to write his first novel, Invisible Life, and, failing to find a publisher, he published it himself in 1991 and sold it mostly at black-owned bookstores, beauty salons, and book clubs before he was "discovered" by Anchor Books. Anchor published Invisible Life as a trade paperback in 1994, and thus his career as an author officially began.
Invisible Life was followed by Just As I Am (1994), And This Too Shall Pass (1996), If This World Were Mine (1997), Abide with Me (1999), Not A Day Goes By (2000), Any Way the Wind Blows (2001), A Love of My Own (2002), I Say A Little Prayer (2006), Just Too Good To Be True (2008), Basketball Jones(2009), and Mama Dearest(2009),all published by Doubleday, and In My Father's House(2010), published by St. Martin's Press. Ten of Harris's novels hit the New York Times bestseller list, and his books have also appeared on the bestseller lists of the Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times. In 2003, Harris published his first work of nonfiction, a memoir entitled What Becomes of the Brokenhearted, which was also a New York Times bestseller. Today, there are more than four million copies of his books in print.
Harris's writing also appeared in Essence, Washington Post Sunday Magazine, and Sports Illustrated, as well as in the award-winning anthology Brotherman: The Odyssey of Black Men in America, Go The Way Your Blood Beats. His novella, "Money Can't Buy Me Love" was published in Got To Be Real: Four Original Love Stories. Freedom in This Village, a collection of short stories edited by Harris, was released in the fall of 2004. His short fiction appeared in Gumbo: A Celebration of African American Writers (Harlem Moon), a 2002 collection he edited with writer Marita Golden.
Harris won numerous accolades and prizes for his work. Just As I Am was awarded the Novel of the Year Prize by the Blackboard African-American Bestsellers, Inc. If This World Were Mine was nominated for a NAACP Image Award and won the James Baldwin Award for Literary Excellence. Abide with Me was also nominated for a NAACP Image Award. His anthology Freedom in this Village won the Lambda Literary Award in 2005. In 1999, the University of Arkansas honored Harris with a Citation of Distinguished Alumni for outstanding professional achievement, and in October 2000 he was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame. He was named to Ebony's "Most Intriguing Blacks" list, Out Magazine's "Out 100" list, New York Magazine's "Gay Power 101" list, and Savoy's "100 Leaders and Heroes in Black America" list. Other honors included the Sprague Todes Literary Award, the Harvey Milk Honorary Diploma, and The Silas Hunt Award for Outstanding Achievement from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Harris was a member of the Board of Directors of the Hurston/Wright Foundation and the Evidence Dance Company. He was the founder of the E. Lynn Harris Better Days Foundation, a nonprofit company that provides support to aspiring writers and artists.
E. Lynn Harris passed away in 2009.
http://us.macmillan.com/inmyfathersho...
Harris sold computers for IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and AT&T for thirteen years while living in Dallas, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. He finally quit his sales job to write his first novel, Invisible Life, and, failing to find a publisher, he published it himself in 1991 and sold it mostly at black-owned bookstores, beauty salons, and book clubs before he was "discovered" by Anchor Books. Anchor published Invisible Life as a trade paperback in 1994, and thus his career as an author officially began.
Invisible Life was followed by Just As I Am (1994), And This Too Shall Pass (1996), If This World Were Mine (1997), Abide with Me (1999), Not A Day Goes By (2000), Any Way the Wind Blows (2001), A Love of My Own (2002), I Say A Little Prayer (2006), Just Too Good To Be True (2008), Basketball Jones(2009), and Mama Dearest(2009),all published by Doubleday, and In My Father's House(2010), published by St. Martin's Press. Ten of Harris's novels hit the New York Times bestseller list, and his books have also appeared on the bestseller lists of the Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times. In 2003, Harris published his first work of nonfiction, a memoir entitled What Becomes of the Brokenhearted, which was also a New York Times bestseller. Today, there are more than four million copies of his books in print.
Harris's writing also appeared in Essence, Washington Post Sunday Magazine, and Sports Illustrated, as well as in the award-winning anthology Brotherman: The Odyssey of Black Men in America, Go The Way Your Blood Beats. His novella, "Money Can't Buy Me Love" was published in Got To Be Real: Four Original Love Stories. Freedom in This Village, a collection of short stories edited by Harris, was released in the fall of 2004. His short fiction appeared in Gumbo: A Celebration of African American Writers (Harlem Moon), a 2002 collection he edited with writer Marita Golden.
Harris won numerous accolades and prizes for his work. Just As I Am was awarded the Novel of the Year Prize by the Blackboard African-American Bestsellers, Inc. If This World Were Mine was nominated for a NAACP Image Award and won the James Baldwin Award for Literary Excellence. Abide with Me was also nominated for a NAACP Image Award. His anthology Freedom in this Village won the Lambda Literary Award in 2005. In 1999, the University of Arkansas honored Harris with a Citation of Distinguished Alumni for outstanding professional achievement, and in October 2000 he was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame. He was named to Ebony's "Most Intriguing Blacks" list, Out Magazine's "Out 100" list, New York Magazine's "Gay Power 101" list, and Savoy's "100 Leaders and Heroes in Black America" list. Other honors included the Sprague Todes Literary Award, the Harvey Milk Honorary Diploma, and The Silas Hunt Award for Outstanding Achievement from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Harris was a member of the Board of Directors of the Hurston/Wright Foundation and the Evidence Dance Company. He was the founder of the E. Lynn Harris Better Days Foundation, a nonprofit company that provides support to aspiring writers and artists.
E. Lynn Harris passed away in 2009.
http://us.macmillan.com/inmyfathersho...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
September 29, 2009
As I was reading this book, I couldnt help but feel slightly depressed that this was the last of great books by E. Lynn Harris! Oddly enough, at times it felt as if he knew this while writing the book.
Harris did a great job of delving more into Yancey's character and how she had grown since the last time we saw her. At times the old Yancey was still in there, but with age came a great sense of maturity. I wish we had gotten more of the story of her youth, but the few stories that were shared gave a good glimpse into what her childhood was like with Ava and her grandmother.
As I read the last few chapters of the book, I felt as if Harris was wrapping up this group of characters with no intention of including them in future books. While part of me was very sad at that idea, I was glad that I felt closure with these characters.
Thank you to E. Lynn Harris for bringing these characters to life through your phenomonal writing!
Harris did a great job of delving more into Yancey's character and how she had grown since the last time we saw her. At times the old Yancey was still in there, but with age came a great sense of maturity. I wish we had gotten more of the story of her youth, but the few stories that were shared gave a good glimpse into what her childhood was like with Ava and her grandmother.
As I read the last few chapters of the book, I felt as if Harris was wrapping up this group of characters with no intention of including them in future books. While part of me was very sad at that idea, I was glad that I felt closure with these characters.
Thank you to E. Lynn Harris for bringing these characters to life through your phenomonal writing!
November 26, 2014
Pretty good book. Yancy is one of my favorite characters from this series. I really loved her character development from the other novels and in this one as well. Ava was really a piece of work. Evil does not really describe her...lol. Overall, good story from E. Lynn Harris. The ending was rushed and the plot predictable, but a great quick read. I really liked the mother/daughter dynamics between Yancy/Ava/Madison. Loved the interaction between Derrick and Yancy as well. This was his second to last book before the author died. Really sad but he left a legacy of great books that people can remember him by. Recommended.
March 14, 2021
My My..What a tale.
I read this book twice..Once a few years ago..and Now in 2021. I Adore E.Lynn Harris. His stories were always so FULL. I took my time and savored each chapter. I was disappointed that we didn't get to see Winsdor.I wonder what happened with her..Dalton-what was going on with him? Ava..The Queen of Garbage..what a terrible person.. Its tragic that she could hate her own daughter the way she does..there were many open/unanswered questions.. And We true fans Of E.Lynn could tell he didn't finish this book..Thanks though to whomever for trying..
I read this book twice..Once a few years ago..and Now in 2021. I Adore E.Lynn Harris. His stories were always so FULL. I took my time and savored each chapter. I was disappointed that we didn't get to see Winsdor.I wonder what happened with her..Dalton-what was going on with him? Ava..The Queen of Garbage..what a terrible person.. Its tragic that she could hate her own daughter the way she does..there were many open/unanswered questions.. And We true fans Of E.Lynn could tell he didn't finish this book..Thanks though to whomever for trying..
January 5, 2010
I'm not sure if the book was finished before Harris died, but it seems that the conclusion was missing. I wanted to know specifically what happened to Seneca/Stephen and that bit of information was missing completely. Also, it seems that some of the chapters were out of sequence. There were things that were already resolved/explained in a chapter that were later introduced/addressed several pages/chapters later.
October 19, 2020
This took me literally 2 and a half months to get through! I'm not sure if the book was finished before Mr Harris died, but it seems that there's no real conclusion. It just ends...horribly. it's just like something is missing and the publishers decided to put it out anyway...
sad feeling to know this was his last book. definitely enjoyed a lot of his books
sad feeling to know this was his last book. definitely enjoyed a lot of his books
January 22, 2016
"Whatever Madison, whatever"
That line really lets you know the ride you're in for. One with poor dialogue a highly predictable over the top story line, filled with untamed washed up divas, regret, betrayal and revenge. Easy to read but indigestible.
That line really lets you know the ride you're in for. One with poor dialogue a highly predictable over the top story line, filled with untamed washed up divas, regret, betrayal and revenge. Easy to read but indigestible.
July 6, 2018
This book makes me thankful that I know the unconditional, warm, beautiful love from my Mama...the best mother on Earth! So easy to now know why Yancey was so cold to people who did not deserve her narcissistic anger and jealousy. In the end, she forgave herself and the woman who failed her...and it was her freedom and the key to finding abundant love.
November 3, 2020
Took me a while to finish this. Ava the cunning hating mother who didn't know how to love her own daughter and therefore Yancey didn't either. Talent didn't necessarily translate into stardom for either while Madison was on the verge of breaking the family curse.
Growth for Yancey was most notable.
Growth for Yancey was most notable.
June 15, 2020
This book was a gift. I didn't realize it was part of a series, until I finished. I really enjoyed this. I really hope there is a #4, because I need to see Ava get what's coming to her.
September 25, 2009
Yancey Harrington Braxton is back. She has been gone from the acting and singing celebrity main stream for a while but she is ready to get back to work and in front of the spotlight. Yancey has two problems...There names are Madison B. and Ava Middlebrooks. Madison B is the hottest, young talented song bird since Miley Cyrus. The other woman, Ava Middlebrooks just happens to be Yancey's mother!
Yancey meets a sexy, dashing, mysterious man by the name of S. Marcus Pinkston. He is very rich and very into Yancey. Marcus is exactly what Yancey needs right now. After recently getting out of an horrible relationship. Marcus has ties to the media business. He tells Yancey that she should consider starring in her own reality show. At first Yancey isn't sure but she sure could use the money and this would help her career.
Ava Middlebrooks had just been released from prison. A lot has changed since than, including the fifteen pounds she gained. Ava wants to prove to everyone that she is not a washed-up has been actress. She will do anything it takes to be back on top, even if she has to take down the competition which includes her daughter.
Mama Dearest is the latest novel to feature Yancey Harrington Braxton. This is the first novel I have read by Mr. Harris. I would suggest reading the prior novel as the story line seemed to pick up and continue from the last. Reading the prior one would help the process of reading this current book move more seamless. I liked the characters. They all had their own unique personalities. Though I do have to say that Ava was all about herself but she did keep things interesting. Yancey seemed too nice to be in the industry, only because everyone else is more cut throat than her. My only issues were that I was expecting Yancey to do more acting but the only person that really was acting was Ava and mentions of Madison B. but I never really got to experience her acting talents. Overall I thought Mama Dearest was a pretty good read.
Yancey meets a sexy, dashing, mysterious man by the name of S. Marcus Pinkston. He is very rich and very into Yancey. Marcus is exactly what Yancey needs right now. After recently getting out of an horrible relationship. Marcus has ties to the media business. He tells Yancey that she should consider starring in her own reality show. At first Yancey isn't sure but she sure could use the money and this would help her career.
Ava Middlebrooks had just been released from prison. A lot has changed since than, including the fifteen pounds she gained. Ava wants to prove to everyone that she is not a washed-up has been actress. She will do anything it takes to be back on top, even if she has to take down the competition which includes her daughter.
Mama Dearest is the latest novel to feature Yancey Harrington Braxton. This is the first novel I have read by Mr. Harris. I would suggest reading the prior novel as the story line seemed to pick up and continue from the last. Reading the prior one would help the process of reading this current book move more seamless. I liked the characters. They all had their own unique personalities. Though I do have to say that Ava was all about herself but she did keep things interesting. Yancey seemed too nice to be in the industry, only because everyone else is more cut throat than her. My only issues were that I was expecting Yancey to do more acting but the only person that really was acting was Ava and mentions of Madison B. but I never really got to experience her acting talents. Overall I thought Mama Dearest was a pretty good read.
February 9, 2010
This was E. Lynn Harris' book before he died. This book ended on a beautiful note, but it took a great deal of time and drama to get to the good parts. This book talks about how a generation of motherless care can cause a person great anguish, and also make a woman feel unloved, and not capable of loving a child on her own.
Yancy Harrington Braxton was the victim of motherless care by Ava Middlebrooks. She was brought up in a verbally and physically abusive childhood, and came to hate her mother, along with having a fear of raising children because she did not know how to love another person besides herself. She ended up depending on men to take care of her, and living a life in the spotlight to get attention and love. In her twenties, she gave up her daughter at birth, and unknowingly, the baby girl was adopted by the child's father, and raised by him and his sister. Madison B. was the young girl who was conceived in love, but always wanted a mother's touch, and yearned to have it. Being in her mother's life was hard initially, and for both of them, but in the end, they were able to have a good relationship.
I would only recommend this book to other E. Lynn Harris fans... the characters he created were somewhat annoying, but it was a good story line.
Yancy Harrington Braxton was the victim of motherless care by Ava Middlebrooks. She was brought up in a verbally and physically abusive childhood, and came to hate her mother, along with having a fear of raising children because she did not know how to love another person besides herself. She ended up depending on men to take care of her, and living a life in the spotlight to get attention and love. In her twenties, she gave up her daughter at birth, and unknowingly, the baby girl was adopted by the child's father, and raised by him and his sister. Madison B. was the young girl who was conceived in love, but always wanted a mother's touch, and yearned to have it. Being in her mother's life was hard initially, and for both of them, but in the end, they were able to have a good relationship.
I would only recommend this book to other E. Lynn Harris fans... the characters he created were somewhat annoying, but it was a good story line.
January 11, 2012
I read a few E. Lynn Harris books years ago (Invisible Life, As I Am, and something else) so I was somewhat familiar with Harris' writing styles and his characters. This book is about Yancy Braxton, a former Broadway diva who is struggling to get back on top of the game. Derailing her plans is her mother, Ava, who has recently been released from prison.
The story is very slow moving, although it does make you want to keep reading to see what Ava's plans are for Yancy and just how low she will go. I wasn't a fan of any of the characters, especially Madison B. I'm not sure why, I just didn't like her at all.
There were also a couple of grammatical errors such as tense changes in the same scene (one second it's in the past tense, the very next sentence it's in the present tense), things like that drive the English major in me crazy.
All in all, not a bad book, it just takes awhile to get into. I might have enjoyed it more if I had read the previous books about Yancy right before this one.
The story is very slow moving, although it does make you want to keep reading to see what Ava's plans are for Yancy and just how low she will go. I wasn't a fan of any of the characters, especially Madison B. I'm not sure why, I just didn't like her at all.
There were also a couple of grammatical errors such as tense changes in the same scene (one second it's in the past tense, the very next sentence it's in the present tense), things like that drive the English major in me crazy.
All in all, not a bad book, it just takes awhile to get into. I might have enjoyed it more if I had read the previous books about Yancy right before this one.
January 12, 2010
This is more like a 2 1/2.
One I've have read several E. Lynn Harris books over the years and sadly I found them more and more unsatisfying. You will read Mama Dearest with the need to find out what happens but unfortunately by chapter 5 you already know what will happen. The plot had hope but it was never fully discussed.
First off the dialogue is terrible. “Whatever” was over used. What African Americans are ending arguments with “Whatever”? The slang usage was totally, out of touch. What could have been a better book felt cut short. The resolution was never clearly explain and more time was spent on the names of fashion designers than on description. The mood and tone of this book was abrupt.
Well it makes a good beach read but don’t expect much in the way of thought provoking literature.
One I've have read several E. Lynn Harris books over the years and sadly I found them more and more unsatisfying. You will read Mama Dearest with the need to find out what happens but unfortunately by chapter 5 you already know what will happen. The plot had hope but it was never fully discussed.
First off the dialogue is terrible. “Whatever” was over used. What African Americans are ending arguments with “Whatever”? The slang usage was totally, out of touch. What could have been a better book felt cut short. The resolution was never clearly explain and more time was spent on the names of fashion designers than on description. The mood and tone of this book was abrupt.
Well it makes a good beach read but don’t expect much in the way of thought provoking literature.
February 1, 2010
Oh..this is geting good. Ava is a real B$%*&. On page 167. Still trying to figure out what Ava is cooking for Yancey. That poor girl really has no clue. How many times does Ava have to burn you before you stop falling for her stunts???/ DUH.
After finishing the book. IT left me wantingm more...not a cookie cutter ending. Really enjoy his book just I have all of the rest. Looking forward to getting my hands on the other books not yet released here inthe US. trying to wait for the euro to have a different rating against the US dollar.
Great job E Lynn Harris. Could put it down. A real page turner. None of your book let me really allow me to start and them put it on hold. I always have to read the next page, because there are so many twist an turns that follow each other. Great writing>
After finishing the book. IT left me wantingm more...not a cookie cutter ending. Really enjoy his book just I have all of the rest. Looking forward to getting my hands on the other books not yet released here inthe US. trying to wait for the euro to have a different rating against the US dollar.
Great job E Lynn Harris. Could put it down. A real page turner. None of your book let me really allow me to start and them put it on hold. I always have to read the next page, because there are so many twist an turns that follow each other. Great writing>
March 30, 2010
Being an avid E. Lynn Harris fan since the 90s, I must admit that I was highly disappointed with his last three novels. When reading all three novels, at certain points I would put the novel down for weeks at a time. The story lines just didn't hold my attention. In Mama Dearest, I did not like how all the characters except for Ava seemingly redeems themselves of all the pain they caused in previous novels. I feel the characters are not well- rounded. The first 250 pages were just overly descriptive and too wordy. However, in light of his death, I feel the ending was very befitting. R.I.P. E. Lynn Harris!
August 12, 2012
I'm doing to take a wild shot in the dark and assume the authour left the manuscript behind for his publishers to put together. There were quite a few inconsistencies in the sequence of some events and names of some characters. But overall he delivered as usual. He brought his lead characters from a few of his earlier books and put them to bed in this one. Almost as a way to say goodbye to us, his readers. RIP Everette Lynn Harris.
October 22, 2009
E. Lynn's last book was one of his best; in it he showed that even some the most devious, self-centered, seemingly unflapplable people can come full circle. Yancey had the worst reputation in previous books but her heart changed in a way one would never expect. As for her mother Ava...what can I say, she's a socipath with little or no hope. Amazingly, E. Lynn wrote the book in a way that readers aren't left hanging wondering what will happen next. Nonetheless, he will truly be missed.
March 30, 2010
This book will make you clear your throat, say a prayer, and wish that there would be more to come. It is a good comfortable read that makes you hold your breath (maybe cuss a little, if that's what you do), and then settle in for revenge and redeption. It is a fitting and stylish end to a wonderful career.
Well done, Mr. Harris.
Well done, Mr. Harris.
September 13, 2010
Not the strongest of these stories but I love these characters and I'm in with them for all their adventures. Only one left! I'm saving it for a vacation or a day when I just want to get away for one last time to the world E. Lynn Harris created that has always helped me understand my own world, my friends and myself.
January 13, 2013
I thought that this was a good ending to a series. Even though I wished the ending was a little different but not too much I am happy to see that Yancey was a different person surrounded by love and good friends. She had really grown up and sometimes u have to be faced with your past to do that. Good book from a great author.
December 29, 2009
Character Development =5
Plot= 5
dialouge= 5
Point of View= 5
I am sadden that this is the last installment. I loved Yancy and the sea of other unforgettable characters.
E. Lynn Harris is the best!
Plot= 5
dialouge= 5
Point of View= 5
I am sadden that this is the last installment. I loved Yancy and the sea of other unforgettable characters.
E. Lynn Harris is the best!
September 12, 2010
I just finished this book last week, This was E. Lynn Harris' last book printed before passing away in 09, He never lets his readers down. Yancey Braxton makes peace w/ herself but not before fighting her past demons including her conniving mother and the child she gave up at birth.
July 7, 2010
It was a good read, but I did know how the storyline would develop very early into it. I did enjoy seeing the former characters emerge. Mama Dearest, Ava was quite the villain...but I love a good villain..
May 18, 2011
Reading this book was like going home and catching up with an old friend. Mr. Harris did not disappoint. The characters were well developed and brought back full circle. One of the best sequels I have read in a long while.
August 9, 2011
I enjoyed this book it was nice but coming two the end it seemed rushed and that pissed me of.Felt like couple pages was missing..more time coulda been spent on derrick and yancy reunion I didn't even get a kiss out of them.
February 29, 2012
E. Lynn Harris does it again for the last time. This was an awesome book! Reminded me about characters I hadn't read about in awhile. Glad to See that Yancey....(I'm not going to tell you, read it yourself) :)
February 24, 2012
This book was amazing never met a mother so dirty so hateful of her own child and willing to bring her down at all cost. But the good thing is the main character clean up her lack of mother skills and eventually got it right....
September 20, 2012
I was exited to read this book because it picks up from A Love of My Own which I really enjoyed. But this book dragged to me. A lot of the story line was very predictable and it didn't get really good til the end. I did enjoy the ending though.
September 26, 2014
It's sad how some people don't do so well as parents because they never had the example and/ or don't want to learn how to. Glad that Yancey did not follow in her mother and grandmother's footsteps in the end.
Excellent quick read! Reminds me why I love his books so much!
Excellent quick read! Reminds me why I love his books so much!
October 12, 2009
This book was not what I expected but it's a good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews