A Family Affair

by ReShonda Tate Billingsley

From the national Essence bestselling author comes an engaging tale about a family secret that sends one young woman scrambling to uncover the truth about her past.Award-winning author ReShonda Tate Billingsley, whose bestselling fiction “tackles some of life’s toughest situations” (The Florida Times-Union), unravels the secrets in a mother’s past that turn her daughter’s life upside down—by revealing the family she never knew existed. Her dream of studying dance at Juilliard is within reach, but Olivia Dawson turns down the opportunity, choosing instead to stay with her ailing mother in the Houston projects where they barely make ends meet. Lorraine Dawson is Olivia’s whole world, and now Olivia insists on being there for her. But when Lorraine learns Olivia is sacrificing college for her sake, her heartache triggers a series of shattering events that results in Olivia discovering her father, a man she was told had died years ago. But he is alive and well—and he’s the powerful CEO of one of the country’s richest corporations. With her best friend urging her to claim a much-deserved chunk of Bernard Wells’s fortune, Olivia seeks out his Los Angeles mansion. But it’s not money she wants—it’s Why did he abandon Lorraine when Olivia was three years old? Why did they suffer in poverty while he gave his “real” wife and son a life of luxury? Opening up the past, however, is more complicated than Olivia—or Bernard—expected, and the pain of yesterday’s sins must be confronted before true healing and a bright tomorrow can begin.

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, Christian Fiction

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2013

About the author

ReShonda Tate Billingsley is a general assignment reporter for KRIV-TV, the Fox affiliate in Houston, Texas. She is the author of the nonfiction book Help! I've Turned Into My Mother! and three previous adult novels: My Brother's Keeper, for which she received the prestigious Gold Pen Award for Best New Author from the Black Writer's Alliance and the Nova Lee Nation Award from the Greater Dallas Writing Association; the national bestseller Let the Church Say Amen, chosen for Library Journal's Best of 2004 list for Christian fiction; and I Know I've Been Changed, a Main Selection of the Black Expressions Book Club.
Her previous Christian teen novels are Nothing But Drama and Blessings in Disguise, both available from Pocket Books.
She is also a contributor to the story anthology Have a Little Faith.

Reviews

[ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this is a story that’s been told many times it’s written with such feeling and depth, such compassion and great realistic characters that I didn’t mind at all reading it.

Having never read anything by this author before it was nice to find an author that I thought I could keep an eye on for the future as she writes with passion.

Enjoyed the read

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t believe I’ve put off this book for over six years.😳 I quickly became completely invested in Olivia’s quest for answers and revenge. I felt her emotions. Thank goodness she had her outspoken quick witted friend Mona. Mona got to the point and asked the right questions.

When it came to Bernard. I just knew his backstory with Lorraine wouldn’t be a simple one. When more details were given about the relationship things were not adding up. Bernard was greedy, selfish and spineless. He let greed cloud every judgment. He was reckless with the lives of everyone in his path.

How did that woman stay with him? No one is that desperate. When all the sordid dirty details come to light you can’t even feel sorry for her. I was shaking my head saying heck-to-the-NO!

Poor Kendall. He really got it the worst because he was blindsided by what was revealed to him. I felt his pain the most. He wanted authenticity. He wanted love. He wanted to be seen and Olivia delivered.

Jerry is the real tragedy in this story. How easily the rich dismiss the real needs of the poor. I was bothered 😕

Cliche takeaway... “Everything that glitters isn’t gold” Money doesn’t buy happiness. It buys things and sometimes people.

ReShonda is known for her ability to write good reads and A Family Affair didn't disappoint.

I was given an ARC from Gallery Books via Netgalley

[India Jones-Tanner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I am use to from Reshonda Tate Billingsley. Not a page turner, but an okay read. My final rating 3.5

[Tiffany Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If you're woman enough to sleep with my husband, you should be woman enough to look me in the eye."

Well, hot d*mn!!! BOOM!!! Now, that's how a wife is supposed to confront a mistress. And, boy Adele has no issue sticking up for herself at this point. A Family Affair is an adventure into what happens when a mother's past collides with a daughter's present.

"I want to say one more thing," Olivia went on. "Regardless of what happened, that's not me. I can't carry my mother's sin. I'm not saying forgive my mother, but don't hold me responsible."
I honestly don't know if a book could be more perfectly written than A Family Affair. I could go and on about how each sentence is perfectly constructed, about how paragraph builds upon the last, or about how each page stirs emotions from deep within but you should really experience this book for yourself instead of allowing me to spoil it for you. ReShonda Tate Billingsley is one of most favorite authors, and A Family Affair proved that she will continue to stay at the top of my list!!!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of A Family Affair in exchange for an honest review.

[Landon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another great book by the author. I had read the seven free chapters and decided to buy the paperback book. Because I wanted to know what happened next. I wasn't disappointed after I finish reading. Great read I'll definitely recommend.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a little different that what I expected but I still thought it had a good storyline. It had some extra twists thrown in towards the end that made you say "that explains a lot!". I felt for Olivia and Kendall, innocent in this web of lies and secrets and having to learn the truth as young adults. This story pointed out that everyone has problems and drama whether you come from money or you are struggling trying to live day by day. Different struggles come with different territory and you may find yourself saying you don't wish for all the money in the world if that's the drama that comes with it. Pain is pain and there's no amount of money that will wash it away. Just got to make the best of life and work to change your situation so that it suits you.

[Ellowyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reshonda Tate Billingsley has done it again. OMG! This was a good book that draws you in from the beginning. Reshonda takes you on a journey and then there is a twist that you don't anticipate. This is a book about family, love, deception, lies and forgiveness. I am looking forward to the next novel by Reshonda.

[Nandi Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book. hard subject to tackle.

[Ranie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, thank you, Ms. Billingsley, for an excellent quality phenomenal book. (I think it she be renamed, "Twisted Deceitful Secrets"). Throughout the entire story, I felt genuine sorry and pitiful for Bernard Wells but as our story unfold he was so emotionally disappointed in his own life and his career, that he didn't care who lives his actions affected or ruined.

Each characters were well detailed with excitement and excellent background stories. Of course, I love Mona, Walter and Kendall, but I really admired Olivia determination and strength in seeking the truth behind her existence. Their were were so many area of this book that were unbelievable shocking and filled with unexpected revelations. (I was very shocked and quite sadden, about the unexpected tragic end to Jerry's life)

At the end of our story, I grew to have a little more respect from Adele after acquiring all the devastating things that happened in her life, due to her husband, Bernard, betrayal.

I love how this author always uses the Christian faith to demonstrate that there is HOPE in everything we do. I highly recommended this book and all other books by Ms. Billingsley....😍😇

[ToniReads_1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different writing from one of my favorite authors but a great read. I think a fly flew in my mouth in chapter 35 though. Does it benefit one to have every question you want answered truthfully or be okay with not knowing every detail? A very tough pill to swallow either way.

[Ke · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Tina Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow

I can't believe it I read this book in two days .... this was a page Turner I fell in love with all of the characters

[Inda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a copy of this book when I went to see Bilingsley at a reading at the public library here in Madison. I was very taken with her and glad to have gotten the book. I read it over the next three days and was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it. Billingsley is a talented story teller and I like the focus on her character's development and let them respond to situations rather than relying on over the top drama every few pages. I was also glad to see that although there was a Christian bent, it was not very heavily steeped in judgment and respectability politics. Of course, the protagonist, Olivia, is very sympathetic and surrounded by a cast of colorful characters including her best friend Mona, but it is important that Olivia is the point of empathy. She and Mona are practically the only people in the book who are exactly what they appear to be. Olivia has a crisis of faith and identity when she finds that her mother had an affair with a wealthy man named Bernard Wells. She had been told her father was dead, but her mother Lorraine makes the confession on her deathbed. Although Olivia is curious about her newfound father, she has to hit rock bottom before she decides to pack up her life in Houston and head to Los Angeles to find him. Much to her surprise, Bernard is quite thrilled to see her and wants to make amends for casting Lorraine and Olivia out of his life at the request of his controlling wife Adele. Hiding the budding relationship from Adele is only one of the complications Olivia and Bernard face. The Wells' other son Kendall takes a liking to Olivia as they both begin work at one of their father's stores. Olivia wants to tell Kendall that they are siblings but has promised Bernard she will allow him to tell him first. The writing is definitely engaging enough to keep the reader interested throughout the entire story. In fact, I finished the second half of the book in one night. I'm sure those who are already familiar with Billingsley's writing will enjoy this one and new fans like myself will also not be disappointed.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia wants nothing more than to go to Juilliard, but lack of money and an ailing mother stands in the way. Her mother, Lorraine, does everything she can for and she feels she has no choice but to not even worry about going to Juilliard, instead she stays home to take care of her ailing mother. When Lorraine learns that Olivia is giving up on her dream just to stay home and take care she makes a decision that then brings many skeletons out of the closet. One of these secrets is the fact that her father is alive and well. Will going to meet her father and finding out the truth abut her family be everything she hoped for?

I am a huge fan of Reshonda Tate Billingsley and this book did not let me down. She brought a Christian and inspirational message without coming across as preachy. I loved the twists, turns, and all the drama that came out. She did a great job with the character development. I actually felt for the clients and could truly relate to them. I am anxiously waiting on the next Reshonda Tate Billingsley release. Keep them coming!

[Desiree Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia Dawson wanted to be a dancer at Juliard, but because her mother was sick she refused to leave her. Her mother eventually passes away, but before she died, she told Olivia who her father was and come to find out he was a rich businessman and the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. When Bernard Wells' wife finds out that her husband had an affair with Olivia's mother she threw them out of her house. (Olivia's mother worked for the Wells.' ). Olivia sets out with her best friend to look for her father. She eventually finds him and when she does they try to keep it a secret from the wife. Of course the wife finds out, and when she does, all hell breaks loose!!! Read: September 2013

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What you do in the dark will surely come to light and can have some long lasting affects! What a story of lies, secrets and ultimately healing. ReShonda weaves a tale of a family secret so embedded that when it all comes out it will leave you stunned. I so enjoyed this novel and hated to see it end. Love really does cover a multitude of faults as is displayed as well in this novel. Great job ReShonda, hats off to you. I found one misprint when Stephon showed up at Olivia's job but outside of that it was 100% excellent. Great job ReShonda, keep them coming!!!!!

[Verlean · Rating 5 out of 5]

In A Family Affair, we see firsthand what secrets can do to a family. Olivia finds out on her mother's deathbed that her father is incredibly rich. She goes to find and confront him for answers. Once she meets him, she is caught up in a whirlwind of a better lifestyle and more deceit until everything comes to a head and the truth explodes. A great book but I expected that from ReShonda.

[Adrienna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether I agree or disagree with the choices of some characters in the novel, it was so good that I felt like I was there and these characters were so believable. I can see this as a lifetime movie!

Leisure read 2015

Adrienna Turner
Author of The Day Begins with Christ, God is in the Equation
adriennaturner.net

[Amira Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reshonda always writes stories that introduce us to some tough life situations. In this book lies and deceit only lead to hurt and heartache for most of the characters. After I read one of her books it always encourages me to delve deeper into my faith..... trust more, love more, and to pray more.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. I LOVED IT!!! It is a must read.

[Teri Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite authors does it again!

[Thea Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by the author.

[Taneka · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Olivia Dawson gave up her dream of studying dance at Julliard to care for her ailing mother in the Houston housing projects. But when her mother learns that Olivia is sacrificing college for her, her heartache triggers a series of shattering events that result in Olivia discovering her father, a man she was told had died years ago. But he is alive and well, and he's the powerful CEO of one of the country's richest corporations. Olivia seeks him out, looking for answers. But opening the past is more complicated than she or her father expected, and they find that the pain of yesterday's sins must be confronted before true healing and a bright tomorrow can begin."

I did not expect that curveball towards the end!! This did a great job of holding my attention.

I kept waiting for Bernard to man up and do the right thing, but he really came off as a manipulator and I just didn't like him.

Olivia is a lot like her dad, especially since she couldn't come clean to Kendall.

This whole story was wonderful and there kept being curveballs thrown.

[Barbara Nutting · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this read like a book for teens rather than adults, when I got to the end I saw that she does write a slew of books for young girls! At the beginning when Adele says "little nappy-headed mongrel of yours" I presumed she was white!! The mansion, cars, a black nanny, Fortune 500 company etc was so un-black that until half-way through I thought the Wells were white??? With all the jive talk I finally figured out they were all black!! So, I read the rest with a different outlook! Whether the characters were black or white really has no bearing on the story. It was juvenile but had good moral value. I am amazed at the high ratings - are all those 5 Stars from teeny-boppers - certainly not adults????

[Carol Hornsby-mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lies and deception is no way to live a life. We must learn to always tell the truth, no matter the coast . Pain hurts whenever it is received. Today tomorrow or years from now. With repentance comes forgiveness. Let this book be a lesson learned. What God has for you is for you. That doesn’t always mean you’ll receive it in this life time. But just know that we love our life, and God already has a plan and a purpose for that life. Gods eye is on the sparrow and know that he’s watching us all. Great read!

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The family secrets

The secrets ran deep and as the story unfolds many lives were forever changed by the lies and deception. The storyline of this book was very intriguing, just when you thought that you had one life figured out, then something else happens and and another lies unfolds. This is a very good read and it keeps your attention from beginning to the very end!

[Shelby · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was so bad it's laughable. How in the world this book has such a high rating is beyond all comprehension. The characters were severely underdeveloped, the plot was completely predictable. I'm glad this was a quick read because I'd be pissed at myself had I devoted any more time to it.

[Nickita Council · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of betrayal, love, and forgiveness. I enjoyed this book. I didn't want Olivia's story to end. I would love to see what her future looks like, does she find love? I don't usually ask for sequels, but is there any chance Reshonda?

[J R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty heartbreaking book through and through. It’s written with such feeling and depth, such compassion, love and great realistic characters that I enjoyed reading about. I'd definitely give it 4.5 stars.

[Tamara Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read!