School media specialist, Gianne Marvray, has been through the worst two years of her life physically and emotionally. After a battle with cancer and all it entails, she is finally ready to start living her life again. She wants to see new places, meet new people and experience new things, but she isn’t ready for the rollercoaster ride she’s about to embark on when she meets Las Vegas personal trainer and raw vegan foods advocate, Marc Stafford.
After a four year absence, Marc comes home to Atlanta to attend a family celebration in one of his brother’s honor. He’s not thrilled about seeing his father, but he has promised his mother that he won’t throw off the family balance by being the only one of their six sons absent. All Marc wants to do is make an appearance at the event and spend a little time with his brothers. Little does he know that this is the night he will meet the woman who will forever change his life.
Contemporary women’s fiction/romance author Chicki Brown has been featured in USAToday. She was the 2014 B.R.A.B. (Building Relationships Around Books) Inspirational Fiction Author and also the 2011 SORMAG (Shades of Romance Magazine) Author of the Year. Chicki was also a contributing author to the Gumbo for the Soul: Men of Honor (Special Cancer Awareness Edition).
Nia Forrester, Beverly Jenkins, Kennedy Ryan, Lisa Kleypas, and J.R. Ward are among her favorite authors.
A transplanted New Jersey native who lives in Atlanta, Georgia, her many homes in cyberspace include:
As soon as I began reading A Woman's Worth, the main characters endeared themselves to me. Marc's anxiety about facing an exacting father and Gianne's relief about her clean scan after a bout with uterine cancer immediately had me rooting for both characters. The idea that they both needed something that I suspected they would find in each other made me keep reading, wanting and waiting for them to make their connection.
And when they did meet, I thoroughly enjoyed the immediate resolve that Marc had that Gianne was a woman he wanted to get to know, and to whom he knew he would have a strong connection. Somehow,Chicki Brown managed to make that moment completely believable and not trite. And the slow progression of Marc's feelings for Gianne from a "sense of connection" to protectiveness and then finally to love were also very believable. A refreshing difference between this novel and many other romances was that Marc was not at all conflicted about his feelings for Gianne and once he chose her, his choice was unambiguous, and not at all ambivalent. Nothing sexier than a man who knows his own mind, in my opinion. He found his woman, he claimed her and he even conspired to make sure she wouldn't get away.
But I also related to Gianne's reluctance, after facing difficult circumstances, to trust that someone as good as Marc could happen to her, and her caution about becoming involved with him made absolute sense to me. I felt like one of her girlfriends, cheering from the sidelines, urging her to take a chance because she, more than anyone else, should know that tomorrow is promised to no one so you should seize today. And when finally, she took that leap, I was elated, and enjoyed watching her become acclimated to the idea of being in a relationship with a good man who was committed to her, in sickness and in health. The entire journey of this relationship was compelling, and so emotional, that for many pages, I planned how I would get back at Chicki Brown if she dared make Marc and Gianne have anything other than a happy ending.
One challenge I had was somewhere near the 30% mark where the author wanted to give us, the readers, more information about Marc's raw vegan lifestyle. I felt at times like I was being preached to, both by the author and by Marc himself, and it made me for a short time like him less. I think by then I was so invested in Gianne that I was feeling defensive on her behalf, considering what I know personally about raw veganism, and the evangelistic approach that some raw vegans have. I also felt that the author may have belabored that aspect of Marc's personality and life a tad too long in places, when I would have preferred to read more about the growing connection between the characters. My second challenge was the ending. I was thrilled that it ended the way it did BUT wanted just a little more detail about the aftermath of the climactic moment. Once the outcome was settled, it felt a little summarized there at the end, and that was what made this a four- rather than a five-star read for me.
Still, all in all, when an author is new to you, they either convince you or they don't. I was thoroughly convinced and am now looking forward to reading all of Chicki Brown's other work.
Marc and Gianne were so cute! A quick love affair, almost too fast but a great love story of going that extra mile! I was so glad Daddy Vic came around and things fell into place! A few grammatical errors along the way but I love the Stafford brothers and look forward to reading about all of them! Great job Chicki!
A heroine with real concerns to fear a love affair with almost palpable anxiety about it...a hero with a lot of love to give who treats her like a queen and does his best to ease her fears...vivid writing that puts you in the middle of the action (in an unobtrusive place, of course), and a well constructed storyline that comes together perfectly...AND I learned a few things (about a raw vegan lifestyle, done with the same deft manner in which history is handled in a Beverly Jenkins novel...fascinating without being overpowering). What more can I say? Just lovely. Now, I'm off to have a big, juicy hamburger! Highly recommended.
I loved this story. On the surface, it is a very easy read. Gianne is a strong woman, a cancer survivor is just picking up her life after her illness, and the departure of a dickless boyfriend who was scared off by the serious nature of her diagnosis.
Then she meets Marc, part of the charismatic Stafford clan, and before you can say "raw vegan food evangelist" she is travelling across the country to Las Vegas, for three months of fitness training, diet, and will they/won't they dynamics. Cynics will roll their eyes at this point but if so, this book is not for you. Saved from TV movie sentimentality by the author's writing and ability to draw her characters, this is a warm-hearted cuddle of a book, but one with an edge. Maybe some will object to the raw foods message. I know a few found it heavy-handed, but I didn't. It was interesting, but didn't make me feel guilty about my burger and fries.
Marc has his own family issues (don't we all?) and they were dealt with very entertainingly. The guy is hot, hot, hot! Perhaps a little good to be true? Whatever, he was a real sweetheart, and I loved him and Gianne together. Gianne didn't take any crap, either. Yes, she decided to go to Las Vegas, but she was pragmatic, knowing she had to return, scared of commitment yet not averse to a little fun. I loved her. I want her and her friends as my friends. She was a girl to root for.
Equally, Marc's family were complicated, competitive, aspirational, each with their own resentments but held together by their mother, who was awesome. The book really came alive when the family were together. I know this is the first in the Stafford Family series, so it will be interesting to watch these stories develop!
Finally, cancer is a tough subject that can be excruciating if clumsily dealt with, but the writer has done a brilliant job. Gianne lives her life six months at a time, from all-clear to all-clear. All through the book, I was never sure which way it was going to go, and I needed to know. Now I do, the last thing I'm going to do is tell you. Read it yourself.
I am not a big reader of romance, but this book was truly wonderful. The characters were fully developed and the book kept me engaged until the very last page. Gianne MarVray is a cancer patient now in remission thanks to Dr. Stafford. To celebrate her new lease on life, he invites her to a family dinner and the rest as they say is History. Marc Stafford, one of Dr. Stafford's six handsome sons, sees Gianne at the family dinner and falls head over heels. There is just one issue....he lives in Las Vegas and Gianna lives in Atlanta. What do you do when you fall in love at first sight but you are on vacation? Marc wants a chance to get to know Gianne more and try to get her to his city for GOOD. I love how the Author weaves not just a tale of romance, but she offers an in depth look at family dynamics, unconditional love, and how it is so important to take the career path that makes YOU the happiest. I will definitely be checking out the rest of this series.
The world is rough. This is the kind of book to read and feel better believing all of this could happen. Great depth within each character as they move in this universe. You won't get spoilers from me, or a 'book report' type of review.
Just read it, enjoy it and share it with someone who needs to believe the message.
Inspirational, original, romantic, witty. I want to know people like these characters.
I first read this book a few years ago and it was cool to read it again with fresh eyes and more perspective.
Really, I loved it the first time and I loved it now. Sure, there were some editing issues that would usually decrease my rating, but the story was good enough for me to give it a pass. Even after the second read, I wonder if men like Marc are real. lol
I'll certainly be reading the rest of the Stafford Brothers series again. And imagining these brilliant, gorgeous men in my head the whole time. ;)
By Chicki Brown Published By C.B. Age Recommended: Adult Reviewed By: Arlena Dean Rating: 5 Series: The Stafford Brother #1 Review:
"A Woman's Worth" by Chicki Brown contemporary women's fiction that will keep you turning the pages until the end. This author did a wonderful job with "A Woman's Worth" in bringing to the reader a well written script in this first series. In this read there are two main characters Gianne Marvray and Marc Stafford. Gianne who had been a 'school media specialist,' had been ill with the battle of cancer and now her health was looking so much better in that she wanted to 'see new places, meet new people and experience new things...however, she never knew that meeting the Stafford family and especially Marc would be a life change for her. Marc was a 'Las Vegas personal trainer and raw vegan food advocate' which as a good thing for him however, his father Dr. Victor Stafford Sr. did not like his career choice...saying it was 'a ridiculous waste of his son's life.' Now after four years, we find Marc on his way home to visit his family which included his five brothers. Three of his brothers were also doctors. Would this be a good visit for him or would it be a battle to keep his calm with his father? This visit had been for his brother Vic who was celebrating his promotion to 'Chief of Surgery.' Little did Marc know at this time that Gianne, his father and brother Vic's patient had been invited to this celebration too. Why did Dr. Stafford invite her to this family gathering? Now, to find this out and all the rest of it all you must pick up "A Woman's Worth" to see what all this author has in store for these two people. With Marc being a twin it is very interesting to see how the brothers got alone and which one that didn't. Will Gianne be impressed after meeting Marc? Will she want his style of life...being a vegan...What all will she get out of this...good health and love?
Be ready for a lots to go on in this well written novel and I don't want to give too much away but since this is a series... be ready for the story to continue. The characters were all well portrayed, strong and well developed giving this novel a real amazing appeal especially those hot blooded 'Stafford Brothers.' I enjoyed this novel and can't hardly wait for next series dealing with those brothers.
I knew I would like this story, but had no idea I'd fall in love with it.
Gianne Marvray knows illness, heartache and depression all too well. She suffered through all three when a medical diagnosis brought her face to face with uterine cancer - which lead to her boyfriend of three years turning his back on her, because "he couldn't deal with it". Two years later, after major surgery and countless treatments, Gianne is in remission and ready to take on life and all it has to offer. Or so she believes.
During a family celebration for her doctor's son, Gianne meets Marc Stafford, the family "black sheep". (Even though Marc is a successful business owner in Las Vegas, his father still hasn't forgiven him for not becoming a doctor, like the majority of Stafford men.) Their attraction is immediate and their chemistry is off the meter! A few days together in Atlanta isn't enough for Marc - he wants more. He's also sure she can restore her health and strength with the raw food/vegan lifestyle he lives by, and teaches to his clients, so he invites her to Vegas for three months. Despite a few misgivings, Gianne just wants to live a normal life...at least until her next check up...so she accepts his invitation.
While the relationship begins as "platonic with interest", that soon changes and Marc and Gianne are soon immersed in not just emotions, but doubts, self-doubts, family issues, personal fears, and one vindictive ex.
I loved the story's pace. It didn't drag, or feel rushed. My family is a mix of carnivores, vegetarians, vegans, juicers and raw food advocates, so I felt the food scenes added to the storyline. Would have been hard for it to be Marc's profession and the reason Gianne went to Vegas if it wasn't discussed or mentioned.
The confrontation between Marc and his father is much NEEDED. It doesn't solve all the problems, but at least the ice berg's melting. I wonder if there is a Stafford Brothers book for Jesse, because that brother has serious issues to work through! HA!
Kudos to Chicki Brown! I look forward to Charles' story.
This story was superbly written. The title is telling. Women sometimes measure their worth in many ways. For Gianne, getting a clean bill of health after going through two years of cancer treatment was freeing, but still not enough for her to see her true worth. Enter Marc Stafford, the fourth son of the oncologist that treated Gianne, who seems to know almost instantly that this woman is a rare gem, one that he is willing to do almost anything to connect with. We get introduced to the Stafford family, which while successful is by no means perfect. They have complicated layers of sibling rivalry and parental disappointment. Still, they fill you with a warm feeling and I look forward to getting to know them better in future stories of Chicki Brown.
I love the way Chicki Brown takes us through the emotional roller coaster of a cancer survivor, while also acquainting us to the healthy eating lifestyle of raw vegans. I guarantee you will be at least curious about this way of eating before you finish! This story has all the ingredients of a true love story. It was beautifully written, you will not be disappointed!
Gianne's 'Worth' was 'Infinity and Beyond' to Marc and he certainly enjoyed proving it to her. Yes, each book in the Stafford Brothers Series. Can be stand alone's when read, but you deprive yourself of some wonderful writing and beautiful detail if you decide to take that route. I knew after reading Chicki Brown's "Don't Stop to You Get enough" that it was imperative that I read Gianne's and Marc's story from beginning to end. To say that I enjoyed reading and learning every detail from how the two met and how the two ended up together is an understatement. I don't like to share spoilers, but I will reveal that this was a very Emotional and Heartwarming story that I'll admit to actually crying to at the end even though I already knew the outcome. The clear signs of a gifted and talented writer. Don't sleep on the series from Chicki Brown. I'm desperately waiting for the release of the fourth book from this series in the Fall.
I was already a fan of this author's work and this book just helped solidify that. She has a wonderful knack of creating leading male characters that you just can't help but fall in love with. Marc Stafford was taken with Gianni Marvray from the beginning, and she with him, but her medical history prevents her from wanting to go all in. But I love how Marc is willing to prove that he means what he says. I also enjoyed the family element of the Stafford family and their interaction. I thought there would have been some more delving into the rift between Marc and his brother Jesse, but the story didn't seem incomplete without it since it wasn't an integral part of the story. I LOVED this book. If only I could come across my own Marc Stafford. :)
What jumped out most for me from this novel was Marc's love for Gianne. From first glance, beyond her frailty he saw the pearl in her. And I think that love surpassed mere physical attraction and went into the realm of the supernatural. Like she was pulling on him like gravity. Tugging at his heart. He wouldn't be like Bruce, the one than ran away from her diagnosis. No, he said, let me take care of you. I fully believe it was that love that strengthened her and in turn himself. I highlighted so many passages because they were edifying (teaching about love and the priceless nature of love) and educational (so much info on vegan raw eating...even recipes).
I loved this novel and I'm looking forward to reading book 2.
I loved this story because Gianne was brave while also being vulnerable. She was determined in her focus on life and love despite her health problems. Marc was a strong character who was equally as determined in his views on health and love. Their meeting was unexpected, their attraction was immediate, and their commitment to each other was unwavering. It's also a great love story about faith and family and healing.
No matter one's circumstances, love is possible...
This is my first l Chicki Brown read. I enjoyed the non-traditional storyline: a virile, vegan trainer pursues and falls for a cancer-survivor. Gianne's constant denial of Marc became a bit annoying, but I guess her struggle to deal with her health trapped her in a certain state of mind. I really loved that she was a school librarian, like myself. This is a solid story that maintained my interest.
Marc and Gianne met under unusual circumstances, but the love they had for each other was real. It was sad that Marc's dad was being a total pain in the rear, but I guess you always have to have a villain. This book was recommended by another author and I'm glad I took the time out to read it and look forward to the next one in the series.
I gave up reading romance novels because the characters were too perfect. To be honest I wasn't sure if I would like this book. Once I got started I couldn't wait to see what happened with Marc and Gianne. Their romance was whirlwind but it was also sweet! The icing on the Stafford family was being able to have a conversation with the author herself and how she created Marcus Stafford!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful read. Interesting family dynamics, characters you can relate to and a charming plot. This read quickly encouraged me to purchase the series. Thanks and Blessings.
Love these Stafford Brothers and these series featuring them are so interesting and wonderful written. This book had me thinking about changing my eating style.
I really enjoyed this book. Lifes up's and down's tragedy, family issues, love and sex. I already purchased the next book in the series. Wondering where the story will go from here.