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Jasmine and Rachel #3

Fortune & Fame

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Church first ladies Jasmine Cox, Larson Bush, and Rachel Jackson Adams are back and battling it out again—this time on reality TV—in the latest collaboration between national bestselling and award-winning authors Victoria Christopher Murray and ReShonda Tate Billingsley.Jasmine Cox, Larson Bush, and Rachel Jackson Adams have been through a lot together—from fighting for their husbands to become the head of the American Baptist Coalition to getting mixed up in a terrible murder. Now the frenemies have found themselves the stars of First Ladies, a much anticipated new reality television show.Jasmine balks at the idea of airing her dirty laundry on national TV, but Rachel sees it as the perfect opportunity to take her brand to the next level. And if Rachel is in, so is Jasmine. All the cast members are women of God—how much drama can there be?Rachel and Jasmine know their own pasts are murky, but they’ll seem like choir girls when the secrets and sins of the others come to light. The two will once again have to form an unholy alliance to go up against these so-called Godly women who see the show as their chance to take them down—at any cost.

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2014

34 people are currently reading
726 people want to read

About the author

Victoria Christopher Murray

67 books2,354 followers
Victoria Christopher Murray is the author of nine Essence bestselling novels, including The Ex Files; Too Little, Too Late; and Lady Jasmine. Winner of the African American Literary Award for Fiction and Author of the Year (Female).

She has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being a pioneer in African American Fiction. Since 2007, Victoria has won nine African American Literary Awards for best novel, best Christian fiction and Author of the Year — Female. After four nominations, Victoria finally won an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literary Work for her social commentary novel, Stand Your Ground.

Victoria splits her time between Los Angeles and Washington DC.

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5 stars
238 (56%)
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127 (29%)
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50 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for KayBee's Bookshelf.
1,821 reviews58 followers
June 29, 2017
I listened to this book on Audible.
The narrator, Patricia R. Floyd always puts forth a stellar performance.

There was laughter, pettiness, character growth ( a bit), convenient christianity, steady plot pace and drama.
Despite, the open storylines that remind and yet another sequel on the horizon. I enjoyed this installment. I do hope the next story is the end of the line.
Profile Image for Edythe.
331 reviews
May 7, 2018
Ms. Murray and Ms. Billingsley brought characters together from previous novels, ‘Jasmine’ (Murray’s, A Sin and A Shame) and ‘Rachel’ (Billingsley’s, Let the Church Say Amen). When these two women come together there is to be trouble in the making.
It all starts when Melinda, Rachel’s friend, approaches her to star on a reality television show named First Lady. Rachel is shocked to find the true name of the show will actually be First Ladies. Then Jasmine appears, as well as Mary (Rachel’s nemesis) and Natasia (Jasmine’s nemesis). Jasmine begins to think, “Yes, Jasmine should have definitely left Rachel rotting that Chicago jail. If she had, then she’d be the one with a reality show.” If she could only find a way take the spotlight away from Rachel and make Natasia go away for good.
Natasia has ulterior motives, “But now, Natasha wondered if Melinda knew any of the dirty details that were part of Natasia and Jasmine’s history….All she had to do was figure out the right way to make her presence known. And once she did, she’d see Hosea Bush again.”
Mary is forced into the reality series by her pastor husband, “The old Mary, the con artist always looking for a come-up….But the new and improved Mary….had renewed her relationship with God…” Without her knowledge, Nathan announces to the congregation, “That’s right folks, my wife will be starring with Rachel Jackson Adams. Several people applauded and Mary felt sick to her stomach.” What was she going to do now? What had Lester done?
Each of these First Ladies had their own personal reasons for being there, yet they had no idea that genuine reality would step in and nearly destroy their lives.
Ms. Murray and Ms. Billingsley have collaborated on an exceptional novel that is hard to put down. Joining the forces of Jasmine and Rachel was utterly genius making this novel explosive and entertaining. I highly recommend, if you are not familiar with the work of either novelist, Murray or Billingsley, now is the time to jump on board because they do not disappoint.
I received this book free from Touchstone for this review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
103 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2019
Rachel came up with her own reality show- "The First Lady", but Melinda got Natasia Redding to be the executive producer and she was interested when she found out it was going to be in New York where she could be close to Pastor Hosea Bush but the taping was going to be in Atlanta. Natasia used to be Hosea ex.
She changed the show name to "First Ladies* and the day of the showing Rachel found out that her frenemies Jasmine Bush was also on the show and Rachel refused to work with her.
While Rachel was worried about Jasmine she had another surprised first lady no other than Mary Richardson who went with her husband and supposed to have a child by him. Mary ended up getting out of jail early and is now a First Lady also because she married Pastor Nathan Frazier while in prison.
So this "Reality Show" is nothing but drama among these First Ladies expositing all there dirt.
Ephesians 24:7 Keep Your Friends Close And Your Enemies Closer.
Profile Image for Dawn Marie.
603 reviews9 followers
May 28, 2017
Team Victoria and ReShonda

Every book I have read by these ladies is awesome and this is no different. The crazy shenanigans of Jasmine and Rachel will keep you engrossed in the story. These frenemies find a way to get into more trouble then earthly possible and it takes Mae Frances to bail them out. If anything ever happens I'm finding Mae Frances; she knows everything and everybody.

Victoria and ReShonda are two of the best authors always changing the book world game. Their stories keep your attention with interesting characters, situations and outcomes. These game changers are keeping the literary world relevent.
Profile Image for K Lamb.
112 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2020
Whew! Rachel and Jasmine have not learned from their wicked ways. Nor have they stopped their shenanigans! And that's why readers are still reading! Each time they get out of something, they expeditiously find themselves in another tailspin. LOL! All for the love of reality tv, which only proved that they almost anything for fortune and fame. And with Mae Frances in the mix, it only makes the story 10x crazier. Not too many writers can collaborate and the story is worth the read. However, I must say that Murray and Billingsley work very well together. Looking forward to reading the next season of First Ladies.
Profile Image for Dee Cherry.
2,945 reviews66 followers
February 11, 2018
This 3rd book of the series has been my favorite so far as Jasmine & Rachel go toe to toe for the top 1st lady spot. Entertaining verbal jabs & pranks continue. The addition of their nemesis cause a shift & makes the story all the more interesting. Mae Frances continues to make it happen. Good storyline & read. Looking forward to reading the next part
Profile Image for Autumn.
109 reviews8 followers
July 4, 2020
Murray and Billingsley are a great team. The humor and creative story lines keep getting better. I’m ready to see what Jasmine, Rachel and Mae Francis get into next!

Patricia Floyd’s performance was excellent.
Profile Image for Page Turner.
1,439 reviews
September 11, 2020
This was pretty good. A lot of the women were annoying to me, but it made for an entertaining story. I felt like I was reading the sequel to another book though.
Profile Image for T..
93 reviews
December 17, 2017
This book was off the chain. It was full of drama, scandals and crazy shenanigans with Rachel and Jasmine. I loved it! There was never a dull moment. I had a lot of laugh out loud moments reading this book. It was very entertaining and a page-turner.
Profile Image for Blue North.
280 reviews
May 28, 2014
It's no surprise that Victoria Christopher Murray and Reshonda Tate Billingsley have written another wonderful novel about Jasmine, Rachel and Mae Francis. In Fortune & Fame, These three women joined by Mary Richardson and Melinda and Nastasia are putting together a reality show. While taping the show, old issues come up like Natasia's love for Hosea, Jasmine's preacher-husband. Of course, there is the old rivalry or friendship between Rachel and Jasmine. It's always funny how after all the fights and name calling they end up helping one another get what they want from life and liking one another. proving friendship between women can be pretty complicated.

With all the maniacal fun going on there are also the serious issues about the custody of a little boy who biologically belongs to Mary Richardson. Rachel and Lester have been the caretakers of Mary's son during her long stay in prison. What will happen now? How badly does she want her child back with her? I was surprised that Mary didn't beg to see her son immediately after leaving prison. Then, there is the issue of leadership. Mary's husband, Nathan, is a preacher too. However, what he does behind closed doors is unthinkable.

Of course, Mae Francis and Oprah, Own, Gayle King can not go unmentioned. After all the reality show is being produced at the Own studio. Oprah remains above all the horrible shenanigans like lies and competitive moves. I guess this is why Fortune & Fame ends smelling like a rose. I would hate to see the Queen of t.v. brought low in such a good novel.
Profile Image for T.R. Horne.
Author 4 books57 followers
February 19, 2014
Raging Book Review gives this book 3.5 Funny Stars!

Murray and Billingsley have done a great job of mixing drama, cat fights and snide remarks to make a fun-filled novel. This book is an insanely quick read with lots of backstabbing and frenemies action throughout! At first I was feeling like I had enough of the back and forth between Rachel and Jasmine (self-proclaimed frenemies). It was like hearing two sisters argue over the smallest issue ALL day long but just when I thought I'd had enough, up pops Mary. She's the reason I kept reading. Her and Nathan, her new husbands relationship is seemingly picture perfect but behind the scenes it's as rocky as Sylvester Stallone! I took a star away because there wasn't much depth to the novel, which is something I think makes a book memorable enough to pass along to a friend. This book lacked the earthiness in the characters but I'm pretty sure my missing the previous book(s?) didn't help my assessment. The writing is easy and fluid, a little cheesy in parts but overall, it's a straightforward feel good novel. I'd recommend this read after reading something psychologically heavy or a "brick" book because the lightness will rejuvenate you. I enjoyed this book and these authors enough to cruise the aisles looking for their names.

-T.R. Horne, author of Breaking Möbius and blogger at www.ragingbookreviews.wordpress.com
Profile Image for LaShawn.
47 reviews
March 4, 2014
This fast paced novel takes us through the ins and outs of our favorite frenemies, Jasmine Cox Larson Bush and Rachel Jackson Adams on their latest adventure - a reality show about First Ladies. Whoa!!

Where do I start??? This book was a welcome surprise to the Jasmine/Rachel rivalry! I thought it couldn't get more dramatic between these two, but a reality show sure does bring out the claws, huh?

The authors introduced the drama IMMEDIATELY and set the tone for the one-ups these two experience during a 2-month period. I was surprised that we jump right into it so soon, but I should have expected it from these two authors!! Despite the OMG moments, we find the ladies have *somewhat* matured - mainly in their relationships with their husbands. We see glimmers of an actual friendship throughout their struggles, heightened by the return of Natasia (Jasmine's 'nemesis') and the introduction of Mary (Rachel's 'nemesis'.

It pained me to see how dysfunctional these women were in relationship - but sadly, the book was quite indicative of real life. I found myself rooting for someone (anyone) to be the bigger person and initiate some healing of old wounds. We see glimpses of it, so I remain hopeful for these crazy gals.

I can definitely see yet *another* sequel, or perhaps a spinoff on one of the sidebar characters.
Profile Image for OOSA .
1,802 reviews237 followers
August 3, 2016
Get It? Got It? Good!

For two people who don’t like each other, Jasmine Cox Larson Bush and Rachel Jackson Adams can’t seem to get enough of each other. The ladies are back, both sets (including Victoria and ReShonda), with the third installment featuring these love to hate/hate to love characters. The ladies are up to their usual shenanigans of trying to best the other. This time for the whole world to see on public TV with the reality show, First Ladies. With their pasts and secrets looming over their heads, Jasmine and Rachel quickly see the need to work together instead of against each other to defeat some common enemies.

I didn’t care for the direction of “Friends & Foes” as I found it too forced and convenient. “Fortune & Fame,” however, is back on track. By placing these two in a setting with the backdrop of a reality TV show, drama is bound to ensue naturally. Murray and Billingsley deliver an entertaining tale with just the right amount of drama, tension, and comedic relief. Again, the authors' voices blend well as if written by one person. Job well done.

Reviewed by: Toni
Profile Image for Tiffany Tyler.
689 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2014
Rachel and Jasmine are back and better than ever!! Fortune & Fame picks up right where the previous book ends and the ladies are getting ready to be the stars of a reality show. And, in true fashion, there is drama and tons of laughs before the show even begins to tape.

The ladies are normally at each other's throat, but when they find out they have a common enemy we see a shift in their relationship. I am amazed at the fact that Victoria and ReShonda take turns writing chapters as the flow is seamless. This book along with the others in the series are light-hearted, they tie in current pop culture, and they are good for a chuckle. I would highly recommend Fortune & Fame for anyone that is looking to read something that is full of fun but still gives a positive message at the end of the day!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of Fortune & Fame in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Adrienna.
Author 18 books242 followers
May 6, 2015
The writing was good but the storyline for me was just okay. It was an easy read though since I completed it within 2-3 days at work during no calls in the call center. The reality drama didn't really work for me although the concept is what is going on with reality TV today. Who wouldn't want to be on Oprah network with their own show.

Out of all the series I liked book 2: Friends and Foes due to the intriguing suspense with witty comedy moments. This is probably the least liked for me. But if you like the characters--driven by them, you will enjoy this read. If you are a fan of these characters, you will continue to read all the series which ironically I did for the past month! I also shared the read with a coworker who finished them in one sitting; if it goes not capture her, she will not read it! So don't take my word for it and read it for yourself to be the judge. You may absolutely love it.
Profile Image for Monique.
1,815 reviews
December 27, 2014
Jasmine and Rachel are back bad taking Atlanta by storm. The two are at each other's throats but promise to make their new reality show a hit. Mary joins the craziness with her preacher man husband, Nathan. The supporting crew makes this story jump from the pages just like the drama of reality TV. Mae Frances continues to steal the show while solving all problems that come up.

This writing duo is outstanding. I couldn't tell who wrote which chapters and the story flowed from one crazy act to another. Jasmine and Rachel are a force to be noticed - as First Ladies and Mothers - as they always come out on top. This is the 3rd installment of #TeamJasmine and #TeamRachel...but all along I've been #TeamMaeFrances! Do yourself a favor out this series at the top of your TBR pile!
Profile Image for Loretta.
Author 8 books62 followers
March 25, 2014
It takes two special writers to pen characters as vivid and daring in the church world like Rachel and Jasmine. When reality television comes calling, being a star is all up their alley but...who will trump who?

ReShonda Tate Billingsley and Victoria Christopher Murray took a canvas, filled it with twists, turns and flips readying their loyal readers for a roller coaster ride of drama!
Calculating pawns like Mae Frances, Reverend Nathan Frazier and Natasha Redding, Make formidable seem meek within the pages as they turn at a steady pace.
Billingsley and Murray provide an entertaining read with life long lessons embedded in the story line.

5 stars
Profile Image for Jessica Goodman.
76 reviews13 followers
March 15, 2014
I give the book four stars because it kept my attention but I think I will retire this series from my list of must reads. I have grown a little weary of the characters. I would definitely recommend this book for others to read but I personally feel that I have outgrown the series. Reality shows and cat fights.. and frenemies make for an entertaining drama filled book. For those who live for the "reading". "the shade", and "the tea" this is for you. So cut off RHOA and curl up with this goody.

Read it Now
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,942 reviews13 followers
July 2, 2014
Loved it Jasmine and Rachel are truly still a mess and a Reality show between theme on Lord! Loved this novel and all the antics that came along with the storyline. They can't get along most times but better not nobody mess withe them they will bond together and drag Mae Frances in the mix and you have a great bunch of mishaps and lessons learned. I really enjoy both Victoria and ReShonda and together they are a force to be reckoned with. Great job enjoyed it and look forward to more good novels in the future.
Profile Image for Kanisha Jones.
17 reviews4 followers
April 20, 2014
I received this book from NetGalley and have read all of the books in this series....

I absolutely LOVED this book and the way both authors bring their characters together! Jasmine, Rachel, and Mae Frances are a HOOT! I appreciate how the story lines uses pop culture and real life people to play into the story! I don't know what more trouble these two can get into BUT I hope there is more to come!
Profile Image for Diane Rembert.
1,256 reviews43 followers
September 21, 2014
Jasmine Larson Bush and Rachel Adams are back once again for the taping of a reality show about First Ladies. The producers are doing their best to dig up dirt on them and catch them off guard. One of which is Lester's former mistress and baby's mother Mary, whose husband has his own hidden agenda. Most of the old characters make an appearance, including Lester Adams, Hosea Bush and Mae Francis.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next installment of the series.
Profile Image for Caroline Haithcoath.
21 reviews
July 1, 2015
I just finished Fortune & Fame: A Novel and gave it 5 stars. Another hit by this dynamic duo- Victoria and ReShonda Jasmine & Rachel lived up to their legend, but also surprisingly came together to support each other albeit reluctantly at first. They work together well as a team and should just be comfortable with trusting each other and knockoff all the silly competition BUT it wouldn't be them. Lots of turns in this book; fast paced, which is awesome!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ShayBooks.
801 reviews17 followers
July 7, 2014
These two authors has done it again. Lady Jasmine and Lady Rachel are off the hook, they are drama on top of drama and you never know what these two are going to do. I love Mae Frances she ain't no joke, I don't know what those two would do without her. I really enjoyed this book and this series I really hope it is not over .
Profile Image for April.
325 reviews4 followers
March 17, 2014
The writing twins does it again. I absolutely loved this book. It was a fun and unpredictable read. Lady Jasmine & First Lady Rachel, self proclaimed Frenemies, are back throwing more shade than a lil bit at one another, but they have to come together, with help from the one and only Mae Frances, to deal with real enemies in their lives.
Profile Image for Revae.
182 reviews13 followers
April 21, 2014
These authors do not disappoint separately and they are killing the game collaboratively. I enjoyed Jasmine and Rachel being together again. I don't know what they have in store for us next but I know that I can't wait to read it.
Profile Image for Tamekai Mills.
12 reviews3 followers
March 3, 2014
Great continuation ladies! Looking forward to the next collaboration. I would like to see if Natasia "changes" before her condition worsens and I would love to see you delve into Mae Frances past. And PLEASE let Rachel get some Jesus, lol....or at least some class, lol. Good job!
Profile Image for Toni.
710 reviews
April 17, 2014
Another good read by Victoria Christopher Murray & ReShonda Tate Billingsley. The heroines of Sinners & Saints are now stars of a reality tv show. More drama thst makes the "frenemies" form sn alliance against their foes.
Profile Image for Karen.
999 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2014

Victoria Christopher Murray and ReShonda Tate Billingsley have done it again. Jasmine and Rachel at it again, this time on a reality show….LOL…Jasmine and Rachel have a very crazy relationship…….best of enemies…….Mae Frances is still around helping….Thumbs up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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