What Goes Around: A Novel

by Parry A. Brown

THE SISTER HAD IT ALL–UNTIL KARMA CAME TO TOWN.

A successful businesswoman, Catherine Hawkins has lived an enviable life of luxury, thanks to an ambition that has made her stop at nothing–including abandoning her own twin daughters when they were born eighteen years ago. After going AWOL, Catherine sent lavish gifts to Ariana and Alisa, while the children’s father, Terry Winston, and his wife, Jackie, reared the girls with all their love and care.

Now, as the twins are ready to graduate high school, Catherine is suddenly begging to visit and full of affection. A change of heart is hardly her motive, Catherine needs the girls–at least one of them–to save her life. For her kidneys are failing, and unless one of her daughters gives her an organ, Catherine may not be around long enough to find another compatible donor.

The news of Catherine’s illness affects her estranged family in different ways, as each member struggles with anger, resentment, and a sense of guilt over turning a blind eye. And when a decision is finally made, an unexpected secret is revealed–one that will rock the Winston family, heart and soul.

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't realize there was a book before this one when I found it at the library, but I enjoyed the read. Businesswoman Catherine Hawkins has not allowed nothing to step in her way of becoming CEO, not even her twin daughters, who she gave away to their father and his current wife to be raised. Now Catherine has a extreme health issue, and needs help from one of her daughters. Parry Brown is an amazing author and her books are so good, they can be read in one sitting. you won't want to put them down. Excellent Story.

[Cheryl Durham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't resist the opportunity to catch up with Catherine, the Winston's and Roland and Cedes. Little did I know that Catherine would be up to same crap but this time...her life truly rested in the hands of her daughters. I guess it's true....you should always be careful and mindful of your actions while climbing because the same people you meet going up... You most surely will see or possibly need on your way down.

Catherine has become a mogul but she still has not learned that "health is wealth" and relationships...real relationships... Don't come with a price tag. The Winston clan has grown, Transitions have taken place for the matriarch and the twins are graduating. Brown has done it again. She allows the reader to see growth and transition mixed with some ugliness. She doesn't sugarcoat anything. You must read it...family and home is truly where the heart is.......

Brown also touches a subject has often been read about: the importance of minorities being put on the register for organ donations. Kidney failure and dialysis occurs so frequently. Although dialysis helps those in need, there is nothing like a match. Minorities are more likely to stay on waiting list for a long time... because of the lack of a match. We've got to do better with donations and testing...a life can be saved.

[Amanda Crowe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book but it was terribly hard. The beginning was very slow. I read a third of the book before I could get into it. Ariana's character was underdeveloped. The first third of the book would have been better spent driving into the twins feelings about their mother. There were a lot of unnecessary descriptions, events and revelations. The end left a lot to be desired. It didn't provide closer or any reassurances, it just ended. Disappointing.

[Brigitte · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was so disappointed in this book... very repetitive, predictable, and, really, plot-less. I had high hopes since the author thanked Victoria Christopher Murray, who's one of my favorites, but alas...

[Aprille]

Interesting..a novel about choices..and how they can make or break us..Catherine is a successful business woman who chooses career over parenting..the webs she weaves in the end come back to bite her in the butt

[Sha M · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

[Markita Alston]

Catherine is sooo scandalous. I could not handle a mother like that. I would be acting just like Alisa and I'm surprised how much Ariana wants to be around her.