When You Dance with the Devil explores the complicated lives of two lost souls looking to start over at a Maryland boarding house. Fannie Johnson has seen darn near all the world has to offer at her Thank the Lord Boarding House. It is home to a variety of interesting people who regard each other as family. One such is Sarah Jolene Tilman, who, after spending 35 years under the thumb of her vindictive mother, is ready to strike out on her own. In stark contrast, Richard Peterson has done more than his share of living and is looking for simpler pleasures. Under Fannie's watchful eye, each will embark on a path of self-exploration and find that life is nothing if not a wildly unpredictable journey.
Essence best-selling author Gwynne Forster writes thought-provoking tales of love and personal growth.
Gwynne Forster (1922-2015) was the pseudonym of American novelist, short fiction writer, demographer, and sociologist Gwendolyn Johnson-Acsadi. Forster was best known as an early innovator of the African American Romance fiction tradition. Forster was a prolific writer who authored more than 50 books, as well as multiple studies in the field of demography. Forster won a wide readership with her novels and garnered awards, including the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Black Writers Alliance Gold Pen Award.
I've never not finished a book, but this pained me to read. Found ALLL OF THE CHARACTERS irritating to some degree which just ruined the whole thing. Disappointing really as I've read a book by Gwynne before and very much enjoyed it. Shame.
I don't know why this book has such high ratings (granted, it's only got a few reviews/ratings) - it really didn't do it for me. By the end, I was just praying for it to end. The only saving grace was Judd (not sure of the spelling as I listened to this as an audiobook). I couldn't identify with the characters, even though I tried really hard to. They all had aspects that were just too unbelievable, or that annoyed me to no end. The one thing that did keep my attention was that the book takes place on the eastern shore of Maryland and I saw/drove past some of those places this summer. If you've absolutely got nothing else to read, then go ahead...
Another great book by Gwynne Forster. Just like anything else in life it's NOT for everyone. however if you're open to psychological nuances, then it's a book for you. It's was a great read and very much enjoyed of how people can relate and mature in most unexpected places.
Great Book...Showed a woman learning her worth after making several mistakes because she did not have the right information...Really good at describing people and how they view themselves and others.