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Mistress #3
Mother
The final part of the ‘Mistress’ Trilogy.
Married to Jayson Holmes, and managing school, an emerging interest in a fashion career, extended family and new friends, Keisha’s life has changed well beyond anything she ever imagined. But Jayson has even more changes on his mind–he wants to be a father.
But how can Keisha, who never believed she would be a wife, come to terms with an even more challenging role? Will she rise to the occasion and embrace the joy, fear and uncertainty of motherhood? Or will she allow old habits–and old friends–to threaten the fragile peace she’s finally found?
Married to Jayson Holmes, and managing school, an emerging interest in a fashion career, extended family and new friends, Keisha’s life has changed well beyond anything she ever imagined. But Jayson has even more changes on his mind–he wants to be a father.
But how can Keisha, who never believed she would be a wife, come to terms with an even more challenging role? Will she rise to the occasion and embrace the joy, fear and uncertainty of motherhood? Or will she allow old habits–and old friends–to threaten the fragile peace she’s finally found?
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2014
About the author
Nia Forrester
53 books1,033 followersI live in Philadelphia, PA where by day I work on public policy reform, and by night I read authors who move me, and write woman-centered fiction.
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January 11, 2026APB Perspective Reviews:
When I finished this book I did not know what to say, Nia Forrester continually surprises me with her story telling and she kept me on the edge of my seat in this book. I was very nervous because I did not know what mistakes this couple would make ,or if they could recover for them. Insecurity will have you allowing yourself be in situations you know aren't right, but you do it any way because ,you are not sure you deserve or will be chosen, with all of your imaginary flaws. Jay and Keisha made did this in Mother, and as I read what was happing, I was begging them not to do it , but they would not listen. I watched Keshia and Jay become parents but not in the way you would think , Jay Parents a friend and Keshia herself. I felt Keisha needed to love and accept herself to be the parent she was afraid she could not be, that by accepting and loving herself and being her separate self , she was ready to be a Mother. My one complaint is I wanted the whole motherhood story for Keisha , I wanted to take the journey with Keisha and Jay and their baby,I wanted to see them as actual parents , I felt we deserved to see Keisha come full circle. Keisha was a character I never thought I would root for ,but with the talent of this author, I not only rooted for her I cheered and love her. Please give us one more book !
When I finished this book I did not know what to say, Nia Forrester continually surprises me with her story telling and she kept me on the edge of my seat in this book. I was very nervous because I did not know what mistakes this couple would make ,or if they could recover for them. Insecurity will have you allowing yourself be in situations you know aren't right, but you do it any way because ,you are not sure you deserve or will be chosen, with all of your imaginary flaws. Jay and Keisha made did this in Mother, and as I read what was happing, I was begging them not to do it , but they would not listen. I watched Keshia and Jay become parents but not in the way you would think , Jay Parents a friend and Keshia herself. I felt Keisha needed to love and accept herself to be the parent she was afraid she could not be, that by accepting and loving herself and being her separate self , she was ready to be a Mother. My one complaint is I wanted the whole motherhood story for Keisha , I wanted to take the journey with Keisha and Jay and their baby,I wanted to see them as actual parents , I felt we deserved to see Keisha come full circle. Keisha was a character I never thought I would root for ,but with the talent of this author, I not only rooted for her I cheered and love her. Please give us one more book !
December 18, 2014
“You don't drown by falling in the water; you drown by staying there”………Edwin Louis Cole
Keisha didn’t drown…..(let me first say as an avid reader, yes I get frustrated with grammatical errors and passage repeats in a book, however if the body of work by the author is impeccable I can overlook that infraction as it is not the norm….) with that said, Where oh where do I begin… Keisha and Jay took me on more turns than the Kraken……. My nerves were shot to hell. I had to inbox Nia to hold my hand.. (lol)
I must say I was not a Keisha fan. No sir I was not. I give all the credit to this author who knows how to pull you into her characters so forcibly that you see them as the spark in her belly, the ink on her pages and finally the words in your Kindle, IPad or phone. Keisha’s maturation could not be rushed. I have seen the steps it has climbed through each book. I loved how Nia went back and allowed us to glimpse how the psyche that is Keisha was formulated and shaped. We were able to see why she could not grasp that Jay loved her for all the good, the bad and lord the ugly. Jay had his issues also. He wanted Kei to let go and believe in his love but he did not fully believe in it himself. He was still insecure in the knowledge that she too loved him for simply Jay for all the good, the bad and the ugly. Mannnn I wanted to kill them both I really did. I was on edge. I told Nia if you make her (do this thing)…wink I will never forgive you….(wink). I felt the ending was not an ending, meaning I asked myself does this mean we get another book. That I would have to say is my only grip about the book… I wanted to see Kei in her new station in life as “Mother”… however, I was not disappointed, but hey it’s Nia…
Keisha didn’t drown…..(let me first say as an avid reader, yes I get frustrated with grammatical errors and passage repeats in a book, however if the body of work by the author is impeccable I can overlook that infraction as it is not the norm….) with that said, Where oh where do I begin… Keisha and Jay took me on more turns than the Kraken……. My nerves were shot to hell. I had to inbox Nia to hold my hand.. (lol)
I must say I was not a Keisha fan. No sir I was not. I give all the credit to this author who knows how to pull you into her characters so forcibly that you see them as the spark in her belly, the ink on her pages and finally the words in your Kindle, IPad or phone. Keisha’s maturation could not be rushed. I have seen the steps it has climbed through each book. I loved how Nia went back and allowed us to glimpse how the psyche that is Keisha was formulated and shaped. We were able to see why she could not grasp that Jay loved her for all the good, the bad and lord the ugly. Jay had his issues also. He wanted Kei to let go and believe in his love but he did not fully believe in it himself. He was still insecure in the knowledge that she too loved him for simply Jay for all the good, the bad and the ugly. Mannnn I wanted to kill them both I really did. I was on edge. I told Nia if you make her (do this thing)…wink I will never forgive you….(wink). I felt the ending was not an ending, meaning I asked myself does this mean we get another book. That I would have to say is my only grip about the book… I wanted to see Kei in her new station in life as “Mother”… however, I was not disappointed, but hey it’s Nia…
January 30, 2015
Hmmmm...I really hate giving reviews but I gotta be honest...it actually took me a while to read this book...I guess I got a little bored with this book...reading about the neighbor was a little sad and depressing...and for some reason I felt like Keisha and Jay relationship seemed boring after they became married...I wanted a little more drama and I wanted them to have their baby early and see what kind of mom Keisha became...I was a little sad to learn that even at the end there were no mention of the gender or anything...I just felt like this story was missing something...but I still enjoy Nia Forrester's books...this was just not one of my favorites.
January 25, 2015
Well Done- BRAB ONLINE BOOK CLUB
I truly enjoyed the final book in the series that chronicles Jay and Keisha's life and romance. It's a fitting conclusion that went full circle.
Keisha's story began with her as a paid mistress that was focused on what she could get from rich men; doing whatever she had to do to achieve her goal. Jay's life included a stint in prison for a crime he did not commit; losing both parents while incarcerated.
The author has done a great job of telling their story and show their growth into adulthood. A job well done.
I truly enjoyed the final book in the series that chronicles Jay and Keisha's life and romance. It's a fitting conclusion that went full circle.
Keisha's story began with her as a paid mistress that was focused on what she could get from rich men; doing whatever she had to do to achieve her goal. Jay's life included a stint in prison for a crime he did not commit; losing both parents while incarcerated.
The author has done a great job of telling their story and show their growth into adulthood. A job well done.
April 13, 2015
Perfect ending to a great trilogy. When I first met Keisha in 'Commitment' I did not like her. 'Mistress' and 'Wife', I started liking her a little. This book I fell in love with her. Nia did a very good job of telling her story. All she wanted was someone to love and to love her. She found that in Jayson. Nia has become one of my new favorite authors and looking forward to more from her.
January 15, 2021
Ummm I’ll try to explain...
This trilogy was...a turn off from Nia’s other novel’s. It took me awhile to get into it. Keisha...was so broken it was a surprise she didn’t resort back to her other “ways” of being taken care of. Jay...he was broken as well, and in my opinion they both needed to fix they’re brokenness to be able to unify themselves in matrimony. Marriage is hard, love is hard, relationships are had. However, these two were undoubtedly not ready for a matrimonial future. To break up the monotony of the main characters, it would’ve been nice to hear some of they’re stories too.
I really appreciate Nias’ other books, this trilogy just made me upset, I wanted more. It was boring. Keisha was the ugly swan, turned beautiful in the end. By that time it’s the end of the book, or trilogy so I don’t get to see the transformation. Just little bits and pieces of her trying to help herself. Oh and Jay helping her as he could.
I do not like returning a book I’ve already started. So I continued....& continued. And since it was a trilogy I kept going. But only by “tooth & nail”. Because it was so repetitive....she broken needs reassurance. He’s saving her cause he’s broken too...blah blah blah...give me a remix of what happen out West, maybe she could’ve gotten counseling. Anything!! In my opinion...LOL
Other than that. Many Blessings Nia. And I can’t wait to read more of your more riveting books, in my opinion LOL.
This trilogy was...a turn off from Nia’s other novel’s. It took me awhile to get into it. Keisha...was so broken it was a surprise she didn’t resort back to her other “ways” of being taken care of. Jay...he was broken as well, and in my opinion they both needed to fix they’re brokenness to be able to unify themselves in matrimony. Marriage is hard, love is hard, relationships are had. However, these two were undoubtedly not ready for a matrimonial future. To break up the monotony of the main characters, it would’ve been nice to hear some of they’re stories too.
I really appreciate Nias’ other books, this trilogy just made me upset, I wanted more. It was boring. Keisha was the ugly swan, turned beautiful in the end. By that time it’s the end of the book, or trilogy so I don’t get to see the transformation. Just little bits and pieces of her trying to help herself. Oh and Jay helping her as he could.
I do not like returning a book I’ve already started. So I continued....& continued. And since it was a trilogy I kept going. But only by “tooth & nail”. Because it was so repetitive....she broken needs reassurance. He’s saving her cause he’s broken too...blah blah blah...give me a remix of what happen out West, maybe she could’ve gotten counseling. Anything!! In my opinion...LOL
Other than that. Many Blessings Nia. And I can’t wait to read more of your more riveting books, in my opinion LOL.
July 28, 2025
Broken
Exhausting 🤦🏾♀️🥴‼️As previously stated, nobody openly expressed nor communicated their thoughts & or feelings….rather: adult temper tantrums, silent treatments, avoidance, defection & assumptions was the dysfunctional norm for Keisha & Rey, Keisha & Jay, Jay & Chloe etc. Sadly, they’re all broken vessels constantly compensating for grief/pains/fears/regrets & or inadequacies etc. with a new adventure rather than travale through the conflict for a resolution🤔😖🤷🏾♀️‼️There’s never any verbal communication or conflict resolution between these two. …“Mother (The Mistress Trilogy - Book 3)” was a exasperating but a good read. I’m silently advocating for this family. But particularly for both Key & Jay’s (& Rey too 🤷🏾♀️) personal growth, emotional healing & maturity. However, I’m simultaneously frustrated that Keisha & Jay (& Rey too 🤦🏾♀️) which gravitated towards ancillary emotional support & distractions with people like Betty, Paula, Fiona & or Marcus. Not ideal, but it’s an olive branch to stability“mother”, “wife” & or “husband” are just titles with inadequate sense of security🤷🏾♀️‼️Relationships (all) require work‼️
Exhausting 🤦🏾♀️🥴‼️As previously stated, nobody openly expressed nor communicated their thoughts & or feelings….rather: adult temper tantrums, silent treatments, avoidance, defection & assumptions was the dysfunctional norm for Keisha & Rey, Keisha & Jay, Jay & Chloe etc. Sadly, they’re all broken vessels constantly compensating for grief/pains/fears/regrets & or inadequacies etc. with a new adventure rather than travale through the conflict for a resolution🤔😖🤷🏾♀️‼️There’s never any verbal communication or conflict resolution between these two. …“Mother (The Mistress Trilogy - Book 3)” was a exasperating but a good read. I’m silently advocating for this family. But particularly for both Key & Jay’s (& Rey too 🤷🏾♀️) personal growth, emotional healing & maturity. However, I’m simultaneously frustrated that Keisha & Jay (& Rey too 🤦🏾♀️) which gravitated towards ancillary emotional support & distractions with people like Betty, Paula, Fiona & or Marcus. Not ideal, but it’s an olive branch to stability“mother”, “wife” & or “husband” are just titles with inadequate sense of security🤷🏾♀️‼️Relationships (all) require work‼️
January 29, 2019
Made me love someone I swore I hated!
I deliberately avoided this entire series because as talented as NF had proven herself to me (have literally loved everything I’ve read), I HATED Keisha and couldn’t see myself coming around to being empathetic, much less liking her. But this is a reminder that a talented writer reminds us that we are ALL more than our worst decision. And so many of us walk around broken, but clueless on how to fix it. I loved this series because Nia very skillfully showed BOTH partners in their shades of grey and making poor decisions. So there was no victim or perpetrator, that two people who — as Jayson astutely observed — kept breaking each other’s hearts. I have to say of all of Nia’s books, this has turned out to be the best surprise because I almost approached it with my lip curled and a serious side-eye but walked away with compassion for both of them and a real appreciation for the journey Keisha, in particular, had been on to get to where she was. EXCELLENT READ!
I deliberately avoided this entire series because as talented as NF had proven herself to me (have literally loved everything I’ve read), I HATED Keisha and couldn’t see myself coming around to being empathetic, much less liking her. But this is a reminder that a talented writer reminds us that we are ALL more than our worst decision. And so many of us walk around broken, but clueless on how to fix it. I loved this series because Nia very skillfully showed BOTH partners in their shades of grey and making poor decisions. So there was no victim or perpetrator, that two people who — as Jayson astutely observed — kept breaking each other’s hearts. I have to say of all of Nia’s books, this has turned out to be the best surprise because I almost approached it with my lip curled and a serious side-eye but walked away with compassion for both of them and a real appreciation for the journey Keisha, in particular, had been on to get to where she was. EXCELLENT READ!
December 22, 2025
All the respect I hace for Nia Forrester, ohh my. Girl, she will have you forcefully seeing her characters for who they are, real people. Not gonna lie, Key and Jay drive/drove me crazy because they both don't believe in themselves and the love they have for each other- I think Key is still stuck in believing she is unworthy of love or unlovable, its almost like she was waiting for Jay to leave her at any inconvenience, as for Jay, I think he pushes Key to fit certain molds which suit him and work for him.
Jay and Jey have elements of people you know or have known, they are not fairytale princes and princesses. They are flawed humans trying to make their love stories happen and I love that. I think we have seen them grow and try find their fporing and it isn't beautiful nor perfect, bit really messy and complicated. Also side nkte, they did a lot of dumb things amd they knew it was dumb, I strongly dislied Marissa.
Jay and Jey have elements of people you know or have known, they are not fairytale princes and princesses. They are flawed humans trying to make their love stories happen and I love that. I think we have seen them grow and try find their fporing and it isn't beautiful nor perfect, bit really messy and complicated. Also side nkte, they did a lot of dumb things amd they knew it was dumb, I strongly dislied Marissa.
October 28, 2019
Keisha and Jayson stressed me TF out! LOL Omg I wanted to literally choke both of them. I never once doubted the love both of them had for each other. What I never quite understood from book 1 were these additional friendships they maintained outside of their relationship which blurred the lines. For Jayson it was both Fiona and Betty. For Keisha it was Marcus. They spent so much time feeling inadequate and insecure that they were both just doing stupid stuff. I was getting really worried at one point that they weren't going to make it. What I loved about this series was that everything wasn't all rainbows and flowers. You got to see them both grow together as a couple through the good and the bad. You got to witness them choosing each other over and over again. Though, frustrating as hell, it was so beautiful at the same time. I would've definitely been here for a book 4! LOL
May 22, 2025
If I didn’t know there is another book that updates you on their life later down the line I would be mad lol. How it ends i won’t lie i don’t feel confident their marriage would last. Bother Jayson and Keisha need therapy, they lack good communication skills for people who claim to be best friends. I don’t know hearing her side of what happened with her scandal was interesting, but Jayson came off horrible in this book to me. He was such a hyprocrite, and never really apologized in a way that felt meaningful to me. I’ll say this, Nia writes REAL people. These are you know or have known, they are not fairytale princes and princesses. They are flawed humans trying to make their love stories happen and i love that.
April 17, 2021
Jayson and Keisha continued to frustrate me with their choices and actions toward people of the opposite sex. Sometimes I felt that maybe they were forcing the relationship. Glad they over came the trials and tribulations bc that’s part of marriage sticking out the tough stuff. Loving each other through problems.
Book 2 is titled Wife and book 3 is titled mother but I think we got so much more of keisha as a wife in book 3. I love that she got her confidence in preparation to be br a mother in book 3 but that was more towards the end.
I would live to read more of them as a family with their child/children
Book 2 is titled Wife and book 3 is titled mother but I think we got so much more of keisha as a wife in book 3. I love that she got her confidence in preparation to be br a mother in book 3 but that was more towards the end.
I would live to read more of them as a family with their child/children
April 15, 2026
I remember my strong dislike for Keisha in Shawn and Riley’s book. So it took me awhile to get to her story but the thing about Nia books you not getting caught up in drama, you are getting a insightful read on human nature. Why is it they made certain decisions in the particular circumstance they are in and it’s not boring! It’s so entertaining almost like the characters themselves are telling you their own story and I understood her and Jayson at times even with my frustrations at them because the struggle was so subtle but real. I am glad I read this trilogy. I hope to find more reads like this.
September 11, 2019
The End?
Ok the masterful writer has caused this reader to become invested in Keisha of all characters. She seems to have grown up and realized that she has the company of her husband Jay in the blame department for a few ails of their marriage. She dug in and put on her big girl panties staying the course for the sake of her love for her husband and her growing family. Now what?
Ok the masterful writer has caused this reader to become invested in Keisha of all characters. She seems to have grown up and realized that she has the company of her husband Jay in the blame department for a few ails of their marriage. She dug in and put on her big girl panties staying the course for the sake of her love for her husband and her growing family. Now what?
December 17, 2020
Well written...but not my favorite
So this series was a bit hard for me to get through because once I discovered it was about The Kiesha from the commitment series I almost shut down. But!!!!! The writer conquered the challenge of creating a villain from one point of view but then transforming her into a heroine in another. I even felt bad for her at one point. So yeah... read it
So this series was a bit hard for me to get through because once I discovered it was about The Kiesha from the commitment series I almost shut down. But!!!!! The writer conquered the challenge of creating a villain from one point of view but then transforming her into a heroine in another. I even felt bad for her at one point. So yeah... read it
August 9, 2021
I want More!!!
Keisha and Jay have been married for awhile now, but of course they still have little problems, but the biggest problem was Jay wants kids and Keisha doesn't, but she doesn't tell him. When hurtful things are said from bothe Keisha and Jayson, they go through a period of not sure if they will make it. Finally communicating and working on their relationship, Keisha and Jayson continued to learn each other and have a great marriage. I loved everything about this series and didnt want it to end. Keisha grew into a great woman and in the end got what she always wanted, love!!!
Keisha and Jay have been married for awhile now, but of course they still have little problems, but the biggest problem was Jay wants kids and Keisha doesn't, but she doesn't tell him. When hurtful things are said from bothe Keisha and Jayson, they go through a period of not sure if they will make it. Finally communicating and working on their relationship, Keisha and Jayson continued to learn each other and have a great marriage. I loved everything about this series and didnt want it to end. Keisha grew into a great woman and in the end got what she always wanted, love!!!
June 10, 2018
Mother (The Mistress Trilogy Book 3)
What can I say? These 📚 are well worth the coins. No negative. Only POSITIVE vibes go out to the author Nia Forrester for this series.
P.S. Encore please... titled Family or Keisha's Family. I need to know more about Jayson, Keisha and their 🚼! What do you say?
What can I say? These 📚 are well worth the coins. No negative. Only POSITIVE vibes go out to the author Nia Forrester for this series.
P.S. Encore please... titled Family or Keisha's Family. I need to know more about Jayson, Keisha and their 🚼! What do you say?
November 1, 2018
Nice Conclusion
I did not want to initially read this series about Keshia. I remember buying, but never taking the time to read it. I went back and re-read the series because of Nia’a new release and I wanted to be up to date. By book two, this couple was getting on my nerves, but I had to read book three to know how it ended. I enjoyed this more than the Wife.
I did not want to initially read this series about Keshia. I remember buying, but never taking the time to read it. I went back and re-read the series because of Nia’a new release and I wanted to be up to date. By book two, this couple was getting on my nerves, but I had to read book three to know how it ended. I enjoyed this more than the Wife.
June 21, 2017
This actually wasn't my favorite in the series...still a good story but for some reason i didnt connect with the characters as much in this one...i am glad to see Keisha finally started asserting her independence more and that was what made me most happy about this one...
September 8, 2017
Please be 4
The development of these two has been awesome! Their since book one is PHENOMENAL. I'm glad that J has made a path for himself. It's interesting to see K find herself. I hope this isn't the end of the journey for them just yet.
The development of these two has been awesome! Their since book one is PHENOMENAL. I'm glad that J has made a path for himself. It's interesting to see K find herself. I hope this isn't the end of the journey for them just yet.
July 8, 2020
Redemption
If ever a character needed a story of redemption, Keshia Crawford was definitely one of them. But by the end of this story and throughout this series, she finally made me root for her! And having the love of one Jayson Holmes most certainly didn't hurt her case!
If ever a character needed a story of redemption, Keshia Crawford was definitely one of them. But by the end of this story and throughout this series, she finally made me root for her! And having the love of one Jayson Holmes most certainly didn't hurt her case!
January 14, 2021
Good read.
If you read this book it will help if you start with book one in the Committed series. This author writes intelligent well thought out books. There are a lot of characters that you can find in other books. It up to you if you have the time.
If you read this book it will help if you start with book one in the Committed series. This author writes intelligent well thought out books. There are a lot of characters that you can find in other books. It up to you if you have the time.
June 6, 2022
Emotional affairs
Feeling a little robbed by the ending..I became invest in these two and feel like I've been left hanging. Anyway, Kecia and Jay hold on through their emotional affairs.
Feeling a little robbed by the ending..I became invest in these two and feel like I've been left hanging. Anyway, Kecia and Jay hold on through their emotional affairs.
June 3, 2017
Wonderful Ending
This was a great series. It was great to see an imperfect person with an ugly past have an opportunity to leave the bad behind and have a chance at a good life.
This was a great series. It was great to see an imperfect person with an ugly past have an opportunity to leave the bad behind and have a chance at a good life.
July 3, 2018
Want More
I have enjoyed the series and would love to read more with other characters or even about those in the series. I would love to find out what happens to Mr. Wilburn.
I have enjoyed the series and would love to read more with other characters or even about those in the series. I would love to find out what happens to Mr. Wilburn.
August 24, 2019
I wasn't ready
Where's the rest? I loooooooved this read. As always, now I want more. I want, no need to know what happened next. Can't wait for more from this fabulous novelist.
Where's the rest? I loooooooved this read. As always, now I want more. I want, no need to know what happened next. Can't wait for more from this fabulous novelist.
July 21, 2021
Unexpectedly Delightful
I really enjoyed this series and seeing Keisha’s story come full circle. From being a mistress to a girlfriend,fiancé,wife and then mother!! 10/10
I really enjoyed this series and seeing Keisha’s story come full circle. From being a mistress to a girlfriend,fiancé,wife and then mother!! 10/10
April 30, 2023
All three in the series were absolutely brilliant. To see the other side of ‘that girl’ was amazing.
July 20, 2025
Now miss author…why would you end the book like that??????
December 30, 2014
When I first heard that Nia Forrester was working on the final book in the Mistress series, I literally jumped for joy. I've loved following Keisha and Jayson's love story--even when both characters were initially portrayed as so flawed that they should have been unlikeable. But as the series progressed, the layers of their defences were peeled away and suddenly Nia revealed two very vulnerable people, afraid to trust in love even when they both longed to love and be loved.
In Mistress, we watched as they came together but couldn't commit to one another completely; in Wife, we watched them finally commit to one another even as others tried to interfere with their relationship. Now in Mother, Jayson and Keisha are balanced on a razor's edge--with Jayson ready to start a family while trying to maintain his new business, and Keisha unwilling to compromise as she tries to establish her new life as a design student and her job as a seamstress with an NYC-based dance company. While they try to find some neutral territory, Jayson embarks on a friendship with a woman that verges on being inappropriate and Keisha comes to realise that a mutual friend's on-again-off-again girlfriend may not be the best influence in her life, especially when it forces to the surface some uncomfortable truths.
What I loved about Mother was how Nia handled the stark contrast between Jayson's intense longing to be a father (even as he disregards Keisha's unease at motherhood) versus Keisha's longing to finish her education and have a career. Both characters and their hopes and fears are so deftly drawn that you feel instantly connected to them. I also loved how tight the novel's pacing is. There is never a moment when the story lags. Getting to know more of Keisha's backstory and what led her to the path she initially took in Mistress made her all the more vulnerable and increased my empathy for her as a character. But I think one of the best things about Mother was the character development--watching Jayson mature and realise he could not force Keisha to bend to his will, that he needed to let her think for herself and make her own decisions, and seeing Keisha take control of her life and finally understand that loving someone doesn't mean being submissive or giving in to the loved one's every demand. As she finally came into her own and blossomed into an independent woman, she became the sort of woman she always wanted to be without even seeming to realise it.
A worthy conclusion to such an intense series. I will miss reading about Jayson and Keisha. Who knows? Maybe Nia will surprise us with a little more of their story?
In Mistress, we watched as they came together but couldn't commit to one another completely; in Wife, we watched them finally commit to one another even as others tried to interfere with their relationship. Now in Mother, Jayson and Keisha are balanced on a razor's edge--with Jayson ready to start a family while trying to maintain his new business, and Keisha unwilling to compromise as she tries to establish her new life as a design student and her job as a seamstress with an NYC-based dance company. While they try to find some neutral territory, Jayson embarks on a friendship with a woman that verges on being inappropriate and Keisha comes to realise that a mutual friend's on-again-off-again girlfriend may not be the best influence in her life, especially when it forces to the surface some uncomfortable truths.
What I loved about Mother was how Nia handled the stark contrast between Jayson's intense longing to be a father (even as he disregards Keisha's unease at motherhood) versus Keisha's longing to finish her education and have a career. Both characters and their hopes and fears are so deftly drawn that you feel instantly connected to them. I also loved how tight the novel's pacing is. There is never a moment when the story lags. Getting to know more of Keisha's backstory and what led her to the path she initially took in Mistress made her all the more vulnerable and increased my empathy for her as a character. But I think one of the best things about Mother was the character development--watching Jayson mature and realise he could not force Keisha to bend to his will, that he needed to let her think for herself and make her own decisions, and seeing Keisha take control of her life and finally understand that loving someone doesn't mean being submissive or giving in to the loved one's every demand. As she finally came into her own and blossomed into an independent woman, she became the sort of woman she always wanted to be without even seeming to realise it.
A worthy conclusion to such an intense series. I will miss reading about Jayson and Keisha. Who knows? Maybe Nia will surprise us with a little more of their story?
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