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Four Ladies Only
Sheridan Hawkins is a chain-smoking, former high school prom queen, trying to survive a marriage fraught with financial and emotional difficulties. Faye “Dimples” Davis is the first lady of a megachurch who desperately wants to have a baby. Victoria Williams is an elementary school teacher fighting for the love of her estranged husband and children. Danielle Wiley is a powerhouse attorney grappling with her sexual identity. These are the heroines of “Four Ladies Only.”
Their friendship began two decades ago in middle school and continued through high school. However, in their senior year, a horrific event took place that destroyed their relationship and belief and trust in one another. Twenty years later, the death of their mutual friend, Sabrina Brown, motivates them to try to reconcile. However, in the process, they are forced to tackle the secrets, lies, deceit, and hypocrisy that underpin each of their lives. But they soon come to realize that their biggest hurdle will be facing and reliving the one night that led to twenty years of separation.
Their friendship began two decades ago in middle school and continued through high school. However, in their senior year, a horrific event took place that destroyed their relationship and belief and trust in one another. Twenty years later, the death of their mutual friend, Sabrina Brown, motivates them to try to reconcile. However, in the process, they are forced to tackle the secrets, lies, deceit, and hypocrisy that underpin each of their lives. But they soon come to realize that their biggest hurdle will be facing and reliving the one night that led to twenty years of separation.
289 pages, Paperback
First published January 26, 2014
409 people are currently reading
660 people want to read
About the author
Alretha Thomas
18 books223 followersShortly after graduating from USC with a degree in journalism, Alretha soon realized her interest in her major was not heartfelt. Instead of writing news stories, she wanted to write plays and books. Several years later, her church gave her an outlet to fulfill her writing desires through their Liturgical Fine Arts Department wherein Alretha penned twelve theatre pieces—the community response was overwhelming. This led to plays outside of the church, including Alretha’s One Woman, Two Lives, starring Kellita Smith (The Bernie Mac Show), directed by four-time NAACP Image Award Best Director recipient, Denise Dowse. The production garnered rave reviews from critics and audiences.
In between plays, Alretha self-published her first novel, Daughter Denied, in 2008 and has received glowing reviews from readers and book clubs across the country. Representing her book and plays, Alretha has been the guest on many radio shows and television shows including San Francisco Public Affairs show Bay Sunday with Barbara Rodgers on CBS affiliate, KPIX. She was also interviewed by KTLA News Entertainment Reporter, Sam Rubin. In 2011, Alretha self-published her second novel, Dancing Her Dreams Away, and it was also well received. Her third novel, Married in the Nick of Nine, spawned a four-book series that was acquired by Soul Mate Publishing in January 2014. The series has since reverted back to her. In August 2014, Alretha was awarded the Jessie Redmon Fauset Literary Award for her indie novel, Four Ladies Only. In 2016, Alretha created the Detective Rachel Storme Mystery Series: Justice for Jessica, Losing Lauren and A Penny for Her Heart. In 2018 and 2019 Alretha debuted two additional mystery books—
The Women on Retford Drive and The Truth About Gretchen, respectively. Her most recent novel is The Girl in the Blue Blazer.
Alretha is also an actress and can be seen in numerous commercials and television shows. She currently plays Anastasia Devereaux on Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living that airs on BET.
In between plays, Alretha self-published her first novel, Daughter Denied, in 2008 and has received glowing reviews from readers and book clubs across the country. Representing her book and plays, Alretha has been the guest on many radio shows and television shows including San Francisco Public Affairs show Bay Sunday with Barbara Rodgers on CBS affiliate, KPIX. She was also interviewed by KTLA News Entertainment Reporter, Sam Rubin. In 2011, Alretha self-published her second novel, Dancing Her Dreams Away, and it was also well received. Her third novel, Married in the Nick of Nine, spawned a four-book series that was acquired by Soul Mate Publishing in January 2014. The series has since reverted back to her. In August 2014, Alretha was awarded the Jessie Redmon Fauset Literary Award for her indie novel, Four Ladies Only. In 2016, Alretha created the Detective Rachel Storme Mystery Series: Justice for Jessica, Losing Lauren and A Penny for Her Heart. In 2018 and 2019 Alretha debuted two additional mystery books—
The Women on Retford Drive and The Truth About Gretchen, respectively. Her most recent novel is The Girl in the Blue Blazer.
Alretha is also an actress and can be seen in numerous commercials and television shows. She currently plays Anastasia Devereaux on Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living that airs on BET.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
October 9, 2014
5 girls become " the fresh 5" after meeting in middle school. They are best friends until senior year when a tragic event tears their closeness apart. 20 years have passed, 1 loses her life and the remaining 4 are all brought together again to say goodbye, and definitely not for a reunion. Years of not speaking brings pain, secrets and lies to the surface. If there is anything Sabrina wanted more than to live, it was to have her childhood friends forgive each other. I found a little bit of my friends in these ladies which is one of the reasons why I enjoyed the book so much. This book was recommended to me by a friend from Goodreads. Glad I took the time to read it.
March 9, 2014
Four Ladies Only is simply OUTSTANDING and my spirit is full after reading it. The ladies teach us how forgiving ourselves and each other frees us. I was reminded that we all deal with our own demons and we all have struggles but we should never be ashamed of our journeys. This story of friendship and forgiveness should be a part of every woman's library. This is the third novel I have read by Alretha Thomas and she has never disappointed me. Thank you for Four Ladies Only...all the girlfriends of the world needed it.
June 1, 2014
Four Ladies Only is the story of five friends: Sabrina, Victoria, Danielle, Faye and Sheridan, who grew up as best friends only to have a tragedy tear them all apart, eroding years of friendship in a moment. As time goes by, the ladies each move on into their respective lives vowing never to reconcile. Ironically, another tragedy brings them all back full circle, where each is able to tear down the shallow façade and face the truth of their lives. Learning that the ties that bind are love, the ladies are confronted with the decision to be humble, truthful and forgiving. Although the book addresses some serious issues, the author has managed to keep the tone of the book light. The characters are believable and felt very authentic. They could very easily have been people you or I have known.
Alretha Thomas has skillfully reminded us that one decision can change the course of our lives in an instant – for better or for worse. She also manages to challenge the readers, through her well-developed characters, to make an honest assessment of who they are, where they are and to live their own truth without apologies. She gently reminds us that none of us is perfect, we have all fallen short of the grace of God and that in the same way we want to be forgiven and given a chance to move on, so must we extend this same flexibility to others. This is the first book I have read by this author, but it certainly will not be the last. Job well done!
5 stars
Alretha Thomas has skillfully reminded us that one decision can change the course of our lives in an instant – for better or for worse. She also manages to challenge the readers, through her well-developed characters, to make an honest assessment of who they are, where they are and to live their own truth without apologies. She gently reminds us that none of us is perfect, we have all fallen short of the grace of God and that in the same way we want to be forgiven and given a chance to move on, so must we extend this same flexibility to others. This is the first book I have read by this author, but it certainly will not be the last. Job well done!
5 stars
October 1, 2014
Great read from start to finish!
February 13, 2014
This is the first time I’ve wanted to start a review of a book based on the ending! Without giving anything away I can say that once the last word was read I literally dropped the book and just sat there thinking “wow, what just happened?” Four Ladies Only is the latest by author Alretha Thomas. I’ve read every one of her books and can honestly say that this has been the most thought provoking. It has all the elements of a good read. I had moments of laughter and sadness (yes I had a box of tissue handy), with a lot of “oh no she didn’t” sprinkled in along the way. It caused me to pause at times because there were instances where I immediately went into self evaluation which was a major distraction so I’d find myself pulling myself back into the “read.” Like the proverbial onion, layer by layer the writer is peeling away at the very essence of relationships and why they do and do not work.
The author has carefully structured the book so that each character has their own spot light. From the beginning to the end, the reader is gently guided through the story without skipping a beat. Most importantly for me is that there are no insignificant players in this novel. Of course Sabrina, Sheridan, Faye, Victoria and Danielle are the main characters, however, Mr. and Mrs. Brown, Walter, Gary, Mark, Curtis and Frankie are just as important because they add meat to their affiliated character. As such, the reader is able to appreciate the plight of all the characters, and like a patchwork quilt, we can see how they are woven together to reveal the whole picture.
The author takes the reader on a journey that begins with five young girls in middle school. The Fresh Five, as they refer to themselves are inseparable until one dreadful event breaks the friendship chain. Twenty years later the group is forced to deal with the inevitable that they had literally swept under the carpet along with their friendship except for each person’s link to Sabrina. So, for twenty years the only common thread is that individually remained friends with Sabrina. Now, that common thread has dissipated and the remaining four are forced to honor Sabrina’s dying wish and attempt to reconcile or at least face the ghost of the past twenty years that has stood between them. Twenty years is a long time and each character has changed so much from that little girl in school. Or have they? Bridging the gap between the Fresh Five and the women they have become today all the while unfolding that dreadful event that as cast a shadow over each one of their lives is the frame work for the journey.
“Four Ladies Only” is going to be classified as “fiction” when in actually it can easily be on the shelf next to the best of the self-help books. You’ll see as I did that you cannot read this book without reflecting on your own life situations and the impact they have had on your life’s journey. After all, once you finish reading “Four Ladies Only” and that seed of introspection has been planted, you’ll feel compelled to revisit situations in your own life, and like the remaining four ladies of the Fresh Five, you’ll search for closure so that your own healing can begin.
One last note and maybe someone can help me out with this thought. I know my eyes were opened, obviously because I was reading, but why did I feel like my eyes were closed too during the last chapter and that I too was lying down on a mat in introspect. My, oh my, the images we conjure up while reading!
Great job Alretha Thomas! As always you never disappoint and when I think I truly understand your writing style you are on to another level.
The author has carefully structured the book so that each character has their own spot light. From the beginning to the end, the reader is gently guided through the story without skipping a beat. Most importantly for me is that there are no insignificant players in this novel. Of course Sabrina, Sheridan, Faye, Victoria and Danielle are the main characters, however, Mr. and Mrs. Brown, Walter, Gary, Mark, Curtis and Frankie are just as important because they add meat to their affiliated character. As such, the reader is able to appreciate the plight of all the characters, and like a patchwork quilt, we can see how they are woven together to reveal the whole picture.
The author takes the reader on a journey that begins with five young girls in middle school. The Fresh Five, as they refer to themselves are inseparable until one dreadful event breaks the friendship chain. Twenty years later the group is forced to deal with the inevitable that they had literally swept under the carpet along with their friendship except for each person’s link to Sabrina. So, for twenty years the only common thread is that individually remained friends with Sabrina. Now, that common thread has dissipated and the remaining four are forced to honor Sabrina’s dying wish and attempt to reconcile or at least face the ghost of the past twenty years that has stood between them. Twenty years is a long time and each character has changed so much from that little girl in school. Or have they? Bridging the gap between the Fresh Five and the women they have become today all the while unfolding that dreadful event that as cast a shadow over each one of their lives is the frame work for the journey.
“Four Ladies Only” is going to be classified as “fiction” when in actually it can easily be on the shelf next to the best of the self-help books. You’ll see as I did that you cannot read this book without reflecting on your own life situations and the impact they have had on your life’s journey. After all, once you finish reading “Four Ladies Only” and that seed of introspection has been planted, you’ll feel compelled to revisit situations in your own life, and like the remaining four ladies of the Fresh Five, you’ll search for closure so that your own healing can begin.
One last note and maybe someone can help me out with this thought. I know my eyes were opened, obviously because I was reading, but why did I feel like my eyes were closed too during the last chapter and that I too was lying down on a mat in introspect. My, oh my, the images we conjure up while reading!
Great job Alretha Thomas! As always you never disappoint and when I think I truly understand your writing style you are on to another level.
May 29, 2014
Once I adjusted to the point of view from which the story is told, I settled in for a story filled with rich lessons, great details and a rewarding storyline. Sabrina Brown, a doctor, a beloved friend and daughter was taken away from life on Earth far too soon. Interestingly enough, she puts her affairs in order before she makes her final transition. With her mother as her representative, Sabrina leaves specific instructions for her four best friends and neither of them is too happy about it. As the story continues each lady has to make some serious decisions. Will they take her advice or will they continue down the roads they've each been traveling?
Alretha Thomas has managed to tell an interesting story that houses the perfect amount of seriousness and comedy. I loved this factor. I'd be reading and just about to drop a tear and somebody would get slapped! She'd take a character that most people thought was no good and later on show you a glimmer of hope that lies within. This is a story of forgiveness. It is proof that with God, faith and love nothing shall be impossible. It pleases me when an author can entertain me and teach me something that will make my life better. She did that for me and I applaud her. She wrapped this story up beautifully! I give this book Five stars!!!!!
Alretha Thomas has managed to tell an interesting story that houses the perfect amount of seriousness and comedy. I loved this factor. I'd be reading and just about to drop a tear and somebody would get slapped! She'd take a character that most people thought was no good and later on show you a glimmer of hope that lies within. This is a story of forgiveness. It is proof that with God, faith and love nothing shall be impossible. It pleases me when an author can entertain me and teach me something that will make my life better. She did that for me and I applaud her. She wrapped this story up beautifully! I give this book Five stars!!!!!
October 30, 2017
Definitely not my usual read. At the beginning I seriously thought of giving up. However I got caught up in the tale of these three ladies who after being the best of friends at college now refused to speak to each other. Sabrina, starts the story from the grave. It is at her funeral the ladies meet for the first time in twenty years. Sabrina had refused to tell them she was dying from cancer, she was however desperate for them to become friends again.
From then on the story is told in turn by each of the ladies, Faye, Sheridan Victoria and Danielle.
All the way through we know there is something which happened all those years ago which split them up. Sabrina has kept in touch with them all, but never seeing them more than one at a time.
Why is this, they seem to blame Victoria for whatever happened all those years ago.
I actually quite enjoyed this story and had to read on to find out all their secrets and what HAD happened. If you want to know you will have to read the book!
From then on the story is told in turn by each of the ladies, Faye, Sheridan Victoria and Danielle.
All the way through we know there is something which happened all those years ago which split them up. Sabrina has kept in touch with them all, but never seeing them more than one at a time.
Why is this, they seem to blame Victoria for whatever happened all those years ago.
I actually quite enjoyed this story and had to read on to find out all their secrets and what HAD happened. If you want to know you will have to read the book!
May 30, 2017
I struggled with the 1st person present tense multiple PoVs. The ‘voices’ sounded alike and the underlying sense that success could only be judged by the model of the car you had, (Lexus) or the size of your house and bank balance etc, left a somewhat sour taste in my mouth.
I stopped reading when the ladies went to a therapist who made them all sit on the floor on cushions:
“Ladies, take a deep breath in.”
The room fills with the sound of air being taken in.
“Now release it slowly.”
We do so.
“How did that feel?”
“Good,” we say.
??? Middle-aged women, sitting on cushions on the floor, and after JUST one deep breath they feel ‘good’?? It just didn’t ring true.
I stopped reading when the ladies went to a therapist who made them all sit on the floor on cushions:
“Ladies, take a deep breath in.”
The room fills with the sound of air being taken in.
“Now release it slowly.”
We do so.
“How did that feel?”
“Good,” we say.
??? Middle-aged women, sitting on cushions on the floor, and after JUST one deep breath they feel ‘good’?? It just didn’t ring true.
June 9, 2017
Wow. How did so many people give this a 5 star rating? That's what drew me to it, and the idea of a great book about flawed friends finding their way. I feel like I wasted my time reading it, and had it not been a quick read, I would have set it aside. The characters were shallow and self-absorbed, childish, and materialistic. The scenarios of them coming back together were unrealistic. The writing wasn't engaging, and the attempt to throw in what she thought was "steamy" sensuality was unnecessary and ineffective. I would not recommend this to anyone, and I won't read any of her other books.
June 1, 2014
I loved the concept of this story. Alretha did a fabulous job of using one woman's death to seal the bond of her four friends after enduring a twenty year separation. Each woman learned the true value of life and how to overcome and accept their poor decisions and insecurities. These women learned to lay down their grudges and pick up from where they left off, twenty years ago, by learning to forgive and let go of the past. There are a lot of surprises that stir up curiosity and keep the reader interested. I found this book well written and an enjoyable page-turner.
February 13, 2014
This book is incredible. I can't wait for the movie. I read it in one sitting. I could not put it down. The four women in the book are flawed, funny, relatable and made me experience every gamut of emotion from laughter to tears. The twists and turns had me tearing through the pages. The only negative thing about his book is that it ends. Bring on the sequel!
February 14, 2014
Love, love, love this book. The drama and twists and turns had me beyond the edge of my seat. Sheridan, Faye, Victoria, and Danielle are all so different and each of them have secrets that once revealed will have you screaming at the pages. This book had me laughing and crying at the same time. First time reading this author, won't be the last.
April 6, 2015
This was a really good book, I would recommend this book for those who have a hard time forgiving
June 13, 2017
This book was all over the place. There was a decent story at the heart, but the characters could be so unlikeable, and the story didn't always make sense, or withheld information to the very last minute, so it was frustrating.
Great opening - we meet Sabrina, who is telling the reader about her life, and the fact that she is dead but her final plan was to reunite the other 4 women she was friends with as a child. You learn that all the women were very close to one another until "that night" (or referenced in a similar way as some mysterious event that caused the other 4 friends to only speak with Sabirna for the next 20 years). We don't find out what happened until the last 2 or 3 chapters of the book which was ridiculous.
Sheridan got pregnant in high school and married her boyfriend Gary who was a pro football player. Injuries have sidelined him, and they're living with his mother, but she tells everyone lies about how successful he still is, and is very focused on material things.
Faye is married to a mega church preacher and desperately wants a baby. She got pregnant in highschool by Gary (Sheridan doesn't know) and had an abortion and believes that is why she can't have a child now. She told her husband she was a virgin and he is rather obsessed with the fact that he is the ONLY man who ever had her...but is also cool when she finally confesses.
Victoria is an alcoholic who went out drinking while her husband was out of town, talked to a man and came home. The man followed her home with her purse, and drugged her drink at home then tried to molest her kids and somehow she was in trouble with the police and orderd to AA meetings (um ... what? I have never heard of this, and not to act like an ass, but I know a lot of alcoholics who have done far worse) She is seperated from her husband, holds a grudge that Gary chose Sheridan and is just not happy
Danielle is a layer who refers to herself in the 3rd person (Danielle is tired, Danielle wants to go home...stop it already). She is married to a woman, admits this to her friends eventually, then realizes that she isn't in to women, it was a rebound relationship and divorces the woman.
In the last chapters of the book, Sheridan, Faye and Victoria go to a counseling session to discuss that thing that happened, but Danielle isn't there (she was a dick about Victoria admitting she was an alcoholic and blamed the whole night on Victoria, but when they explain what happened, it was more Danielle's brother's fault - though Victoria was being a spaz). Anyhow, the next chapter is Victoria's recount of the night, and the chapter after that is Danielle's recount, she apparently showed up at some point during the session, but that wasn't mentioned, just an example of the non-sequiturs of the book.
Lots of potential, a ridiculously perfect ending and a lot of head scratching.
Great opening - we meet Sabrina, who is telling the reader about her life, and the fact that she is dead but her final plan was to reunite the other 4 women she was friends with as a child. You learn that all the women were very close to one another until "that night" (or referenced in a similar way as some mysterious event that caused the other 4 friends to only speak with Sabirna for the next 20 years). We don't find out what happened until the last 2 or 3 chapters of the book which was ridiculous.
Sheridan got pregnant in high school and married her boyfriend Gary who was a pro football player. Injuries have sidelined him, and they're living with his mother, but she tells everyone lies about how successful he still is, and is very focused on material things.
Faye is married to a mega church preacher and desperately wants a baby. She got pregnant in highschool by Gary (Sheridan doesn't know) and had an abortion and believes that is why she can't have a child now. She told her husband she was a virgin and he is rather obsessed with the fact that he is the ONLY man who ever had her...but is also cool when she finally confesses.
Victoria is an alcoholic who went out drinking while her husband was out of town, talked to a man and came home. The man followed her home with her purse, and drugged her drink at home then tried to molest her kids and somehow she was in trouble with the police and orderd to AA meetings (um ... what? I have never heard of this, and not to act like an ass, but I know a lot of alcoholics who have done far worse) She is seperated from her husband, holds a grudge that Gary chose Sheridan and is just not happy
Danielle is a layer who refers to herself in the 3rd person (Danielle is tired, Danielle wants to go home...stop it already). She is married to a woman, admits this to her friends eventually, then realizes that she isn't in to women, it was a rebound relationship and divorces the woman.
In the last chapters of the book, Sheridan, Faye and Victoria go to a counseling session to discuss that thing that happened, but Danielle isn't there (she was a dick about Victoria admitting she was an alcoholic and blamed the whole night on Victoria, but when they explain what happened, it was more Danielle's brother's fault - though Victoria was being a spaz). Anyhow, the next chapter is Victoria's recount of the night, and the chapter after that is Danielle's recount, she apparently showed up at some point during the session, but that wasn't mentioned, just an example of the non-sequiturs of the book.
Lots of potential, a ridiculously perfect ending and a lot of head scratching.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2017
I loved this book! The only reason I gave it 5 stars is because I hesitate to give a book that unless I can't put it down. This is the first time I have read anything from this author but am really excited to try another of her works. I don't know which genre "Goodreads" list this book under but for me it is, Christian and Chicklit. The story is about 5 woman whom have been best friends since middle school (about 6th grade) and a tragedy that happened that destroyed their friendships. Reading from the beginning, is the POV of one of the friends, Sabrina Brown who has died from cancer and who has kept in touch with each of the other women. Sabrina hasn't told any of them that she is dying from cancer and her last wish is for the remaining four (4) women to reconnect and forgive each other and themselves. The women haven't spoken to each other in 20 years and don't know what's going on in each others' lives. This book spooked me pretty good because one of my best friends was named Sabrina Brown and we met in Junior High School. My Sabrina also passed away from cancer, lived in Atlanta, GA (Stone Mountain) and didn't tell me she had cancer. Talking about Deja Vu? I know some of the story is predictable and some of the women i.e. Sheridan, Danielle, Victoria and Faye will make you want to slap them or shot them! But their stories are real and their choices will make you laugh, cry or get angry. The secondary characters are more than one dimensional and make you appreciate some of the men and family in our own lives. I'm glad I read this, I haven't been reading many stories written by african-american writers. Maybe this is because being Black myself, I don't want to read about pimps, whores, junkies, etc. I want something that's uplifting, positive or thought provoking. This fit the bill for me and even had an HEA. I would recommend this book to a book club and the author has even included some starter questions which do make you think seriously about, "what would I do"?
June 3, 2017
Good story
Fast moving, this story of five women who were all best friends in high school. A tragedy that occurred the year the fresh five were ready to graduate causes four of them to ostracize the other three. They are individually still close to one member of the group. But when she becomes very ill, she refuses to see any of the remaining four unless they are willing to make up with each other. Read to see what she does to be instrumental in bringing the group together after twenty years. It's a quick read and will remind you of your senior year of high school. Good times and bad.
Fast moving, this story of five women who were all best friends in high school. A tragedy that occurred the year the fresh five were ready to graduate causes four of them to ostracize the other three. They are individually still close to one member of the group. But when she becomes very ill, she refuses to see any of the remaining four unless they are willing to make up with each other. Read to see what she does to be instrumental in bringing the group together after twenty years. It's a quick read and will remind you of your senior year of high school. Good times and bad.
September 28, 2017
Ties that bind
When you choose your family - the people who bring you the greatest joy and make you feel the most fulfilled - you're rarely wrong. Oftentimes, we're only brought together for a season or two of our lives. But reconnecting for a big event - funeral, wedding, birth of a child, christening, graduation - should be a no-brainer. Allowing something to poison your mind and cause you to blame someone for something that happens is going to lsoe you a lot of love in your lifetime. This story shows us what setting aside the anger and blame, owning our own parts of the story, and reaching out in love can do for us.
When you choose your family - the people who bring you the greatest joy and make you feel the most fulfilled - you're rarely wrong. Oftentimes, we're only brought together for a season or two of our lives. But reconnecting for a big event - funeral, wedding, birth of a child, christening, graduation - should be a no-brainer. Allowing something to poison your mind and cause you to blame someone for something that happens is going to lsoe you a lot of love in your lifetime. This story shows us what setting aside the anger and blame, owning our own parts of the story, and reaching out in love can do for us.
June 4, 2017
A story that holds you while it explores a tragedy and the twenty years that follows.
Written in a way to hold your interest. Very well told ,masterfully weaves the lives of all involved in a tragic death and how each life was changed. An editor would have helped the plot to flow without some bumps and mistakes noted. Too graphic about the sexual scenes "not necessary",skipped through these parts. It is amazing how some authors have such a special talent to help a reader take an active part in the story. This author does this well.
Written in a way to hold your interest. Very well told ,masterfully weaves the lives of all involved in a tragic death and how each life was changed. An editor would have helped the plot to flow without some bumps and mistakes noted. Too graphic about the sexual scenes "not necessary",skipped through these parts. It is amazing how some authors have such a special talent to help a reader take an active part in the story. This author does this well.
February 4, 2019
Four Ladies Only begins with a dead woman explaining why she didn’t tell her four estranged friends she was dying of cancer. Each chapter changes between the viewpoint of the four friends as they work through why they are estranged and how their lives have not gone as expected. It is funny, a perfect mind vacation. It’s a bit over the top just how messed up all of them are, but that adds to the fun. The only drawback is there are quite a few spelling and grammar errors scattered throughout. I recommend it to women in need of a little brain break.
Read
November 15, 2018I'm giving this a 3 star because I don't think the book was that bad, but I just wasn't feeling it. For one thing, I could not relate to the characters at all. I waded through bad language which I tried to overlook, but then I got to the part where there were just too many details in a love scene, and I just couldn't deal with it anymore. I' m sure these things don't bother some, but I just couldn't finish the book.
July 2, 2017
Chick-lit story about women and their secrets. They were friends in high school. An incident pulled them apart and you find out what that incident was near the end of the book. It was an easy read, but each chapter was in first person of one of the "friends" and I had to keep looking back to the beginning of the chapter to remind me of who was talking. A little confusing at times. Wasn't exciting or twisty. Just ok story.
September 28, 2018
Not quite believable
The event that caused the major rift in the girls' relationship was kind of unbelievable. I can't imagine a 20 year old chasing after girls with a bbgun. Perhaps if he'd been 12 or 13 the situation would have made more sense. It is also difficult to imagine that Danny wouldn't have been more initially traumatized by the accident since she was the one driving and it was her brother. She should have been in therapy long before the others.
The event that caused the major rift in the girls' relationship was kind of unbelievable. I can't imagine a 20 year old chasing after girls with a bbgun. Perhaps if he'd been 12 or 13 the situation would have made more sense. It is also difficult to imagine that Danny wouldn't have been more initially traumatized by the accident since she was the one driving and it was her brother. She should have been in therapy long before the others.
December 27, 2018
This was a very good book. A tragic accident causes a 20 year separation of 5 close friends. It takes the death of one of the friends and her last wish to bring them back together. In those 20 years, so much has happened to each of them. When they come together for the funeral, all of them lie about their current reality. Honoring their friends wish, they work on mending their friendship and forgiving one another.
June 1, 2017
Not four me
I struggled deciding what rating to give this book. I settled on three stars because while it was a decent book, it wasn't great. The format was interesting. The plot was different than the "usual." However, the writing was kind of sophomoric. A lot of the dialogue was just plain ridiculous, and this edition really needs a good editor.
I struggled deciding what rating to give this book. I settled on three stars because while it was a decent book, it wasn't great. The format was interesting. The plot was different than the "usual." However, the writing was kind of sophomoric. A lot of the dialogue was just plain ridiculous, and this edition really needs a good editor.
June 6, 2017
A good read
I enjoyed this book. It kept my interest and it had some definite plot twists that were surprising. I would recommended if you are looking for non-romance relationship oriented chick lit. It might make you think and remember your own high school crowd and where they are in your life today and why.
I enjoyed this book. It kept my interest and it had some definite plot twists that were surprising. I would recommended if you are looking for non-romance relationship oriented chick lit. It might make you think and remember your own high school crowd and where they are in your life today and why.
June 25, 2017
Ladies, ladies, ladies
A journey through the lives of five friends who each experience life in its fullest! They all have good times and bad times that drive them apart. The lost years of friendship cause each lady heartache and regret. The coming together again is difficult and emotional but very rewarding!
A journey through the lives of five friends who each experience life in its fullest! They all have good times and bad times that drive them apart. The lost years of friendship cause each lady heartache and regret. The coming together again is difficult and emotional but very rewarding!
February 10, 2018
Four Ladies Only, takes you from present day to memories of the "Fresh Five" a group of of young ladies that grew up and apart from each other. It is an awakening for each of them as the discover and correct things from the past.
I thoroughly enjoyed the ride with "Fresh Five".
Alretha Thomas's, book is an excellent choice for a book club.
I thoroughly enjoyed the ride with "Fresh Five".
Alretha Thomas's, book is an excellent choice for a book club.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2021
I enjoyed being along for the ride as Sabrina watched over her four friends as they worked on mending their broken relationship.
The original conflict that drove the five women apart isn’t revealed until late in the story. This made it difficult for me to connect with their pain, since there were so few clues along the way. Having more revealed throughout the book would have helped me feel more invested in the story.
3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️. Will continue to read books by this author!
The original conflict that drove the five women apart isn’t revealed until late in the story. This made it difficult for me to connect with their pain, since there were so few clues along the way. Having more revealed throughout the book would have helped me feel more invested in the story.
3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️. Will continue to read books by this author!
June 1, 2017
Forgiveness and redemption
I very much enjoyed reading this book. The character development was excellent. I would recommend this book but keep some tissues close.
It really demonstrates the power of forgiveness.
I very much enjoyed reading this book. The character development was excellent. I would recommend this book but keep some tissues close.
It really demonstrates the power of forgiveness.
July 20, 2017
Early on in the book you realize that something happened long ago - and to find out what happened was the only reason I kept on reading. A bit of a let down in the end.
Liked the characters.....but damn they've got issues!!!
Liked the characters.....but damn they've got issues!!!
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