Hyacinth Manor matriarch, Rosa Stark, is known for her wisdom and guidance when it comes to matters of the heart. That is, until the matters concern to her own heart. When she stumbles upon the man who could be her soul mate, will she look past pre-conceived notions and give love a chance?
Married at sixteen, a mother twice by seventeen, and thrice a mother and divorced by twenty-four, Adrienne Thompson is no stranger to adversity. Not your typical teenage mother, she went on to complete her college degree and to earn her nursing license. She attributes God's faithfulness as the catalyst for her success in life. Now, having raised three children as a divorced mother, she is sharing a long hidden talent and passion with the world. Using the lessons that life has so expertly taught her as a guideline (betrayal, abusive relationships, self-esteem issues, witnessing the deteriorating effects of drug abuse), she has created stories that will both entertain and inspire the reader.
Adrienne currently resides in Arkansas in her newly empty nest. Formerly an RN, she now writes and publishes her stories full time. She is also a motivational speaker.
Order of the Been So Long Series:
Rapture If Been So Long Little Sister Been So Long 2 Been So Long III September
Order of the Bluesday Series:
Bluesday Lovely Blues Blues In The Key Of B Locked out of Heaven
Rosa Starks, owner of Hyacinth Manor, wasn't looking for love but love came looking for her in an unexpected manner. Although she's known for her wisdom and guidance, she seems to be losing her magic touch when it comes to herself lately. Will she follow her heart or her mind when it comes to this new man who's trying to enter her life?
If you've been following this series, you should know what to expect from this author. But on the other hand, you might not. Adrienne has a way of weaving a story where you expect one thing, but you always get another. However, the one thing you will always get is a great love story. And this could be the greatest one of all.
Barbara Joe Williams, author of "Forgive Us This Day"
Joy and Pain was excellent. I think I enjoyed it the most but they were all well written. Rosa's story was chocked full of a mature woman learning to learn again. I LOVED Dean. Dean was just amazing as a male lead. Kind-hearted and sweet, with his flaws. I also loved knowing the backstory of Hyacinth Manor which added depth to the first two books. Well done!
Joy and Pain is the 3rd book in this series and it's a great read as were the 1st and 2nd books. If you have not read them, you need to make it your business to read these wonderful stories penned by the very talented Adrienne Thompson. This story highlights Rosa Starks and Dean Jarsdel. Rosa is the owner of Hyacinth Manor ( the setting for all three stories) and Dean is a member of the family who once owned it as a plantation. Their story is the main story that is surrounded by minor stories and characters. Once again, the soundtrack to this book is off the chain. You can't go wrong with Frankie Beverly and Maze. I highly recommend Joy and Pain.
Ms. Adrienne has written another good read. The story line of hate to unwavering love is written with such debt and passion.. As I read the book , I could feel Rosa's dislike for white people, and understand her reasoning to stick with her own people. But, when love comes and breaks the chains of restrain off her heart, the scales from her eyes fall away and love becomes color blind.
Book 3 in this series is the most profound Love story of all. The heroine adroitly explores her values, contradictions and insecurities. In the end she submits to the power of love.
I truly enjoyed this book. I am a new reader to Adrienne Thompson. Family, friends are those that you love whether you are connected by DNA or not. We have to able to open our eyes, ears and heart to the Blessings that God has for us. They may not come in the package we expected.
I love reading books about living, loving, and learning! This one is for the grown folks!
I sure hate to see this series end. Ms Rosa has helped and nurtured everyone else, now it's her turn. All of the characters in this series was awesome.
Ms Adrienne builds her characters in a way to make you feel like you know them personally. She will have you checking Google for directions to Hyacinth Manor!
I am a proud fan of Adrienne Thompson, I was asked to read this book and give an honest review.
Another awesome job by Adrienne Thompson! Joy and Pain is the 3rd book in Latter Rain Series. This is the story about Rosa Starks, the owner of Hyacinth Manor. Rosa has some research down on the family of the plantation. Rosa meets Dean Jarsdel who is a family member of the previous owners. Rosa and Dean fall in love. Soundtrack provided by Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. Awesome job!!!
Very good book. I like that this book wasn't long and drawn out. No flip flopping from character to character. Easy to stay on point. Would recommend for mature adults .
To the author "keep up the good work." I will continue to watch for all your new releases..Continue to be blessed.
At the age of 65 yrs old Rosa has never been in love. She has a bed and breakfast that she runs. She's not to fond of white people so she doesn't let them stay at her bed and breakfast. Due to Rosa looking for someone she runs into Dean. Dean is attractive to Rosa but she's not trying to hear it. One click and enjoy their story.
Joy and Pain is my favorite in the Latter Rain series. Dean and Rosa were so cute together and I loved how, open, honest and straight forward they were with each other. It was beautiful to read a story where an older couple fell in love.
Enjoyed this book and the series although I thought Rosa was portrayed as someone older than 62.. I'm almost 62 and she seemed much older...in my mind.. :)