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Home for the Holidays: Loving a Project Girl
Ishmael Payne is all grown up, living the life away from home. On a full basketball scholarship to Duke University, top point guard in the nation, Ishmael is sought by many, yet what catches his eyes is not some college girl. It’s a chick from the projects, snatching his heart. Pepper Murphy, a local who never saw much outside the slum side of town, finds a job after graduation while most kids her age go off to school. She takes it in stride, carrying for he younger siblings and her deadbeat mother, Carrie.When Ishmael and Pepper meet, an instant connection is made. When they do, he doesn’t see a minimum wage liability—he sees a safe place to park his heart. Pepper goes along for the ride but something tells her there is more to Ishmael’s life than letting her in. He has a confused, bitter ex and a petty mother, neither making it easy for him to move on or embrace what he wants most—that’s Pepper.Take a ride down south when Ishmael goes homes for the holidays, where things are not so merry nor are they bright. Yet all is will soon be well because he has one thing he refuses to let go no matter what.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 29, 2019
123 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 30, 2019
This was a amazing christmas read!
I've seen the growth of Ishmael from a little boy to a grown man with his whole life planned out, but just defined by him and not his dad's. Ishmael has a big caring heart and so sweet, respectful and kind but at the same time he can get down in the streets if need be. You can't play with fire and not expect to get burned and Ish definitely missed that memo because Mercedes was definitely a raging fire. But out rose a phoenix from the ashes and that was Pepper she showed him unconditionally love and demanded a kind of respect that showed she was different. I love this close knit family but Myriah is like a cancer stick and I think she be getting of way to easy with her actions especially for her to be so old. The sad thing is she really couldn't tell that her actions would really hurt her son instead of protecting him like she thought. He won't gain character and responsibility and come out resilient if he dont go through things that may hurt him. But overall I absolutely love reading about Ish and Pepper as well as catching up with the crew.
I've seen the growth of Ishmael from a little boy to a grown man with his whole life planned out, but just defined by him and not his dad's. Ishmael has a big caring heart and so sweet, respectful and kind but at the same time he can get down in the streets if need be. You can't play with fire and not expect to get burned and Ish definitely missed that memo because Mercedes was definitely a raging fire. But out rose a phoenix from the ashes and that was Pepper she showed him unconditionally love and demanded a kind of respect that showed she was different. I love this close knit family but Myriah is like a cancer stick and I think she be getting of way to easy with her actions especially for her to be so old. The sad thing is she really couldn't tell that her actions would really hurt her son instead of protecting him like she thought. He won't gain character and responsibility and come out resilient if he dont go through things that may hurt him. But overall I absolutely love reading about Ish and Pepper as well as catching up with the crew.
January 2, 2020
Great Read
It was great to catch up with the gang again in this Christmas standalone. I can't believe Ishmael is a grown man, we've seen his growth from childhood to now. So loved his personality, he's so caring and loving. I loved him and Pepper together. Myriah, really needs to grow up, the drama she created was so unnecessary.... she got off way to easy. So love these characters and look forward to more about them in the future.... I know it's more to come. Maybe a Valentine's story. Highly recommend this book. Job well done Tisha Andrews.
It was great to catch up with the gang again in this Christmas standalone. I can't believe Ishmael is a grown man, we've seen his growth from childhood to now. So loved his personality, he's so caring and loving. I loved him and Pepper together. Myriah, really needs to grow up, the drama she created was so unnecessary.... she got off way to easy. So love these characters and look forward to more about them in the future.... I know it's more to come. Maybe a Valentine's story. Highly recommend this book. Job well done Tisha Andrews.
February 21, 2020
Holiday Heart!
I love reading about The Crew. hey are special people. In this story Mariah have me a bit confused. What is her problem with the ladies Ishmael chooses to be with? If my memory serves me correctly, Mariah was seriously unfit. I really would love to read another story about this family because I want to know more about Ishmael and Pepper; whether he actually made it to the NBA. A great deal more to find out especially sine Iyana and Keyz can’t stop bearing fruit and I’m happy for Moulan and Chello. Tish Andrews I think you owe me another story. Great. Work!!
I love reading about The Crew. hey are special people. In this story Mariah have me a bit confused. What is her problem with the ladies Ishmael chooses to be with? If my memory serves me correctly, Mariah was seriously unfit. I really would love to read another story about this family because I want to know more about Ishmael and Pepper; whether he actually made it to the NBA. A great deal more to find out especially sine Iyana and Keyz can’t stop bearing fruit and I’m happy for Moulan and Chello. Tish Andrews I think you owe me another story. Great. Work!!
January 1, 2020
Satisfied Reader
No matter where you come from don’t let anyone make you less. I loved Pepper’s character. She was forced to become the sole provider of her brothers cuz Carrie was trash. The hand she was dealt in life she played it like a champ. Ishmael came into her life and never judged her. I hated the way Mariah and Mercedes tried to play Ish but they were the one to get played. Pepper got a lot from their mistakes. Her man,house and a nice bank account.
No matter where you come from don’t let anyone make you less. I loved Pepper’s character. She was forced to become the sole provider of her brothers cuz Carrie was trash. The hand she was dealt in life she played it like a champ. Ishmael came into her life and never judged her. I hated the way Mariah and Mercedes tried to play Ish but they were the one to get played. Pepper got a lot from their mistakes. Her man,house and a nice bank account.
January 10, 2020
Nay
This was a good book. I just felt like it dragged a little bit. The story lime was good but just took a little longer to come to light. I can't believe Ish mama like she was so dirty. I can't stand people who forget where they came from and forgot how they got to where they are now. I'm glad that they survived and got their happy ending. It is so true misery does love company
This was a good book. I just felt like it dragged a little bit. The story lime was good but just took a little longer to come to light. I can't believe Ish mama like she was so dirty. I can't stand people who forget where they came from and forgot how they got to where they are now. I'm glad that they survived and got their happy ending. It is so true misery does love company
December 30, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I can’t believe my Ishmael is a grown man now. He has his aunts caring personality. His mom is still same Old Myriah and needs to grow up, she was once in Peppers shoes. I’m glad Ishmael followed his heart. It was good to catch up with Keyz and Chico again, I can never get enough of them. I hope you have wedding story next. Great Read.
I can’t believe my Ishmael is a grown man now. He has his aunts caring personality. His mom is still same Old Myriah and needs to grow up, she was once in Peppers shoes. I’m glad Ishmael followed his heart. It was good to catch up with Keyz and Chico again, I can never get enough of them. I hope you have wedding story next. Great Read.
January 3, 2020
GOOD BOOK!!!
I enjoyed reading about some of my favorite characters. Myriah still needs to grow up. I was so happy for Pepper. Her mom got exactly what she deserved. After reading this now I want more from my favorites Keyz and Iyana. Glad to see Ishmael all grown up. I recommend this as a good book to read...Tisha you did great with this book....
I enjoyed reading about some of my favorite characters. Myriah still needs to grow up. I was so happy for Pepper. Her mom got exactly what she deserved. After reading this now I want more from my favorites Keyz and Iyana. Glad to see Ishmael all grown up. I recommend this as a good book to read...Tisha you did great with this book....
November 28, 2020
Loved it!
There is so much I want to say but I don’t want to give anything away. Just know that Mariah, Mercedes and Carrie needed to get beat up. I’m so glad Ishmael was his own man and didn’t let the actions of his mother deter him from his true love. I would love more of them if possible.
There is so much I want to say but I don’t want to give anything away. Just know that Mariah, Mercedes and Carrie needed to get beat up. I’m so glad Ishmael was his own man and didn’t let the actions of his mother deter him from his true love. I would love more of them if possible.
January 12, 2021
Oh my!
I will start off by saying Myriah was too wrong for her ish and Mercedes only operated on what she was taught. Pepper was a go getter and did what she had to do to make sure her brothers were taken care of. Iceman had grown man vibes all over him and it showed that he was raised by two strong men. Good book and looking forward to reading more from thus author.
I will start off by saying Myriah was too wrong for her ish and Mercedes only operated on what she was taught. Pepper was a go getter and did what she had to do to make sure her brothers were taken care of. Iceman had grown man vibes all over him and it showed that he was raised by two strong men. Good book and looking forward to reading more from thus author.
October 1, 2021
The overall concept was good. I actually like the characters and love seeing them grow and mature. However some of the demographics through all of these books are inconsistent. You have their last name as Payne in this book but it was Paul in the other books. That’s the only thing that irks my nerves.
Again I do love to read about these characters though. I especially love Iyana and Keyz.
Again I do love to read about these characters though. I especially love Iyana and Keyz.
March 27, 2022
Loved it!!
Omg this book was amazing. I absolutely loved how much you described each character and their personality. Oh that damn Mariah made me made! But thanks to u for including the word of God to forgive her. Lol! Can’t wait to read more of your work! Let’s see what the friends story come out to be. Fat fat needs a new dad 🤣
Omg this book was amazing. I absolutely loved how much you described each character and their personality. Oh that damn Mariah made me made! But thanks to u for including the word of God to forgive her. Lol! Can’t wait to read more of your work! Let’s see what the friends story come out to be. Fat fat needs a new dad 🤣
January 1, 2020
Loved it
I loved this well written story. The drama created by the mother was something else. Great characters that are likeable and interesting. I would love to read more about these characters. I know there is more to tell.
I loved this well written story. The drama created by the mother was something else. Great characters that are likeable and interesting. I would love to read more about these characters. I know there is more to tell.
January 5, 2020
I loved this story
Who said romance is dead. Ishmael and pepper. What a beautiful love story. Proper Cinderella story. Did not stop until the end. I really would not mind reading another book on their lives moving forward. Just hinting 😁😁😁😁😁😁. Well written. Well done
Who said romance is dead. Ishmael and pepper. What a beautiful love story. Proper Cinderella story. Did not stop until the end. I really would not mind reading another book on their lives moving forward. Just hinting 😁😁😁😁😁😁. Well written. Well done
January 9, 2020
A great read!
The storyline flowed just a tad bit to slow for me. The characters I really enjoyed though. Mercedes and Petey I'd like to hear from them as well as Sashay and Blooney. One click!
The storyline flowed just a tad bit to slow for me. The characters I really enjoyed though. Mercedes and Petey I'd like to hear from them as well as Sashay and Blooney. One click!
January 10, 2020
Omg this book was so good. I was glad to see the old crew in the book. Ishmael has grown up. I would love to see their weeding written. Or a storyline on the bestfriend. Paris is some bs who tries to make their child be with some cause of money.
January 21, 2020
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I gotta say I really enjoyed this read. Pepper went through a lot but baby once things started looking up for her, she hit the jackpot.. Myriah was just being mean to Pepper but she finally came around.. Great story and I can’t wait to read more from this author
I gotta say I really enjoyed this read. Pepper went through a lot but baby once things started looking up for her, she hit the jackpot.. Myriah was just being mean to Pepper but she finally came around.. Great story and I can’t wait to read more from this author
March 16, 2020
Home is where the heart is...
I loved the storyline. There is always a Myriah mother thinking she can control her child's life. I love how the families blended together. The only reason I gave it a 4 was because of editing issues.
I loved the storyline. There is always a Myriah mother thinking she can control her child's life. I love how the families blended together. The only reason I gave it a 4 was because of editing issues.
November 27, 2020
Cute☺☺
Ms. Andrews did an awesome job with this one👏📝. A cute holiday story. I always enjoy young 💘💘love. I hate the way Myriah messed in her sons business. She was an awful busy body. I loved seeing all the family support for Ishmael. Grab the book, you'll enjoy it.🙌🙌🙌🙌👌👌👌
Ms. Andrews did an awesome job with this one👏📝. A cute holiday story. I always enjoy young 💘💘love. I hate the way Myriah messed in her sons business. She was an awful busy body. I loved seeing all the family support for Ishmael. Grab the book, you'll enjoy it.🙌🙌🙌🙌👌👌👌
November 23, 2025
Great book
This book was so good. I kept getting confused about who was his aunt and who was his mother and who was his biological father but other than that I loved the story. I wish we would’ve got to see Mercedes dad reaction to finding out about her and pety
This book was so good. I kept getting confused about who was his aunt and who was his mother and who was his biological father but other than that I loved the story. I wish we would’ve got to see Mercedes dad reaction to finding out about her and pety
January 5, 2026
Good
Super cool for such a young man to decide to be all a young lady needs. Wonderful to read the story of a girl who refused to follow in the footsteps of a mother who couldn’t bothered to mother.
Super cool for such a young man to decide to be all a young lady needs. Wonderful to read the story of a girl who refused to follow in the footsteps of a mother who couldn’t bothered to mother.
January 2, 2020
My favorite crew
I love Keyz & crew, so I was more than happy to read this book. So nice to see the kids growing up & being a part of the story as well
I love Keyz & crew, so I was more than happy to read this book. So nice to see the kids growing up & being a part of the story as well
January 4, 2020
Loved this book. Myriah was something serious. Glad it worked out in the end. Patiently, waiting on your next one.
January 6, 2020
Need more
I was intrigued by all the couples i would love a new story and glimpses into ish and pepper’s life or just an update on them and the family
I was intrigued by all the couples i would love a new story and glimpses into ish and pepper’s life or just an update on them and the family
January 12, 2020
Review
Good job on this book Tisha. Myriah almost lost it all being so selfish. She leaned a valuable lesson that she won’t soon forget.
Good job on this book Tisha. Myriah almost lost it all being so selfish. She leaned a valuable lesson that she won’t soon forget.
January 14, 2020
Home for the Holidays
Enjoyed the read. Glad to see the crew is well. Waiting on your next project. Keep them coming. Ishmael meet his match in this one.
Enjoyed the read. Glad to see the crew is well. Waiting on your next project. Keep them coming. Ishmael meet his match in this one.
November 27, 2020
🔥🔥
This was a really good Christmas story and I enjoyed it at the end love and loving your family is one of the best things you can do
This was a really good Christmas story and I enjoyed it at the end love and loving your family is one of the best things you can do
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews