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Reality in Chaos
Meet Simone Monroe.
Months ago Simone had a fairytale wedding only to realize the actual marriage didn't fit what she had in mind. As she learns the truth behind her marriage, she is faced with realizing not all fairytales have happy endings.
Meet Taylor Ross.
Taylor has made a life for herself as one of the most talented artists of her generation. When Taylor tries to take on mental illness she is faced with the reality that some things in life cannot be fixed with a paint brush.
Meet Jacqueline "Jackie" McKinley.
After years of waiting for her big Hollywood break, Jackie gets an opportunity of a lifetime that changes her life forever. But was the price of fame worth it?
What happens when the life you thought you were going to have is hit with the Reality in Chaos? Through life's unexpected twist and turns, one thing is consistent for these women; their friendship and sisterhood.
Months ago Simone had a fairytale wedding only to realize the actual marriage didn't fit what she had in mind. As she learns the truth behind her marriage, she is faced with realizing not all fairytales have happy endings.
Meet Taylor Ross.
Taylor has made a life for herself as one of the most talented artists of her generation. When Taylor tries to take on mental illness she is faced with the reality that some things in life cannot be fixed with a paint brush.
Meet Jacqueline "Jackie" McKinley.
After years of waiting for her big Hollywood break, Jackie gets an opportunity of a lifetime that changes her life forever. But was the price of fame worth it?
What happens when the life you thought you were going to have is hit with the Reality in Chaos? Through life's unexpected twist and turns, one thing is consistent for these women; their friendship and sisterhood.
- GenresContemporary
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2021
236 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
February 2, 2021
I absolutely loved "Reality in Chaos" by Monique Kelley. Having attended an HBCU, Hampton University in particular, I was thrilled to read a story about a group of friends who became sisters over time. This is a concept of which so many readers can relate to as when you have a good group of friends, they become family.
Ms. Kelley offers the reader a dynamic cast of relatable characters who have all entered their 40's. Challenges remain in the group that bring light to where in they are in their lives as it relates to family, work, marriage and love, and so much more.
The author takes on you a journey using a "confessional room" style of writing wanting to know more and more about Simone Monroe Lee, Jacqueline McKinely, and Taylor Ross. The names alone are enough to make you want to sip all the tea that is spilled in this delicious freshman novel by Ms. Kelly.
#HappyReading
Ms. Kelley offers the reader a dynamic cast of relatable characters who have all entered their 40's. Challenges remain in the group that bring light to where in they are in their lives as it relates to family, work, marriage and love, and so much more.
The author takes on you a journey using a "confessional room" style of writing wanting to know more and more about Simone Monroe Lee, Jacqueline McKinely, and Taylor Ross. The names alone are enough to make you want to sip all the tea that is spilled in this delicious freshman novel by Ms. Kelly.
#HappyReading
January 16, 2024
I wish I could give this zero stars. This is the most, Anti-Black, Fatphobic, Classist, Colorist, unedited book I have ever read. I will never read another book from this author. She clearly has some serious issues she needs to work through.
July 13, 2021
I really enjoyed this novel. The storytelling was a great example of, 'If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.' I was rooting for these ladies and in the end, it was great to see them all happy and successful. The only issue I had with this story is the 'idea' that age forty is old and signals the beginning of the end, when in actuality, as these ladies learned, it's actually the beginning. Once you embrace it, you'll grab life by the horns and run with it.
Looking forward to reading more from this author in the near future.
Looking forward to reading more from this author in the near future.
March 24, 2021
Great story
First time reading this author
She wrote a very Interesting story of three friends whose friendship spans over three decades
They had each others back through all the ups and downs of life and the author showed us throughout the story how much love and support they had for each other
Each one of them was dealt with some heavy life issues but their friendship got them through it
Each one had expectations of how their life would go when they graduated but they found out that life throws us all a curveball we never expect
This book realistically deals with how each woman deals with their
Reality as they turn 40 and have to face some hard challenges
But friendship, love and acceptance helps them find peace and happiness
Great read and a book you won't want to pass up
First time reading this author
She wrote a very Interesting story of three friends whose friendship spans over three decades
They had each others back through all the ups and downs of life and the author showed us throughout the story how much love and support they had for each other
Each one of them was dealt with some heavy life issues but their friendship got them through it
Each one had expectations of how their life would go when they graduated but they found out that life throws us all a curveball we never expect
This book realistically deals with how each woman deals with their
Reality as they turn 40 and have to face some hard challenges
But friendship, love and acceptance helps them find peace and happiness
Great read and a book you won't want to pass up
October 5, 2021
Terrible
This author is clearly anti Black, classist, and colorist. I only finished because I wanted the book to be over.
Almost every Black woman the main characters encounter are described as "ghetto", have an "attitude", and have a "bad weave".
The two dark skinned characters that we see the most of are attractive, but both are described as having "upturned" Asian appearing eyes. So the author only thinks dark skinned people are attractive if they look mixed? Okay, got it.
Besides that, the book was slow and dragged out. It could have been cut in half. Also, i've never read a book with this many grammatical errors in my life.
Definitely skip this one. I'm surprised my eyes did not stay permanently rolled after reading this.
This author is clearly anti Black, classist, and colorist. I only finished because I wanted the book to be over.
Almost every Black woman the main characters encounter are described as "ghetto", have an "attitude", and have a "bad weave".
The two dark skinned characters that we see the most of are attractive, but both are described as having "upturned" Asian appearing eyes. So the author only thinks dark skinned people are attractive if they look mixed? Okay, got it.
Besides that, the book was slow and dragged out. It could have been cut in half. Also, i've never read a book with this many grammatical errors in my life.
Definitely skip this one. I'm surprised my eyes did not stay permanently rolled after reading this.
March 7, 2021
Disappointing
I was really excited to read this book but was ultimately disappointed. I really enjoyed the characters and each of their struggles was relatable in some way but the writing throughout the entire book was subpar at best. I don't think I have ever written a published book that had so many spelling and grammatical errors to the point that I wondered if the book had even been edited before it was released. There was a lot of redundancy and at times the storyline was fragmented as if the author completely forgot what she had written a few pages prior. Overall, although I really enjoyed the main characters I would not recommend this book or author.
I was really excited to read this book but was ultimately disappointed. I really enjoyed the characters and each of their struggles was relatable in some way but the writing throughout the entire book was subpar at best. I don't think I have ever written a published book that had so many spelling and grammatical errors to the point that I wondered if the book had even been edited before it was released. There was a lot of redundancy and at times the storyline was fragmented as if the author completely forgot what she had written a few pages prior. Overall, although I really enjoyed the main characters I would not recommend this book or author.
March 19, 2021
I am so thankful for the opportunity to read “Reality in Chaos”!! Thank you LibraryThing and Black Rose Writing!
I enjoyed how Monique Kelley introduced her characters, their lives, their chaos, their triumphs, and especially their sisterhood! It was a breath of fresh air! Sorry for all the exclamation marks, but I really truly enjoyed reading this author’s work.
I love this quote: “As our realities hit us, and my goodness, they hit us hard and knocked us down, and through the chaos, there was always one thing we could count on … each other. That’s what sisterhood is about, being able to be each other’s strength when we are weak.”
I enjoyed how Monique Kelley introduced her characters, their lives, their chaos, their triumphs, and especially their sisterhood! It was a breath of fresh air! Sorry for all the exclamation marks, but I really truly enjoyed reading this author’s work.
I love this quote: “As our realities hit us, and my goodness, they hit us hard and knocked us down, and through the chaos, there was always one thing we could count on … each other. That’s what sisterhood is about, being able to be each other’s strength when we are weak.”
September 6, 2021
Great read!
Really enjoyed this book. First read by author & I was entertained from beginning to end. Loved the detailed, inside look the author gave into each of the ladies lives. Was able to relate to the sisterhood connection & the drama each was experiencing in their own lives. It read like a good movie. Already recommended to other friends & my mother! Wouldn't be mad if a sequel came out telling what happens next in the lives of the best friends, yet content with the ending.
Really enjoyed this book. First read by author & I was entertained from beginning to end. Loved the detailed, inside look the author gave into each of the ladies lives. Was able to relate to the sisterhood connection & the drama each was experiencing in their own lives. It read like a good movie. Already recommended to other friends & my mother! Wouldn't be mad if a sequel came out telling what happens next in the lives of the best friends, yet content with the ending.
October 15, 2021
Surprised me!
When I read the synopsis I decided that I had to read this book! It was about women who reflected me, thought like me and had some similar experiences as me. I truly enjoyed this book, it gave me all the feels! I loved all three main characters and I liked that they each had a voice. They grew and learned so much over the time span of the book. Thank you for writing strong Black female characters and showing their bonds of true sisterhood. We should all be so lucky to have a friendship like the three amigas! By the way, that Travis was a real douche...
When I read the synopsis I decided that I had to read this book! It was about women who reflected me, thought like me and had some similar experiences as me. I truly enjoyed this book, it gave me all the feels! I loved all three main characters and I liked that they each had a voice. They grew and learned so much over the time span of the book. Thank you for writing strong Black female characters and showing their bonds of true sisterhood. We should all be so lucky to have a friendship like the three amigas! By the way, that Travis was a real douche...
December 30, 2021
Get back up again...
I enjoyed reading this story about these three Ladies, the lives they lived and the lessons they learned. Even though then are college educated, are well off financially (well at least two are), and have great jobs, they still go through the same mess that women everywhere go through. Relationship issues, job issues and family issues that are all common in life today unfortunately. I do think anyone who loves read would enjoy reading this book. Can't wait to read more books by Monique Kelley.
I enjoyed reading this story about these three Ladies, the lives they lived and the lessons they learned. Even though then are college educated, are well off financially (well at least two are), and have great jobs, they still go through the same mess that women everywhere go through. Relationship issues, job issues and family issues that are all common in life today unfortunately. I do think anyone who loves read would enjoy reading this book. Can't wait to read more books by Monique Kelley.
May 15, 2021
Overall, the story was not bad.
I rated the book a three because I struggled to commit to finishing it from the start. Many times I wanted to take out my red pen and do what the editor failed to do! The way the story unfolded was entertaining; however, the constant cursing, labeling (name brand descriptions) and errors were distracting. Because of this, I would most likely not read another book by this author.
I rated the book a three because I struggled to commit to finishing it from the start. Many times I wanted to take out my red pen and do what the editor failed to do! The way the story unfolded was entertaining; however, the constant cursing, labeling (name brand descriptions) and errors were distracting. Because of this, I would most likely not read another book by this author.
June 5, 2021
This book was Pure Joy!
Wow...I loved this story from start to finish! I laughed, cried, shook my head and yes, I talked to all the characters! I have never had the honor of attending a HBCU but I could still relate.
The sisterhood of the women warmed my heart because I am blessed to be a part of a great circle of sistas!
Please keep writing wonderful stories and God bless you always!
Wow...I loved this story from start to finish! I laughed, cried, shook my head and yes, I talked to all the characters! I have never had the honor of attending a HBCU but I could still relate.
The sisterhood of the women warmed my heart because I am blessed to be a part of a great circle of sistas!
Please keep writing wonderful stories and God bless you always!
October 12, 2021
This story was amazing. The sisterhood real. The characters were well thought out and three dimensional. The book was amazing. Crazy but this book gave me the added push and motivation needed to make some changes in my life. That’s how real this book felt.
On the downside, if I’m being honest, the book had a few mistakes, extra words. Maybe it could go for a second edit but it did not distract from the story and I knew that the editor just overlooked the extra word not needed, or typo.
On the downside, if I’m being honest, the book had a few mistakes, extra words. Maybe it could go for a second edit but it did not distract from the story and I knew that the editor just overlooked the extra word not needed, or typo.
May 14, 2022
Life Changing
This book was a great rollercoaster ride. It pulls you in. The unexpected twists captured your attention and were well crafted. I found myself feeling the poignant emotions of the various characters and situations. This book is definitely recommended by me and is movie-worthy. Thank you Monique Kelley for the blessings of examples of hope, love, inspiration and much more.
This book was a great rollercoaster ride. It pulls you in. The unexpected twists captured your attention and were well crafted. I found myself feeling the poignant emotions of the various characters and situations. This book is definitely recommended by me and is movie-worthy. Thank you Monique Kelley for the blessings of examples of hope, love, inspiration and much more.
November 6, 2022
Good Book - needed editing
I really enjoyed the stories of these 3 women. I saw many similarities to my own life in their stories so I was really intrigued. However, it seems Amazon posted the unedited version of the book. I see this a lot with Black authors on the Kindle platform. Please show these authors respect by making sure the edited version of their book is posted. I hate to have to edit as I read.
I really enjoyed the stories of these 3 women. I saw many similarities to my own life in their stories so I was really intrigued. However, it seems Amazon posted the unedited version of the book. I see this a lot with Black authors on the Kindle platform. Please show these authors respect by making sure the edited version of their book is posted. I hate to have to edit as I read.
January 29, 2021
I loved this book! It brought back so many memories of being young and impressionable. Relationship memories. Reminders of friends who have come and gone. Plus I loved the happy ending. We always can use a happy ending in our lives. So many self revelations discovered in the book. Loved it! Loved it!
March 24, 2021
A great read!
This was a really good book! It shows you how life.csn change in a twinkle of an eye. I appreciated how it was focused on middle aged women like myself. Cause life TRULY does change when u hit.40 years old. Im 42 and. Can be a.witness! Keep up good work Monique! Cant wait for your next good read! 😉
This was a really good book! It shows you how life.csn change in a twinkle of an eye. I appreciated how it was focused on middle aged women like myself. Cause life TRULY does change when u hit.40 years old. Im 42 and. Can be a.witness! Keep up good work Monique! Cant wait for your next good read! 😉
May 3, 2021
Friends forever
Three ladies meet on campus on the first day , the trial a d tribulation they face , they have each other's back through marriage, divorce, sicknesses death, and everything in between. Getting to 40 and finding out what they want in life and going after it with full gusto. Good friends are had to find, these three ladies found each other . Friend for life.
Three ladies meet on campus on the first day , the trial a d tribulation they face , they have each other's back through marriage, divorce, sicknesses death, and everything in between. Getting to 40 and finding out what they want in life and going after it with full gusto. Good friends are had to find, these three ladies found each other . Friend for life.
June 24, 2021
Friends for life and freedom to love and live
This was an amazing story. I couldn't put the book down. I loved how she depicted her characters relationships. This was an excellent experience for me to read. She dealt with mental health issues, death and self esteem. I'm definitely looking forward to reading her other books
This was an amazing story. I couldn't put the book down. I loved how she depicted her characters relationships. This was an excellent experience for me to read. She dealt with mental health issues, death and self esteem. I'm definitely looking forward to reading her other books
August 4, 2021
Refreshing
It was so refreshing to read about women in my age group. Often times I’m reading about younger women and they definitely have a story to tell however, I love to read about women forty and up! Bravo!!! First time reading from this fabulous author, won’t be the last time!
It was so refreshing to read about women in my age group. Often times I’m reading about younger women and they definitely have a story to tell however, I love to read about women forty and up! Bravo!!! First time reading from this fabulous author, won’t be the last time!
September 16, 2021
Warms Your Heart
I enjoyed Reality in Chaos by Monique Kelly. It exp!bored the trials and tribulations of 3 college friends(HBCU) as they discovered what really is important in life. I especially loved the mother daughter relationships. great job and looking forward to reading more by M.K😊
I enjoyed Reality in Chaos by Monique Kelly. It exp!bored the trials and tribulations of 3 college friends(HBCU) as they discovered what really is important in life. I especially loved the mother daughter relationships. great job and looking forward to reading more by M.K😊
December 31, 2021
Fast paced and entertaining
I enjoyed the story and the characters. I thought it was entertaining. I chuckled a few times and also shed a few tears. The one criticism I have is that it badly needs to be proofread and edited. Some of the errors were distracting. Otherwise, if you're looking for a fun read, try this one.
I enjoyed the story and the characters. I thought it was entertaining. I chuckled a few times and also shed a few tears. The one criticism I have is that it badly needs to be proofread and edited. Some of the errors were distracting. Otherwise, if you're looking for a fun read, try this one.
January 7, 2022
Good Easy Read
I throughly enjoyed Reality in Chaos. The characters were well developed and the friendship between the main characters was awesome. Loved the way they supported each other their life’s chaos. My only minus would be for typos, as there are several in the book. I would definitely recommend.
I throughly enjoyed Reality in Chaos. The characters were well developed and the friendship between the main characters was awesome. Loved the way they supported each other their life’s chaos. My only minus would be for typos, as there are several in the book. I would definitely recommend.
September 11, 2022
My biggest negative - what happened to the editing in the book. So many errors.
I'm giving it a four because I did like the storyline around sisterhood and deep friendships.
Simone, Jackie, and Taylor went through a lot (some/most of it they brought on themselves with their thinking of how things should be), but they always knew they could count on each other no matter what.
I'm giving it a four because I did like the storyline around sisterhood and deep friendships.
Simone, Jackie, and Taylor went through a lot (some/most of it they brought on themselves with their thinking of how things should be), but they always knew they could count on each other no matter what.
Read
December 15, 2022Awesome read!
I truly enjoyed reading this book! This book made me smile, laugh, cry, mad.....it kept my attention and I found myself reading til the sun went down after getting off work and settling in. I hate its over but I am glad I decided to give this book a read. Great work to the Author!
I truly enjoyed reading this book! This book made me smile, laugh, cry, mad.....it kept my attention and I found myself reading til the sun went down after getting off work and settling in. I hate its over but I am glad I decided to give this book a read. Great work to the Author!
May 11, 2024
This book had so much potential to really take us into the depth of black women friendships, black women struggles in their 30s and it was just so surface level.
The worst part of this book was the amount of grammar and editing errors. It was so bad it was distracting! I was surprised a book could be published with so many errors.
The worst part of this book was the amount of grammar and editing errors. It was so bad it was distracting! I was surprised a book could be published with so many errors.
December 4, 2024
Ok. Not great. Some of the storylines felt unfinished. Still got questions. What happened to the white gf? When did Taylor fall in love with the doctor? Did Simone's ex husband find out about the baby? Why/ how did stuff get on her credit report? What about the Amex credit cards? What about her frozen eggs? So many unanswered questions
February 15, 2021
Relatable!!!!!
We all can find ourselves in Simone, Taylor and Jackie and we can all hope to have sister friends who will weather any storm and who will be your strength, confident and biggest cheerleader.
We all can find ourselves in Simone, Taylor and Jackie and we can all hope to have sister friends who will weather any storm and who will be your strength, confident and biggest cheerleader.
March 11, 2021
Outstanding read!
This book kept me engaged from the first page. I especially liked reading about a more mature female group... their issues and experiences. Definitely recommend this book!
This book kept me engaged from the first page. I especially liked reading about a more mature female group... their issues and experiences. Definitely recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews