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Strawberry Mansion Series #1
Strawberry Mansion: A Philadelphia Story
Dramatic is one of many words used to describe Strawberry A Philadelphia Story. The story is centered around three young women, friends, who must rely on their connection to each other to weather tragic storms. Tabitha, 19, lost her freedom in high school when she hooked up with a boy who would impregnate her and make her his punching bag. Lisa, 17, is deemed "the strong one" by her friends, but her own past of sexual abuse and pregnancy at the hands of her step father keeps her one second from falling apart as the drama builds. Shanice, 14, is a hellion, ready and willing to let any boy have her just to get the affection she believes her mother has withheld. As their world spirals out of control, they cling fast to one another in the hope that love, friendship, and strength will not only keep them together, but will also move them to a better place in their lives
- GenresAfrican American
227 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
24 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 19, 2008
When I picked up Strawberry Mansion I had no idea what genre it was in by the looks on the girl's faces on the cover, but when I read the back cover I saw that it was a story of three ladies my age 14-19. The storyline for all three girls was true to life and on point. I was Happy to see different Dialects and Ebonics used when they were speaking because we do not speak with perfect grammar and it helps the girls be relate-able. The Portrayal of 19 yr old Tabitha Williams, Who Is being abused by baby daddy Eric, in her book has to be my favorite because as sad as her situation is I've seen it happen, Front Row Seat, I've Been Erica(Tabitha and Eric's Daughter) and The authors words are on point. Lisa Perkins 17 has an interesting story that involves a mother who believes she isn't nothing with out a man, no matter what kind of man he is, and don't care how it affects her daughter. its the opposite with 14 yr old Shanice Thomas who believes the Sun rises and sets between her legs and thinks' because her mother found Jesus she hates her. She goes through a battle within her self discovering right from wrong and the true meaning of growing up. In the general sense this book was great, it was interesting and informational. With a Very Interesting Twist at the end but you'll have to pick it up to See. I give it 4.5 stars
Shy Richardz
AAMBC Book Reviewer
Shy Richardz
AAMBC Book Reviewer
November 24, 2008
Teenage Blues
"Strawberry Mansion" takes you into the lives of three best friends. Tabitha, a teenage mother, is involved in an abusive relationship at the hands of her child's father, Eric. Lisa, whose mother always seems to put her men before her daughter, leaves Lisa feeling unloved. She is the one that seems to hold the group together. Then you have Shanice, the youngest out of the group. She has the reputation at school for being "fast" and is always the one caught up in some drama.
When Lisa is kicked out of the house, Eric hits on Tabitha one too many times, and Shanice gets in over her head, the group pulls together for one another. But the real surprise comes to all of them when it is revealed that there is a secret that will affect each and every one of them.
I felt this story was a fast paced read and keeps your attention. I do think that the ending was a little unbelievable, but all in all I think this was an okay read. I feel as if the story is more geared towards the younger readers because I feel as if there are lessons to be learned from reading this book. So I would definitely recommend this book for the younger readers.
Reviewed by: LeonaR
"Strawberry Mansion" takes you into the lives of three best friends. Tabitha, a teenage mother, is involved in an abusive relationship at the hands of her child's father, Eric. Lisa, whose mother always seems to put her men before her daughter, leaves Lisa feeling unloved. She is the one that seems to hold the group together. Then you have Shanice, the youngest out of the group. She has the reputation at school for being "fast" and is always the one caught up in some drama.
When Lisa is kicked out of the house, Eric hits on Tabitha one too many times, and Shanice gets in over her head, the group pulls together for one another. But the real surprise comes to all of them when it is revealed that there is a secret that will affect each and every one of them.
I felt this story was a fast paced read and keeps your attention. I do think that the ending was a little unbelievable, but all in all I think this was an okay read. I feel as if the story is more geared towards the younger readers because I feel as if there are lessons to be learned from reading this book. So I would definitely recommend this book for the younger readers.
Reviewed by: LeonaR
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May 18, 2024Love this book!
October 3, 2009
An Unbreakable Bond
This story was cute. I believe this book is geared for the teenager or young adult; I think that age group can benefit from this and the lessons for them are worthy of their time. These characters are faced with problems that a lot of our teenagers and young ones are dealing with. I feel our younger generation will relate on some level to this book and may learn from the headaches these young women are faced with. Their bond is unbreakable and a true testament for friendship.
Tabitha William is a nineteen year old teenage mother dealing with an abusive mate. Tabitha’s self esteem is so low she does not think she can overcome it. While she knows this no good for her, she cannot find the courage to leave.
Shanice Thomas the baby of the bunch at the tender age of fourteen. Shanice is the wildest of the bunch. While she has a loving mother at home, Shanice has trouble understand that loving the lord above does not mean her mother does not love her. Feeling unloved, she acts out in the only way she knows how - to sleep around. Shanice is going to learn the hard way.
Lisa Perkins is seventeen and the most responsible of the trio. Lisa’s demons have her on an emotional roller coaster, with Lisa feeling like she cannot turn to her friends for an ear to listen. This young woman has been through hell and has survived. Without an outlet, she does not feel like a survivor, she feels like a little kid trapped in a woman’s body.
We read along as these young woman make choices that they have no idea are going to follow them for the rest of their lives. I wanted to choke these ladies at times, had to keep remembering their age as impressionable young teenagers. While their struggles seem unreal, I know that their struggles are real life problems that I wish our youth did not have to deal with. Mrs. Simmons does a great job of explaining how their situations arose and tackling difficult story lines. The story is quick and easy to follow. While the ending seemed like a stretch, and farfetched it worked with the story. I was grateful it was not your perfect fairytale ending it was definitely a twist I could not predict.
SiStar Tea
ARC Book Club Inc.
4 star rating
This story was cute. I believe this book is geared for the teenager or young adult; I think that age group can benefit from this and the lessons for them are worthy of their time. These characters are faced with problems that a lot of our teenagers and young ones are dealing with. I feel our younger generation will relate on some level to this book and may learn from the headaches these young women are faced with. Their bond is unbreakable and a true testament for friendship.
Tabitha William is a nineteen year old teenage mother dealing with an abusive mate. Tabitha’s self esteem is so low she does not think she can overcome it. While she knows this no good for her, she cannot find the courage to leave.
Shanice Thomas the baby of the bunch at the tender age of fourteen. Shanice is the wildest of the bunch. While she has a loving mother at home, Shanice has trouble understand that loving the lord above does not mean her mother does not love her. Feeling unloved, she acts out in the only way she knows how - to sleep around. Shanice is going to learn the hard way.
Lisa Perkins is seventeen and the most responsible of the trio. Lisa’s demons have her on an emotional roller coaster, with Lisa feeling like she cannot turn to her friends for an ear to listen. This young woman has been through hell and has survived. Without an outlet, she does not feel like a survivor, she feels like a little kid trapped in a woman’s body.
We read along as these young woman make choices that they have no idea are going to follow them for the rest of their lives. I wanted to choke these ladies at times, had to keep remembering their age as impressionable young teenagers. While their struggles seem unreal, I know that their struggles are real life problems that I wish our youth did not have to deal with. Mrs. Simmons does a great job of explaining how their situations arose and tackling difficult story lines. The story is quick and easy to follow. While the ending seemed like a stretch, and farfetched it worked with the story. I was grateful it was not your perfect fairytale ending it was definitely a twist I could not predict.
SiStar Tea
ARC Book Club Inc.
4 star rating
October 3, 2016
This is an older book, that I believe was geared more towards teens than adults, but nonetheless I still read it and somewhat enjoyed it.
Tabitha, Lisa and Shaniece are best friends, despite their five year age difference. The events in the book all take place over the course of a few days, so it wasn't easy to figure out why they were so loyal to each other, especially when in some cases (Shaniece) that loyalty didn't seemed deserved.
Each of the girl's has a pretty big struggle on their hands, teen parenthood, molestation, domestic abuse, etc, and they deal with them in pretty realistic ways, which was nice. I also liked that education was pushed pretty strongly as the best way to get out of the cycle of poverty and abuse. I'm not sure I can recall another book ever doing that.
My major complaint was that the story ended too neatly, and honestly became absolutely unbelievable the last ten pages or so. But overall it was a good story, and fun to read so I can't complain too much.
Tabitha, Lisa and Shaniece are best friends, despite their five year age difference. The events in the book all take place over the course of a few days, so it wasn't easy to figure out why they were so loyal to each other, especially when in some cases (Shaniece) that loyalty didn't seemed deserved.
Each of the girl's has a pretty big struggle on their hands, teen parenthood, molestation, domestic abuse, etc, and they deal with them in pretty realistic ways, which was nice. I also liked that education was pushed pretty strongly as the best way to get out of the cycle of poverty and abuse. I'm not sure I can recall another book ever doing that.
My major complaint was that the story ended too neatly, and honestly became absolutely unbelievable the last ten pages or so. But overall it was a good story, and fun to read so I can't complain too much.
September 30, 2009
Strawberry Mansion is a very good book thus far. I can relate to it in a way becuase my friend has sisters and she is from that part of Philadelphia. I love how you can imagine yourself being one of the characters in the book! This is definately going to be one of my favorites! Julia Press Simmons is a talented author and i cant wait to read more of her work!
January 23, 2012
I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. Most of the reviews were excellent but this isn't my type of story. I couldn't relate to any of the characters, I kept getting confused because the characters came off as being a lot older than what they were. it wasn't a bad read by far, perhaps I just couldn't relate to the story line.....and the ending was a bit odd.
November 15, 2008
Great book on teens dealing w/domestic violence and dysfunctional homes.
April 16, 2023
I couldn't wait to dive into Strawberry Mansion again. I read the ebook a while back and enjoyed it. Reading it again was extra special. This is a gritty story about young girls who were ride or die friends. They have their own drama and were tested. To know this was the inspiration of the author's own drama strengthens this novel. I loved it.
April 7, 2021
An ok read. Funny. Light read. A sad story. It did get a little unbelievable towards the end but I enjoyed the characters.
May 31, 2023
I felt it was a good read; especially after I read the author's back story.
September 29, 2013
4.0 out of 5 stars This book was anything but strawberries and mansions....,
September 18, 2013
By
Siren "Hear my voice, feel my wrath" (Houston, TX)
This review is from: Strawberry Mansion: A Philadelphia Story (Kindle Edition)
Chile......this book here had me singing all kinds of sad songs. I was like, "Really? OMG? Somebody fudge him up!" It was a hot mess, all the drama that unfolded and by the end, I had no more tears to shed.
Tabitha had me feeling some kind of way about her and I was a bit confused too. I hated her low self-esteem and self doubt. Those types of traits are weaknesses anyone can pick up on and then use against a person. Not to mention, she had a daughter involved, so Eric's arse would have been out of the picture lonnnnnnnnnnnnng time ago. First love be damned! Once my child was born; all my decisions would have been based on what was best for her. Not to mention, Tabitha's mom was cool. She was not like some mothers who trip about babysitting or helping out because you made a mistake or got caught up. Tabitha should have ran into her mother's waiting arms at the first sign of abuse.
Lisa.....oh Lisa.....this girl here...my heart went out to her. I understood her logic and reasons behind her actions. I really could not blame her for the way she reacted at certain points in the book. I probably would have done worse, given what she had endured. I did pray that Lisa and Tony would survive anything. Tony was a good guy who was just not privy to all of Lisa's demons. Lisa's mother and stepfather were a piece of work. I have read about some jacked up mothers but this broad took the cake, the icing, and the fork. Evil would not even describe her. And the stepfather....*gags*.....I wanted Lisa to personally seek her revenge on the 2 rachett beings, but Shanice did that!!
Shanice was a hoochie mess. I was trying to figure out why she behaved the way she did. I mean.....she had not experienced any severe trauma like Tab and Lisa. I was like the little girl wildin out for no damn reason, or because she thinks her mother has forgotten about her. So unnecessary and a few incidents, Shanice brought on herself. I felt no empathy or sympathy for the often wreckless child. I was like, "Get it together little girl. That ish ain't cute." That being said, Shanice was a fighter and that was a quality that Lisa and Tab lacked. Shanice played with the world using her own rules, so if you came at her sideways, there would be hell to pay. She had a big and loving heart, but Shanice rarely used her brain.
The book was a good read and kept me engaged. It was either what would Shanice do next or how much could Tab and Lisa take, that kept me turning pages.
Reviewed by Lizzy Linh K. for Urban Grapevine Magazine
September 18, 2013
By
Siren "Hear my voice, feel my wrath" (Houston, TX)
This review is from: Strawberry Mansion: A Philadelphia Story (Kindle Edition)
Chile......this book here had me singing all kinds of sad songs. I was like, "Really? OMG? Somebody fudge him up!" It was a hot mess, all the drama that unfolded and by the end, I had no more tears to shed.
Tabitha had me feeling some kind of way about her and I was a bit confused too. I hated her low self-esteem and self doubt. Those types of traits are weaknesses anyone can pick up on and then use against a person. Not to mention, she had a daughter involved, so Eric's arse would have been out of the picture lonnnnnnnnnnnnng time ago. First love be damned! Once my child was born; all my decisions would have been based on what was best for her. Not to mention, Tabitha's mom was cool. She was not like some mothers who trip about babysitting or helping out because you made a mistake or got caught up. Tabitha should have ran into her mother's waiting arms at the first sign of abuse.
Lisa.....oh Lisa.....this girl here...my heart went out to her. I understood her logic and reasons behind her actions. I really could not blame her for the way she reacted at certain points in the book. I probably would have done worse, given what she had endured. I did pray that Lisa and Tony would survive anything. Tony was a good guy who was just not privy to all of Lisa's demons. Lisa's mother and stepfather were a piece of work. I have read about some jacked up mothers but this broad took the cake, the icing, and the fork. Evil would not even describe her. And the stepfather....*gags*.....I wanted Lisa to personally seek her revenge on the 2 rachett beings, but Shanice did that!!
Shanice was a hoochie mess. I was trying to figure out why she behaved the way she did. I mean.....she had not experienced any severe trauma like Tab and Lisa. I was like the little girl wildin out for no damn reason, or because she thinks her mother has forgotten about her. So unnecessary and a few incidents, Shanice brought on herself. I felt no empathy or sympathy for the often wreckless child. I was like, "Get it together little girl. That ish ain't cute." That being said, Shanice was a fighter and that was a quality that Lisa and Tab lacked. Shanice played with the world using her own rules, so if you came at her sideways, there would be hell to pay. She had a big and loving heart, but Shanice rarely used her brain.
The book was a good read and kept me engaged. It was either what would Shanice do next or how much could Tab and Lisa take, that kept me turning pages.
Reviewed by Lizzy Linh K. for Urban Grapevine Magazine
July 7, 2012
Ive been holding onto this book for some time now so im happy I finally sat down and read it. This was a quick read, the story is so heartfelt and reminds you that everyone has a story, and it doesnt matter how close you are to them you may not know their story until later.
The story followed three teenage girls who were all best friends and each had their own family issues that they were trying to deal with and help each other with.
Tabitha is the oldest of the girls, but that doesnt really mean she is the wisest. As you get to know Tabitha you begin to feel sorry for her and her daughter because of the way her baby father treats them.
Lisa is the girl who is quick to defend her friends but you come to see what she cant/ wont stand up for herself. She goes through so much within her family that she leave thinking that would bring her mother closer to her but it doesnt work since Lisa's step father has been molesting her since she was younger. As you read and learn more about Lisa since is just your average teenager looking for someone to love her they way she should be loved, but will she find that?
Shanice is the youngest and she is a mess! You can tell that so much is going on between her and her mother and she doesnt know how to address it so she starts to act out and her friends are the ones who try to keep her level headed... but will it work?
At the end each girl is connected in a way that will bring them closer than what they already are. At the end of the day all these girls had were each other and in some way that really proves to be enough for them.
A really good read and I enjoyed It I will e reading the rest of the series!
The story followed three teenage girls who were all best friends and each had their own family issues that they were trying to deal with and help each other with.
Tabitha is the oldest of the girls, but that doesnt really mean she is the wisest. As you get to know Tabitha you begin to feel sorry for her and her daughter because of the way her baby father treats them.
Lisa is the girl who is quick to defend her friends but you come to see what she cant/ wont stand up for herself. She goes through so much within her family that she leave thinking that would bring her mother closer to her but it doesnt work since Lisa's step father has been molesting her since she was younger. As you read and learn more about Lisa since is just your average teenager looking for someone to love her they way she should be loved, but will she find that?
Shanice is the youngest and she is a mess! You can tell that so much is going on between her and her mother and she doesnt know how to address it so she starts to act out and her friends are the ones who try to keep her level headed... but will it work?
At the end each girl is connected in a way that will bring them closer than what they already are. At the end of the day all these girls had were each other and in some way that really proves to be enough for them.
A really good read and I enjoyed It I will e reading the rest of the series!
May 7, 2012
Tabitha, Lisa and Shanice are the best of friends and have learned to depend on each other during adversity. Tabitha has an abusive boyfriend who always finds a reason to physically abuse her. He uses their young daughter as a pawn to keep her from leaving. Lisa deals with a hurtful past which includes sexual abuse at the hands of her step-father. She is driven to leave their home after her mother not only blames her for his depraved actions, but goes as far as to disown her. Shanice is young, promiscuous and has a lot to learn about life. She lashes out at everyone as a cover for what she really desires. She yearns for the love of her mother who she feels is a church fanatic and no longer genuinely loves her. The three girls lean on each other for support through all of their experiences. Little do they know that their lives are more interwoven than they could have ever imagined.
I applaud how Julia Press Simmons dealt with issues that are prevalent in today's society, such as the various abuses illustrated in the story. `Strawberry Mansion' details how the sexual abuse inflicted on a child can affect their maturation into adulthood. The story also demonstrates the emotional battle that takes a toll on a person in an unhealthy relationship. In addition, it exemplified how one can act out in the wake of feeling rejected by loved ones. This was as great read in spite of the slow start for me. As a result, I look forward to reading other titles by this author!
Ondrea L. Davis, Reviewer
I applaud how Julia Press Simmons dealt with issues that are prevalent in today's society, such as the various abuses illustrated in the story. `Strawberry Mansion' details how the sexual abuse inflicted on a child can affect their maturation into adulthood. The story also demonstrates the emotional battle that takes a toll on a person in an unhealthy relationship. In addition, it exemplified how one can act out in the wake of feeling rejected by loved ones. This was as great read in spite of the slow start for me. As a result, I look forward to reading other titles by this author!
Ondrea L. Davis, Reviewer
December 18, 2012
Tabitha, Lisa, and Shanice are best friends. They're as thick as thieves. Shanice is my favorite. Her feisty attitude and no holds barred demeanor set her apart from the other two. Initially, it was difficult for me to relate to Tabitha and Lisa's bond with Shanice (who is 14 years old while the other two are 19 & 17, respectively)because of the age gap, but I suppose it's possible. The storyline dealt with some serious issues that plague a lot of families. The ending took a twist that I kinda saw coming so that was a bit of a bummer because I wanted more...like what happened to Eric's sorry tail. Maybe he reappears in another book. I did enjoy the excerpt to Begonia Brown, which is next on my list. JPS does a fine job painting pictures and giving her characters a unique voice and their own set of problems to address.
Strawberry Mansion: A Philadelphia Story
Strawberry Mansion: A Philadelphia Story
December 6, 2012
Tabitha, Lisa and Shanice are three teenage friends helping each other through the struggle of adolescence in Philadelphia. Each of the teens has their own demons to deal with but they are always there to help their girl when life gets REAL. The twist was so unexpected and a bit of a tearjerker.
August 11, 2013
Great book. Tabitha, Lisa and Shanice are the truest form of friends. Each one has a story and obstacles to overcome but they do it together which makes everything worthwhile. Really enjoyed reading this. Would highly recommend.
September 15, 2014
loved it from page one til the end also had to read the rest of the series now i'm reading fornication and it is good too keep up the good work on the strawberry mansion books.
your loyal fan:
jennifer beaman
your loyal fan:
jennifer beaman
Currently reading
September 27, 2011so far so good not finish yet
Read
December 28, 2011I LOVED it! Now it's on to book number 2!
May 6, 2012
I liked this book. The ending felt a little forced, but It was still a good read. Im looking forward to reading more by this author.
June 9, 2015
Three forever
It's sad that our parents try to hide things and in the end after being really hurt we are told the truth
It's sad that our parents try to hide things and in the end after being really hurt we are told the truth
November 17, 2009
I couldnt puy it down. Cant wait for the next one
October 21, 2012
Good Book!! I will be reading part II soon!!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews