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Happy Is On Hiatus
Sisterhood is the secret weapon for two women at crossroads in a bighearted multigenerational novel about family, forgiveness, and fresh starts by the author of The After Party.
When Rita McCall discovers her husband’s affair, there isn’t a lick of surprise—not a single tear or broken heart. Just a wife and mother who’s over it and ready to watch her twenty-three-year marriage go up in flames. Sticking close, thick as thieves since childhood, Rita’s unfailingly loyal cousins Jemel and Sharae become her lifeline. They stand beside her as she contemplates a new career and navigates the murky waters of being a preacher’s daughter disgraced by scandal.
Although she would never turn her back on her cousin, Sharae has her own issues to deal with after learning of her father’s jailhouse death and an inheritance she doesn’t want. The last things she needs right now are a handsome lawyer snooping around in her business and a secret that comes back to bite.
With the cousins at life-changing crossroads, it’ll take the wisdom of the Aunts and their family’s legacy of feeding the soul to guide them through the painful secrets, betrayals, and empowering revelations ahead. They’ll learn that what matters most is holding tight to love, to the promise of happiness, and most of all to each other.
When Rita McCall discovers her husband’s affair, there isn’t a lick of surprise—not a single tear or broken heart. Just a wife and mother who’s over it and ready to watch her twenty-three-year marriage go up in flames. Sticking close, thick as thieves since childhood, Rita’s unfailingly loyal cousins Jemel and Sharae become her lifeline. They stand beside her as she contemplates a new career and navigates the murky waters of being a preacher’s daughter disgraced by scandal.
Although she would never turn her back on her cousin, Sharae has her own issues to deal with after learning of her father’s jailhouse death and an inheritance she doesn’t want. The last things she needs right now are a handsome lawyer snooping around in her business and a secret that comes back to bite.
With the cousins at life-changing crossroads, it’ll take the wisdom of the Aunts and their family’s legacy of feeding the soul to guide them through the painful secrets, betrayals, and empowering revelations ahead. They’ll learn that what matters most is holding tight to love, to the promise of happiness, and most of all to each other.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2022
1341 people are currently reading
3512 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Arthur
183 books916 followersAC Arthur has worked as a paralegal in every field of law since high school, but her first love is and will always be writing romance. She’s written and won awards for her acclaimed Donovans and Shadow Shifters contemporary and paranormal romance series. Under her pen name, Lacey Baker, she created the quaint small town of Sweetland and wrote the novelization for the Original Hallmark Channel Movie, A Gingerbread Romance.
After years of hosting reader appreciation events, AC created the One Love Reunion, an event designed to bring readers and authors together to celebrate their love of books.
AC resides in Maryland with her family, where she’s currently working on her next book…or watching Criminal Minds.
After years of hosting reader appreciation events, AC created the One Love Reunion, an event designed to bring readers and authors together to celebrate their love of books.
AC resides in Maryland with her family, where she’s currently working on her next book…or watching Criminal Minds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
September 23, 2022
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Rita is an empty nester that has lived her adult life doing what a typical devoted wife would do, standing by her man. Taking care of home and the kids, so her husband can be great. But like they say, that's what I get for screaming "my man, my man, my man" too loud. Early one morning, Rita gets a phone call that changes the dynamics of her entire life. With her upbringing in the church, paired with doing her best to shelter her two daughters from generational curses, she's confused for a split second on what her next move should be. When she decides to put herself first, things become clearer for Rita, making her story that much more enjoyable to read. This was my first read by this author, and will not be my last. I was thoroughly entertained throughout the entire book.
July 20, 2022
*read for free with Kindle Unlimited *
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Wish the other two girls stories had gone more in depth but overall enjoyed the story and loved the characters.
Narration was well done 👏
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Wish the other two girls stories had gone more in depth but overall enjoyed the story and loved the characters.
Narration was well done 👏
November 17, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
Happy is on Hiatus was a great story of family, food, drama and preparation for a new season in life.
What I enjoyed most was the close dynamic between the three cousins, their aunts, and with mother/daughters.
It was a feel-good time in the midst of heartbreak and loss, made bearable with a supportive family to cling to. I found myself wishing that I was a member of the family too!
Things went left when the loyalty was tested, but, they can overcome any hurdles when the love is real.
My only regret is that most (86%) of the story centered around Ritas life and I didn’t get to know much about Sharae, and almost nothing about Jemel.
Happy is on Hiatus was a great story of family, food, drama and preparation for a new season in life.
What I enjoyed most was the close dynamic between the three cousins, their aunts, and with mother/daughters.
It was a feel-good time in the midst of heartbreak and loss, made bearable with a supportive family to cling to. I found myself wishing that I was a member of the family too!
Things went left when the loyalty was tested, but, they can overcome any hurdles when the love is real.
My only regret is that most (86%) of the story centered around Ritas life and I didn’t get to know much about Sharae, and almost nothing about Jemel.
June 18, 2022
Pretty Good
This was a very enjoyable read. The focus on their multigenerational family bond was really nice. The relationship between the three cousins felt very special and authentic. I found it a little strange that there were three cousins, but we only got the perspective of two of them. Each woman was resilient and capable. I loved that. Sharae’s storyline was very interesting. I loved how things worked out for her. The way the drama ramped up at the end was very entertaining. I’m glad I took the time to read this book.
This was a very enjoyable read. The focus on their multigenerational family bond was really nice. The relationship between the three cousins felt very special and authentic. I found it a little strange that there were three cousins, but we only got the perspective of two of them. Each woman was resilient and capable. I loved that. Sharae’s storyline was very interesting. I loved how things worked out for her. The way the drama ramped up at the end was very entertaining. I’m glad I took the time to read this book.
May 31, 2022
This was a great story!!!
June 24, 2022
I tried to keep going with this book but gave up. Very seldom does that happen to me and usually I'm determined to finish. After about 20% into this book I found it boring and hard to follow.
June 5, 2022
Family Affair, secrets, lies and bounds
A.C. Arthur brings forth a family dynamic in Happy Is On Hiatus that many who are raised in church culture and tight families experience. The relationship between Nate and Rita, on the surface meets the standards of aspiration of "good church" upbringing will result. Yet, as the walls 🧱 outside of the church ⛪️ building reveal there is life that needs to be dealt with outside of the just pray it through. You'll appreciate the bound between the Johnson sisters and the cousins because it shows how generational expectation work. The strength of it all is the love of family. The element that hit me most was the breakthrough for Sharae. She experienced a lot and harbored so much and it was a good showing from Desmond to see her through.
Excellent read for sure.
A.C. Arthur brings forth a family dynamic in Happy Is On Hiatus that many who are raised in church culture and tight families experience. The relationship between Nate and Rita, on the surface meets the standards of aspiration of "good church" upbringing will result. Yet, as the walls 🧱 outside of the church ⛪️ building reveal there is life that needs to be dealt with outside of the just pray it through. You'll appreciate the bound between the Johnson sisters and the cousins because it shows how generational expectation work. The strength of it all is the love of family. The element that hit me most was the breakthrough for Sharae. She experienced a lot and harbored so much and it was a good showing from Desmond to see her through.
Excellent read for sure.
July 12, 2022
Kudos to A.C Arthur for writing a great story that is so relatable. The Johnson women are living, honest, caring, and bossy as heck! But you go to love ‘em!
The story centers around Rita (Margarita) whose marriage is going down the tubes. Remember the movie, Waiting To Exhale? There’s a scene in the book that is going to take you down memory lane when Rita decides to do something about her cheating husband, Nate. Well done!
This story is a great piece of women’s fiction and I highly recommend it! Get ready for an emotional, engaging, and beautifully written story! You are going to love it. I guarantee!
August 16, 2022
I normally wouldn't pick a book like this. Too much drama. But I am so glad I did. There were many times I was brought to the brink of tears, some good, some sad. All heartfelt. But there were just as many that brought a smile to my lips or a laugh.
Family, friendship, and infidelity are the main topics of this book. Along with food and faith. It wasn't an easy read but it was definitely worthwhile.
Family, friendship, and infidelity are the main topics of this book. Along with food and faith. It wasn't an easy read but it was definitely worthwhile.
May 10, 2022
Drama, Drama, and more Drama.. and I love it.
The beginning of this book gave me ‘Waiting to Exhale” flashbacks and was SO fun. Ultimately a story of family and starting over and acceptance. That’s what I took away from these ladies. How family is everything and will help you through anything. How it’s never to late to start over and sometimes you have to accept the bad to get to the good.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
The beginning of this book gave me ‘Waiting to Exhale” flashbacks and was SO fun. Ultimately a story of family and starting over and acceptance. That’s what I took away from these ladies. How family is everything and will help you through anything. How it’s never to late to start over and sometimes you have to accept the bad to get to the good.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
July 1, 2022
Sisterhood over all
The low rating is for the constant interruption of the flow of the story by description of what everyone was wearing and of the details of how the meals were prepared. Was this a fashion review or a cookbook?
I struggled to stay with the storyline,losing interest then getting it back again. Moral of the story is to love your family and friends. They are what made you what you are.
The low rating is for the constant interruption of the flow of the story by description of what everyone was wearing and of the details of how the meals were prepared. Was this a fashion review or a cookbook?
I struggled to stay with the storyline,losing interest then getting it back again. Moral of the story is to love your family and friends. They are what made you what you are.
June 18, 2022
Didn’t finish. Not for me.
July 3, 2022
Just not my kind of book.
This was nice easy summer read, but it was too superficial and too predictable. I did get a kick out of the frequent clothing descriptions.
This was nice easy summer read, but it was too superficial and too predictable. I did get a kick out of the frequent clothing descriptions.
January 13, 2023
Gentle easy read
My first book by this author who has apparently written 80± books! Haven't come across her before I have to say (she also writes under Lacey Baker).
I think this may have been a kindle first reads some point last year? - I'm not sure but I don't remember buying it! It was a quick and easy read: a family drama centring around three cousins, Sharae, Rita and Jemel, who treat each other more like sisters.
It's nearly all centred on Rita's life and I think would have really benefited from having more from the other cousins' PoVs - we know a little about Sharae, but virtually nothing about Jemel sadly. The close female family dynamics were heartwarming, really a multigenerational saga but without enough focus on the others for it to really work in my opinion.
This could easily have been twice as long and we could have learnt about the cousins childhoods, about the aunts and the nuances of their relationships. It was fine, but left feeling like it was a missed opportunity.
This tells the story of three cousins, go in through crucial points in their lives - Rita has had enough of her husband's cheating, Sharae
My first book by this author who has apparently written 80± books! Haven't come across her before I have to say (she also writes under Lacey Baker).
I think this may have been a kindle first reads some point last year? - I'm not sure but I don't remember buying it! It was a quick and easy read: a family drama centring around three cousins, Sharae, Rita and Jemel, who treat each other more like sisters.
It's nearly all centred on Rita's life and I think would have really benefited from having more from the other cousins' PoVs - we know a little about Sharae, but virtually nothing about Jemel sadly. The close female family dynamics were heartwarming, really a multigenerational saga but without enough focus on the others for it to really work in my opinion.
This could easily have been twice as long and we could have learnt about the cousins childhoods, about the aunts and the nuances of their relationships. It was fine, but left feeling like it was a missed opportunity.
This tells the story of three cousins, go in through crucial points in their lives - Rita has had enough of her husband's cheating, Sharae
July 13, 2022
This was a cute one
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Happy is on Hiatus was a sweet story about the ties that connect family and the struggle with fishing your footing when love, any kind of love, lets you down. Watching Rita and her cousins navigate platonic and romantic love, their three distinct personalities mingling, was entertaining.
Things I liked:
1. The cousins. The bonds between the three cousins were some of the strongest I’ve seen represented in books.
2. Humor. This book has humor in spades.
3. Narrator. The narrator of this book was SO sassy and I loved it.
Things I didn’t like:
1. Language. There was some language in this one that felt weird to me. Not so much colloquial language but the kind that was hard to describe certain interactions.
2. The church. Any bbook that has this much strict religion in it makes my skin crawl a little bit. It was refreshing seeing Rita push back against the constraints of her religious upbringing.
Happy is on Hiatus was the first book by A. C. Arthur I’ve picked up. Not sure if I’ll grab another - but this one was so good.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Happy is on Hiatus was a sweet story about the ties that connect family and the struggle with fishing your footing when love, any kind of love, lets you down. Watching Rita and her cousins navigate platonic and romantic love, their three distinct personalities mingling, was entertaining.
Things I liked:
1. The cousins. The bonds between the three cousins were some of the strongest I’ve seen represented in books.
2. Humor. This book has humor in spades.
3. Narrator. The narrator of this book was SO sassy and I loved it.
Things I didn’t like:
1. Language. There was some language in this one that felt weird to me. Not so much colloquial language but the kind that was hard to describe certain interactions.
2. The church. Any bbook that has this much strict religion in it makes my skin crawl a little bit. It was refreshing seeing Rita push back against the constraints of her religious upbringing.
Happy is on Hiatus was the first book by A. C. Arthur I’ve picked up. Not sure if I’ll grab another - but this one was so good.
July 15, 2022
Family Means Everything
This book was a feel good read. A.C. Arthur introduces us to the Johnson cousins, three women who have had each other’s back since they were ye high. While they lead three separate lives, dealing with the changes of life, the one thing that remains constant is their relationship. Reading this felt like watching a mash up of Soul Food, Waiting to Exhale, and Girlfriends; three of my favorite things to watch. This book reminded me that family is everything. Whatever family may look like for you, it’s great to have that structure to lean on. I admired the relationship of these cousins. It was a great display of love and support.
This book was a feel good read. A.C. Arthur introduces us to the Johnson cousins, three women who have had each other’s back since they were ye high. While they lead three separate lives, dealing with the changes of life, the one thing that remains constant is their relationship. Reading this felt like watching a mash up of Soul Food, Waiting to Exhale, and Girlfriends; three of my favorite things to watch. This book reminded me that family is everything. Whatever family may look like for you, it’s great to have that structure to lean on. I admired the relationship of these cousins. It was a great display of love and support.
November 17, 2024
This book is all about family and the messiness that can with it. Rita is confronted with proof of her husband's affair, and her sister-cousins Sharae and Jemel are right there to help her pick up the pieces. Sharae is also dealing with unexpected grief and unresolved trauma in the midst of all this.
As much as this is divorce fiction, this is a book about the love of family and sisterhood. As long as you have women who love you enough to tell you the truth and love you through your mess, you can do anything. This is my first book by this author, and I am excited to discover more.
As much as this is divorce fiction, this is a book about the love of family and sisterhood. As long as you have women who love you enough to tell you the truth and love you through your mess, you can do anything. This is my first book by this author, and I am excited to discover more.
August 14, 2022
I really enjoyed this story and AC Arthur is a good story teller! It is a story of growth, understanding and forgiveness. Meeting and getting the know these characters was wonderful – the different generations and the carrying on of traditions. Rita is done with her husband and cheating and her best friend/cousins help her through while going through their own issues. I also enjoyed the fact that Baltimore is mentioned and they pay proper reverence to Old Bay!
February 21, 2023
Great Story
This is my first book by A.C. and I really enjoyed it. This book brought back some memories that had me laughing, singing and crying. Happy really was on Hiatus for these three ladies some more than the others. This will definitely not be my last book by this author.
This is my first book by A.C. and I really enjoyed it. This book brought back some memories that had me laughing, singing and crying. Happy really was on Hiatus for these three ladies some more than the others. This will definitely not be my last book by this author.
June 5, 2022
4⭐️
This author writes well. The story really wasn’t my kind of read but respect for the authors ability to tell a multigenerational family story.
This author writes well. The story really wasn’t my kind of read but respect for the authors ability to tell a multigenerational family story.
July 18, 2022
Really another 3.5. Multigenerational family is well described as well as family in community. Great storyline but maybe a few too many tangents. Maybe a second book on the family? Key characters were not as developed as they could be. I enjoyed the writing style and will look for her next book. Another winner…the story takes place in and around my hometown.
August 7, 2022
Future, Forgiveness, Food, and Family
Exceptional story !!! This story deals with self, lost, and found love. The family bond of three generations created a great book. I'd definitely recommend.
Exceptional story !!! This story deals with self, lost, and found love. The family bond of three generations created a great book. I'd definitely recommend.
March 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! I loved how the family was so close, sometimes too close for the characters. Rita and Jemel’s journeys were relatable for me. Loss at an early age, marriage ups and downs, and parent-child relationships drew me in and kept my attention.
July 17, 2022
Good Read
Every time a book says church family or family drama, I’m intrigued cause those stories are always entertaining. Happy Is On Hiatus was very entertaining , had a great story that promised just enough drama and entertainment.
Everyone can relate to this story in some way, there’s the overbearing elder family, noisy neighbors, dumb spouse and lots of family drama.
I had a good laugh reading this one and I do recommend it.
Every time a book says church family or family drama, I’m intrigued cause those stories are always entertaining. Happy Is On Hiatus was very entertaining , had a great story that promised just enough drama and entertainment.
Everyone can relate to this story in some way, there’s the overbearing elder family, noisy neighbors, dumb spouse and lots of family drama.
I had a good laugh reading this one and I do recommend it.
September 2, 2022
I listened to this book and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Rita is a crossroads as she goes through surprise/not really surprise divorce. With her aunts, mom and cousins by her side she struggles to figure out who she is and what she needs. There is a lot of drama, some fabulous food and cousins Jemel and Sharae by her side. I kept waiting for Rita to finally lose her cool and it was amazing when it happened
November 6, 2022
Rita is a mid-40's empty nester whose two daughters are on their own or in college. She and her husband own a chain of car dealerships and enjoy a prosperous lifestyle near Baltimore. Her husband travels a lot to visit the other dealerships, and one morning when he's out of town she gets a phone call from another woman informing Rita that she has been having an affair with her husband and is now carrying his child. That's the last straw for Rita; she piles up a bunch of his belongings and sets them on fire in the driveway. When he comes home, she announces that she is filing for divorce. He has had a string of affairs but she always took him back because he was so handsome, charming and persuasive.
The rest of this black chick-lit novel is basically about Rita trying to rebuild her life. She loves to cook and decides to start a catering business. Rita is surrounded by other strong women, her aunties and her cousins who are all fiercely supportive of each other and devoted to family. They have many lively family gatherings, all of which seem to center around food. Though food was supposed to be a central theme of this novel, the cooking and food descriptions really fell flat, as if the author really didn't know much about food prep and was faking it.
While a couple of the characters were fleshed out and believable, most seemed more like caricatures of church-going busy-bodies.
The rest of this black chick-lit novel is basically about Rita trying to rebuild her life. She loves to cook and decides to start a catering business. Rita is surrounded by other strong women, her aunties and her cousins who are all fiercely supportive of each other and devoted to family. They have many lively family gatherings, all of which seem to center around food. Though food was supposed to be a central theme of this novel, the cooking and food descriptions really fell flat, as if the author really didn't know much about food prep and was faking it.
While a couple of the characters were fleshed out and believable, most seemed more like caricatures of church-going busy-bodies.
February 11, 2023
I jumped into this book having zero ideas what it was about and I was turning pages furiously right out of the gate. It is a story of friendship and life that I imagine anyone can take something away from reading. I felt for Rita beginning to end, but I was reminded of the strength we have in us if we will just trust and make the tough choices. Her friendship with Jemel and Sharae is touching, but not without drama. I enjoyed seeing Sharae’s journey as well. I’d love to see more with Jemel. A great book for being a glimpse into someone’s life when things are less than perfect.
August 12, 2022
Enjoyed this read! It was free on Kindle Unlimited as a recommended summer read for the Kindle Challenge.
It's a family oriented, relationship book about the trials of family, divorce and family trauma. I really wanted more spice 😩 and was hoping for more character development with the cousins. I feel like there should be another story to give more insight on Rita and her navigation for life after divorce and her cousin who has sworn off dating because of her issues.
Overall it was a good read, but I feel like it could have delved deeper into the other characters' lives and it should have been longer.
It's a family oriented, relationship book about the trials of family, divorce and family trauma. I really wanted more spice 😩 and was hoping for more character development with the cousins. I feel like there should be another story to give more insight on Rita and her navigation for life after divorce and her cousin who has sworn off dating because of her issues.
Overall it was a good read, but I feel like it could have delved deeper into the other characters' lives and it should have been longer.
June 8, 2022
Lots of drama, but a good story
I think I hate a cheating man almost as much as an abusive one. Nate was a liar, cheat, and sleazy snake. He did not deserve the fifth chance from his wife, Rita. Yes, I said fifth because this was not the first time he cheated. The part of the story with the cousins and siblings was a nice treat. That part in the tale felt like home. The side chick calling the wife is so 1980s and needed to stay in that timeframe. I am happy with Rita's choice, and I hope we see her again with her new boo. And Nate needs his karma served ice cold.
I think I hate a cheating man almost as much as an abusive one. Nate was a liar, cheat, and sleazy snake. He did not deserve the fifth chance from his wife, Rita. Yes, I said fifth because this was not the first time he cheated. The part of the story with the cousins and siblings was a nice treat. That part in the tale felt like home. The side chick calling the wife is so 1980s and needed to stay in that timeframe. I am happy with Rita's choice, and I hope we see her again with her new boo. And Nate needs his karma served ice cold.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews