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Bennett Family #2
The Savvy Sistahs: A Novel
Amber, Carla and Brandy---known as the "ABCs"---are intelligent businesswomen who met in their business support group "The Savvy Sistahs Who Mean Business" and became the best of friends. They've bonded over lost loves, past hurts, and too many lonely nights. . .
Amber Stuart escaped an abusive marriage and now finds peace running her small bookstore. But when a man passes out in her establishment, after eating one of her homemade cookies, she'll do anything to avoid a lawsuit, even if it means going into his home and nursing this fine brother back to health. What she doesn't know is that this brother is about to turn her life upside down; Raising a two-year-old son on her own and running the computer business she inherited from her father, Carla Osborne doesn't have time for anything else. Then she finds herself the object of a hostile takeover. And it turns out that she's fighting to save her company from the man she had a one-night stand with all those years ago---the man who happens to be her son's father; After a divorce settlement leaves her the sole owner of the St. Laurent Hotel, Brandy Bennett decides to manage her new business full-time. When she finds herself the object of a deranged stalker her family convinces her to bring in a security expert to help. Enter ex-FBI agent, Grey Masters---and with him a whole lot of drama.
Life is dishing it out hard, but these ladies are determined to hold on to each other.
Amber Stuart escaped an abusive marriage and now finds peace running her small bookstore. But when a man passes out in her establishment, after eating one of her homemade cookies, she'll do anything to avoid a lawsuit, even if it means going into his home and nursing this fine brother back to health. What she doesn't know is that this brother is about to turn her life upside down; Raising a two-year-old son on her own and running the computer business she inherited from her father, Carla Osborne doesn't have time for anything else. Then she finds herself the object of a hostile takeover. And it turns out that she's fighting to save her company from the man she had a one-night stand with all those years ago---the man who happens to be her son's father; After a divorce settlement leaves her the sole owner of the St. Laurent Hotel, Brandy Bennett decides to manage her new business full-time. When she finds herself the object of a deranged stalker her family convinces her to bring in a security expert to help. Enter ex-FBI agent, Grey Masters---and with him a whole lot of drama.
Life is dishing it out hard, but these ladies are determined to hold on to each other.
338 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2003
71 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Jackson
898 books3,593 followersIn 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 31, 2019
Savvy ABC's Indeed???
I'm rereading some of Brenda Jackson's books Savvy Sistah is different than the Westmoreland's and Madaris's Family Sagas. Savvy Sistahs is the story of two years in the lives of Amber, Brandy and Carla called the ABC's. Unlike those books, this was a difficult read for me. The book jumped from one character to the other with the men and other characters thrown in. I kept putting the book down, so it took a long time to reread. I had to go back and reread portions to understand what was happening.
The ABC's each had been wronged by men in their lives. Amber caught her husband in bed with another woman when was she was three months pregnant leading to divorce and miscarriage, leaving Brandy bitter. She ran a successful book store. Brandy caught her fiancee in bed with her best friend and maid of honor on the eve of her wedding. She found a video of him having sex with her. She was talked into going ahead with the wedding by her Bennett cousins, and playing the video at the reception. She did and immediately got a hotel as part of her divorce settlement. That wasn't realistic as she had been married to him for one day. Finally, Carla, a virgin, had a one night stand resulting in an unexpected pregnancy. She didn't tell the father of her child that she was pregnant because of a lie leading to a misunderstanding. She owned a computer software company.
The women meet each other at a meeting of business women and formed a bond. They were Savvy Sistahs who didn't need a man in their lives to be happy. However, they all met men that changed their minds about relationship with men. This is that story.
The book also includes the relationship with their families - Brandy and the relationship with her cousins, Carla and the mother who always hated her and not much about Amber's family. There was just too many coincidences that were unbelievable. They all met men within the same time frame, fell in love and had a difficult time accepting the men. They talked about being strong women and being there for each other.
The ending, with all the women getting a HEA in the same time frame, was unbelievable. The book had all the makings of an excellent read - drama, hot handsome men, sex among other things. It was just too disjointed. Still the book is worth reading. It's just not one of Ms. Jackson's better books. Writing this review was as difficult as reading the book.
I'm rereading some of Brenda Jackson's books Savvy Sistah is different than the Westmoreland's and Madaris's Family Sagas. Savvy Sistahs is the story of two years in the lives of Amber, Brandy and Carla called the ABC's. Unlike those books, this was a difficult read for me. The book jumped from one character to the other with the men and other characters thrown in. I kept putting the book down, so it took a long time to reread. I had to go back and reread portions to understand what was happening.
The ABC's each had been wronged by men in their lives. Amber caught her husband in bed with another woman when was she was three months pregnant leading to divorce and miscarriage, leaving Brandy bitter. She ran a successful book store. Brandy caught her fiancee in bed with her best friend and maid of honor on the eve of her wedding. She found a video of him having sex with her. She was talked into going ahead with the wedding by her Bennett cousins, and playing the video at the reception. She did and immediately got a hotel as part of her divorce settlement. That wasn't realistic as she had been married to him for one day. Finally, Carla, a virgin, had a one night stand resulting in an unexpected pregnancy. She didn't tell the father of her child that she was pregnant because of a lie leading to a misunderstanding. She owned a computer software company.
The women meet each other at a meeting of business women and formed a bond. They were Savvy Sistahs who didn't need a man in their lives to be happy. However, they all met men that changed their minds about relationship with men. This is that story.
The book also includes the relationship with their families - Brandy and the relationship with her cousins, Carla and the mother who always hated her and not much about Amber's family. There was just too many coincidences that were unbelievable. They all met men within the same time frame, fell in love and had a difficult time accepting the men. They talked about being strong women and being there for each other.
The ending, with all the women getting a HEA in the same time frame, was unbelievable. The book had all the makings of an excellent read - drama, hot handsome men, sex among other things. It was just too disjointed. Still the book is worth reading. It's just not one of Ms. Jackson's better books. Writing this review was as difficult as reading the book.
November 6, 2024
Amber, Carla, and Brandy were friends who had heartaches in common. They were each scarred by past relationships. Brandy had someone stalking her and her cousins asked an ex-FBI agent to protect her. Amber met a man who came into her bookstore and had an instant attraction. Carla had to deal with her son's father coming back into her life after he found out that he was a father. Throughout all their drama, these ladies remained there for each other.
This was a really good book. I enjoyed it a lot. I remembered Brandy from the first book in the series and was glad that she finally got her happily ever after.
This was a really good book. I enjoyed it a lot. I remembered Brandy from the first book in the series and was glad that she finally got her happily ever after.
January 21, 2023
I enjoyed the audible version of this book. It was narrated by Ron Butler. However, I do wish that Amber, Brandy and Carla had their own book. Why Sonya and not the “ABCs”? I would’ve like to have had a “meatier” read with them. Lots of moving parts that would have been easier in separate books. Also, I did not like how they coincidentally found love at the same time. The storylines were good but would’ve been better if digested separately!
May 9, 2020
Very good storyline
I think I read this book one time before but couldn’t relate because of the age I was when I read the book (a tween). Now that I’m older I understand and can relate. I never highlighted so much in a romance book before. Things I highlighted can be applied to my own life. I appreciate that. Overall good book with realistic problems and solutions. In the end love wins no matter the time known. Good job Brenda Jackson.
I think I read this book one time before but couldn’t relate because of the age I was when I read the book (a tween). Now that I’m older I understand and can relate. I never highlighted so much in a romance book before. Things I highlighted can be applied to my own life. I appreciate that. Overall good book with realistic problems and solutions. In the end love wins no matter the time known. Good job Brenda Jackson.
February 16, 2025
The read overall was great! My only issue is how fast the love interests move sexually. I feel like it’s gives too horny at times and inappropriate. All in all, I loved the characters and the story.
March 3, 2023
I listened to the Audiobook. I think Ron Butler did a great job with the story. It did seem to slow things down for me a bit because the transitions from one woman's story to another were not always clear. The book detailed 3 characters stories, often within the same chapter.
Amber, Brandy, and Carla each had their issues. Amber's situation seemed the most straightforward to me. Until Cord was hospitalized. I didn't understand how she could involve herself that intimately in his life yet she barely knew him.
Brandy was clueless. She couldn't see the forest for the trees. I can understand her feeling like she was wronged, but for her to be ridiculously oblivious about how her response affected other people was amazing to me. Especially when it was specifically pointed out to her. Gray had also been betrayed, and I was glad when they got together.
I didn't blame Jesse for reacting the way he did with Carla. She behaved selfishly and childishly. She was either 26 or 29 at the time of the Thanksgiving dinner, and obviously too immature to open her mouth and have a conversation with him. She had done a disservice to both Craig and Jesse. I just thought she was too old to react the way she did.
Then we have the truly immature Sonya. I suppose it was nice of Carla to so easily forgive her betrayal. Of course she felt the need to blame it on the alcohol. I did have to wonder if that much time was spent on Amber, Carla, and Brandy's relationship, why not just add Sonya and Mike into the mix? Unless Sonya and Mike have their own book.
It was interesting that all 4 women found their men in the same time period. It was an ok read.
Amber, Brandy, and Carla each had their issues. Amber's situation seemed the most straightforward to me. Until Cord was hospitalized. I didn't understand how she could involve herself that intimately in his life yet she barely knew him.
Brandy was clueless. She couldn't see the forest for the trees. I can understand her feeling like she was wronged, but for her to be ridiculously oblivious about how her response affected other people was amazing to me. Especially when it was specifically pointed out to her. Gray had also been betrayed, and I was glad when they got together.
I didn't blame Jesse for reacting the way he did with Carla. She behaved selfishly and childishly. She was either 26 or 29 at the time of the Thanksgiving dinner, and obviously too immature to open her mouth and have a conversation with him. She had done a disservice to both Craig and Jesse. I just thought she was too old to react the way she did.
Then we have the truly immature Sonya. I suppose it was nice of Carla to so easily forgive her betrayal. Of course she felt the need to blame it on the alcohol. I did have to wonder if that much time was spent on Amber, Carla, and Brandy's relationship, why not just add Sonya and Mike into the mix? Unless Sonya and Mike have their own book.
It was interesting that all 4 women found their men in the same time period. It was an ok read.
January 25, 2023
Bennet Series: Book #2
The book is about 3 black woman who own businesses, have been hurt in previous relationships, and have formed a Sister circle to support each other.
Brandy - the cousin from the first book. She's received a hotel in a settlement after exposing her husband cheating at the wedding. Someone is stalking her.
Amber - the bookstore owner.
Carla - the software company owner and single mom. She got pregnant during her first sexual encounter, fell head over heels. She never told the father and doesn't believe he deserves to know because she assumes that he lied about being in a relationship. Girl, you owned a software company and based your decision solely on a newspaper article.
Ron Butler has been the narrator of the all the audiobooks I've listened too. He has a great voice, but there really needs to be a female narrator added to her books.
The book is about 3 black woman who own businesses, have been hurt in previous relationships, and have formed a Sister circle to support each other.
Brandy - the cousin from the first book. She's received a hotel in a settlement after exposing her husband cheating at the wedding. Someone is stalking her.
Amber - the bookstore owner.
Carla - the software company owner and single mom. She got pregnant during her first sexual encounter, fell head over heels. She never told the father and doesn't believe he deserves to know because she assumes that he lied about being in a relationship. Girl, you owned a software company and based your decision solely on a newspaper article.
Ron Butler has been the narrator of the all the audiobooks I've listened too. He has a great voice, but there really needs to be a female narrator added to her books.
August 10, 2020
Sistahhood is Forever
The Savvy Sistahs begins with Brandy Bennett and her two friends, Carla and Amber, gathering for lunch, and to celebrate their blessings. After many twists, turns, and turmultuous experiences, The Savvy Sistahs ends with Brandy, Amber and Carla once again gathering for lunch and to celebrate their blessings. To understand and appreciate the second gathering, you HAVE TO READ THE BOOK!! Well done, Brenda Jackson!!
The Savvy Sistahs begins with Brandy Bennett and her two friends, Carla and Amber, gathering for lunch, and to celebrate their blessings. After many twists, turns, and turmultuous experiences, The Savvy Sistahs ends with Brandy, Amber and Carla once again gathering for lunch and to celebrate their blessings. To understand and appreciate the second gathering, you HAVE TO READ THE BOOK!! Well done, Brenda Jackson!!
November 16, 2021
Boss and Savvy
Overall great read. A lot of editing and spelling errors throughout but I enjoyed each of the ladies story. My favorite was Carla and how not communicating and believing what other say can ruin your life. The situation with her family was sad as well. Glad Brandy and Amber’s situations worked out as well. Great reading about women who are entrepreneurs and have good men by their sides.
Overall great read. A lot of editing and spelling errors throughout but I enjoyed each of the ladies story. My favorite was Carla and how not communicating and believing what other say can ruin your life. The situation with her family was sad as well. Glad Brandy and Amber’s situations worked out as well. Great reading about women who are entrepreneurs and have good men by their sides.
January 16, 2019
A story filled with heartbreak & hardships, but also growth, inspiration, friendship, and love. I enjoyed following the journey of the Savvy Sistahs- Amber, Brandy, and Carla- as they fully overcame obstacles & inner struggles that they had all been dealing with for the past few years. A fun read, didn’t want to put the book down!!
October 5, 2025
This book reinforced the importance of women supporting women. These are strong Sistahs that faced their challenges and learned from each other how to navigate relationship and trust issues. They found their Soulmate and thrived. They didn't give up their independence to have a loving relationship. They found what I would Love to experience.
March 5, 2017
Excellent Read!
As a woman approaching 30, I found this ok to be very inspiring. I too have the experience of being "bitten" by a man. But this hope gives me hope that there is potential for love after heartbreak!
As a woman approaching 30, I found this ok to be very inspiring. I too have the experience of being "bitten" by a man. But this hope gives me hope that there is potential for love after heartbreak!
November 25, 2020
Three successful women finding themselves after heartbreak
This plot was well written. The dialog was appropriate for era of was written. It is a classy, romantic story of three successful black women finding love after heartbreak. I enjoyed it.
This plot was well written. The dialog was appropriate for era of was written. It is a classy, romantic story of three successful black women finding love after heartbreak. I enjoyed it.
September 10, 2022
I read this book through fully a long time ago so i don't remember much of the plot. But I do come back to reread Carla's parts often. Her storyline is the only reason I am rating this as highly as I am
January 21, 2024
Loved it!!!
This was such an excellent ode to the power of a strong sisterhood. These 3 women came together collectively during to the pain of past loves, but found friendship through their bond. They all learned to put fear aside, and had the courage to love again.
This was such an excellent ode to the power of a strong sisterhood. These 3 women came together collectively during to the pain of past loves, but found friendship through their bond. They all learned to put fear aside, and had the courage to love again.
September 20, 2024
Love, family, faith
Three strong women who had it going on individually but together they complimented each other. Three good, strong men sent to complete their lives were just what they needed.
Three strong women who had it going on individually but together they complimented each other. Three good, strong men sent to complete their lives were just what they needed.
September 15, 2025
Savvy Sistahs
This book was uplifting and inspiring. It's a book that all
women that has gone through trials and tribulations and come out on top can attest too. Thank you for writing this book Mrs. Jackson.
This book was uplifting and inspiring. It's a book that all
women that has gone through trials and tribulations and come out on top can attest too. Thank you for writing this book Mrs. Jackson.
July 14, 2017
Brenda Jackson can tell a story like no other! This was a great story.
March 11, 2018
Excellent!
Outstanding...as usual! I will continue be a fan! I live vicariously through these character and feel as if they are my family!
Outstanding...as usual! I will continue be a fan! I live vicariously through these character and feel as if they are my family!
July 2, 2018
Good Mystery/Drama
It has a great storyline and I loved the mystery aspect. Could have done without so many sex scenes though.
It has a great storyline and I loved the mystery aspect. Could have done without so many sex scenes though.
May 2, 2019
Nice read
Brenda Jackson has done it again. She has wrote another book that brought a smile to my face. This woman is brilliant.
Brenda Jackson has done it again. She has wrote another book that brought a smile to my face. This woman is brilliant.
May 27, 2019
Good book
It seemed to be a slow read at the beginning but as it went on it got better and better.
It seemed to be a slow read at the beginning but as it went on it got better and better.
July 12, 2019
This was fun and entertaining. The added intrigue made it worth the time. The character’s stories intertwined nicely. I enjoyed this book.
August 2, 2019
Love it
3 different stories that blended well with each other and im so happy that these ladies finally found the love they deserve.
3 different stories that blended well with each other and im so happy that these ladies finally found the love they deserve.
October 15, 2019
Savvy
Having read many of her latest novels which I loved; it was a bit disconcerting to read this preachy novel.
Having read many of her latest novels which I loved; it was a bit disconcerting to read this preachy novel.
February 26, 2020
Great ending
I love this story, I love the quotes from the bible and the spirit faith each one had. The family closeness love and support of good friends.
I love this story, I love the quotes from the bible and the spirit faith each one had. The family closeness love and support of good friends.
March 11, 2020
Full of Laughter
This book made me laugh, gasp, and had me wondering who done it. There was no shortage of steaming scenes either.
This book made me laugh, gasp, and had me wondering who done it. There was no shortage of steaming scenes either.
November 6, 2020
Great book
I read this book years ago but I had to revisit to catch up before I read another one her books, Mrs.Jackson is a very special writer
I read this book years ago but I had to revisit to catch up before I read another one her books, Mrs.Jackson is a very special writer
November 17, 2020
Enjoyable
I love the entire story I always enjoy all of your books. I love how you Bri g two couples together.
I love the entire story I always enjoy all of your books. I love how you Bri g two couples together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews