Title: Sweets
Author: Darlene Nicholson
Published in December 2005 by Publish America
Genre: Contemporary
ISBN: 1-4241-0138-7
Related Books: Sweeter Than Sweets
Sweets husband, Reggie leaves after only five years of marriage. Deciding marriage isn’t for him. Sweets is beside herself wondering what she has done to make him want walk away from all they have built. She hopes to save her marriage, but must uncover what is bringing it down.
Sweets Miller, just recently divorced, meets Reggie Jones at her friend, Kimmie’s birthday party, talking for hours. Driving her home, Reggie delivers the softest of kisses before letting her out of car. Sweets agrees to see Reggie again, elated that he is interested in being with her. Over the next six months, Reggie plans all their romantic outings, including a trip to Florida to visit her sister. He even helps cook holiday meals, making them more special. She introduces Reggie to her friends, who takes an instant dislike towards her confidant and friend, Wayne possibly because he is gay. When meeting Reggie’s friends she notes some friction as they suffer his absence while spending too much time with Sweets. As their relationship blossoms it turns intimate prompting Reggie to invite Sweets to meet his mother.
She is not thrilled about the idea in light of his telling unflattering stories concerning her however, since its Christmas, Sweets agrees to meet Reggie’s mother. Their meeting turns out like Sweets expects, his mother giving searing hateful glances while making rude, condescending comments. A professional caterer, Sweets barely stomachs Momma Jones’ version of Christmas cuisine, watery macaroni and cheese, and mushy greens. The gift exchange starts well, until Reggie gives Sweets a beautiful necklace, causing Momma to realize her son is in love, for real this time. After the Christmas fiasco, Sweets stays home while Reggie visits Momma.
He adores the idea that he will soon be a father. Reggie’s loves for Sweets runs deep; doing the cooking since catering is her business, and then keeping their love life spicy and enticing. However, his mother does not share their happiness as she is about to loose a substantial chunk of her husband’s inheritance; the first-born grandchild receives hundred thousand dollars. Nothing overshadows their joy, as Sweets grows larger with child. Reggie pampers and coddles her, ensuring comfort and well-being. When she goes into premature labor, Reggie is by her side when she awakens asking about their child. The little boy is healthy though underdeveloped, and attends his parents’ wedding performed by the hospital chaplain.
Family bliss is short lived as Reggie’s diagnosis shows a blood clot near the brain, operable but may leave him with memory loss. Sweets rallies around him, certain all will be well. Yet, her friend Wayne develops an attraction for her that has him making changes in preparation for her. Sweets’ flirting fuels his longings and when she expresses how much she loves him, Wayne believes he may have chance.
A Publish America publication, Sweets, Book 1 is an endearing, yet simple love story that reads like a true life story instead of fiction. Sweets is a practical woman with a heart of gold. Befriending women who cannot share her life’s happiness shows her ability to tolerate many unkind gestures. When first meeting Reggie, Sweets friends viciously talk behind her back, and then during her pregnancy, her best friend, Kimmie hardly visits. Reggie seems a gentleman possessed with a strong sense of compassion, ensuring Sweets sexual pleasure though denying himself. His devotion is evident when cooking meals and taking care of the children without being asked to do so. Ms. Nicholson provides an array of secondary characters that supports and builds on the main characters, giving more intrigue and exploits to this engaging read. Kimmie is forever attempting to destroy the couple’s marriage, planting unhealthy ideas and suspicions about Sweet’s fidelity with her friend, Wayne. Bernice and Felicia seem to flow wherever turmoil reigns highest, mostly in Kimmie’s direction. Within this smooth, natural plot, Ms. Nicholson’s writing is devoid of posturing, bestowing a feeling of girlfriends’ sharing life ups and downs. A pleasant though relaxing read.
A Dedicated Reader,
Pamela Jenewein
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