Customer Reviews

As Long As There is Love (Arabesque)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am so glad that someone else was questioning what I too questioned about this book. The book and storyline itself were very entertaining, but I found myself becoming distracted from the storyline because the issue of acceptance was never addressed. There was one reference that I could locate that would indicate that the problem that the families had with Marek and Cameron being together was that Marek is not black and that Cameron is. It became a bit frustrating because the author made it a big part of the storyline that each family was having difficulties accepting the relationship.

I understand not wanting to make race an issue, but then you can't make the issue of acceptance part of the storyline and not reveal what that issue is. I was not disappointed with the book at all, it was very good and I would recommend it to others. I just wish that the book was more upfront about what it was trying to say. There is only so much a reader can read into a story. I have resolved that Marek was not black and that was the major issue and why he made a big thing about "standing together" but this is not an issue that I should resolve, it is something that the author should clarify within the storyline.

If you haven't read this book--YOU DEFINITELY SHOULD! It is absolutely fantastic. It contains a superior story-line, as well as some hot romance. There are a lot of unexpected twist, and turns throughout the plot. There is more than one antagonist involved - It will definitely have you fanning toward the end to see what the reaction of the characters are, & what's going to happen next. The characters-Cameron, Marek, Tara & many more are very vivid, well formed, and carried out. You will feel the emotions of each character. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and can't wait for Karen White-Owens to add to her publishing list.

I must say that I truly enjoyed this book. Marek is a strong confident male character. I found him to be absolutely charming. It never occurred to me that Marek was Caucasian. In fact, BET Arabesque requires that the heroine be African American, and the hero be African-American, or bi-racial African-American. When reading the book, I assumed Marek was a light complexioned brotha'. I'm an avid romance novel reader, and I liked the way the author gave us a sense of who the characters were. This is a beautiful love story! I would highly recommend it to anyone.

It's been awhile since I submitted a review. Maybe it's my confusion with this story that has caused me to try my hand at this one. Cameron Butler and Marek Redding had a love affair while in college which produced a daughter Jayla that Marek, now, a pediatric M.D. is not aware of. Cameron was raised the only daughter of a loving but fairly domineering father who was extremely upset that his "babygirl" came home pregnant, especially when neither of their families seemed to support a relationship between the couple.

Cameron is a determined woman inspite of the challenges of single parenthood and is successful not only in raising Jayla but running her dream daycare center Little Darlings with the help of her granny and staff. Cameron does have one thorn in her side with crazy Tara mother of Jayla's best friend Justin. But, it's an incident involving Justin that brings Marek back into her life and introduces him into Jayla's.

In general I enjoyed the book, what I had a problem with was the overt references to an underlying prejudice that is never addressed. I was left wondering about the reason for the aparent animosity of Marek and Cameron's family? was it a racial or status issue. All in all Ms White-Owens has made a good first effort, I hope she develops Greg's character he seems like a good guy.

Let me first start by saying I am not a romance novel kind of gal.
This book was suggested to me by someone who knew I liked to read, but didn't know my taste in books.
When I found out it was a romance novel, I thought it would be all heaving bossoms and lengthy stares across the room. Suprise! It was non of those things. What it turned out to be was a beautiful and true to life, easy read, love story that I could relate to. I will admit, I too wondered about Marick's race, but after a while it didn't matter, his relentless pursuit of camron is something every romance seeker craves.
I finished this book in one week and am now reading "You are Loved" by Karen White Owens.
so i guess i am now,officially, a romance novel kind of gal.

I met Karen White-Owens while she was autographing "As Long As There is Love," at a Chicago bookstore. I must confess, this is the first time I've purchased an "African-American" romance novel, and it won't be the last.

Cameron shines as a strong, single mother succeeding with her own business and raising a child. When Marek returns to her life to discover he is the father of her child, he takes on the responsibility like a real man. As much as I believed in these characters, my favorite was Granny. Cameron's grandma was the glue that held all the players in the novel together. She was perfect, a true fleshed out person and to me, she made the novel even more superb!

I realized early on that Marek was Caucasian, but it really didn't matter. The story was so well written that I forgot about color and just enjoyed a great story.

My recommendation: Head to your favorite beach, open up an umbrella, relax in the sand, read and enjoy this romantic tale. I'm looking forward to purchasing To Mom, With Love and You Are Loved, Karen's other books.

Karen White-Owens' debut novel is the captivating love story of Cameron Butler and Dr. Marek Redding.

In a chance meeting, Cameron stumbles back into Marek's life, but she still feels the bitterness of his betrayal. Marek has no knowledge Carmeron was pregnant with his child years ago. When Marek discovers he's Jayla's father, he's persistent on being a responsible and loving father to his adorable daughter.

Now, Marek has to win Cameron's heart. Having lost her before, he sets out to prove his overwhelming love for her.

I found myself immediately drawn into this story. It has all the ingredients of a sweet romance novel, drama included! I look forward to reading many more novels by Ms. White-Owens. Wonderful writing and story-telling!

As Long As There Is Love
by Karen White-Owens
Review by Barbara Pattee

Karen White-Owens has written a stirring romance novel composed of complex, yet realistic, characters. Throughout her debut novel, the super charged emotions and palpable tension can be felt.
The roller coaster relationship between single mother and business owner Cameron Butler and her former lover pediatrician Marek Redding, as well as the impact of interfering family members and a threat to Camerons business will keep you riveted to White-Owenss great story development.
I recommend this well-crafted novel to anyone interested in a beautifully written romance, and I look forward to more from Karen White-Owens.

This book had me hooked from the first line. I was a little ambivalent about Cameron's character throughout a great part of the book until I finally realized where she was coming from. However, I loved Marek and Cameron's grandmother. Marek is the man we all dream of and the grandmother made me think of my own mother with that all-knowing "um-hmmm"!

I truly enjoyed this novel. I would definitely recommend it.

I read this book months ago, but have been sitting here compiling a spreadsheet for my TPL (to purchase later) & my TBRL (to be read later) list. The way books are being re-issued with different covers, I need to throw an "already-read" page into the mix! I know, too much time on my hands, right? Still, I stumbled across Karen's name & was happy to realize that I truly was not the only one slightly confused about Marek. I didn't let it bother me too much, but I did find myself looking at the cover of the book several times and thinking "why is there a brotha on the cover if Marek is of the 'caucasian persuasion'? Is the cover brotha supposed to be her friend, the one who was her attorney?"

I still enjoyed the story though.