3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don't judge a book by it's cover!, July 11, 2005
This review is from: As Real As It Gets (Paperback)
This debut novel was written as if by a well-seasoned author. I felt as if I actually knew the characters and was a part of their lives. Excellent story! I must say that at first I wasn't interested in this book because I wasn't feelin' the cover (silly me) but after reading an excerpt online I knew I had to get it. Very quick and easy read. The way the story was told and written actually reminded me of Eric Jerome Dickey (in his earlier days) with the use of sentence fragments and vivid descriptions of surroundings that made you feel as if you were right there with them. Good job, Monica! I certainly look forward to your next novel.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Getting Real, January 20, 2005
This review is from: As Real As It Gets (Paperback)
Picked up Monica McKayhan's accomplished debut, As Real As It Gets, on Saturday. Finished it by Sunday morning. Incredible read. Thoroughly impressive. Not one wasted word. Not one wasted scene. Not one wasted page. At heart, the story of three women: Reece, Maxine, and Charlotte, and their various situations. A character study of love, friendship, pain, faith, and redemption. One woman facing the prospects of marriage to a man she may or may not love. Another chasing ghosts from her past. And yet another dealing with a reality that makes her question her life, her internal strength, and God. Fascinating read. The pages will turn quickly in this one. McKayhan is set to do big things in the genre. We, the reader, are blessed because of her.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reece, Maxie and Charlotte...Tru Blu Sistas, June 11, 2005
This review is from: As Real As It Gets (Paperback)
This book exceeded my expectations! Ms. McKayhan wrote a story that was wonderfully written. This is the kind of story that I love to read. The characters were interesting and well written. I liked that their story was told in the first person. Each woman had her story to tell but the main story was one of real sista friendship.
On the surface Reece had it all, a good job as a lawyer and a sucessful fiance. However, she can't or won't commit to a wedding date. She knows that she should be happy. Many women wolud love to have the life that she has. So why isn't she happy? A trip to the Bahamas with her girls and a chance meeting
with a stranger will lead to some life changing answers.
Maxie is a survivor. She had a horrilbe childhood but it didn't make her hard or bitter. She is a caring person who takes on local causes. She is looking for her two younger sisters with the hopes of finding that faimly connectings that she thinks she needs. Along the way Maxie comes to the realization that family means more that just blood ties and that her true family is a lot closer than than she thought.
Career wise Charlotte has it going on! She is a very sucessful real estate agent and makes great money. But her personal life is at an all time low. Unfortunately for Charlotte fate is about to deal her serious blow. However, she doen't have to face it a lone. She had the support of Reece and Maxie.
I can't say enough good things about this story. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. I rarly give a book a 5 star rating but without a doubt this was one of the best books that I've ever read. I look forward to more from Ms. McKayhan.
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