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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Money Answers All Things...Not!, July 3, 2009
This review is from: The Devil Is a Lie (Pocket Readers Guide) (Paperback)
When Nina Lawson wins the lottery, the seemingly happy life she shares with her fiancé begins to crumble as family, including her cheating ex-husband and his girlfriend, stake claims on her new found wealth. Through the heartaches, Nina soon learns that money does in fact, change people and in the process learns a valuable lesson on forgiveness.
ReShonda Tate Billingsley does it again. The Devil Is A Lie is a well-crafted story that proves money isn't the answer to everything and it certainly doesn't buy happiness. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a well written, thought-provoking story with a flare for some good old-fashion wisdom.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
(RAW Rating: 4.5) - Money can't buy everything..., July 9, 2009
This review is from: The Devil Is a Lie (Pocket Readers Guide) (Paperback)
Ever wondered what it would be like to never have to worry about finances again? Nina Lawson is a step away from claiming millions after winning the lottery. Even though she fantasizes a bit with Rick, her fiance', she stays level-headed. She is set on saving some money, helping out her family, and ensuring Rick gets his own business up and running. She is thrown for a loop when her ex-husband pops back into the picture, with his new woman in tow, the one he cheated on her with, and they're claiming half of Nina's fortune. I'm sure you're wondering how, with him being the ex and all? Well, he really isn't her ex since the girlfriend went shopping with the money he gave her to mail his paperwork for the divorce.
Nina soon finds out that with all the scheming going on, money can't buy everything, especially happiness. While trying to figure out how to handle her relatives with their hands out, her ex, and her fiance', with his increasingly rude attitude regarding the money, she learns that sometimes things aren't what they seem. She also learns a lot about herself in the process, and in the end about family; how they might just surprise you when you least expect it.
ReShonda Tate Billingsley has a knack for portraying the "down home" feel of family and the dynamics between them. I would highly recommend THE DEVIL IS A LIE to readers with an interest in heart-warming stories with realistic characters and situations. Though the drama is abundant, it doesn't overshadow the story; the message is clear, even before completing the book. THE DEVIL IS A LIE is a wonderful read showcasing how important it is to stay true to yourself, and that even during what should be happy times, the devil will show up and try to show out. In spite of this, in the end, love always prevails.
Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
For Love, For Money, August 10, 2009
This review is from: The Devil Is a Lie (Pocket Readers Guide) (Paperback)
Nina and her ex-husband, Todd, were high school sweethearts. Against the advice of family and friends they married young. It seemed like they had proved everyone wrong as they were married for about ten years, but then Todd got the wandering eye and wondered what it would be like to experience another woman. Todd files for divorce and becomes involved in a relationship with his new woman, Pam. Only, Todd soon finds the grass is not greener on the other side. Pam is irresponsible, money hungry and selfish. Pam's character flaws lead to the demise of their relationship and to Todd being able to help the person he loves the most, his grandmother. In ReShonda Tate Billingsley's newest novel, the Devil Is a Lie, Todd and Nina must come to terms about their respective relationships and the problems that greed brings.
Nina can hardly believe that she has the winning lottery ticket. In her mind, she makes all kinds of plans for the money, including helping her new man, Rick Henderson, open his gym. She even has a plan to help out her money-grubbing relatives, even though they can hardly wait for the check to clear before they are at her door holding out their hands. However, on the day she was to get her check, things come to a screeching halt as Todd and Pam are also there with papers stating they are entitled to half of her winnings.
When I first saw the title and synopsis of this book, I thought, okay drama and more drama, but I was surprised. Todd turned out to be a sensitive and caring person with a conscious. Nina and Todd's gullibility at times was so aggravating, and I found it a little hard to find compassion for both of them. I really liked that Billingsley took this subject and did not give it the usual neck rolling, argumentative twist. I think readers will like this book and the lessons learned by Nina and Todd, that money is not the cure all or end all.
Jeanette
APOOO BookClub
Motown Review Book Club
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