The Devil Is a Lie (Pocket Readers Guide) (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Billingsley's latest (after Can I Get a Witness?) chronicles the devilishly rude awakening in store for Houstonite Nina Lawson after she wins $8 million in the lottery. Not only are family members she hasn't seen in years itching to share the loot, but her fiancé, Rick Henderson, starts counting on his piece before the check's in the bank. Things get even more complicated after Todd, Nina's ex-husband, ends up not being an ex; turns out his hoochie mama girlfriend, Pam, spent the divorce filing fee on a Fendi bag. Pam urges Todd to wrangle a chunk of Nina's dough, and he agrees, though with a near-reasonable motivation: to get his ailing Grams a new heart. The ensuing slapstick is fast moving and hilarious as Billingsley ponders how Nina's impulse to do the right thing gets her in trouble—and yet, somehow, love (and God) provides. (July)
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Product Description

As Luck Would Have It...

4-7-14-17-21-25. Those numbers, printed on a slim paper ticket, are about to change the lives of two couples, lovers past and present, in Houston. When Nina Lawson wins $16 million in the Texas Lotto, the real estate executive and her fiancé, personal trainer Rick Henderson, ecstatically begin planning their future -- from paying off their credit card debt, to setting their wedding date, to a spontaneous, spare-no-expense island getaway.

But while counting her millions, Nina didn't count on one other astounding twist of fate: her ex-husband, Todd Lawson, isn't her ex anything -- since the paperwork for their divorce was never officially filed. Now he's shown up with his money-hungry girlfriend, Pam, to claim half of Nina's winnings. Add to this the relatives coming out of the woodwork to seek a payday for themselves, and Nina must ask herself if scoring a fortune in cash comes with too high a price tag. With a little bit of luck, Nina will discern the real wealth in her heart, not just her bank account -- or risk losing everything -- to find out what matters the most.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Pocket (July 7, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416578048
• ISBN-13: 978-1416578048
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #49,148 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Money Answers All Things...Not!, July 3, 2009

By	Wanda B. Campbell "Author and Avid Reader" (San Francisco Bay Area) - See all my reviews

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars (RAW Rating: 4.5) - Money can't buy everything..., July 9, 2009

By	The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (RAWSISTAZ.com and BlackBookReviews.net) - See all my reviews

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

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For Love, For Money, August 10, 2009

By	J.C. Wallington "jnettefrommi" (Detroit, MI) - See all my reviews

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
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