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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Part Two Makes You Still Want To Know More, January 22, 2006
This review is from: It's Like That (Paperback)
Cheryl Robinson's sequel It's Like That is exactly what her readers asked for - the continuation of a great story. In the sequel to If It Ain't One Thing this second part of the story brings with it the same well-defined characters in Porter and Winona. Their struggle with family drama on both sides is wrought with secrets, infidelity, betrayal and resentments; yet there was love and compassion in the true tradition of African American families. In families one learns forgiveness. I liked that in the first book.
Battling HIV and dealing with her children, her job as a car designer, and her fiancé Porter; Winona Fairchild has more on her plate than most women. Yet; she is strong in her refusal to roll over and lay down. She is a fighter looking for answers. Winona is determined to live the best of what life is left and how she goes about is full of Robinson's signature brand of drama. The sassy Winona is a strong-spirited sister.
Firefighter Porter is still chasing his musical dream and his love for the saxophone makes him question his fire safety career. His desire to fight fires was born out of watching his older brother die in a fire as a child. Porter was slowly coming to terms with his brother's death and is now estranged from his mother whom he blamed in part for their neglect. He was ready to make some changes in his life. Marrying Winona was only part of it.
The story continues to unfold and a new character, Dr. Bryce is introduced. He finds Winona attractive and his attentions threaten her pending nuptials to Porter. What draws Winona to the good doctor is his HIV status; it gives her a bond with him that she doesn't expect. His research in finding a cure for AIDS gives her hope.
Cheryl Robinson is a good writer. She writes stories that entertain while giving the reader something to think about. Rumor has it that this book is number two in a trilogy. If so; I'd be happy to know what is going to happen next. It's Like That earned four stars out of five for continuity and an interesting read. Get lost in this complicated love story. You'll love it!
Idrissa Uqdah-Reviewer for Blackliterature.com
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Purpose Driven Life, April 1, 2006
This review is from: It's Like That (Paperback)
Automotive designer Winona Fairchild seems to have it all. In Cheryl Robinson's new novel, It's Like That, Winona, Porter and their families are back and the drama unfolds. On the surface, Winona has a great six figure job at DiamlerChrysler, two intelligent children, a home in Sherwood Forest and a man ten years her junior who loves her to death. However, Winona knows all is not well. Her son has a better relationship with his father than with her. Her sassy twelve- year old daughter has the body of a sixteen- year old and is boy crazy. Her relationship with her family is unstable and worst of all she is HIV positive, thanks to a philandering ex-husband. Winona has started reading The Purpose Driven Life, and is questioning her purpose in life. Can she, in forty days, solve the mystery of what is her purpose? Is forty days enough time to make dramatic changes in her life?
Forty days in the life of Winona and Porter brings about some surprises and decisions have to be made for the sake of their relationship and sanity. Porter has to decide whether to continue as a Detroit firefighter or follow his heart and become a saxophone player. While pondering this, a young, rebounding singer in California is hounding him about being the drummer for her band. With his professional career in limbo, he is also dealing with Winona's hesitation about their upcoming marriage. Winona is also holding back on him in the bedroom, however other women are making it clear to the good looking Porter that they are ready and available for him any time, any place. Porter has to remain strong in his commitment to Winona or yield to temptation. On day forty, Porter is finally able to take the steps toward his purpose in life.
I really like this author's style. Her novels have the right amount of dialogue, narrative and descriptive scenes to make the reading enjoyable. I really liked how she incorporated the non-fiction best seller The Purpose Driven Life and incorporated the message it conveyed into the lives of her characters. I would recommend this book to friends and other book buddies, however, I would suggest they read the prequel, If It Ain't One Thing, first. And I am sure Detroiters will appreciate her highlights of the city's finer points.
Jeanette
APOOO BookClub
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
And That's The Way It Is., March 1, 2006
This review is from: It's Like That (Paperback)
Porter and Winona are back with a new set of issues. Porter wants to marry Winona but she has cold feet. Porter also has a chance to go to California to jumpstart his music career. But will Winona want to go along for the ride? Winona loves Porter but she's struggling to find out what her true purpose in life is. Added to the confusion is the fact that her son's father Derwin is back in the picture. Derwin left Winona many years ago but he now wants to be a father to his son. Winona also has to confront her past head on when a secret is revealed to her children. Can Porter and Winona balance their own lives so that they can finally get the love they both deserve?
It's Like That is a wonderful sequel to If It Ain't One Thing. I loved how The Purpose Driven Life was incorporated into this story. You will feel how Winona tries to transform her life by reading that book. Another good thing about this novel is that there was no quick road to a happily-ever-after ending. Porter and Winona's relationship was realistic and raw. From trust issues, painful childhood memories, and judgmental parents, this novel has it all. It's Like That proves that Cheryl Robinson is one of the hottest fiction authors of today.
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