Customer Reviews

The Last Woman Standing

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

"The Last Woman Standing", by author Tia McCollors, introduces two God-fearing characters, Scott "Ace" Bowers, a pilot with a great career with a major airline, and Lynette Bowers, a dentist with a growing practice, and Ace's ex-wife. Together, Ace and Lynnette have two beautiful teenagers - Jada and Carmen, and although their divorce was finalized four years ago, they have remained friends. Sounds perfect right? Wrong! There's more to this story -- Sheila, Ace's girlfriend of two years, is beautiful - hair in place, nails and toes flawlessly manicured, designer clothes and $1.01 in her bank account. Sheila tries to "live for the Joneses", and is one paycheck away from being a homeless person wearing Prada.

Out of the blue, Ace and Lynette begin to "see" each other in a different light and old feelings rekindle. Sheila begins to feel insecure and can sense that something is amiss and decides that she will not step aside and sit on the bench and allow Ace to slip through her manicured fingers. With the help of her childhood friend, "Conniving Cassandra", the two decide to come up with a plan that will help Sheila retain her man.

Along the way, the reader will come to know a number of other interesting characters - Lynette's parents, Pop Walter and Mama Claudette whose words of wisdom ring true; Grandma Toot (who is a hoot!), who affectionately calls Lynette, "Nettie"; Lynette's best friend, Audrey, who attempts to play "match-maker" for Lynette, and at the same time enjoy a happy Christian marriage with her loving husband, Kirk; Lynette's business partner, Dr. Tonia Singletary; Frank, the artist and player; Ace's close friend and fraternity brother, Kenny, who is always available to offer sound Christian advice, and a host of other characters to compliment the story.

Although lengthy, the book is inspirational and has a profound message of lessons learned as we find our way, yet God is always there to guide us through anything - albeit good, bad or ugly. It is also the story of two women - both with diverse backgrounds, yet they each have similar vulnerabilities when it pertains to the man they both love - Ace. When it is all said and done - who will be the last woman standing?

Review: 4 out of 5 Beignets
Reviewed by: Sonya
Books and Beignets (BAB) Book Club

This is one of the best books I've read in a long time! As an avid reader, I've tossed many books aside after reading a few chapters... no such thing with this one! As a matter of fact, I was up to the wee hours of the morning reading. Gotta catch up on my sleep now that I've finished it. :)

I read the other reviews, and as everyone has given a brief synopsis, I think I'll just give a few of the overall lessons that stood out to me.

The story of a family given a second chance reinforces that God holds the sanctity of family and marriage in very high regard. Throughout the story, I laughed, shouted "amen" and even cried. It was easy to relate to both Sheila and Lynnette. Cassandra made me want to just "bop her" and give her a clue.

The primary thing that came out of this story for me was that God is in control. No matter how we try to orchestrate our own lives and manipulate situations or even the lives of others, it is His plans that prevail. It also reminds me that we need to continuously build an intimate relationship with God so that we can discern when He is speaking to us. If we don't, we may miss out on the most beautiful gifts He wants to give us.

There are so many themes running through this book like forgiveness, reconciliation, and spiritual discernment. Ultimately, it is a story of hope told through some very realistic characters, some who remind me of my own family like Grandma Toot and Lynnette's mother.

The Last Woman Standing is good from beginning to end! I didn't want it to end, so I'll be looking for a`sequel soon. Hint, hint, hint . . . Mrs. McCollors.

When I first got this book, I thought "this is too long," but as I got to reading, I fell in love with the characters and couldn't put it down. A few times, I was tempted to turn to the last few chapters and find out the ending, but then there were twists that I knew I'd miss if I skipped ahead. I have to say, though, I felt really badly for Sheila in the end. Maybe she can come back - like Jasmine did in Victoria Christoper Murray's books! LOL! Anyway, be sure you can block off some time to read it because once you get in there, it'll be hard to stop!

After wiping my tears and thanking God for such a divine story, I read this book for the 2nd time! This book is about a couple (Lynette and Ace Bowers) who were married and divorced because they were "married" to the careers and it took a hit on their marriage. In their time of separation, they managed to be parents to their two daughters and kept a civil friendship going. While this is going on, some things begin to develop and both are trying to figure out what to do or what is God's will for their lives. I love this book because it tells an indepth story of how to listen to God when he speaks to you or reveal certain things to you. God will never steer you in the wrong direction. This is a book about the Holy Spirit that will lead you and when God is first in your life, he will reveal and show you things that you would have never imagined. 2nd chances are always best after you have learned from your mistakes! Mrs. McCollors did an awesome job of creating the characters and allowing me as the reader to feel what the characters were feeling, to cry when things were not going right, and to rejoice when happiness prevails. Please buy and read this book-you will not be disappointed! I love all of Mrs. McCollors books but I have to say thus far, this one is my favorite of them all!

God Bless!
Donyalla R. Manns

...that's how it's been at my house since I started 'Last Woman Standing'. As a writer, I'm learning much from how Ms. McCollors reveals her characters and their flaws, hopes and relationships with God. As a reader, I am thoroughly entertained and, yes, I have said an 'amen' here and there.
I got the book at the Book Expo of America and, although I'm not married or divorced, I figured I would give this one a try, and I'm glad I did. While one would expect Lynette to be the 'good guy' and Sheila the bad, the author has shown me much of Sheila in myself and it is hard to just write her off as 'the other woman'.
During the things that so many people are experiencing right now with the world the way it is, this book reminds me of God's goodness and His desire for reconciliation, between people and between people and Him.
Get this book. You too will be the last woman reading in your house. My eyes are tired from last night, so I'm going to close them now, but I am looking forward to tonight, when I will finish the book and find out what happens.
Keep writing, Tia!

Lynette and Ace have been divorced over four years but share a friendly relationship for the sake of their girls. Carmen and Jada are teenagers which have started to act out (more than likely because both are dating). Ace has been in a two-year relationship with Sheila. Sheila has made it clear that she is in it for the long term and will do whatever it takes to get the diamond ring. Lynette has used more caution in dating as she doesn't want her girls improperly influenced. She uses discernment in guiding her heart and keeps her ears open to God's direction. Lynette and Ace are working hard to give God total control of their lives and to live the Word daily.

As a fan of Tia McCollors, I will say the story is strong. However, I found several sections slow to develop and predictable. The read is inspirational and uplifting as it shows that God can heal any relationship, protect the family structure and if you are willing to follow His Word that all things are possible. The supporting characters (Grandma Toot, Cassandra, Audrey, Mama Claudette, and Kenny) add spark and drama to the story while you can easily discern which side of the fence they live - Godly or Devilish. The scripture references and spiritual advice are worth the money to purchase the book and time to read it.

Deltareviewer
Reviewing for Real Page Turners
Note: This book was purchased for pleasure reading and reviewed without prompting.

The Last Woman Standing was the first book I read by Tia McCollors. I opened it up on a Saturday morning; tried to put it down to do some chores; but ended up turning on the stereo (Joe Sample and Jane Monheit) and listened to music while finishing this book all in one sitting. I have never read a book that had me rooting for all the main characters at the same time - even though in some cases they were in opposition of each other. I laughed aloud, found myself commenting aloud to no one in particular, and didn't want the story to end. I think everyone can relate to and/or identify with someone in this book. I would even suggest this book to men (even though it may expose some of our womanly secrets). The characters are so real and the story shows how people take their faith and apply it (sometimes inaccurately) to their everyday lives. Just like all of Tia's books, this one was (in the author's words) a "sweet blend of faith and fiction". And it sparked an interest in all of her books which I went back and read over a two month period after buying them.

This book brought about a lot of fun questions in book club. The women had some strong comments and feelings about the main male character and his girlfriend. And the cover inspired our hostesses to have a Fiercest Shoe Contest at our meeting, and the author attended.

I absolutely would recommend this book to anyone! It is a great read and Lord knows I read lots of book in all different genres! I have read all of Tia McCollar books and find her to be a great addition to t he literary world. She keeps the characters practical while allowing them to grow within the book. She leaves you wanting more! I love that! Who wants a book that doesn't stimulate your mind answers questions, leave you asking more questions all the while giving you a chance to venture into someone else world and learn a thing or two or laugh a few!
Please disregard that 1 star comment it I don't think we were reading the same book. Yes there are references to familiar things. However it may only seem blatant to then because they must live in the city in which the book is based. Another correction the characters are not some hood rats in which the entire book is written in slang. The quotes that were posted were in correct context for the situation at hand. I am not sure what world they live in but regardless of ethnic background or gender NO ONE speaks the "Kings English" in heated or extreme relaxed atmosphere NOT even the KING! Lets' be real!
The Last Woman Standing gets an A for me. A good book is one in which a reader is able to feel engaged. Just as in Communication 101 a message is only deemed successful when the receiver has understood the content and intent of which the message was send. It does no one good, author or reader when the author writes in a manner in which it is unrealistic for the characters or situation unless it is a purely fantasy.
Looking forward to the next one TIA!!!!

The Last Woman Standing is a novel that speaks on a divorce couple (Lynette and Ace) who are dating other people and are still cordial for their children sakes. However, one tends to wonder how they can be so cordial and such good friends after they divorced? Is there more than meets the eye? Although Lynette and Ace have two lovely girls, Carmen and Jada, it appears that under that thick skin they still have feelings for one another. When the two ladies meet, Lynette and Ace's girlfriend, Sheila, surprisingly they keep their cool under these measures. Sheila desperately wants to marry Ace and have his children regardless of his past marriage and children, but it appears after two years, he is not ready for another serious relationship.

Tia McCollors novel is well-written, yet at times I found it rather slow in pace and lack of excitement (page-turner). She shines on some passages from the Bible from time to time to deliver a message to those who believe in God's Word and how it relates to our social life or relationships. This book is for those who enjoy reading contemporary fiction, women's fiction, general romance, and/or Christian fiction books.

Adrienna Turner
AAMBC Reviewer

This book had me at the COVER and the TITLE. I thought what in tha world is in it? Be ready to filled upside down with excitment and passion. As a mother of four it was a challenge to find uninterupted time but once in.....It was full speed ahead. Their was suspense, love, hope, faith. Truly it was a release of TRUE LOVE. I believe! Thanks Tia Mccollors for your beautiful mind and wonderful creativity.