Customer Reviews

Look Both Ways (Indigo)

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

 

 

When I read blurb of story on back of book, I thought this was a Christian bible based story. But there were a couple of parts that did not line up with Christianity --- namely, a preacher fornicating, thinking nothing of it, and at end of book his vowing to give up his ministry for God for a woman.

Although plot had merit, I couldn't get past the two aforementioned Christian inconsistencies.

Susan Cross was raised in a loving home of strong-willed parents. They taught Susan and her siblings to work hard and be the best they could in everything. To get from under her parents watchful eyes Susan went to college for higher learning and self-discovery. She met new people, remained focused on her goals and didn't have time for romance until she met Stan. Both were ambitious and were really in love; however, Stan did not share the same beliefs Susan had about pre-marital sex, so he asked Susan to marry him. While in college Susan gets hired as a loan processor at Sealand Prime Financial. Her career soars and Stan becomes less supportive of her as she receives many promotions and salary increases. He becomes jealous of her achievements and this causes a conflict in their marriage, which later ends in divorce. Susan takes full control of her life and submerges herself into her work and puts love on the back burner.

On the first day of Susan's new position at Sealand's division in Houston, she is confronted by a handsome minister and a few people from his congregation about the company's lending practices. Trying to handle the situation as positively as she can, she and Rev. Will Cartwright become verbally combative with each other. His handsome face, deep sultry voice and strong body excites Susan to the point of being ashamed to have sexual urges to a minister. However, he's having those same feelings for her. Susan and Rev. Will calls it a truce and fall in love with each other. Both think they have the questionable lending practices situation behind them, but someone is determined to destroy Susan's career and she starts to feel she's losing control.

LOOK BOTH WAYS is a fun, energetic, romantic read. I fell in love with Susan and Rev. Will's characters. The story possessed a smooth flow, and all the characters were developed with such greatness.

Joan Early did a wonderful job writing this fun romance book. Although there were a few minor editorial mistakes I hope are corrected in the final version, I am looking forward to reading other books by Early.

Reviewed by Sharon Lewis
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

In "Look Both Ways" author Joan Early introduces Susan Cross and Rev. Will Cartwright Jr. Susan, a new resident of Houston courtesy of a big promotion in her financial/mortgage company, meets Will on the first day of her job. Will arrives with some of his parishioners in tow to complain about the company's record with categorically denying loans in his church's predominantly African American neighborhood. There is an immediate attraction that they both fight due to the less than pleasant circumstances under which they meet, as well as the failed marriages that they have both survived.

However, every time they meet sparks fly. Their respective demanding and high-profile careers are a clear barrier, yet they are soon unable to deny the sparks between them. As they navigate the choppy waters, we meet a cast of very interesting characters, including the senior Rev. Cartwright, a former Civil Rights leader who marched with Dr. King, and other members of Will's family, as well as Susan's feisty parents. The side characters were more interesting and more fully developed than the main female and male protagonists. Will and Susan are drawn as too one dimensional, which takes away from the great impact this book could have achieved. Also in some cases, the side stories seem to come out of left field and were distracting rather than adding dimension to Susan and Will's story.

I finished the book, but the last quarter was a bit plodding. The premise of the story, however, was good and the book certainly benefited from a quick and thorough set-up. I just wished we had been able to see the story more full developed and to see a more multi-dimensional development of the main characters.

I must say the back cover had the wrong name for Reverend Willard Walker, which should have been Rev Willard Cartwight, Jr. (Willie).

I must say this was one of the best books I have read in a along time.

I truly enjoyed every character that was in the book. I look forwarded to reading Joan Early next book.

Susan Cross has just moved from Canton, Ohio, to Houston, Texas, after being promoted to head of production at Sealand Prime Financial. Rev. Willard "Will" Cartwright, is an accountant by trade, second generation minister and civil-rights activist. Susan and Will clash on her first day on her new job, when her nemesis and co-worker, Price, directs Will and members of his congregation to her office to voice their complaints about Sealand's lending practices. Susan's knees weaken and tremble at the sight of Will, and she wonders how can she possible be attracted to a man she's never met, let alone a minister. Will never believed in love at first sight, until he sees Susan, but he manages to make a mess of their first meeting when he accuses her of covering up for her company's misdeeds. The two of them manage to overcome their initial trials and embark on a passion-filled relationship, until Susan's job and Will's life are put on the line.

Susan and Will have both had their hearts broken in failed marriages, and have both been licking their wounds for years. Each is afraid of rejection, but Will finally decides to put his heart on the line. He and Susan have an uphill battle, against their own demons, as well as, her job, co-worker's and the members of his congregation. The only problem I had with Susan was that she too quick to judge Will and refused to listen to him when he attempted to explain his side. Will, on the other hand, was just a little too complacent for me. I understand that ministers have to practice what they preach, but he allows his congregation to run his life. Susan's mom, Tammy, and her friend and co-worker Angie, have no problem telling Susan when to get off her high-horse, or how to get the man she loves. They also provide compassion and much needed support. Will's parents, especially his father, give him sound advice. He also has a god-mother and two sisters that would move heaven and earth for him.

LOOK BOTH WAYS is well written and moderately paced. Ms. Early takes you seamlessly from Houston to Galveston, Atlanta and Ohio, while introducing you to a host of characters. Some who make you laugh, and a few you want to slap. This story shows the problems successful African American females and males face sometimes face when they are promoted to jobs that have previously been held by white males. It also touches on domestic violence, infidelity and the death of a child.

LOOK BOTH WAYS is a quick and enjoyable read. I recommend it for your bookshelf or TBR pile.

Reviewed by Marguerite of www.RomanceInColor.com

This was a great love story. Susan Cross gets a big promotion and moves to Houston. There are a few that are jealous that she got the job and attempt to undermine her at every turn. She has locked her heart to love after a bitter divorce so she keeps busy with her job and her new cat. In walks the Reverend Willard Walker for a meeting with her and a few of his church members about unfair lending policies at her new job at Sealand Prime Financial. There is instant attraction but the meeting gets heated when they accuse her of things that she knows nothing about. She later finds out that they are on point about the unfair practices for some of the people involved and quickly finds that she has a friend in the company who will help her get to the bottom of it. When one of the male co-workers tries to make more of their friendship than it really is, he blabs that there is a conflict of interest since she begins to date the Rev. A lot of misunderstanding occurs and she saves her job and reputation by proving that one of her co-workers conspired against the home buyers but it is at the price of her relationship with Willard. One of his deacon's is the one who starts the mess but she feels she was deceived by Willard. A lot of more drama happens but true love wins out in the end. This was a great story by Joan Early and you won't be able to put this book down until the end. Her Mom Tammy Cross will have you laughing so hard that tears will fall. If you love drama, this book is filled with it and it is well worth the read.