Customer Reviews

Secrets of Gingerbread Men

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"Secrets of Gingerbread men" is a heartfelt, tear jerking trilogy of how profound God's role is in the life's of the people portrayed in the stories. It is stories about family, faith and love told with such vivid emotion that you feel as if you know each character in the story personally. The first story deals with a family of brothers that must face the impending death of one of them. The second story is about a marriage that stood the test of time filled with issues that might have destroyed any other marriage if they hadn't let God be a major force in their life. The last story is about a renewal of faith, when a young man realizes that he can no longer live in the current lifestyle he presently has and needs God back in his life in order to overcome accusations of involvement in a murder. Each story different, yet each story the same. "Secrets of Gingerbread Men" was a delightful and refreshing read that everyone that reads it will definitely enjoy.

From the moment I picked up the galley I knew it would be something special. Each scene in all three short stories are expertly laid out in vivid detail. The characters and situations were believable and not only did the author make me care about the characters, she had me turning pages to find out what would happen next. I know the buzz has already started. I told two friends and they told their book club. Not just another girlfriend book, this author's writing is something spirtually enlightening. Get a glass of lemonaid and sit out in the shade with this one, you'll want to ingest every word!

Witty. Poignant. Awe Inspiring. Every adult man and woman should read this book regardless of race. Taylor casts brilliant new light on some age-old topics. And the best part about it is you get three books in one! Four estranged brothers learn to love when one is diagnosed with AIDS in Hand Me Downs. This touching story hammers out men's issues and fears. Secrets' second novella titled The Marriage Bed, newly weds Steve and Camille live out the words of an unusual prayer rendered over their bed! This one really made me think. And finally, a systems analyst and consultant with an eye for the ladies lands in the middle of a murder investigation and an internet scandal that threatens to keep him from the love he really wants in Gingerbread Men. Well written and surprising. Pure genius behind the pen.

Secrets of Gingerbread Men is a touching collection of novellas featuring African American men and the difficult choices they often face in today's society. Each storyline was tightly woven and the author has a distinct voice among the masses.

Secrets of Gingerbread Men contains three novella's about strong, successful, God-fearing, African American Males and the trials and tribulations they face in their lives. Valorie M. Taylor gives us entertaining, sensitive, honest and spirit-filled stories as she takes us into the lives of gingerbread men-men who are tall, dark, intelligent and irresistible. Taylor's collaboration of short stories run the gamut from agony over the death of a good friend, to a passionate love story and suspenseful thriller...but interwoven through all of the stories is leaning on the Lord to help you overcome the obstacles that might be placed in your path.

In "Hand Me Downs," meet angry and unsettled Kendrick Walker. Kendrick has an alternative lifestyle and has recently been diagnosed with AIDS and discovered that his roommate had committed suicide. Noting that Kendrick's life is spiraling out of control due to the unfortunate events in his life, a friend suggests that he contact his estranged brothers and have a heart to heart talk with each of them via letters. What Kendrick didn't count on was his brothers all showing up on his steps at the same time and sharing a few secrets of their own with him. "The Marriage Bed" is narrated by newlywed Steven J. Torrance and if I had to choose a favorite story it would probably be this one. After joining a small church, Steve and new wife, Camille are visited by friends from church who insist on praying for the Torrances in the most important room in their house...which in Steve & Camille's case ends up being their bedroom. The Torrances and friends end up with joined hands praying around the newlyweds' bed! Steve isn't a big believer, the only reason he goes to church is because of his wife, however, the prayer has such a dramatic impact on his heart that it will impact every decision that he makes during his married life and give new meaning to for better or for worst, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health.

"Gingerbread Men" introduces Garrett Hunter. Garrett is a software consultant who lacks for nothing; he's attractive, intelligent, successful, has many material toys and can get virtually any woman he wants. Except for one. It seems that his past has caught up with him and is threatening to ruin his chance at true love and happiness. Garrett unwittingly finds himself embroiled in the middle of an unsavory Internet scandal that forces him to fight for the love of his life. After a pending murder investigation, Garrett decides to go back to his hometown and his roots as he searches for the favor and protection of God.

Thought Provoking. Poignant. Sensitive. Engrossing. Compelling. Taylor does a good job of giving depth to each storyline so that all loose ends are wrapped up and the reader walks away from each story satisfied. Her writing is descriptive, the characters are developed and she drops a few surprises and twist along the way to keep you turning the pages to find out what will happen next. Each story makes you think about what would you do if you were in that situation. Taylor's stories are refreshing as they are not your typical or usual sistergal/relationship stories. Taylor sheds new light on some age-old topics and I'm sure readers will enjoy this fascinating, spiritually enlightening debut novel.

Reviewed by Yasmin

I'm hard to please. Period. But this book made me read and read and read! I like Taylor's stuff. A believer myself, I had my doubts about Christian fiction. But this lady has her eye on the prize. Who says Christian fiction has to stay "in the closet"? The real things real people go through are the same things God can fix. Each of these stories touched area of life that I've experienced although my favorite was The Marriage Bed. Check it out.

Great read! Buy it and you will see!

i have this book for so many years and thought i would pick it up and read something different , i really enjoyed this book how the author betrayed these men as brother with issues with dealing with there spirituality and how to be loving and faithfully and how dealing with their own demon that they are not alone .these 3 story was well written and have a very real storyline that still is happening in the black community this is a good story.yes i really did enjoy just wish i hadnt waiting so long to read

If you haven't read a good book yet this is the one. This book awakens your senses to men and their struggles. Don't want to say too much I may ruin it. LADIES story #2 will have you taking the book to the kithchen, the restroom, school, and work. MEN this will shed some positive light about yourselves. If I've never respected you (Men) before I do now. You have my uptmost respect. MY KINGS!!!!

Witty. Poignant. Awe Inspiring. Every adult man and woman should read this book regardless of race. Taylor casts brilliant new light on some age-old topics. And the best part about it is you get three books in one! Four estranged brothers learn to love when one is diagnosed with AIDS in Hand Me Downs. This touching story hammers out men's issues and fears. Secrets' second novella titled The Marriage Bed, newly weds Steve and Camille live out the words of an unusual prayer rendered over their bed! This one really made me think. And finally, a systems analyst and consultant with an eye for the ladies lands in the middle of a murder investigation and an internet scandal that threatens to keep him from the love he really wants in Gingerbread Men. Well written and surprising. Pure genius behind the pen.