Customer Reviews

Sweet Georgia Brown

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Sweet Georgia Brown by Cheryl Robinson is an engaging and empowering read; it is for every woman who is sick and tired of deferring their dreams, making sacrifices and always seeming to put others in front of their needs.

Georgia and Marvin have been married for eleven years. Georgia has always been Marvin's biggest fan, supporter and advocate. She was there, right beside him, before he became a popular talk-show host. She stayed with him when he could not even support his family. They had to live in cramped quarters with his parents, and she had to be the primary breadwinner. But, when Marvin taps that last nerve, by dissing her one time too many on his popular radio show, Georgia decides to call the show and challenge him. The series of events that occur after Georgia's call is comeuppance for Marvin and the plot twists and turns kept me quickly turning the pages to find out what would happen next.

I enjoy reading stories that feature women overcoming life challenges and obstacles. I like stories with characters that go from rags to riches. So I was drawn to Georgia's character, but initially, she was a little too nice, naive and clueless and seemed to be Marvin's doormat. In the beginning, I questioned her character's gullibility, but after getting to know her better, I quickly realized that I know some real-life Georgias. In that instance, she became more believable to me. As I began to identify with her, I could not help but cheer her on and wish her well in achieving her dreams (and kicking Marvin's butt, if necessary). As she set out to achieve her dreams, she seemed to be superwoman, and able to successfully multi-task in arenas that she had no prior experience. I found myself questioning the credibility of some of her actions. I applaud Georgia for going from a housewife to a businesswoman, but as a businesswoman, I also know the rise to the top is a lot of work and not as easy as Georgia's situation.

Cheryl Robinson has another good book in store for readers. She also has one of the best video book trailers, I have had the pleasure to view and experience. Because of the trailer, I could not wait to get my hands on a copy of Sweet Georgia Brown to see if the book lived up to the teaser. It did. For me, there was much to enjoy about Sweet Georgia Brown. I appreciated that Robinson gave me a setting that is rarely ventured into by African American author's one that included a radio broadcast backdrop and a businesswoman. I loved that Georgia's character was three-dimensional and as a wife, mother, and professional woman I could identify with her plight. I also liked that Georgia stayed true to character even when the going got rough.

Sweet Georgia Brown is a quick and easy read that will evoke a myriad of emotions. The storyline also includes a message that many can relate to and heed. I recommend this inspirational read to anyone who dares to dream, wants to find their voice, and needs a little motivation to push them on their way to achieving their goals and being in control of their destiny.

Reviewed by Yasmin
APOOO BookClub
www.apooo.org

Georgia Brown promised to remain true to her wedding vows - in the good and the bad. But how long is she supposed to endure? It's been eleven years and things still haven't changed. You may be asking what is so bad. See Georgia 's husband, Marvin aka Marvelous Marvin, is a nationally known radio personality that constantly uses her as the butt of his jokes - literally. Georgia 's life is a mess. She believes her husband is cheating on her, she has put on a few pounds, and Marvin's long lost daughter shows up at the front door.

Marvin realizes he is getting ready to lose everything that matters to him. In order to ward off a showdown, Marvin may have to come up with a payment schedule sooner then he thinks. An on-air confrontation will make or break what Georgia and Marvin have left. That one radio show changes Georgia forever. She finds her voice and her life takes a drastic upswing. Sweet Georgia Brown hits the air and the listeners absolutely LOVE her. And so will you.

Sweet Georgia Brown is an inspirational read that will warm your heart. The characters are relatable and will evoke reaction from the reader. The storyline is motivating as you see Georgia come into her own while others will learn from Marvin's mistakes. For an tantalizing, awe-inspiring tale of change pick this one up, it is a sure fire hit.

Deltareviewer
Reviewing for Real Page Turners

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Sweet Georgia Brown by Cheryl Robison is sheer delight. It's not a book that you might grab unless you knew a bit about it. The reason is there is a gorgeous black woman with a Mona Lisa smile on the cover, and Caucasians (like me) might pass it by. That would be a mistake. Cheryl Robinson has now moved onto my favorite author's list.

Georgia Brown catered to her husband for years and went through a long phase of sole bread winner while Marvin Brown strived to build a career. They are living with his mother when he does get the "big break" and becomes a popular national radio personality.

Finally, Georgia thinks, a home of their own. Instead the publicity brings problems, and one of them is his 13-year-old daughter whose existence Georgia knew nothing about. It's bad enough to find out what a liar and cheater her husband is, but now she is expected to raise his daughter.

Still, she hangs in there, until Marvin begins cutting her down on the radio and issues a challenge that will change their lives forever. He has been ragging on Georgia for years, but once the gauntlet is thrown, she won't back down. She will have equal time on the radio.

She shines and finds empowerment in the acceptance of her life. Surprise, she is a bigger success than he is. Then Marvin pulls another stunt and his career is in her hands. She could save him, but will she?

It's a slow, lazy book that takes you into a less stressful time as you read. Chery Robinson's style is easy and she builds her stories through good characters. This is a winner.

Enjoy this 5 star novel.

Victoria Tarrani

Marvin works for a small Detroit radio station that turns into mega listeners when Marvin turns it into a laugh-a-thon about his precious wife Sweet Georgia Brown. When Marvin started out he was doing small comedy after comedy, down on his luck, no job, staying w/his parents with a wife and 2 children that he could barely feed. Sweet Georgia always supported Marvin and believed in his dreams, when noone else did, but she didn't know the cost of believing in Marvin until "The Last Laugh" turned into "The Marvelous Marvin Morning Show", at her expense.

Fed-up with Marvin's peanut gallery on the radio as well as raising his 13 year-old sassy daughter Chloe, that one day appeared on their doorstep, Georgia gets her own blessing, but not at Marvin's expense, she worked her way to the top the old fashioned way, with hard work and faith. Through all of Marvin's gambling, extra-marital affairs, laughs at Georgia, and thru all of his dedicated listeners, even when Marvin faced a crucial and devastating disaster that was about to end his career, Sweet Georgia steps up again and become his soul survivor.

Sweet Georgia Brown is a uplifting, inspirational novel which shows there are dreams that do come true, and that you'll be one step closer to your dreams if you keep believing in yourself, and thru it all to never give up. Reading this book you'll learn to laugh, love yourself, believe, and most of all make your dreams your reality. Listeners will get a scoop of sweetness with a sprinkle of laughter everytime they tune in. This book will entertain readers and challenge them spiritually. Sweet Georgia Brown you derserve 5 stars w/white glove treatment.

Georgia & Marvin has been married for eleven years. She has catered to his every whim, even assisting him pursue his dream of becoming the next "Bernie Mac". When he becomes the winner of the reality show "The Last Laugh", his career takes off and they're moving on up like George and Weezy.

Five years later and thousands of dollars richer, Marvin decides to pursue a career as a radio personality suggested by Georgia. Within two years Marvelous Marvin becomes the number one rated morning show in the nation, with his wild antics including his outlandish comments about Georgia that he never apologizes for. Unexpectedly his thirteen year old daughter Chloe, whom Georgia never knew existed shows up and is left to be taken care of.

Sick and tired of being sick and tired of the lies, cheating, and not being the man she fell in love with. Georgia is invited to the station for an on air tell all response, not knowing she is about to blow up in radio that will put Marvin to shame and Sweet Georgia Brown becoming a household name.

Sweet Georgia Brown is a beautiful story about a woman taking control of her life after being taken for granted. It was a very easy read and exceptionally well written. The characters was very believable and makes you feel like your right there in the story. The story has some teary moments and also laughing moments as well. Makes you put some things in prospective, if you are going through a similar situation. Kudos Mrs. Robinson.....

Tangerine
Reader's Paradise Book Club

Things aren't going very well for Georgia and Marvin Brown when the story begins, and to have to put up with Marvin's dad, because they're living in his house, isn't helping their situation one bit. But Marvin, who has a heart to make people laugh, isn't giving up on his dream of becoming a successful comedian, and his wife, Georgia, is doing all she can to support him. Things get better for this couple, but then everything changes... And then, there's Corliss, a thirty-one year old single mother with a story of her own.
This is the first book I read by Cheryl Robinson. I decided to purchase it when I read one of her blog posts where she mentioned that she envisioned T.D. Jakes when she wrote the church scene in the first chapter. She also mentioned that Georgia Brown was a spiritual woman. Knowing these things, it's not like I was expecting this story to read exactly like Christian fiction, but I didn't think there would be so much profanity and numerous detailed sex scenes. I have read many novels with that content, but my tastes have changed through the years, and I'm not into them anymore. When I saw the first line in this story, my first thought was to close the book and move on to another one, but then I figured that if the author listens to the teachings of T.D. Jakes there had to be a positive message somewhere in this story, so I gave it a chance (skipping the sex scenes and doing my best to overlook the s*** and f*** words, which I cannot stand), and I'm glad I did. All in all, this was a good read that made me laugh at times, and the positive message was certainly there. By the end of the story I was thinking about my own dreams and goals.

Georgia Brown loves her man, Marvin, and she wants him to succeed in stand-up comedy. Although she's forced to be the main breadwinner of their family of four, she does what she can to help him live his dream. But what she doesn't realize is success often comes with a price.

Marvelous Marvin finally makes it, landing a lucrative position with the 102 Hitz morning show. His humorous style is a huge hit, but most of his jokes are aimed at his sweet wife. Poking fun at everything from her weight to their lovemaking, he will stop at nothing in humiliating her.

Living with Marvin's big ego isn't all Georgia has to contend with. She's also forced to accept his illegitimate daughter when the girl's mother dumps her with Georgia. And Marvin isn't being true to his wife, and he doesn't mind sharing his exploits with the world on his morning show.

When Sweet Georgia Brown is offered an opportunity to retaliate in her own morning show, she jumps at it. But she can't help but be true to her own nature, no matter what the station is hoping she'll do.

Readers will cheer for this wonderfully uplifting woman, who only wants those around her to be happy, but must finally choose her own happiness. She's a great role model for any woman who finds herself in a situation where she's being taken advantage of, and ultimately must say, "Enough!" Georgia finally has the courage to stand up for herself, and she does it in a positive and empowering manner. Way to go, Sweet Georgia Brown!

Reviewer: Alice Berger
Bergers Book Reviews

I was lucky enough to receive this book as a review copy through the post. My postman couldn't have timed it better, I was just leaving to fly to England for some promotional work on my own book. A three hour flight, what better than to settle down with a good book and a couple of glasses of red wine. My idea of heaven AND the Easyjet flight crew were pretty too and most attentive... heaven indeed. I'd never read Cheryl Robinson before but let me tell you I was straight on Ammy to order her other books the moment I got back home to Spain. The book was incredibly well written and what a wonderful original story. As a writer I know just how hard it is to come up with something new, original AND good at the same time. I loved the character Georgia Brown and loathed her husband Marvin. Just how many women are there out there like Georgia? I wonder.... I laughed and laughed and whilst the plot at time was a wee bit transparent it did not detract from the enjoyment of the read.
I stepped from the plane and read another chapter in the taxi before checking into the hotel and spending another three hours on the bed turning page after page. (Yeah even that special little pay-channel in the hotel had to take a back seat.)
I finished the book the following day, a 24 hour read as I call it. Good? You bet!

Cheryl Robinson has been known for writing novels with a twist, portraying women who face the odds and succeed. Her books have been touted as being fresh and exciting. Her characters have been "heart feeling, genuine" and the protagonist in her latest release, Sweet George Brown is no different. Georgia Brown is the loving and hard working wife of Marvin Brown, a wanna-be comedian struggling to find his way to his big break. The mother of two young sons, Georgia is committed to standing by her man, even when he doesn't have a full-time job and they are forced to move in with his parents. When nobody else believes in Marvin, Georgia does.

After becoming the first place winner in a national reality TV show; Marvin is finally on the rise and he is determined to repay Georgia for all those years that she struggled with him and worked a job that she hated just to feed the family. They move into their dream house, drive the best cars, Georgia becomes a stay-at-home wife and mother and for the first time, money is no object. Marvin has arrived. Sounds like all of their dreams have finally come true, but in the process Marvin becomes a different man. He is so unlike the Marvin that Georgia married and after eleven years of marriage, Georgia Brown becomes disillusioned and depressed. She gains weight and has a desire to re-invent her life.

Now a popular on-air radio personality; Marvin uses Georgia as the butt of painful and uncaring jokes to boost his ratings. A spiritual woman, Georgia relies on her faith and her good will towards others to get by but she can't close her eyes to Marvin's philandering ways and his total unconcern for his family. As long as the money is rolling in, he feels that he is doing his job. Georgia knows better.

Robinson gives her readers another woman who fights the good fight and wins. Georgia's story is empowering and she finds herself blessed to give other women like her, the encouragement to change their lives by her example. Sweet Georgia Brown is a novel that will make women stand up and cheer as Georgia persevere and "Marvelous Marvin" gets what he truly deserves in the end. I laughed and cried while reading this book and the message is clear; "What goes around, comes back " Without trading dirty deeds with her husband when he is down and out, Georgia proves that taking the high road pays off in the end. This is a novel you will love.

Idrissa Uqdah for AALBC

Well, Sweet Georgia Brown was really thrown for a loop when her husband of 11 years' illegitimate, ghetto-sassy daughter shows up at their grand luxurious home at 3:00 a.m. in the morning. Even more surprising was the teen's ghetto-fabulous mother with bling-bling in her eyes as she dropped off Marvelous Marvin's daughter and headed for the child-support court. Georgia Brown, a housewife who supported her husband as he pursued his dreams, now must take one more kick to her emotional injuries. She does it with class and purpose. She takes this teen right into her heart with such finesse, you scream for her to pack her bags and run with the kids! See, Georgia is terribly verbally abused by her now super-radio-jock husband, Marvelous Marvin. He's reached his dreams and forgot all about Georgia's sweat equity.

The essence of Georgia Brown is not the lavish shopping sprees she can now afford, nor is not the fancy car changes every six months. It is not even the magnificent kitchen complete with gourmet cooking classes that keep her busy as a mother, step-mother, maid, and former size 8 wife. It is her commitment to family and her vows. This is demonstrated in her compassion for her homeless brother and patience with her verb-splitting step-daughter. Most of all, it is demonstrated in her tolerance of a no good, disrespectful, lying, and cheating husband. Radio personality Marvelous Marvin is in for a real war of the roses when Georgia is suddenly offered a prime morning radio show of her own. Will she blast him off the air? Georgia believes in Karma. I believe in thou shall reap what thou soweth --- uh, oh, Marvin!

SWEET GEORGIA BROWN will keep you laughing and cheering for Georgia. It will evoke some teary eyes, but more than anything else, SWEET GEORGIA BROWN will win your heart and soul.

Reviewed by Swaggie Coleman
for The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers