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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
When a Man Loves a Woman....., January 11, 2005
This review is from: When Everything's Said And Done (Hardcover)
Eboni Snoe, one of the early Arabesque romance writers, who was known by her time travel themes of adventure and African spirituality, debuts into mainstream women's fiction with When Everything's Said & Done. The story is told through the eyes of Nebia, an old woman, who was rumored to have reportedly dabbled in voodoo and is a seer. She intrigues a group of young women with her tale about the Robinson family, who were her friends and neighbors during the 1960s and 70s.
Brenda, Cora and Annette are three sisters who have been raised by their industrious mother, Laura, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Brenda, the oldest has always been the practical one and the do-gooder of the family. Cora, the middle child, is the wild child, New Ager, with an artistic and Afro centric bent. Annette, the youngest is God-fearing and innocent. The sisters are close--- that is until Michael Dawson moves into their rental house. He was a college classmate of Brenda, who secretly has a crush on him but it is baby sister Annette who falls hook, line and sinker for this good looking brother.
Before she commits herself fully, however, she is drawn to missionary work in Africa and her sisters decide to go with her. Weeks turn into months as the three sisters entrench themselves in the African village where they teach and administer to the sick. When an epidemic encompasses the community, tragedy strikes and the Robinson sisters are separated for the first time when only one of them returns to St. Petersburg. Cora, riddled with guilt, returns home several years later, exasperating Brenda with her free spirit and devil may care attitude. Brenda is further frustrated when Cora becomes the object of Michael's desire. Cora, a citizen of the world cannot be tamed as she takes off for Africa yet again.
Nebia ends each vignette with suspense that has her audience hanging on to hear the next episode as they also comment on the happenings of the Robinsons. As Nebia interweaves the culture and climate of the 60s and 70s, readers are privy to the African American community of St. Petersburg including racial conflict, church issues, community problems and the geography and development of the city. At times, incidents seemed rushed and contrived, especially an over dramatized ending. However, Snoe get kudos for spinning a tale of family drama that enlightens and informs her readers. She will surely garner new fans with this offering.
Dera Williams
APOOO BookClub
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Three sisters, one man, October 24, 2004
This review is from: When Everything's Said And Done (Hardcover)
Annette, the Bible-thumping sister, may only be nineteen, but she's already in love with this magnificent man named Michael who rents an apartment in her mother's building. She can tell he thinks she's a little young and immature for him, but she knows someday he will see her as a desirable woman.
Cora, the sexy sister, almost has a nervous breakdown when someone close to her heart dies of an ailment while the three sisters are working as missionaries in Africa. She withdraws into herself to find answers and refuses to return to the United States with her family. After a year of absence, she returns with a new zest for life, and soon she and Michael start a relationship. Michael wants marriage, but Cora isn't ready. She doesn't know what she's ready for.
Brenda, the brainy sister, has loved Michael since she first saw him on their college campus. She'd never approached him, and when he moves into one of her mother's rental units, she must stay away because her baby sister Annette has eyes for him. With Annette's crush a thing of the past and Cora trying to find herself, Brenda doesn't see why Michael shouldn't marry her.
Michael, the man in the center of the Bermuda Triangle, loves Cora with all of his heart, but Brenda is the sister who continues to show interest. Pulled in several directions, Michael makes a decision that could tear the sisters apart permanently.
When I read the blurb on the back of WHEN EVERYTHING'S SAID AND DONE, I thought, "Oh no, another script for Jerry Springer." I'm pleased to say that I was totally and completely wrong. If there had been a six rating, WHEN EVERYTHING'S SAID & DONE would have received it. Eboni Snoe has outdone herself with the tale of these three sisters' love, loss, and final acceptance of one another. All I can say is, "Bravo, Ms. Snoe!"
Reviewed by Deatri King-Bey
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful Story, February 4, 2005
This review is from: When Everything's Said And Done (Hardcover)
This was far more than I expected. The story was told my Nebia, a one hundred and one year old who is wise and full of wisdom even if she does work the roots. Nebia tells the story of the Robinson sisters. She recalls how close they once were until the handsome Michael comes along. The story of the Robinson sisters is full of heart, jealousy, losing family ties and working your way back. I didn't think this story would be as heart breaking as it was but it kept me turning the pages. Snoe gives a story that sinks in deep.
reviewed by
Dawnny
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