Customer Reviews

When Twilight Comes

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Twilight, in summary is
"... the light between sunset and full night or between full night and sunrise..."

Gwynne Forster's When Twilight Comes embraces both
ideas. The 'sunset and full night' comes for family matriarch
Marge Hariston, the owner of the Woodmore Times, NC's most
influential African American newspaper.

When Marge learns she will have to quit working permanently
she meets with her three children Cassandra, Drogan and
Sharon to discuss the fate of her newspaper. Either one of
her children will take over the newspaper or she will sell it
outright.

Cassie the oldest is vain and haughty and has no desire to do
something as pseudo feminine as publish a weekly newspaper.
She has issues and is afraid if she sits still too long someone
will see behind her facade. Drogan is a nice guy, but has relied
too long on his good looks and charm to win his battles. He does
not want the responsibility of running a newspaper. Plus Drogan
is already struggling with his troubled marriage. Sharon is
level headed, dependable and "all work and no play" when it
comes to pursuing her goals. Just when her dreams of becoming an
Assistant Dean at Woodmore State and other challeneges in her
personal life are finally coming together, she realizes that
she's the one who will have to keep the newspaper in the family.
Marge decides that whoever steps to the plate will own the
Woodmore Times, so she draws up legal documents and sells the
company to Sharon for $100.00. And that is when the relationship
between the three siblings spiral downward. Sharon is the 'full
night and sunrise' part of the definition, because when she
reluctlantly steps into her mother's shoes, it changes how she
sees her life and how others see her.

Twilight... is the fall and rise of a family unit, and as they
struggle with their individual issues, the reader is given a
candid look at each of the siblings in all of their glory. Ms.
Forster did and excellent job developing both primary and
secondary characters. Though she has won awards for her Romance
writings, this is her freshman attempt at writing mainstream.
If you enjoy smooth, crisp, captivating writing, I urge you to
pick up a copy of When Twilight Comes and share the Hairston
family's drama. A wonderful read.

Set in tranquil Woodmore, North Carolina, When Twighlight Comes is about the affluent Hairston family who owns The Woodmore Times newspaper. Refreshing and resplendent this full story about familial crisis and family bonds is unique, powerful, and colorful. Issues of insecurity, jealousy, inferiority, and competition skate through the pages.

The Matriarch of the family, Marge Harriston, lives and breaths the newspaper, "one of her genuine sources of pleasure". You can imagine her heartbreak when her doctor informs her that she is ill. Marge toils, but decides that one of her children must take on the responsibility of running the family owned newspaper; otherwise, she will sell it. Marge's ultimatum and final decision sparks ruffles of instability in a couple of her children.

Cassie, the uppity oldest daughter oscillates between aplomb and self-anathema. Grappling with problems in her marriage, and aspirations in her career, Cassie is unprepared and thrown by her mother's proclamation.

Drogan, the middle child, and only son is dapper, charming, and loquacious. His marriage to his tepid wife Iomogene is fragile. He was depending on an inheritance via the newspaper for retirement. Marge's decision thwarts his plans, affecting his and Iomogene's carefree and flambouyant lifestyle.

Sharon, the youngest daughter, is at the prime of her career. Years of research and an extra teaching load leave her eagerly waiting to hear if she made Dean of the School of Social Work at the local University. Her mother's news frightens and worries her, leaving Sharon dealing with the deterioration of one of the most important relationships in her life. With all that she definitely doesn't need a new man in her life...or does she?

The characters are vibrant and defined, telling you the story. Their multi-dimensional presence gives the story depth and animation. Gwynne's cadence is quip and to the point. She doesn't waste paper giving us rambling details and tiresome descriptions; instead, she paints pictures using her words as a camera. The witty dialogue and engaging story keeps you turning pages, while melodic words provide a vivid setting. Grab the book and see if one decision can tear a family apart or bring them closer together.

When Twilight Comes is Gwynne Forster's debut into the contemporary/mainstream fiction arena. Forster takes us into the world of Marge Hairston, newspaper owner extraordinaire and the mother of three adult children. Marge Hairston has always had to be the strong and independent matriarch of the Hairston family. For years her life has revolved around her position as the owner of the Woodmore Times (North Carolina's most influential African American newspaper) and the three children she raised alone after her husband's death. So when Marge finds herself feeling a little more tired than usual she finally succumbs to her better judgment and goes to visit her family doctor. She is shocked to learn that she is terminally ill and only has a brief time to get her affairs in order. The first order of business is which one of her three adult children will take over the family business.

Meet Drogan, Marge's oldest child and only son, who's handsome but oftentimes manipulative while he constantly thinks only about his well-being. The second child is Cassie, Marge's oldest daughter, who appears to suffer from 'me-ism.' Sharon, Marge's youngest child, seems to be the most levelheaded and rational sibling. Sharon is the peacemaker of the family. She sees the best in everything and everybody almost to a fault. It is Sharon, who gives up her professional career in order to take over the day-to-day running of the Woodmore Times and to lead the newspaper into the next millennium. True to expectations, eyes roll, fingers snap, necks turn, 'tudes mal-adjust and sparks fly as the baby of the family steps forward to handle HER business. Not only are the siblings at odds with each other, but they're also at odds with their mother, their spouses and their world. Will their cherished close relationships survive? Will time heal all wounds? Will they be able to forgive, forget and reconcile?

When Twilight Comes by Gwynne Forster is a commendable departure into the mainstream fiction arena. Forster writes an engaging and touching story although at times I felt that the story got ahead of itself. Additionally, in the first few chapters I kept wondering what the big rush was. Why did decisions need to be made in a split second? I kept thinking will a day or two or even a week be too much to ask for when you have to make a major decision that will impact the rest of your life? These points aside, When Twilight Comes is still a book that I would recommend to others. Fans of Forster will especially enjoy her mainstream debut novel. Forster has piqued my interest with When Twilight Comes and I plan to test the waters again by reading her next romance novel titled "Once In a Lifetime" which is due out in July 2002.

Yasmin
APOOO BookClub

Many people will relate to the Hairston family portrayed in Gwynne Forster's novel, When Twilight Comes and will find themselves entrenched in a story that so closely mirrors situations that happen in real life. At first glance, they appear to be a happy family, full of love, trust, and friendship, but beneath the smiles lay connections that are easily broken, especially when money is thrown up into the mix.

When Twilight Comes tells the tale of Marge Hairston, a family matriarch, and the publisher and owner of The Woodmore Times, North Carolina's most influential African American newspaper. Marge is surrounded by her seemingly loving children, Drogan, Cassie and her baby, Sharon. When Marge becomes seriously ill, she insists that one of her children take over the family paper. Drogan, who is the family charmer, refuses, as does Cassie and Sharon; however, when Sharon realizes how important this is to her mother, she gives up a promising career in education to step into her mother's shoes...and perhaps to find her place in the world, as well.

Marge signs the paper, lock, stock, and barrel, over to Sharon, and thus begins the unraveling of a family, as Drogan and Cassie spew hatred upon Sharon for swiping the paper from them and for making them have to WORK for their futures instead of riding the money trail offered through the paper's success.

If this wasn't enough, individually, everyone must deal with their small families at home. Drogan must deal with his wife and her mysterious outings...and his own affair, Cassie has to deal with her uppity nature and her refusal to be the loving wife that her husband deserves, and Sharon must try to think rationally about her growing attraction to a man that allows her to grow into the woman her mother always wanted her to become.

There is definitely enough drama in this novel to keep you flipping pages. You'll laugh and cry; you'll revel in the successes and be angry at the failures. Forster develops great characters that you will recognize from LIFE. With this novel, Forster shows that she can break from her romantic novels to write gripping mainstream fiction...on the level of literature. Two minor glitches snagged me in the story...one was Judd..and for those who haven't read the novel, CHECK IT OUT. I just found him to be a little too unreal, despite his small part in the novel. The other glitch was the ending. Though it closes nicely, I guess I wanted more, but that's just me. I always want more.

Despite these two minor things, I HIGHLY enjoyed this novel, and it's right up there with SCARLET WOMAN, which happens to be my favorite Forster novel. I would definitely recommend people pick up this novel and experience Forster in another realm of literature. I'm looking forward to Forster's next mainstream, and with Once in a Lifetime perched here beside me, I know I will have something good to read while I wait.

Shon Bacon

Gwynne Forster has really captured the love and turmoils of family, friendship and relationships. Marge is the Rock and the Glue holding everything together, but a very keen business woman and mother. Sharon is the typical adoring child, who has to finally realize her own strengths. Cassie is the overly self centered woman who is her worse enemy. Drogan is the male child who wants to be the man of the family, but wants benefits that are not worthy of him. You learn the battles of love between mother and children, between husbands and wives, sister and brothers and the true meaning of friendship. Marge is a mother who knows her children, better than they know themselves and as a mother she allows them to discover that their decisions, may hurt them in the long run. Kix, Raft, Ross are the men you want to marry- but the women who do don't appreciate them. Drogan and Imogene has a marriage that if they would have been honest from the beginning they would have realized they were going down a one way street, the wrong way. Each character in this book has a significant purpose and they contribute such reality and emotions that it is a book you never put down. From beginning to end this book is definitely a winner.

Any story depicting family angst, sibling rivalry, intersposed within an entertaining storyline would be conducise to an enjoyable read. When Twilight Comes by Gwynne Forster was one of several books that I've touted as better reads for the year 2002, and in giving this lofty accolade, a lot goes into how I determine books in this class...well-defined characters, a moving an inspired storyline that caters to a viable plot notwithstanding, and whether a book has the symetry in flowing well.

This book has all of it! When faced with a crisis that threatens to tear a well-to-do family apart, Ms Forster gives us a look into a situation that so closely mirrors happenings that would be realistic in life as we see it today -- that of a widowed matriarch on her dying bed having to name a successor to carry on the family legacy, and make sure that the business continue to thrive. In making this choice, Marge Hairston must decide between which of her three grown children she can trust to this task. The characters, Drogan, Cassie, and Sharon lend to the makeup that tackles issues of insecurity, jealousy, competitive mayhem, and behind-the-back conniving that adds to the disengagement of fragile family bonds.

...[plot spoiler]...

The counter affect of Cassie and Drogan giving opinionated views as to why they should've been the ones to be considered first defines the book's illustration of a family gone amok. Ms Forster wastes no time in making this such a poignant read as she gives the characterization a multi-dimentsional presence to weave a storyline that has depth and dynamics.

I liked the cadence of the vernacular of how she were able to make the scenes well worth you wanting to know how it would effect the other characters. In order to ascribe to all that I'm alluding to with this book, one would need to pay attention to the witty dialogue, and how the author paints a good colorful picture in developing both primary and secondary characters. This I surmise to her experience as a writer of countless romance narratives that would give her confidence to give it the flavor needed.

This debut into mainstream fiction will go a long way in readers having the confidence that Gwynne Forster will write with a continuity to give more of the writing style that they may be used to. For Forster fans, this offering is as always perscribed. For those that are reading this author for the first time, it would behoove you to read other novels under her belt to build a following and justify an encore! I urge you to read this book, and judge it for yourself.

When Twilight Comes tells the story of how fragile family bonds can become when the matriarch falls ill. Drogan, Cassie and Sharon are the adult children of Marge Hairston, the owner and proprietor of the Woodmore Times. When Marge can no longer manage the day-to-day operations of the newspaper, she turns to her children. Drogan and Cassie are self-centered and shallow and turn the opportunity down, however Sharon accepts. Of the three, Sharon has the most to lose in terms of her career. Sharon is caring, timid but strong in her own subtle way. Because of this decision, Drogan and Cassie are livid and blame everyone and everything, with the exception of themselves, on what they perceive as the loss of their birthright in terms of a retirement nest egg. We literally watch as Drogan and Cassie shut out their mother and sister while taking chances with their marriages. But Marge is as shrewd as she is nurturing and continues to make decisions that demonstrate the error of her children's ways.

The last fifteen pages are my favorite. Drogan's conscience speaks to him, putting his behavior into perspective. "You brought this on yourself, his conscience nagged. You had your chance, but you were used to having your cake and eating it, too, and you thought you could duck the responsibility of the paper and still share in its proceeds. You've done that your whole life. This time, it backfired. Take you medicine." Also included are Cassie's revelations and the commencement of restoring what once was.

This story of family bonds shattered and an attempt to restore is full of laughs and tears, coupled with love and hate and intersects with failures and triumphs.

Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves

Marge Hairston is the owner of The Woodmore Times, the most influential African American newspaper in North Carolina. She is also a widower and mother to three grown children; Drogan, Cassie and Sharon. Marge has just been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Due to her illness, her paper has to be left with one of her children. Which one will it be?

Drogan is the oldest of Marge's three children and is a successful businessman and married to Imogene. Imogene is a housewife who thoroughly enjoys spending Drogan's money. Drogan is a charming man and Imogene is the typical doting wife. A change occurs in Imogene, she is out shopping just about everyday and coming home later and later. Her new routine is causing havoc in her marriage. What brought about this change in Imogene and what exactly is it that she is shopping for?

Cassie is the middle child and married to Kix, a successful chef of his own restaurant. Cassie spends alot of time in the office and not enough time with her husband. Their marriage is starting to suffer, and it doesn't seem like Cassie even cares. Cassie is a very self-centered person, who is set in her ways. Can she see the light before her marriage is ruined?

Sharon, the youngest child, works at a college and is about to be promoted to Dean. Out of the three children, she is the most level headed and caring. She is also the closest one to Marge. Sharon is single with no children. Her social life is nonexistent until she meets Rafe McCall, an entrepreneur living in the next city. Will cupid finally shoot Sharon with it's arrow?

When Twilight Comes is an enjoyable book that makes you see how money can destroy a family. The Woodmore Times is worth alot of money, which one of Marge's three children will be given this fortune? Which one is deserving? Which one even wants it?

Reviewed by Eraina B. Tinnin

After the death of her husband Marge Hairston devotes her life to Woodmore Times newspaper and her three chilldren Cassie, Drogan & Sharon. Upon learning she is terminally ill, she ask her children if one of them will take over the running of the paper at their refusal, she states she will sell the paper. Sharon the youngest of the three not willing to see the family business go down drain gives up her career to run the paper.

Drogan and Cassis, are so intuned to themselves, they can't see the forrest for the trees, they fight poor Sharon every step of the way. When she tries to involed them their jelousy won't let them see they are hurting not only their sister but their sick mother.

After Marge's death and the reading of the will Cassie and Drogan reall act a fool they stop speaking to Sharon at all and threaten to contest their mothers will stating Sharon got it all.

Who knows her children better than a mother, as a last act to try and keep her family together a month before she died Marge made a tape, when the tape was played Sharon, Cassie asn Drogan relized their mother love then even in death.

The elixir of jealousy will not allow Cassie and Drogan to reach out to Sharon, nor answer her pleas to be a family unit. because all the have is each other.

As Sharon is wishing the she had her mother today of all days, because it's her birthday she has two visitors, yes Cassis and Drogan, on this their mothers birthday they take the first step to healing a broken family.

This is Gwynne Forster's first mainstream book and if your were a fan of her previous romances you won't feel let down. Ms. Forster does a really clever take off on Shakespeare's King Lear with this story about a newspapers owner and her three daughters. I really enjoyed it and I look forward to the next mainstream novel Ms. Forster writes.

Kimberley Lindsay Wilson, author of 11 Things Mama Should Have Told You About Men