Single Girl Summer

by Deanna Kimberly Burrell

Relationships aren't complicated... People are! Button Jackson knows two things for sure: all men cheat and all women are rivals. So it's no surprise that the impeccably dressed restaurateur hasn't had a serious boyfriend, close girlfriend, or any connection of substance in years. Meghan Cherry has the opposite problem. Reeling from a painful divorce, the techie with a desire to unleash her artistic side, can't figure out why her relationships end with nothing when she gives so much. Attorney, Dawn Martin, is stuck somewhere in the middle. Waiting in purgatory for a marriage proposal that just won't come has molded her into a woman she swore she'd never be. Against the backdrop of hot days and cool nights in Chicago and armed with red cups of Single Girl Sangria, Meghan, Dawn, and Button, share stories, perspectives, and advice on everything from open relationships to open-toe shoes. They come together by chance, grow together as friends, and ultimately discover that for every girl, there's a season.

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, African American, Humor

211 pages, Paperback

First published May 10, 2011

About the author

Deanna Kimberly Burrell is a successful businesswoman, marketing maven, published author, and popular speaker. Her first book, Voted “Most Creative”- Perspectives on Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Happiness, is a collection of poems and essays that inspire creativity, growth, and self-expression.

Single Girl Summer is her first novel and it’s more than just a story of sophisticated friends having fun in the big city. Single Girl Summer is a celebration of women – yes, their strengths and weaknesses but more than that, their ability to pull themselves up by their designer bootstraps. Both the iconic movie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and the hit TV show, Sex in the City, were an inspiration for Deanna when writing Single Girl Summer. She loved the independent, risk taking complexity of the main characters. The leading characters in SGS embody the same spirit as Holly Gollightly and Carrie Bradshaw, but add yet another, all so important element – how their parents helped shape them into the women they are today. Deanna has a keen understanding of how every woman needs a balance of family, friendship, and love in their lives.

Deanna is a graduate of Northwestern University, lives in Chicago, and currently works as a public speaker and marketing specialist. Her public speaking seminars entitled “A Tribute to Black Women” and “Reinvention: My Journey From Corporate Zombie to Creative Writer” encourage college students and women to find and pursue their passions. To contact Deanna, email her at SingleGirlSummer@gmail.com. To book Deanna for a speaking engagement, visit http://smgtalk.com/2012/08/deanna-bur....

Reviews

[Shanae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! "Single Girl Summer" was funny, exciting & quite informative. I tweeted & blogged some of my favorite quotes/passages. I found myself identifying with Dawn, Meghan, and Button (who was my favorite of course - I wish I could be like her!!). Summer is almost over here, but God willing, I'll be able to use this information to help me have a fabulous Summer Girl Fall lol. There were occasional spelling errors (a dropped copula here & there - nothing too major), but overall the story was very well written. I would love to see a Single Girl Summer 2 (or something feature one, two or all of these characters), since I've fallen in love with these ladies.

First, we meet Button, a successful restaurant owner with absolutely NO female friends who has a team of men at her beck and call, one of whom happens to be Henry, a handsome equally successful gentleman who loves Button for who she is, but because of a troubling family past, Button finds it hard to commit to the man of every woman's dreams.

Then we meet Dawn a successful lawyer giving her all and fully committing to a man who only appears to be the man of every woman's dreams. She & Button butt heads because Dawn desperately wants the relationship Button treats as a fly by night fling.

Lastly, we meet Meghan a recent divorcee who cannot seem to move on after her lying, cheating husband leaves her with a mountain of debt and emotional guilt.

These ladies come together by happenstance and have the most amazing times together in Chicago, doing everything from day trips at the spa to skydiving, learning more about themselves and love.

**I received this book in a giveaway from the author, Deanna Kimberly Burrell. I was not paid to read or review this book. This review includes my honest opinion on the writing and work. You can trust me :)

[African Americans on the Move Book Club · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say this book was a slow read, when I first read the book I didn't think I would like it, the more I read the more I enjoyed it, Single Girl Summer was a book about the Joys and Challenges of friendship and I believe every woman should be able to relate in one way or another.

Single Girl Summer reminds me of Sex in the City, the author did a good job providing realistic characters, situations and real life experiences, she paints a picture that accurately depicts Chicago and makes you feel like your one if the characters in the book, Single Girl Summer was fun and funny, intense and honest.

Single Girl Summer is not my typical read which is why it was such a slow read for me, but do not get me wrong, Single Girl Summer was very well written and relate-able I would definitely read from this author again.


Tamala Hollis
AAMBC Reviewer

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES.
FINALLY.
YES.

The girl that grew up reading Waiting to Exhale, The Hand I Fan With, and Flyy Girl, was weeping for the lack of similar books these days. I am revived. And, to see it with my city as a backdrop!!! THANK YOU DEANNA.

Flawless execution.

A real and vividly entertaining portrayal of how sometimes life leads you down a path that only good (and sometimes new) friends can get you comfortable on.

[Calidiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't read alot of urban AA fiction so I was already mildly prejudiced. Despite the main character's first words sounding straight out of an issue of Food and Wine, and the disjointed way we were introduced to new characters I did find the story engaging and complex. I read it in one sitting and was engrossed until the end.

Very well done, with realistic and enjoyable characters. I am glad I read it.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Single Girl Summer.... is a fresh, lighthearted novel, which I found to be exciting and pleasurable for leisure reading. It was definitely hard to put down once you started.

I could live vicariously through each of the characters experiences. I absolutely loved this novel! Watching how each of the ladies life moments unfold and evolve has me patiently waiting for the next novel to come.

Read Single Girl Summer now! I urge you to purchase it... It's without question, absolutely AMAZING!

[Maija · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lighthearted, fun, exciting & entertaining! This book made me want to have my own Single Girl Summer. I think we all can relate to the characters...either we know someone like them or find some of them in ourselves. It was refreshing to read about positive friendships...women uplifting one another!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommend to me.
I really enjoyed this book

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great summer read!! Thanks for sharing Deanna!
Almost every woman will be able to relate to the stories of the relationships that Button, Meghan, & Dawn share with one another during one hot summer in Chicago. Each woman is at a different stage in their relationships: waiting for a marriage proposal, not trusting any man, and one experiencing divorce. The 3 women bond, discuss men, food, wine, fashion, and relationships in general. Don't miss the recipe for Single Girl Sangria! Delicious! Get your book club together to discuss Single Girl Summer --- oh & don't forget the Sangria!
Cheers!
Kathy

[Karma Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised and soooo thankful that Deanna Burrell was able to recommend this for the July "Literary Drama" selection. I fell in love with all of the characters and was not ready for it to end. A very realistic and insightful look at relationships and how we can easily settle. Ladies, if you have girlfriends like this in your life you are blessed. Ill think I will take a few notes from here myself, as I am Single and there is still some summer left!!

Im going to try out that Sangria recipe too!

[Diana Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was so nice to read a book about Black women who had degrees, were successful, and had their own money. There was no mention of "baby daddies" or "hood rats" and I was thankful for that. In all, I really liked the book. I think, sometimes, the tone came off false, and it read more like a Fine Dining magazine rather than a book, but other than that, I liked it. I think the characters were believable, with the exception of Button. She was the least realistic for me. I think this is a more upbeat version of Waiting to Exhale, and it was long overdue.

[Deanna Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As seen in Jet Magazine, Chicago Defender, N'Digo, Chicago Tribune RedEye, NBC, V-103, goodreads, thesavvysistah.com, and many blogs, Single Girl Summer is on fire! Against the backdrop of hot days and cool nights in Chicago, Button, Meghan, and Dawn share stories, perspectives, and advice on everything from open-toe shoes to open relationships. Get your paperback or download the ebook today!

Click here to watch the book trailer: http://youtu.be/BWz0J8lT-0U

[Dori Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book was a great journey with characters that were very relatable. I especially enjoyed reading this as I was living in the great city of Chicago. All of the references to places were spot-on, and made me appreciate my city so much. It is a beautiful experience of friendships and inspiring in many ways!

[Leah Jeffers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was an excellent read. If was very well written and is characters were very realistic. I felt like these could have been my girl friends. I'm a native Chicagoan. The author made my city sound amazing. I'm declaring a single girl summer for myself this year. I hope to grow and discover myself as much as these ladies did. I highly recommend this book.

[Yola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sign me up for the "Single Girl Fall" lol
Tipping my red cup to Single Girl Summer

I loved how this book helped and healed the single girl mindset , this is dedicated to all the seasons of being single.

To all the Single Ladies this is for you.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great summer read. Was lucky enough to have the author at our book club last week. What a delight! Not only was the book a good read, but Deanna is a grat fun hearted spirit. She even loved the recipes we had prepared for dinner!

[Rena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I always enjoy books where the characters learn about themselves and grow as people. This book also made me want to visit Chicago in the summer. It seems like there is alot to do!

[Chanell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, it was different and fun. The ladies relationships were very detailed. I agreed that something shouldn't be compromised in relationships. I wouldn't mind making next summer a 'Girlfriends Summer'.

[ConSonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely in love with this book it was a perfect summer read I enjoyed each and every page that I turned... KUDOS TO MS DEANNA U GO GURL :-]

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read; i really enjoyed it. I hope to read more from this author.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun book. There were things I liked, and things I didn't like about the book. I really liked the characters though, and I really liked how their friendship developed.

[C. Lynn Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the relationships between women who became good friends. Loved it

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light read, loved how the characters evolved and developed a great foundation for a sisterhood!

[Tangee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful read, I didn't want it to come to an end! Looking forward to reading Mrs. Burrell next book:)

[Aja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was too cute and it kept me up reading it all weekend! I think I should do a single summer with my girlfriends!

[Stephanie Sinkfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read. Can't wait for the sequel!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quick entertaining read. I especially liked that it emphasized the importance of friendship and gave an excellent education for wine enthusiasts. Didn't particularly like the way it ended.

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laugh out loud fun!

[Marcitia L Zachary]

Awesome read

I really enjoyed this book. It was a nice easy read that ended leaving me feel renewed and I'm not even single.

[Shantee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! Great, fun read!

[M R · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was shorter than I expected, but nonetheless, it was a fun, quick romp. I liked the characters and loved that the backdrop of the story was my city, Chicago. Although, I enjoyed the characters I would've liked a bit more character development which would have expanded the book a bit. I think that it would have been nice to get more background on the ladies - it felt as if they gave them backstories in the development process and never went deeper than the bare bones, there was a lot more telling than showing, which didn't have quite the same effect. Also, I know the book is entitled Single Girl Summer, but the pacing of the story was so quick! I don't know that I've ever made friends as good as these women in two months, but maybe that's because I'm not drinking Veuve and I'm too poor to pick up the tab all the time (read: ever)! LOL. Additionally, there wasn't a progression of resolution over things presented in the book, but rather a immediate coming together. We kept hearing about Meghan being behind on her mortgage and other bills and she makes mention of conserving money, but we don't see her actually dealing with being in arrears and instead just see her get the good news of a $30k raise at the end. There was more of that with the other characters, like Dawn and Rick's situation or even Button and Quarter - we didn't hear any mention of how that relationship was brought to a close even though they had an "emotional attachment". However, even with these deficiencies, I still enjoyed the book and was happy and hopeful to see successful young Black women thriving and forging friendships. I am feeling the desire for more girlfriends (since so many of my closest friends are from college and we live all over the country) and was truly inspired (and a bit jealous) of the ladies and I definitely want to make the city my playground with some good girlfriends. Also, the Single Girl Summer Sangria recipe will be put to good use and so will that soundtrack! Finally, with the mention of the House Picnic I am declaring again and going so far as to not only put it in writing here and make it my only New Years resolution - I am going to the Chosen Few House Picnic in 2018!

Single Girl Summer Sangria:
3 bottles dry white wine (Rene Barbier Mediterranean white)
One can strawberry nectar
Mix wine and nectar, sweeten to taste
Add chopped strawberries, pineapples and oranges
Add 3/4 can of Sprite
Chill for 2+ hours

Soundtrack for Single Girl Summer:
Fancy - Drake
Buttons - Pussycat Dolls
Sponsor - Teairra Mari
Champagne Life - Ne-Yo
Ego - Beyonce
Green Eyes - Erykah Badu
He Loves Me - Jill Scott
It's the J.B.'s Monaurail - The J.B.s
Irreplaceable - Bey
Confessions Part 2 - Usher
Freakum Dress - Bey
Single Ladies - Bey
Good Life - Kanye
Happy Birthday - Stevie
Like A Virgin - Madonna
The New Workout Plan - Kanye
Mary Jane - Rick James
Change for Me - Eric Roberson
The Music Sounds Better with You - Stardust
Tell Me All About It (White Label Mix) - Natalie Cole
On to the Next One - Jay-Z