What do you think?
Rate this book
Life in Spades
Four African-American women rely on their friendship as they face insecurities, negotiate love, and define happiness: Gina, an admittedly unathletic runner training for a marathon with her White boyfriend in an effort to change her mother’s mind about interracial dating; Sherry, a divorcee enjoying her new single life, but still debating motherhood; Cookie, a cupcake baker wrestling with memories of her late fiancée and an obvious attraction to the delivery man who comes by every day; and Laura, a professional escort who plays by a strict set of self-imposed rules in order to maintain her one-woman business. When one of them is attacked during a robbery, the other three help her to recover while reassessing what they want in their own lives.
378 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2013
About the author
Frances Frost
2 books7 followersEver since making weekly treks to the public library in walking distance from her childhood home, Frances has been amazed by the new worlds, new people, and new experiences you encounter in the pages of a book. She loves books that will make you laugh, make you cry, make you think, and make you dream.
She has been making up her own stories ever since convincing her younger brother that she could make butter from those little teeny cups of coffee creamer. She chronicles her thoughts on motherhood, books, and crafts on her blog, Just Piddlin'.
Frances is a graduate of the University of Delaware and Wake Forest University's Babcock Graduate School of Management. She would be quite content living on a sunny beach overlooking the ocean, but in the meantime, she lives in Silver Spring, Maryland with her husband, their children, and their rescued pup.
She has written "Life in Spades" and "Mourning Calm."
She has been making up her own stories ever since convincing her younger brother that she could make butter from those little teeny cups of coffee creamer. She chronicles her thoughts on motherhood, books, and crafts on her blog, Just Piddlin'.
Frances is a graduate of the University of Delaware and Wake Forest University's Babcock Graduate School of Management. She would be quite content living on a sunny beach overlooking the ocean, but in the meantime, she lives in Silver Spring, Maryland with her husband, their children, and their rescued pup.
She has written "Life in Spades" and "Mourning Calm."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 31, 2013
Life in Spades is a great novel for summer vacation (or anytime). Frances Frost has created four very individual, very engaging characters in Cookie, Sherry, Laura and Gina. While the ladies deal with some of the more stressful situations that life throws at us, there is an enduring sense of resilience and the simple joy rendered by their monthly get-togethers. Even as their friendship is tested and their comfort zones are challenged, these four characters find hope and happiness along the way, sometimes in unexpected places. Easy, unforced dialogue among the characters allows the reader the experience of being present among the women as an observer. Life in Spades is a truly enjoyable read.
May 30, 2013
This was a great read. I found myself cheering, cussing and congratulating the characters. It also passed my, must make me laugh out loud test.
December 8, 2013
Playing the Hand Dealt
“Life in Spades” by Frances Frost is about four women, Gina, Sherry, Cookie and Laura, who are more like sisters than anything and their relationships or lack of relationships with the opposite sex. Gina is dating a white guy from her job. Although she has a great time when she is around him, not to mention he is easy on the eyes, thoughtful, and an all around great guy, her mother does not approve because he is white. Gina loves her mother but will she give up the chance on happiness because of her mother?
Cookie is still mourning over the loss of her fiancée. She's dated since but nothing serious. Cookie spends her time doing what she loves best, baking at the bakery she owns. Even though she has been out of the dating loop for awhile, she feels that there may be an attraction between her and the delivery guy. The question is will she let someone else in for a chance at happiness or will she continue to mourn the deceased?
Sherry, a divorcee, is still hurt by the demise of her relationship with her husband. She never would have dreamed she would be alone and the man she used to be married to locked up in prison. Sherry is angry that she did not get to live out her happily ever after with a family of her own. More than anything, Sherry wants to experience motherhood. Is she willing to adopt, use insemination or wait on the right man to come along? Or will she just let the idea go?
Laura is beautiful and intelligent, but during college she fell into a more lucrative way to make money. Being an escort...NO SEX involved! Hired to escort wealthy men to events as arm candy and someone that can hold an intelligent conversation in any group. The main rule that Laura made was to never get involved with a client. Will she take her words to heart when someone piques her interest on a personal level?
“Life in Spades” by Frances Frost was a good read. It centered around relationships, friends and lovers. The characters were those you could easily relate to and parts of the story will have you laughing out loud. My rating is 3 stars because there were some editing issues and misspelled words. Also, the story ended like a gift perfectly wrapped with a bow on top. A more realistic ending would have been better or possibly a sequel. Aside from that, this was a good read!
Reviewed by: LeonaR
“Life in Spades” by Frances Frost is about four women, Gina, Sherry, Cookie and Laura, who are more like sisters than anything and their relationships or lack of relationships with the opposite sex. Gina is dating a white guy from her job. Although she has a great time when she is around him, not to mention he is easy on the eyes, thoughtful, and an all around great guy, her mother does not approve because he is white. Gina loves her mother but will she give up the chance on happiness because of her mother?
Cookie is still mourning over the loss of her fiancée. She's dated since but nothing serious. Cookie spends her time doing what she loves best, baking at the bakery she owns. Even though she has been out of the dating loop for awhile, she feels that there may be an attraction between her and the delivery guy. The question is will she let someone else in for a chance at happiness or will she continue to mourn the deceased?
Sherry, a divorcee, is still hurt by the demise of her relationship with her husband. She never would have dreamed she would be alone and the man she used to be married to locked up in prison. Sherry is angry that she did not get to live out her happily ever after with a family of her own. More than anything, Sherry wants to experience motherhood. Is she willing to adopt, use insemination or wait on the right man to come along? Or will she just let the idea go?
Laura is beautiful and intelligent, but during college she fell into a more lucrative way to make money. Being an escort...NO SEX involved! Hired to escort wealthy men to events as arm candy and someone that can hold an intelligent conversation in any group. The main rule that Laura made was to never get involved with a client. Will she take her words to heart when someone piques her interest on a personal level?
“Life in Spades” by Frances Frost was a good read. It centered around relationships, friends and lovers. The characters were those you could easily relate to and parts of the story will have you laughing out loud. My rating is 3 stars because there were some editing issues and misspelled words. Also, the story ended like a gift perfectly wrapped with a bow on top. A more realistic ending would have been better or possibly a sequel. Aside from that, this was a good read!
Reviewed by: LeonaR
August 2, 2013
I just finished reading "Life in Spades" and thoroughly enjoyed the book. The characters were relatable and I found their individual stories very interesting. This book was a page-turner in that it was an easy read and I was genuinely curious as to what would happen next with each character - each equally as intriguing as the next. And although each character had a "happy" ending, it wasn't enough so that I felt the book wrapped up too neatly and nicely. The outcome, similar to each character, felt real. Kudos to first time author France Frost for a commendable first novel!
May 6, 2013
Life in Spades. was a thoroughly engaging and interesting book. The characters are very well written and seem to come to life. The style of writing was also very engaging, the author did an excellent job of making the story stay true to itself. I laughed, cried,smiled, rejoiced, and Screamed, while reading this book. An amazing read I must say!
July 7, 2013
Ms. Frost did an excellent job with her first novel. The story grabs your attention from page one. She introduces you to each character in layers. You want to know these ladies, you want to know what decisions and choices they are going to make. This novel would be great for book club discussion because it deals with several thought provoking issues.
July 31, 2013
Once I started, did not want to put down. Loved how each character evolved. A wonderful story centered around friendship. Congrats Francis - can't wait for your next book!
December 4, 2014
Kind of a slow read for me. However, I look forward to reading additional works by this author.
August 25, 2013
Great read.... Would love a follow up book...
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews