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Congratulations #1
Congratulations
Congratulations is the story of Tiffany Garner and Thomas Anthony Young. After eight months of dating, Tiffany thinks that any day now, Thomas will propose to her. That is until they get into a senseless argument before Thomas leaves on a business trip. Tiffany is hurt by the words that are exchanged. To get her mind off her troubles, she decides to go a wedding with her best friend, Alicia. While there, Tiffany's world is turned upside down when she sees Thomas not out of town, but at the wedding.
196 pages, Paperback
First published August 24, 2007
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214 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 11, 2020
4.5 stars
January 16, 2016
Caught Up In the Drama
This is the first novel I’ve read by Mr. Lowery and I must admit I was TOTALLY caught up in all the drama from the beginning to end. The characters are well developed and quite MEMORABLE. In the beginning I cry with Tiffany and the heartbreak she has to endure. Fortunately with the help of her best friend she starts to rebuild her self; she starts working out on a regular basis, she goes back to school for her degree, and she even starts training for a new position at her job. I was proud to see her using this loss as motivation to improve upon herself. However, I was so disappointed when she let that fool, Thomas back into her life. And I lost all respect for her when she continued to let Thomas “sex” her while she was supposedly falling in love with another man. Tiffany’s on the verge of almost having everything she ever dreamed about, but will her need to exact revenge cause her to loose the best thing that’s ever happened to her?!!! This book had a smooth flow and engaging dialogue. And at some point all the characters will make you cry, laugh, or cheer as they take you on a very entertaining journey. Congrats, Mr. Lowery!
This is the first novel I’ve read by Mr. Lowery and I must admit I was TOTALLY caught up in all the drama from the beginning to end. The characters are well developed and quite MEMORABLE. In the beginning I cry with Tiffany and the heartbreak she has to endure. Fortunately with the help of her best friend she starts to rebuild her self; she starts working out on a regular basis, she goes back to school for her degree, and she even starts training for a new position at her job. I was proud to see her using this loss as motivation to improve upon herself. However, I was so disappointed when she let that fool, Thomas back into her life. And I lost all respect for her when she continued to let Thomas “sex” her while she was supposedly falling in love with another man. Tiffany’s on the verge of almost having everything she ever dreamed about, but will her need to exact revenge cause her to loose the best thing that’s ever happened to her?!!! This book had a smooth flow and engaging dialogue. And at some point all the characters will make you cry, laugh, or cheer as they take you on a very entertaining journey. Congrats, Mr. Lowery!
January 1, 2009
Karma Gone Mad?
Readers are invoked into a drama that asks what you would do if it were you. CONGRATULATIONS written by Chicago's own Darrin Lowery puts a spin on love and the power behind it. When you go to a wedding and find that the bridegroom is no one other than the man that you've been seeing for 8 months, what would you do? Do you silently sit and watch as your man pledges his undying love to another? Would you hold your peace when the minister asks if there is anyone who knows why these two people shouldn't be joined? Can you honestly sit across the room and watch as they take their first official dance?
Well unknowingly, Tiffany Gardner was an uninvited guest to the breaking of her own heart. While she knew that their love had lost some of its sizzle, she never realized that she was always just something to do. Love, lust, hate, betrayal, and growth lead to the improvements in Tiffany's bitter world. As she learns to bypass the self pity and dabble in the positive, a new existence is in the works for Tiffany. However, does Tiffany have the staying power to resist the urges when Thomas comes back into her life?
Faced with the possibility of having it all, Tiffany has a chance at the best man. Caught up with her own selfish desires she'll have to weigh in on who the best man for her is.
CONGRATULATIONS, Darrin Lowery's 12th novel, intrigues you from the very first word to the final explanation point. As always, he's released commotion unlike you've ever read before. With characters that you either love to hate, pity or just envelope. If you're looking for something to take the chill off you, CONGRATULATIONS is definitely a good book to curl up with.
Reviewed by: Crystal
Still Crazy
Still Crazy II: Crazy About You
A Woman Scorned
When A Woman's Fed Up
Readers are invoked into a drama that asks what you would do if it were you. CONGRATULATIONS written by Chicago's own Darrin Lowery puts a spin on love and the power behind it. When you go to a wedding and find that the bridegroom is no one other than the man that you've been seeing for 8 months, what would you do? Do you silently sit and watch as your man pledges his undying love to another? Would you hold your peace when the minister asks if there is anyone who knows why these two people shouldn't be joined? Can you honestly sit across the room and watch as they take their first official dance?
Well unknowingly, Tiffany Gardner was an uninvited guest to the breaking of her own heart. While she knew that their love had lost some of its sizzle, she never realized that she was always just something to do. Love, lust, hate, betrayal, and growth lead to the improvements in Tiffany's bitter world. As she learns to bypass the self pity and dabble in the positive, a new existence is in the works for Tiffany. However, does Tiffany have the staying power to resist the urges when Thomas comes back into her life?
Faced with the possibility of having it all, Tiffany has a chance at the best man. Caught up with her own selfish desires she'll have to weigh in on who the best man for her is.
CONGRATULATIONS, Darrin Lowery's 12th novel, intrigues you from the very first word to the final explanation point. As always, he's released commotion unlike you've ever read before. With characters that you either love to hate, pity or just envelope. If you're looking for something to take the chill off you, CONGRATULATIONS is definitely a good book to curl up with.
Reviewed by: Crystal
Still Crazy
Still Crazy II: Crazy About You
A Woman Scorned
When A Woman's Fed Up
November 6, 2011
you know how the movie brown sugar was written because of common's i used to love her and the author's love of hip hop. i'm thinking darrin lowery had the classic vesta track with the same name of the novel on constant rotation. she probably listened to the song and let her imagination run wild. this book was awesome. character development, plot, tone, perspective = supurb.
totally related to being captive to the negative thinking/manipulation tiffany felt in her relationship-nonrelationship with thomas. i have witnessed those roles reversing when the other woman puts her backbone where her wishbone used to be. how the man suddenly finds himself desperate for what he took forgranted. i have been the frat brothers sitting at the card table helping you see the past w/o rose colored glasses for my male and female friends. hell i've sat in that seat. i've ran on the treadmill with tiffany thinking about how to get my life together-not be defined by other people-it has to get better because things can't be worst. i've been thomas enjoying my cake and eating it with a gold plated spoon. the story got a little nolly wood on me (it had some very clean cut edges about morality and just desserts. the good was almost too good to be true. the bad was very very ugly. truth hurts. payback is a bitch. we reap what we sow); but i enjoyed it.
totally related to being captive to the negative thinking/manipulation tiffany felt in her relationship-nonrelationship with thomas. i have witnessed those roles reversing when the other woman puts her backbone where her wishbone used to be. how the man suddenly finds himself desperate for what he took forgranted. i have been the frat brothers sitting at the card table helping you see the past w/o rose colored glasses for my male and female friends. hell i've sat in that seat. i've ran on the treadmill with tiffany thinking about how to get my life together-not be defined by other people-it has to get better because things can't be worst. i've been thomas enjoying my cake and eating it with a gold plated spoon. the story got a little nolly wood on me (it had some very clean cut edges about morality and just desserts. the good was almost too good to be true. the bad was very very ugly. truth hurts. payback is a bitch. we reap what we sow); but i enjoyed it.
July 29, 2008
This was referred me by two colleagues at worked. It was a quick read and I finished reading it in three days. It was definitely a page turn! I went through a lot of different emotions with the main character. In one chapter I felt sorry for her and another chapter I was upset but the ending was great!
March 2, 2024
Very poorly written! Women don’t say things like “ taking a leak”.. like WTF?!?
I should have DNF’d this when he used the “R” word to describe a mentally challenged person.
I should have DNF’d this when he used the “R” word to describe a mentally challenged person.
December 5, 2011
This book was an excellent book. When I first started reading it I knew that I was going to like it. I say this because the book started off very mellow and then it turned into a little suspense and then just drama from then on. I love books that have drama in it, especially when it has to deal with couples that have been together for some time. The book was just so good I felt like I was the girl who was being betrayed by her boyfriend. I felt for her and I was getting angry when she was angry, it was just all too real.
Another reason I like this book is because the author knew how he was setting everything up. He knew exactly how he wanted the book to end. It ended with drama that's also another reason it was so good. You know how usually books sometimes end with perfectly good endings or just bad corny endings. This book ended with a bang to it. I would like to say that everything the girl in this book did I would not have done, but I can't really say this because I have never gotten hurt like she has. Overall the author of the book, Darrin Lowery is an excellent author and I will be looking for more of the books to read.
Another reason I like this book is because the author knew how he was setting everything up. He knew exactly how he wanted the book to end. It ended with drama that's also another reason it was so good. You know how usually books sometimes end with perfectly good endings or just bad corny endings. This book ended with a bang to it. I would like to say that everything the girl in this book did I would not have done, but I can't really say this because I have never gotten hurt like she has. Overall the author of the book, Darrin Lowery is an excellent author and I will be looking for more of the books to read.
June 16, 2011
Imagine having a fight with your boyfriend and having him put you and your future down like you are nothing. After not hearing from him for a few days, your bestfriend invites you to attend her cousin's wedding. Instead of being out getting over the fight with you boyfriend.....you have to endure watching your man....who is actually the groom marry another woman..... This book was great!
July 3, 2011
A good book on learning to to love yourself and realizing your self-worth
March 31, 2018
Let me sum it up for you; In my Rihanna's voice, {"Cheat, Cheat, Cheat, Cheating. You See Everyone Be Cheating, Cheating, Cheating"} This book is basically about the adventures of a desperate {no self-respect} woman named Tiffany, who gets cheated on and decides to sleep with men, who have girlfriends/wives. Smh. Yeah, I know, I know, I don't normally read shit like this but I wanted some drama/angriest read NOT (Omg! The dick is so good but he treats me like shit read!) I only have myself to blame!
April 1, 2018
Ok for me
3.5 Stars. Started off good and then I grew tired and started skipping pages. It just kind of went on and on until it got to the point when it came to Tiffany and Thomas.
3.5 Stars. Started off good and then I grew tired and started skipping pages. It just kind of went on and on until it got to the point when it came to Tiffany and Thomas.
April 3, 2018
Yuck
The grammar and poor editing was shameful at best. How embarrassing. I was very disappointed and put off by this book.
The grammar and poor editing was shameful at best. How embarrassing. I was very disappointed and put off by this book.
February 14, 2020
Karma at it's finest!!!
September 21, 2020
What a total waste of my time. This is one of my worst readings for the year.An overstretched cliche plot with obvious poor editing.
June 18, 2022
The story line was ok, but there were far too many grammatical errors
February 20, 2024
Couldn’t put the book down
May 26, 2025
One of my favorite books of all time.
July 24, 2012
First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage
It's the day every little girl dreams of - her wedding day.
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue...
The weather is just perfect for a wedding. The sun is shining. The birds are chirping. The church is packed with family and friends that all want to cherish this very special day, which celebrates love. The groom stands before the audience looking as handsome and debonair as can be in his tuxedo anxiously awaiting the bride's arrival. The wedding march commences and here comes the bride, all dressed in white. But wait...is this some kind of sick joke? The groom is the groom, your Mr. Right, but the bride is someone else. The dream has turned into a nightmare. Congratulations????
Welcome to the world of Tiffany Garner. Tiffany finds out in the cruelest of ways that her man, Thomas, is not really hers after all. Already slightly insecure because she has a little extra junk in her trunk, can Tiffany overcome this devastation? Despite his new marital status, is Thomas still the one for her? Or is Mr. Right still out there?
With book number TWELVE, author Darrin Lowery shows no signs of fatigue or let up. CONGRATULATIONS recounts the arduous journey of a woman as she rights her life by rediscovering her self-confidence, self-love and self-worth. CONGRATULATIONS garners high praise for an enjoyable read. This is a great book for discussion.
Darrin, congrats on Weekend Books!!!!
Also check out:
A Woman Scorned
When A Woman's Fed Up
Forbidden
Still Crazy II: Crazy About You
Down Low, Double Life
It's the day every little girl dreams of - her wedding day.
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue...
The weather is just perfect for a wedding. The sun is shining. The birds are chirping. The church is packed with family and friends that all want to cherish this very special day, which celebrates love. The groom stands before the audience looking as handsome and debonair as can be in his tuxedo anxiously awaiting the bride's arrival. The wedding march commences and here comes the bride, all dressed in white. But wait...is this some kind of sick joke? The groom is the groom, your Mr. Right, but the bride is someone else. The dream has turned into a nightmare. Congratulations????
Welcome to the world of Tiffany Garner. Tiffany finds out in the cruelest of ways that her man, Thomas, is not really hers after all. Already slightly insecure because she has a little extra junk in her trunk, can Tiffany overcome this devastation? Despite his new marital status, is Thomas still the one for her? Or is Mr. Right still out there?
With book number TWELVE, author Darrin Lowery shows no signs of fatigue or let up. CONGRATULATIONS recounts the arduous journey of a woman as she rights her life by rediscovering her self-confidence, self-love and self-worth. CONGRATULATIONS garners high praise for an enjoyable read. This is a great book for discussion.
Darrin, congrats on Weekend Books!!!!
Also check out:
A Woman Scorned
When A Woman's Fed Up
Forbidden
Still Crazy II: Crazy About You
Down Low, Double Life
May 10, 2017
Very poorly edited with many grammatical and spelling issues. Probably more like 1.5 stars, but I rounded up.
The book has a really great premise, but after introducing the plot, the story goes terribly wrong. I'm very confused about why this book is so highly rated. The early chapters are particularly difficult to get through because of the poor writing -- that actually improves as the book progresses. But, the overuse of clichés and the amount of redundancy was frustrating throughout:
"...my body craved her like an addict. I couldn't stay away and kept coming back. Like an addict I kept coming back. Tiffany's sex was addictive."
Passages like the one above (of which there are many) make this a difficult slog. Real editing would have make the book about 30% smaller. . . although for me, probably not that much more enjoyable.
There is a lot of cheating as a part of the story. The cheating itself isn't a hot button for me (although I know many have a problem with that subject.) For me, the bitterness and malice, along with the complete lack of awareness about the irony of so many of the situations was frustrating. Almost no one was very likeable -- except the white guy, which is pretty ironic, since this is a book filled mostly with African Americans.
There are a several high ratings for this book, so it has an audience, I'm just not sure who I would recommend it to.
The book has a really great premise, but after introducing the plot, the story goes terribly wrong. I'm very confused about why this book is so highly rated. The early chapters are particularly difficult to get through because of the poor writing -- that actually improves as the book progresses. But, the overuse of clichés and the amount of redundancy was frustrating throughout:
"...my body craved her like an addict. I couldn't stay away and kept coming back. Like an addict I kept coming back. Tiffany's sex was addictive."
Passages like the one above (of which there are many) make this a difficult slog. Real editing would have make the book about 30% smaller. . . although for me, probably not that much more enjoyable.
There is a lot of cheating as a part of the story. The cheating itself isn't a hot button for me (although I know many have a problem with that subject.) For me, the bitterness and malice, along with the complete lack of awareness about the irony of so many of the situations was frustrating. Almost no one was very likeable -- except the white guy, which is pretty ironic, since this is a book filled mostly with African Americans.
There are a several high ratings for this book, so it has an audience, I'm just not sure who I would recommend it to.
August 31, 2011
When I first started reading this book, I did not wanna finish it. I hated the way Tiffany bent over backwards and licked the ground for Thomas and he treated her like an after after thought. I also hate books about cheating. I kept reading and after the big drama, the book gets good. I like how Tiffany found her self esteem and self worth. She did piss me off when she had sex with Justin, not once but twice, knowing he had a girlfriend. I was like didn't you just get out of this situation. She did tell him the second time was a mistake and that was the last we heard from Justin. I didn't like her going back to having sex with Thomas, but I apparently it was something she had to do to get on with her life. I did love Adrianne, she told the real truth and they had what could have been a good friendship. I would have loved to see more of her in the book. Thomas got exactly what he deserved, he treated both his wife(who was a super bitch) and his mistress/girlfriend with much disrespect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2015
Karma is a ...
This book was recommended to me by members of my BookClub. They talked about it being a fast and interesting read. First of all, it held my attention and I didn't stop until I finished it. as I read it, the old song by Vesta was my background soundtrack. Tiffany, was an overweight administrative assistant having a secret relationship with a VP in her bank,Thomas. She thought he hid their 11 month relationship because of their companies strict policy against dating among co-workers. She found the real reason when she went to her BFF cousin's wedding. As a thick girl myself, I had problems with her self esteem issues. We don't all forgive people for treating us poorly because of our weight issues. I don't agree with some of the choices she made. I am glad that good prevailed over evil. I truly believe in Karma.
This book was recommended to me by members of my BookClub. They talked about it being a fast and interesting read. First of all, it held my attention and I didn't stop until I finished it. as I read it, the old song by Vesta was my background soundtrack. Tiffany, was an overweight administrative assistant having a secret relationship with a VP in her bank,Thomas. She thought he hid their 11 month relationship because of their companies strict policy against dating among co-workers. She found the real reason when she went to her BFF cousin's wedding. As a thick girl myself, I had problems with her self esteem issues. We don't all forgive people for treating us poorly because of our weight issues. I don't agree with some of the choices she made. I am glad that good prevailed over evil. I truly believe in Karma.
January 19, 2016
THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD!!!! I WAS ACTUALLY VERY IMPRESSED AND SURPRISED BY THE WAY THE STORY WAS WRITTEN. I WAS CERTAIN THAT THE STORY WAS GOING TO READ LIKE ALL OTHER BOOKS WITH SIMILAR STORYLINES (OVER-WEIGHT WOMAN WITH LOW SELF-ESTEEM FALLS IN LOVE WITH MAN AND MAN BREAKS HER HEART CAUSE SHE IS TOO FAT, FAT WOMAN HATES HERSELF AND HAS A PITY PARTY, OVER EATS, CRYS BLAH, BLAH BLAH)BEING THAT I AM A PLUS SIZED WOMAN I WAS SO OVERJOYED AND TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY WITH HOW THE WRITER ALLOWED THE BIG GIRL TO FINALLY REPRESENT FOR ALL THE OTHER BIG GIRLS WHO HAVE EVER HURT BECAUSE OF THEIR SIZE. I THINK THIS IS A MUST READ FOR ANYONE WHO HAS EVER HAD BODY ISSUES OR IF YOUR JUST LOOKING FOR A GOOD READ.
February 3, 2012
Drama and karma intertwine in marriage
This book kept me flipping pages every second. the story revolves around a fully figured sister who was heart broken by her boyfriend. It began as a normal relationship until after 11 months. Thomas began acting strange and wanted to end things with her. Alicia who was her best friend took her to a wedding she was invited ,and the groom just happened to be Thomas. The book revolves around her trying to fix her life back up and regain who she really is. The book talks about her many adventures and her bright future ahead of her. the book was great and very highly recomended
This book kept me flipping pages every second. the story revolves around a fully figured sister who was heart broken by her boyfriend. It began as a normal relationship until after 11 months. Thomas began acting strange and wanted to end things with her. Alicia who was her best friend took her to a wedding she was invited ,and the groom just happened to be Thomas. The book revolves around her trying to fix her life back up and regain who she really is. The book talks about her many adventures and her bright future ahead of her. the book was great and very highly recomended
July 23, 2013
This book was real. I guess that is the best way to explain it. I like it because it give you the vantage point of both male and female when in relationships.
It shows how as women we allow so much from men..and how they do..exactly what we allow. It shows the difference taking good care of ourselves emotionally, spiritually, and physically can make a huge impact on home our lives turn out. Can't have a positive life with a negative mind:). I really enjoyed the morals and lessons, and the characters were well portrayed for the reader. I think it is def a good read. I do see some things coming but it was so well written it didn't take away from reading it as it occurred.
It shows how as women we allow so much from men..and how they do..exactly what we allow. It shows the difference taking good care of ourselves emotionally, spiritually, and physically can make a huge impact on home our lives turn out. Can't have a positive life with a negative mind:). I really enjoyed the morals and lessons, and the characters were well portrayed for the reader. I think it is def a good read. I do see some things coming but it was so well written it didn't take away from reading it as it occurred.
September 15, 2014
First time reading anything by this writer and I'm happy I took that chance. I'm hooked on his writing skills and storytelling. This book had moments of me within the pages, I saw my friends and heard our story. I was able to quote the next word without reading it. It took off from page one until the very end. This is a about a woman done wrong (not a woe me type). As she comes to term with who and what she is, she makes the necessary changes to open herself to a future she's comfortable living in.
This book is followed with a part 2, 3, 4....10, but I do believe they are standalone with new characters (I hope).
This book is followed with a part 2, 3, 4....10, but I do believe they are standalone with new characters (I hope).
Read
November 26, 2013I was not expecting to like this book as much as I did. It immediately sucked me in. What I loved was the cyclical line of events and how everything came to pass in reverse. Tiffany really developed over the course of the book and I loved to see the transformation in her self-confidence and her life, as well as physically. I admit I did had moments when I exclaimed how stupid I thought one of her decisions was, and I really thought her actions with Thomas were gonna come back to bite her, but it all turned out well in the end.
Overall, LOVED the book.
Overall, LOVED the book.
January 4, 2011
This book is not as predictable as first thought; an inspiring story about the inner strength of a black woman to increase her self esteem and career prospects. It is a little raunchy in places but a brilliant story line. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of his novels. I am quite intrigue that this is a male author as throughout the book I thought the author might be female!
November 20, 2011
Saw this one and picked it up on a hum-bug! Came home and checked the reviews and they were good so I'll see what I think and let you all know.
Just finished this book and I must say that it was pretty good. It wasn't great but it was definitely a good and interesting read that delivered a pretty strong message. Good work Darrin! This was my first book by Darrin Lower, I will be getting more of his books. It took me about days to finish it. Normally I finish a book in a day or two at most!
Just finished this book and I must say that it was pretty good. It wasn't great but it was definitely a good and interesting read that delivered a pretty strong message. Good work Darrin! This was my first book by Darrin Lower, I will be getting more of his books. It took me about days to finish it. Normally I finish a book in a day or two at most!
July 25, 2012
wow this book packs a wallop from the word go! How would you feel if you had a what you thought was a small petty fight with your boyfriend of 11 months, 2 days later you show up at a wedding that your BFF has dragged you to to get you out of the house and you find...that your boyfriend is the groom? What whould you do? Would you SIT there? The the church what had been going on? You'll find yourself asking that and many oher questions when you read this book...
September 8, 2014
This book is a classic case of "the grass isn't always greener on the other side". Thomas got exactly what he diserved and I was happy at the end when Tiffany ended up how she was suppossed to be; happy and loved for who she was on the inside.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews