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Love Changes #1-2

Is There Enough of Mia to Go Around?: Complete Revised Edition

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Ten years in the making, the debut novel by Eartha Watts-Hicks infuses original poetry, song lyrics from 80's and 90s popular music, and prose in the narrative of Mia Love, a twenty-six year old single mother. Mia Love quits college to support her live-in boyfriend, Spider. When she becomes pregnant, her mother, his mother, and Romell, her handsome and flirtatious best friend, all think she has made a bad decision. Now, Mia cares for both her newborn son and Spider. Tethered to a low wage job to pay the bills, she's urging him make a commitment. Spider, himself underemployed, remains resistant. This causes tension between the two, with arguments getting more and more personal. Meanwhile, "good friend" Romell is offering a shoulder (and a lot more) to lean on. What ensues is a love triangle with a unique twist, two men vying for a lady with a baby. This heartwarming story of a young woman's struggle to remain true to herself was edited by Grace F. Edwards. Love Changes received the 2013 "Literary Game Changers" award in the fiction category from the NYCHA branch of the NAACP and was selected as The New York Amsterdam News's recommended summer read for 2013

380 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2013

29 people are currently reading
245 people want to read

About the author

Eartha Watts Hicks

18 books45 followers
As an affiliate of BlackPR.com, Eartha Watts-Hicks has written countless press releases for products, services, and events. She is a contributing writer for Harlem World's Magazine's blog site. She has written for TheUrbanBookSource.com and several other online publications, as well as having served two terms as director of publications for Cultivating Our Sisterhood International Association, a 501(c)(3).

On the creative spectrum, Eartha is a songwriter, music publisher, and member of ASCAP. She is a member of the acclaimed Harlem Writers Guild, an exclusive network of writers whose roster has included Lorraine Hansberry, Sarah Elizabeth Wright, Audrey Lorde, Grace F. Edwards, Walter Dean Myers, Ruby Dee, Paul Robeson, Maya Angelou, and Terry McMillan. Eartha is a writing fellow of Medgar Evers College's Center for Black Literature and other highly regarded writing programs. She has studied under a host of award winning authors, including Valerie Wilson Wesley, Chris Abani, and Bernice McFadden. On June 13, 2013, Eartha Watts-Hicks received the Just R.E.A.D. 'literary game changers' Award from the NYCHA branch of the NAACP and was named their literacy ambassador for 2013.

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5 stars
26 (60%)
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6 (13%)
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8 (18%)
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3 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Tumika Patrice.
Author 6 books18 followers
January 31, 2015
Love Changes by Eartha Watts Hicks

Mia Love is twenty-something young woman trying to navigate her way through the twists and turns of life. As with many women who have not known the love of a father, she has voids and self-esteem issues she tries to fill through her long-term boyfriend, Spider.

She is sweet girl with a penchant for people pleasing, even at the expense of herself. She has sacrificed everything she has wanted and everything she has worked for to keep Spider happy, only to end up unappreciated, lonely and having received none of his promises. The answer to yet another assignment received by his mother sends everything spiraling downhill, as secrets are exposed and trust issues are revealed, leaving everyone and everything in a precarious state.

Her best friend, Romell, loves her unconditionally and is always there for her….even though Spider hates him and hates the relationship that Mia and Romell share. He is handsome, cocky, successful and has no desires to have anything more from a woman than a passing friends with benefits situation. That is, with everyone except Mia. With her, he can be his best, and worst, self…and it’s all good.

As her frustrations mount with Spider’s refusing to marry her, she is forced to make tough decisions. Faced with the moment of having to finally see herself and her choices clearly, Mia reaches a three-tiered fork in the road and must decide what she wants to do with the rest of her life.

Eartha Watts Hicks has written a lovely story about coming of age, delicately fusing deep issues between the pages of this novel, without being preachy. Reading this book was like taking a leisurely walk in the park. Its pace was just right for stopping to smell the roses, sitting alongside a meandering brook for a moment of contemplation, and resting on a bench to watch children at play. The characters were decent, every day type people – each with their own issues, struggles and decisions to make. They were relatable and also drew a number of emotional responses from this reader. Watts Hicks has also creatively fused music and song lyrics in the writing to drive the points home in telling this tale. Excellent debut!

Profile Image for Sistar Tea.
293 reviews
April 20, 2014
Love Thy Self

I found this book to be long, drawn out, and quite frankly, boring. There was hardly any action and every scene just dragged. I was yelling, “please get to the point.” While I do believe that most women can relate to what the main character is going through in this novel, I think at one point or another we ladies have given up ourselves for the love of a man.

Mia Love is so in love with her boyfriend Spider that she has given up her college days to get a job and support his dreams all with the hopes that he would one day marry her. Everything she does is with Spider in mind. Her friends, what little she has left, and her family all think she is crazy to put her life on hold for him. Mia doesn't want to believe she invested ten years of her life and not get the ring at the end of the day; so much so she has a baby with him after he tells when they have a baby he will marry her. So we flip through page after page of her trying to convince him she is wifey material.

Will she ever see the light at the end if tunnel? Will he prove everybody wrong and marry her? Did she waste ten years on this man. You literally have to endure scene after boring scene to see how this is going to work out. I like the fact that the author gave such a high page count. Too bad it didn't rock my boat. I need more excitement in my reading. This book took me a month of slaving through it. To be honest, the story line wasn't that bad, it just had no ump to it. I think with a lot more drama, excitement I would have truly enjoyed this book.

SiStar Tea
ARC Book Club Inc.
2.5 star rating
April review
Profile Image for Lisa Muhammad.
201 reviews27 followers
December 20, 2013
In her debut novel, Eartha Watts-Hicks pens a breathtaking novel of love and struggles.

Mia Love is a young mother who has been in a long term relationship with her boyfriend, Spider. In her heart she believes if she does everything and anything for her man, he would eventually put a ring on it. With that being said, Mia struggles to keep a roof over their head, keep the bills paid, take care of Spider and their newborn son. In the midst of all of that, Mia seems to lose herself and what she really wants. Sounds familiar? It is because all of us either know someone in that situation or have been there ourselves.

The only real friend Mia has is Romell, whom she has known since childhood. Romell is everything a woman would want in a man. He is handsome and highly successful but has commitment phobia so he moves from one woman to another in a blink of an eye. He often offers advice to Mia to help her in her relationship issues with Spider.

Throughout this story, you will get a feel for a mutual attraction for two individuals who feel they should not be together. In the end, will love conquer all? Does Mia finally take that walk down the aisle?

I applaud the author on the plot and strong character development. The book started off a little slow but when it did pick up, it took off with a vengeance. There was a nice flow of the book as it brought elements from the 80s in the form of poetry and song. I can not wait to read the sequel.

*** A complimentary copy was given in exchange for a honest review ***
Profile Image for Kiera.
236 reviews13 followers
December 8, 2013

Love Changes is the debut novel of author Eartha Watts-Hicks. It is the story of Mia and Spider, a young couple in a ten year relationship. Mia is getting fed up with Spider’s reluctance to marry her; she’s not only supporting baby Tee-bo, but Spider as well. Spider doesn’t like the fact that Mia’s best friend Romell, is always willing to be her “shoulder to lean on”; in fact, from the day that the two men came face to face back in high school, they didn’t like each other. Romell wants to be her friend, and so much more.

Eartha Watts-Hicks did a very good job with this book; it is well written, flows quite nicely, and I found myself becoming engaged with the characters; I started connecting with them, almost as if I knew them. I love the fact that the characters could be anyone we know; the storyline is relevant for this day and time. This book is about love, friendship, choices, and one of the other things I really liked about the book was the way the author weaves in 80’s and 90’s songs, along with the poetry into the book. It breathes life into it, and took me back to high school.

I would definitely recommend this book to any reader or friend, and I’m looking forward to reading its sequel, Chocolate Love.
Profile Image for OOSA .
1,802 reviews237 followers
November 3, 2013
Chocolate

After ten long years of being in a relationship with her live-in boyfriend, Spider, Mia is fed up. Against her better judgment she did something for Spider, with the promise that if she did this "thing" for him, he would marry her. Having fulfilled her end of the bargain, Mia wonders when Spider will fulfill his end.

The main issue Spider has with Mia is her ongoing friendship with her best friend Romell. Romell has always been the one person Mia could call up at any time and be a listening ear. From the time Spider met Romell in high school neither one of them liked each other.

Eartha Watts-Hicks’ “Love Changes” was an excellent debut novel. A story containing love, friendships, family, betrayal, lies and forgiveness, “Love Changes” connects with readers. The characters were your average everyday people. The storyline was engrossing. I highly recommend this novel!

Heads up though, there will be a sequel. The way the story ends, however, does not leave a cliffhanger. With the substance and page count that Mrs. Hicks gave with “Love Changes,” I truly look forward to reading the sequel, “Chocolate Love.”

Reviewed by LeonaR
1 review
August 5, 2015
Love Changes followed Mia on a wonderful and exciting journey. At first glance I didn't think I'd enjoy the book. I took a second look at the cover of the book and changed my mind. The design is simple black red and white with about three pictures of a beautiful black woman. One of the pictures is featured on the spin of the book and though the picture is small it grabbed my attention. The editor did a great job editing the book. I found little to no mistakes. The story was very relatable. I found it very refreshing to read about someone with a normal job, normal life, and a normal family as opposed to reading about dope boys and rich people problems. This book was definitely a refreshing read and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
5 pens
Mrs. Terry
1 review1 follower
March 18, 2014
Love changes is a GOOD read in general. The main character is relateable. As a 20 something looking for love, this novel cascades wisdom to its readers whether they are paying attention or not. I thought the book was heading toward a cliche ending but I was surprised in the route in which the main character chose to go. Life happens and sometimes you do have to think about you and everyone's path to the "me phase" is different but rewarding in a sense. Kudos to the songs that pop up in the novel, they will put you in a good mood. I think every girl/ woman knows someone like the main characters or the characters in general.
Profile Image for Say What Book Club.
102 reviews3 followers
January 31, 2015
Love Changes by Eartha Watts Hicks

Mia Love is twenty-something young woman trying to navigate her way through the twists and turns of life. As with many women who have not known the love of a father, she has voids and self-esteem issues she tries to fill through her long-term boyfriend, Spider.

She is sweet girl with a penchant for people pleasing, even at the expense of herself. She has sacrificed everything she has wanted and everything she has worked for to keep Spider happy, only to end up unappreciated, lonely and having received none of his promises. The answer to yet another assignment received by his mother sends everything spiraling downhill, as secrets are exposed and trust issues are revealed, leaving everyone and everything in a precarious state.

Her best friend, Romell, loves her unconditionally and is always there for her….even though Spider hates him and hates the relationship that Mia and Romell share. He is handsome, cocky, successful and has no desires to have anything more from a woman than a passing friends with benefits situation. That is, with everyone except Mia. With her, he can be his best, and worst, self…and it’s all good.

As her frustrations mount with Spider’s refusing to marry her, she is forced to make tough decisions. Faced with the moment of having to finally see herself and her choices clearly, Mia reaches a three-tiered fork in the road and must decide what she wants to do with the rest of her life.

Eartha Watts Hicks has written a lovely story about coming of age, delicately fusing deep issues between the pages of this novel, without being preachy. Reading this book was like taking a leisurely walk in the park. Its pace was just right for stopping to smell the roses, sitting alongside a meandering brook for a moment of contemplation, and resting on a bench to watch children at play. The characters were decent, every day type people – each with their own issues, struggles and decisions to make. They were relatable and also drew a number of emotional responses from this reader. Watts Hicks has also creatively fused music and song lyrics in the writing to drive the points home in telling this tale. Excellent debut!

5 stars
_____

Reviewed by Tumika
Profile Image for Book Reviews by Tara aka Queen of Memoirs.
322 reviews82 followers
December 4, 2017
No matter how many books you may have read depicting the internal conflict of a torn heart, rest assured: you’ve never been on a journey like Mia Love’s in the novel, Love Changes. In this urban, contemporary novel author Eartha Watts Hicks delivers the very realistic and satisfying story of Mia Love as she struggles with love, lies and acceptance.

As a new mother, Mia wants nothing more than to marry her high school sweetheart, and the father of her son, Spider. However, when things go in a direction that leaves Mia unsatisfied, she turns to her best friend Romell for a shoulder to cry on. Lost in emotions, things quickly spin out of control. Leaving Mia, Spider and Romell wondering will love conquer all.

The likeability of Love Changes does not lie primarily in the drama of this engrossing story. But, it also lies in the questions the story raises. For example, the questions, “Can men and women be just friends?” and “Can your soul mate and the love of your life be two different people?” are just a couple of the very relevant questions this book raises, making the book a great choice for book clubs to dissect.

At 356 pages, the story leans heavily on dialogue and description. However, there were moments, the avid reader in me craved a little more action and a little less description.

Overall, Watts Hicks does a great job of depicting the struggle of a woman caught in between the two men in her life. A moving tale of emotions and relationships, Love Changes contains some jaw-dropping moments that leaves the reader wanting more.
Profile Image for Ann.
Author 14 books218 followers
May 2, 2016
Wow! Eartha Watts-Hicks caused me to really think about these characters and their situations. Will Mia ever get it together?

Mia has been in a relationship with Spider for ten years and she wants to get married. He has every reason why they shouldn’t get married. Really? Spider had Mia wrapped around his little finger, and he took advantage of her self-esteem issues. Still, Mia waiting not too patiently, believes that one day Spider will propose. Complicating the situation is Mia’s childhood friend, Romell, who loves her unconditionally. Yet, Romell has relationship issues of his own. His idea of a relationship is friends with benefits.

The struggles are real as Mia attempts to navigate the rough terrain of daily living. At times, the book caused me to reflect on the things I took for granted in my own life. I enjoyed how the author included scriptures and words of encouragement. I was surprised but in a good way, how it all worked out.

“Love Changes” will definitely impact readers in a positive way. Kudos to Author Eartha Watts-Hicks! Great job! Looking forward to reading what else will come from your creative mind.
Profile Image for KC.
Author 2 books143 followers
February 7, 2014
Eartha Watts Hicks’ debut novel “Love Changes” could also be called “Misheard Words And Missed Signals”. Set in a contemporary Boogie Down Bronx, “LC” follows Mia Love as she wakes up to the realization that Spider---the love of her life---isn’t, even after ten years and a baby conceived on the false promise that marriage will follow. Even worse, her best friend or as some, like her sister Dawn, would say, her back up man Romell, turns out not to be such a good back up plan. Mia is pulled in every which direction as she comes to terms with her cold, unloving yet gorgeous baby daddy, her money bags, emotionally unreliable bestie, and the need to be the good girl and embrace her own desires. In the end, to the soundtrack of her favorite 80s and 90s R&B/Hip Hop hits, Mia comes to realize that love changes, especially if it’s not a real love.
Profile Image for Eartha Hicks.
Author 18 books45 followers
May 25, 2015
Love Changes took me over ten years to complete. As for writing, this story started with voice. I developed the characters, and the characters did their thing. From Spider, the quirky, vintage toy collector and record label go-fer; to Mia, his frugal, overzealous, confrontational girlfriend; to Romell, the high-octane, super-driven stock analyst and Mia’s relentlessly flirtatious, male best friend, these were characters I enjoyed waking up to each morning. They often made me laugh out loud and their exploits sometime triggered a tear or two. Love Changes is cautionary tale for the young, single, and fabulous. It is also a fun read for those of us who are the fabulous parents of the young and single. So grab two copies! Read Love Changes, and let the conversations begin!
Profile Image for Mspraise50.
1,597 reviews67 followers
Read
August 5, 2015
I was gifted a copy of this book for a honest review.

I have made several attempts at trying to read this story and I have been unable to finish the book. I would class this story as “Women’s Fiction” rather than a love story and I have not read too many book in this genre. Mia’s story is not a new one especially amongst black women. There was nothing wrong with the content of the book, however the story failed to keep me sufficiently engaged enough to finish reading this particular story.

I wish the author much success in her journey as an author.
Profile Image for Aimee L Warren .
103 reviews
December 17, 2019
Love the flow of Love Changes.

I love the flow of Love Changes: Who Loves Mia? This book deals with real issues.. lol I definitely wouldn’t share anything I didn’t want known with Dawn. Spider seems to be the appropriate name for Mia’s boyfriend. He has her caught up in his web just toying with her. I would definitely recommend this book to friends and family.
30 reviews
January 8, 2018
Blinded by love for the wrong man. Mia has always had her true love by he side. I hope she realizes her worth and embrace he destiny!!!

Blinded by love for the wrong man. Mia has always had her true love by he side. I hope she realizes her worth and embrace he destiny!!!
55 reviews
February 15, 2018
Not for me

This book was ok. There was a few grammar mistakes and I feel that the plot could have been better. Some parts in this book was disjointed and it did not capture my full attention.
Profile Image for Eartha Hicks.
Author 18 books45 followers
June 19, 2017
If literary urban fiction is what you are looking for, this love story set in the inner-city blends the contemporary with elements of classic fiction.
Profile Image for Angela S.
298 reviews7 followers
August 1, 2017
I thought it was a good story that's been done many times before. I was looking for something original.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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