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the Wedding Disaster of Felona Mabel
Blessed is the woman who has never had anything to love. She can never know the heartbreak that comes with losing it.
Before being wed to happily ever after, Felona Mabel must resolve the disaster that is her life.
She is a 32-year old, freckled redhead of mixed heritage who has amassed much success as a big city, award-winning journalist.
Two weeks before her wedding day, she’s summoned back to her estranged, small hometown where her ailing and abusive mother lies comatose, near death and doesn't wish to be resuscitated.
Felona, intent on some semblance of happily ever after, resolves that her mother’s impending death may be the necessary closure she needs before her wedding.
But will a series of cul-de-sacs, twists and last–minute left turns steer Felona toward her inevitable ruin?
Before being wed to happily ever after, Felona Mabel must resolve the disaster that is her life.
She is a 32-year old, freckled redhead of mixed heritage who has amassed much success as a big city, award-winning journalist.
Two weeks before her wedding day, she’s summoned back to her estranged, small hometown where her ailing and abusive mother lies comatose, near death and doesn't wish to be resuscitated.
Felona, intent on some semblance of happily ever after, resolves that her mother’s impending death may be the necessary closure she needs before her wedding.
But will a series of cul-de-sacs, twists and last–minute left turns steer Felona toward her inevitable ruin?
ebook
First published May 16, 2015
27 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Kenn Bivins
10 books61 followersKenn Bivins is the author of the novels 'the Wedding & Disaster of Felona Mabel' and 'Pious.' His writing demonstrates that he has a penchant toward telling multi-layered redemption stories where definition between black and white is cleverly blurred.
Throughout his work, he makes his characters relatable in both heart-warming and heart-wrenching ways. On the surface, his stories address a number of life's core issues - identity, love, family, betrayal and redemption. What lies beneath is completely unexpected.
Kenn's many disciplines were honed in the world in advertising and have evolved onto many platforms that include broadcast animation, comic books and character design. He was the 2016 honoree for the Josephine Silone Yates Author Series at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and has won multiple industry awards for his interactive design and development work.
Throughout his work, he makes his characters relatable in both heart-warming and heart-wrenching ways. On the surface, his stories address a number of life's core issues - identity, love, family, betrayal and redemption. What lies beneath is completely unexpected.
Kenn's many disciplines were honed in the world in advertising and have evolved onto many platforms that include broadcast animation, comic books and character design. He was the 2016 honoree for the Josephine Silone Yates Author Series at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and has won multiple industry awards for his interactive design and development work.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 23, 2016
First, let me say how breathtaking this cover is. I absolutely love it and it will be one that I will always mention if the topic of book covers is discussed. Now, that that's out of the way, let me get into the book.
Going home. Sometimes we look forward to the comfort of the place we grew up. And, other times we don't want to face the past and/or anything or anyone associated with it. Felona falls into the latter category.
Bivins does an excellent job of putting his spin on the age old tale of how childhood wounds follow us into adulthood if they aren't properly dealt with. On the surface, Felona's life looked as if it was going smoothly until she is forced to face her mother and their issues. Sometimes we kid ourselves into thinking closure isn't needed, but in our most important relationships it is and in this complex and intricately written story, Felona finally gets it.
"You know what? I love this woman. We're really good friends. Best friends, actually. We've been through a lot and I'm not going anywhere. Unless she comes with me. So...yeah...that's all I got."
Of course, there's a boy. Well, a childhood friend that has turned into a man and he plays a very important role in helping Felona face everything. He doesn't allow her time back home not to be productive and life-changing. Bivins does an excellent job of providing balance between their friendship and the romantic undertones.
I was unaware of Kenn Bivins until I saw this cover posted on Facebook by one of my book friends. On a complete side note, as a reader ALWAYS share book (covers, quotes, and reviews) stuff on social media and retailer sites because it is truly a BIG help to authors and other readers. Felona's life is one of ups and downs that we get to watch grow and evolve through the final page. I look forward to reading more by Mr. Bivins!!
Going home. Sometimes we look forward to the comfort of the place we grew up. And, other times we don't want to face the past and/or anything or anyone associated with it. Felona falls into the latter category.
Bivins does an excellent job of putting his spin on the age old tale of how childhood wounds follow us into adulthood if they aren't properly dealt with. On the surface, Felona's life looked as if it was going smoothly until she is forced to face her mother and their issues. Sometimes we kid ourselves into thinking closure isn't needed, but in our most important relationships it is and in this complex and intricately written story, Felona finally gets it.
"You know what? I love this woman. We're really good friends. Best friends, actually. We've been through a lot and I'm not going anywhere. Unless she comes with me. So...yeah...that's all I got."
Of course, there's a boy. Well, a childhood friend that has turned into a man and he plays a very important role in helping Felona face everything. He doesn't allow her time back home not to be productive and life-changing. Bivins does an excellent job of providing balance between their friendship and the romantic undertones.
I was unaware of Kenn Bivins until I saw this cover posted on Facebook by one of my book friends. On a complete side note, as a reader ALWAYS share book (covers, quotes, and reviews) stuff on social media and retailer sites because it is truly a BIG help to authors and other readers. Felona's life is one of ups and downs that we get to watch grow and evolve through the final page. I look forward to reading more by Mr. Bivins!!
February 3, 2019
Amazingness
This book kept me in suspense from beginning to end. There is so much of myself that I see in Felona. A must read for all women. You truly will not be disappointed. Thank you Kenn for restoring hope with this novel. A true work of art.
This book kept me in suspense from beginning to end. There is so much of myself that I see in Felona. A must read for all women. You truly will not be disappointed. Thank you Kenn for restoring hope with this novel. A true work of art.
June 30, 2017
-Disclaimer: I won this book for free through goodreads giveaways in exchange for an honest review.-
The book started out good but wouldn't stop cussing. It was too real with the rape,abortion, etc. It had a good message in the book but the cussing really ruined it for me. Not for a younger audience. R rated. Good message in the book but it wasn't anything "special" or "new". The writing was very strange.(Wrote like a play) And I felt i was rushed into the book. The characters needed more developed. I hardly knew anything about them. Not for me.
The book started out good but wouldn't stop cussing. It was too real with the rape,abortion, etc. It had a good message in the book but the cussing really ruined it for me. Not for a younger audience. R rated. Good message in the book but it wasn't anything "special" or "new". The writing was very strange.(Wrote like a play) And I felt i was rushed into the book. The characters needed more developed. I hardly knew anything about them. Not for me.
February 12, 2016
Good Read (No pun intended)
Well written. Easy read: approx 3-5 hours. I enjoyed the story, but..... Because I read lots of books, I often see repeating themes/plots. Some elements seemed somewhat predictable. Not overly, more like I thought that might happen rather than I knew that would happen. And on the other side of the coin there were some unexpected twists that were weaved into the narrative very well without seeming far fetched.
Read this for book club and the author attended the discussion. Authors that enjoy connecting with their readers are awesome!
Well written. Easy read: approx 3-5 hours. I enjoyed the story, but..... Because I read lots of books, I often see repeating themes/plots. Some elements seemed somewhat predictable. Not overly, more like I thought that might happen rather than I knew that would happen. And on the other side of the coin there were some unexpected twists that were weaved into the narrative very well without seeming far fetched.
Read this for book club and the author attended the discussion. Authors that enjoy connecting with their readers are awesome!
May 20, 2016
I met the author Kenn Bivins at the Chicago BookCon. As someone who is attracted by visuals, I visited his table because he had a scorched wedding dress on display.
Great guy!
I enjoyed this book.
Great guy!
I enjoyed this book.
July 21, 2015
This book had my full attention from the very first chapter! I found myself experiencing such a wide range of emotions while reading "The Wedding & Disaster of Felona Mabel" - sorrow, happiness, anger, joy, confusion, clarity. I think the author did a great job of toggling between Felona's present and past lives to give the reader a greater understanding of who she is as a professional, a daughter, a fiance and a friend and the choices she makes throughout the book. I enjoyed every twist and turn (there are many!) but what I loved most was the resolution. I identified with Felona in the way that many others, regardless of race, ethnicity and gender, would: we all want and need to be loved by those who are connected to us by DNA, by circumstance, and by our own choices, unconditionally.
August 30, 2020
Strong beginning
The book started out great then during the last quarter it got weird. I felt like some unnecessary drama was added and it took away from the story. The title was fitting as the lead character was indeed a disaster. The book was entertaining and I recommend that you give it a try.
The book started out great then during the last quarter it got weird. I felt like some unnecessary drama was added and it took away from the story. The title was fitting as the lead character was indeed a disaster. The book was entertaining and I recommend that you give it a try.
July 12, 2016
Kenn Bivins' heartfelt novel introducing the illustrious Felona Mabel is a poetic, character-driven work that takes you on a whirlwind of emotion. I had the pleasure of meeting this writer at an event and felt drawn to his positive spirit and his artistic book cover. There were many things to love in this book. I'll start with the style of writing. Bivins has a smart, concise and poetic blend in his storytelling. I enjoyed the analogies used and they didn't seem too far fetched (which authors tend to do when they feel the need to end a chapter with a cliffhanger). Furthermore, I received the paperback and found it to be beautifully engineered throughout from texture of pages to interior design (might I add that the author designed his own cover and interior?! Amazing!).
The story alights with Felona Mabel as an adult who is soon to wed her beau, Vicenzo (an Italian, macho man with slightly chauvinistic qualities). During this seemingly blissful existence, as a reader you sense there is a powerful undercurrent to Felona. Felona gets news that her estranged mother whom she hates with a passion is dying. She rushes to make the arrangements but in her homecoming starts to bubble up emotions and secrets from her past that she only prayed to forget. The story takes you on a journey of one woman's survival with very intense issues like rape, abortion, motherly love (or lack thereof) and the effects of trauma on women and children. I was enthralled throughout the book, whizzing through pages in the hopes of getting to the bottom of Felona's issues. It amazes me that the author was a man, who had not gone through any of the topics in the book but wrote them so honestly. That's the mark of a true talent. One that transcends gender and makes the reader feel...something. I'll likely read this book again because there were a few subliminal messages that I caught and I'm sure there were some that I didn't. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Raging Book Reviews Highly Recommended
*This book was gifted by the author for an honest review.
The story alights with Felona Mabel as an adult who is soon to wed her beau, Vicenzo (an Italian, macho man with slightly chauvinistic qualities). During this seemingly blissful existence, as a reader you sense there is a powerful undercurrent to Felona. Felona gets news that her estranged mother whom she hates with a passion is dying. She rushes to make the arrangements but in her homecoming starts to bubble up emotions and secrets from her past that she only prayed to forget. The story takes you on a journey of one woman's survival with very intense issues like rape, abortion, motherly love (or lack thereof) and the effects of trauma on women and children. I was enthralled throughout the book, whizzing through pages in the hopes of getting to the bottom of Felona's issues. It amazes me that the author was a man, who had not gone through any of the topics in the book but wrote them so honestly. That's the mark of a true talent. One that transcends gender and makes the reader feel...something. I'll likely read this book again because there were a few subliminal messages that I caught and I'm sure there were some that I didn't. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Raging Book Reviews Highly Recommended
*This book was gifted by the author for an honest review.
Read
December 27, 2015Demonstrating a clear capacity for creating a main character that is at once intriguing yet familiar, Kenn Bivins' "the Wedding & Disaster if Felona Mabel" is a captivating read.
The aforementioned Felona Mabel the every-person and the lone wolf. She navigates the terrain of the human existence with vulnerability and hope, which, as well know is, a difficult medium to coalesce. Bivins manages to portray a character, replete with quirks and idiosyncracies, who would not be out of place in a weekly serial drama or comedy... or dramedy.
The novel is about reconciling one's past and confronting one's fears. Felona does this with panache and realism. The skeletons in her closet are as terrifying as they were when she put them in there for safe-keeping. The depiction of Felona's current relationship is funny and true, especially with the underlying message that one must confront their past before truly embracing the future.
Felona seems to have everything she has always wished for: a satisfying job, a new bethrothed, and a presence in a major city. However, when she finds out that her mother is nearing death, she must visit her and confront the woman who had borne her much pain in years gone by.
It's a tale of redemption and truth, without all the cliches and rhetoric that often comprises today's popular fiction. Bivins' prosaic talent walks a fine line between nostalgia and modernity, and I, for one, am a big fan.
Like this review? Read more like it at www.readingotherpeople.com
The aforementioned Felona Mabel the every-person and the lone wolf. She navigates the terrain of the human existence with vulnerability and hope, which, as well know is, a difficult medium to coalesce. Bivins manages to portray a character, replete with quirks and idiosyncracies, who would not be out of place in a weekly serial drama or comedy... or dramedy.
The novel is about reconciling one's past and confronting one's fears. Felona does this with panache and realism. The skeletons in her closet are as terrifying as they were when she put them in there for safe-keeping. The depiction of Felona's current relationship is funny and true, especially with the underlying message that one must confront their past before truly embracing the future.
Felona seems to have everything she has always wished for: a satisfying job, a new bethrothed, and a presence in a major city. However, when she finds out that her mother is nearing death, she must visit her and confront the woman who had borne her much pain in years gone by.
It's a tale of redemption and truth, without all the cliches and rhetoric that often comprises today's popular fiction. Bivins' prosaic talent walks a fine line between nostalgia and modernity, and I, for one, am a big fan.
Like this review? Read more like it at www.readingotherpeople.com
July 28, 2015
"the Wedding & Disaster of Felona Mabel" was an intricately woven tale of childhood struggles and present day impacts. Bivins' novel really digs into the long reaching effects of what happens when we're young and how it manifests itself in our adult lives. The interesting and complex characters with their fascinating story lines kept me up many nights, unable to put the book down! If you're looking for a page-turner that keeps you interested from beginning to end, then this is the book for you!
May 17, 2016
I loved this book! I came across this book at BookCon a few days ago and I am SO happy I purchased it. This book does deal with some difficult topics, however the overall story is well written and I feel I was able to connect to Felona. I would absolutely recommend this to others.
June 1, 2016
Emotionally penetrating
A misfit tale of a girl looking to love and be loved. Bivins' characters are instantly likable and eventually lovable. Hard topics are addressed with real solutions. Good read.
A misfit tale of a girl looking to love and be loved. Bivins' characters are instantly likable and eventually lovable. Hard topics are addressed with real solutions. Good read.
July 22, 2015
Fantastic story writing from Kenn Bivins! The main character is both feisty and resilient! Definitely a must read! Thank you for sharing Felona with me!!!! Looking forward to your next book!
December 9, 2017
A profound and moving story from start to finish. Kenn was able to juggle intricate and complex themes culturally geared more towards women that, from a male’s perspective, seems harder to relate to.
But that’s upon initial glance. The more I read Felona, the more I saw he carries the notion that we are products of our own narratives very well — the themes are universal. The story of who Felona Mabel is, ultimately, the story about ourselves. That’s what the author has illustrated beautifully through this story. It’s about pain can be overthrown with joy, if one is willing to fight through their own disasters. It’s a story of loving one’s self and the journey it takes to understand that fully and wholeheartedly. I highly recommend this. :)
But that’s upon initial glance. The more I read Felona, the more I saw he carries the notion that we are products of our own narratives very well — the themes are universal. The story of who Felona Mabel is, ultimately, the story about ourselves. That’s what the author has illustrated beautifully through this story. It’s about pain can be overthrown with joy, if one is willing to fight through their own disasters. It’s a story of loving one’s self and the journey it takes to understand that fully and wholeheartedly. I highly recommend this. :)
December 28, 2018
Quick read
Recommended by Amazon based on my reading history. The characters were well thought out and the various plots kept my interest. I was hoping Zoe's character would've be expanded a little more. Of course when communities are eradicated by poverty, militias or racism leaves a trail of blood, sweat,tears and even corpses.
I read this book in less than 72 hours as the storyline kept my interest. I would recommend to friends.
Recommended by Amazon based on my reading history. The characters were well thought out and the various plots kept my interest. I was hoping Zoe's character would've be expanded a little more. Of course when communities are eradicated by poverty, militias or racism leaves a trail of blood, sweat,tears and even corpses.
I read this book in less than 72 hours as the storyline kept my interest. I would recommend to friends.
November 6, 2025
I truly enjoyed this book—it captivated me from the very first page to the last. It’s a compelling read that not only entertains but also invites thoughtful reflection on identity, relationships, and their delicate nature. As someone who has grappled with questions of self-identity and difficult family dynamics, I found it deeply relatable. Thank you for this wonderful read; I couldn’t put it down.
November 10, 2017
It's no wonder that "The Wedding and Disaster of Felona Mabel" has nearly 5 stars!! I flew through the book in a week! I am beyond impressed. I was so intrigued by Felona's character and was rooting for her throughout the book. The story touches on so many heavy topics that really gave the novel depth without giving off a depressing vibe. I just had to keep reading!
July 22, 2021
I was given this book by the author. I didn’t expect much and, indeed, it has a few problems. But, he created characters and a plot that totally drew me in! There were several life lessons that really made me think. Great job, kenn! Do it again!
June 20, 2019
Good read
April 23, 2021
This book was very interesting. I didn't see what was coming and felt that there were a lot of unexpected twists and turns.
November 22, 2016
Felona Mabel speaks to me in a way most real people can't. Watching her struggle to outgrow, outrun, outlive her trauma feels like an echo of my own memory of pain that is validating and healing. While the story and writing are a little stop and start at the beginning, the emotional payout of the full plot is worth waiting for.
This isn't a pretty story about triumph. Felona survives, and only just barely. But in the darkness of her present, there is the faintest lightness that could be hope. That small, subtle taste of possibility is all we have sometimes and knowing it can be enough to see us through a long night is the sweetest sort of power.
This isn't a pretty story about triumph. Felona survives, and only just barely. But in the darkness of her present, there is the faintest lightness that could be hope. That small, subtle taste of possibility is all we have sometimes and knowing it can be enough to see us through a long night is the sweetest sort of power.
January 24, 2017
Very very good book with captivating characters, a suspenseful storyline, and an enveloping plot that leaves you craving for more! I even wrote a full review on it and you can check it out here: http://mallorisymone.com/books/booksh...
April 16, 2017
Final Rating 4.25 Stars
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews