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ISSUES
In every relationship, both people bring along their share of personal baggage with hopes that the other person will help them unpack. Often a man or woman who is lonely and desperate for love realizes — too late — that their needs have driven them into the arms of a charismatic antagonist who has slithered their way into their lives. They don’t take the time to get to know the heart of the person who has swept them off their feet. By the time the seducer’s true colors are revealed, they have lost money, been exposed to diseases, and loss of life. Sharon St. John’s ISSUES is a story with lessons that both men and women can learn trust your gut feelings — and never give yourself completely away in a relationship. Ms. St. John’s adept, surprise twist on this age-old theme will rattle readers off their foundations and leave them shaking their heads in disbelief.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2020
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 29, 2020
Sharon St. John is a master with words. She weaves a believable yet adventurous journey of suspense, romance, and psychology to create ISSUES. While the novel is fast-paced and doesn’t give readers a chance to breathe and soak in the story, St. John brings it all together in the end. Readers may be disappointed or thrilled to realize the ending isn’t what they expected. St. John is an author who will go far and thrill readers for years to come.
June 11, 2020
An age-old theme that speaks to the current audience...
ISSUES by Sharon St. John is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with superbly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this age-old theme that speaks to the current audience. Skillfully constructed, this dramatic and suspenseful tale will have you turning the pages from beginning to end.
The story had every element a good story should have. A solid plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There were plenty of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. There’s also plenty of imagery in the writing style that makes you feel like you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book. Although, not recommended for the ‘linguistically sensitive’ as profanity is used throughout, and there are scenes of a sexual nature.
What readers might take away from this yarn, is that you're better off doing something healing wise in order to clear out the toxic component of your relationship, even if you're still together. It will free you up to have a better connection, or in the case of an ex, to move on so you don't feel persuasively pulled back into the relationship. While you are yearning for an old relationship, there isn't any room for a new one to enter into your life, one that you have emotional room for.
A well written African American women's contemporary fiction. Recommended.
ISSUES by Sharon St. John is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with superbly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this age-old theme that speaks to the current audience. Skillfully constructed, this dramatic and suspenseful tale will have you turning the pages from beginning to end.
The story had every element a good story should have. A solid plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There were plenty of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. There’s also plenty of imagery in the writing style that makes you feel like you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book. Although, not recommended for the ‘linguistically sensitive’ as profanity is used throughout, and there are scenes of a sexual nature.
What readers might take away from this yarn, is that you're better off doing something healing wise in order to clear out the toxic component of your relationship, even if you're still together. It will free you up to have a better connection, or in the case of an ex, to move on so you don't feel persuasively pulled back into the relationship. While you are yearning for an old relationship, there isn't any room for a new one to enter into your life, one that you have emotional room for.
A well written African American women's contemporary fiction. Recommended.
April 17, 2023
‘Issues’ is quite a rollercoaster. There are a lot of characters, and this can be confusing at times, especially in the format I received the eBook where there aren’t line breaks for new paragraphs when the author takes the story to another person’s point of view. Of course, as the story developed I learned why there are so many women involved, as three of them are dating and ultimately swindled by the same man. The overall pace of the book is very fast, which will suit readers who love to really ‘get into’ a book. Personally, I needed to stop and re-read a few parts again. Drake and Jessica prove that a real relationship can happen, and I have no doubt in my mind that there are many Jay/James/Mike types out there!
The family drama between the Tylers, especially that of 16 year old Tawana and her Aunt Renee when everything goes wrong, will be very real to some readers who have similar experiences. The character of Momma Tyler is one that is perfectly written to give a balanced view of love for her daughters, Renee and Jessica, and her granddaughter, Tawana. Her advice is sound whenever she offers it.
Friendships between the sisters Jessica and Renee, and Charmaine and Desire, are true bonds – unbreakable by relationships or hardships. This is the type of friendship that can be sadly lacking in today’s modern world.
The family drama between the Tylers, especially that of 16 year old Tawana and her Aunt Renee when everything goes wrong, will be very real to some readers who have similar experiences. The character of Momma Tyler is one that is perfectly written to give a balanced view of love for her daughters, Renee and Jessica, and her granddaughter, Tawana. Her advice is sound whenever she offers it.
Friendships between the sisters Jessica and Renee, and Charmaine and Desire, are true bonds – unbreakable by relationships or hardships. This is the type of friendship that can be sadly lacking in today’s modern world.
April 17, 2020
If you were to read the description for this book it would say "Ms. St. John’s adept, surprise twist on this age-old theme will rattle readers off their foundations and leave them shaking their heads in disbelief." I am here to tell you that this is nothing short of thrillingly true.
This book was relatable in theme and presentation and any reader has either had or knows someone who has had a toxic romantic relationship. With an at times easy-going flow of a YA novel, to the subtle shades of terror that you might find in Fatal Attraction this book will have you on the edge of your seat and eager to know what happens next.
The only thing that hindered a five start for me was the dialogue--it felt, at times, elementary and naive for the intensity of the plot. However, it was still very well written and I highly suggest this read to anyone looking for a relatable, intoxicating, electrifying read.
This book was relatable in theme and presentation and any reader has either had or knows someone who has had a toxic romantic relationship. With an at times easy-going flow of a YA novel, to the subtle shades of terror that you might find in Fatal Attraction this book will have you on the edge of your seat and eager to know what happens next.
The only thing that hindered a five start for me was the dialogue--it felt, at times, elementary and naive for the intensity of the plot. However, it was still very well written and I highly suggest this read to anyone looking for a relatable, intoxicating, electrifying read.
April 29, 2020
Issues is a roller coaster of a read from beginning to end. Like its synopsis states it is a realistic fiction piece about learning from trusting your gut feelings. With multiple povs, this is a fast-paced read the interweaves the lives of the characters. How all of the connections come together at the end is a bit shocking and I like the constant aura of suspense. What keeps the reader entertained is the not only the overarching narrative of the lead characters but the blend of genres as web.
It was a page-turner to see how each person got entangled in a web of lies and deceit. The mixing of romance and thriller kept me guessing as to how things would unfold next. I liked that there were a wide variety of characters that seemed very realistic and were written in a way that the audience would connect with them.
It was a page-turner to see how each person got entangled in a web of lies and deceit. The mixing of romance and thriller kept me guessing as to how things would unfold next. I liked that there were a wide variety of characters that seemed very realistic and were written in a way that the audience would connect with them.
June 5, 2020
This is too good to be anyone's first novel ever. The story is unpredictable and it keeps the reader engaged till the climax. The best thing about this book is its characters, they are very refined, and genuine. I loved the beginning, loved the story and ending was perfect!
Sharon has a natural style of delivery, which was different, and original.
Loved it!
Sharon has a natural style of delivery, which was different, and original.
Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews