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Take Your Pleasure Where You Find It
Thirty years ago, three high school friends were closer than sisters, but a dark, emotional secret tore them apart. Now, back together at their high school reunion, each of them are tormented and haunted that their greatest fear will come to light. Renetta Jones' childhood had been anything but happy. After her mother walked out on them, Renetta was left to live with an unsympathetic father and her own insecurities. She fell for the first man to come along after high school, and spent years in an abusive marriage with a man named Vincent, who used her secret to control and punish her. That is, until he suffered an untimely stroke, under questionable circumstances. Phyllis Neville sacrificed everything for her career, including her marriage to a man she'll love forever, and a positive relationship with her adult daughter. But when she is passed over for the promotion of a lifetime, it’s just the first thing to go wrong in her once perfect life as the past rears its ugly head. Freddie Palmer is bored by the routine that her life has become. Married thirty years to her husband, Don, the two of them have become empty-nesters and Freddie is anxious to start the next phase of her life. After meeting successful author, Bianca Hightower, at a local bookstore signing, Freddie decides to take her passion for reading to the next level and signs up for writing classes being taught by her new author friend. But Bianca sees potential in Freddie that transcends simply writing, and introduces her to the kinds of experiences a woman like Freddie never even knew existed. But when the past catches up to her, it becomes one more dark secret she’s not sure she’ll be able to keep. Tasha Darden has lived her life in foster care, and has finally gathered up the courage to try to find her birth mother. One of the three women holds the answers she seeks and she will stop at nothing until she gets them.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
5 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Mason
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 3, 2014
I thought the information on the inside cover meant that this book would be amazing. Four women with a secret. Then I started to read the book.
The beginning was great. I liked how the author gave you the secret in the front of the book and not made you wait 200 pages. Then you got to see how
The situation was handled.
At first it looked like it would be handled one way then something different would be the result. That would be fine if it was done better.
Everyone was all over the place. It was hard to feel for the " victim " when the book was to me everywhere. We got to go into the lives of
Tasha, Freddie, Phillis, and Renetta. A lot of the details in their stories were unnecessary and had nothing to do with the plot. And the
Things I wanted to know were not there.
The book was a fast read which was good. The cover design was awful. Since when did the picture of a happy couple have anything to do with
Four women with a secret? The cover needs to be redone because it's misleading. I normally enjoy J.D. Mason's work this is the fourth book
Of hers I've read. I won't stop reading her books. I have to say I didn't love this one. I felt the book wanted to go one place but ended up in another, but
Not in a good way.
The beginning was great. I liked how the author gave you the secret in the front of the book and not made you wait 200 pages. Then you got to see how
The situation was handled.
At first it looked like it would be handled one way then something different would be the result. That would be fine if it was done better.
Everyone was all over the place. It was hard to feel for the " victim " when the book was to me everywhere. We got to go into the lives of
Tasha, Freddie, Phillis, and Renetta. A lot of the details in their stories were unnecessary and had nothing to do with the plot. And the
Things I wanted to know were not there.
The book was a fast read which was good. The cover design was awful. Since when did the picture of a happy couple have anything to do with
Four women with a secret? The cover needs to be redone because it's misleading. I normally enjoy J.D. Mason's work this is the fourth book
Of hers I've read. I won't stop reading her books. I have to say I didn't love this one. I felt the book wanted to go one place but ended up in another, but
Not in a good way.
December 2, 2014
The book was slow. I didn't care for the ending. I would only suggest it if you are really bored.
October 7, 2018
This read is cool
June 21, 2017
This book was not a good read..It really had no substance about the plot in the story that was original.
December 9, 2017
Started put great then I feel like it was rushed at the end for a final conclusion.
May 15, 2018
Started off well enough but I don’t understand why it took so damn long for JD to tell us who Tasha’s mother was. This has to be my least favorite of the author’s books.
March 4, 2020
This is the first novel by this author that I gave less than 4 stars. I didn't like anyone in this story.
June 27, 2022
I like the story line but I feel like the ending was abrupt and I have no idea what happened to the characters once the secret was out
August 17, 2024
Gets off to a slow start but definitely a rollercoaster. Fun and funny, hot and spicy...I loved it all!!
May 30, 2012
J.D. Mason's Take Your Pleasure Where You Find It is the story of a woman who grew up as an orphan and is determined to find her biological mother. With an old newspaper clipping as her only clue, she hires a PI to find the three women in the photo. He quickly locates the women and it soon becomes the woman's obsession to figure out which one of them is her birth mother. Readers get to know all four women and the people closest to them, revealing just how much this 30-year-old secret has impacted all of their lives.
I absolutely loved this book. From the first page, I was pulled into the story, wanting to know more and more about the main characters. I actually did not read the synopsis before reading the book; I simply read it on the faith of Mason's great storytelling history. I was not disappointed. Each woman has a complex story which intrigues the reader and makes you care about what happens to them. Often in a book with four main characters, I find myself more interested in one character over the rest. I can honestly say that I didn't have a favorite; they all had something unique that I wanted to hear more about. My only criticism of this book is that I don't think the cover of the book accurately reflects the storyline. Based on the cover, I would have never dreamed the story was about what it was actually about. I'm chalking it up to the publishing company seeing the picture as visually attractive (which it is), but completely missing the point of the novel. Nevertheless, it was an excellent book and I highly recommend it!
I absolutely loved this book. From the first page, I was pulled into the story, wanting to know more and more about the main characters. I actually did not read the synopsis before reading the book; I simply read it on the faith of Mason's great storytelling history. I was not disappointed. Each woman has a complex story which intrigues the reader and makes you care about what happens to them. Often in a book with four main characters, I find myself more interested in one character over the rest. I can honestly say that I didn't have a favorite; they all had something unique that I wanted to hear more about. My only criticism of this book is that I don't think the cover of the book accurately reflects the storyline. Based on the cover, I would have never dreamed the story was about what it was actually about. I'm chalking it up to the publishing company seeing the picture as visually attractive (which it is), but completely missing the point of the novel. Nevertheless, it was an excellent book and I highly recommend it!
January 29, 2016
I thought that this was certainly an interesting premise for a story and there were some characters and writing that stood out to me. However, I did not like Tasha as a character - I understand that she had a (severely) less than ideal childhood, but I did not find her sympathetic and therefore hard to like. The book has several stories being told at once in the past and the present, but with all of that, I found all of the characters to be a little flat because we don't get much insight into who they were in their younger lives. This is unfortunate because so much of this story is about understanding who these girls were and how that formed the women they became, but I felt that all the character development I got came from the back cover. Now, this is not to say that there weren't interesting lines and points in the story that made me gasp or laugh in their realness because there were and I really appreciated those moments because I could see myself in them. I think that I will try another JD Mason book that perhaps has a few less characters so that we can have more character development and the opportunity to see the brilliant flashes of relate-able reality that I wanted more of in Take Your Pleasure.
April 25, 2010
Timing is Everything
Going back to your class reunion usually entails ones looking to reacquaint themselves with people they may have lost contact with, show off their new and improved selves, or even hook up with an ex. Well, in regards to Phyllis, Freddie and Renetta, the three former best friends clash as an outdated secret seems to haunt them. While Freddie and Renetta try desperately to rekindle what was once a great friendship, Phyllis refuses to have any sort of dealings with them. What could possibly be so horrid that friends who were as closely connected as sisters can't resolve after 30 years?
TAKE YOUR PLEASURE WHERE YOU FIND IT by J.D. Mason is immediately appealing. Readers find themselves swept up in a 30-year-old mystery. While all of the culprits have been identified, the mystery of the who still lures readers to turn the page. I was caught up from the very first page. You fall into step with the characters, catch up in their lives and learn that this 30-year-old secret will definitely affect, if not ruin, someone's life.
Enjoyable. Can't wait to check out other books in J.D's catalog.
Going back to your class reunion usually entails ones looking to reacquaint themselves with people they may have lost contact with, show off their new and improved selves, or even hook up with an ex. Well, in regards to Phyllis, Freddie and Renetta, the three former best friends clash as an outdated secret seems to haunt them. While Freddie and Renetta try desperately to rekindle what was once a great friendship, Phyllis refuses to have any sort of dealings with them. What could possibly be so horrid that friends who were as closely connected as sisters can't resolve after 30 years?
TAKE YOUR PLEASURE WHERE YOU FIND IT by J.D. Mason is immediately appealing. Readers find themselves swept up in a 30-year-old mystery. While all of the culprits have been identified, the mystery of the who still lures readers to turn the page. I was caught up from the very first page. You fall into step with the characters, catch up in their lives and learn that this 30-year-old secret will definitely affect, if not ruin, someone's life.
Enjoyable. Can't wait to check out other books in J.D's catalog.
March 28, 2010
Sins of the Mother
Three friends, who have grown apart over the years, find themselves torn between the past and the present and a secret forever binding them. With their secret on the verge of being exposed, each woman must come to grips with their actions and prepare for any consequences.
With her distinctive and witty style, author J.D. Mason unleashes the pain, regrets and emotional journey of four individuals tied together by one decision. She established intrigue at the outset, and then manages to sustain it right through to a satisfying conclusion. She does a fine job of leaving you guessing until the end the identity in question.
Another solid performance, Mason's latest novel only strengthens her reputation as an unique and creative voice and one of my favorite authors. Fans of Mason's work will be delighted with "Take Your Pleasure Where You Find It." Easily recommendable.
Reviewed by: Toni
Three friends, who have grown apart over the years, find themselves torn between the past and the present and a secret forever binding them. With their secret on the verge of being exposed, each woman must come to grips with their actions and prepare for any consequences.
With her distinctive and witty style, author J.D. Mason unleashes the pain, regrets and emotional journey of four individuals tied together by one decision. She established intrigue at the outset, and then manages to sustain it right through to a satisfying conclusion. She does a fine job of leaving you guessing until the end the identity in question.
Another solid performance, Mason's latest novel only strengthens her reputation as an unique and creative voice and one of my favorite authors. Fans of Mason's work will be delighted with "Take Your Pleasure Where You Find It." Easily recommendable.
Reviewed by: Toni
June 25, 2013
Three high school friends share a haunting secret: They delivered a baby girl one night and abandoned her in a hospital. After that event, the three friends who vowed to always be friends, go their separate ways, all trying to forget what they had done. Thirty years later, that baby girl, Tasha, is seeking to determine which of the three is her mother.
I enjoyed this book. I wanted so badly to skip to the end to see who gave birth to Tasha. I did have some questions, such as if Tasha was introduced to her family and their reaction to finding out about her and meeting her. I also wanted to know if the three stayed in touch now that their secret was out. Again, I enjoyed this book and this author.
I enjoyed this book. I wanted so badly to skip to the end to see who gave birth to Tasha. I did have some questions, such as if Tasha was introduced to her family and their reaction to finding out about her and meeting her. I also wanted to know if the three stayed in touch now that their secret was out. Again, I enjoyed this book and this author.
August 1, 2011
This book had quite a lot going on, from the orphaned Tasha's search for her mom, to the 3 ex bestfriends who abandoned her. The whole stoty flowed easliy, but the unfairness of it all never disappeared from the storyline. I actually believed Tasha was going to try to ruin their lives, but other than some mild stalking on her part she didn't actively do anything to them...that was so bad. Good book.
July 7, 2013
The book was good however, I thought the identity of the mother dragged on way too long. There were subplots that took away from the main subject of the book --each woman had something else going on and those issues/plots went nowhere and they're conclusions left me dissatisfied. I listened to this on audiobook and I wish I hadnt. The narrator's tone and inflection almost put me to sleep and she mispronounced alot of words. This book was not as good as others I've read by this author.
January 24, 2017
Twist and Turns
J.d Mason. Ms. Mason, why, why, why?!!! This a story of a high school reunion, friendship, hot sex, teen pregnancy and a woman showing up after thirty plus years.
One thing I can say with this book and many of Ms. Mason's other books, you think one way and then boom, another unexpected surprise. Excellent book. Channel approved and of course this will not be my last.
J.d Mason. Ms. Mason, why, why, why?!!! This a story of a high school reunion, friendship, hot sex, teen pregnancy and a woman showing up after thirty plus years.
One thing I can say with this book and many of Ms. Mason's other books, you think one way and then boom, another unexpected surprise. Excellent book. Channel approved and of course this will not be my last.
July 19, 2013
If you're looking for an intense, fast-moving book, this is your book! It takes you on an adventure through a cold truth from the past about a mother and her daughter. There's betrayal, broken trust, sex, love, family....It's amazing!!
February 25, 2015
This was a ok read, I was so eager to know who Tasha mother was & I was surprised when it came out....each of those ladies suffered a lot of pain behind that one decision they made when they was younger...
May 29, 2015
i couldn't even finish it. Totally boring. I listened on audio book and couldn't do it. Only got a third of the way through. Wasn't sure what the point was and what the hell was going on. Finally put myself out of my misery and shelved. It was a book club recommendation gone bad.
April 12, 2010
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. A quick read and a definite page turner. Finished it over two days. Thanks JD for another great book!
April 27, 2010
excellent soap opera... good writing.
September 2, 2010
It was a good read. Ms. Mason truly did not disappoint. I enjoyed the cliffhangers and the plot twists.
October 14, 2010
J.D. Mason kept me turning pages while waiting to find out which character was the mother of an abandoned child. The characters and plot were well-written.
February 17, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is amazing how one event, whether you regret it later or not, can change and affect your entire life.
June 1, 2012
This was my first read by J.D. Mason and it won't be my last. I enjoyed this story!
Phyllis, Renetta and Freddie were long time friends that mad a trouble mistake.
Phyllis, Renetta and Freddie were long time friends that mad a trouble mistake.
December 10, 2012
Mason is so motivating, i keep pushing toward a new day waiting on her next novel:)!
Read
November 22, 2013Awesome!!! Book hopefully there's a follow up i would love to see how each character progressed ***** for Author J.D. Mason RECOMMENDED :)
March 13, 2014
A real page turner! Loved all the characters, very well written.
Her writing style is similar Carl Weber. A great read with many twist and turns.
Will be reading more from JD Mason
Her writing style is similar Carl Weber. A great read with many twist and turns.
Will be reading more from JD Mason
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews