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Grown Folks Business
Sheridan's husband wanted to stop living a lie, but how is she going to live her life knowing the truth?
"There's no other way to say this. I'm in love with someone else." With these words, Sheridan Hart's life as she knows it comes to a crashing halt. She thought she was living every woman's for the past seventeen years of marriage, Quentin had been a model husband, father, and business partner. But for all those years, he'd been hiding a secret from her. In fact, he had kept his secret from everyone. His startling confession is a lifelong attraction to men, and he is leaving her to be with his lover.
While coming to grips with the destruction of her marriage, Sheridan must also deal with the emotional reactions of her sixteen-year-old son and ten-year-old daughter. When word gets out about Quentin, everybody has something to say—her family, her friends, and her church community all have advice to give and judgment to dole out. But at the end of the day, Sheridan must lean on her faith and her heart to decide what's best for her family.
"There's no other way to say this. I'm in love with someone else." With these words, Sheridan Hart's life as she knows it comes to a crashing halt. She thought she was living every woman's for the past seventeen years of marriage, Quentin had been a model husband, father, and business partner. But for all those years, he'd been hiding a secret from her. In fact, he had kept his secret from everyone. His startling confession is a lifelong attraction to men, and he is leaving her to be with his lover.
While coming to grips with the destruction of her marriage, Sheridan must also deal with the emotional reactions of her sixteen-year-old son and ten-year-old daughter. When word gets out about Quentin, everybody has something to say—her family, her friends, and her church community all have advice to give and judgment to dole out. But at the end of the day, Sheridan must lean on her faith and her heart to decide what's best for her family.
431 pages, Paperback
First published June 12, 2003
31 people are currently reading
739 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Christopher Murray
50 books2,468 followersVictoria Christopher Murray is the author of nine Essence bestselling novels, including The Ex Files; Too Little, Too Late; and Lady Jasmine. Winner of the African American Literary Award for Fiction and Author of the Year (Female).
She has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being a pioneer in African American Fiction. Since 2007, Victoria has won nine African American Literary Awards for best novel, best Christian fiction and Author of the Year — Female. After four nominations, Victoria finally won an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literary Work for her social commentary novel, Stand Your Ground.
Victoria splits her time between Los Angeles and Washington DC.
She has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being a pioneer in African American Fiction. Since 2007, Victoria has won nine African American Literary Awards for best novel, best Christian fiction and Author of the Year — Female. After four nominations, Victoria finally won an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literary Work for her social commentary novel, Stand Your Ground.
Victoria splits her time between Los Angeles and Washington DC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 2, 2022
I couldn't put this book down!
From the very first sentence, VCM draws you into loving story of love lost and personal redemption.
From the very first sentence, VCM draws you into loving story of love lost and personal redemption.
June 13, 2014
A tried and true classic.
I had read this book some time ago. I remember being, nervous, anxious, abandoned, alone, hopeful, sad and every emotion a woman done wrong can feel, all those emotions powered me to finish the book in record time. This time I decided to read it again in preparation for the release of "Forever An Ex". While the emotions remain the same I was able to read it at leisurely pace and really connect to what Sheridan was going through. Now based on the subject matter many will decide not to read but if you were to remove "that" subject and replace it with any other scenario, you will be able to relate. At the time the book was written many books were released on that topic and here over ten years later I still feel the story should be told, always. One author, may finally give you that aha moment. This is Sheridan's story it can very well be your story. The path to survival is NEVER easy but forgiveness makes it bearable. And yes this book is still deserving of the 5 Stars I initially gave it.
Next up, Ex-Files.................another tear jerker.
I had read this book some time ago. I remember being, nervous, anxious, abandoned, alone, hopeful, sad and every emotion a woman done wrong can feel, all those emotions powered me to finish the book in record time. This time I decided to read it again in preparation for the release of "Forever An Ex". While the emotions remain the same I was able to read it at leisurely pace and really connect to what Sheridan was going through. Now based on the subject matter many will decide not to read but if you were to remove "that" subject and replace it with any other scenario, you will be able to relate. At the time the book was written many books were released on that topic and here over ten years later I still feel the story should be told, always. One author, may finally give you that aha moment. This is Sheridan's story it can very well be your story. The path to survival is NEVER easy but forgiveness makes it bearable. And yes this book is still deserving of the 5 Stars I initially gave it.
Next up, Ex-Files.................another tear jerker.
August 12, 2008
Make sure you have the day off before you read the first page of this book, you won't be able to put it down!
January 14, 2014
One of my FAVORITE authors. A page turner. Each word has you waiting for the next. Excellent read.
May 12, 2025
Yooooo... years with a man and he says he leaving you for a guy?! Could not put this book down. Sheridan's life gets turned upside down. Not only has her husband left her to go be with a man, she now has to juggle the rumors, church and holding it down for her family and children. This is raw you can feel her emotions and her struggles on dealing with the situation and trying to put her children first.
January 29, 2020
Such an emotional story!
October 3, 2019
I really love this author, never disappointed another novel filled with heartbreak and hope!
December 23, 2011
Life is hard. Then add in marriage, children, death and it can become overwhelming!
Quentin and Sheridan Hart owners and creators of Hart to Heart greeting cards company have a great life, the perfect marriage, 2 perfect kids, Quentin is a Doctor and Sheridan is a stay at home mom who loves the fact that she is Quentin's inspiration in his writing and he inspires her. One day when Quentin comes to Sheridan and informs her about some struggles that he has been having it seems all of his life, The Harts lives are turned upside down with no return in sight!
Victoria Christopher Murray has captured all of the emotions in this book that we all go through on any given day: joy, grief, anger, relief, peace. This is an excellent read for an individual and bookclubs alike. This is truly a feel good book that gives hope to any situation and reminds you that God is in control, we are just along for the ride.
Quentin and Sheridan Hart owners and creators of Hart to Heart greeting cards company have a great life, the perfect marriage, 2 perfect kids, Quentin is a Doctor and Sheridan is a stay at home mom who loves the fact that she is Quentin's inspiration in his writing and he inspires her. One day when Quentin comes to Sheridan and informs her about some struggles that he has been having it seems all of his life, The Harts lives are turned upside down with no return in sight!
Victoria Christopher Murray has captured all of the emotions in this book that we all go through on any given day: joy, grief, anger, relief, peace. This is an excellent read for an individual and bookclubs alike. This is truly a feel good book that gives hope to any situation and reminds you that God is in control, we are just along for the ride.
April 16, 2010
I love Victoria Christopher Murray's writing style, and she didn't let me down on this one. It was one of her longer novels but the story line was good. Sheridan's world was turned upside down after hearing that her husband, high school sweetheart was in love with another. . . not woman, but man. The pain and disruption this brought to her and kids. Its painful, romantic, tears . . . really enjoyed!
March 1, 2009
I just finished reading this book and thought it was very good, the conflict and response in the book mirrors unfortunately what some women have to go thru, when men aren't honest about their true feelings. the books explores different points of view w/o being judgemental. i really enjoyed this book.
January 10, 2008
All of Ms. Murray books are great reads, I so enjoyed them all. Christian books
January 9, 2009
This book was great.
September 3, 2010
Terrible book, the whole book is on the back! I knew it was too good to b true
September 4, 2011
Good read. I wish I would have seen if Sheridan would have married Brock. I love part 2 and hope one comes out soon. I want to see how life was after Quentin.
November 12, 2014
Eh, I've read better. By the end, all of the characters had worked my nerves.
November 18, 2023
This book addressed the taboo issue of homosexuality as it affects married life. The MCs were people of faith, however, one was knocked off their faith stance by the spirit of homosexuality. Of course, in his mind, he was still faithful and still following the Word, but didn't seem to realize that his lifestyle was a choice and not one blessed by God. He was quick to use the excuse that he was born this way. It shows how one decision can attack the lives of the whole family, friends, etc. More importantly, this book was really about the wife and how she handled this crippling upset in her family, how she addressed it by clinging to her faith, protecting her children, even praying for the husband who abandoned the family. Of the two kids, the teenaged son was the most affected by his father's defection from normalcy, but in the end, his rebellion was mellowed by an earth shaking mistake of his own. Through it all faith was at the forefront and allowed each character to move on with their life and let go of the past, knowing that no matter what happened, they would all still be connected in some way. I would love to read a sequel to this book because there is so much more to tell, especially since the father did not find the happiness he expected in his decision.
August 11, 2025
A heart does what it wants to do.
Imagine that you're talking with your husband after breakfast when, out of the blue, he tells you that not only is he in love with someone else, and it's a man! This is exactly what Quentin told Sheridan after 17 years of marriage in this contemporary romance novel by Victoria Christopher Murray.
Of course I was hooked from chapter one. I thoroughly enjoyed the faith-based elements woven throughout the story. Read this to see how Quentin's actions affected everyone around him.
Imagine that you're talking with your husband after breakfast when, out of the blue, he tells you that not only is he in love with someone else, and it's a man! This is exactly what Quentin told Sheridan after 17 years of marriage in this contemporary romance novel by Victoria Christopher Murray.
Of course I was hooked from chapter one. I thoroughly enjoyed the faith-based elements woven throughout the story. Read this to see how Quentin's actions affected everyone around him.
October 20, 2023
Following God even in a hard season is a challenge. I like the realness of this story that the path and the vision we have for our life may not be the storyline God has for us. I also like that the main character was not perfect and fail short. Lastly her parents......I adore them as parents who really set the tone of our faith walk in many ways!!!!
We are all perfectly flawed!!
We are all perfectly flawed!!
May 11, 2023
This is the second time I have read Grown Folks Business and I enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time. Faith and trust in God will help you get through and deal with some of the toughest moments in your life. Excellent writing.
January 24, 2022
It’s tantalizing, a entree for readers!!
May 21, 2023
Not the best narrarator...disappointing ending, I was expecting more....sooooo much build up with an abrupt ending.
December 2, 2024
4.5 Stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟
July 26, 2019
Had to stop at the 50% mark. Started off really great–fresh writing and original concept. But the halt starts at about the 30% mark and never quite picks up again.
February 27, 2020
Victoria went in with the kill.
This book instantly grabs your attention. From the first few sentences you know that this is going to be "one of those" books that you will be glued to. The drama starts immediately and you want to know more.
Sheridan and Quentin love for each other is so intense but just like most love stories it has it's end. I'm not much of a fan of the reason it ends but it is the reality of what many women are having to face in todays current world. Sheridan found strength that she didn't even know she had. Tis too shall pass! With the help of all the people who loved her and her undenying love of God.
I love how detailed Victoria gets from the weather, the facial expressions, clothing and even the body language. She paints a VERY clear picture for you to see. This is a MUST read, you will definelty be glued. If it wasn't for my busy schedule I probably could've read this entire book in 1 week.
This book instantly grabs your attention. From the first few sentences you know that this is going to be "one of those" books that you will be glued to. The drama starts immediately and you want to know more.
Sheridan and Quentin love for each other is so intense but just like most love stories it has it's end. I'm not much of a fan of the reason it ends but it is the reality of what many women are having to face in todays current world. Sheridan found strength that she didn't even know she had. Tis too shall pass! With the help of all the people who loved her and her undenying love of God.
I love how detailed Victoria gets from the weather, the facial expressions, clothing and even the body language. She paints a VERY clear picture for you to see. This is a MUST read, you will definelty be glued. If it wasn't for my busy schedule I probably could've read this entire book in 1 week.
April 12, 2013
This book this book this book.....awesome. Ups and downs, turmoil, and happiness wrapped all in one book. This book delivers a lot, the happiness of marriage, the heart brokenness of love, the spiritual warfare's of life but the joy of hope. Also, sheds a light on how parents shouldn't ignore their children's cry for help during a time of devastation. Children are not able to express themselves verbally and deal with life burdens differently than adults. Lesson...please pay attention to children and don't get wrapped up in your own issues that you ignore the neon loud signs of your children's unhappiness. WONDERFULL BOOK. As she always puts out great books. One of MY FAVORITE favorite authors of all time. VCM rocks.
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July 15, 2015Phenomenal!
Victoria did the darn thang on this one! #GrownFolksBusiness forces you to look into your own idiosyncrasies surrounding morals and religion and just everyday life in general! Could you imagine your spouse coming home one day AFTER 17 years of marriage and 2 children to say he/she is in love with someone else- AND that someone else is the same sex as he/she is??? The opposite of you?! The angst and anger and frustration and disappointment and hurt and all the other emotions that must come about from such a revelation are ALL translated spectacularly in this novel. Another awesome work of fiction based in various real world facts. Kudos!!
Victoria did the darn thang on this one! #GrownFolksBusiness forces you to look into your own idiosyncrasies surrounding morals and religion and just everyday life in general! Could you imagine your spouse coming home one day AFTER 17 years of marriage and 2 children to say he/she is in love with someone else- AND that someone else is the same sex as he/she is??? The opposite of you?! The angst and anger and frustration and disappointment and hurt and all the other emotions that must come about from such a revelation are ALL translated spectacularly in this novel. Another awesome work of fiction based in various real world facts. Kudos!!
March 10, 2008
Well done story about a difficult topic. When wealthy African-American Sheridan is unxpectedly confronted by her husband of 17 years leaving her for another man, it rocks her world. She has to learn to cope with his secrets as well as try to keep her children stable. There are a multitude of challenges that arise, but she learns to rely on her faith to make the hard decisions. NOT squeakly clean as would be expected in Christian fiction, but well done.
March 20, 2013
This book was kind of slow for me, but interesting in its viewpoint. It was also thought provoking for me, cause I don't know what I would have done if that were me. I also know someone who went through the same thing, I never asked her in detail about her journey overcoming this situation in her life. So to me this book was kind of personal in a sense. This shared a life that not many tell. I look forward to reading more of her books.
December 9, 2009
good trash... lol -- no main points, no earth shattering revelations -- one of those "i left my wife for a man and i don't know why" kinda novels -- fast reading with funny scenarios because you just keep thinking "oh-no-you-didn't" and then laugh uproariously and turn the page! not your standard christian genre!
August 20, 2014
Great read! Definitely a page turner. It keeps you wondering what happens next. You can feel each character's emotion. I recommend this book to anyone that has not read it. It's about love, loss, the ups and downs of raising children, pride, betrayal, trust & maintaining your faith through it all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews