Keeping Misery Company

by Michelle Larks

Keeping Misery Company is an inspirational tale about Ruth Wilcox, the only daughter of prominent Chicago minister Reverend Isaiah Clayton and his feisty wife, Queen Esther.  Ruth has her hands full trying to cope with mounting marital problems and the onslaught of physical changes her body is going through.
Lately, Ruth and her husband, Daniel, have drifted apart like two ships passing in the night—with zero visibility between them. The two don’t even share the same bedroom anymore.  Daniel hasn’t been happy in the marriage for some time, and seeks solace in the arms of his young mistress, Lenora. He oversleeps after a tryst between the sheets with Lenora, and when he arrives home, all hell breaks loose.
Keeping Misery Company is a poignant tale about a religious family in spiritual crisis. Secrets, lies, betrayal, and forgiveness are at the forefront of this story. It culminates with a triumphing of the spirit and soul.

Genres: Christian, Christian Fiction

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 1, 2007

About the author

I am the author of 5 books, the titles include A Myriad of Emotions, Crisis Mode, Mirrored Images, Who's Your Daddy, and contributing author to Blended Families, and The Midnight Clear. My latest title is Keeping Misery Company, and I have a new book coming out on July 29th, 2008 called The Legacies."

Reviews

[Angelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have had this book for over two yrs...so I decided to pick it up and I was NOT disappointed this was a trully a moving story and anyone who read this book could learn a lesson in LOVE, LIFE and FORGIVENESS.....This was my first read by this author but DEFINITELY not my last.....

[Queen Diva · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I finished reading "Keeping Misery Company" I was in tears....I was happy...Yet I was so sad! I was sad because the book ended and I fell in love with Ruth and Daniel, the lead characters of the book!!! I felt like I wanted to know more about them. I truly didn't want the book to end.

I wanted to know why would Daniel want to leave Ruth, a devoted wife and mother?...Why Ruth wouldn't try harder to keep her marriage together?...Why so many secrets? Why wasn't Ruth's brother Ezra's side explored more? I wanted to know Ezra more. But I'm sure if I knew Ezra more I really would have been ballin' and I was on my way to work reading the end of this book!Hahahaha! I was wiping my eyes reading the last few chapters. I had tears fall even when I didn't realize I was crying.

I loved the best friends Ruth and Alice! I love their closeness and realness between friends of knowing each other's journey taking care of a dying loved one. There were so many sermons and discussions that can be preached as well as taught out of this novel. So many lessons that can make a man or woman humbled by all that was explored such as adultery, lying, cheating, lust, homosexuality, secrets, deception, selfishness, compassion and forgiveness.

The only thing that threw me was toward the end I won't give away the plot but I kept wanting something else to happen to Daniel. I felt because Ruth was enduring so much gradually but Daniel didn't really receive what his actions caused.

I highly recommend this book to all who are going through, coming out and about to get started in healing from divorce, separation from family,recovering from secrets and lies and on and on.

I learned an important lesson from this book that there are always two sides to a story. It doesn't matter what we may think of that person's view of what is going on, but it is very important to understand there are two side to a coin. Also, it's up to you to decide how long are you going to keep misery company?

[African Americans on the Move Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worthy of your time. An example of a family not so perfect. It makes you want to question your own self. What could you possibly do to make you and your family's life better? Michelle creates a dynamic group of individuals who once thought their family was perfect until one by one they face reality and come face to face to the God forsaken truth. When you read about the Wilcox Family you will learn that they were all human and that only God can keep us in a sane mind. Michelle Larks captivates your thoughts, bringing you into this family's homes, allowing you to see what happens when you keep Misery Company. Dont wait now go get your copy.

Tamika Newhouse
AAMBC Founder-President

[Adrienna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book that you see a married couple of 35 years that goes downhill for the husband...who cheats, impregnates and gets married the day after his divorce. There were some areas of the story where I was able to figure it out before I read it...yet it deals with family problems and martial affairs, and surprised with the incidents that occur towards the end.

I keep asking myself, how can men cheat and marry the other woman? how can a woman move on with her life after having two/three children by her mate of 35 years? seems like these men in midlife, go to younger, beautiful women, but can they truly satisfy them--guess it is Viagra.

3.5 stars.

[Evette Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is amazing. For those who love a good bit of drama, this is your book. I can totally relate to Ruth. Of course since I could relate to her, I was expecting more in detail what happened to Daniel in the end.

Ezra had a great spirit despite his circumstances. His situation reminds me to not hold grudges because you never know when the end will come for you or the person you're holding a grudge against.

Ms. Lenora is a mess lol. She did all of that, and for what?

[Arlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be the never ending story. It just kept going and going. This is why I gave it 4*s.

The story line was good. It was written very well. There were quite a few parts that made me cry (I guess I put my entire self in this one). Just thought this could happen to any family.

Over all, it is a good book about family, family secrets, life.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story line was so realistic. It shows how things that appear to be one way is not always what it seems. The author did a great job bringing this story to life and relating it to real life events. I highly recommend this book.

[Benzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not ready for this book to end. I was happy he got his in the end, but I wanted to know more about Ruth and how things changed in her life. How Queen and Bishop changed with all that happened. There was still so much that could be said. Will their be a part two maybe???

[Sassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

That God is good, and he has plans worked out for you so far ahead of time, that you could not fathom He thought that far in advance on your behalf. I also found out that if He brought you to it, He could bring you through it! And, last but not least, Karma is real and alive EVERYDAY!

[BW Diva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read it had a lot of things going on with the family, but it showed how a family go thru the storm but trouble doesn't last always. I like how the family admitted their faults and worked through them.
Daniel smh.

[Rhonda McKnight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exellent read. I highly recommend it.

[Ozeilia Donnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it. It really shows you how karma works.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review will be posted on my blog.

[Keesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one! Wonderful transformation of a woman who has lost her marriage, but finds herself! Christian Fiction

[Rochelle Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. It shows you that you need to be mindful of how you treat your mate because you never know what you have until it's gone.

[Yolanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

just starting

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book.