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A solid marriage, a thriving business, and the esteem of their close-knit Alabama community - Joyce and Odell Watson have every reason to count their blessings. Their marriage has given well-off Joyce a chance at the family she's always wanted - and granted Odell a once-in-a-lifetime shot to escape grinding poverty. But all that respectability and status comes at a cost. Just once, Joyce and Odell want to break loose and taste life's wild side, without consequences.
Newlyweds Celestial and Roy are the embodiment of both the American Dream and the New South. He is a young executive, and she is an artist on the brink of an exciting career. But as they settle into the routine of their life together, they are ripped apart by circumstances neither could have imagined. Roy is arrested and sentenced to 12 years for a crime Celestial knows he didn't commit. Though fiercely independent, Celestial finds herself bereft and unmoored, taking comfort in Andre, her childhood friend, and best man at their wedding.
Sugar arrives in the small town of Bigelow, Arkansas, like an ominous storm. She saunters down the street in a blonde wig and spiked heels, cigarette dangling between red-painted lips. Without even speaking to her, the women in town hate her. But when she moves in next door to Pearl, a woman who tragically lost her daughter 15 years earlier, the two women bond over tragic pasts.
Her husband is a workaholic, more concerned with his family's financial situation than emotional stability, and he doesn't understand why his wife is unhappy. He doesn't understand why the house and the credit cards and the fabulousness of what he's given her isn't enough. So when Angelique meets someone new, she does something she never thought she'd do - she has an affair. It's addictive, and Angelique wants more and more, but is she willing to give up everything she has for this fantasy come true?
He's successful, kind, and sensitive - the type of man every woman wants. And truck driver Calvin Ramsey just loves women - especially the lonely, unappreciated ones he meets online, like Lola Poole. His deceitful ex-wife taught him that women really appreciate someone who cares about their deepest feelings and problems.
At an opulent resort in Montego Bay, Margot hustles to send her younger sister, Thandi, to school. Taught as a girl to trade her sexuality for survival, Margot is ruthlessly determined to shield Thandi from the same fate. When plans for a new hotel threaten their village, Margot sees not only an opportunity for her own financial independence but also perhaps a chance to admit a shocking secret: her forbidden love for another woman.
A solid marriage, a thriving business, and the esteem of their close-knit Alabama community - Joyce and Odell Watson have every reason to count their blessings. Their marriage has given well-off Joyce a chance at the family she's always wanted - and granted Odell a once-in-a-lifetime shot to escape grinding poverty. But all that respectability and status comes at a cost. Just once, Joyce and Odell want to break loose and taste life's wild side, without consequences.
Newlyweds Celestial and Roy are the embodiment of both the American Dream and the New South. He is a young executive, and she is an artist on the brink of an exciting career. But as they settle into the routine of their life together, they are ripped apart by circumstances neither could have imagined. Roy is arrested and sentenced to 12 years for a crime Celestial knows he didn't commit. Though fiercely independent, Celestial finds herself bereft and unmoored, taking comfort in Andre, her childhood friend, and best man at their wedding.
Sugar arrives in the small town of Bigelow, Arkansas, like an ominous storm. She saunters down the street in a blonde wig and spiked heels, cigarette dangling between red-painted lips. Without even speaking to her, the women in town hate her. But when she moves in next door to Pearl, a woman who tragically lost her daughter 15 years earlier, the two women bond over tragic pasts.
Her husband is a workaholic, more concerned with his family's financial situation than emotional stability, and he doesn't understand why his wife is unhappy. He doesn't understand why the house and the credit cards and the fabulousness of what he's given her isn't enough. So when Angelique meets someone new, she does something she never thought she'd do - she has an affair. It's addictive, and Angelique wants more and more, but is she willing to give up everything she has for this fantasy come true?
He's successful, kind, and sensitive - the type of man every woman wants. And truck driver Calvin Ramsey just loves women - especially the lonely, unappreciated ones he meets online, like Lola Poole. His deceitful ex-wife taught him that women really appreciate someone who cares about their deepest feelings and problems.
At an opulent resort in Montego Bay, Margot hustles to send her younger sister, Thandi, to school. Taught as a girl to trade her sexuality for survival, Margot is ruthlessly determined to shield Thandi from the same fate. When plans for a new hotel threaten their village, Margot sees not only an opportunity for her own financial independence but also perhaps a chance to admit a shocking secret: her forbidden love for another woman.
From the time Brooke Green was seven years old, she has lived with the pain of losing her mother. Her father has done the best job he could in raising her, but a piece of her always felt empty. On the day of her father's funeral, her grandmother breaks the shocking news: Her mother, Sarah, is very much alive. She abandoned her family because she claimed she wasn't fit for motherhood. After doing some research, Brooke discovers her mother is living in Atlanta, enjoying a great career...and a brand-new family.
Paige Moresco found her true love in eighth grade - and lost him two years ago. Since his death, she’s been sleepwalking through life, barely holding on for the sake of her teenage son. Her house is a wreck, the grass is overrun with weeds, and she’s at risk of losing her job. As Paige stares at her neglected lawn, she knows she’s hit rock bottom. So she does something entirely unexpected: she begins to dig. As the hole gets bigger, Paige decides to turn her entire yard into a vegetable garden. Something big is beginning to take root - both in her garden and in herself.
Gayle was the beauty who believed that a man could make her life complete. Patricia was the intellectual who thought that rising to the top of her career would make her happy. And then there is Marcus Carter, who has been linked to both Gayle and Pat since the tragedy that occurred when they were all children. Can either one save him from himself? Can friends survive a love that comes between them? Each of them gets what she wants, but no one counts on the price they have to pay.
In I Almost Forgot About You, Dr. Georgia Young's wonderful life - great friends, family, and successful career - aren't enough to keep her from feeling stuck and restless. When she decides to make some major changes in her life, quitting her job as an optometrist and moving house, she finds herself on a wild journey that may or may not include a second chance at love.
Penelope Grand has scrapped her failed career as an artist in Pittsburgh and moved back to Brooklyn to keep an eye on her ailing father. She's accepted that her future won't be what she'd dreamed, but now, as gentrification has completely reshaped her old neighborhood, even her past is unrecognizable. Old haunts have been razed, and wealthy white strangers have replaced every familiar face in Bed-Stuy. Even her mother, Mirella, has abandoned the family to reclaim her roots in the Dominican Republic. That took courage. It's also unforgivable.
The beloved #1 Essence best-selling authors of Tryin' to Sleep in the Bed You Made now deliver a novel in which you'll meet their most unforgettable characters yet. Carmen, Jewel, and Regina could not be more different. When they meet as freshmen at Columbia University, they're pretty confident that a friendship among them isn't in the cards.
The thrilling new novel from number-one New York Times best-selling author Lisa See explores the lives of a Chinese mother and her daughter who has been abandoned and adopted by an American couple.
Meet Eleanor Oliphant: She struggles with appropriate social skills and tends to say exactly what she's thinking. Nothing is missing in her carefully timetabled life of avoiding social interactions, where weekends are punctuated by frozen pizza, vodka, and phone chats with Mummy. But everything changes when Eleanor meets Raymond, the bumbling and deeply unhygienic IT guy from her office.
Oberlin, Ohio, 1868. Lisbeth Johnson was born into privilege in the antebellum South. Jordan Freedman was born a slave to Mattie, Lisbeth's beloved nurse. The women have an unlikely bond deeper than friendship. Three years after the Civil War, Lisbeth and Mattie are tending their homes and families while Jordan, an aspiring suffragette, teaches at an integrated school. When Lisbeth discovers that her father is dying, she's summoned back to the Virginia plantation where she grew up.
Joe King Oliver was one of the NYPD's finest investigators, until, dispatched to arrest a well-heeled car thief, he is framed for assault by his enemies within the NYPD, a charge which lands him in solitary at Rikers Island. A decade later, King is a private detective, running his agency with the help of his teenage daughter, Aja-Denise. Broken by the brutality he suffered and committed in equal measure while behind bars, his work and his daughter are the only light in his solitary life. When he receives a card in the mail from the woman who admits she was paid to frame him those years ago, King realizes that he has no choice.
Davie—an ugly duckling growing up in small-town Mississippi—is positive her life couldn’t be any worse. She has the meanest mother in the South, possibly the world, and on top of that, she’s pretty sure she’s ugly. Just when she’s resigned herself to her fate, she sees a movie that will change her life— Sixteen Candles. But in her case, life doesn’t imitate art.
Blake Crystal has the best of almost everything. She's at the top of her game at work, she has four wonderful daughters, and at 50 she's more financially secure than she's ever been. In and out of the bedroom, her new younger lover takes her in breathtaking directions that force her to make decisions she never imagined.... On the surface,Alexis Crystal is an ideal daughter. As confident as she is beautiful, she can have any man or woman she wants, so she has both in her collection of bed partners.
Meet Odette, Clarice, and Barbara Jean....
Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat is home away from home for this inseparable Plainview, Indiana, trio. Dubbed "The Supremes" by high school pals in the tumultuous 1960s, they weather life’s storms together for the next four decades. Now, during their most challenging year yet, dutiful, proud, and talented Clarice must struggle to keep up appearances as she deals with her husband’s humiliating infidelities. Beautiful, fragile Barbara Jean is rocked by the tragic reverberations of a youthful love affair. And fearless Odette engages in the most terrifying battle of her life while contending with the idea that she has inherited more than her broad frame from her notorious pot-smoking mother, Dora.
Through marriage, children, happiness, and the blues, these strong, funny women gather each Sunday at the same table at Earl’s diner for delicious food, juicy gossip, occasional tears, and uproarious banter.
With wit and love, style and sublime talent, Edward Kelsey Moore brings together four intertwined love stories, three devoted allies, and two sprightly earthbound spirits in a big-hearted debut novel that embraces the lives of people you will never forget.
I'm so glad I downloaded The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat (ok, I'm not crazy about the title.) It was an impulse download, but the sample had made me laugh out loud so I thought I'd give it a shot. Now that I've listened to it, I wish all of my impulses ended this well!
The center and main narrator of the book is Odette - a middle-aged, black woman who lives in a small town in Indiana with her two best friends, her husband James, and a handful of lively ghosts - including Old Earl of the title. Odette was "born in a sycamore tree" and is rumored to be fearless. Time and time again, however, she proves she isn't just fearless, she's wise and filled with compassion.
Also, because of the way the narrative shifts between the past and the present, I really felt like I've known these characters their whole lives, like I was a part of their circle. I don't want to give away the plot, but I can say that I will be recommending this to anyone who asks me "read anything good lately?"' and l will be looking for more from this author. Bravo!
21 of 22 people found this review helpful
Would you listen to The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat again? Why?
This was the best book I've "read" in a very long time. I loved the characters -- warts and all -- and the story line. I am a dyed in the wool mystery reader, but books like this make me hang up my mystery category (for a while any way).
You can always identify a truly great book when you, after a rough commute, continue to sit in your car, in your driveway, and listen!
Listen to this book, you will be so glad you did!
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
Both -- I laughed and cried -- enough said -- don't want to spoil it!
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
This story would make a great movie. Terrific storytelling -- colorful characters, quirky situations, all set in a southern Indiana community during the 60's,
Reminded me of Fried Green Tomatoes .
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
The title of this one made me pass this one up a couple of times, but after reading a few reviews I decided to give it a chance, and boy am I glad I did!!! This was a great read!!! I enjoyed all the characters, this book bring out the laughter & the tears!!! Loved it!!!
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
As you are introduced to the characters in this book they became real and you start to pull for their success. The three women are each memorable in their own way but then so are the men. I found the ethereal characters who also inhabit the pages of this book to be endearing as well.
It is intriguing that a male author delivers such a funny, touching novel that honestly deals with the universal types of challenges and twists that women face. I would love to hear him explain how he developed the characters and fine-tuned his plot line.
He delivers a story that depicts both the pain and humor of lives fully lived. It was an absorbing and delightful read. The narration was excellent.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
What made the experience of listening to The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat the most enjoyable?
Due to my reduced vision Irely on audiobooks. Since I love books I usually buy several audibooks a week. Since audiobooks is a costly experience I am picky when it comes to how I use my credit. I found this by looking at what was trending in fiction. Thank PeterI did! I love stories in which you get to know the characters in a way that makes the story easy to follow. Stories about daring to be different has always inspired me. Colored ladies are historically very brave so this said:" I am credit proof " and it really is worthy your credit. To me, it had a dash of Gilmore girls meets "The help" and Bridget Jones. It is structured so perfectly: Past and pressent becomes one and you are drawn in. It deals with gossip, cancer, God Ghost, finding yourself and much more. Once you begin to listen you enter their diner hence the Gilmore girls reference.
In this book you will discover how easy it can be to bound with fictional people. If you like "The help" Then you will most likely love this because of the strong stories and the differences which unites us. It spans over decades unlike "The help" making me closer to the characters.
What did you like best about this story?
The way simple conversations between bestfriends was authentic enough to make time stand still. Strong ladies are so inspiring!
Have you listened to any of Adenrele Ojo and Pamella D'Pella ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
No, this was a first. The way Odette was read annoyed me at first, because every sentence ended in the same tone. I grew to love it however since that voice managed to become Odette.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes! It is rarely a book manage to take me in like this. Who can resist the story of a man carrying his sick friend to her tree? To discover he picked the wrong one? The humor within this sad story manage to turn what we could have seen as victims into victors. It is beyond great and no, I did not spoil the end because Odette might be born in a tree but she did not die there..,
Any additional comments?
The sad thing about this book? I did not want it to end. I love it and will "visit" my new friends by listening to it again and again.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Who was your favorite character and why?
Odette's mother was my favorite. Not only was she incredibly funny, her view of the world from the other side offered an inspiring perspective on life.
Which scene was your favorite?
The scene when James is trying to style Odette's hair was touching. I found myself crying and laughing at the same time.
Any additional comments?
I look forward to more books from this author. I was skeptical of a book about women, written by a man. But, he was able to portray all the characters with warmth, wit and wisdom.
This is one book I'm sorry to finish because I'll miss the characters.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Would you listen to The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat again? Why?
Yes, it's timeless. The character and story are engaging. I laughed out loud, cried, and got lost in the stories of the three main characters.
Who was your favorite character and why?
My favorite was Odette and her Mama...Odette's a strong, opinionated woman with no pretenses about who she is and what she's about. Also, her relationship with her mother in the story made me feel comforted that those we love are always with us. Her Mama was a hoot!
Have you listened to any of Adenrele Ojo and Pamella D'Pella ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
Never heard these narrators before but they were great, the guys sounded like guys and the women like women.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
There were many memorable parts - two especially stood out, the one that made me cry like a baby was when Odette tells James her husband her prognosis and the other made me crack up at 3:30 in the morning (waking my husband), when Odette and her Mama go back to her childhood home to get the "medical relief" her mother was an expert in. Her Mama was a hilarious in that scene!
Any additional comments?
The ending had several twists which were a pleasant surprises. The only downside was after all the great twists to tie up loose ends, the author prolonged the close of the story. Otherwise I'm so sad I finished the story so quickly...a good story is really hard to find. I can't wait for the author's next book!
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This was a fantastic debut novel. The story revolves around 3 African-American women who became friends in childhood and stayed friends while growing up and growing older. The story goes back and forth between their childhood histories and their present day problems and every day situations. What most impressed me about "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat" was Moore's ability to tell a story through a woman's point of view. If I had known that the author was male, I would have guessed that a woman wrote the book. So, kudos goes to Moore for getting inside our female heads. The story is about love, reckoning with one's past and present, relationships (friendly and romantic) and the afterlife. All of this is told with humor. The narration was very good coming from both Ojo and D'Pella. I recommend this one highly!
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Would you consider the audio edition of The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat to be better than the print version?
Ive only listened But either would be worth your time
What did you like best about this story?
I loved it all
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes, But I had to think about it as I went so it took a few days
Any additional comments?
This Book has been an amazing read.Ive laughed and Cried. I think if your over 45 you can't help but Love it. Warning though...because its a book about women over 50 there are many, many triggers. If you have made it to 50 then you can't expect it not to.BUT you are strong enough to get through it and come out the other side happy for the journey. READ THIS BOOK
1 of 1 people found this review helpful