Mainstream Fiction

Carmen Green

BET/Sepia

1-58314-293-2

February 2003

(4+) Debra Ross

PLOT SYNOPSIS: 

Carmen Green moves smoothly from romance into mainstream women's fiction with a poignant and powerful novel about three friends learning the high price of success and the true value of friendship.

REVIEW: 

Jasmine, Evelyn and Malone have been best friends since college and are co-host of Atlanta’s most popular radio talk show.  Each one must face and determine the cost of success, loyalty, and friendship.

The characters are well defined and compliment each other. Jasmine - high spirited and self centered - letting no one stop her from reaching her goals. Evelyn - the perfect daughter, friend, and fiancé - trying to live up to everyone standards while holding on to a secret that she fears will shock everyone. And Malone - the former athlete who desperately wants to regain his football glory days as well as have a strong, loving relationship with his son.  These three completely different personalities make up the successful working machine that is Atlanta Live!

The co-hosts have a seemingly perfect rapport with their audience, until a single flippant response starts a chain of events that changes how they perceive themselves and each other.  The story grabs your attention from the first page and never lets up.  Page after page you are drawn into the lives of these fascinating people.  We anxiously watch as they triumph, stumble, fall, and persevere.  The bonds of family, friendship, and honor are tested as each must discover their own inner strength and courage.

In addition to their intertwined professional lives, each character has their own personal battles to overcome. However, they have been meshed together so long and in so many different ways, it is interesting to see how their friendships fare as their independence emerges.  The same catalysts that initiate changes in their professional lives force a change in their personal lives as well.  We anticipate their actions and reactions as they confront their personal obstacles.

Even though Ms. Green gives a clear look into the psyche of Jasmine, Evelyn, and Malone, the story is never predictable.  There are enough surprises in the story line to keep you glued to the book until you reach the last page.

Carmen Green’s many fans will be thrilled with her latest offering.  ATLANTA LIVE! has it all – a gripping story, compelling characters and a dramatic conclusion.  Ms. Green has successfully made the transition from romance to fiction with her usual style and pizzazz!  2003 is off to a great start!

debra@romanceincolor.net (31st January 2003)