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REVIEWS FOR 'MAKING IT ON MY OWN'.....
It Can Happen In A Minute!!Making It On My Own was so real and true, it did not discriminate to tell it like it is. The characters were so real and vivid, and the story line was on point and flowed so smoothly. I caught myself constantly shaking my head and taking deep breaths, but all along wish I could jump in the book and save the day. This author is up and coming and I welcome her into my new up and coming author's list. Kudos to you Marlene this was a job well deserved and done!!!
~Reviewed by TOKEN of Coast to Coast Bookclub 5STARS.
I LOVE this book! Marlene shows us the many struggles that a single mother has to face in a realistic way. I found this book EXTREMELY hard to put down. It was FULL of ACTION and always left me wondering what in the world could happen next! It was an EYE-OPENER; I learned and was INSPIRED at the same time. I would RECOMMEND this book to EVERYONE, especially those who feel like there's no hope left...remember there is always someone who is worse off than you.
~Reviewer: Sistah Katy of SistahFriend Book Club 4HUGS.
As an overall read the book was good. Shay's life took a 180 degree turn and readers were with her every step of the way. The story held my attention and the situations were believable. … Author Marlene Ricketts has a KNACK for inventing realistic characters whose situations mimic those we go through in real life. It was UPLIFTINGup to read of such a young lady who, although she has made a few wrong decisions, would not allow her current situation to dictate her future. I ANTICIPATE many more refreshing stories from this author. .
Star Rating: 3.5 Stars BY: English of ARC Book Club Inc..
I really ENJOYED this story. I thought that Shay was a very STRONG person. She suffered so much and I couldn’t imagine being in her position. I TOTALLY CONNECTED with her story and her character because their are plenty of women out here just like her! …This was a GREAT read and well RECOMMENDED to anyone who wants a PAGE TURNER .
4 star review by Mskiki425 of Real Divas of Literature .
Making It On My Own details an all too common story among love struck women today. The book serves as a cautionary tale about trusting ones' first instincts, and sticking to ones' plan. Making It On My Own is a WELL crafted work whose main character has a DELIGHTFULLY STRONG voice. The author also paints vivid pictures of the environments in which Shay finds herself. In addition to being inspiring, the book is also VERY FUNNY. Most importantly Making It On My Own serves as an INSPIRING example of a young woman reclaiming her life after a series of unfortunate events.
~XAVIER HOUSE REVIEWS 4STARS.
WINNER OF THE TOP TEN BOOKS OF 2007 FOR BEST STORYLINE/PLOT Marlene is an author that is going somewhere in the literary world! She has an EXCEPTIONAL FLAIR for molding together characters that are so realistic in their dialect as well as actions. From the very first page, you are DRAWN into the plot and won't be able to stop reading until the last line is read! You will literally get papercuts flipping through the pages of Making it on my Own.
~The Writer's Inn Rating 5 Stars .
Making It On My Own TUGS AT THE HEART in so many ways that it’s impossible to give it AMPLE PRAISE. The most admirable quality of Marlene’s storytelling is the MASTERFUL way that she gives a human face to the vague world of homelessness. As Shay meets and learns the stories of other women in predicaments similar to hers, the reader vicariously learns to rid him/herself of any preconceived notions of homeless people, specifically the concept that they’re lazy, shiftless, or choose to be so afflicted in life.
~ Reviewed By Tara Hopkins of Apex Reviews 5 STARS.
Marlene's novel "Making It On My Own" was a tale of a young woman (Shay) trying to figure what's best for her. She goes through a number of trials and tribulations as she finds out what true love is all about. She goes from a hight point in her life to an extremely low point. The STRENGTH that MARLENE gives her character Shay is AMAZING. It's also a reminder of how just how strong a number of single mothers are and some of things that they go through. I have no children but it is very encouraging to read. Thanks Marlene.
~Reviewed by MaShawn of SBS Book Club.
Making It On My Own by Marlene is a story of sheer determination. Marlene definitely allows you to relate to the character. You find yourself LAGHING and CRYING right along with Shay. She is a young girl who quickly has to learn to become a woman. This was an AMAZING look into the life of a girl on her own. I RECOMMEND this one for those that do not think they can make it.
~Reviewed by Donnica Copeland of APOOO Rating: 4 .
"Making It On My Own" by Marlene HITS home because it captures the EVERYDAY REALITY of so many young people who are suddenly forced to make drastic life changes, altering all their planned hopes and dreams.
~Reviewer-Melba Heard of Big Time Publishing Magazine **Five stars**.
You will be able to recognize the emotions of yourself or someone you know in Marlene's STRONG and INTENSE portrait of a young woman and single mother struggling with the burdens and anxieties of everyday life. Marlene’s CREATIVE writing style connects the story line to real-life issues drawing readers in. I ENJOYED Shay's "in your face tell it like it is" narrative. Making It On My Own is ENGROSSING and ENTERTAINING making for an ENGAGING read.
~OOSA Book Club.4 STARS
Author Marlene does a MARVELOUS job of telling a tale of a young woman who had to make it on her own where failure wasn’t an option. Making It on My Own was a PLEASURE to read and readers including myself will look forward to the next literary efforts from this up and coming author. KUDOS to Marlene on a literary job WELL DONE!
~Kisha Green of Mahogany Butterfly Reviewers.
MAKING IT ON MY OWN is a story of REBIRTH and a SPIRITUAL-LIKE renewal that makes you ready to take charge of the world. Shay is the girlfriend that you have that makes you slap her for being so naive. MAKING IT ON MY OWN has an EVOLVING storyline that forces you to ask what possibly can happen next?
~Deltareviewer 4 Stars.
"Marlene brings a fresh face to the literary world. Her characters POP, and her style is sure to drag you in. This book will quickly be on your top ten list of must have's in your COLLECTION."
~Anna J. Author of Essence Best Selling Novel "My Woman His Wife".
The book was an ENJOYABLE read. There are some situations in the book that some maybe able to relate to. It does keep your INTEREST from beginning to end. This author does a GOOD job of illustrating the struggles of the single mother.
~Reviewed by Jackie for Urban-Reviews.com.
Marlene delivers a POWERFUL EXPOSE of one woman's struggle while MAKING IT ON HER OWN. I was so CAUGHT UP in the drama, struggles, love and pain that I was able to read it in the course of one day (Amazon.com).