Sweet Expectations: Michele Hoskins' Recipe for Success

Rating:
Summary: The Best Book I've Read This Year
Review: As I strolled down the isle of a bookstore I felt Michelle's book tugging at my inner most being. I continued to grab other books of interest, but this small guide took prominence over other readings. I perused the front and back cover but nothing stood out that justified the eruption that was occurring inside of me. Then I opened the book and began to read... Trust me, the power of this book will find you at whatever stage you may be in your growth, or sometime perceived decline, as an entrepreneur. I'm a huge fan of beginning chapters with quotations; I especially love authors who take as much time as this author has to select the perfect quotes that resonate deep within the reader's soul. Michele's book is profoundly broken into several 3-5 page chapters that have meaning. She ends each section small statements, keys that only an experienced, sincere, committed entrepreneur could teach. Each time you complete a section you want to return to place you were when you read the first words, because it will change you... you actually grow as you read this book. More than a seminar, after reading this book you'll feel that a prophet has taken time to listen to you and show you the way.

Rating:
Summary: The Sweetest Reward
Review: Have you ever heard of Michele Hoskins or her company Michele Foods? If not, make a mental note because she is definitely an African-American businesswoman worth keeping on the radar. In her book, SWEET EXPECTATIONS, she shares not only her recipe for professional success but also her life journey. She frankly shares her successes as well as her mistakes both in business and in life.

At the book's opening, Michele is in an unfulfilling yet materially comfortable marriage and she wants to make major changes in her life. She eventually divorces, abandoning a life of relative comfort and trading it for one of a struggling single parent. She sells her home and moves herself and her daughters to her mother's home. At her lowest point she was even a welfare recipient. During this time, Michele begins to consider what her long-term career goals should be and eventually decides to go into business selling syrup based on a cherished family recipe. The recipe, a closely guarded family secret, has been passed down through the generations to a few select descendants and not all of her family is pleased that she plans to market it. This becomes the source of difficulty for Michele, and in addition, she encounters problems due to her lack of knowledge about business. In spite of the difficulties, after years of struggle, Michele Hoskins eventually transitions from an unhappy wife, to a divorced welfare mom and eventually to the position of CEO of her very own multi-million dollar company.

The book highlights her experiences, expounds business advice, provides inspirational quotes, and offers advice on living. There are a few dry moments, but all in all this is a truly inspiring book that reminds readers that setbacks do not have to keep them from achieving their dreams.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers


Rating:
Summary: a bit dry
Review: I wanted to love this book. It's the true story of how one woman went from welfare to million dollar success using an old family recipe for syrup. It's a truly amazing story but it's not written well. It's too dry, and is too choppy. It reads like it was put together from a taped interview or speech and it's also bit cold. The author's family members are all presented in a less than flattering light and I could have done without some of the spiritual beliefs that were expressed. There was a whole lot of story here. It just wasn't crafted well.

Rating:
Summary: Both a Business Plan and Inspirational Piece, in One!
Review: Michele Hoskins is a visionary.  This incredible book brilliantly illustrates how she transformed her family's legacy into her life's purpose and a multimillion-dollar business. It's a great read loaded with ingenious business and innovative success principles.  This book is for anyone looking to be totally inspired.  It includes how Michele broke through barrier after barrier without compromising her will, values or spirit.  It belongs in every board room, family room and classroom.  "Sweet Expectations: Michele Hoskins' Recipe for Success," is a business plan and inspirational piece in one.  It's guaranteed to bring renewed vision and energy to all who read it.  It's not one of those "if she can do it; I can do it" books.  It's more like, "She's doing it; why am I still waiting?"  Discover how Michele's persistence, passion and patience, combined with a never-ever quit, work ethic, connects her with her destiny.  It will capture your interest from page one, to months after reading it. 
-Fran Briggs

Rating:
Summary: Sweet Inspiration
Review: This book is a reminder that nothing is impossible. A great and inspirational story for women young and old. Michele's journey is a fine example of the power of following your dreams....a true gift of a story helped me get in touch with what really matters in life.

Rating:
Summary: More than Sweet...Inspirational!
Review: This is a phenomenal story of a woman with a strong spirit, determined to change her life. With honesty, each phase of Michele's life opens new doors of success, growth, and the strong determination to succeed in all phases of her life. Her story is a wonderful message of faith and the desire to fight for life, happiness and to share these blessings with others.