Rating: 
Summary: Tragically Fabulous! A Must Read.
Review: The Warmest December is the kind of story that leaves you speechless. I was hooked from the very beginning where the main character tells us that she forgot to hate her father. From that point, her healing can begin and she gathers an understanding of and begins to recover from generations of an affliction that affects not only her as an individual but her entire family. Bernice puts the pain of alcoholism and its legacy down on paper expertly.
Rating: 
Summary: Contemporary story with a classic feel
Review: The Warmest December paints a vivid and sorrowful picture of the life of Kenzie, a young woman whose alcoholic father is hospitalized and hovering at death's door. His daughter seemingly does not like her father, doesn't really know him, yet she visits him frequently perhaps to bring some closure to their painful relationship. As a child she endured beatings, humiliations, and other equally tragic events all at the hands of Hy-Lo, her drunken father. Kenzie and her younger brother are forced to observe how Hy-Lo abuses his wife, a woman who seems bound to him not just in name but other inexplicable and invisible reasons. This was my first Bernice McFadden read and I enjoyed the lyricism and imagery of her writing. McFadden takes an abundance of words to draw, paint, shape, and sketch her characters. Her technique and skill allows the reader to delve deep within the story and feel their sorrow, share their pain. Also there are a lot of characters in this story and some stand out (e.g. Priscilla) and refuse to leave your mind long after the story has ended. The story's timeframe jumped from past to present without warning and I'll admit this did result in a little confusion on my part. But nevertheless, the story is tightly written, impressive, and may give one a few things to think about - family, pain, misunderstanding, the price of forgiveness, and the struggle of redemption. Cydney Rax
Rating:
Summary: Well written, Very Sad
Review: This book could have been anyone's true story. It is sad to know that what some misinformed person does one day will come back and haunt another some other day. Kenzie probably could have been a very different person than what she was because of the people that loved her. Unfortunately her father knew no different and probably ruined some very special lives. I am glad that she came to know the truth and was able to forgive Hy-Lo for his wrongdoings. This was a strong book that had some very valuable lessons in it. Kenzie Lowe was a vrey strong character and the author did a wonderful job of showing us how she felt and the pain that she suffered. It was a sad story but well written.
Rating:
Summary: Thought Provoking
Review: This book is so well written, this was the first book by Bernice L. McFadden that I have read, I will definately seek her other works. Her descriptions are very real and direct. Addictive behaviours are illustrated in detail throughout this book. Most people can relate to this amazing book
Rating:
Summary: An Intense Read
Review: This book is unlike any other book I have ever read. The story dealt with such serious issues, that it was sometimes difficult to continue reading. The characters were so despicable, that I could only feel disgust for them (Della included). Although Mable tried to help, she could never seem to do the right thing. In fact, the only family members who had sense were Sam's teenage sons, who nearly killed Hy Lo when they witnessed his disrespectful treatment of Della. Although it was a "hard" read, this book has deepened the respect that I have for Bernice McFadden as an author. She is truly a skilled storyteller. This book has also made me very grateful and thankful to God for blessing me with a warm, loving, only slightly crazy family.
Rating:
Summary: Wow!
Review: This book made me so emotional! It is very well written, and the characters are so real. Too real sometimes. Bernice, I am a loyal fan! I can't wait for your next book.
Rating:
Summary: Distressing
Review: This book was very disturbing to me and at the same time, I couldn't put it down. I can't imagine having to go through life the way Kenzie had. Ms. McFadden gave me insight on what it is like to be the wife/daughter of an alcoholic and the reason(s) for staying in that relationship. An important lesson was reiterated, "Forgiveness is good for the soul."
Rating:
Summary: Warmest December- Chilling Read!
Review: This book was very easy to read and very hard to put down. It was very painful to read some of the occurences as a wife and a mother. I especially felt my heart go out to the younger child, Malcolm. I eagerly await another book from Ms. McFadden. It was one of those books I knew had to end, but didn't want to let go of the characters.
Rating:
Summary: So sad
Review: This is a moving tale of a family's daily abuse at the hands of their own father. Though depressing most of the time, it will have you wanting to see how it all ends.
Rating:
Summary: Heart-Touching
Review: This novel tells the story of Kenzie, a young lady who endured physical and emotional abuse by father Hy-lo, along with her mother, Della, and younger brother Malcolm. Your heart goes out to her and the family as she tells the story of how it all began, and we begin to realize where it ends up. You wonder if Kenzie grows or does she remain forever trapped by the what she had to endure all of her life. There is tragedy, pain, and heart ache as Kenzie tells each story, and my heart went out to not only her, but Malcolm and Della as well. I hated for the story to end, because Kenzie was finally able to make peace in a way that only God could give you. There is a lesson to be learned from this story.
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