Bliss : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Prepare for a journey...
Review: A definite must read. In this debut novel by Gabrielle Pina, we are introduced to Francesca Valentine, a very talented, successful and world-renowned violinist. 

Prepare to go on a journey as Bliss takes you through the back roads of Georgia, the Governor's mansion and even the picturesque hills of Tuscany.  Bliss is the struggle, determination and will of the strong black woman that could easily have been your grandmother or your great-grandmother.  Pina has deftly done a wonderful job creating full-bodied, unique characters that will envelop you in a story that will have you anticipating every page!  -TLR

Rating:
Summary: Prepare for a journey...
Review: A definite must read. In this debut novel by Gabrielle Pina, we are introduced to Francesca Valentine, a very talented, successful and world-renowned violinist. 

Prepare to go on a journey as Bliss takes you through the back roads of Georgia, the Governor's mansion and even the picturesque hills of Tuscany.  Bliss is the struggle, determination and will of the strong black woman that could easily have been your grandmother or your great-grandmother.  Pina has deftly done a wonderful job creating full-bodied, unique characters that will envelop you in a story that will have you anticipating every page!  -TLR

Rating:
Summary: Very Moving Novel!!!
Review: I can't believe that this is the first novel written by Gabrielle Pina. I absolutely loved Bliss! The characters were moving, realistic, and gravitating. She really brought them to life well...so well, that as a reader I became angry, sad and happy at their actions aloud, as if I were watching television. I really enjoyed this book, and think it would make a great screenplay. I honestly didn't want to book to end, I wanted more!!! I actually put down my favorite author, Jackie Collin's new novel to finish reading Bliss. Gabrielle certainly has a marvelous literary career ahead of her, and she's won a lifelong fan of her future work.

Rating:
Summary: Fabulous Story!
Review: I couldn't believe that this was a first book written by Gabrielle Pina. Bliss in an incredibly moving story. There are a wealth of characters, all with funny, realistic and impressive personalities. Gabrielle really brought them to life...some you'll hate, some you'll love...some you'll even cry for. I found myself speaking aloud at some of the deceptive characters. The novel really took me into another world. I couldn't put Bliss down, and was so sad when I got to the end because I wanted more!!! Gabrielle Pina certainly has a great literary future ahead of her.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: I was given this book by a friend and finished it in two days. Not only is it an easy read, but a page turner as well! Bliss is a story of the determination, perseverance and hope that possess Hattie Mae and Claudine, despite the hardships that life tosses their way.

Gabrielle Pina unleashed fantastic, multi-layered characters into a story which took on a life of its own and left me wanting more. Identifying with each character is easy, regardless of the fact that their lives are so different from mine. I felt as if I had been transported into their world.

I laughed throughout, and then cried at the end, something I've never done with a book before. I highly recommend this book!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: I was given this book by a friend and finished it in two days. Not only is it an easy read, but a page turner as well! Bliss is a story of the determination, perseverance and hope that possess Hattie Mae and Claudine, despite the hardships that life tosses their way.

Gabrielle Pina unleashed fantastic, multi-layered characters into a story which took on a life of its own and left me wanting more. Identifying with each character is easy, regardless of the fact that their lives are so different from mine. I felt as if I had been transported into their world.

I laughed throughout, and then cried at the end, something I've never done with a book before. I highly recommend this book!

Rating:
Summary: A haunting story
Review: I was so engrossed in the this tale of love, lies and revenge that I read it cover to cover in one night.

The author expertly balances drama and tragedy with healthy doses of wit and humor.

The characters are very clearly defined and their actions always serve to move the story forward. This is one of the best first novels I have read.

Although the story is, for the most part, tied up in the end, a few very minor questions remain unanswered.

Pick up this little gem today. You will not be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Make Room at the Top!
Review: If you liked Cane River (Lolita Tademy) and In Search of Satisfaction (J. California Cooper), you'll find that the characters in Bliss might have sprung from the same line in this saga of African-American women doing their best to survive and ensure success for future generations. It's a shorter read, but I appreciate the fact that Gabrielle made every word count - excluding all of the extra plot-dragging stuff that I usually just skim through anyway (excessive description, irrelevant sub-plots, etc). As a writer, I studied this work and was intrigued with how she crafted each chapter to lead into the next almost seamlessly. You won't be disappointed!
Encore, Ms. Pina!

Rating:
Summary: Expert Storytelling
Review: It's been some time since I read a book this well written. I was hooked into the story from from the very first page. The comlexity of the characters make for a great story of deceit and lies.

The ending left me with several questions, so I re-read the first two chapters for answers. This is when I realized the genius of the way the story was told. I loved it!



Rating:
Summary: Riveting . . . practically a masterpiece!
Review: This book was a very easy read, I read it in one day.

The book begins with the life of Francesca. Francesca has some ugly secrets about her past revealed to the media. After realizing that everything has been released Francesca must decide if she will tell the truth or continue to live a lie.

In this book you will discover how one lie leads to another and it goes on and on.

This is one book that if you decide to read you will not be disappointed.