Rating: 
Summary: Finding love in oneself
Review: After experiencing the hurt that only love can cause, Mya finds herself in a wonderful relationship with a wonderful man. Her self-destructive behavior and unawareness of her own wants and needs causes this love to teeter on the edge of her whims.Mya finds love in a place she never thought to look. In herself. This was my first novel by Margaret Johnson-Hodge. After hearing rave reviews from avid readers, I decided to give her a try. I was not disappointed. This was a quick read with a valuable life lesson undermining the story. Hodge's writing flowed well, and the characters were well thought out. I look forward to reading more work by this talented author.
Rating:
Summary: Warm Hands
Review: Butterscotch Blues is still my favorite but this book touched on something that was much needed, women need to be whole instead of thinking that wearing a man on their arm like a bracelet will bring them in touch with their true self. We go through life learning lessons, those who don't learn or won't learn are doomed to repeat the same mistakes over and over again until they do. In addition to that, when they don't learn they end up teaching their children unconsciously how to keep the cycle of low self esteem and worth going on for generations, until one day tragedy strikes and the woman is ready to be free. Two thumbs up Margaret Johnson Hodge...brilliant relatable writing!
Rating:
Summary: Letting Go
Review: I enjoyed the book. MJH writes well, and I love the way she makes the transition with her words. It is incredible! The story was very therapeutic for me, and I am sure for many women. Sometimes before we "let go" we have to discover what we are holding onto, and it takes some soul searching. Mya was only able to let go when she dug deep into her family. We first learn "love" through our parents and family. Mya's was dysfunctional and so she chose her relationships the same way. When Jeff came along, he was a nice guy and I loved him! But when you are use to not getting that type of love, it's like a foreigh substance. You really don't know "how" to accept it, or as Mya said..."Love you back enough." She wasn't able to give Jeff something she didn't have within herself. I agree that she got a bit carried away with marrying herself, that was whack! I think I would have given it five stars if MJH brought a better closure to Mya and Jeff's relationship. I expected for them to get back together, Jeff was just too nice. She should have at least made them have a more sentimental conversation. Mya seemed cold to me, instead of sure of herself. Once they made amends of the betrayal, then MJH should have maybe have Jeff engaged to "Liz" no longer "just friends" as he put it. Then Mya moved on to Alex, who we really didn't get a chance to know as well as we did Jeff. And what happened with Gail's relationship? MJH-please do a sequel or something...bring some better closure!
Rating: 
Summary: Not bad, Not great
Review: I finished this book in one day. I was pretty good. But I think the grammar was horrible. There were misspellings, incomplete sentences, and words used incorrectly. I was very disappointed in that aspect of the book. I expected more from a seasoned writer. I also think that reading the back of the book gave away the plot. The message of loving yourself near the end is a good message.
Rating:
Summary: Not bad, Not great
Review: I finished this book in one day. I was pretty good. But I think the grammar was horrible. There were misspellings, incomplete sentences, and words used incorrectly. I was very disappointed in that aspect of the book. I expected more from a seasoned writer. I also think that reading the back of the book gave away the plot. The message of loving yourself near the end is a good message.
Rating:
Summary: Great Characters
Review: I love MJH to death, having read all of "The Real Deal", "A New Day" (twice), and "Butterscotch Blues". Her writing always entrances me and takes my breath away. Though I am not a poetry lover, Hodge gives me that through her eloquent style of writing. My only problem with this particular novel was the ending. I suppose Mya and Jeff could've gotten back together and made the story more typical. Okay, so Mya finds love in herself, but did she have to attract a man as equally edified and self-loving as she? It was all a bit far-fetched in spite of how well the story was written. There are a lot of people who love themselves and have it all together, but most are intimdiated by it and therefore never approach such individuals. Other than that unexpected ending, I still adore the author's ability to weave a tapestry with her words....
Rating:
Summary: Warms Your Heart
Review: Mya breaks off her relationship with Vincent because he won't commit, she then meets Jeff and the relationship is going great, so why does she go back and betray Jeff for Vincent. Mya's on a rollercoaster ride that leaves her questioning her own values.
Rating: 
Summary: Difficult to put down
Review: Several times I tried to put this book down unsuccessfully. The more I read, the more I felt that Mya was living my life story. This story hit so close to home it was at times difficult to read. Ms. Hodge writes as if we are in conversation. She is like one of the homegirls telling a friend's story. Warm Hands (like her other books New Day and Real Deal)is a story that black women can relate to. Her writing is uncompromising and unforgiving. Warm Hands is both entertaining and uplifting. In choosing fiction, I often select stories that allow me to escape. I was not allowed to escape with this book; I was forced to face life as it truly is and was rewarded for it. I have a renewed sense of hope that maybe there is a better ending. Although my ending may not be exactly as the one MJH portrayed, I am hopeful of something just as good. I can't express how truly wonderful this book was for me except to say that I purchased copies for my sisterfriends and female family members to think about and enjoy. I also recommend this book to female acquaintances who seem to exhibit the same sign of constantly choosing the wrong men in their lives. I anxiously await Ms. Hodge's next book. Mya's story and both of her wedding ceremonies are my inspiration.
Rating:
Summary: Letting Go
Review: This fast-paced pageturner is the story of Mya Williams who discovers love while running along the track. The love she discovers is not running alongside her but within her. As the seemingly simple story unfolds and runs its course, the author detours the reader along an unsuspecting path of enlightenment - making us face the real issues addressed in the novel. Margaret Johnson-Hodge is not only creative in telling her story, but she is ingenious in HOW she interjects the twists of her novels. In "Warm Hands", we run around the track with Mya and Jeff as they run into one another and inevitably fall in love. The story continues on a steady pace, and so does the relationship that eventually leads to wedding plans. Things are going smoothly, perhaps too smooth, so the author throws in a twist named Vincent. He comes and goes again, literally:-) leaving Mya confused and running after her past instead of toward her future. When the wedding is off, Mya's life is off (balance) too. She wallows in the mud of her failed relationship, and the mud becomes like quicksand until a new friend, Chloe, reaches out and throws her a lifeline (chapter 13). Though the lifeline is not quite enough to save her life, Mya continues the struggle to self discovery and self love. I'm not sure if it is intentional or coincidental that the author makes the reader struggle with Mya. The writing suddenly becomes sloppy (typos and grammatical errors) and sluggish - making it almost difficult to continue. Don't give up the race. By chapter 18, another twist brings on enLIGHTenment. As the light shines through, your heart will rejoice! Be prepared for the refreshing and rewarding emotions that will flood your heart and eyes as the author triumphantly takes you to the glorious finish line. Mya's victory is our win too!
Rating:
Summary: Deep, Deep, Deep....
Review: Warm Hands offers a realistic story about a thirty something sista who is forced to take a serious look at herself and make some changes. We must love overself before we can expect anyone else to. When one doesn't love self it shows. Decisions, Decisions....Why did Mya cheat on Jeff? What a dysfunctional family. Old Scotty was a bit much. I was glad when Claudia got fed up and packed her bags. She should have done that a long long time ago. I agree with one of the other readers. My favorite quote from the book: " I'm not asking you out..I'm asking you in.." That is too deep. This book is one that will stay with me for awhile. I think each reader can relate to some of the issues at one point or another in their life. This is an excellent novel and the message is clear...Love Yourself First. Everything else will fall into place. Margaret, Thanks for a great read. I can't wait to read "Butterscoth Blues". I wish you much success. Be Blessed!
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