Ayla's Paradise

Rating:
Summary: an awakening for women
Review: Ayla's Paradise is a book I'm proud to have read. Being of Jamaican descent I can relate to some of it's contents and having been raised in the U.S. I also connect. It's a novel for everyone, but most importantly for young women who think they need a male figure to survive and for older women who believe they should raise their children the way they were. It's also fascinating how she never forgets her spiritual father through trying times. I also enjoy the traumatic surprise she had to face.

Rating:
Summary: Hats Off
Review: Ayla's Paradise is a short wonderful story. The island of St. Croix is surely Paradise, the beautiful ocean and scenery brings back pleasant memories, especially if one is from that island and has not being back for years. Even if one is not from the island it makes you want to visit. The lost of her mother at such a tender probably left her wondering "why", but even so Ayla dedicated her life to the Lord. There were struggles along the way but Ayla remained strong and steadfast in her faith. She had a few tests to endure: a college love who blew her off, a shortage of money and later on when she finds the man of her dreams, and he is taken away from her and the kids. She came out of that ordeal strong and victorious.

Rating:
Summary: Very nice short novel
Review: I picked up the book one lazy Sunday evening, and was pleasantly surprised to find myself totally engrossed in the story and turning the pages avidly. The author turns out fine alliterative phrases and succeeded in creating a vivid tropical world of colors, sounds and smells which I could relate to being from a tropical country myself. There is a strong moral undertone to the story of Ayla's life which however does not overwhelm the central theme -- that one can overcome any adversity. From the early death of her mother, through Ayla's struggles to complete her education, find a lasting love; and later raise a family as a single parent -- one learns that with inner strenght founded on a deep spiritual belief one can overcome these challenges and achieve any goals. Still, this novel is recommended reading for a relaxing evening.