Counting Raindrops through a Stained Glass Window

Rating:
Summary: A very enjoyable book.
Review: Kudos to this new writer. This was a very entertaining book that also left the reader with something to think about. I think it's high time that young women evaluate their reasons for getting married and consider the commitment that it takes, rather than rushing into something because that's what they're supposed to do. Every woman needs a little bit of Vanella in her, I think. Also, this writer has a descriptive style that is very endearing. I look forward to reading more from this author and soon.

Rating:
Summary: When is your next book coming out?
Review: The surest way to ruin a good relationship is to marry the man you love. This is the "O" theory, which is the basis of Vanella Morris' life. Vanella has been in a wonderfully drama free relationship for six years. That is until the love of her life, Alton, decides to throw her a monkey wrench and propose. Unable to convince Alton that "shacking" would be much better she has been backed against a wall. Just as her love life begins to deteriorate her family is starting to unravel at the seams. Between her man-crazy sister, over compensatory younger brother, emotionally starved mother and totalitarianistic father, Vanella has no time to take care of her own situation. Vanella now has the perfect excuse to "run for the hills" and make a pilgrimage home to try to salvage her family.

In the process of trying to save her family, Vanella discovers a secret that her family may not be able to survive. This secret has the ability to disprove the "O"theory as well as destroy her family. Unsure of anything at this point Vanella finds comfort from her first love. She is then forced to face some demons from long ago. If she finds the strength to do this her life may change forever.

Cherlyn Michaels' debut novel, Counting Raindrops Through A Stained Glass window has best seller written all over it. Michaels is a wonderful storyteller with the uncanny ability of keeping the readers from putting down the book. She has introduced us to some of the most unforgettable characters in African American fiction. Counting Raindrops is one of those books that you will pick up from time to time just because.

Angie Pickett-Henderson
Readincolor Moderator/Reviewer

Rating:
Summary: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!
Review: This book is destined to be a best seller!!!! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This book is very entertaining and full of unexpected twists and turns, and is complemented with the author's flair of writing.

Vanella Morris is the main character and we share in her misgivings about marriage and why. We share in her quest to have a successful relationship in her own way. We share in her discovery of the keys to a successfull marriage. Her issues about herself, her job, and her relationship are real and most anyone will be able to relate to it. Her family issues are dramatic, funny, and also make a point as to how we can not see things as clearly as we think we are seeing them.

Young women should read this book as well. It's entertaining, but makes you think about marriage and relationships. Cherlyn has a gift of being able to keep you interested. It's a pageturner. Her writing style is very interesting and kept me reading page after page. She has a way of describing things and the characters feelings and thoughts that pull you right into the story with them. This lady definitely has a gift!!!! A promising new author with tremendous writing talent.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book if you enjoy mainstream relationship novels. Cherlyn Michaels is an author to watch and there needs to be a sequel to this one!!!

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable!
Review: This book was a refreshing twist on a relationship novel. It was very well written and the plot flowed smoothly. At times, I was on the edge of my seat, laughing out loud, or feeling angry at some of the characters. I got pulled in with this pageturner. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves relationship novels and is looking for someting good and different.

Rating:
Summary: I cried
Review: This book was excellent! I liked how it was so discriptive, I
felt like I was there. Also, so true about the men!I will
recommed this book to all my friends and family.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book!!
Review: This book was really good. Cherlyn took an approach to the different side of women and marriage. Most women love to get married but for her particular character, Vanella Morris, she chose to make Vanella question the validity of marriage. I would definitely reccommend this book. It's fun, exciting and also has a lot of drama. The ending is the best part. Great Job, Cherlyn!! Can't wait to see sequels.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book!!!!!!
Review: This book was simply excellent. I am selecting this book for my book club members to read and discuss. I like the way Cherlyn presented the issues of marriage in entertaining way. It makes you laugh and think at the same time. She describes things so that you feel you are there but does not overdo it and describe too much detail like some writers do. She kept the pages turning for me. I am highly recommendiing this book and I'm waiting on the next one. Cherlyn Michaels is on my favorite authors list.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent debut.
Review: This is a great book to be from a first time writer. The story was so engrossing. It was hard to put the book down after each chapter. The end of the chapters made me want to read the start of the next and the start of the next made me want to keep on reading. Cherlyn Michaels has conquered the knack for keeping the reader captivated.

Each main character was fully developed to the point where I knew how they felt based on their actions. I could understand each character's issues and their motivations and each had resolutions, although not all were positive so it wasn't a tidy cleanup at the end.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books from this author and soon!

Rating:
Summary: Finally something different
Review: This was a great and quick read. I read it in a little over a day. I loved the twists in this story. It was great to read something unpredictable for a change. A lot of relationship books now are basically the same thing with different names. I commend Cherlyn Michaels for offering something different. I kept thinking certain things were going to happen and it would take a different turn. And I agree that this author has a way with words. And it does makes you think. I wish I had read something like this before I got married and divorced. The issues and discussions are real and the book is very entertaining.

Rating:
Summary: What¿s the hold up?
Review: Vanella Morris has the perfect life. She has a wonderful job as an engineer where she makes lots of money and she lives in a beautiful condo in Cleveland, Ohio. She also has Alton, the perfect man, in her life. They spend as much time together as possible at her condo or his. Both enjoy watching football games, riding motorcycles and going on fabulous vacations. What more could a girl ask for? Vanella wants it to go on this way forever but Alton has other plans. He wants to get married.

Vanella has watched her parents less than perfect marriage and she has held the hands of her girlfriends as their once wonderful love affairs turned to marriage and then divorce. Not wanting to lose Alton ever, she refuses to marry him. Disappointed, Alton drifts away from her and Vanella has to examine her life and her phobia. We follow Vanella as a family crisis forces her to delve into her parents' marriage and family secrets are uncovered. Some new truths come to the forefront and she begins to realize that every man does not turn into a monster once he says 'I do.' The big question is, can she get Alton back or is it too late?

This is a quick paced romance with plenty of twists and turns. It was an enjoyable book that gave the reader plenty to think about.

Reviewed by alice Holman
of the RAWSISTAZ Reviewers