Anyone Who Has A Heart

Rating:
Summary: Heart to Heart
Review: ANYONE WHO HAS A HEART explores the lives of three interconnected characters: Theresa, Zenobia, and Vince. The author seamlessly allows each character to speak to readers directly by organizing the book in such a way that each chapter is told from one of their points of view. Each of the characters is trying to find true love while dealing with their own unique issues which serve as roadblocks in their quest. Theresa is struggling to get over a past relationship, to raise her son, and to determine whether or not her significant other, Vince, is sincere and will really be there for her through thick and thin. Vince strives to maintain his relationship with Theresa and feels that he is in a no-win battle with her past. He wants to do whatever he can to help catapult her out of the prison of her past, so that the two of them can have a real shot at a relationship. But Vince also has some skeletons in the closet of his past, which at times has him questioning his very identity. Zenobia is also a single mother, but she seems inextricably connected to her baby's father in an almost dependent way. Haunted by her past mistakes and lacking the confidence to truly free herself from this relationship, she is stuck in a rut. As she searches for a true love of her own, she must deal with her general distrust of men, as well as her own insecurities. Readers will find themselves turning pages as they follow these characters on their respective journeys to find love.

Jacqueline Powell has done it again with her latest novel, ANYONE WHO HAS A HEART. In this book she tackles many difficult topics including, the search for love, infidelity, HIV, alcoholism, and dealing with past hurts. Through her characters she reminds readers that anyone who has a heart will make mistakes and at times get hurt. The characters are well developed and readers can easily relate to them. I found myself understanding and empathizing with the mistakes the characters made and cheering them on when they made good choices. Ms. Powell tackles so many real life issues in the story, yet she does it in such a way that the powerful lessons and messages are implied, rather than coming across as preachy.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Rating:
Summary: great read
Review: Don't be fooled!!! this was a great book written with passion. Ms. Powell tells a wonderful story that will touch everyone that reads it. Good Job!!! Hurry up with your next title.

Rating:
Summary: Anyone who has a heart will have issues
Review: I wholeheartedly agree with another reviewer that mentioned how the book introduces too many characters. I often lost sight of whom was speaking and had to backtrack in order to recall just where a certain character was introduced. But other than that the book flows well. (Oh, and I did have a problem with the African-based names, pronunciation wise) It goes to show that a woman can never be quite sure what skeletons a man is hiding 'in the closet' and you'd never guess him being on the d.l. I also liked how each woman came full circle and managed to deal with their issues. Mrs. Powell's books will only improve with time!

Rating:
Summary: Too many characters!
Review: I'm sorry Ms. Powell, but I couldn't keep up. Furthermore I couldn't finish it! Better luck next time.

Rating:
Summary: Good read
Review: Single mom Theresa still suffers nightmares and needs alcohol to help her sleep though several years have passed since her lover Don died fighting a fire. Don never knew he sired a boy. Theresa realizes she must move on with her life, but drifts as she has no idea where she wants to go

Her first lover since Don's death Vince wants Theresa to clean up her act, but has identity problems of his own. He wants to be the great lover, but is not sure with which sex though he hides his male trysts behind heterosexual prowess.

Zenobia, Theresa's friend is also a single mom having divorced her abusive former husband Mike, but shares joint custody of their daughter Payce and their business. However, she wants all ties ended with Mike starting with sole ownership of the business, the most in-club in St. Louis. Still she knows if she makes her bid, the risk is great that she can lose all inlcuding her beloved Payce.

Jacqueline Powell provides readers with a strong look at the African-American middle class professional community through the rotating narration of three delightful characters. Each one faces a crossroad of decisions that will impact friends and family, but especially themselves for the rest of their lives. This strong character study will entertain the audience as it reaches inside to the essence of the trio. Regardless of gender or race, ANYONE WHO HAS A HEART that has not read Jacqueline Powell is missing out on one of the deepest character-driven authors on the market today.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: Waste of money
Review: This book was a huge let down. It mentions 3 main characters. But, the 3 main characters had at least 3 friends or relatives. There were so many people that at times I was confused about who the person was. A lot of issues were unresolved at the end of the book. All of the women seemed to have a big know it all attitude and were reluctant to listen to anyone else. The reviews mention Vince's sexuality. I believe this is misleading because the encounter did not take place until half way past the middle of the book and so this gives away unnecessary information. The book did not flow and was just plain old mediocre.

Rating:
Summary: Big Let Down
Review: This book was a huge let down. It mentions 3 main characters. But, the 3 main characters had at least 3 friends or relatives. There were so many people that at times I was confused about who the person was. A lot of issues were unresolved at the end of the book. All of the women seemed to have a big know it all attitude and were reluctant to listen to anyone else. The reviews mention Vince's sexuality. I believe this is misleading because the encounter did not take place until half way past the middle of the book and so this gives away unnecessary information. The book did not flow and was just plain old mediocre.

Rating:
Summary: the title is better than the book
Review: This book was awful, I am an avid reader and it nothing worse than reading a book that is just awful, I think Ms. powell needs alot work as an author. This is the second book that I have read by this author and i am left with the same results, awful writing.

Rating:
Summary: Great book! Real page turner.
Review: This book was filled with drama, but it also showed that everyone on this earth can make mistakes and that no one is perfect. I really wanted Vince to get himself together, but also thought Theresa should have truly listened to him. I think this book should have a sequel to it. I would like to see some unfinished issues be complete.

Rating:
Summary: Waste of money
Review: This was the first time I read anything by Ms. Powell and I don't think I want to read anything else she has written. There were so many characters in this book it became confusing. One member of our book club actually took the time to write out the characters and their connection to one another.