Forever and a Day [Perfect Paperback]

Author Dyanne Davis' "Forever and A Day" captures an up close and personal view of what is was like to be in the midst of Hurricane Katrina and the tragedies that resulted from such a devastating storm. The lives it took and the damage that has ravaged New Orleans, Mississippi, and is something that will never be forgotten.

Ever since Torrie Thibodeaux was five years-old, she would cower in the corner, afraid of the impending storms that New Orleans would experience every year. When this would happen during the time she was in pre-school, Jake Broussard would come over and sit with her, promising with all his five year-old heart that he would protect her. This was their relationship as they grew up, despite the class difference and skin color. Until the day it was made evident to the two of them by the neighbor who embarrassed them and ultimately changed their relationship seemingly forever.

Over the years Torrie and Jake lived their lives apart from each other, Torrie in New Orleans and Jake in New York. Whenever there was a storm, Jake would call Torrie and talk her through it, putting her fears at bay. But he has always known that Torrie's apprehension far surpassed her fear of storms, and was directly related to the dreams and visions of the devastation that would some day come to be known as "Hurricane Katrina."

Running ahead of Hurricane Katrina and Rita, Torrie was very instrumental by becoming a modern day "Moses", helping family and friends to escape the storms and find shelter, food and jobs. All the while Jake came running behind Torrie determined to rekindle their relationship and accept and forge ahead with the love he has had for Torrie since he was five years-old. They still had to deal with the fact that they came from different worlds, Torrie from the Ninth Ward and he from the Garden District, but they both matured enough to confront these issues and others all the while dealing with the crisis of the storm, their families' concerns and thoughts about them being together, and a host of things from their past that had come full circle.

"Forever and A Day" is a wonderful novel that author Davis was able to weave into a beautiful love story despite the issues skin color, upbringing, and class. The storm was the catalyst that blurred these concerns making the people one in their unfortunate ordeal. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romance books, and to those who still have concerns about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and those who are still suffering from its destruction.

Reviewed by Sharel E. Gordon-Love

Apooo BookClub

The days proceeding Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath of its devastation are the setting of FOREVER AND A DAY by Dyanne Davis. Torrie Thibodeaux has always had a sixth sense when it came to the hurricanes in her native New Orleans. Her family has never taken her seriously with her dreams, predictions and fears and when Hurricane Katrina threatens, their doubts remain the same. Preparing for a hurricane party, Torrie warns her family members about the impending storm. However, there is one person who has always been there for Torrie during these trying times, whether in the flesh, as a child, or via telephone during their adult years. Jake Broussard, Torrie's childhood friend and former boyfriend, has always been by her side. He presently lives in New York City and his telephone call to Torrie in the wake of the storm, catapults her into leaving New Orleans with several families and setting up camp in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Unbeknownst to her, Jake is on his way to Louisiana.

Jake's arrival brings a historical perspective amongst the Thibodeaux and Broussard family; families rooted in New Orleans traditions of classism and the haves versus the have-nots. The Thibodeaux family are among the hard working have-nots and the Broussard family is the epitome of New Orleans' power and corruption. When Jake returns so does the distrust and hatred of anyone named Broussard.

Because Jake broke Torrie's heart as teenagers and his father's past history shady dealings, the Thibodeaux family despises Jake's return and his interference. Jake believes his leaving New Orleans and forging his own way, he is nowhere near the likes of his father. His arrival in New Orleans is two-fold, to protect Torrie and to make sure she and her family is not scammed of their rightful insurance claims. What Jake is unaware of is, his entire life was scripted and so is his return.

The author skillfully develops a setting that is easily visualized by the reader. Utilizing several families from different sides of the economic range, their emotional trauma, their faith in God and learning about the often-told corruption within the city of New Orleans made for a very good and highly enlightening read.

Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves

of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

I must say Ms. Davis has done the best job of any novel I have read in depicting the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and the levee breach in New Orleans. She took me back to those days before and my fears for the people of New Orleans. I remember thinking the same things she wrote about "Why aren't they taking this seriously?" and "Why aren't they listening to Mayor Nagin's request for them to leave?" I live in Texas and I remember staying up for days watching the news and praying for the victims.
In the midst of all the sadness, she was able to create a touching love story between Torrie and Jake. There were times I just wanted to reach in the book and shake sense into Torrie for some of her stubbornness and pride. Jake was so giving and caring that I didn't always feel like she properly appreciated what she had. Oh and don't get me started on the two families. They were like the modern day Hatfield's and McCoy's with shot guns to boot. Who would ever think you could meet and fall in love with your soul-mate at the age of 5?
This story was truly well developed and Ms. Davis took a difficult topic and made it heart-warming and hopeful, despite the sadness and destruction. I loved it!!