The Sistahood of the Shopaholics [Paperback]

THE SISTAHOOD OF SHOPAHOLICS opens with a bang in "Shameless" by Leslie Esdaile. A bad marriage, bitter divorce and unforeseen single parenthood sends Della Reese to Victoria's Secret in a frenzy with one thing in mind- silk lingerie. Having abstained from shopping and male suitors (both as a part of therapy) in over a year, Della indulges in a black gown while Byron Fulton watches from afar. Who can ignore the shapely, full-figured woman embracing a silk nightgown with a look of pleasure on her face? Not Byron, and soon Della finds that a trip to the mall was just what the doctor ordered.

Gaining twenty-five pounds is enough to send anyone over the edge and that is exactly what happens to Neecey Ballard in Monica Jackson's, "Please Baby Please." A shopping spree meant to cure her ailing self-image turns into a nightmare when Neecey's car is repossessed from right under her nose. Owner and repo man, Joseph Vaughan, is willing to work out a plan of action but it will cost Neecey more than her car's back payments...it may cost her heart.

Ramona Jackson's, nail salon may be the hottest thing in Atlanta, but her heart is on fire for former beau, Kadeem Smith. In Reon Laudat's, "It Takes Two", a wedding between mutual friends reunites these two lovebirds and before you know it, Kadeem and Ramona begin right where they left off. This love affair may be short lived when Ramona's meddlesome ways sends Kadeem packing and Ramona scurrying to the nearest shoe store.

There is no such thing as a little white lie. In Niqui Stanhope's, "Promises", prima donna, Gillian Asher, announces to her Nana at long last she is betrothed to a wonderful man. The waiting game is over and Nana is ready to meet the groom to be; but there is one slight problem-he does not exist. In an attempt to find a way out of this dilemma, Gillian, proceeds to Atlanta's, Phipps Plaza mall and becomes entangled in a brawl over the perfect black dress. Fifteen-hundred dollars worth of damage later, Gillian, comes face to face with mall security and the man who may be her knight in shining armor.

THE SISTAHOOD OF SHOPAHOLICS is entertaining...comical...and outrageous. The antics of each woman and the lengths they go to are amusing. While each novella mentioned the shopping addiction of each protagonist, only two stayed true to the premise. At times, the addiction appeared as an afterthought, focusing more on the romance itself. Also, one of the stories seemed rushed and in the process produced a few discrepancies. These reservations expressed, however, did not detract from the novellas as this reviewer found them engaging. I recommend SISTAHOOD as a fun, relaxing Sunday afternoon read. Romance readers will not be disappointed.

Reviewed by Nicki Lancaster
APOOO BookClub