As Real as It Gets

This debut novel was written as if by a well-seasoned author. I felt as if I actually knew the characters and was a part of their lives. Excellent story! I must say that at first I wasn't interested in this book because I wasn't feelin' the cover (silly me) but after reading an excerpt online I knew I had to get it. Very quick and easy read. The way the story was told and written actually reminded me of Eric Jerome Dickey (in his earlier days) with the use of sentence fragments and vivid descriptions of surroundings that made you feel as if you were right there with them. Good job, Monica! I certainly look forward to your next novel.

This book exceeded my expectations! Ms. McKayhan wrote a story that was wonderfully written. This is the kind of story that I love to read. The characters were interesting and well written. I liked that their story was told in the first person. Each woman had her story to tell but the main story was one of real sista friendship. On the surface Reece had it all, a good job as a lawyer and a sucessful fiance. However, she can't or won't commit to a wedding date. She knows that she should be happy. Many women wolud love to have the life that she has. So why isn't she happy? A trip to the Bahamas with her girls and a chance meeting with a stranger will lead to some life changing answers. Maxie is a survivor. She had a horrilbe childhood but it didn't make her hard or bitter. She is a caring person who takes on local causes. She is looking for her two younger sisters with the hopes of finding that faimly connectings that she thinks she needs. Along the way Maxie comes to the realization that family means more that just blood ties and that her true family is a lot closer than than she thought. Career wise Charlotte has it going on! She is a very sucessful real estate agent and makes great money. But her personal life is at an all time low. Unfortunately for Charlotte fate is about to deal her serious blow. However, she doen't have to face it a lone. She had the support of Reece and Maxie. I can't say enough good things about this story. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. I rarly give a book a 5 star rating but without a doubt this was one of the best books that I've ever read. I look forward to more from Ms. McKayhan.

The world of girlfriends has gotten much play. From books to TV shows, the ins and outs, ups and downs of sisterhood has been examined and re-examined dozens of time. But what debut author Monica McKayhan brings is a fresh new look at the phenomena. She has stepped onto the literary scene with a delightful, delicious, scrumptious read, offering that 'too-the-bone' authenticity I crave. If you think you already know the story, well think again. With the skill of a surgeon, Ms. McKayhan brings us deep into the world of Reece, an attorney, Maxie, a struggling journalist and Charlotte, a real estate agent, three friends just trying to live a good life in Hotlanta. From the opening scene to the final end, Monica McKayhan's writing flies off the page with a clean, tight swiftness that is often lacking in the world of today's fiction. I found myself wanting more as I got closer to the end. "As Real As It Gets" is one of those stories that I didn't want to end. Why? Because Ms. McKayhan delivers highly skilled and insight writing page after page after page. I just wanted to wrap myself in her words and never come out again... If you are looking for a story that will snatch you up and will refuse to let you go, then this is the story for you. Want to get your fill? Want to get your 'read' on? Then pick up this book. You will not be disappointed. Monica is a true talent and definitely an author to watch. Margaret Johnson-Hodge author, "This Time"

Picked up Monica McKayhan's accomplished debut, As Real As It Gets, on Saturday. Finished it by Sunday morning. Incredible read. Thoroughly impressive. Not one wasted word. Not one wasted scene. Not one wasted page. At heart, the story of three women: Reece, Maxine, and Charlotte, and their various situations. A character study of love, friendship, pain, faith, and redemption. One woman facing the prospects of marriage to a man she may or may not love. Another chasing ghosts from her past. And yet another dealing with a reality that makes her question her life, her internal strength, and God. Fascinating read. The pages will turn quickly in this one. McKayhan is set to do big things in the genre. We, the reader, are blessed because of her.

AS REAL AS IT GETS is a multi-faceted tale that explores the lives of three friends, Reece, Charlotte, and Maxie. Told from alternating points of view, the story allows readers to get to know the characters intimately. Early on, the three women take a vacation together and it is during this trip that some major life changes are initiated. Reece is always taking care of someone else; even as an attorney, she is always taking on pro bono work. She is constantly striving to please her mother, her fiancé, and even her friends, but isn't quite happy herself. Her fiancé is tired of waiting for her to set a date for their wedding, but Reece is still not ready to commit. What will it take to get her down the aisle? How far is she willing to go to experience true happiness? And how will a handsome man she meets while vacationing fit into the mix? Charlotte is driven and is working hard to schmooze her high powered and wealthy real estate clients so that she can reach her personal goal for sales. When she receives some shocking news before leaving on the trip, she decides to keep it to herself. Will she open up and rely on the help of her friends? Will she survive the devastating events that follow? Finally, Maxie, the tough girl of the threesome, is a successful freelance journalist, yet, because of her horrific childhood, she is unable to fully enjoy life. She was put into foster care and separated from her sisters years ago and has been unsuccessful locating them as adults. When Reece hooks her up with a private detective, her hope to find her long lost siblings is renewed. But does blood alone guarantee the bond of sisterhood? Will she find the courage to live life to the fullest? This is McKayhan's debut title, but I'm hoping it will not be her last. Her writing was crisp and strong. She deftly alternates between the points of view of the three women with the precision of a seasoned professional. She keeps the tension in the book just right; as a result, I was always anxious to see what would happen next. The characters were multi-dimensional and had enough flaws to be believable. The book addressed such themes as being true to oneself, fidelity, forgiveness, and sisterhood, while tackling some heavy issues such as childhood abuse, and foster care. In spite of the weighty topics covered, the plot wasn't bogged down with seriousness, instead, it was an easy read sprinkled with humor. AS REAL AS IT GETS is an authentic example of a well-written and enjoyable mainstream fiction title. (RAW Rating: 4.5) Reviewed by Stacey Seay of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers