By Design

I really enjoyed this new book from Barbara Keaton. It is Shari and Hamilton's story and it really pulls you in. I read it in three days! Get it! You won't be sorry!

Shari Thomas, a buyer for a large department store, dreams of owning her own business designing clothes. To keep her mind off her broken engagement to Bruce, Shari enjoyed traveling to foreign countries to choose lines of clothing for women. European men showered her with attention and it helped heal the wounds of the failed relationship but now that she has accomplished her goal and has become the head buyer, she is ready to branch out to style fashions specifically for African American women. Her domineering mother, who values security above all else, is against the idea. Her mother wants her to marry Bruce, settle down and produce grandchildren. It is an issue that Shari does not want to discuss with her.At her goddaughter's baptism Shari meets a handsome man, Hamilton, that she finds intriguing. While driving home, alternately thinking about Hamilton and getting excited over her decision to quit her job and follow her dream, Shari steps on the brakes instead of the gas and is rear-ended. Her car skids off the highway. Hamilton, who is a few cars behind her, comes to her rescue. He rides with her in the ambulance to the hospital and stays with her until her family arrives. It is the beginning of a wonderful friendship that quickly turns into a love affair. There are obstacles along the way such as his former girlfriend and Bruce showing up at inopportune times. BY DESIGN is a sweet but predictable love story that romance readers will enjoy.Reviewed by alice Holmanof The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Although happy to become godmother to her best friend's baby, Shari Thomas finds herself longing for a family of her own. Her job as a head buyer makes traveling a must which is the main reason it took her so long to realize that her fiancé was right-she didn't love him. Planning to start her own design business will give Shari plenty of time for a personal life which is good since Hamilton Edmunds makes no bones about his attraction to her. Having been hurt and betrayed in the past Hamilton's not real big on trust but his feelings for Shari soon blossom into an everlasting love but is there trust with that love, something he'll have to find the answer to when Shari's past collides with their present. BY DESIGN is a true love story and all the uncertainty, joy and sometimes pain which comes with it. Ms. Keaton pins a marvelous tale about looking forward and stepping out to realize a dream. DK

Having looked forward to Ms. Keaton's fourth book, I was truly pleased, even though the book had some errors. The story itself was great and I fell in love with the male character, Hamilton - especially the jump rope scene! Love it, Ms. Keaton. LOVED IT! If there is a Hamilton Edmunds, Jr. out there I want him for myself! Kudos to Ms. Keaton. By Deisgn is her best one yet, even though I loved An Unfinished Love Affair. Ms. Keaton's work seems to get better and better with each book. I can't wait to see what she has in store next.