Happily Even After

I loved this book. It is the third book in this series by Marilyn Griffith. As always with her books there was a message and it came together wonderfully in the end. Ms. Marilyn Griffith' book reminds you so much of how God sometimes moves in our lives. We just don't know or understand while we are in it but eventually it all becomes clear. Loved the book and hope there will be more coming.

Marilynn has a way of taking everyday life - our ups and downs and struggles - and making it a must-read. I don't think anyone forgets the experience of being a First-Time Mom and in this book we get an intimate look inside the head of a woman who's been there. It's funny and real, entertaining and moving (and faith-building somehow in the middle of it all). Another fabulous book from this writer - and an excellent choice for anyone who hasn't read her books yet too!

Happily Even After by Marilynn Griffith is the last book in the Sassy Sistahood series (No!!!!) Griffith is one of my favorite authors. She always manages to capture real women in tough situations and do it with grace and style. I want all of her characters for my friends, and I definitely want to attend the churches in her books. Tracey has married Ryan, the man of her dreams, they have their fantasy home, and a perfect baby girl. What could go wrong? Well, just about everything. Tracey is struggling to make her web design business a go between taking care of her baby and trying to fit in at their new church. But Ryan's business isn't going so well, and in his fight to keep their finances afloat, he pulls some pretty shady manuevers. And his mother named Queen Elizabeth (really!) scorns everything about Tracey from her weight to her breastfeeding. When the Queen embarrasses Tracey in front of their entire church, and Ryan doesn't back her up, she's at the end of her tether. But God works in mysterious ways, and he uses her humiliation as a way to introduce her to the women of the church. Soon Tracey is making friends and getting her self confidence back, except for about her weight; she just can't seem to lose the last few pounds of baby weight. Tracey is a realistic, fantastic woman, and reading about her frustration with her weight and mothering duties, plus handling her mother-in-law makes for enjoyable reading, whether I'm laughing or crying with her. Tracey learns to lean on God for her needs instead of her husband, and as her faith deepens, so does the story. Griffith has a powerful story with messages for women of all races and colors.

I had said before that I thought If the Shoe Fits was my favorite Marilynn Griffith book. Well I have now changed my mind. This was her best book yet. The story is great, the characters multi-dimensional, and a plot that will make you mull over about for days later. I really liked Tracey's character. She's a great mom and she keeps trying to be a good wife and daughter in law but no matter what she does it's not good enough. I would have been totally frustrated if I was her. I loved her scenes in her bathroom. It's nice to read there are others who like to escape reality every now and then to help themselves relax. Ok I will not lie. I hated Queen Elizabeth's character at first. I know that there are some mother in laws that have difficulties with their only son marrying, but seriously she was way out of whack. It hurt every time she criticized Tracey especially about her weight. I wanted to applaud the doctor who told her to get out of the room because she was hurting the baby with her words. And I hated that Ryan would not stand up for Tracey. It really bugs me about guys who let their mothers control them and will not protect their wives. Why get married in the first place if you want your mom to keep taking care of you? But when you find out why everyone acts that way, it brings a whole new light to the story. I'm glad though that while Tracey does forgive, it doesn't end with her being the one that apologizes. I hate books that end where the character that gets abused is the one that has to "learn to love and forgive." This was way more realistic. I also enjoyed the tidbit about church politics. It's always interesting to see how people sometimes forget the real reason why they go to church. It shouldn't be about who's better than everyone and where everyone sits. I'm really sad the series is ending. I would have loved to read more about the Sassy Sisterhood. I wish there had been a bit more interaction with the other women, and in this book Austin barely got mentioned at all. I think it would have been fun to read her story as well. However, this is just a really great book to read. It's mom-lit that you can relate to. And even if you're not a mom, a wife or daughter in law you'll find something about this book to enjoy. HIGHLY recommended.

For those who have read Made of Honor and If the Shoe Fits you will want to read about Ryan and Tracey's story in Happily Ever After. This is well-written and hard to put down. Even after reading the book the characters are still with me making me care, even though they are "People on Paper." We see the struggles of a married couple as they deal with past issues, in-law dilemmas, low self esteem and general living. Through the Grace of God they are able to overcome some obstacles, but Griffith illustrates that the road to Happily Every After does come with a price. I would like to encourage readers of all races to take a look at Marilynn's work. Marilynn's characters are not all Black women. I would like to think that women who are saved can find some nuggets of truth in any woman's story regardless of color. As we are made in His image and likeness, we need to know that we as woman have more in common than we might think. Our experiences and perspective can certainly be a blessing to each other. We are more alike than we might think. N. Willis Chicago, IL