Help Wanted

"Absolutely an amazing story describes Help Wanted by Shawan Lewis. This book reveals the intricacies in the lives of four women, Hailee Shaw, Onyx Devoe, Paris Parker and Effie Peters. These individuals are in the mist of enduring some tumultuous times in their lives. Unbeknownst to these unsuspecting women, there is a divine silver lining in store for each of them, as they overcome their adversities and realize the wonderful miracles that are bestowed upon them. Ultimately linking them to a love unlike any other." "This novel is a fast paced read that will have you hanging on every word. Shawan Lewis has incorporated four unique stories with just enough intrigue to mesmerize you and then manages to connect each characters story. Thereby, creating a remarkable debut with Help Wanted."

Anela's a young woman that has had her share of struggles. Due to these trials of her own, she's fortunate enough to offer assistance to four others who are in desperate need with no promise or prospect of hope. Hailee Shaw, a college student, is besieged as she's trying to handle her studies and tackle her mother's dilemmas. There is a debt that seems to become more and more difficult to pay off. Onyx Devoe is stuck in a dead end job and all she really wants to do is sing. Wayne Cartwright is everything she's ever wanted in a man, and she quickly falls head over heels for him. It's not long before his selfish ways are revealed. Paris Parker is a struggling young mother trying to maintain a happy home with her man Russell while dodging advances as she's trying to pay the bills. Russell is lazy, inconsiderate and a womanizer and someday his ways may cause her to lose her job. Effie Peters, a middle aged married woman, has been married a lifetime to her love Clarence. A single venture to the store has him returning with his resignation to her. Believe it or not Effie is accepting of his middle age crisis. This was a different type of read for me. Each story is relatable. I don't know about others, but I have wished on many occasions some additional help was available in my life. This is a really good book. Reviewed by: Carmen

I am an avid reader and I must say that Shawan Lewis' debut novel is a phenomenal effort! Her characters are realist and the story lines also ring true. Incorporating the Christian theme was an excellent idea because it reminded each character (and the reader) that no matter what they may be experiencing, there is always a higher power looking out for you. Help Wanted was not only a page-turner but also a book that enabled you to visualize and feel what each character experienced. I couldn't put it down. Once I completed it, I had to tell everyone about it because it was a great read! I enjoyed every minute of it and can't wait to read her next book. Shawan Lewis is someone to support and watch because she will only get better with time. Great job and I highly recommend Help Wanted! D. Moore

Help Wanted by newcomer Shawan Lewis is "Waiting to Exhale" meets "Touched by an Angel." Like Terry McMillan's bestselling book, Lewis' debut novel features four women who are dealing with their respective life struggles and relationship woes. Like on the Emmy-nominated television show, "Touched by an Angel," characters in Help Wanted are blessed to have an angel on earth and they don't even know it.   Hailee Shaw is a college student having trouble focusing on her studies because she always has to rescue her mother, Pashen, a former police officer turned drug addict. After a drug deal gone bad, Pashen's boyfriend/supplier threatens her life. To keep her mom alive, Hailee offers herself to the drug kingpin and he graciously accepts. Hailee moves in with him and her mom and becomes his sex slave until he feels the debt is repaid.   Onyx Devoe dreams of becoming a famous R & B singer. By day she works as a claims adjuster and by night she works on her demo. One of her new clients happens to be NBA player, Wayne Griffin, whom she quickly falls for. He's attractive, charismatic and shares her love for music. Before she knows it, she's pregnant and living with him. She suspects he's cheating, but nothing could prepare her for the devastation to come.   Paris Parker is a single mother with an out-of-work boyfriend. The respect level in their relationship has dwindled to nothing. When she lands an internship, her boyfriend is the least of her worries. Somebody at work is trying to sabotage her projects and get her fired. Meanwhile, her boss, a married man, has made more than one pass at her. When she comes home early from work and catches her man having sex, all hell breaks loose. What's disturbing is the identity of "the other woman."   Effie Peters has been married to Clarence for forty years. They've experienced many ups and downs. So when Clarence announces that he is leaving Effie for a younger woman, she laughs it off. However, when he moves out, reality sets in. Clearly, the young girl is only after Clarence's settlement money, but he mistakes the attention for love. When he becomes ill, guess who's at his bedside?   All of these women, though weathering different storms, share a common link. Discovering their heavenly bond will forever change their lives.   Help Wanted is a dynamic debut. At a time when street fiction is ever popular, this novel provides a nice change of pace. The author mixed Christian themes with urban issues and in so doing created a refreshing read. At times, the transitions from one characters voice to the angel's are abrupt and have the potential to confuse readers. That withstanding, I highly recommend this book. Shawan Lewis is definitely an author to watch. Reviewed by Joan Burke Stanford for Loose Leaves Book Review

I couldn't stop turning pages to find out what happened next! Shawan Lewis did an excellent job engaging you with very interesting characters and the lives that they lead. I definitely recommend this book.