Sugar Vs. Spice

SUGAR VS. SPICE is about two sisters who are total opposites of one another. Tari, a newspaper journalist by day and jazz singer at night, is the assertive, career-oriented and feisty one and psychotherapist, Melinda is the churchgoing, perfect wife and mother. Although the sisters are often at odds with one another, when Tari is diagnosed with a life-altering disease they learn some things about themselves and each other. Tari's career has finally gotten the boost it needs when she breaks a corruption case which lands her on the front page of her newspaper. However, with her career on a high she has to face the fight of her life. Her journey to recovery including the fear, the questions of why, the physical changes and the affect on her family and friends teaches Tari that she can lean on others. When she finally discloses her illness, she realizes she is not perfect and she is truly blessed. Melinda's marriage is in shambles and even with her doctorate in psychotherapy she can't seem to find a way to solve the problems in her own life. Being immersed in her church activities, doesn't ease the problems in her home. Her husband has become a disappointment to her, she feels used and wishes she could run away. With Tari's illness she starts to wonder what would happen if something happens to her. Would her husband, as lazy as he is, be able to take care of their children? Although the story really delves into how Tari deals with her ailment it also gives readers an insight into the affects on all those close to the main character. Tari ends up learning more about herself, but her family, friends and even co-workers also learn something about themselves. This was a well-done story because readers get a very realistic and intimate view of the anguish, perseverance and strength it takes to overcome a life threatening illness. The pace and subplots were very motivating factors in keeping readers engrossed. The characters were well-written. When readers finish this story, they may have learned a little bit about themselves, too. Reviewed by Cashana Seals of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

5. The authors writing style is "simpligant" : A lovely combination of simple and elegant. 4. Family, Family, Family: In the end, it's all you have... 3. Offers a rare glimpse into the mind of young, ambitious woman struggling with Cancer 2. You are going to get a guided tour of Boston wrapped in a powerful story 1. A truly powerful story of human perseverance in the face of daunting adversity

Don't let the "chick lit" classification fool you: Joanne Skerrett's second novel has substance. Sugar Vs. Spice is a powerful story of change, courage, strength and love in the midst of adversity. The protagonist, Tari Shields, is an up-and-coming Boston journalist by day and a jazz singer by night. She's a contrast to her older sister, a perfect wife, mother, psychotherapist and church member. But just as things start looking up for Tari -- the biggest story of her career dominates the front pages of the Boston Standard -- she's diagnosed with breast cancer. Her illness transforms her relationships, her career and even herself. But this book is not a downer. Skerrett's wit, fluid writing style, humor, and dialogue keep the novel moving. Skerrett's first novel, She Who Shops, was a charming debut, but she raises the bar with this one and avoids sophomore slump. I look forward to more work from this author.

In "Sugar vs. Spice,'' you'll meet two fiesty, hardworking, ambitious sisters, Tari and Melinda, who are cut from the same cloth but are as different as can be. Tari is an aggressive, don't-get-in-the-way-of-her-biggest-story business reporter at The Boston Statesman newspaper. When she's not writing, she's singing her heart out at Boston area jazz clubs. Melinda is her big sister, aka Super Mom, to two darling young children. She's also a do-it-all wife and die-hard church-goer who struggles with a stay-at-home lazy husband who won't get off his feet and get a job. While the sisters clash in personalities and views on life, they manage to put those differences aside when Tari is diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening disease. Joanne Skerrett takes the reader through every nerve-wracking emotion, gut-churning feeling, mind-numbing frustration, and physically-altering pain as Tari undergoes the most personal, professional and medical challenge of a lifetime. But Tari's true virtue is her resilience and with help from her big sister and their mother Coletta, Tari learns that it's okay to lean on others, especially if they're your family, in a time of crisis. You can't help but admire each sister (and mother) for her stubborness, which is rooted in a good place. Skerrett also gives a nod to Boston's more unsung urban neighborhoods (Dorchester and Mattapan) by taking the reader on a literal tour of the communities through each chapter and through each sister. Overall, Sugar vs. Spice shows that a little bit of both never hurts to have in your life, especially from a loving family.