What Doesn't Kill You

DeBerry and Grant created such a wonderfully real heroine. This book is smart, inspiring and full of spot-on observations about life and people that often had me laughing out loud. I sure hope this isn't the last we see of Tee. She felt like a dear friend.

I really enjoyed this novel. I was so into the story that when I also listened to the audio while driving so that I could keep up with Tee's life. Very humorous and a plot that I could identify with. Excellent job Ms. DeBerry and Ms.Grant you ladies really are gifted writers.

"What Doesn't Kill You" is a superior read. Writing duo, Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant, distribute a well-written novel with a smooth tempo. Fans will be spellbound by Tee, a stubborn person, whose life has hit a hard snag. While planning her daughter's wedding, Tee learns that her services are no longer desired at Markson & Daughter, a company that she regarded as more than a place of work. Before the ink can dry on all of the checks she's written, Tee's outrage on being let go may have cost her more than she can afford to lose. What happens when Tee is forced to try her hand at employment in this day and age? Although this is just my first read by these two authors, I loved it! It's apparent that they definitely have the right modus operandi for story telling. I'm looking forward to adding to my DeBerry & Grant collection. Reviewed by: Taye

Fabulous forty-ish Tee is droll and straight like that and enjoys life. Right now she's throwing an elaborate wedding for only child, Amber, and baby son-in-law, JJ. While things on the home front appear picture-perfect, her career is a sore topic. After twenty-five years of dedication, hard work and commitment, she was dismissed. Instead of sobbing and sharing her bad news, Tee maintained her composure. A few drinks too many and a hangover isn't the only thing Tee woke up with. This can't be good, can it? Albeit upset and distraught over the loss of her career, Tee knows that she'd be an asset to any company and decides to take it for all that it's worth. Besides, she actually has time to relax. Regrettably, Tee's good fortune hits an abrupt tailspin. Pending litigations, miscalculations, denial, confusion, budgets and avoidance land her only milliseconds away from bankruptcy. Will she finally be able to fess up and re-examine her life? WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU tells an enchanting story about life, the economic pangs and a desperate need for change. A care-free flow and great characters, DeBerry & Grant are sure to touch your heart with this one. Definitely one of my best reads for 2009. OOSA Book of the Month

Thomasina (Tee) Rodgers knew she was in for it when she woke up, the morning after her daughter's wedding, in bed with the best man, her son-in-law's cousin. How did she get there? Well, it all started when she divorced her husband while her daughter Amber was a baby. Having to make a way for the two of them, she meets entrepreneur Olivia Markson and begins an employment association and friendship that would last until Olivia's death. Because of their friendship and what Tee felt was a partnership, Tee thought the business would always be there, but Olivia's daughter had other plans. Soon Tee finds herself unemployed, planning a lavish wedding and only probable prospects for the future. Hence, a night of too much champagne and dwindling hope has Tee reeling as she wakes up in bed with Ron. Tee decides to hide the truth from her family and friends as long as she can and then doesn't want to except any help. With her savings diminishing, creditors calling and facing possible bankruptcy, Tee reinvents herself using all that she has learned in the business world. As she does, she develops a tentative relationship with Ron that inspires her and could possibly be one of the best things to happen to her. Will she succeed? Or, will she fall prey to economic disaster? In WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU, Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant have created a real life protagonist who has the resourcefulness and wit to deal with real world issues. This timely production teaches that though you're down and out, you can still reach within to succeed in this world; it just may take a little work, a little planning and whole lot of faith to do so. This is my first DeBerry and Grant read and it most definitely will not be my last. I found the characters in this advance reading copy to be engaging, funny and inspirational. I absolutely love the writing style. This is a very good pick-me-up type of read for those who are going through bad economic times right now. Reviewed by Brenda Lisbon of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers