What Mother Never Told Me

"What Mother Never Told Me". The story is a sequel to Hill's novel "Rhythms", I've waited 10 years to read this excellent follow up. Parris McKay thought her mother was dead for 30 years. On her grandmothers death bed a confession is made that sends Parris on a journey to find truth and reason. Parris's friends Leslie and Celeste also have demons to deal with. Leslie is dealing with a disabled mother which she feels responsible for, and Celeste's privilaged upbringing is one long line of lies secrets and control, that she despies. Nick, Parris's rock and heart supports her as she goes to Paris to find out why she'd been lied to for 30 years. All 3 of these women's lives come together and full circle. Parris and Celeste find out that their connection is more than they could have ever imagined. From Mississippi to France, to Harlem, this story weaves a fantasic story of what you won't do for love. I loved the surprise twist the pulled everything together at the end. The whole 6 degrees of separation was mind blowing. Donna has once again out done herself, and this sequel was truly worth the 10 year wait. 5 Stars

Imagine learning that everything you've been told about yourself was lie. Imagine believing that your mother died giving birth to you only to learn that she's alive and well on the other side of the world. That's exactly what Parris McKay discovers in Donna Hill's latest novel "What Mother Never Told Me". The story is a sequel to Hill's novel "Rhythms" which is the story about 3 generations of women that were scared by the actions of one man. In "What Mother Never Told Me" Parris McKay daughter of Emma Travanti learns of her mother's existence in her grandmother's final moments before dying. It was Parris' grandmother's final request that she find her mother and seek the answers she needs to make herself whole. On this journey to find her mother Parris meets an unlikely source that completes the final piece to the puzzle. It is said the sequel is never better than the first however Hill puts that notion to rest with this story. She continues to deliver stories that are thought provoking, heart wrenching and triumphant. Hill skillfully gives readers the plot followed by wonderful subplots then brings it all together in the end. She cleverly reminds readers that life is about the choices you make and does a wonderful job of weaving fate into her stories. If you enjoy stories of family secrets, deception, forgiveness and new beginnings, I strongly recommend you read "What Mother Never Told Me".

Every mother and daughter relationship is different...well in What Mother Never Told Me Donna Hill shows the reader exactly not only how different, but also how difficult they can be on both ends of the equation. When the story begins the reader will embark on a very emotional, mental, and finical rollercoaster all the way to the end of the story. Hill will show all women out there that no matter how horrible one's relationship maybe with their mother or daughter... as long as their is some love in the mix there is light at the end of the tunnel. For all those that have read Rhythms...What Mother Never Told Me was worth the wait!

Wanting to become a professional singer, Cora leaves her hometown Rudell, Mississippi for Chicago. There she obtains work for an affluent Caucasian family. However, their son rapes her so Cora fled for Rudell unaware she is pregnant. In Rudell, she marries her childhood sweetheart David, but hell breaks out when their offspring is white. That girl Emma learned to pass as white to gain acceptance. In New York, she marries a Caucasian soldier, Michael who soon afterward is deployed overseas. Emma gives birth to a baby with black features. She sends her daughter Parris to Mississippi to be raised by her mom while fleeing for Europe. However, as an adult, her dying grandma informs Parris that her mom lives so she travels with her Nick to France in search of her biological mother. Though the saga of an African-American passing as white has been done many times, What Mother Never Told Me is a fascinating tale that focuses mostly on the third generation's search once she knows her "white" mom is alive. The cast is three dimensional as the three generations seem genuine especially their motives even if a reader disagrees with choices. Well written, the character driven story line grips the audience as Emma seeks her mom and she hopes her dad too. Harriet Klausner

What Mother Never Told Me by Donna Hill is one of the most engaging novels I have read on the subject of mothers and daughters. From page one the reader is drawn into the life of Parris McKay as she goes in search of the mother she had been told was dead for 30 years. The story slowly and surely allows the reader to see and feel how and why the deception took place. The story is so well-told that at times I felt as though the mother had betrayed me. However, once I saw the story unfold, my perspective changed, as did my understanding. Even more compelling is the love story component of Parris and Nick, the man she is in love with. Also the story of the love of her mother's life is very compelling. The back stories about Celeste, a blue-blood, socialite and her mother, as well as Leslie, an overweight, interior designer and her mother are just as fascinating. The unexpected bond between the three women also speaks of sisterhood and the support that women can only give other women. There are also many other romantic layers and flavors that make this book a literary delight. I recommend What Mother Never Told Me to all readers who love a wonderfully told story. The book was provided by the publisher for review purposes. Angelia Menchan APOOO BookClub