“Not Easily Broken” by T.D. Jakes

T.D. Jakes has written over 30 books and he is no stranger to the New York Times bestsellers list. This best-selling author is known as a leader in the global community. He has been able to reach people all over the world through his global missions and his weekly television program. Jakes has expressed concern over issues such as domestic violence, AIDS awareness, and homelessness. He has been an outstanding leader in fighting against these social issues. In his latest novel, “Not Easily Broken,” he has given insight into problems that plague many marriages.

This book is a very powerful look into many factors that can put a strain on marriage – finances, health problems, and emotional infidelity. Anyone that has been married for a while will be able to relate to this book. As you read this story, you can feel the pain of the characters. They face such a struggle to keep their marriage together in the face of calamity. When the marriage is fragile, almost anything can blow up. Here is an excerpt from Chapter 1 -

“He could tell when he came home that the evening wasn’t going to be smooth. The Board of Realtors dinner was that night, and wouldn’t you know it, one of his building managers had a shift leader quit right before closing time. Dave had to go over there and calm down the agitated manager, then walk her through the process of setting up a temporary shift roster so the building would be covered. They’d figure out a more permanent solution the next day, he told her. The main thing was that the customer’s building was clean and ready for the next day’s business. So he got home an hour late, and when he walked in Clarice had that pinch-lipped look, and the hands-on-her-hips pose told Dave Mama ain’t happy. Which was no big surprise, but he was hoping that for once he could get his explanation in without her going all eastside-westside on him. He couldn’t.”

Not only can you feel their pain, but you can also feel the love that they have for each other. Is love enough to withstand calamity? This triumphant love story examines that question. “A cord of three strands is not easily broken.”

“Midnight: A Gangster Love Story" by Sister Souljah

Sister Souljah, activist, entertainer, and best-selling author brings us her latest novel, “Midnight: A Gangster Love Story.” Souljah has a wealth of life experience. She was a global student, traveled throughout Europe and spent a considerable amount of time in Africa. Her experience and passion can be felt throughout her writing.

“Midnight” is a prequel to her best-selling novel, “The Coldest Winter Ever.” Even if you haven’t read “The Coldest Winter,” you will still enjoy “Midnight.” This compelling story is for people of all walks of life.

It is a love story about a foreigner, by the name of Midnight. Midnight had been raised in a wealthy Islamic African family. His father’s empire was attacked and Midnight was sent to the United States. He arrives in Brooklyn at a young age and fights his way to riches and love.

The story goes: “I am not who you think I am. If you love me, you love me for the wrong reasons.

Females tell me they love me because I'm tall. They love when I stand over them and look down. They love when I lay them down and my height and body weight dominates them.

Females tell me they love me because I'm pure black. They say they never seen a black man so masculine, so pretty, so beautiful before.

Females say they love my eyes. They're jet black too. Women claim they find a passion in them so forceful that they'll do anything I say.”

Truly a page-turner. This tremendous love story will leave the reader delighted.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man by Steve Harvey

Steve Harvey, comedian and host of the nationally syndicated “Steve Harvey Morning Show” is now a best-selling author. This number one best-selling book has truly been a hit. It has blown away so many readers. The comedy that we have come to love from Steve Harvey is all throughout this book. Amidst the humor, there is actually some practical relationship advice.

 Harvey discusses these topics –

• The Ninety Day Rule: Ford requires it of its employees. Should you require it of your man?
• How to spot a mama's boy and what if anything you can do about it.
• When to introduce the kids. And what to read into the first interaction between your date and your kids. 
• The five questions every woman should ask a man to determine how serious he is.

Harvey has an interesting viewpoint of how relationships between a man and a woman should be.  "Old-fashioned” concepts are praised. A man should be a man and a lady should be a lady. What’s wrong with that? That is how it should be.

Men are simple. Women aren’t. Obviously, men and women are different. Harvey provides insight into how a man really thinks. If you want to know about men, ask a man. For example, Harvey candidly explains how a man feels about the words “I want to talk.” --

“For a man, few words are as menacing as those four—especially when a woman is the one saying them and he's on the receiving end. Those four words can mean only two things to men: either we did something wrong or, worse, you really literally just want to talk. Now, we understand that we're not the essence of perfection and there are going to be times when you're mad at us and need to let us know it; we get that, though we don't necessarily want to have to concentrate on an hourlong angry lecture about how we screwed up. But even more? No man wants to sit around gabbing with you like we're one of your girlfriends. Ever. It's just not in our DNA to lounge around, sip coffee, and dab at our eyes with tissue as if we're in an AA meeting or on some psychologist's couch trying to get things off our chest. When men are talking, and especially when they're listening, it's with purpose.”

Harvey helps us to bridge the gap between the sexes and laugh about it. No wonder this book is a hit.