Family FirstThe family that cooks together stays together. The Livingstons are one such family. They own a chain of soul food restaurants, Taste of Soul. Though they are a tightly knit, loving family, they are no strangers to drama. Lutishia Lovely brings the drama with ALL UP IN MY BUSINESS. But for this reader, the book takes a wrong turn with too much drama stretched all around. And every time drama reared its ugly head, many times without explanation, it was neatly packaged and put away, thus weakening the validity of the drama. There is a lot going on in these pages. Though the synopsis leads one to believe that the book is about brothers Malcolm and Toussaint Livingston, the drama of all family members and a few employees are detailed. I found much of it immaterial. I would have preferred if the book had focused more on a particular (limited) number of family members and taken the time to develop those characters, their issues sufficiently and brought about a satisfactory and/or complete resolution instead of a bunch of characters and a bunch of problems. Because of that, ALL UP IN MY BUSINESS feels like it didn't quite know what it wanted to be. It is amusing at times and readable, but not truly memorable. Those hoping for a clear resolution at story's end will be disappointed. The first of a series, I think I'll pass. OOSA Selected Read (Apr) Very intriguing and interesting story....you have family, romance, thrill, drama and suspense. This book is centered around the Livingston family. There are twin brothers and one of their sons that run the family business that was established by their father. On top of this well established family business this family has a long, rich history that is a noted legacy for the men....fidelity and long marriages. As you read, you are hurled into the lives of these people as individuals, couples, families and the Family while you are hanging on to every word. The brothers are Ace and Adam and the sons that work with the family business are Malcolm and Toussaint, the offspring of Adam. Ace is married to Diane and they have two offspring that are not involved is the family business. Adam is married to Candace and he co-chairs the business along side his brother with his sons as integral players in the business successes. and nephews. As the story unfolds we are wrapped up in the lives of the single brother, Toussaint, that has women falling all over him as an eligible bachelor and his brother the family man that finds himself unfulfilled and ready to stake his own spot in the business world where he is the success. As we progress through the book we witness their trials, tribulation, choices and the results of those choices with family always looming in the forefront.Ms. Lovely did a great job expelling a story line that is engaging, exciting and an easy read. She tells us of the individual lives and the Family with fluidity and thoroughness. I am eagerly awaiting the next installation, Mind Your Own Business which comes out September 2011.
What do You think about All Up In My Business (2011)?
This is really a good book. There are great twists. This book would make a good mini series.
—andy
Very interesting read. I can't wait to read the next story.
—flowerjax
