An Introduction To Love and Self


Romance - Contemporary
186 Pages
Reviewed on 03/13/2009
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Seven’s childhood was not easy. His mother sold her body to provide food and shelter. She would send him outside to stand in front of the building while she met with a customer. She loved him but knew she was a lousy mother. Seven’s temper was quick and he did not hesitate to hit when someone made remarks about his mom. Lisa lived down the hall from Seven. Her father was a mean drunk and never hesitated to beat her. Lisa was eight years old and Seven was ten when she discovered her parents had moved out deserting her. Lisa went to live with her grandmother. It would be eighteen years before they met again.  Successful businessman, Seven, saw Lisa working at a conference. Soon the two became inseparable. They were deeply in love. Hidden answers to questions come to light causing Seven to question his existence.

An Introduction to Love and Self by Joan Vassar is a love story. Seven discovers that he must learn to love himself and accept who he is before he can truly love Lisa. The plot and characters are well developed. Bobbi and Betty are delightful characters. Both are written with just the right amount of humor. Seven and Lisa play well together. Seven’s anguish was his own antagonist. I enjoyed this story and eagerly turned the pages. Vassar is a talented author; I think we will hear more from her.

J. Wynns

It has been a long time since a book has taken me to a different place filled with heartache, love, sorrow, achievements, and everyday family situations(that occur more than people would like to mention). I just fell head over heels for Seven. Ms. Vassar's writing is brilliant. You can visibly see the story as it unfolds. Make sure you have half the day before reading this one, because you will be hooked on it from page 1.This novel is just plain REAL - no sugar coating and I loved that! I can't wait for the next read. Brilliant!

PRETTYNIECY

I want Steven!!! Let me just tell you, this is a must have to any library. It took me soooooooo long to read it fear of the book coming to an end- I did not want it to be over!!!! I need more Ms Vassar, give me more!@#$%^!. I see Ms Vassar only has this one book, however this author has enough talent and has captivated the readers with the romance of Steven and Lisa that she could build a trilogy around them, look for this author, SHE WILL BE BIG ONE DAY! watch out Terry Mcmillan

Lana Hooks

I loved the way the author weaved the tale of how one with dysfunctional beginnings can choose to have a good ending. Even with a complicated middle to have an "enlightment" of the soul and make a conscious choice to press forward in a transformed mind. The author showed it was not easy but it can be done. I find in this book that is so refreshing, especially with an African American male and female couple - the sticktoitness. Lisa chose to not close her soul up and live but that was due to her mother's family accepting her in spite of her parents treatment. As for Seven he did close up and allowed "money" to speak for his past. Almost a revenge of sorts to say it didn't tear him down but with all the money he made and his ingenuity it did. He had to reevaluate what his "ego" wanted to believe versus the hard choices his mother made to protect her son. Hindsight is always 20/20 but I liked how the author portrayed the "generational cycles" of grandfather to grandson to teach Seven a wisdom that he really had but he needed "family" and a "man" to show him "the way."

I liked the author's stance of Seven and Lisa's honest and grit love for each other. They looked passed the hurt in and to each other to the love for each other. They saw the genuine person, the authentic person. The author had them both to remember those kids in the apartment building who heard, felt and saw enough pain to last a lifetime but found solace and kindness in each other to pull them through as adults. EXCELLENT READ!

Terri Barton

Joan Vassar has exploded on the literary scene dazzling us with a romantic novel that grabs you and just won't let go, much like the leading man in the book Seven grabs hold of Lisa, the leading lady. This fascinating find gives insight into a world and culture laced with hardship, cruelty and regret while still leaving the taste of beauty, optimism, love and knowledge of oneself on the reader's lips. I adored this novel...and I can't wait for the next book from this fabulous new author!

A. Rogers

I loved this book from beginning to end. Easy to read and straightforward. It was wonderful getting a front seat to the lives of Seven & Lisa. I could see it like a movie as I was reading the story. Kudos to you Ms. Vassar & I can't wait to read the next one!

Toni L. Hunter

I chuckled, I cried, I got pissed, I got hot flashes, I was scared, I could not put it down. Honestly I loved it. Joan Vassar, you have done something you should be very proud of. I can't wait for her new release and those yet to come. You are clearly made my favorite authors list.

K. Ward

I was very skeptical about reading this book because I like the hot looking cover. There I go judging a book by its cover As I read only the first chapter of the story. I was hook on Seven and Lisa story. At 4 pm i started and still reading it. I don't want to put the book down. Its a blend of emotions throughout the book from I want to kick lisa parents butts to Seven mother providing for her son thru prositution and trying to establish a connection that was lost during Seven childhood. Since I am only on Chapter 7 I can't tell you whats happening but I know you will enjoy it. Hooray to the new author Mrs. Joan V. Good luck and hope to read more of your work soon.

Daria Itter Mathews

It has been 10 years since I have read a full book. Raising family and life never gives me time. This book was so easy to read and the characters are great! there is a little bit of everyones family in this book and I could relate. I love Seven and his grandfather. this book once you start you can't stop. 2 thumbs up to the author. a job well done.