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Easier Said Than Done - Cover

Date Reviewed: July 26, 2005

EASIER SAID THAN DONE by Nikki Woods
Ebony Energy Publishing, September 2005
305 Pages, Paperback, $14.95
ISBN: 0975509268
Genre: Fiction

RAW Rating: 4

Yep, it's easier said than done...

Kingston Phillips is an entertainment executive based in Chicago who has carved her way into the industry, nabbing one of the top rappers for her new division and garnering the respect of her boss. All is lining up well for Kingston, and she has two good friends who share in her happiness and a kinda-sorta boyfriend in the wings. Or so it seems. Just as things start running smoothly, her grandmother dies, and she must return to Jamaica for the funeral. In addition, she finds out some things about her boyfriend that make her realize she's better off without him.

While in Jamaica, memories overtake Kingston as she deals with the death and funeral arrangements, her situation back home, and the decisions she has to make regarding her future. She encounters family drama with those who should be closest to her and is forced to relive events of the past, including tragedy and heartache. Kingston also finds out that her grandmother has named her the executor of her estate. This causes more stress between the family members, and Kingston is left to decide how she will proceed with her sanity intact. Kingston has much soul-searching to do as she later finds out her grandmother not only made her executor of her estate, but with the request that Kingston return to Jamaica and live in the house so she can oversee the estate fund. Added to the chaos is the fact that her ex-boyfriend lives in town, and he's trying to pick up where they left off in their relationship. Kingston must decide what she will do professionally, personally, and romantically, but it is all easier said than done.

Though the novel is fiction, it touches on many aspects of other genres such as romance, a bit of suspense, and a bit of drama found in relationship-type novels. There is something for everyone. The writing isn't overly complicated, the characters are well-structured, and portions of the book were so moving, I found myself feeling as if I were part of the cast and actually going through the ups and downs featured in the book. Nikki Woods molds a realistic and engaging story about the importance of family, friends, and community. She showcases the power to heal from past pains in order to move towards the future. It is a highly recommended read, especially for those with close ties to their family or those who long to have them.

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal of The RAWSISTAZâ„¢ Reviewers
http://www.rawsistaz.com

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Tee C. Royal is a freelance reader, reviewer, and proofreader residing in the suburbs of Atlanta.