Who Said it Couldn't be Done? A Diamond from the Rough by Denise Jones

Who Said It Couldn’t  be Done?

A Diamond from the Rough

By Denise Jones

I seen this book advertised in one of the groups where our writers advertise their books, and I totally wanted to read it instantly. My very most favorite type of books are and always have been: true stories. This is also something I enjoy watching on TV, and video as well, learning about people and history, and their way of life, is personal, and I feel it is truly inspirational for so many people. And somehow, there are always life changing events, that impact the reader, as well as the writer who wrote the book itself. 

This book, “Who Said it Couldn’t be Done” truly blew me out of the water. There was so much, I mean just so much. I couldn’t put it down. I read it in one night, while crying my eyes out, and yelling at different people, including God and Denise’s own Mother. And yes, I even yelled at Denise too.  I just went through so many emotions, and disbelief. 

And then afterwards, I went directly into a writers block. Denise can vouch to you that I read this book a week prior to it being posted. I don’t know if it was the book, or that I even spoke to Denise personally over the phone. And no, she isn’t the first, and won’t be the last writer I speak to personally. 

But the events in her life, they just—they just will wake you the reader up. To life, and real life people. Especially since these kinds of things are currently still happening even today, and sometimes even worse. Even today, there are even more drugs, and people are even more violent, to the point of doing drive by shootings over drugs.

My Word program is having an issue with my grammar as I write this review, pointing out that it is improper. But this review is going to be point blank and honest, and in order to do so, my grammar may not be perfect.

This book written by Denise Jones, who was once known by DJ, a woman who wore a strap on, and looked like a man, that scared everyone in sight. Denise was a beautiful sweet innocent little girl, and an unplanned pregnancy, because her mother, like a lot of other young people- didn’t know any better. Don’t get me wrong, her mother knew, but her mother also loved the boy. They were best friends, until that one day that is. The day that Denise was conceived.

Denise was raised by a religious grandmother because of her Mothers age. And Denise shortly thereafter, had other siblings, because her Mother was always in the streets, trying to make money, and get her own score. The streets led to all kinds of things, including sex and pregnancy, not just drug abuse.

Denise ended up raising her own siblings, once her own mother felt that she could get her children, and make it on her own, against her own mothers better judgment. At first, Denise was excited, as were the other children, and at first, they were a happy family. But that didn’t last.

The one nice thing Denise find coming home to was after school one day, and the walls were freshly painted, and new curtains were up. Denise was excited. That meant Mom must be doing better. She could hardly wait for her Mother to return home to tell her how excited for her she was. But days went by, turning into weeks.

Their Mother would drop off food stamps and money from time to time, but it wouldn’t always last. Denise would have to send out her siblings to beg for bread and a few other things on occasion. She would scrape together coins, to go to the Laundromat to wash their clothes, that’s when she wasn’t washing them at home in the sink or tub. 

When their Mother would take the time to pop in, if Denise would question her, like: “Where have you been?” and “When are you gonna stay here?” or anything on the norm, it would result in fists flying. So eventually Denise just learned, by way of biting her tongue to keep her mouth shut. 

Eventually Denise ended up unable to continue her education, because basically she became a full time Mother to her siblings. Making their meals, washing their clothes, getting them ready for bed, you name it, everything a ‘normal’ parent would do.

After a while Denise wanted to know what life was like outside of the home, and in the neighborhood, so she began exploring. She found neighbors, and became friends with a few. Everyone expected Denise and the boy to match up, but instead, her and her best friend a girl, became best of friends, and even fell in love with one another.

Denise didn’t want anything to do with men, all she ever heard or seen from them was bad, and all she ever anticipated out of them, was the worst. She knew she never wanted to be with a man, and as she started learning about her sexuality, it was then that she started realizing that she didn’t even desire men. 

 

In the meantime, Denise’s mother was getting worse and worse, and gaining the reputation as a pimp, and now had a nickname:  “Dirty O.” 

When I first read the nickname, I laughed.  But it wasn’t a name, nor a force to be reckoned with. Dirty O, would bring home people, have orgies and sleep all over the house. However, she at least did have the decency to make one rule: stay out of the one room, where my children are, and stay away from them.

The story goes on and on, of child abuse, neglect, and hatred, and drug usage. And then it proceeds to open up further whereas Denise learns her way around that world herself.

In the beginning, you feel sorry for Denise, and how she was raised, but as time goes on, she turns out to be just like her mother, all over again, and in some cases, even worse. 

God keeps prying at her, but Satan keeps winning.. .. over and over again. Satan has a strong hold on the poor girl, and a good grip I might add. Because even Denise knows God wants in, but she just doesn’t want to give in. 

Denise is convinced that if God loved her, her Mother wouldn’t have been just a lousy Mother in the first place. She lets the Devil play with her mind. She toys with more drugs, and women, and even almost dies several times, but obviously God has a purpose and a plan for Denise. 

She attends church every so often, and as I explained, God and Satan have been playing tug of war with DJ and her spirit and soul for quite some time. And I honestly believe, they started with her Mother first, and felt, yeah, let’s keep battling with this family. Only the strong will survive. But both of these women managed to put the Devil to shame in the long run!

Denise's Mother Arrest Photo

Let me tell you, there are so many points in this book, that are just so freakishly out there. One time I thought for sure that Denise was going to die. I was reading, and scared to death. Denise, her hand was just barely hanging on to her wrist and arm. She crashed through a glass doorway to try and save herself, and almost died. The hospital they took her to, sends her to another hospital to die, and even called her own Mother, to inform her that Denise would be dying shortly, and to be prepared. But, low and behold, Denise proved them wrong, because that hospital decided to perform surgery on Denise, and save her. That and God. He stood above her and said, and these are my words, “Denise I have plans for you, you are to write your life story, and share it with people, and tell them about Me!” Remember, that is what I will bet my bottom dollar God said in Denise’s ear, because He obviously had big plans for her.

Denise used to want to die, she didn’t care. Drugs weren’t solving her problems, her own Mother didn’t love her, and she felt like a failure. But still, Denise is here with us.

Eventually, Denise’s own Mother, the famous Dirty O found the Lord. She was going to Church. She prayed for her daughter, she prayed for forgiveness, she prayed for strength, and she prayed that the Devil would find his way out of their family.

Denise was shocked at the sight of her own Mother, rather than say hello to her, she asked her where her gun was. She didn’t call her Mom either, she called her Dirty O. Her Mother, only smiled in return, and says, “You ask where my gun is, no hello Mom? Just where is my gun?” As Denise stood in front of her mother with her hair all beautiful, who stood their in a dress and heels.

Denise’s own mother kept praying for her daughter, so did the people of the church as well as the pastor. Everyone helped focus their prayer and sights on turning DJ back into Denise. Day in and day out.

Denise and Satan kept fighting back, never allowing God in, until one glorious day when the pastor point blank called out to Denise. And Denise, as she sat in that pew, knew God wanted in and Satan was working on a quick exit. The pastor didn’t stop. He called to Denise several times, until finally, as Denise felt like she needed assistance in walking up to the front, the pastor came to her, and laid his hand upon her. It was then that Denise knew, Satan was on his way out, and God was on His way in. She could feel the hand of God pulling her, and wanting in, and she knew it was time.

 

This is Denise as DJ

As she was in front of the Church, people gathered around her, and they were praying over her, and rejoicing, and Denise started shaking. Denise could feel the spirits, rebuking from her body. She said the one that was the hardest to exit her body, was the sin of lesbianism. It fought the hardest to stay, and the longest, but finally after a long time, of prayers and rejoicing, and rebuking Satan, the demon left her behind.

For Denise it was one of her most glorious days. It was a long spiritual change, and she struggled greatly, and almost had a relapse, but fortunately God had control of the wheel.

Denise ended up getting a real job, it last for several years, and she was very proud of it. But eventually, she ended up losing it, by way or promotion, when they checked her past. One more time, Denise questioned God’s motives. But she wasn’t letting God guide her at the time, and she was ignoring His signs. Here what He was trying to do, was make Denise finish her education.

Denise went back to School, and at first, she found it extremely hard. But fortunately, she found someone to encourage her and help her, and guide her, besides God. And she kept pushing forward. Eventually Denise obtained her G.E.D. and with that, she gave a graduation speech, that told her life story, and opened people’s eyes, to: “Who Said it Couldn’t Be Done” but just in its earlier stage, a verbal thought. Once she shared her insight, it was then that Denise obtained herself a scholarship to further her education! 

This story will enlighten you, and bring you to realize that there is a light at the end of the tunnel: God. And for every wrong turn you have made, it could be because you haven’t let Him guide you, and maybe you have made a wrong turn somewhere. Maybe it’s time to rethink your life, just like Denise did, and let God take the wheel. 

 

Denise arrest photo

God loves you, and just because you have made your life choices, and the way they are, doesn’t mean they are right or wrong. If things are going good for you, then maybe you are on the right path. But if your life is terrible, then maybe you are on the wrong road. 

Denise shares with you her own personal experience in her story, a real life painful experience that brought her away from Satan to the Lord. From trials and tribulations and all this to see the way of the Lord, our Lord Jesus Christ. 

I have found a perfect verse that I think represents the way God was showing Denise unto him, allow me to share with you this from the KJV John 1 verses 1 through 5: 1.) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the word was God. 2.) The same was in the beginning with God. 3.) All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4.) In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5.) And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. The reason that I have chose this passage is because I think it represents how God was trying to shine His light, and open His doorway, and see His way into Denise. At first, Denise was unsure, and always fighting, because Satan was stronger. But eventually, DJ weakened, and Denise and God won against Satan. Now don’t mind me, you may take this verse differently, because many people do in fact translate the bible differently. That’s why religion is one of the biggest argumentative around. 

If you ever want to hear Denise’s story, she is willing to share her story publicly, and help those less fortunate, in hopes of teaching them about our Lord, and helping people to make a difference and change their lives. Denise is now a personal spokes person for the Lord, she is always willing to sing the praises of our Lord, and help anyone else to see that He is the way, the truth and the light. 

Denise and her Mother now

I give this book, “Who Said it Couldn’t Be Done” an absolute perfect score. Five stars and then some, because you will get to feel every single emotion you own. This book is a very emotional read, and truly eye opening. I would suggest that if you like true stories, that you read this. Denise truly opens up her heart and soul to you, and then shares with you just exactly how she expelled Satan and found the Lord. A truly real life, religious and enlightening experience for any reader. This book is worth your time effort and money to read, and after you read it, you’ll want to share it with others.

My Questions for Denise:

1. How long did it take you to write this book?
     I start in 1993, and finish 2010 and that's because was still working on me.


2. How difficult was it for you to write your life down?
     very, during that time suicide was on my trail daily


3. Do you still attend the same Church?

     Yes, since 1986

4. Do you or does anyone have any photos of you on your "thug life" that you would be willing to share?

(I am and have shared them throughout this review and interview)


5. The Demons that exited your body, does the Devil ever try to let them back in, or do you just stay faithful to Him and remember your ways as they were in the past?

      The devil is a defeater, his job is to try and deceive me or you. My past keeps me with gratitude, to never look back.  

6. How many drugs have you literally tried and experimented with?

Drug Log

• Heroin - opium, Cocaine - upper Dilaudid - opium,Talwin (T’s) pain killer, Pyribenzamine, (Blues) - antihistamine, Ritalin – hyperactive children (ADD/ADHD)
• Tac or PCP (Phencyclidine), which is a hallucinogenic, Locker-Room – Formaldehyde (embalming fluid), 529J, 591, wheel chairs - opium, Placidyl – sleeping pill
• Cough syrup with codeine (Robitussin, Tussionex, P.Bur, Alnon, Gusteni)

7. Is there a visible scar on your wrist from crashing through the apartment door? If so, just for an example of your painful past, are you willing to share the photo of your wrist with us?
     Both arms, head and shoulder were cut

8. I love how you show your current photos and it looks as though there is a wedding band on your finger. Are you married AND did you prove your past self wrong and find a good man?

       I have a ring on each hand, on the right is my BA on the left is my Master ring. Presently I don't know what the future holds regarding marriage, I remain open to the will of God.

9. Have you had any children or do you plan to?

     I have no children, I am too old now.

10. What are you currently doing with the education you have gained?

      I was a substance abuse counselor, I current a manager for the Chicago Public Schools. A, I started a 501c3 for ex-offenders

11. What do you hope to do for your future self?

       Travel the world sharing the message of "Hope"

12. Is there another book in the future?

       Yes, the title is"Break Free"

13. How many siblings do you have all together?
      7

14. What has your Mother done with her life now?
       Her, my sister and I work in the ministry

15. Please share with us your social media links:

       https://www.facebook.com/authordenise.jones

       https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-jones-0687bb11?trk=hp-identity-name

       https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6280720-denise-jones

16. Please share with us your book links:
        https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-jones-0687bb11?trk=hp-identity-name
        https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6280720-denise-jones
        https://www.facebook.com/authordenise.jones
        http://www.amazon.com/Who-Said-Couldnt-Be-Done/dp/1469912902/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456199637&sr=8-1&keywords=who+said+it+couldn%27t+be+done+by+denise+jones

Who Said It Couldn't Be Done? by Denise Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I seen this book advertised in one of the groups where our writers advertise their books, and I totally wanted to read it instantly. My very most favorite type of books are and always have been: true stories. This is also something I enjoy watching on TV, and video as well, learning about people and history, and their way of life, is personal, and I feel it is truly inspirational for so many people. And somehow, there are always life changing events, that impact the reader, as well as the writer who wrote the book itself.

This book, “Who Said it Couldn’t be Done” truly blew me out of the water. There was so much, I mean just so much. I couldn’t put it down. I read it in one night, while crying my eyes out, and yelling at different people, including God and Denise’s own Mother. And yes, I even yelled at Denise too. I just went through so many emotions, and disbelief.

And then afterwards, I went directly into a writers block. Denise can vouch to you that I read this book a week prior to it being posted. I don’t know if it was the book, or that I even spoke to Denise personally over the phone. And no, she isn’t the first, and won’t be the last writer I speak to personally.

But the events in her life, they just—they just will wake you the reader up. To life, and real life people. Especially since these kinds of things are currently still happening even today, and sometimes even worse. Even today, there are even more drugs, and people are even more violent, to the point of doing drive by shootings over drugs.

My Word program is having an issue with my grammar as I write this review, pointing out that it is improper. But this review is going to be point blank and honest, and in order to do so, my grammar may not be perfect.

This book written by Denise Jones, who was once known by DJ, a woman who wore a strap on, and looked like a man, that scared everyone in sight. Denise was a beautiful sweet innocent little girl, and an unplanned pregnancy, because her mother, like a lot of other young people- didn’t know any better. Don’t get me wrong, her mother knew, but her mother also loved the boy. They were best friends, until that one day that is. The day that Denise was conceived.

Denise was raised by a religious grandmother because of her Mothers age. And Denise shortly thereafter, had other siblings, because her Mother was always in the streets, trying to make money, and get her own score. The streets led to all kinds of things, including sex and pregnancy, not just drug abuse.

Denise ended up raising her own siblings, once her own mother felt that she could get her children, and make it on her own, against her own mothers better judgment. At first, Denise was excited, as were the other children, and at first, they were a happy family. But that didn’t last.

The one nice thing Denise find coming home to was after school one day, and the walls were freshly painted, and new curtains were up. Denise was excited. That meant Mom must be doing better. She could hardly wait for her Mother to return home to tell her how excited for her she was. But days went by, turning into weeks.

Their Mother would drop off food stamps and money from time to time, but it wouldn’t always last. Denise would have to send out her siblings to beg for bread and a few other things on occasion. She would scrape together coins, to go to the Laundromat to wash their clothes, that’s when she wasn’t washing them at home in the sink or tub.

When their Mother would take the time to pop in, if Denise would question her, like: “Where have you been?” and “When are you gonna stay here?” or anything on the norm, it would result in fists flying. So eventually Denise just learned, by way of biting her tongue to keep her mouth shut.

Eventually Denise ended up unable to continue her education, because basically she became a full time Mother to her siblings. Making their meals, washing their clothes, getting them ready for bed, you name it, everything a ‘normal’ parent would do.

After a while Denise wanted to know what life was like outside of the home, and in the neighborhood, so she began exploring. She found neighbors, and became friends with a few. Everyone expected Denise and the boy to match up, but instead, her and her best friend a girl, became best of friends, and even fell in love with one another.

Denise didn’t want anything to do with men, all she ever heard or seen from them was bad, and all she ever anticipated out of them, was the worst. She knew she never wanted to be with a man, and as she started learning about her sexuality, it was then that she started realizing that she didn’t even desire men.

In the meantime, Denise’s mother was getting worse and worse, and gaining the reputation as a pimp, and now had a nickname: “Dirty O.”

When I first read the nickname, I laughed. But it wasn’t a name, nor a force to be reckoned with. Dirty O, would bring home people, have orgies and sleep all over the house. However, she at least did have the decency to make one rule: stay out of the one room, where my children are, and stay away from them.

The story goes on and on, of child abuse, neglect, and hatred, and drug usage. And then it proceeds to open up further whereas Denise learns her way around that world herself.

In the beginning, you feel sorry for Denise, and how she was raised, but as time goes on, she turns out to be just like her mother, all over again, and in some cases, even worse.

God keeps prying at her, but Satan keeps winning.. .. over and over again. Satan has a strong hold on the poor girl, and a good grip I might add. Because even Denise knows God wants in, but she just doesn’t want to give in.

Denise is convinced that if God loved her, her Mother wouldn’t have been just a lousy Mother in the first place. She lets the Devil play with her mind. She toys with more drugs, and women, and even almost dies several times, but obviously God has a purpose and a plan for Denise.

She attends church every so often, and as I explained, God and Satan have been playing tug of war with DJ and her spirit and soul for quite some time. And I honestly believe, they started with her Mother first, and felt, yeah, let’s keep battling with this family. Only the strong will survive. But both of these women managed to put the Devil to shame in the long run!

Let me tell you, there are so many points in this book, that are just so freakishly out there. One time I thought for sure that Denise was going to die. I was reading, and scared to death. Denise, her hand was just barely hanging on to her wrist and arm. She crashed through a glass doorway to try and save herself, and almost died. The hospital they took her to, sends her to another hospital to die, and even called her own Mother, to inform her that Denise would be dying shortly, and to be prepared. But, low and behold, Denise proved them wrong, because that hospital decided to perform surgery on Denise, and save her. That and God. He stood above her and said, and these are my words, “Denise I have plans for you, you are to write your life story, and share it with people, and tell them about Me!” Remember, that is what I will bet my bottom dollar God said in Denise’s ear, because He obviously had big plans for her.

Denise used to want to die, she didn’t care. Drugs weren’t solving her problems, her own Mother didn’t love her, and she felt like a failure. But still, Denise is here with us.

Eventually, Denise’s own Mother, the famous Dirty O found the Lord. She was going to Church. She prayed for her daughter, she prayed for forgiveness, she prayed for strength, and she prayed that the Devil would find his way out of their family.

Denise was shocked at the sight of her own Mother, rather than say hello to her, she asked her where her gun was. She didn’t call her Mom either, she called her Dirty O. Her Mother, only smiled in return, and says, “You ask where my gun is, no hello Mom? Just where is my gun?” As Denise stood in front of her mother with her hair all beautiful, who stood their in a dress and heels.

Denise’s own mother kept praying for her daughter, so did the people of the church as well as the pastor. Everyone helped focus their prayer and sights on turning DJ back into Denise. Day in and day out.

Denise and Satan kept fighting back, never allowing God in, until one glorious day when the pastor point blank called out to Denise. And Denise, as she sat in that pew, knew God wanted in and Satan was working on a quick exit. The pastor didn’t stop. He called to Denise several times, until finally, as Denise felt like she needed assistance in walking up to the front, the pastor came to her, and laid his hand upon her. It was then that Denise knew, Satan was on his way out, and God was on His way in. She could feel the hand of God pulling her, and wanting in, and she knew it was time.

As she was in front of the Church, people gathered around her, and they were praying over her, and rejoicing, and Denise started shaking. Denise could feel the spirits, rebuking from her body. She said the one that was the hardest to exit her body, was the sin of lesbianism. It fought the hardest to stay, and the longest, but finally after a long time, of prayers and rejoicing, and rebuking Satan, the demon left her behind.

For Denise it was one of her most glorious days. It was a long spiritual change, and she struggled greatly, and almost had a relapse, but fortunately God had control of the wheel.

Denise ended up getting a real job, it last for several years, and she was very proud of it. But eventually, she ended up losing it, by way or promotion, when they checked her past. One more time, Denise questioned God’s motives. But she wasn’t letting God guide her at the time, and she was ignoring His signs. Here what He was trying to do, was make Denise finish her education.

Denise went back to School, and at first, she found it extremely hard. But fortunately, she found someone to encourage her and help her, and guide her, besides God. And she kept pushing forward. Eventually Denise obtained her G.E.D. and with that, she gave a graduation speech, that told her life story, and opened people’s eyes, to: “Who Said it Couldn’t Be Done” but just in its earlier stage, a verbal thought. Once she shared her insight, it was then that Denise obtained herself a scholarship to further her education!

This story will enlighten you, and bring you to realize that there is a light at the end of the tunnel: God. And for every wrong turn you have made, it could be because you haven’t let Him guide you, and maybe you have made a wrong turn somewhere. Maybe it’s time to rethink your life, just like Denise did, and let God take the wheel.

God loves you, and just because you have made your life choices, and the way they are, doesn’t mean they are right or wrong. If things are going good for you, then maybe you are on the right path. But if your life is terrible, then maybe you are on the wrong road.

Denise shares with you her own personal experience in her story, a real life painful experience that brought her away from Satan to the Lord. From trials and tribulations and all this to see the way of the Lord, our Lord Jesus Christ.

I have found a perfect verse that I think represents the way God was showing Denise unto him, allow me to share with you this from the KJV John 1 verses 1 through 5: 1.) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the word was God. 2.) The same was in the beginning with God. 3.) All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4.) In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5.) And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. The reason that I have chose this passage is because I think it represents how God was trying to shine His light, and open His doorway, and see His way into Denise. At first, Denise was unsure, and always fighting, because Satan was stronger. But eventually, DJ weakened, and Denise and God won against Satan. Now don’t mind me, you may take this verse differently, because many people do in fact translate the bible differently. That’s why religion is one of the biggest argumentative around.

If you ever want to hear Denise’s story, she is willing to share her story publicly, and help those less fortunate, in hopes of teaching them about our Lord, and helping people to make a difference and change their lives. Denise is now a personal spokes person for the Lord, she is always willing to sing the praises of our Lord, and help anyone else to see that He is the way, the truth and the light.

I give this book, “Who Said it Couldn’t Be Done” an absolute perfect score. Five stars and then some, because you will get to feel every single emotion you own. This book is a very emotional read, and truly eye opening. I would suggest that if you like true stories, that you read this. Denise truly opens up her heart and soul to you, and then shares with you just exactly how she expelled Satan and found the Lord. A truly real life, religious and enlightening experience for any reader. This book is worth your time effort and money to read, and after you read it, you’ll want to share it with others.

View all my reviews

Star Crossed by Christine Ashworth

Star Crossed

By: Christine Ashworth

Since she was thirteen, Jenna Stone had an over bearing mother, one who freely bartered her daughter, marketed her and even pimped her. Yes you read this right, Elaine Stone was not the perfect mother, and yes, she did this, all for her own fortune and fame. Jenna felt like she was just an object to her mother, nothing more.

Jenna however, did enjoy once being a star herself. But the thing she truly missed about it, was being special. However now with her upcoming movie deal, this might make her big time famous, or at least she hopes it will. It doesn’t hurt a girl to dream.

Now there may be a further problem, there is a co-star from WWII, period drama that she let get close to her, and she knows she can’t let that happen again. He wasn’t right then, he couldn’t be right this time. She needed to stay focused.

Dane Hadley loved his success as rock star, until his band broke up, and returning to acting seems like the best way to keep the money rolling in. The thing is, now his co-star is the only girl he ever loved-the only woman who crushed his heart- the beautiful Jenna Stone.

Dane and Jenna must once again work together. In the beginning, it is nothing but business, that is, until it just isn’t.

Jenna wants a true chance at something better than the ever famous Hollywood style love stories. She wants the cake and eat it too, and live happily ever after. 

This is a book about having a past, and making a change from the past, and making a difference. A successful difference, and becoming someone and something, and making yourself proud. This book, “Star Crossed” is a five star romantic read. I felt pulled in, involved with the characters, and I could truly relate with them. Mothers make mistakes, Children don’t come with a manual, but this mother? She used her child to benefit herself. In the old days, this happened a lot, especially in the acting careers, look it up. Joan Crawford, for example. 

I have had the pleasure of the research of these types of events where parents used their children to enable their own career advancement. And I find it upsetting, but like I said, not unusual.

But luckily, Jenna doesn’t let things like this hold her back. She knows the best way to succeed, is to keep pushing forward. 

Dane Hadley, also knows to not stop, but keep striving forward. Just because his band has ended, he doesn’t want to fall flat on his face, he knows he needs money to succeed. His choice was wise, which some have done differently when their bands have ceased to exist, and chose drugs, and to give up. I was pleased Dane kept his chin up, and kept moving forward. He even kept his focus straight ahead, and his head in the game, and knew he still loved Jenna, and felt that he could rekindle their relationship.

“Star Crossed” was beautifully written by Christine, and I truly enjoyed it. I always love how Christine writes, she has a beautiful talent that I have always enjoyed since I first read her work. She always pulls me into her writing, and I am right there within the pages. You need to read this, you’ll totally enjoy every minute of it!

Here are my questions for Christine:

1. What led you to write this book and how long did it take?

I wrote Guarded Star first, and when I was looking to pitch it, I realized that I needed two more books to round out a series, which would make it more appealing to a publisher. So I came up with the back-of-the-book blurbs for Star Crossed and the next one, Rising Star.

2. Jenna Stone's own Mother? Seriously? What kind of Mother does that!?

Some stage mothers are horrible. Some parents are horrible. I do not, however, know anyone personally who was so inflicted with a mother like Elaine Stone.

3. Do you have photos or descriptions of Jenna or Dane?

Jenna is a natural blonde - okay, just think Pamela Anderson in looks, but without the surgically enhanced boobs. For Dane? Think a cross between Bret Michaels of Poison and Adam Levine. I know. Sorry.

4. What are you working on now?

Soon I'll have edits on Rising Star, which is the story of a stand-up comedienne, Maria Theresa Juanita Martinez-Coleman and a wealthy black ops club owner named Randall Blue. It's a funny, heartfelt story that I love.

5. What can you suggest to anyone wanting to become a writer? Is it really hard to do?

Writing is discipline. Pure and simple. Just like anything else you want to get really, really good at - speaking a foreign language, or painting, or learning to code in Ruby, or totally winning at Mass Effect. It all boils down to discipline. Second? Be humble. Learn your craft. For me, not being humble (thinking I knew it all already) cost me several years.

6. What led you to be a writer?

My father, Chet Cunningham, has been writing since he sold his first novel in 1968. He has over 350 novels published by most of the major publishers since then; I hope to pass his mark. Which means I'd better write faster.

7. What all education have you had?

Um. ?? Varied and sundry, and none of it has led to a degree. So.

8. What did/do you want to be when you grow/grew up?

I wanted, very much, to be first a ballet dancer, which I was until I was 19. When the Romanian Ballet Master teaching class that day yelled at me for yawning during plies at 10 in the morning, I promptly screamed back at him, stalked out of the room, and quit. Needless to say the entire company was shocked. I moved to musical theater, then moved to Los Angeles (and married an actor), and finally found myself in the business world.

9. Where is your favorite place to write?

I have several. First, my office - which is the laundry room. Second, any Starbucks. Third, the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in my town.

10. Please provide for us your social and book links:

Star Crossed

Face Book

Twitter

Website and Blog

11. Anything to add:

I'm looking for people who are interested in reviewing and being a part of a Street Team. I'm fairly new to the game, so the perks aren't great right now...but hopefully the rewards in the future will be fabulous.

About the Author:

Christine Ashworth grew up in San Diego, fell in love with another dancer, and married him. She has two tall sons and lives in the Los Angeles area of California. She has been writing with an eye to publication since 2000, and has no plans to stop. Still 17 at heart, she is a romantic and a former ballet dancer, and hopes to one day match her fathers' record of over 350 published fiction books.

Star Crossed by Christine Ashworth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Since she was thirteen, Jenna Stone had an over bearing mother, one who freely bartered her daughter, marketed her and even pimped her. Yes you read this right, Elaine Stone was not the perfect mother, and yes, she did this, all for her own fortune and fame. Jenna felt like she was just an object to her mother, nothing more.

Jenna however, did enjoy once being a star herself. But the thing she truly missed about it, was being special. However now with her upcoming movie deal, this might make her big time famous, or at least she hopes it will. It doesn’t hurt a girl to dream.

Now there may be a further problem, there is a co-star from WWII, period drama that she let get close to her, and she knows she can’t let that happen again. He wasn’t right then, he couldn’t be right this time. She needed to stay focused.

Dane Hadley loved his success as rock star, until his band broke up, and returning to acting seems like the best way to keep the money rolling in. The thing is, now his co-star is the only girl he ever loved-the only woman who crushed his heart- the beautiful Jenna Stone.

Dane and Jenna must once again work together. In the beginning, it is nothing but business, that is, until it just isn’t.

Jenna wants a true chance at something better than the ever famous Hollywood style love stories. She wants the cake and eat it too, and live happily ever after.

This is a book about having a past, and making a change from the past, and making a difference. A successful difference, and becoming someone and something, and making yourself proud. This book, “Star Crossed” is a five star romantic read. I felt pulled in, involved with the characters, and I could truly relate with them. Mothers make mistakes, Children don’t come with a manual, but this mother? She used her child to benefit herself. In the old days, this happened a lot, especially in the acting careers, look it up. Joan Crawford, for example.

I have had the pleasure of the research of these types of events where parents used their children to enable their own career advancement. And I find it upsetting, but like I said, not unusual.

But luckily, Jenna doesn’t let things like this hold her back. She knows the best way to succeed, is to keep pushing forward.

Dane Hadley, also knows to not stop, but keep striving forward. Just because his band has ended, he doesn’t want to fall flat on his face, he knows he needs money to succeed. His choice was wise, which some have done differently when their bands have ceased to exist, and chose drugs, and to give up. I was pleased Dane kept his chin up, and kept moving forward. He even kept his focus straight ahead, and his head in the game, and knew he still loved Jenna, and felt that he could rekindle their relationship.

“Star Crossed” was beautifully written by Christine, and I truly enjoyed it. I always love how Christine writes, she has a beautiful talent that I have always enjoyed since I first read her work. She always pulls me into her writing, and I am right there within the pages. You need to read this, you’ll totally enjoy every minute of it!

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