Not really a romance, more about family dynamics and watching a man's world disintegrate. I was glad when it was over.
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Leary of books written by duos, Uptown proves two writers can write as one. DeBerry and Grant guide readers through the inner workings of the Dixon family. Dwight Dixon and Avery are cousins and were best friends up until college when a tragic situation changes the course of their lives forever. Long streams of conciseness flow throughout the book; however, the desire for more dialog between characters cannot be squelched by descriptive prose. ( )

BFF's for more than 25 years and New York Times bestselling author Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant have graciously brought us another authentic and heart-wrenching novel filled with truth, lies, demons, secrets and family. Uptown, their seventh novel will be available for purchase March 2nd and is sure to be a New York Times bestseller and at the top of many wish lists.

Uptown tells the story of Dwight Dixon, the perfect man for any woman or so she thinks. On first look, Dwight fits the bill. He has an Ivy League education, a beautiful wife and daughter, is a former city councilman and U.S. Congressman and is now making a name for himself in the real estate realm as a power broker and heir of The Dixon Group. What many won't see at first sight is his constant battle to Trump his father's legacy, the self-named King, or his struggle to discontinue living in his father's shadow. Unfortunately, Dwight will do anything to get where he deserves to be, at the top, looking down on the Trumps, the Kennedys and King.

Then there is Dwight's cousin, Ms. Avery Lyons and his former BFF. For those on the outside looking in, Avery appears to have it all together and is living the life. She has no children, no husband and her boyfriend Van plays on her terms. Traveling from continent to continent tending to world peace, Avery also thinks she has it all together but when she returns to New York after 20 years she is forced to face the demons and juggle around with truth, forgiveness and love.

After reading this novel all I can say is, "Ladies (Deberry & Grant) take a bow because you have done it again!" The author never fails to bring "real" issues that "real" people can relate to. They also introduce the world to the "new-Harlem." I appreciate how the author strategically uses Harlem and Manhattan as the setting for Uptown, but unfortunately, they address issues facing so many Americans around the country. Again and again, media outlets cover the stories of so many people that have been hit hard by the recession resulting in foreclosures that force many to bring up the g-word, gentrification. Gentrification usually takes place in downtown and uptown areas in cities throughout the country that were once homes of African Americans and other economically disadvantaged people that can no longer afford to live in their homes. This conversation is continually leading to debates in cities all around the country including Harlem, which is known for its rich African American culture and history that opened doors for authors, musicians and artists.

My favorite character:

My favorite character is Dwight. Yea I know what you are going to think and say after you read this novel, "Why Dwight?" Well I will tell you now. In most cases, I always cheer for the underdog. I like Dwight because like so many of us we are our parent's children. No matter whether we love or hate them we want them to acknowledge and love us and most of all be proud of us. In spite of Dwight wanting to out-do his dad, he wanted his dad's love and acceptance. So no matter what you think of Dwight after you read this novel, he is my favorite character, yep, my guy. I must add, we all have that piece of us that wants to succeed by any means necessary and some of us may even be willing to go to the extremes like he did. The only difference between him, you and me is that his transgressions are in black and white for the world to see and ours are hid away in a little box that we hide when company comes. Ha Ha Ha. :) ( )