Fortune & Fame: A Novel

It's no surprise that Victoria Christopher Murray and Reshonda Tate Billingsley have written another wonderful novel about Jasmine, Rachel and Mae Francis. In Fortune & Fame, These three women joined by Mary Richardson and Melinda and Natasia are putting together a reality show. While taping the show, old issues come up like Natasia's love for Hosea, Jasmine's preacher-husband. Of course, there is the old rivalry or friendship between Rachel and Jasmine. It's always funny how after all the fights and name calling they end up helping one another get what they want from life and liking one another. proving friendship between women can be pretty complicated.With all the maniacal fun going on there are also the serious issues about the custody of a little boy who biologically belongs to Mary Richardson. Rachel and Lester have been the caretakers of Mary's son during her long stay in prison. What will happen now? How badly does she want her child back with her? I was surprised that Mary didn't beg to see her son immediately after leaving prison. Then, there is the issue of leadership. Mary's husband, Nathan, is a preacher too. However, what he does behind closed doors is unthinkable.Of course, Mae Francis and Oprah, Own, Gayle King can not go unmentioned. After all the reality show is being produced at the Own studio. Oprah remains above all the horrible shenanigans like lies and competitive moves. I guess this is why Fortune & Fame ends smelling like a rose. I would hate to see the Queen of t.v. brought low in such a good novel.

This fast paced novel takes us through the ins and outs of our favorite frenemies, Jasmine Cox Larson Bush and Rachel Jackson Adams on their latest adventure - a reality show about First Ladies. Whoa!!Where do I start??? This book was a welcome surprise to the Jasmine/Rachel rivalry! I thought it couldn't get more dramatic between these two, but a reality show sure does bring out the claws, huh?The authors introduced the drama IMMEDIATELY and set the tone for the one-ups these two experience during a 2-month period. I was surprised that we jump right into it so soon, but I should have expected it from these two authors!! Despite the OMG moments, we find the ladies have *somewhat* matured - mainly in their relationships with their husbands. We see glimmers of an actual friendship throughout their struggles, heightened by the return of Natasia (Jasmine's 'nemesis') and the introduction of Mary (Rachel's 'nemesis'.It pained me to see how dysfunctional these women were in relationship - but sadly, the book was quite indicative of real life. I found myself rooting for someone (anyone) to be the bigger person and initiate some healing of old wounds. We see glimpses of it, so I remain hopeful for these crazy gals.I can definitely see yet *another* sequel, or perhaps a spinoff on one of the sidebar characters. Whadda ya say ladies??If you like the series, definitely give this book a spin. If you're new to the series, get ready for a crazy ride with this infamous duo!

I absolutely love it when Murray and Billingsley work together!!! When Rachel, Jasmine and Mae Frances get together, there will be a lot of drama and a lot of laughs. Fame and Fortune was no exception. I was so disappointed with Mary's actions but I must say she...(oops, I almost said too much). And as usual, Mae Frances came through again, even though I was a little worried about her. Is there anything this woman can't do!!! Nathan, Nathan, Nathan...no words can describe how much I despised this man!!!If you have not read this book, or any of the books that these two authors wrote together, you don't know what you are missing!!! I hope they work together again...they make an excellent team!!!

Every book I have read by these ladies is awesome and this is no different. The crazy shenanigans of Jasmine and Rachel will keep you engrossed in the story. These frenemies find a way to get into more trouble then earthly possible and it takes Mae Frances to bail them out. If anything ever happens I'm finding Mae Frances; she knows everything and everybody.Victoria and ReShonda are two of the best authors always changing the book world game. Their stories keep your attention with interesting characters, situations and outcomes. These game changers are keeping the literary world relevent.

This book by two of my favorite authors was enjoyable. Jasmine and Rachel are too much and they did not disappoint me with this reading. I truly was laughing because it is refreshing to see two women who love and hate each other at the same time. This is real life today even if some of us will not want to admit it. The bottom line is that they had each other back in the end.

Jasmine and Rachel are back together again! If it's one of those weekends where you just want to sit around, relax, and have a few laughs - curl up with Fortune & Fame. Murray and Billingsley have captured the hilarity and over-the-top antics you expect in reality tv shows in print. Quite an entertaining read...

As always this dynamic duo delivered a fun & inspiring story. I enjoyed relaxing with this book. So good I didn't want the story to end. Jasmine, Rachel & May Frances are equally my fav characters

If you are in to the soaps and reality tv, this is the book for you. As I was reading this book, I felt like I was in a real life soap opera. It was one thing after another and lies, lies and more lies. I have never seen such scandalous women in my entire life. I also got a new take on reality tv. This book definitely gives desperate housewives a run for its money. Creative, funny and dramatic. I loved it!