Pearl And Angela (ISBN 0971583854)

Love Covers a Multitude of Sins:
Pearl and Angela by Bernadette Y. Cooper is a story of female friendship, the search for love and overcoming the expectations of family. Pearl Little is a woman who came of age in the 1940s. Her paternal expectations for her were ones that were different than what she wanted for herself. She goes against her father's wishes and finds herself in a situation that permanently alters her life. She is forever recovering from that incident and the voice of her father is a constant in her mind. Pearl is a woman full of secrets and regrets. Angela Bowman is a young woman who has been compromised in the worst way possible. Her parents sold her to a brothel at the age of six. This sets Angela on a course that forces her to believe that money is the only way out. Money will allow her to own herself, and be anyway that she chooses to be. Pearl discovers Angela on the side of the road where she has been abandoned, bringing her into her home and her life. Though a bond has been forged, it is immediately clear that these women know little about the other. The novel explores and reveals to the reader how people can coexist in a space but not really have a clue about what is going on or has gone on in the lives of their family and friends. Pearl and Angela takes the reader on a journey of discovery about what makes these women tick and how much hatred, fear and cruelty is covered by that relationship we call family. There is a subtle manipulative nature to Pearl and a more blatant one to Angela. These differing personalities make for an interesting tale, particularly the way it impacts the men in their lives. Pearl and Angela is a recommended read for readers interested in a narrative style novel, that explores the complications of family and female relationships. There is also a message of overcoming what is past and focusing on the future. Angelia Menchan APOOO BookClub

Great Read:
I've read all of Bernadette's books and I have enjoyed them all. Each one has a different theme and that's why she is a refreshing author. Angela and Pearl was a book you just couldn't put down. It was intersting how she wove all the together characters. I would recommend anyone to read this book. Make sure you have plenty of time because you won't want to put it down. I was first introduced to Bernadette's book through a book club. I am glad I didn't miss that session.

Enjoyable!!!!:
Pearl and Angela was enjoyable. I read this book in two days. I actually felt that I had a personal relationship with Pearl. I cheered her on through the book. All of Bernadette Connor's books are great! My first experience was reading the book Damaged. I recommend it highly. I cannot wait until she writes another book. I have also emailed her and she is a down to earth lady. Support Ms. Connors books!!! You will not be disappointed!

Dealing with the Past!:
Pearl and Angela is an emotional book about coming to terms with the past. The setting is in the Midwest in the late 1940's. Pearl grew up with an abusive father and Angela had a tragic past. Somehow when they find each other, their lives change. Angela found safety in Pearl's home and Pearl found friendship in Angela's company. The two women lived together and developed a comfortable existence. And their lives are linked to Raynard--Pearl's friend and Angela's boss. All three, must co-exist and come to terms with their past and create a future. The reader is drawn into the story as we watch three friends deal with life. It is a book full of suspense and intrigue that unravels a timeless love story. Bernadette's writings always make a social point.

Allbooks Review:
Violence, vengeance, guilt, generosity, and grace are all woven into the fabric of "Pearl and Angela." The novel is set in the late 1940s, a time when a doctor's housecall costs just three dollars and even a small town has one market for colored people and another for white folks. Pearl is a middle-aged women with a lonely and shattered spirit, her legacy from the abusive father who raised her. Angela is Pearl's gift from God: a young woman with a tragic past who has found safety and real friendship in Pearl's home. Their lives are linked to that of Raynard, a bachelor who runs Shockley's Market and who longs to be a father. As the story of this trio unfolds over several years, family secrets and past tragedies are revealed, and there's a hint of the redemptive power of compassion. The multi-talented Bernadette Y. Connor has been a singer and a communications technician, and is the author of three other novels including "The Parcel Express Murders." In her latest book, Pearl, Angela, and Raynard are complex characters who must each find a way to come to terms with the past, whether by making peace with God or by silencing the voice of the dead. You're quickly drawn into their story and find yourself willing the three friends to triumph over tragedy. This novel will be enjoyed by everyone who believes in the extraordinary power of love to heal festering wounds of physical and emotional abuse.