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The End of the Line
Latesha Thomas is a beautiful, young African-American woman who lives with her handicapped father. She is in her final year of university and they are having a hard time making ends meet. She decides to start a matchmaking service to make a little extra money, though she has no experience and it turns out to be a disaster. She does, however, meet a client, a handsome white man named Peter Elsworth. The sparks fly immediately, but there’s a huge problem. Her father, and his mother, are vehemently opposed to an interracial relationship. This leads to tremendous conflict, but their love will not be denied. They grow closer, yet the closer they become, the more the tension rises. In time a secret connection between their two worlds become clear and this adds another dimension of conflict and complexity. But love is color blind and they are irresistibly drawn to one another.
- GenresRomance
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2013
2 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Jim Power
21 books48 followersAll Jim's books, including those written under his pen name of Summer Newman, can be found at Amazon. They are all listed at Jim Power Book Store:
https://www.facebook.com/jimpowerbooks
Link to Jim's Amazon profile page at:
amazon.com/author/jimpower
Jim Power (1957- ) has been published internationally by 60 magazines and newspapers, including by the Smithsonian Institution, and by many of the top outdoors magazines in North America. He has a long history of publishing fiction, from dozens of short stories in New York magazines to seven novels in 2013/2014. He studied Honors English at Saint Mary's University and majored in Russian Literature at Dalhousie University before becoming a writer.
Jim's father was buried in a bitter wind on Christmas Eve, 1956, leaving behind two small children and a wife eight months pregnant with him. He grew up in the small fishing village of Shad Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada and decided to become a writer at fifteen after reading a book of short stories by Fyodor Dostoevsky. He said that experience shook his world. Later, when reading Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, he felt physically ill and was unable to sleep, so strongly did her prose infect him. His first recollection of being a writer was at age five. He distinctly remembers racing out of the woods behind his house and telling his mother that he had seen a tiger, and it had even chased him. She shook her head at the silly fib. Determined to make his story sound more plausible, he instantly noted that an accident in Shad Bay had been reported on the radio, and it stated that a circus caravan had been traveling through the village and a truck had gone off the road. It contained a tiger, which had escaped, but not before killing the driver.
"That was an early lesson," Jim said. "Writing is in essence the art of trying to make readers believe your fictional story is real. In time, when writing novels, I found that my characters actually became real to me. They literally began to exist as separate, functioning individuals. This is essential, I think, because if you don't believe they're real, how can you expect others to?"
Jim was also once a dedicated hitch-hiker, hitch-hiking tens of thousands of kilometres in his life, including trips across Canada and from Nova Scotia to New York City, where he wormed his way into the Big Apple and played softball in Harlem on a beautiful Sunday morning in autumn.
Jim has a long history of playing sports, including fastball, lacrosse and tennis, and he loves the outdoors.
https://www.facebook.com/jimpowerbooks
Link to Jim's Amazon profile page at:
amazon.com/author/jimpower
Jim Power (1957- ) has been published internationally by 60 magazines and newspapers, including by the Smithsonian Institution, and by many of the top outdoors magazines in North America. He has a long history of publishing fiction, from dozens of short stories in New York magazines to seven novels in 2013/2014. He studied Honors English at Saint Mary's University and majored in Russian Literature at Dalhousie University before becoming a writer.
Jim's father was buried in a bitter wind on Christmas Eve, 1956, leaving behind two small children and a wife eight months pregnant with him. He grew up in the small fishing village of Shad Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada and decided to become a writer at fifteen after reading a book of short stories by Fyodor Dostoevsky. He said that experience shook his world. Later, when reading Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, he felt physically ill and was unable to sleep, so strongly did her prose infect him. His first recollection of being a writer was at age five. He distinctly remembers racing out of the woods behind his house and telling his mother that he had seen a tiger, and it had even chased him. She shook her head at the silly fib. Determined to make his story sound more plausible, he instantly noted that an accident in Shad Bay had been reported on the radio, and it stated that a circus caravan had been traveling through the village and a truck had gone off the road. It contained a tiger, which had escaped, but not before killing the driver.
"That was an early lesson," Jim said. "Writing is in essence the art of trying to make readers believe your fictional story is real. In time, when writing novels, I found that my characters actually became real to me. They literally began to exist as separate, functioning individuals. This is essential, I think, because if you don't believe they're real, how can you expect others to?"
Jim was also once a dedicated hitch-hiker, hitch-hiking tens of thousands of kilometres in his life, including trips across Canada and from Nova Scotia to New York City, where he wormed his way into the Big Apple and played softball in Harlem on a beautiful Sunday morning in autumn.
Jim has a long history of playing sports, including fastball, lacrosse and tennis, and he loves the outdoors.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 2, 2014
Hoooo, boy. There were things about this that were done well. I loved the cover, and the premise: interracial love affair set in Novia Scotia, Canada. The heroine, a young black woman caring for her disabled father, sounded appealing and likable. I've got a softness for interracial love stories, and the setting sounded new (to me) and intriguing.
I received a free copy of this novel from the author in exchange or an honest review.
And in all honesty, this work is not yet ready for prime time. Everyone has to start somewhere, and I hate to be harsh, but IMO this work needed many more passes through a critique group, rather than rushed to self-pub.
It doesn't FEEL authentic or like we are inside Latesha's head (coal-black, shoulder-length hair braided in tight dreadlocks, secured with a red and yellow handkerchief resplendent with African designs), though with the muddy Point of View it is hard to tell if we are supposed to be inside her head, or if the POV is supposed to be omniscient. This story feels unintentionally racist, like something written by a white man with a fetish for women of color, about what he imagines their lives would be like, and is "resplendent" with old racial stereotypes. Her cat is named Oprah, the hallway bears framed pictures of Malcolm X, the black power salute at the 1968 Olympics, and there's a BLACKS ONLY sign on the bathroom door. Ugh.
The work itself is bogged down by flat, aimless dialogue and description that does little to nothing to move the story forward, many filler phrases like "a minute later" and worst of all, at least in the e-version, it's all clumped together without paragraph breaks, making it virtually unreadable. Here's an example (I'm starting this two-thirds of the way into a long rambling paragraph about waiting for the bus, boarding the bus, noticing all the other passengers on the bus, and choosing a seat):
I know how hard it is to write a book, and wish I could be more enthusiastic about this one. I hope the author finds a good crit group and keeps on writing, if not immediately PUBLISHING his work.
I received a free copy of this novel from the author in exchange or an honest review.
And in all honesty, this work is not yet ready for prime time. Everyone has to start somewhere, and I hate to be harsh, but IMO this work needed many more passes through a critique group, rather than rushed to self-pub.
It doesn't FEEL authentic or like we are inside Latesha's head (coal-black, shoulder-length hair braided in tight dreadlocks, secured with a red and yellow handkerchief resplendent with African designs), though with the muddy Point of View it is hard to tell if we are supposed to be inside her head, or if the POV is supposed to be omniscient. This story feels unintentionally racist, like something written by a white man with a fetish for women of color, about what he imagines their lives would be like, and is "resplendent" with old racial stereotypes. Her cat is named Oprah, the hallway bears framed pictures of Malcolm X, the black power salute at the 1968 Olympics, and there's a BLACKS ONLY sign on the bathroom door. Ugh.
The work itself is bogged down by flat, aimless dialogue and description that does little to nothing to move the story forward, many filler phrases like "a minute later" and worst of all, at least in the e-version, it's all clumped together without paragraph breaks, making it virtually unreadable. Here's an example (I'm starting this two-thirds of the way into a long rambling paragraph about waiting for the bus, boarding the bus, noticing all the other passengers on the bus, and choosing a seat):
...At the next stop a young white woman boarded and sat next to Latesha. She was carrying a brochure for the university. First year?" Latesha asked. "Yes," answered the woman with an overwhelmed look. "I guess I"m [sic] a little nervous. First day jitters, I guess." "You won't have any trouble." "Do you go to university?" "Yes," Latesha said. "What are you taking?" "English. I'll earn my teaching degree this year." "That's good," the woman replied enthusiastically. "I"m [sic] going to major in chemistry, and I hope to do some teaching, too. Maybe we"ll [sic] end up at the same school." "That would be nice." The other woman smiled, then put on a pair of oversized headphones and turned on her iPod. Latesha could hear the song Bittersweet Symphony, by The Verve. She bit her lip and turned slightly away, opening her carrying bag and extracting three letters.I admit, at this point, I had to skim the rest. The whole societal opposition to the interracial romance felts very dated - which is fine, set it in the 1970's or 1980's (and lose the iPods), but readers need time clues to know that's when we are. The sweet (no explicit sex) romance between Latesha and Peter felt clunky and did not grab me, and the dramatic ending... I could not believe it, but there IS a Happily For Now.
I know how hard it is to write a book, and wish I could be more enthusiastic about this one. I hope the author finds a good crit group and keeps on writing, if not immediately PUBLISHING his work.
February 11, 2014
When I read the blurb I thought this seemed like one of those cliché romances. But I was so wrong. The book starts with Lateesh struggling to make amends. That got my attention. When you think of it or read about it in the papers, there are so many clusters of residential areas where African American people stay under object and poor conditions. It made my heart reach out to her. I felt the struggle.
Latesha tries out this matchmaking services and there she meets Peter. She immediately feels a connection. But her father has a dead set prejudice against white people. As does Peter's mother against the "blacks". What transpired next is what blew my mind away. What I expected was a well-thought out battle. What we usually see with a romance is a good fight. This story was so much more gentle that way. Both Latesha and Peter try so hard to deny their feelings and yet the whole world can see their chemistry.
Peter does his best to convert Latesha's father to like him and Latesha reaches out to Peter's mother. What I really appreciated was that the extreme solidarity, maturity and genuine natures of both Latesha and Peter. At no point of the book, did they stoop to trying antics or deceiving anyone. They were open and honest about their feelings. While they were uncertain about what would happen in the future, they appreciated the present.
Reading this book really made me wonder about the close mindedness of people all across the world. Whether it is a "developed" nation like USA or a deeply religious state like UAE, religious, castist and racist discrimination always came in between so many relationships. I really wondered why we took everyone at face value. Why DO lovers have such a hard time justifying their love or relationship? How much do you need to prove to the parents of someone you loved to just get their acceptance? There is always the option of elopement but what about those couples who stay to convince and fight? Doesn't that make them mature or capable of considering things through? On the flip side, when does parental interest become interference and stop becoming about the child? Is it right to simply write off a parent's concern when they see their child get on a presumably wrong path? This is never an easy question to answer, and while this book didn't answer them as no book ever can, it did give me a glimmer of hope that if a couple could stick through rivers of emotion and opposition, then they did deserve to go for it in the long haul
I really enjoyed the book and it struck very close. I loved the simplicity of the book and I highly recommend it.
Reviewed by Niyati
Disclosure: This ebook was provided by the author in exchange for an HONEST and not necessarily positive review.
Latesha tries out this matchmaking services and there she meets Peter. She immediately feels a connection. But her father has a dead set prejudice against white people. As does Peter's mother against the "blacks". What transpired next is what blew my mind away. What I expected was a well-thought out battle. What we usually see with a romance is a good fight. This story was so much more gentle that way. Both Latesha and Peter try so hard to deny their feelings and yet the whole world can see their chemistry.
Peter does his best to convert Latesha's father to like him and Latesha reaches out to Peter's mother. What I really appreciated was that the extreme solidarity, maturity and genuine natures of both Latesha and Peter. At no point of the book, did they stoop to trying antics or deceiving anyone. They were open and honest about their feelings. While they were uncertain about what would happen in the future, they appreciated the present.
Reading this book really made me wonder about the close mindedness of people all across the world. Whether it is a "developed" nation like USA or a deeply religious state like UAE, religious, castist and racist discrimination always came in between so many relationships. I really wondered why we took everyone at face value. Why DO lovers have such a hard time justifying their love or relationship? How much do you need to prove to the parents of someone you loved to just get their acceptance? There is always the option of elopement but what about those couples who stay to convince and fight? Doesn't that make them mature or capable of considering things through? On the flip side, when does parental interest become interference and stop becoming about the child? Is it right to simply write off a parent's concern when they see their child get on a presumably wrong path? This is never an easy question to answer, and while this book didn't answer them as no book ever can, it did give me a glimmer of hope that if a couple could stick through rivers of emotion and opposition, then they did deserve to go for it in the long haul
I really enjoyed the book and it struck very close. I loved the simplicity of the book and I highly recommend it.
Reviewed by Niyati
Disclosure: This ebook was provided by the author in exchange for an HONEST and not necessarily positive review.
July 23, 2016
I don't think I've ever read a book quite like The End of the Line. And I mean that in a good way. The End of the Line was a good, clean read with a great message. I really enjoyed it!
Latesha is a university student who lives with her wheelchair-bound father. She is an intelligent, compassionate, good-hearted young woman who is considered the princess of Beechwood (the community where she lives). Peter is an electrician who comes from a rich white family. Both families have a history of racist thinking: when Peter and Latesha become interested in each other, they each get a lot of pushback from their parents. Despite their parents' disapproval, their relationship grows and they can't deny their attraction.
I really liked the history in The End of the Line. There was an emphasis on the genealogy of Latesha's family, as well as the Underground Railroad. I enjoyed that aspect of the story and found it to be well-researched and well-developed. Power wove the history into a main plot point, which kept the history interesting yet still informative.
The End of the Line was full of emotion and deep meaning. There was an emphasis on personal growth and changing long-held belief systems. I loved that about this book! I didn't think the change was ever going to happen, for any of the characters, so when it finally did occur, I wanted to cheer!
The one thing I didn't love about this book was that it was a slow starter (at least for me it was). It took me a good while---maybe 25% of the book---to really get invested in the story. Once I did, I ended up finishing the book pretty quickly, because I really wanted to know if Latesha and Peter would get their happily ever after.
The End of the Line is a simple story, at heart a love story, but it has a great emotional impact. I found it to be really touching, both the love story and the emotional growth exhibited in several characters. The conflict resolution was perfect for the story and made me tear up a little. It's rare to find an adult read that's as pure as this book without feeling preachy. I would definitely recommend The End of the Line and look forward to reading more from Jim Power!
Latesha is a university student who lives with her wheelchair-bound father. She is an intelligent, compassionate, good-hearted young woman who is considered the princess of Beechwood (the community where she lives). Peter is an electrician who comes from a rich white family. Both families have a history of racist thinking: when Peter and Latesha become interested in each other, they each get a lot of pushback from their parents. Despite their parents' disapproval, their relationship grows and they can't deny their attraction.
I really liked the history in The End of the Line. There was an emphasis on the genealogy of Latesha's family, as well as the Underground Railroad. I enjoyed that aspect of the story and found it to be well-researched and well-developed. Power wove the history into a main plot point, which kept the history interesting yet still informative.
The End of the Line was full of emotion and deep meaning. There was an emphasis on personal growth and changing long-held belief systems. I loved that about this book! I didn't think the change was ever going to happen, for any of the characters, so when it finally did occur, I wanted to cheer!
The one thing I didn't love about this book was that it was a slow starter (at least for me it was). It took me a good while---maybe 25% of the book---to really get invested in the story. Once I did, I ended up finishing the book pretty quickly, because I really wanted to know if Latesha and Peter would get their happily ever after.
The End of the Line is a simple story, at heart a love story, but it has a great emotional impact. I found it to be really touching, both the love story and the emotional growth exhibited in several characters. The conflict resolution was perfect for the story and made me tear up a little. It's rare to find an adult read that's as pure as this book without feeling preachy. I would definitely recommend The End of the Line and look forward to reading more from Jim Power!
January 18, 2014
I have to start out by admitting that after the author approached me to read this book, I was a little skeptical about reading it, due to the fact that it was out of my genre comfort zone. But as always I never turn a book away. So I ended up giving it a try and I must say that I was very impressed and addicted to this story.
I love how the author brought together a relationship on a topic that is seen as out right appalling on interracial standards. I was able to comprehend this on a personal level, because my husband was black and I am white. So this really touch home base with me and made the good and bad memories come back to life while I read this story. This story is very well written and will always be close to my heart. I highly recommend this book to all romance lovers.
This story is an awesome reminder that it's not what's on the outside, but that it's what's on the inside that counts. Our hearts don't care about race, religion, or nationality, but that we all have feelings.
I received an e-ARC copy of this book, directly from the author, in return for an honest review.
I love how the author brought together a relationship on a topic that is seen as out right appalling on interracial standards. I was able to comprehend this on a personal level, because my husband was black and I am white. So this really touch home base with me and made the good and bad memories come back to life while I read this story. This story is very well written and will always be close to my heart. I highly recommend this book to all romance lovers.
This story is an awesome reminder that it's not what's on the outside, but that it's what's on the inside that counts. Our hearts don't care about race, religion, or nationality, but that we all have feelings.
I received an e-ARC copy of this book, directly from the author, in return for an honest review.
April 22, 2014
This entertaining story encompasses not only romance but also the sensitive subject of interracial dating. "The End of the Line" is a sweet love story that starts out slow but soon picks up speed.
Read full review in the 2014 April issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 April issue of InD’tale Magazine.
July 9, 2018
For the most part, I enjoyed this IR/BWWM book primarily because it was extremely informative. The characters live in Canada. From this book, I learned some historical facts about the underground railroad germane to Canada. The rich historical backdrop was exceptionally woven into the story. It is sad for me to admit that I was ignorant of the fact that much of the racism, as it was explored in this book, exists in Canada. (Recent comments by PM Justin Trudeau of Canada seem to give credence to this issue). I'm glad such rich authenticity was incorporated into the book; however, IMHO, it just seemed to overpower the story which became extremely angst driven.
Throughout the book, I kept hoping that the heroine, Latesha, as a grown woman, would stand up to her father. In the early portion of the book, she kept pushing the hero, Peter, away then calling him back. Near the end of the book, Latesha redeemed herself in my eyes--she seemed to grow some backbone and fight for herself and her love for Peter in spite of her father's threats and rantings.
Peter, Latesha's love interest, was quite likeable. What appealed to me most about Peter was his courage, the way he treated Latesha and the manner in which he stood up to his mother and other naysayers in the white and black communities. The healing of all wounds was wrapped up in a nice, satisfying, albeit unrealistic package. Additionally, I wish that there had been at least one steamy sex scene between Latesha and Peter. I would guess this book falls in the category of "sweet," since only kissing and holding hands happened between Peter and Latesha. There is a lot of rich historical details that I have not ever been apprised of. For those details alone, I believe the book is worth a read.
February 4, 2014
The End of the Line by Jim Power is a powerful romantic novel that has some historical overtones. I won't recap the story, you can read what the author wrote for yourself however I will tell you that even if your normal genre is not romance, don't discount this novel because I just couldn't put it down. It is written in such a way with all the layers that come into play in this romance not only captures your mind but it captures your heart as well.
The main Characters, Latesha (African-American) and Peter (white) are developed fully for the reader to understand the novel without having to know every little detail about them since the day they were born. The author managed to convey this in a way that doesn't stall the progress of the story or fill it with unnecessary information which kept the story flowing nicely. I found that I had a connection with the main characters but more so with Latesha and throughout the story can feel her pain and turmoil as well as her happiness and excitement.
The secondary (main character's parents) and other characters (basically two communities) are developed just as well in the story and the author pulls this off without the reader having to remember a whole town full of people and who did what and who thought what. As the reader, I knew exactly who was who and where they stand as well as what they felt without having to flip back into the story to try and remember where this person came from or what s/he did. The author's ability to do this made for an easy read, flowing story that gets the 'points' across without having to complicate the story with a bunch of characters or names.
Being a romance this story had many bumps and turns along the way which covered realistic subjects still prevalent today. The most dominant ones being prejudice, racism, and belligerence. Of course there are also personal hurdles that both main characters' families must get over in their own lives. Peter's high society mother who thinks that money and social status is everything and even uses the threats of cutting Peter out of her will has a very interesting lesson to learn. Then there is Latesha's father who in reality is dealt a hard hand of cards when he was hurt on the job. Unfortunately these cards only reinforces his less than favorable view of whites. He still is holding slavery (although he wasn't a slave, his ancestors were) as fuel for this 'against whites attitude' so this more recent event only adds more timber to that fire.
I also want to add that although there is no denying that this is a romance, the main layer of this story is about Latesha's and Peter's developing love for each other and the most interesting thing I found is there is no sex in it. The most that happens is kissing but in no way does this make it any less romantic. In fact, because of the way it is written and the tone it sets, sex would have been totally out of place and cheapen the characters in my opinion. I thought this was a gutsy move on the author's part and he pulled it off perfectly.
The historical aspect in the novel is about the underground railroad and "The End of the Line" being in Canada which is where this novel takes place. Although the underground railroad (which was not underground nor a railroad) came up from southern states through the northern states to Canada. The northern states were 'free' states but slaves still could be caught and transported back to their owners (or killed) however not so in Canada. Any slaves that made it to Canada were free. There is a real significant reason this event is the undertone of this novel. Not only because of the obvious reasons which the book is named for (some I can't say due to writing spoilers) but because of the sacrifices made by whites to aid in hiding and transporting these slaves until they can get to freedom which is often a fact that is overlooked.
Then again, maybe the book isn't named because of the last stop on the underground railroad known as "The End of the Line". Maybe it is because both main characters are only children, the end of their family line. Or maybe because it is through these characters that racial barriers are cast aside and it is the end of the line for both these families living with prejudice and discrimination. Then again, maybe it is all these reasons. It really doesn't matter which it is, it is a beautifully written novel which made me all the better as a person for reading it. I highly recommend it for everyone.
*I received a free copy by the author for my honest review. This free copy did not affect my review in any way.
The main Characters, Latesha (African-American) and Peter (white) are developed fully for the reader to understand the novel without having to know every little detail about them since the day they were born. The author managed to convey this in a way that doesn't stall the progress of the story or fill it with unnecessary information which kept the story flowing nicely. I found that I had a connection with the main characters but more so with Latesha and throughout the story can feel her pain and turmoil as well as her happiness and excitement.
The secondary (main character's parents) and other characters (basically two communities) are developed just as well in the story and the author pulls this off without the reader having to remember a whole town full of people and who did what and who thought what. As the reader, I knew exactly who was who and where they stand as well as what they felt without having to flip back into the story to try and remember where this person came from or what s/he did. The author's ability to do this made for an easy read, flowing story that gets the 'points' across without having to complicate the story with a bunch of characters or names.
Being a romance this story had many bumps and turns along the way which covered realistic subjects still prevalent today. The most dominant ones being prejudice, racism, and belligerence. Of course there are also personal hurdles that both main characters' families must get over in their own lives. Peter's high society mother who thinks that money and social status is everything and even uses the threats of cutting Peter out of her will has a very interesting lesson to learn. Then there is Latesha's father who in reality is dealt a hard hand of cards when he was hurt on the job. Unfortunately these cards only reinforces his less than favorable view of whites. He still is holding slavery (although he wasn't a slave, his ancestors were) as fuel for this 'against whites attitude' so this more recent event only adds more timber to that fire.
I also want to add that although there is no denying that this is a romance, the main layer of this story is about Latesha's and Peter's developing love for each other and the most interesting thing I found is there is no sex in it. The most that happens is kissing but in no way does this make it any less romantic. In fact, because of the way it is written and the tone it sets, sex would have been totally out of place and cheapen the characters in my opinion. I thought this was a gutsy move on the author's part and he pulled it off perfectly.
The historical aspect in the novel is about the underground railroad and "The End of the Line" being in Canada which is where this novel takes place. Although the underground railroad (which was not underground nor a railroad) came up from southern states through the northern states to Canada. The northern states were 'free' states but slaves still could be caught and transported back to their owners (or killed) however not so in Canada. Any slaves that made it to Canada were free. There is a real significant reason this event is the undertone of this novel. Not only because of the obvious reasons which the book is named for (some I can't say due to writing spoilers) but because of the sacrifices made by whites to aid in hiding and transporting these slaves until they can get to freedom which is often a fact that is overlooked.
Then again, maybe the book isn't named because of the last stop on the underground railroad known as "The End of the Line". Maybe it is because both main characters are only children, the end of their family line. Or maybe because it is through these characters that racial barriers are cast aside and it is the end of the line for both these families living with prejudice and discrimination. Then again, maybe it is all these reasons. It really doesn't matter which it is, it is a beautifully written novel which made me all the better as a person for reading it. I highly recommend it for everyone.
*I received a free copy by the author for my honest review. This free copy did not affect my review in any way.
March 9, 2014
I don’t know why I am so surprised when I come across a male author who can write a sensitive beautiful love story. That is exactly what this is.
I was raised by my parents in a world where people are equals. Our community didn’t have very many races outside of white though. Even though I was mostly surrounded by people who looked just like me, my parents made sure that we were brought up to respect everyone regardless of the color of their skin. I live in the same community that I grew up in now and the population has exploded. (I graduated with just over 65 kids in my class, my 1st grade daughter, 20 years later, has over 700 in her class.) With that explosion came a huge mixture of ethnicities. I think that it is a beautiful thing. My children, who are Mexican on my husband’s side, and Scottish/English/and whatever else I am on my side, get to meet people who have just moved here from their country of origin, people who celebrate the traditions of their cultures, people my kids can learn from.
I feel like I led a very sheltered life, because of how and where I was raised, I honestly didn’t realize that racial tensions still run as high as they do. I never saw racism until I married a Mexican man. I now know that in 2014, racism is still alive and well today, and it is disgusting. I see racism still when I turn on the news, I read it when I make the mistake of looking at the comments at the bottom of news articles on immigration reform. “I’m not racist but {insert any ethnic group here} are {insert racial sterotype here}“. It makes me ill.
The End Of The Line did a remarkable job showing just what racism is, whites towards blacks, blacks towards whites. It seemed like most people in both of their lives, in their communities could accept an interracial couple except for their parents (and a few other minor characters). When it came to her father and his mother though, it was horrible. Horrible.
I can understand why Latesha was pushing Peter away. If I was in that situation, it would have to be so hard to subject someone else to the kind of anger and ugliness that was coming out of her father’s mouth. The embarrassment that I would feel when those words were said out loud. Plus there is that feeling of not wanting to let your parents down. Latesha’s father has lost her mother, was in a horrible accident, he is paralyzed. Can you imagine the kind of pressure she felt? Peter persisted though. (Yay Peter!) He was able to stand up to his mom and say if she’ll have me, I want her in my life.
This is a very clean romance. The language is very… quaint almost? If it was set in the US, I would say it was very rural America. It’s set in Nova Scotia though, I have no idea, it may be the same there. In the big cities people speak with a very modern feel, in the rural areas people speak with a more old fashioned slower feel. I don’t know how to describe it. I live just outside Des Moines, our big city, in Des Moines. I’ve always noticed a difference between the way people in Des Moines and the surrounding suburbs speak compared to how people speak when you get out into the farm fields, into the very rural areas of Iowa. Things are less rushed and more like they were “back in the day”. That’s the feeling I got from this book. This book could have been set in the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, or the century we were in now. To me it had a very timeless feel to it. I would be brought back to our time period with mentions of certain musical acts that I know are from the time we are living right now.
I loved the stories about the underground railroad, the moments in history that we got throughout the book. I think they added so much to our main characters as we learn why they feel as they do and to their making decisions about their future in the end.
This is turning into me writing a book about a book so I should probably end this review with I really enjoyed this book. I’m so glad the author provided me with an ARC. I think this is a subject that is alive and well in our time and we have so much farther to go. In 2014 we should be smart enough to realize that we are all the same, our skin tone just comes in different shades.
I was raised by my parents in a world where people are equals. Our community didn’t have very many races outside of white though. Even though I was mostly surrounded by people who looked just like me, my parents made sure that we were brought up to respect everyone regardless of the color of their skin. I live in the same community that I grew up in now and the population has exploded. (I graduated with just over 65 kids in my class, my 1st grade daughter, 20 years later, has over 700 in her class.) With that explosion came a huge mixture of ethnicities. I think that it is a beautiful thing. My children, who are Mexican on my husband’s side, and Scottish/English/and whatever else I am on my side, get to meet people who have just moved here from their country of origin, people who celebrate the traditions of their cultures, people my kids can learn from.
I feel like I led a very sheltered life, because of how and where I was raised, I honestly didn’t realize that racial tensions still run as high as they do. I never saw racism until I married a Mexican man. I now know that in 2014, racism is still alive and well today, and it is disgusting. I see racism still when I turn on the news, I read it when I make the mistake of looking at the comments at the bottom of news articles on immigration reform. “I’m not racist but {insert any ethnic group here} are {insert racial sterotype here}“. It makes me ill.
The End Of The Line did a remarkable job showing just what racism is, whites towards blacks, blacks towards whites. It seemed like most people in both of their lives, in their communities could accept an interracial couple except for their parents (and a few other minor characters). When it came to her father and his mother though, it was horrible. Horrible.
I can understand why Latesha was pushing Peter away. If I was in that situation, it would have to be so hard to subject someone else to the kind of anger and ugliness that was coming out of her father’s mouth. The embarrassment that I would feel when those words were said out loud. Plus there is that feeling of not wanting to let your parents down. Latesha’s father has lost her mother, was in a horrible accident, he is paralyzed. Can you imagine the kind of pressure she felt? Peter persisted though. (Yay Peter!) He was able to stand up to his mom and say if she’ll have me, I want her in my life.
This is a very clean romance. The language is very… quaint almost? If it was set in the US, I would say it was very rural America. It’s set in Nova Scotia though, I have no idea, it may be the same there. In the big cities people speak with a very modern feel, in the rural areas people speak with a more old fashioned slower feel. I don’t know how to describe it. I live just outside Des Moines, our big city, in Des Moines. I’ve always noticed a difference between the way people in Des Moines and the surrounding suburbs speak compared to how people speak when you get out into the farm fields, into the very rural areas of Iowa. Things are less rushed and more like they were “back in the day”. That’s the feeling I got from this book. This book could have been set in the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, or the century we were in now. To me it had a very timeless feel to it. I would be brought back to our time period with mentions of certain musical acts that I know are from the time we are living right now.
I loved the stories about the underground railroad, the moments in history that we got throughout the book. I think they added so much to our main characters as we learn why they feel as they do and to their making decisions about their future in the end.
This is turning into me writing a book about a book so I should probably end this review with I really enjoyed this book. I’m so glad the author provided me with an ARC. I think this is a subject that is alive and well in our time and we have so much farther to go. In 2014 we should be smart enough to realize that we are all the same, our skin tone just comes in different shades.
December 29, 2013
The End of the Line. Jim Power.
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book reviews.
This is a romance, but with so many more themes. The race one of course, but also the issue of the moneyed classes versus those with little, the background of slavery and the battle for human rights, even how people are treated too often by big businesses when they're injured.
Its not a quick read novel, but one packed with content and odd moments of humour – the dates Latesha arranges for Peter – I loved those! The romance between them that ultimately develops is stuttering, pushed along by Peter despite her reluctance. Oddly to begin we see the race issue from the other side, with her father and the people where she lives, a black community, that have the hatred for Peter because he's white. Later when his mother hears about them she shows the conventional viewpoint. I'm very anti all discrimination, and find it so odd that someone can be judged on colour, and yet despite the advances in law its still pervades from all sides. In this book though Jim uses the two young people to show how attitudes can change, slowly for some, quicker for others and sadly not at all for too many.
I did feel that some of it was a bit too slick, Peter's mother for example. I felt she'd have held to her beliefs far longer, and Latesha's father too. They were so entrenched, so irrational in their hatred of race, that it would take a lot to change their views. I loved the way the story showed how its not just a black v white issue, but that discrimination comes from everywhere, from all sides, and that often white people will help black and black help white simply because its the right thing to do. Even if that help may cost them their lives, and they don't know the people they are helping.
Stories like that are historically correct, and we need to remember them, when we're still faced with that awful, creeping, pervading issue of colour. Or any discrimination. As a child I was very dark skinned even though I'm English, and was teased often for my colour. Then with a name like I have now, I've seen it from those who assume my family are coloured. At five years old my eldest son who has dark toned skin like myself, lost a friend because the boy's parents had seen him, learned the name and assumed we were foreign. Horrible thing to happen but its real, and people face it daily. This book shows it so true to life, and is heartening that it also shows hope, that there are people prepared to make changes.
Its an enjoyable read, not one I’d re read, but very realistic apart from the points I mentioned about the parents. I loved the way so many events were woven in, and became integral to the story, the background slave issue and the Door and it's history, the ballerinas and their love for the tradition it had brought, Peter's willingness to help for free, and the friends it gradually won round, the way the community slowly pulled together accepting him ( well most of them), Mr Thomas disability and wheelchair use ( I'm a wheelchair user ), the assumed snobbery of the Club when in fact they were very integrated. So much to like in here, but its more a look at life and romance than a heart stopping, furious love story. Its priced at £4.45 for 294 pages.
Stars: four
ARC supplied via author
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book reviews.
This is a romance, but with so many more themes. The race one of course, but also the issue of the moneyed classes versus those with little, the background of slavery and the battle for human rights, even how people are treated too often by big businesses when they're injured.
Its not a quick read novel, but one packed with content and odd moments of humour – the dates Latesha arranges for Peter – I loved those! The romance between them that ultimately develops is stuttering, pushed along by Peter despite her reluctance. Oddly to begin we see the race issue from the other side, with her father and the people where she lives, a black community, that have the hatred for Peter because he's white. Later when his mother hears about them she shows the conventional viewpoint. I'm very anti all discrimination, and find it so odd that someone can be judged on colour, and yet despite the advances in law its still pervades from all sides. In this book though Jim uses the two young people to show how attitudes can change, slowly for some, quicker for others and sadly not at all for too many.
I did feel that some of it was a bit too slick, Peter's mother for example. I felt she'd have held to her beliefs far longer, and Latesha's father too. They were so entrenched, so irrational in their hatred of race, that it would take a lot to change their views. I loved the way the story showed how its not just a black v white issue, but that discrimination comes from everywhere, from all sides, and that often white people will help black and black help white simply because its the right thing to do. Even if that help may cost them their lives, and they don't know the people they are helping.
Stories like that are historically correct, and we need to remember them, when we're still faced with that awful, creeping, pervading issue of colour. Or any discrimination. As a child I was very dark skinned even though I'm English, and was teased often for my colour. Then with a name like I have now, I've seen it from those who assume my family are coloured. At five years old my eldest son who has dark toned skin like myself, lost a friend because the boy's parents had seen him, learned the name and assumed we were foreign. Horrible thing to happen but its real, and people face it daily. This book shows it so true to life, and is heartening that it also shows hope, that there are people prepared to make changes.
Its an enjoyable read, not one I’d re read, but very realistic apart from the points I mentioned about the parents. I loved the way so many events were woven in, and became integral to the story, the background slave issue and the Door and it's history, the ballerinas and their love for the tradition it had brought, Peter's willingness to help for free, and the friends it gradually won round, the way the community slowly pulled together accepting him ( well most of them), Mr Thomas disability and wheelchair use ( I'm a wheelchair user ), the assumed snobbery of the Club when in fact they were very integrated. So much to like in here, but its more a look at life and romance than a heart stopping, furious love story. Its priced at £4.45 for 294 pages.
Stars: four
ARC supplied via author
March 15, 2015
This is a multicultural romance suitable for mature young adults and adults. There is no explicit content but there is some violence.
Latesha Thomas lives in Beechwood, taking the bus to college where she studies English Literature, minding her dad who needs medicines and wondering how to pay the bills. She puts posters up around college for a matchmaking phone service. Latesha's home is in a well-kept coloured neighbourhood, where she pretends a computer matches customers with soul mates. Her first caller is a handsome white guy from college.
Peter Ellsworth is an electrician and an English student, and he doesn't say so, but he wants to date girls who don't just like his family's money. The first date - it's fun, but a disaster! A musclebound Ramboina drags him off to shoot him at Paintball. Next...
When Peter eventually meets the girl he's been chatting to on the phone line, he's attracted. Given that her father believes races can't mix, while local kids ask "You lost, Casper?" he sees it won't be simple. Even walking to the store together has all her neighbours staring. Latesha doesn't have friends outside her own community and doesn't know how to react. Race tensions and aggressive dominance appear on the street under the disguise of 'respect'.
I found Latesha a lovely girl, working to better herself and taking on community work. Peter is perhaps too idealistic, while admitting that he only knows coloured pop singers. Peter offers his services as an electrician to the community centre, and he is welcomed in church. The two young people discover that they have many interests in common. Mr Thomas is concerned for his princess, unable to attribute good motives to an outsider. Mrs Ellsworth is just as protective of her only child and the family name. Their entrenched attitudes give valuable insights into the broader situation. Wheelchair bound due to industrial injury, Mr Thomas feels additional discrimination. There is also an element of history with the Underground Railroad and modern focus with fire safety inspections.
At times I felt that conversations involved repetition and could have been shortened, while the three girls Peter dated were highly amusing but over the top. Then again, maybe this is why they didn't have dates. I don't know what dating services cost, but a hundred dollars per introduction does seem a lot to ask of college students.
I learnt from this clever study of manners, which became stronger as it progressed and wove in new elements. What is really being debated is the nature of freedom in today's society. The best comparison I can make for context and emotion, is Malorie Blackman's 'Noughts And Crosses'.
The author Jim Power is a Canadian with a lot of magazine work to his credit. I hope he keeps producing novels of this calibre which challenge society's viewpoints as well as being entertaining and exciting.
Latesha Thomas lives in Beechwood, taking the bus to college where she studies English Literature, minding her dad who needs medicines and wondering how to pay the bills. She puts posters up around college for a matchmaking phone service. Latesha's home is in a well-kept coloured neighbourhood, where she pretends a computer matches customers with soul mates. Her first caller is a handsome white guy from college.
Peter Ellsworth is an electrician and an English student, and he doesn't say so, but he wants to date girls who don't just like his family's money. The first date - it's fun, but a disaster! A musclebound Ramboina drags him off to shoot him at Paintball. Next...
When Peter eventually meets the girl he's been chatting to on the phone line, he's attracted. Given that her father believes races can't mix, while local kids ask "You lost, Casper?" he sees it won't be simple. Even walking to the store together has all her neighbours staring. Latesha doesn't have friends outside her own community and doesn't know how to react. Race tensions and aggressive dominance appear on the street under the disguise of 'respect'.
I found Latesha a lovely girl, working to better herself and taking on community work. Peter is perhaps too idealistic, while admitting that he only knows coloured pop singers. Peter offers his services as an electrician to the community centre, and he is welcomed in church. The two young people discover that they have many interests in common. Mr Thomas is concerned for his princess, unable to attribute good motives to an outsider. Mrs Ellsworth is just as protective of her only child and the family name. Their entrenched attitudes give valuable insights into the broader situation. Wheelchair bound due to industrial injury, Mr Thomas feels additional discrimination. There is also an element of history with the Underground Railroad and modern focus with fire safety inspections.
At times I felt that conversations involved repetition and could have been shortened, while the three girls Peter dated were highly amusing but over the top. Then again, maybe this is why they didn't have dates. I don't know what dating services cost, but a hundred dollars per introduction does seem a lot to ask of college students.
I learnt from this clever study of manners, which became stronger as it progressed and wove in new elements. What is really being debated is the nature of freedom in today's society. The best comparison I can make for context and emotion, is Malorie Blackman's 'Noughts And Crosses'.
The author Jim Power is a Canadian with a lot of magazine work to his credit. I hope he keeps producing novels of this calibre which challenge society's viewpoints as well as being entertaining and exciting.
January 2, 2014
Sweet, poignant romance with history thrown in
This story borders on YA genre as it centers around Latesha Thomas, a college girl in Nova Scotia of African descent, she and her invalid father struggling to survive financially and a young white man, Peter Esworth, who comes from a wealthy family, although he is a jack of all trades, especially as an electrician. Latesha is beautiful and intelligent and Peter is a handsome blond man who attracts every woman. When Latesha first saw Peter in the park, she was attracted but ignored him out of pride and fear of being ignored. Peter was immediately drawn to her, having dated very little, but didn’t know how to approach her since she acted like he didn’t exist. Latesha and her father were desperately in need of funds so she could continue her college education and the authorities had notified them that if they didn’t put a new roof on their house, they would lose the house. A new roof would cost several thousand dollars. The Thomas family resided in Beechwood, a predominantly Black community, and it was one of the former Thomas men who owned the property and made it into small residences.
In order to help raise the funds they needed, Latesha posted notices around college that she was a dating service, not identifying herself as a student. Peter had always been shy of women, yet was lonely and was the only person who called her about her services. They talked a long time and Peter enjoyed their conversation during which he related what he was seeking in a woman and Latesha set him up with first a big, heavy, strong wrestler type and then a woman who cried all of the time they were together. This author did not explain how or why Latesha got these women knowing they were nothing like what Peter wanted.
As time passes, Peter makes it a point of meeting Latesha, who is most timid as a Black woman being seen with a White man. Peter has no trouble with this at all, but Mr Thomas is violently against her and any White man and eventually when Peter’s mother learns he is seeing a Black woman, she threatens to disinherit him.
This is the basis of this romance, which is well written, although there are many paragraphs of innocuous conversation that causes the story to lag. Yet it is also full of events in past days when Whites were killed for helping or being friendly with Blacks, which causes Mr. Thomas to be particularly narrow minded and a racist. This is a sweet, interesting, healthy romance and would especially be enjoyed by the YA genre readers.
This story borders on YA genre as it centers around Latesha Thomas, a college girl in Nova Scotia of African descent, she and her invalid father struggling to survive financially and a young white man, Peter Esworth, who comes from a wealthy family, although he is a jack of all trades, especially as an electrician. Latesha is beautiful and intelligent and Peter is a handsome blond man who attracts every woman. When Latesha first saw Peter in the park, she was attracted but ignored him out of pride and fear of being ignored. Peter was immediately drawn to her, having dated very little, but didn’t know how to approach her since she acted like he didn’t exist. Latesha and her father were desperately in need of funds so she could continue her college education and the authorities had notified them that if they didn’t put a new roof on their house, they would lose the house. A new roof would cost several thousand dollars. The Thomas family resided in Beechwood, a predominantly Black community, and it was one of the former Thomas men who owned the property and made it into small residences.
In order to help raise the funds they needed, Latesha posted notices around college that she was a dating service, not identifying herself as a student. Peter had always been shy of women, yet was lonely and was the only person who called her about her services. They talked a long time and Peter enjoyed their conversation during which he related what he was seeking in a woman and Latesha set him up with first a big, heavy, strong wrestler type and then a woman who cried all of the time they were together. This author did not explain how or why Latesha got these women knowing they were nothing like what Peter wanted.
As time passes, Peter makes it a point of meeting Latesha, who is most timid as a Black woman being seen with a White man. Peter has no trouble with this at all, but Mr Thomas is violently against her and any White man and eventually when Peter’s mother learns he is seeing a Black woman, she threatens to disinherit him.
This is the basis of this romance, which is well written, although there are many paragraphs of innocuous conversation that causes the story to lag. Yet it is also full of events in past days when Whites were killed for helping or being friendly with Blacks, which causes Mr. Thomas to be particularly narrow minded and a racist. This is a sweet, interesting, healthy romance and would especially be enjoyed by the YA genre readers.
January 19, 2014
Amazing, powerful book about two young people who come from totally opposite ends of the social strata but find themselves drawn to one another as though destiny has grabbed them up and refuses to let go.
The setting is Nova Scotia where 24 year old Latesha Thomas of African descent lives in the community of Brentwood with her disabled father. Desperate to try and make ends meet, she sets up her own matchmaking company and puts out a few posters at the University where she attends school. A man she has seen one time, Peter Elsworth, contacts her hoping she can set him up with a pleasant female.
Comically, she doesn't really have any clients but she meets three woman who agree to date Peter and of course all the dates bomb. Over the course of her conversations with Peter, it's obvious there is a strong attraction between them and eventually they meet. Although, the community Latesha resides in is a long established community populated mostly by families who are of African descent, Peter begins to visit her and manages to find his way into the community by doing electrical work at their community center. He does run into confrontations due to racism, especially with Latesha's father who is a tough nut to crack.
On the pleasant side, he begins to make friends with several people in the community and he has a casual, confident determination about his persona that contributes to his acceptance in Latesha's world. As time goes on, Peter and Latesha are able to spend enough time together so that their "friendship" is strengthened in all the way that truly count.
When Peter takes Latesha into his world - country club, wealth and the racism of his own mother, the tables are turned. Through it all, both Peter and Latesha come out with their souls and hearts intact and the reader continues to find gems within their individual lives and their heritage.
I loved this book. Although I have been a life-long reader, having read 60 plus books in 2nd grade and now read at least 8-10 books each week, I found this novel to be very unique. I highly recommend this book to anyone and especially to school libraries. It is a book I hope to introduce to my young grandchildren in the not too distant future. Full of symbolism, yet practical in the truths of living together in a highly charged social setting, the principles found in this story are foundational and will help all of us steer straight in our course through life.
Thank you Mr. Power. I received a free book for my unbiased review.
The setting is Nova Scotia where 24 year old Latesha Thomas of African descent lives in the community of Brentwood with her disabled father. Desperate to try and make ends meet, she sets up her own matchmaking company and puts out a few posters at the University where she attends school. A man she has seen one time, Peter Elsworth, contacts her hoping she can set him up with a pleasant female.
Comically, she doesn't really have any clients but she meets three woman who agree to date Peter and of course all the dates bomb. Over the course of her conversations with Peter, it's obvious there is a strong attraction between them and eventually they meet. Although, the community Latesha resides in is a long established community populated mostly by families who are of African descent, Peter begins to visit her and manages to find his way into the community by doing electrical work at their community center. He does run into confrontations due to racism, especially with Latesha's father who is a tough nut to crack.
On the pleasant side, he begins to make friends with several people in the community and he has a casual, confident determination about his persona that contributes to his acceptance in Latesha's world. As time goes on, Peter and Latesha are able to spend enough time together so that their "friendship" is strengthened in all the way that truly count.
When Peter takes Latesha into his world - country club, wealth and the racism of his own mother, the tables are turned. Through it all, both Peter and Latesha come out with their souls and hearts intact and the reader continues to find gems within their individual lives and their heritage.
I loved this book. Although I have been a life-long reader, having read 60 plus books in 2nd grade and now read at least 8-10 books each week, I found this novel to be very unique. I highly recommend this book to anyone and especially to school libraries. It is a book I hope to introduce to my young grandchildren in the not too distant future. Full of symbolism, yet practical in the truths of living together in a highly charged social setting, the principles found in this story are foundational and will help all of us steer straight in our course through life.
Thank you Mr. Power. I received a free book for my unbiased review.
July 24, 2014
I received this book to give an honest review.
This is not my normal genre of a book to read but I had to give it a try especially after reading the blurb. I was glad I did. It is like a love story that you just keep hoping has a good ending.
You know it truly is hard to get those that are set in their ways to see that their ways are not the best ways. If you grew up racist then it is hard to get out of being that way.
This is a story of how Latesha and Peter were able to prove to those that care about them that they want to be together no matter the cost.
The author did a great job with this story because you normally don't read about a story that in a way deals with the truth on how people deal with interracial relationships. It was refreshing to see this written into a story because my husband is of mixed race African-American and White and I am White.
I had to give this book a 4 stars because even though I loved the characters even Peter and Latesha's parents. Latesha drove me crazy going back and forth with the whole "I can't be with you, yes let's be together." Now I could handle her doing this maybe once or twice but when you do it a handful of times it just becomes irritating.
Latesha is a strong character in this book, she has worries like everyone else. She has to take care of her father who is disabled, she has college to worry about, bills and so much more, she when Peter enters her life that is just one more thing to worry about. But she is strong to get what she wants, and she wants to be with Peter so bad and make her father understand that Peter is a nice guy.
Now Peter he is a dream. He wants Latesha and he will not just take no for an answer. I loved how he kept perusing Latesha even with her going back and forth with her decision. It was especially enjoyable to read how the past comes back to help out in a way that is beneficial to all.
When both Latesha and Peter look as to what is in the inside of each other and not the color of their skin that is what makes this story magical.
The history that you read about the Underground Railroad in this book and it isn't a lot but it is enough to make you really appreciate what the people who helped those find the stations and help free the people who needed freedom.
A very touching and powerful story set in Nova Scotia. One that if you enjoy I would say contemporary romance than this is a story you will want to read.
This is not my normal genre of a book to read but I had to give it a try especially after reading the blurb. I was glad I did. It is like a love story that you just keep hoping has a good ending.
You know it truly is hard to get those that are set in their ways to see that their ways are not the best ways. If you grew up racist then it is hard to get out of being that way.
This is a story of how Latesha and Peter were able to prove to those that care about them that they want to be together no matter the cost.
The author did a great job with this story because you normally don't read about a story that in a way deals with the truth on how people deal with interracial relationships. It was refreshing to see this written into a story because my husband is of mixed race African-American and White and I am White.
I had to give this book a 4 stars because even though I loved the characters even Peter and Latesha's parents. Latesha drove me crazy going back and forth with the whole "I can't be with you, yes let's be together." Now I could handle her doing this maybe once or twice but when you do it a handful of times it just becomes irritating.
Latesha is a strong character in this book, she has worries like everyone else. She has to take care of her father who is disabled, she has college to worry about, bills and so much more, she when Peter enters her life that is just one more thing to worry about. But she is strong to get what she wants, and she wants to be with Peter so bad and make her father understand that Peter is a nice guy.
Now Peter he is a dream. He wants Latesha and he will not just take no for an answer. I loved how he kept perusing Latesha even with her going back and forth with her decision. It was especially enjoyable to read how the past comes back to help out in a way that is beneficial to all.
When both Latesha and Peter look as to what is in the inside of each other and not the color of their skin that is what makes this story magical.
The history that you read about the Underground Railroad in this book and it isn't a lot but it is enough to make you really appreciate what the people who helped those find the stations and help free the people who needed freedom.
A very touching and powerful story set in Nova Scotia. One that if you enjoy I would say contemporary romance than this is a story you will want to read.
January 8, 2014
Hold the Line
Latesha Thomas has incredible burdens on her young shoulders. She cares for her elderly, ill father and attends the university to earn her teaching degree. With the house in dire need of expensive repairs and tuition bills to pay, Latesha feels as if her responsibilities are overwhelming, but she refuses to break.
In desperation, Latesha starts the Forevermore Matchmaking Service. For only a hundred dollars, singles of search of love can find their best romantic match. When her first caller is Peter Elsworth, a handsome young man she'd seen on campus, Latesha feels an instant rapport with him.
With his good looks and wealthy background, Peter has his pick of beautiful society belles. But he wants a woman to love him for himself, and not his money. Peter makes his own living as an electrician, and wants to someday do the work in building his own house. With prodding from a friend, Peter decides to try Forevermore Matchmaking Service.
Latesha's business idea is a disaster, and Forevermore Matchmaking Service crashes in flames. From the ashes rises the surprising phoenix: Latesha and Peter begin a relationship.
Since Latesha is black and Peter is white, the relationship faces seemingly insurmountable hurdles. Latesha's father is on the verge of apoplexy. Peter's mother wants him to marry into their "own class." Other obstacles, some from unexpected quarters, throw themselves into the couple's path.
There's a tiny shack near Latesha's home. It was a part of the Underground Railroad. It's known as "The End of the Line" because it's the last station in the Railroad.
One of my favorite parts of the book is the debate about skill and technique versus heart in athletics. Latesha's father was a high school football star whose sports career ended with a torn knee. Now, he's in a wheelchair. Peter states heart will beat skill and technique, and he challenges his dissenters to a football game. He takes the wheelchair-bound Mr. Thomas on his team against gifted (and mobile) athletes, one of whom has his own personal vendetta against Latesha's disabled father.
Gifted author Jim Power has written a powerful and moving story. The End of the Line is not just a love story. It's also a product of contemporary social and economic issues, including racism, poverty, and disability.
Latesha Thomas has incredible burdens on her young shoulders. She cares for her elderly, ill father and attends the university to earn her teaching degree. With the house in dire need of expensive repairs and tuition bills to pay, Latesha feels as if her responsibilities are overwhelming, but she refuses to break.
In desperation, Latesha starts the Forevermore Matchmaking Service. For only a hundred dollars, singles of search of love can find their best romantic match. When her first caller is Peter Elsworth, a handsome young man she'd seen on campus, Latesha feels an instant rapport with him.
With his good looks and wealthy background, Peter has his pick of beautiful society belles. But he wants a woman to love him for himself, and not his money. Peter makes his own living as an electrician, and wants to someday do the work in building his own house. With prodding from a friend, Peter decides to try Forevermore Matchmaking Service.
Latesha's business idea is a disaster, and Forevermore Matchmaking Service crashes in flames. From the ashes rises the surprising phoenix: Latesha and Peter begin a relationship.
Since Latesha is black and Peter is white, the relationship faces seemingly insurmountable hurdles. Latesha's father is on the verge of apoplexy. Peter's mother wants him to marry into their "own class." Other obstacles, some from unexpected quarters, throw themselves into the couple's path.
There's a tiny shack near Latesha's home. It was a part of the Underground Railroad. It's known as "The End of the Line" because it's the last station in the Railroad.
One of my favorite parts of the book is the debate about skill and technique versus heart in athletics. Latesha's father was a high school football star whose sports career ended with a torn knee. Now, he's in a wheelchair. Peter states heart will beat skill and technique, and he challenges his dissenters to a football game. He takes the wheelchair-bound Mr. Thomas on his team against gifted (and mobile) athletes, one of whom has his own personal vendetta against Latesha's disabled father.
Gifted author Jim Power has written a powerful and moving story. The End of the Line is not just a love story. It's also a product of contemporary social and economic issues, including racism, poverty, and disability.
February 10, 2014
Favorite Quotes:
“A philosopher?” “Yes, ma‟am.” His eyes darted left and right. Seeing no one nearby, he grew very solemn. “Garbage bags,” he suddenly blurted out, as if at last revealing the secret of the universe. “Garbage bags?” “Garbage bags,” he repeated, a look of deep thought etched into his wrinkles. “Just think about it. They are what we become. We buy them to throw them away.” He gravely nodded. “Garbage bags.” “I‟ll never look at garbage bags the same way,” Latesha said.
“You‟re right,” Peter said thoughtfully. “Maybe you have found the right person. Maybe the right person has come into your life. That‟s something only you can know, Ms. Thomas.” “How would I know if such a person came into my life?” she asked with great seriousness. “You would feel it.” “How would I feel it?” “Well,” Peter began slowly, “you would enjoy being with the man. It would be fun talking with him, fun just being with him. You would enjoy something as simple as, oh, let me think, something as simple as walking to the store with him.” She crooked an eyebrow. “He would be something new and fresh in your life. You would feel safe and comfortable with him. You would enjoy talking with him on the phone. You would think he is handsome, and he would think you are beautiful.”
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story could be considered YA genre but is still a romance theme. This is not my normal type of reading. It is well written but slow at times. Throughout the book you read examples of just how society is today when it comes to prejudice. It still is a heartwarming story with two very strong and somewhat naive individuals who want to see their own choices for their life and not what others would choose for them. There is heartbreak, love, racism, and compassion.
FOUR HEARTFELT ANGELS
“A philosopher?” “Yes, ma‟am.” His eyes darted left and right. Seeing no one nearby, he grew very solemn. “Garbage bags,” he suddenly blurted out, as if at last revealing the secret of the universe. “Garbage bags?” “Garbage bags,” he repeated, a look of deep thought etched into his wrinkles. “Just think about it. They are what we become. We buy them to throw them away.” He gravely nodded. “Garbage bags.” “I‟ll never look at garbage bags the same way,” Latesha said.
“You‟re right,” Peter said thoughtfully. “Maybe you have found the right person. Maybe the right person has come into your life. That‟s something only you can know, Ms. Thomas.” “How would I know if such a person came into my life?” she asked with great seriousness. “You would feel it.” “How would I feel it?” “Well,” Peter began slowly, “you would enjoy being with the man. It would be fun talking with him, fun just being with him. You would enjoy something as simple as, oh, let me think, something as simple as walking to the store with him.” She crooked an eyebrow. “He would be something new and fresh in your life. You would feel safe and comfortable with him. You would enjoy talking with him on the phone. You would think he is handsome, and he would think you are beautiful.”
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story could be considered YA genre but is still a romance theme. This is not my normal type of reading. It is well written but slow at times. Throughout the book you read examples of just how society is today when it comes to prejudice. It still is a heartwarming story with two very strong and somewhat naive individuals who want to see their own choices for their life and not what others would choose for them. There is heartbreak, love, racism, and compassion.
FOUR HEARTFELT ANGELS
January 7, 2014
"Wonderful Story of Finding Love and Removing Barriers"
This is an outstanding novel which lifted my heart with tears of joy. It is about two adults, falling into a friendship, but neither is acceptable to the other's family. Latesha Thomas lives in the small rural black village of Beechwood, Nova Scotia. She attends university nearby and lives with her father (her mom has passed away a couple years previously) who is poor and wheelchair bound. Latisha has not enough money to pay for her next semester, she's just been fired from a tutoring job, and her father fears they will lose their home. It looks like she'll have some challenges and devises a new way to perhaps make some money: she will start a matchmaking service and puts some posters around the campus. As she sits on a bench outside the Student Union, two men approach one of her posters. Peter Ellsworth's friend encourages him to try to find a gal to his liking via the matchmaking service. He is encouraged to call the service, and Latesha set's him up with the only three women she's encouraged to use her service. They all flunk ... humorously. It's really Peter and Latesha who become interested in each other, but because he is a handsome blond white male, he would never be accepted by her father who is highly prejudiced. Likewise, Peter's widowed mother is very wealthy and high class, and if he pursues Latesha, he will be cut from her will. They try to just be friends but they are faced with prejudices from both whites and blacks. This is a heartwarming story of these two strong individuals persevering to seek freedom of choice, acceptance, compassion, and tolerance. Jim Power has, in deed, written a powerful story which is hard to put down. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this compelling, superbly written novel.
This is an outstanding novel which lifted my heart with tears of joy. It is about two adults, falling into a friendship, but neither is acceptable to the other's family. Latesha Thomas lives in the small rural black village of Beechwood, Nova Scotia. She attends university nearby and lives with her father (her mom has passed away a couple years previously) who is poor and wheelchair bound. Latisha has not enough money to pay for her next semester, she's just been fired from a tutoring job, and her father fears they will lose their home. It looks like she'll have some challenges and devises a new way to perhaps make some money: she will start a matchmaking service and puts some posters around the campus. As she sits on a bench outside the Student Union, two men approach one of her posters. Peter Ellsworth's friend encourages him to try to find a gal to his liking via the matchmaking service. He is encouraged to call the service, and Latesha set's him up with the only three women she's encouraged to use her service. They all flunk ... humorously. It's really Peter and Latesha who become interested in each other, but because he is a handsome blond white male, he would never be accepted by her father who is highly prejudiced. Likewise, Peter's widowed mother is very wealthy and high class, and if he pursues Latesha, he will be cut from her will. They try to just be friends but they are faced with prejudices from both whites and blacks. This is a heartwarming story of these two strong individuals persevering to seek freedom of choice, acceptance, compassion, and tolerance. Jim Power has, in deed, written a powerful story which is hard to put down. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this compelling, superbly written novel.
February 11, 2014
The author, Jim Power, gave me a copy of this novel in exchange for my review.
“The End of the Line” is a contemporary romance. There is a certain stepping back in time flavor to the fictional Beechwood, Nova Scotia that may seem odd to readers who have not visited that province. Without the Ipods and Verve Pipes, readers get the sense of a town stuck in time and the story buoys that feeling. Even so, after reading the first few chapters and realizing that the story is set in the modern day I wondered, does the sort of racism that Latesha experiences really happen in Canada in the 21st Century? I put the book down and did some searching for news stories out of Nova Scotia and right at the top of this list is a story from the Globe and Mail reporting the story of an interracial couple whose car was burned in protest of their union. We as humans have a long way to go.
Power clearly had a message that he wanted to convey and for the most part he does so quite well. There are moments in the story where the reader has to wildly suspend disbelief. The characters, while likeable, are developed poorly and rely heavily on racial and societal stereotypes. There is a historical aspect to the novel that I found interesting and did wonder if perhaps Powers had considered writing a historically based novel about the Underground Railroad.
Powers saving grace is that the story is sweet and a clean romance. “The End of the Line” is YA safe as the main characters do little more than kiss. The extreme good vs. evil angle of the characters could also appeal to younger readers just heading into the adult market.
If you like straightforward romances with likable characters, you may enjoy this novel.
“The End of the Line” is a contemporary romance. There is a certain stepping back in time flavor to the fictional Beechwood, Nova Scotia that may seem odd to readers who have not visited that province. Without the Ipods and Verve Pipes, readers get the sense of a town stuck in time and the story buoys that feeling. Even so, after reading the first few chapters and realizing that the story is set in the modern day I wondered, does the sort of racism that Latesha experiences really happen in Canada in the 21st Century? I put the book down and did some searching for news stories out of Nova Scotia and right at the top of this list is a story from the Globe and Mail reporting the story of an interracial couple whose car was burned in protest of their union. We as humans have a long way to go.
Power clearly had a message that he wanted to convey and for the most part he does so quite well. There are moments in the story where the reader has to wildly suspend disbelief. The characters, while likeable, are developed poorly and rely heavily on racial and societal stereotypes. There is a historical aspect to the novel that I found interesting and did wonder if perhaps Powers had considered writing a historically based novel about the Underground Railroad.
Powers saving grace is that the story is sweet and a clean romance. “The End of the Line” is YA safe as the main characters do little more than kiss. The extreme good vs. evil angle of the characters could also appeal to younger readers just heading into the adult market.
If you like straightforward romances with likable characters, you may enjoy this novel.
April 21, 2014
Nova Scotia has changed since Latesha’s father was a child, but Latesha still feels surprised when the gorgeous white man catches her eye. Still, she has far more important things than romance on her mind—or at least, far more important things than her own non-existent romance. Worried about money for taxes, insurance and college fees, struggling to protect her father’s fragile health, and facing a very uncertain future of her own, she makes plans to succeed and sets the stage for more than just Shakespeare. Meanwhile Peter, from the other side of town, is just out to avoid letting his mother match him up with someone unsuitable suitable. A black and white Romeo and Juliet ensues, played out against a background of prejudice, history, music and the underground railway.
Jim Power creates a sense of people and place very quickly and smoothly in his novel, The End of the Line. Dialog is pleasingly natural, with an enjoyable sense of fun and the absurd, combined with the seriousness of real life issues. Philosophical discussions add weight to teasing dialog, and the impossible kindness of strangers combines with unthinking prejudice. Add some touches of history, and the end of the underground line just might be the place to remove that line of separate but equal. And the play must go on.
The End of the Line is an enjoyable interracial romance with plenty of comedy, though-provoking sincerity, gentle Christian faith, and a thoroughly enjoyable conclusion.
Disclosure: I was give a free ecopy by the author and I offer my honest review
Jim Power creates a sense of people and place very quickly and smoothly in his novel, The End of the Line. Dialog is pleasingly natural, with an enjoyable sense of fun and the absurd, combined with the seriousness of real life issues. Philosophical discussions add weight to teasing dialog, and the impossible kindness of strangers combines with unthinking prejudice. Add some touches of history, and the end of the underground line just might be the place to remove that line of separate but equal. And the play must go on.
The End of the Line is an enjoyable interracial romance with plenty of comedy, though-provoking sincerity, gentle Christian faith, and a thoroughly enjoyable conclusion.
Disclosure: I was give a free ecopy by the author and I offer my honest review
August 9, 2016
Except for the lack of paragraphs and the constant merging of quotations, attributed to each speaker (thankfully!) but still jumbled together, The End Of The Line is a solid read. The copy I read was a Kindle so the main problem is electronically related rather than content.
Main characters Latesha and Peter become more and more real and likable as the novel progresses. Though I tend to read more lesbian romances than straight ones, I truly found myself falling into this one. Latesha's reluctance to get involved and Peter's determination not to give up on a attraction he is sure is mutual, and far deeper than physical, add an odd charm to the novel.
It takes a strong relationship to survive the opposition this couple faces from so many people in their lives. From family objections in the beginning to Mr. Thomas finally accepting his daughter's love for Peter, everything about The End Of The Line rings true.
It is both sad and tragic that we even now we still live in a world where two people can't fall in love without others trying to interfere because of what they see as wrong.
Engaging, very believable, well-written and full of wonderful dialogue, The End Of The Line is hopefully just the beginning for Jim Power. I look forward to reading more from him in the future.
Main characters Latesha and Peter become more and more real and likable as the novel progresses. Though I tend to read more lesbian romances than straight ones, I truly found myself falling into this one. Latesha's reluctance to get involved and Peter's determination not to give up on a attraction he is sure is mutual, and far deeper than physical, add an odd charm to the novel.
It takes a strong relationship to survive the opposition this couple faces from so many people in their lives. From family objections in the beginning to Mr. Thomas finally accepting his daughter's love for Peter, everything about The End Of The Line rings true.
It is both sad and tragic that we even now we still live in a world where two people can't fall in love without others trying to interfere because of what they see as wrong.
Engaging, very believable, well-written and full of wonderful dialogue, The End Of The Line is hopefully just the beginning for Jim Power. I look forward to reading more from him in the future.
February 17, 2014
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review, so here it is. Latesha Thomas is a college student, working odd jobs and taking care of her wheelchair bound father. One of her odd jobs is starting a matchmaking service. When she posts a flyer about the service, she is sitting on a bench near the posted flyer and sees a very handsome man walking toward her. Latesha is African-American and The handsome man is white. Peter Elsworth notices Latesha sitting on the bench and ask if he can sit down. He tries to talk to her but she doesn't answer him. They are worlds apart, besides the color of their skin. Latesha is drawn to Peter and Peter wants a relationship with her. This story covers things like inter-racial relationships, hatred, violence, family history and love. I thought this was a great story and I really enjoyed it.
January 26, 2014
Future hope
The End of the Line is a current love story between a black woman and a white man living in the Canadian Province of Nova Scotia. Because racism and bigotry still exist, Jim Power turns the prejudices of two families and friends into lessons for all races.
With compassion and skill, Power masters storytelling his message with ease. His characters become real and situations believable. He adds a touch of history to create an authentic setting, which remains a desired quality in any good book.
After reading The End of the Line, by Jim Power, I wonder if the expectation is that someday, readers will be shocked and appalled by the insanity of the world when people judged each other by the color of their skin.
The End of the Line is a current love story between a black woman and a white man living in the Canadian Province of Nova Scotia. Because racism and bigotry still exist, Jim Power turns the prejudices of two families and friends into lessons for all races.
With compassion and skill, Power masters storytelling his message with ease. His characters become real and situations believable. He adds a touch of history to create an authentic setting, which remains a desired quality in any good book.
After reading The End of the Line, by Jim Power, I wonder if the expectation is that someday, readers will be shocked and appalled by the insanity of the world when people judged each other by the color of their skin.
March 27, 2014
You would think during this day and age humanity as a whole would be open to interracial relationships and not have so many preconceived notions about life. Unfortunately this is not always the case. Jim Powers does a fantastic job of showing how true love can conquer all. This story was realistically written and made you feel for the couple. This is a romance between Latesha Thomas and Peter Elsworth. A romance that blossoms into something wonderful and against all the unwritten rules of society. This story will open you heart and minds to all the possibilities of true love. I highly recommend this book. It is a well written, heartfelt story that can inspire us all to be better. I give 4 stars.
March 27, 2014
LOVED IT
LOVED IT
I highly recommended this book,I finished it in two days didn't want to stop reading.I wanted the story to go on and on.
LOVED IT
I highly recommended this book,I finished it in two days didn't want to stop reading.I wanted the story to go on and on.
June 12, 2014
Read the review at InD'tale Magazine
http://indtale.com/reviews/contempora...
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