Finally- it feels so good to read contempary African American fictions that isn't street lit, Christian Fiction or Civil Rights related. I really enjoyed this book and think that Ms. Johnson is my new favorite auther. I originally wanted to read this one, but it wasn't available at my library so I read love in a Carry on. I finally got my hands on this one and it was worth the wait.

I really Enjoyed Felicia as a character. At times I was frustrated with her actions and felt that they were out of place for her but as her story unfolded I think it just goes to show how hurt, pain and abuse never really heals. In a sense, it's scary that a person can abuse you twice and I think it goes to show the importance of getting help which is taboo in the African American community as Felicia even quoted that we are often times told to "simply move on, get over it". I will say that I never understood her reaction to Shalya's request but I'm glad it was a side story that didn't really go into much more.

Overall, I couldn't put this story down. I really enjoyed all the characters although Preston did get on my nerves a little. Can't wait to read Ms. Johnson's next book! ( )

In Sadeqa Johnson's Second House from the Corner, frazzled stay at home mom Felicia Lyons' marriage teeters on the brink of divorce when her long buried past comes back to haunt her.

Felicia is a happily married mom of three young children but with her husband Preston working long hours, all of the child-rearing and household duties rest squarely on her shoulders. Stressed to the breaking point, she is suddenly contacted by two people from her past whose demands send her careening down a rebellious path. The unexpected phone calls from Martin Dupree, a much older man who seduced her into an illicit romance when she was a teenager, immediately awakens the same heat she felt for him all those years ago. Trying to discover how Martin tracked her down, Felicia gets in touch with her childhood best friend Shayla Douglas which puts her right in the middle of Shayla's boyfriend drama. Despite her best efforts to keep her past hidden, when Preston finds out about her previous relationship with Martin, he is so deeply betrayed that he refuses to listen to her explanation. With nowhere to go, Felicia naturally gravitates to her beloved Gran's house where she tries to make sense of those long ago events and decide what comes next for her marriage and her children.

Felicia is an extremely frustrating character who makes one wrong decision after another. It is difficult to feel sympathy for her when a lot of stress could be eliminated by cutting back a little on the kids' extracurricular activities. While understandable that she wants her children to have the best opportunities in life, it is pretty obvious that not only is she over extended but based on their behavior, so are the kids. Felicia's growing animosity over Preston's long hours spills over into secretive behavior as she escapes from her day to day life. And when she returns to her grandmother's house? Oh. My. Gosh. Her decisions go from bad to worse as she reverts to old behaviors to try to forget her problems with Preston.

However, Felicia finally comes to her senses once she realizes she has let herself be taken advantage of once again. Her feelings of shame overwhelm her and she finds herself slipping into depression. She continues to hide from her problems, but there comes a point when she finally realizes that ignoring these troubling issues is not healthy nor are her painful memories going to just vanish. Help arrives in a somewhat unorthodox manner but Felicia finally finds the inner strength to confront not only her mistakes but Preston as well.

Despite feeling annoyed with some of Felicia's choices, Second House from the Corner is a riveting read that is realistic yet entertaining. Sadeqa Johnson's portrayal of Felicia is unflinchingly honest and she does not shy away from difficult topics. While it is a painful journey for both the reader and Felicia, it is extremely gratifying when she finally forgives herself for her mistakes and takes control of her life. The conclusion of the novel is a bit abrupt but overall, the ending is positive.

Gritty, raw and real, Second House from the Corner is an enjoyable, thought-provoking novel that I enjoyed and easily recommend to readers of women's fiction. ( )

I really liked this book. I thought the main character was realistic and parts I could relate to. ( )

The Second House from the Corner by Sadeqa Johnson is a woman whining about her life (the complaining never stops). Felicia Lyons is an actress turned stay-at-home mom in New Jersey. She has three children under the age of four and a husband who is rarely home (as well as sexist, lazy, has a temper, and keeps her on a tight leash). Then one day she gets a call from her past. A past that Preston, her husband, knows nothing about. This call (really the man behind the call) has the power to ruin her life (if she lets it). Will Felicia make the right choices?

I did not like reading The Second House from the Corner. I had a hard time getting through Felicia’s whining (about her kids, her husband, housework, etc.). Felicia is an extremely unpleasant character. The Second House from the Corner contained foul language (too much of it) and sex (explicit). It also had an extremely odd ending. I give The Second House from the Corner 1 out of 5 stars. I just found the book to be unenjoyable, and I really had to force myself to finish it (not a good thing). This book was just not for me.

I received a complimentary copy of The Second House from the Corner from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel. ( )

Felicia Lyons seems to have it all - three healthy children, a loving husband, and a busy life juggling the occasional acting gig and stay-at-home motherhood. She's come a long way since a troubled childhood in Philly. Still, Felicia can't help but dreaming of getting away from it all sometimes. Then, suddenly, a blast from her past appears, threatening to upend the life Felicia has so carefully created for herself. Will Felicia be able to save her family and marriage?

This was an interesting and well-written book. Honestly, it was almost too stressful for me to read, which reduced its enjoyment level for me at times. However, it certainly doesn't diminish the writing or the quality of the book - if anything, it was so well-constructed that it made me tense! Felicia is an excellent portrayal of a stressed mother. So often, it seems like books actually gloss over the difficulty of juggling motherhood and life. It will hit home with many parents.

For me, this book rests on some crazy premises - if Felicia and her husband had just *talked* in the beginning, we wouldn't have gone on this whole journey. Still, Johnson does a good job of explaining her Felicia's background, giving us insight into why she's become the person she is today. She's a well-developed and real character, albeit slightly frustrating at times! The ancillary characters are fun and real, especially her grandmother.

Overall, a good read, though just 3/3.5 stars for me personally, because it stressed me out!

(Note: I received an ARC from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.) ( )