Product Description

One of E. Lynn Harris's incomparable heroines, Yancey Harrington Braxton, is working her way back to Broadway and beyond. And this diva supreme always stirs up drama in and out of the spotlight....

New York City, you've been warned: Yancey Harrington Braxton is back. The ambitious singer and actress is fired up to move past her recent professional and personal setbacks -- including an explosive romance with NFL tight end John Basil Henderson -- and prove her talents are stronger than ever. After being out on tour, Yancey realizes what she really wants is to star in her own reality TV series, and she's even found a rich and well-connected lover to make it happen. There are, however, two women fierce enough to derail Yancey's plans with ambitions of their own: Madison B., a hot new bombshell taking the music industry by storm, and Ava Middlebrooks, who happens to be Yancey's own mama dearest.

Ava is out, about, and ready to reclaim her throne. Not even a stint in prison for attempted murder has curbed Ava's competitive nature, and it doesn't faze her in the least that her #1 rival is her own daughter. Ava is willing to do whatever it takes to make Yancey pay, including using Madison B. to turn Yancey's world upside-down by forcing her to confront the past...and making her comeback dreams more exciting and dangerous than she ever imagined.

Taking readers on a wild, passion-filled tour of the entertainment world, E. Lynn Harris's Mama Dearest delivers sensual thrills and electric plot twists -- with one unforgettable woman of radiant star power, sexual magnetism, and unapologetic ambition at the heart of the action.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4638 in Books
• Published on: 2009-09-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 400 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781439158906
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From Publishers Weekly
Yancey Harrington Braxton returns in bestseller E. Lynn Harris’s (A Love of My Own) latest novel (the author died in July but happily for fans this is not his last book) for another sex and betrayal–filled romp. Diva Yancey, fast fading into Z-list territory, is nearly broke and acting in a traveling production of Dreamgirls, reprising her role in the original theater production with a bunch of hacks. Then she meets and is immediately impressed by wealthy S. Marcus Pinkston, who wants to produce a reality TV show he claims will rejuvenate her career. Simultaneously, Yancey’s mother, Ava, is released from prison with a devious plan for revenge. And when Ava’s on the scene, it means deception, trickery and the revelation of Yancey’s innermost secrets. Throw in some ex-lovers along with Madison, the daughter Yancy gave up years ago who’s now back on the scene as her mother’s major show biz competitor, and ride the wave of high drama to Yancey’s redemption and ultimate happiness. Nobody ever said entertainment had to be plausible.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author
E. Lynn Harris penned twelve novels and the memoir What Becomes of the Brokenhearted. Several of his novels such as Basketball Jones, Just Too Good To Be True, I Say A Little Prayer, and A Love of My Own have hit bestseller list including the New York Times, USA Today, the Wall Street Journal and Essence.  There are over four million copies of his novels in print.  He died in July 2009 at the age of 54.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Chapter 1

As I savor the first sip of my second glass of wine, my eyes move to the television and I say to myself, "Yancey, that's the bitch who got your life."

Here I am in a third-rate hotel (it used to be a Days Inn) down the street from the Jackie Gleason Theater near South Beach in Miami. I'm in the second week of my role as Deena Jones in a bus-and-truck company of Dreamgirls. The producers aren't extravagant when it comes to lodging, and I can't wait until this tour is over and I can get my beautiful ass back to New York City where I belong.

I'm sitting here watching the DVD of the 2007 Grammys, and there is Beyonce singing and gliding across the stage with Tina Turner. That should've been me singing with Tina or on the stage alone, but things haven't turned out the way I'd planned. And I don't have much time before it will be too late.

My name is Yancey Harrington Braxton, and I'm a singer and actress. I've been close to stardom and even had a big pop hit at the beginning of the decade, but just as I got near Beyonce and Tina status, something happened that slammed the door in my face.

I'm thirty-six in actress years, which really means I'm a sneeze away from turning forty. At times that scares me, but thank God I still have my looks, especially a body that could compete with a twenty-year-old on the beach and in the bedroom.

I had come to Miami with a plan to make a second comeback but I'm running out of ideas. Maybe I need a stalker; then people would feel sorry for me. I could do the drug thing and go into rehab. It looks like it might work for Miss Whitney and Lord knows it ain't hurting that crazy singer from England, Amy Winehouse. I'm much too vain to put on a few pounds and then become a spokesperson for one of the weight-loss companies like Queen Latifah. But there has to be something legal that I can do to push myself back onto the national scene one last time. This is a time when it seems everybody and their mama has a reality show. Surely there is still room for a legitimate star of my caliber. Yeah, that's the ticket -- I need my own reality show.

I took this job even though I hate working with a bunch of no-talent people who've never set foot on a Broadway stage unless they were pushing a broom across it, but I'd run into some tough times with my finances. Besides, I've played the role of Deena Jones since I was in my twenties and could do it in my sleep. Gone are the days when I can demand first-class transportation, suites and car service. Let's not forget my name over the title on the theater marquee. Most producers and directors aren't savvy enough to recognize talent and class in one package.

Thank God I still own a really nice town house on the Upper East Side. I'd always planned to use it as my nest egg but now when I need to sell it, the real estate market has gone to hell in a handbasket. A lot of people were interested in purchasing it, but with the banks tight with money, even so-called rich white folks are having a hard time getting a loan. My real estate agent told me that my best hope for getting my asking price is if some rich Russian falls in love with it and pays cash. I told her that she needs to get her ass on a plane to Russia quick, fast and in a hurry.

If I sell the house, I'll get myself a smaller place and there will still be enough money left over to get new headshots and some new outfits and go sit my ass in some spa where rich men hang out. I just can't take another night in a seedy hotel when somebody with as little talent as Beyonce has all the things I'm supposed to have, including a rich, powerful husband. It should be me who's the toast of the red carpet, with my own clothing line and preparing for yet another world tour.

As I watched Tina and Beyonce complete their performances and take their bows I thought, "I can sing better than both of them." I'd give them a run for their money on the dancing as well. When did it all go wrong for me and why? I was born to be a star.

I'm a statuesque five feet eight inches, 125 pounds with a twenty-two-inch waist. A beige princess with a diamond-shaped face, golden brown eyes and auburn-tinted hair that falls just below my shoulders. My arms are long and slender, almost perfect...almost. I am still as beautiful as any actress, black or white, working today. I just need to remind Hollywood of that so I can move from the D-list back to the A-list.

As I tried to figure out what I could do to get some positive press, I thought back to almost ten years before when I was on Broadway starring in yet another Dreamgirls revival. I guess I should be thankful that Jennifer Hudson and Beyonce made the movie musical. Still, I'm pissed that I couldn't even get a role as an extra in the glitzy film. Maybe the first step for me should be to get another agent and by this I mean a good one. And I don't mean somebody calling himself an agent/producer like the current fool who represents me, Zeus Miller. First of all what kind of name is that? But for now he's the best that I can do.

I finished my glass of wine and looked around the tacky room for the rest of the bottle. Another glass would ensure me of at least a sound sleep and I wouldn't spend the night worrying about how I was going to keep the bank from foreclosing on my home before I could sell it and hopefully make a nice profit or at least break even.

Just as I got up, there was a knock at my door. I figured it was housekeeping finally bringing the extra towels I'd asked for three hours ago. If I was staying in a Four Seasons or the Ritz Carlton South Beach, I would have had those towels before I hung up the phone. I miss those days more than I can say. You get what you pay for.

I pulled together my robe and opened the door.

"You got a corkscrew I can borrow for a few?" It was Violet Smith, one of the understudies for the musical and my next-door neighbor. Violet is an okay-looking young girl when she has makeup on. She'd made it to the top ten on American Star a couple seasons back and landed a small part in the Dreamgirls movie, something she never fails to tell people when she meets them. Now with shows like American Idol and So-You-Think-You-Can-Do-This-or-Do-That, any clown can have a little time in the sun. Gets on my damn nerves. When I first entered the business you had to have talent before you appeared on stage or television, let alone being cast in a movie. I have sold millions of CDs, had a number-one hit and appeared on Broadway countless times. Damn, I was even nominated for a Tony Award. I should have won and would have if Patti Lupone had taken her old ass somewhere and sat down.

Violet stood there impatiently. "Yeah, but I'm not lending it out," I said. "Bring your bottle of wine to my room and I'll open it for you." Maybe Violet will have the decency to offer me a glass and I can save my corner for later on tonight in case I wake up.

Violet gave me an are-you-serious look. "Girl, quit playing," she said, "I promise to bring it right back. I got a real nice man I met at the after-hour's club off Lincoln in my room waiting on me. I know we normally hang out and talk but I can't tonight, hon. I got some catching up to do. Some of the cast is watching the semifinals of American Star in Dalton's room. Why don't you go down there? I think they got some drinks."

I ignored her suggestion that I join a bunch of sexually confused chorus boys watching a bunch of no-talent teenagers and walked over to the desk and picked up the corkscrew I'd stolen from the hotel we'd stayed at in Tampa. It was one of the few times we'd stayed in a hotel that had a wine list and twenty-four-hour room service. Still, it wasn't a five-star hotel, but more like a two and a half.

When I turned around, Violet had let herself into my room and was sitting in the chair making herself at home. I made a mental note to make sure to let Violet know I didn't like people invading my space without my permission. I don't have roommates on the road, no matter how much money it saves.

"Did you hear who was in the audience tonight?"

"Who, Michelle Obama?" I asked, being cute.

"No, honey, but I hope that she and the president will come to this show. That would really put us on the map. It was Nicole Springer. She was one of the Deena Jones that played in the show when it was on Broadway back in the day. Do you know her?"

"No" I lied. Of course I knew Nicole Springer, and if there was one person I despised more than Beyonce it was Nicole "Miss Perfect" Springer. I'd understudied her on Broadway and plotted her demise by spiking her coffee. I don't think she ever found out or suspected me because I was a better actress than she was. I have to admit that the reason I dislike her so is that everything came so easily to her. Talented, beautiful and nice to almost everyone, and to me that took just too much work.

"That's funny, she said she knew you. Dalton and I were going to bring her to your dressing room but we were so busy talking. Dalton used to take voice lessons from her in Atlanta and was a member of her theater group. She was the one who talked him into auditioning for this show," Violet said.

I was not going to engage her in this Nicole banter so I just handed her the corkscrew. "Now don't make me have to knock on your door to get this back."

"Thanks," she said popping up from the chair, "and don't worry, you won't have to. As soon as my company leaves I will bring it back. If you don't answer I'll leave it by your door."

"Don't do that because if it comes up missing, I'm still coming back to you. Understand?" What did it say about my depressed life that I was clutching a corkscrew the way a diabetic relies on insulin.

"I hear you. Thanks, Yancey. You're the best."

I shut the door and thought, I once was the best and very soon I'll be the best again. These bitches better get out of my way!

•

I was sitting at my dressing-room table removing my makeup when I heard a knock at the door.

"Come in," I shouted.

Dalton McGurdy, the understudy for C. C. White, stuck his head in and asked...

Customer Reviews

The Divas Yancey and Ava are back...
I was so glad to hear that we would get another dose of Yancey and Ava the mother and daughter that you love to hate. Mr. Harris did a fine job in developing the story and allowing us to see a character that is not mainstream or seen in a lot of stories. The ruthless way that Ava dealt with her daughter and the jealously was classic. I found myself laughing and crying at some of the treatment. Ava was a villain to the nth degree and I was so happy when she got hers at the end. I had the opportunity in getting an advance copy and I couldn't put the book down. The drama and the plot twists of the story were brilliant.

E Lynn Harris definitely knew how to keep you guessing and wondering what was going to happen next. I hope this will not be his last book even though he is no longer with us. I am praying that there is more books out there that just have not been released. I recommend this book as a must read, there was even appearances by Raymond Tyler and Basil Henderson that was very compelling in the story. I loved the way it ties up a lot of loose ends from previous books. I am the author of My Eyes Are Green and this author pushes me to become a better writer.

Very entertained and satisfied, after a long week this was a refreshing getaway from all the stress of life.

Didn't Love It
Personally, I love any and everything written by E. Lynn Harris. RIP to my favorite author. I've read 9 of his novels and his memoir. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this book the way I thought I would. The plot consisted of an evil character that has become typical in his latest books. I was very excited about the guest appearances of Raymond, Basil and Nicole (THOSE ARE THE CHARACTERS THAT I WANT TO READ ABOUT) This was the most predictable of them all. I grew so annoyed with Ava and wondered why Yancey hasn't given up on her long before now. I wanted to put the book down when Yancey basically let Ava put her out of her own house. Maybe this book wasn't for me because it didn't seem real enough. However his earlier books were complete classics. I love E Lynn Harris and his books will be greatly missed.

They Are Back! 3.5 ***
Mama Dearest by E. Lynn Harris is the final known book by the famous author, who recently passed away. Avid fans waited with anticipation and in many ways they are given what they want. Mr. Harris has brought back, uber-diva, Yancey. Though she is a bit hard on her luck, she is still playing the system and has amazing belief in her talents and looks. Yancey's hope is that she will get one last big break. On the other hand, her mother, Ava, has been released from prison and shows up on Yancey's doorstep. Though Yancey tries to be a good daughter, she soon learns that Ava only has Ava's best interests at heart. As usual, Mr. Harris brings drama and scandal to the pages to keep the reader interested. There are also a few new characters added to the lineup to help the story along and a few surprise players as well.

Though, the book read quickly, and was filled with drama and shenanigans, there was something missing that did not quite read E. Lynn Harris. The narrative was done in a style somewhat different than his usual style. The difference was enough to slow the story down for me. However, I recommend this book to all E. Lynn Harris fans to complete their library of works from a very prolific author. I also recommend it to those who have never read his work. They will be able to enjoy it as a stand-alone novel without making comparisons.

Angelia Menchan
APOOO BookClub