Review for Tempie's amazing book "Feelings" , April 25, 2006 Reviewer: Donna Sheehy "Poet/Author of Romancing on the Bay of Fundy" (Nova Scotia, Canada)    While reading Tempie's novel, "Feelings," I was instantly drawn to the main character, Manerva, and her sincere heartfelt manner and unwavering determination, as she deals with the injustice of racism while being a third year medical intern. During this crossroad in her life, she is forever changed. Not only does she feel the impact of this tragic injustice, but also feels for others having to deal with the same issues. Her spirit is strong and her nature good. Her vulnerability is apparent in her personal relationships. However, her determination to fight the injustice on behalf of those who fall short due to race, culture, or social status in the eyes of the tainted elite, is constant and her choices will empower her spirit as well as those around her. She is determined to have a voice and have it heard. Tempie has created a strong woman for all women to emulate. She provides us with a character that is sincere, honest, determined and fair. A character whose love for others is apparent and her desire to share her happiness with others is commendable and her greatest strength. "She always looked for the good in people, realizing their faults, just as her own, but not concentrating on them." Tempie clearly covers every emotion both seen and felt through her vividly depicted characters and storyline. Her story is clever, thought provoking, gripping and covers an important topic that must be read. I can visually see her characters come to life as each page turns. Tempie also covers every topic, racism, ethics, politics, relationships, family and religion. I could see this story become an instant hit on the big screen. I highly recommend this story for all to read. In fact, I believe this would make an excellent book for required reading for all college students. Donna Sheehy Author of Romancing on the Bay of Fundy

The FEELINGS Are In The Details, March 31, 2006 Reviewer: Antonio Cassone www.antoniocassone.com(United States)    Tempie is a wonderful author, who captured this reader's attention by her attention - to the details and that is where it is all at in this story about a life lived indeed. Her heroine, Manerva, comes from a familiar place for this reader - a place of substance, with a spirit and a story to tell. FEELINGS is a powerful read and an uplifting tale. From go - you will be riveted as the words jump off the page. A MUST READ! Thanks to storytellers like Tempie for sharing a world with us that is one of reality, yes, but one of heart and substance by day's end.

If you have any feelings at all!, March 20, 2006 Reviewer: Shayla McClellon "Shayla"
You will need to pick up this book: I was curious when I started reading this author's novel as to why she decided to name it what she did. As I became engrossed in the storyline, and began to know the main character Manerva, I could have sworn someone had been following me around in my young years as a young black woman. Living in the late sixties and early seventies, during the period of segregation and depression changing the way society was taught to think was a feat by itself, let alone becoming a professional nurse as her main character Manerva. One thing I wished I had was the enormous strength and integrity that her character showed. Whether it was when she felt her back was against the wall and she was being mistreated or if she saw someone helpless and unable to fight back, Manerva stood firmly behind them. I cried with her for the patient without a name that was treated unfairly! I stuck out my chest when Manerva walked away from bigotry and the deception that surrounded her! I applauded her for finding out the truth and fighting through her own sickness Manerva was able to make it right! What a curageous woman this character was to give her all and somehow find peace in the end. If you do not have Feelings while reading this novel, you may not be among the living.

 

COMING OF AGE PIECE, February 3, 2006 Reviewer: Donna J. Thompson (Ohio USA)

"Feelings," is a coming of age piece about a group of friends with Southern roots finding their way through wanting to please their parents, to finally finding their true calling in life. The author guides us through the interaction with their families, their love of God and country. You meet parents who have taught their children to respect themselves, their parents and other people, a rare trait now days.

Manerva Jones, a third year medical student, had no way of knowing, working that fateful warm summer night in the emergency room would change her life forever, and bring her and several of her friends full circle, hundreds of miles from where it all began. When a patient, about her own age, dies because of the neglect of a racist doctor: It is a turning point in Manerva's life. It leads her away from her beloved South to an office in Chicago Illinois.

It was truly inspirational to read about families like Manerva's, even if it is a story of fiction. I can't help but believe the author knows intimately of what she speaks. I enjoyed reading, "Feelings," and I know others will as well.

Tempie only gives us a glimpse of what happened that night in the emergency room, and since I am a mystery writer, I complained to her about wanting closure. The author assured me there would be a sequel, which leaves me waiting patiently for the rest of the story.

Donna J. Thompson Author of "Plot Twist."