Keesha & Her Two Moms Go Swimming by Monica Bey-Clarke and Cheril N. Clarke

Publisher/Date:  Dodi Press, June 2011
Genre: Children’s Books
Pages:  30
Website:  http://www.cherilnclarke.com

Rating: ★★★★★ 

Parents, want a great book you can share with your children?

Pick up KEESHA AND HER TWO MOMS GO SWIMMING by partners Monica Bey-Clarke and Cheril N. Clarke.

Keesha & Her Two Moms is delightful. The daughter of lesbian parents, Keesha is a adorable girl who loves to share and have fun. Her mothers definitely raised her right.

You’ll see Keesha frolicking in the pool, playing with her bestie and making new friends. You’ll also see the love she has for her two moms, and that life for gay families are just like any other.

With colorful illustrations and animated writing, Bey-Clarke and Clarke make Keesha and Her Two Moms Go Swimming a must read for gay and lesbian parents. Kids will love to see their families reflected just as they really are.

Also check out a coloring and activity book titled My Family ABCs with Keesha!, as well as other titles from the Clarkes at  www.myfamilyproducts.net.

Reviewed January 2012

Making Our Difference by Ericka K. F. Simpson

Publisher/Date:  EKS Books, Dec. 2009
Genre(s):  Romance, Family, Marriage
Pages:  184
Website:  http://www.ekfsimpson.com

Rating: ★★★★½ 

Monogamy isn’t easy. MAKING OUR DIFFERENCE, by Ericka K. F. Simpson, does it brilliantly.

In her third novel and the sequel to In Fear of Losing You, four lesbian couples deal with the ups and downs of monogamy and marriage, illness and faith, and parenthood. The women, united in genuine friendship, are bonded as family also because of the way the world perceives their sexuality.

If you remember Sweets from In Fear, she was the optimistic romantic. Now in new relationship with Janet, a single mother, she has the love she longed for. But as they get closer, Janet struggles with her sexuality while Sweets is left waiting for the woman of her dreams. Will Janet ultimately see that Sweets is the one?

Kat, a reformed player, has settled down with Cheyenne and made a success of her company, The Whole of Delaware. As she builds the 24-hour sports and activities center into a franchise, can she and Cheyenne truly have it all?

Happiness has shed its graces on Lex and wife Ayanna, their life almost perfect with one child and a new baby on the way, until Lex is diagnosed with cancer. Is their love strong enough to carry them through this rough time, especially with Lex’s family in opposition to their marriage?

Lastly, Genius and Ciara had a playful connection before, and are trying to make it exclusive. Will Genius trust her heart to Ciara, who’s been with several before (including Kat)?

Simpson weaves an excellent yarn in Making Our Difference with a well-drawn cast. God plays a big role in their lives, as well, an aspect that blends nicely (not doggedly) with the plot. The alternative ending is also great touch. The only negative in Difference is the excessive clothing descriptions.

That being said, Simpson nails the characters, and that makes all the difference.

Reviewed February 2011