Book Reviews

"Ok, when I read the chapter On a Blue Day, I was terrified, so I can only imagine how scared Clarence must have been.  Blue was unlike any character I've ever read about, and I could see him so clearly too.  Gave me goosebumps reading about him.  This book was really good.  I enjoyed this book much.  I can't wait to see what Kim comes up with next.  You wrote that.  When is the movie coming out?  LOL, but seriously, I'd like to see this book into a movie!" ~~ Karen Taylor

"I just finished Silent Knight, and let me tell you, Clarence found his voice did he not?  WOW, this book was really awesome.  I didn't read your first book cause I wasn't aware of it, but after reading this great story, I can't wait to read Mello and June.  I see from your blog some of your fans really liked M&J, and now I'm excited about reading it.  Keep up the great job.  Simply wonderful!"  ~~  Martha L.

"Girrrrrrl, I got one word for you MAR-VA-LOUS!  (Two snaps UP!)  Ooookay!  I know that's not how you spell it, but you WROTE that book!  OMG, AWESOME!  What a great story.  You really took me back to the 70s.  I loved the Rent Party chapter, but my all-time favorite, if I can even say that, was those old ladies in the church.  I laughed until I peed myself.  That chapter was so damn funny!  I mean I was in actual tears of laughter because the comedy was outstanding.  I could see those old ladies walking to church and then what they did in the church in front of the kids, was too much.  I am still laughing.  I don't want to spoil it for others, but that chapter was hilarious!  Kim definitely got jokes.  You wrote that chapter.  All I want to know is, when is the movie coming out cause you being passed over big time.  This book GOT to be in Film.  Box-office hit from the gate, girlfriend.  You doin' you!  I love it.  Can't wait for book 3."  ~~ James 'Honey Bee!'

"I finally got some time to finish up Silent Knight and all I got to say is WOWWWW!!!! That was an awesome story!  Those children acted like children used to behave and Kim did an outstanding job bringing their characters to life.  That ending was unbelieveable!  I'm still sitting here with my mouth hanging open.  That ending, that ending!!!!!  I had no idea that was going to happen.  I thought the story was taking me one place, and here it took me somewhere else.  Kim you are so talented.  I loved this story so much better than Mello and June, not to take anything away from you, but girl, you worked Silent Knight.  It was well worth the wait.  Now I'm anxious for your next book.  What is the title?  You've been real tight lipped on this third novel.  What up with that?  LOL  Great job!"  ~~ Carlee Hamilton

"How is the new novel coming cause I really enjoyed Silent Knight, WHAT AN ENDING!!!!  Never seen that one coming!  WHAT A TWIST!!!!" ~~ Tammy Stevens

"What an exciting time to grow up~~the 70s that is! Kim wrote a very good story here. The characters were so well constructed and well thought out. I don't know how she kept up with all those kids. I know that had to be a challenge. About mid-way through, I had some idea what was really happening, but I had no idea it would have that twist at the end. Wowww! I loved this story so much. And what I truly appreciate about Kim is that she doesn't write the same type of stories. Silent Knight was so different than Mello and June. One character that really stood out for me was Kenny. He reminded me so much of my brother. From that unkept afro to his wiry body. My brother was gross as a teen, and Kenny was much the same. And thank you for giving the kids all 'normal' names. What happened to that? Today, you can't pronounce these kids' names, let alone have any idea how to spell them. It was refreshing to see classic names in print. Well done, Kim. God Bless and please continue to touch the world with your refreshing stories!" ~~ Carla Jayson

"A friend of mine loaned me a copy of Mello and June, and I was blown away with that love story. Hell, after reading that first love scene, I had to talk to my wife immediately (LOL). I really loved the story so much and was happy to learn Kim had a second book out, and wow, what a story. I could relate with all those little boys. That damn Reggie, Jr. had a mouth on him. Boy, did that take me back. I was a lot like him thinking I was the big cheese. Many smiles. It was great to go back to better days. I assumed this story took place deep down in the South, but I could be wrong. The dialogue sort of had that southern vibe, and I loved that being from the Dirty South myself. I know it's not easy what you do and I appreciate your talent. That's why, I bought both books, even though they were loaned to me. You deserve payment for your hard work. I advise everyone to buy these books cause they are good. Keep doin' what you do! I can't wait for your next wow factor!" ~~ Charles K.

"Kim, what the hell was up with Vicki? My God that child had some major issues, but I loved her back story. And one of the characters who wasn't a main star, but was definitely important was Jeremy. When you described how he looked, I could not stop laughing. I went to school with a guy that could have been Jeremy's twin. And what really was great is how you didn't reveal what the characters looked like in the beginning. You just let the kids take over and tell the story in only the way kids know how. I remember double dutchin' and playing hopscotch. I could see the neighborhood so clearly and the characters were outstanding. Another favorite character I liked was Miss Char. She wasn't a main one either, but I loved how Clarence's sisters and he took to her. You did a great job with this story. This would be a great movie. I'd love to see this book put into film. Looking forward to book number three." ~~ Kim Brice

"This was an awesome read! I truly enjoyed the story of Clarence and his friends. I didn't grow up in the 70s, but it seems that parents didn't always keep their eyes on their kids, which is why what happened in the story took place. I felt so bad for Connie and her family. She really had a rough upbringing. I enjoyed this book a lot. You did a nice job, Kim. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to more stuff from you." ~~ Tracy Kresnik

"Ok, can someone tell me what the hell was up with Vicki? That little girl there needed her ass kicked for real! I couldn't stand her, but she made for an interesting read. But the character that blew me away the most was Blue. OMG, he scared the hell outta me, so I can only imagine how poor Clarence felt meeting that dude for the first time. These characters felt so real to me. I know men that look like Blue, but damn. Good read, Kim, definitely kept me reading." ~~ Leslie Fielding

"It's nice to know the author personally, and it's funny how I came to read Silent Knight cause a mutual friend of ours told me about the book, and I couldn't believe Kim didn't tell me herself, but nonetheless, I just finished it, and WOW, girl you wrote that! I'm not one to read a lot. I usually read sci-fi when I do read, but damn, those kids were a trip. I could not stop laughing. Children are really crazy, and she did an outstanding job describing each of their backgrounds. I really liked how it starts off with the adults and then the story is told through them as children. What an interesting story. I could NOT put this book down seriously. My girlfriend is hounding me to read it. I can't wait to hear what she thinks. I couldn't stop laughing. Even though Kim told me it's a mystery, and it was, but those kids had me dying. And Marcus~~ummm is all I can say. You know I respect you as an author, and I couldn't be more proud of you. This was awesome, my sista, keep it up. You goin' places for sure. One thing I love about you is that you don't do what everyone else does, and you stay true to yourself and your stories. Simply amazing. You go girl~~do ya thang, as you always say! Love ya." ~~ Daryl Briggs

"I bought both of Kim's books and read them in order. She asked me to comment on Silent Knight, but I have to say something about Mello and June first. OMG, you managed to put some music in the book that I wasn't even hep too, so for that my hat goes off to you. Those love scenes were of the chiz-ain. Gat dam, made me sweat. I've never read scenes quite so descriptive. My, my, my! But I have to say for your first time out, you did a great job. I enjoyed following Mello and June's love story. There was an actual storyline, and it wasn't about the sex, although I did enjoy reading the few scenes in there. Now, Silent Knight was even better than M&J. I can see how Kim grew in her writing, and this book was all that. I loved all the characters, especially Miss Val. Seems like Kim described herself with that character (smile), especially checking out her photo on the back of the book. I know your husband is happy. But anyone who doesn't like these two great stories is crazy, cause they were really good and very entertaining. I'm looking forward to the third book. Hurry up and get it out there." ~~ Andre Woods

"I loved Silent Knight. I've never read a story quite like this. After figuring out what was going on, I was left wondering just whose story was truth? The way Kim wrote it, she did a nice job giving the reader some deep thoughts on just who to believe, cause thanks to Marcus he threw a huge monkey wrench in there. I was like wow this is really something else. I read this book in two days, it was that good. I read it on the bus going to work and stayed up half the night cause everytime I tried to put it down, something wild would happen, and I had to find out what it was. Great story, and Kim outdone herself on this one. Really good book, and I'm anxious for the next one." ~~ Simone K.

"Silent Knight was nothing like Mello and June, but still carried the same excitement and addiction of "what's next?" Kimberly Ranee Hicks truly shows her talent as a writer and artist in Silent Knight~~kept me laughing and turning pages! You can't predict the ending!  This book is in a class all by itself. Keep them coming, Kim, you have converted me to a novel reader. Yours at least!" ~~ Iyana Tennon of Virtuous Academy and Virtuous Visions Photography

"Don't get me wrong, Mello and June was a good read, but what I loved about Silent Knight is that Kim's writing has matured to a whole 'nother level, if you will. Much stronger and the storyline was captivating. If you haven't read this book yet, you are truly missing out on a great read. I couldn't put this book down. I read it in like 3 days, so that's a good book!" ~~ K. Ellis

"Growing up in the hood, I could identify with Clarence a whole lot.  The projects is a rough area to grow up in no matter what city you live in, and I loved the 70s vibe.  This book took me back to much better days, and this story was deeeep!  Kim did a great job with this because trust me, I'm like WHOA, this is a good mystery.  Kept me turning pages." ~~ George B.

"I don't want to give what the mysteries are about in Woodland Heights, but I have to say this story touched me tremendously because I know all too well the pain of what Clarence went through cause I too have gone through a similar thing, so when I read this, it was funny to read the children's stories and painful at the same time. The ending really brought it all home for me. I have to admit, I didn't read Mello & June, but after reading Kim's second novel, I'm definitely going to read her first. Excellent read, and thank you for speaking for us!" ~~ Trevor M.

"OMG, let me tell you, if you want laughter, tears, joy and pain, this mystery is for you.  Girlfriend wrote the hell out of this story, and I must say, I wasn't sure where Kim was going with this, but after I got into it, OMG, my jaw dropped.  This is a great story, and her writing is so much stronger this time around.  I read M and J and I can't wait to read her third novel.  If you haven't been following Kim's books, you are missing out on a talented sista!" ~~ Christine Fields

"Wow, this was really a great read.  I loved the 70s and raised children during that era and it was so fun to go back and revisit.  Clarence Knight was a brilliant character and I loved how he overcame the odds.  What a refreshing read.  Deep storyline too.  If you haven't read this yet, what are you waiting for?  Those church ladies had me ROTFL--for those not hip to texting lingo thats rolling on the floor laughing.  I can't wait for Kim's next book." ~~ Shawna Miller

"Ok, so the 70s it is.  Clarence's father had class buying a duece and quarter.  Hell, my parents had one of those.  It was great to read about the car.  What an ordeal Clarence and his family went through.  I had no idea what was really going on, but I must say this is a mystery indeed, and when you do find out, look out!  Reggie's dad got what he deserved!" ~~ Kevin S.

"I hate to admit it, but I can really identify with one character totally, and that's Vicki.  Umm, when I read about her background, it brought tears to my eyes because I was that little girl at one time.  Not something I'm proud of, but I couldn't believe Kim wrote such a strong character like that and captured her life so well.  This is a damn good book.  I hated when it ended.  Kudos to Kim." ~~ Anonymous

"So I'm like why didn't Kim pursue Clarence and Carla's relationship?  I wanted to see where that was going, but after reading the book, I guess it didn't matter because this book was AWESOME!  My goodness this is a story unlike any others and for Kim to bring the present and the past together so well, it really entertained me.  My husband is now reading it, and when he read the chapter, Honey Dippin' he laughed cause he said his friends and he did something similar.  Kim captured the essence of children so well.  Boys will be boys.  Wow, great story!  All I want to know is, what's next?" ~~ Leslie Timmons

"Man, the 70s rock!  I loved the 70s and Kim brought it all home in this book.  I loved when they had the rent party and was doing the Soul Train line.  Damn!  And those afros and bell bottom pants, I could see it so vividly in my mind.  I felt like I was right back in the 70s again, and the way Kim incorporated it, she did a great job taking the reader back.  You go girl, you did a nice job.  Great story.  I have kids and that advice at the end, whew, blew me away.  I had no idea the ending would go like that.  I loved this book!" ~~ Louis Tolbert

"This book had so much comedy in it, I don't even know where to begin.  Kids are funny as hell.  I loved when Marcus and Jeremy were sitting with the old men of the neighborhood and Mr. King was telling old Redd Foxx jokes.  I could not stop laughing.  There were so many funny elements to this story, even though it was a mystery.  What a fun book to read.  Kim got kids down pat.  That's just how they act, or at least how kids used to act.  There wasn't any electronic games and stuff back in the day, and it was fun to see how kids used to be.  I wish we had those days back.  I'm still laughing at the Redd Foxx joke.  Kim you were showing your age a little bit.  (LOL), I know you're not that old, but you did your homework on this story.  I loved this better than Mello & June.  Really good book!  I want to see this book as a movie.  Spike Lee should take an interest." ~~ Sabrina Rhoades

"I wasn't raised in the projects, but I did grow up in the suburbs, and I went to school with a few African-American kids, and I have to say, this book gave me much insight into what some of my childhood friends used to tell me about coming up in the projects.  This was a great story and I enjoyed it.  Stella, Clarence's mother, was a great role model for her children, but even with all her care in bringing up her children, she still fell short, which just goes to show you, you can never be too careful.  And Reggie Sr.'s wife, Anne, was either just that stupid or totally blind not to see what was going on.  I guess she liked the status her family held in the neighborhood.  The children were very funny and some of their background stories were just sad.  My God, this story just shows you, you never really know a person, as you think you do, and you have to be so watchful.  The characters in this story were well thought out, and I am really looking forward to what Kim does next.  Great story.  After reading this, I don't know if I ever want to have children.  So much work involved." ~~ Sally Winsler

"A friend of mine purchased Silent Knight, and I wasn't sure what to think of it because I'm not one to read authors I don't know, but she said this book was good, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.  This story was so deep, and it's something most people don't discuss.  It was really great to see a fictional story take on such a "taboo" subject among black people.  I just loved Clarence's baby sister, Gilda.  She was so cute and Kim's description of her made me see her so well.  She was a typical baby sister.  I also enjoyed reading about his older sister, Monica.  But, I'm not so sure if I would have done what Clarence did.  For him to remain friends with one person in the story, in particular, I don't think I could have gone that far.  I give Clarence a lot of credit because he's a better person than I.  Great story, Kim, and I can't wait to read your next novel.  I feel differently about indie authors now.  You've made me a fan.  And, by the way, the Write ON! website is sizzlin'!  I really love it.  It just shows how much you're into your work.  It's nice to see that you are promoting other authors too.  I like that a great deal.  Glad my friend recommended me the book and the Write ON! website.  Kim is really talented." ~~ LaKeisha Parks

"The 70s is where it was at.  I just loved reliving that era.  I was ready to dig deep in my closet and see if I could find some old platform shoes.  Wow, the clothing during that period was too much and couldn't tell us nothing.  As for the story, it was really good.  I did enjoy this much.  I like the way all the children's stories came together and added more insight into the mystery.  I wasn't clear, at first, just where the story was going, but the more I read of the children's backgrounds, it became crystal clear.  I would love to see this book as a movie.  I think it would be a box-office hit.  I felt sorry for Clarence, but when you dig into your past, sometimes horrible things come to the surface, and boy did he get more than he bargained for.  My favorite character was Reggie Jr.  That boy there had some real issues, but that was Clarence's boy, so he hung in there with him.  Really good read.  I liked Mello & June, but I really enjoyed this more because it was so different, and the voice in which Kim speaks were many.  I don't know how she kept all those characters in line.  Sheesh!" ~~ C. Bailey

"This story had me cracking up!  My favorite chapter was A "Bea" in My Bonnet.  Although there were many chapters I loved, but I could not stop laughing.  Those church ladies were off the hizzz-oook!  I laughed so hard until I cried.  Kim you are a damn talented sista!  I hope this book is selling for you because it's really good.  You are so great with using your dialogue between the characters, and I can see Woodland Heights clearly from your great descriptive techniques.  When the one church lady started grabbing herself to convey what she had seen, I was dying of laughter!  I know this book is a mystery, and wow, I was really shocked with what happened, but I couldn't stop laughing at some of the back stories the kids were telling.  And poor Daisy.  I grew up with a girl like her too.  This was a wonderful book.  I hated when it ended.  And MARCUS!  Kim, where the hell do you come up with this stuff?  Girl, you go!  A wonderful read.  I can't wait for your next novel.  I'm a fan for life, girlfriend!" ~~ Celeste Goins

"I just finished Silent Knight, and I'm ready to go to a 70s party.  What the hell was up with Vicki and her uncle?  Good ole Unca Tony.  That little girl was a ho for real though.  Simply amazing.  This is one of those stories that just takes you back and I enjoyed the ride.  Makes me wish for those days again.  Kim really brought to life all the friends' lives.  These characters were real.  I know people who came up the same way.  She really brought out urban life in the projects, at least the way it was back in the day.  Life in the 70s was more simpler than today.  Kids fought out their battles instead of shooting each other.  It was good ole fashioned fun.  I was really surprised to learn what the story was about, and I feel Kim did a great job drawing you in.  I didn't even know what was happening until I got near the end.  And that ending--WOW!  Ummm, Marcus, good Lord.  Kim, keep on writing cause you gonna make it.  This was real different than Mello & June and you're writing has really grown.  Keep it up and can you tell us what your next book is about?  I can't wait!" ~~ Kelley Givons

"I was never one to read novels, and I decided since I've been seeing some of Kim's ads, to give her book a try, and I have to tell you~~I loved this book!  What an interesting story.  One thing I loved about this book is Kim demonstrated how when you're a child, what you thought was so important, turns out to be so minute, and reading how Clarence was determined to find out about his friend Marcus, he ended up getting so much more by what his friends divulged to his camera crew.  I don't think anyone could have predicted the outcome, and most definitely, Clarence certainly didn't!  I'm amazed at what the mind can block out to protect the body, and this book clearly demonstrates that.  The children were so comical, yet were dealing with some serious issues in their own households, and I really appreciated their backgrounds, having grown up in the projects myself, I could identify with them so well.  Silent Knight just shows that everyone has a story no matter where you come from.  Makes me wonder what were my friends really going through, when we were coming up.  This was well written and I enjoyed it.  I'm looking forward to more books from Kim.  A good read!" ~~ Russ Wilson