I didn't know what to expect when I got this book. I picked it up at Wally world, not really knowing that it was a re-issue. I had just read up on it the night before and thought I'll think about getting it later. I wasn't sure because of some of the negative reviews. But I have to say I'm glad I bought it and read it for myself! That book was great. I love they way Peter started to write two books at once. He was determined to get his voice out there. The chemistry with him and Ebony at a young age is what sold me on the appropriateness of the title. They really did have an "Original Love" There were instances in the book where I laughed out loud and had a tear as well! I am going to have to check out more of his novels!!

JJ Murray is one of my favorite authors. This novel is different from his others this a grown-up love story for the one that got away. He writes a love story that starts at childhood. We all wish our first loves were special enough to last. They saw each other through tough times. HE leaves for college and tries to keep in touch. Parents come in to ruin their love but time and distance could'nt put out the flames love.Great story with lots of twist and turns.

I started this book a few times, but it was unable to keep my interest. I decided to give it the old college try and read it again. Unfortunately, it has a very slow and boring start. I had to skip ALOT of pages - like 30 - until I found something that 'hooked' me: Peter and Ebony as pre-teens/teenagers and Peter and Edie. Other than that, the book was mediocre at best. I found it lacked something I just can't put my finger on. The plot was excellent - an author who never got over his first love, who happened to be black, and writes about her in his books; marries a white woman; divorces the white woman; sets out to find his first love and possible reunite with her. Sounds great, right? However, the plot wasn't well-executed and the writing seemed a bit immature.

I hate to admit that I have a pet-peeve for black female characters with all sass, which the author conveniently gave all of his black female characters. I skipped over all passages and pages of the black female character he was writing about in his book (part of the story line is the male lead character is an author and is writing an interracial book). Black girls don't talk like that ALL the time. That story line became the most irritating and insulting and grated on my nerves. Plus, it has been MY experience that women who date interracially are low on sass and only use it when it is truly necessary - like when you need to cuss him out or stress a point! If you're looking for a more polished lead character try Sandra Kitt's The Color of Love and Close Encounters, or Kim McLarin's Meeting of the Waters: A Novel. (The Color of Love is the best, best book EVER!) These three books have spoiled me and, in my opinion, have a fairer depiction of black females. Plus, all three books are superbly written!

This was a sweet innocent romance novel about a man reuniting whith his lost love. The first half of this novel is all buildup to him finally meeting ebony.But there is unfortunately no climax or conflict. Ebony accepts him completely after 19 years of no contact bearing a child from him and recieving no support. She believes he ambandon her after all those years and is celibate. Within minutes of meeing him all is forgiven and shes well making love to him. It was all so simplistic i was kidna disapointed. The story within a story thing could of worked out if the story peter was writing wasnt more interesting in some parts than the main story. I really liked the heartfelt ending though. Ebony was a little to perfect though for me she had LITERALLY no flaws and was alwats caring,fiesty,sexy,and confident. Why would a woman like that choose to be celibate for 19 years waiting for him? Overall this is a good book as long as you hold back some disblief. I liked it allright.

I loved this book, this one (and you know its true) was so true to life to me. It almost mirrors mine in a eerie way. I was a little spellbound by the story its self. I absolutely loved this!!