If you aren’t already in love with Tony Award nominated Courtney B. Vance, currently seen in NBC’s Law and Order: Criminal Intent and previously The Tuskegee Airmen and The Preacher’s Wife, then wait until you read “Friends: A Love Story.”

And if you don’t already think that the Academy Award nominated Angela Bassett is one of the most beautiful and talented women on earth, especially when you consider her stellar performances as Betty Shabazz in Malcolm X, Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do With It and Stella in How Stella Got Her Groove Back, get ready for an experience that will endear you to both—Ms. Bassett and her husband, Mr. Vance.

The two met while both were in college—each learning their craft and blossoming into actors.

It didn’t start out as a love affair. Actually as Mr. Vance and Ms. Bassett each tell their stories, readers will be amused and will also be able to identify with the many twists and turns the couple experienced as they eventually became one.

“Friends” is written in a way that will have readers actually anxious for the two to get it “right.” The two are very candid about their hopes, aspirations and fears. They are equally honest about their insecurities, perceived shortcomings and their ability to deal with their issues and move on with life.

Mr. Vance, in a long relationship for years, actually seeks counseling to deal with his issues. Ms. Bassett also faced the issues she had with picking the “wrong” guys. Interestingly once the two decided to “date,” they also made a decision that would probably help many a relationship. They decided to abstain from having sex, until after they were married.

Both known for the fascinating roles they play on the screen, in “Friends” it becomes clear that these two conscientious actors are very concerned about the images they portray. An especially endearing part in the book comes when Ms. Bassett is explaining how she felt when she realized that Mr. Vance was the “one.” She also talks about his “pillow lips.”

Then there is the trying time when they are trying to conceive. Ms. Bassett talks openly about her miscarriages, thin uterine walls and efforts with the invitro-fertilization process. After several attempts, they opt for a surrogate mother and the result—twins, Bronwyn and Slater.

Reading “Friends” will give you hope. It will make you fall in love with being in love. And, you will also be wishing the best for the Vance’s as they stress their commitment to their marriage even to the extent of not having a prenuptial agreement. “Friends” is recommended reading for anyone considering marriage. And, it couldn’t hurt for those already committed to get back in touch with what it meant to say “I do.”

If you have a book you would like reviewed, contact Cheryl at csmith@dallasweekly.com