'Once upon a time, there was a little girl who lived in a library...'Deep in the bowels of a New York Public Library lies a dragon: the monstrous coal furnace that Sharon's father, the live-in custodian, must feed every night.A moving examination of family secrets, forgiveness, and the power of language, Feeding the Dragon explores Sharon's life growing up in the library and the fire she never allowed to fade.

I believe that the Family Safety Net Act could be to raising kids in America what the Civil Rights Movement is to minorities. The legislation will mandate that every fit parent have equal access to their kids—automatic joint custody, co-parenting is insufficient—with the best interests of the child at the heart of the legislation, regardless of the status of the relationship of the parents, with primary custody initially granted to the mother. No more fathers begging to see their kids. It’...

Sharon Sochil Washington’s The Blue Is Where God Lives is a mesmerizing, powerful work of Afro-magic realism that reclaims the promise of a family’s destiny through the bending of time.Blue’s daughter, Tsitra, is dying a violent and horrific death while, thousands of miles away, Blue feels time slowing and hears voices, followed by a stillness that befalls her for 18 months.More than a century before, Blue’s grandparents Amanda and Palmer attend a ...

A mesmerizing, powerful work of Afro-magic realism that reclaims the promise of a family's destiny through the bending of timeBlue’s daughter, Tsitra, is dying a violent and horrific death while, thousands of miles away, Blue feels the slowing of time and hears voices, followed by a stillness that befalls her for eighteen months.More than a century before, Blue’s grandparents Amanda and Palmer attend a salon party in New Orleans. It’s a veritable who’s-who within pre–Civil ...

When your dreams come crashing down, what's next? In Essence bestselling author Grace Octavia's moving new novel, one woman must begin again when betrayal shatters the life she knew. . . Dawn Jones's sorority sisters thought she made a big mistake marrying blue-collar Reginald. But thanks to hard work and belief in each other, Dawn and Reginald left the big city and made their own happiness, complete with a comfortable home and two lively children. Dawn can't wait to show everyone just how...

Essence best-selling author Jacquelin Thomas has garnered many honors for her acclaimed novels, including a nomination for the Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times. With Defining Moments she crafts the stirring tale of one woman's journey toward emotional and spiritual fulfillment. Recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Sheila Moore strikes up an invigorating friendship with the handsome Nicholas Washington. But Nicholas is also a good friend to the wife of Sheila's former lov...

Author Michelle Stimpson has drawn praise from both readers and critics for her sassy, realistic characters. Her edgy Christian fiction focuses on the redeeming power of God during times that test the strength of family bonds. Blamed as a child for her baby sister's death, Dianne Rucker swore she'd never come back to Dentonville, Texas. But the kind aunt who took her in after her mother abandoned her is getting remarried, and she misses the cousins who came to be sisters, Yolanda and Regin...

Critically acclaimed author Bil Wright displays a gentle touch in this emotional tale of dealing with loss and learning to move on. When her husband "Turtle" suddenly dies, Rowtina Washington is shattered. She finds comfort when Turtle's spirit visits her, but then the visits suddenly stop. Thankfully, Rowtina can lean on the Leave Him and Live Sisterhood, a group of women who help her understand that grief can be overcome, and that there's always a chance for a happy ending. "Ghost meets ...

Renowned journalist and respected author Farai Chideya makes her fiction debut with Kiss the Sky. Sophie "Sky" Lee is a washed-up rocker who yearns for the days when she poured her soul into music. She gets a second chance when a charity event reunites the old band, and her savvy manager boyfriend puts the group back on tour. But Sophie is pulled in another direction when she finds that Ari, the lead guitarist and her ex, has cleaned up his heroin-addled ways and wants her back.

Rochelle Alers is an Essence best-selling author and winner of two Gold Penn Awards. Lessons of a Lowcountry Summer, another shining example of her exciting work, is a testament to her reputation as one of the most popular authors of romantic literature. Disturbing circumstances bring together three people to sultry, secluded McKinnon Island where each gives the others the courage to make lifealtering decisions. Modern women will find inspiration in the independent characters and realistic...

A Black Writers Alliance Gold Pen Award winner, Gwynne Forster has penned such best-selling novels as Blues from Down Deep (F0121). She is praised for her tales of personal struggles and romance. Coreen Treadwell heads a prominent social welfare agency, but she is haunted by her past. Raped and impregnated as a teenager, she gave up her baby without ever seeing her. Now the legacy of violence continues in her daughter's life. Abused by her adoptive father, the young woman has vowed vengean...

Award winner and national best-selling author Gwynne Forster has written Beyond Desire and When Twilight Comes. In Blues from Down Deep Forster tells the story of Regina Pearson, a woman searching for the family she has never known. Unfortunately, her quest does not bring her the love and acceptance she expects. But just as the disappointment seems unbearable, Regina meets a man who is willing to show her what family is all about.