Essence® best-selling author Gwynne Forster crafts this moving look at a woman’s troubled relationship with her mother. Kendra’s mom Ginny has let her down her whole life. Yet even now, at 33 years old, Kendra can’t say no when her mother asks for help. So, determined to finally distance herself from Ginny’s lies, Kendra starts seeing psychologist Sam Hughes. Through Sam, Kendra finds stability, independence, and even a chance at love. But when her mother returns more desperate than ever, Kendra’s newfound strength is put to the ultimate test.

When an old friend introduces Amanda to a handsome young man, she makes a very unusual business arrangement with him: in exchange for a generous fee, he will be her "husband" until the baby is born. The arrangement seems perfect--until an attraction grows between them that begins to radically change their desires.

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.

Susan Pettiford hasn't been home to North Carolina in 16 years. But then she inherits her aunt's home, givingher an opportunity to start her own interior design business. After a passionate fling with handsome architect Lucas Hamilton, Susan is tormented by mixed feelings.

Leticia Langley is used to fighting for what she wants. That's how she wound up being the first in her family to graduate from college. So what if she's never had a date? All that's about to change when she gets herself a job as a food columnist for The Journal - and treats herself to a makeover that will transform her life. With her hot weave and a dazzling new wardrobe that shows off her curves, the opposite sex suddenly takes a shine to Leticia.

Raising four very different daughters on her own in rural Arkansas wasn't easy for Miss Pearly Bell. And she's always regretted that the sisters went their separate ways for good - and never wanted to see each other again. But when Pearly is stricken with a terminal illness, she summons them all home - determined to somehow help them get right with each other and forgive.... But that means dealing with past secrets and lies first.    

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 vengeance on Coreen for abandoning her.

At age 45, Dr. Neil Taylor is an eligible bachelor, living a seemingly satisfied existence as a deacon of his church and director of Kingdom Builder's Academy. But despite outward appearances, Neil harbors secret pains that have caused him to erect a well-constructed wall of defense around his heart. Everything changes, however, when Shaylynn Ford, a beautiful young mother, strolls through the doors of his office. There's a marked difference in their ages, but the years that separate them are the least of Neil's worries.

After heartbreak and tragedy, Maxi doesn't expect her shipboard romance with former high school rebel Christopher Chandler to be more than a sizzling distraction, but then he offers her a gift so profound she can't refuse it—even when it leaves her vulnerable to crushing loss. Mya, on the other hand, seems blessed with a perfect marriage, home, and beautiful twins. But Mya's work is taking over her life and another woman might be taking her husband. As each couple struggles with the limits of love, loyalty, and trust, Mya and Maxi reclaim a deep and abiding friendship.

Chyna Black thought she’d finally gotten her happily ever after. Gray Rose and Gunz have two kids and a home together. You would think, after 10 years together, she’d have a ring too...After 11 years, four kids, a house, and a dog, Mo and Boss finally got married. From the outside looking in, everything seems perfect, but Mo is secretly drowning. Chyna, Gray, and Mo are going through it, but with their girls, Meesa, Mina, and Dylan by their side, they’ll go through their trials and tribulations with love, laughter, a few tears and style every time they touch the city.

The daughter of a prostitute mother and an alcoholic father, Maggie Franklin knew her only way out was to marry someone upstanding and church-going. Someone like Hubert Wiggins, the most eligible man in Lexington, Alabama - and the son of its most revered preacher. Proper and prosperous, Hubert is glad to finally have a wife, even one with Maggie's background. For Hubert has a secret he desperately needs to stay hidden. And Maggie's unexpected charm, elegance, and religious devotion makes her the perfect partner in lies.... 

"You don't know me yet, but in a few hours that's going to change. You see, I'm inviting you to my home and my town of Cedar Cove, because I want you to meet my family, friends, and neighbors. Come and hear their stories - maybe even their secrets!"

Every man has his weakness. For prominent painter and sculptor Malakai Madden, that weakness has always been women. Now, he's finally ready to settle down and shower one woman with his love. There's just one major problem. Overnight, he's gained thousands of Twitter followers after his obsessive ex decides to leak some private information. To make matters worse, a well-known media source retweets them! Suddenly, every woman wants a piece of Malakai.

Seth Garrett's family taught him that anything less than the best simply isn't an option. Now he's out to prove he can be the most successful Garrett - and Rachel McNeal fits the bill. She's pretty, hard-working, good in bed - and willing to finance his dreams. He thinks she's perfect wife material - until he meets her relatives and discovers they're far from perfect. No problem, Seth's got a replacement lined up to give him the good life he's entitled to...

Rising from a life of poverty, Hunter Green is a staunch businessman, a workaholic with three jobs to keep his life busy and fulfilled. As the owner of the Atlanta Weekly Chronicles, he heads the most successful weekly newspaper in the state of Georgia. As a single parent, he takes pride in his son, and devoted his time to being the best father he can be. And as the owner of Greene Pastures, he breeds champion horses that sell at top dollar.