In the tradition of the griots, oral historians, and all indigenous storytellers, Deborah Fletcher Mello brings to life the haunting story of Janay Tucker, a young woman who is forced to reflect back on her past and the memories of her tumultuous childhood when she receives notice of her incarcerated father's death. Rehashing history through the eyes of her paternal grandfather, James Tucker, Janay is made to flash back to a past with an abusive mother who dies a violent death, a father incarcerated for the crime, and the family and friends left to help rebuild her future. Through a tapestry...

Disrupting what should have been a joyous family celebration, Graye McAdams celebrates his mother's birthday by shooting his best friend Tate Butler. Killing his wife Angelette had been next on his list, but fate had other plans for Angelette McAdams, a desperate young woman searching for her own worth and value. Graye's mother, Miss Jen Pearl has lived Angelette's desperation, having walked in the girl's shoes with Graye's father, Otis McAdams. Miss Jen Pearl has answers learned from her own mistakes and as she reflects on what she didn't do, she's able to guide Angelette in a better...