National Network for Equitable Library Service

A poignant story of two strong, intelligent women facing tragedy, surviving loss and terrible sorrow, and ultimately learning that only with each other's help can they heal the hurt and celebrate the joy in their lives.

A tough woman from Harlem, 38-year-old Tracie Burlingame strives to keep her four teenaged sons safe from the wrong crowd. Despite her commitment to them, she nevertheless loses her firstborn to the devastation of drug addiction. Then, her youngest son is murdered in a way so horrifying it defies imagination. The police can establish no motives. At her wit's end, Tracie feels a confrontation brewing with a demonic force that has come to torment her.

Years ago when Micah Jordan-Wells was born, a rift was created between two worlds. Today, Micah is a detective in New Jersey--a local hero for bringing the merciless killer Silky to justice. But Micah's world is about to be turned inside out by a monster from another dimension, one with whom Micah shares a terrifying link.

Best friends Aminah, whose husband cheats on her, and Langston, who is involved in an affair, struggle to maintain their friendship while working to save their marriages.

Nikki's life was a wreck--three years wasted with a deadbeat boyfriend, and then a huge fight with her best friend Tia. Now, with a promotion at work and a loving new man--who respects her--life is finally going as planned. Until one day, when Tia reveals a secret that will blow Nikki's new life apart.

In 1914 Missouri, three friends head for college, leaving behind the orphanage that's been their home. Bennett, abandoned as an infant, wants to become an engineer. Libby, with no memory of her parents, dreams of becoming an acclaimed journalist. And Pete, cast off at seven and disabled, is preparing for the Christian ministry.

When Tanisha and Adrienne hatch a plan to have babies by rich men and live off the child support, they both discover the high price of getting what they want when danger and jealousy enter the picture.

Kendra Michelle Thomas boasts pipes that bring tears to the eyes, but a musical career seems a million miles away when your family life is in tatters. With an absentee father, alcoholic mother, and a trip to foster care, Kendra might have given up on her dreams--but there's a spark inside her that just won't die.

Shots ring out during a heavyweight title fight. In the ensuing mayhem someone steals five million bucks that used to belong to a casino owner. If Chainey tracks down the loot, there's a cool quarter million in it for her troubles. But it won't be easy.

Ozick crafts a retelling of Henry James' The ambassadors--using its plot, yet infusing the novel with an all new place, time, and meaning. It's 1952, and middle-aged Bea Nightingale reluctantly agrees to fly to Paris to help convince her estranged runaway nephew to return to his family. But Bea's experiences abroad will change her forever.