Victoria Christopher Murray is the author of nine Essence bestselling novels. Her works often explore complex social themes with a penetrating insight. Murray is recognized for her distinctive writing style, which has garnered her acclaim within African American literature. Her novels offer readers deep reflections on the human experience.
The story features Jasmine Larson Bush and Rachel Jackson Adams, two unconventional first ladies with tumultuous pasts, as they vie for influence within the American Baptist Coalition. Both women believe their husbands are ideal candidates for the presidential position, prompting a fierce competition that may force them to resort to their old, cunning ways. However, their rivalry intensifies when a formidable current first lady enters the scene, adding unexpected twists. This engaging tale blends humor, drama, and themes of faith, appealing to fans of both authors.
The story revolves around Kyla and Jefferson Blake, who cherish their 16-year marriage filled with passion and joy. They celebrate their loving relationship, the happiness brought by their daughter, Jefferson's successful medical career, and the support of their loyal friends. Their life together is depicted as a beautiful blessing, highlighting themes of love, family, and friendship.
Passion, money, and a deliciously devious twist: Greed is the newest novel in award-winning author Victoria Christopher Murray's Seven Deadly Sins series--"the drama of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" (Booklist)--and soon to be a Lifetime movie. You can't put a price on love... Zuri Maxwell isn't happy. Her job is a grind, and money is always tight. Her boyfriend Stephon is the best part of life, but between his income as an artist and her commission-based paycheck, they are barely scraping by. When Zuri meets a sleek entrepreneur eager to pick her brain, she jumps at the chance to talk business with someone who has everything she wants. As he wines and dines her, Zuri starts moving in elite circles, and she faces a crossroads: Will she give up the stable, loving life she knows for one that glitters, but may not be gold?
In 1919, a high school teacher from Washington, D.C arrives in Harlem excited to realise her lifelong dream. Jessie Redmon Fauset has been named the literary editor of The Crisis. The first Black woman to hold this position at a preeminent Negro magazine, Jessie is poised to achieve literary greatness. But she holds a secret that jeopardizes it all. W. E. B. Du Bois, the founder of The Crisis, is not only Jessie's boss, he's her lover. And neither his wife, nor their fourteen-year-age difference can keep the two apart. Amidst rumours of their tumultuous affair, Jessie is determined to prove herself. She attacks the challenge of discovering young writers with fervour, finding sixteen-year-old Countee Cullen, seventeen-year-old Langston Hughes, and Nella Larsen, who becomes one of her best friends. Under Jessie's leadership, The Crisis thrives... every African American writer in the country wants their work published there. When her first novel is released to great acclaim, it's clear that Jessie is at the heart of a renaissance in Black music, theatre, and the arts. She has shaped a generation of literary legends, but as she strives to preserve her legacy, she'll discover the high cost of her unparalleled success.
Gabrielle Wilson's seemingly perfect life in Beverly Hills is upended when her father reveals he has a daughter from a past affair. Surprisingly, Gabrielle feels joy at the prospect of gaining a sister, something she has longed for. This revelation challenges her perceptions of family and happiness, setting the stage for potential new relationships and emotional growth. As she navigates this unexpected twist, Gabrielle must confront her past and redefine her understanding of family.
The book features an engaging excerpt from "It Should've Been Me," drawing readers into its compelling narrative. It explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of relationships, inviting readers to connect with the characters' emotional journeys. The writing style is captivating, providing a glimpse into the author's unique voice and storytelling abilities. This excerpt serves as a tantalizing introduction to the broader themes and conflicts that will unfold throughout the full work.
Angelique's seemingly perfect life is marred by her husband's neglect, as he prioritizes work over their emotional connection. While she craves his attention, she finds solace in the online game, Words With Friends. Meanwhile, Blu, grappling with his wife's depression, also seeks escape through the same game, where he encounters Angelique. Their interactions reveal a growing bond as both characters navigate loneliness and the complexities of their relationships, highlighting themes of emotional fulfillment and connection in unexpected places.
In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes a fixture on the New York society scene and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world as she helps build a world-class collection. But Belle has a secret, one she must protect at all costs. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard and a well-known advocate for equality. Belle's complexion isn't dark because of her alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white - her complexion is dark because she is African American