Pao is an utterly beguiling, unforgettable novel of race, class and creed, love and ambition, and a country in the throes of tumultuous change.

Written in magical language with unforgettable images, this is a stunning exploration of the viscerally charged landscape of growing up, how deeply we are formed by our earliest bonds, and how we are ultimately propelled at escape velocity toward our futures.

N MADISON, WISCONSIN, it’s a big deal when African peace activist Joshua Hakizimana—who saved hundreds of people from the Rwandan genocide—accepts a position at the university to teach about “genocide and testimony.” Then a young woman is found murdered on his doorstep.

She gets lost in the fantasy of books and poetry. But in Tinka Hampton’s all-too-real world, her mother Nicola has lost her job and is struggling to stop her family’s fall into poverty. With her sons turning to drug dealing-and worse-Nicola wants better things for her daughter. Yet the more pressure she puts on Tinka to do everything right, the more she drives her away . . . s

For Trevor Harrison, the grass is never greener on the other side. His friendship with a prominent D.C. attorney wasn’t supposed to bring any complications to his life. But, he is suddenly led down this road of infidelity and betrayal, and struggles to keep his secrets from destroying him.

In 140 words or less, tell us why Black Widow and the Sandman, would make a great addition to our personal library. “We’ve heard from several readers that they love the strong, black, imperfect anti-heroes. The balance between suspense and sensuality is also a twist I’m told we pulled off nicely.

Fourteen years ago, Jinx’ mother was brutally murdered in their East London home. Overwhelmed by the part she played, Jinx’s whole life has been poisoned by guilt. Then, out of nowhere, Lemon arrives on her doorstep. An old friend of her mother’s, he wants to revisit the events leading to that terrible night, forcing Jinx to finally confront her past, and offering her the possibility of redemption alongside the pain of remembrance.

A hurricane is building over the Gulf of Mexico, threatening the coastal town of Bois Sauvage, Mississippi, and Esch’s father is growing concerned. A hard drinker, largely absent, he doesn’t show concern for much else. Esch and her three brothers are stocking food, but there isn’t much to save. Lately…

Alexis Nicole Banks is a woman torn between her career and saving her crumbling marriage. She has her hands full working her way to the top as a defense attorney for a prestigious law firm, while keeping an ever-watchful eye on her husband Marcus, who seems to be straying away from their vows daily. Alexis’ life is further complicated when Carter Burroughs, an old flame, swaggers back on the scene.

Christmas—a time of giving. But how about receiving? In Pat G’Orge-Walker’s hilarious new novel, a small-town congregation will need every miracle in the Book to rediscover the real reason for the season . . .Even feisty prayer warrior Sister Betty has never seen the kind of trouble brewing at Crossing Over Sanctuary church. The financially-struggling members have until Christmas day to pay off millions in debt to The Cheater Brothers’ Piece of Savings Bank.