Mary Monroe – författare

New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe’s extraordinary novel celebrates life, love, and the power of sisterhood—proving that friends, like fine wine, only get better with age… Gorgeous, successful executive Teri Stewart spends her days working for L.A.’s hottest record company—and her nights all alone. Her best friend Nicole is determined to find Teri a man, but she hasn’t had much luck...because Teri wants more than Mr. Maybe. She’s holding out for Mr. Right and won’t settle for anything less. Just when Teri is ready to give up, a man from her past returns to reignite their romance. With his sultry smile and easy-going charm, radio DJ Harrison Starr is one-of-a kind—and Teri can’t deny she’s fallen hard for him again.   With her life finally falling into place, Teri thinks her dreams might come true after all. But Harrison may have a secret that could change everything… Based on the original screenplay by Roy Campanella II  “Swift, salty writing and steamy sex scenes will keep readers cheering for the couple, and a twisting plot will keep them turning pages.”—Publishers Weekly

New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe''s heart-stopping tale about a woman who''s suffered too much to give up on herself, even if everyone else has. . . Growing up, Annette Goode thought all men were as low-down as the father who abandoned her, including the boarder who abused her for years and the men she slept with to earn the money she needed to run away from her life. Now, after decades of heartache and severing ties with her dangerously unstable friend Rhoda, Annette''s real life has started to take shape. . .But her dark past won''t let her go. When an old secret scares away her fiancé, Annette settles with Pee Wee Davis, her on-again, off-again sweetheart since childhood. Then her ex-friend Rhoda suddenly walks back into her life, forcing Annette to decide what she should believe--and what she can forgive--as she tries to salvage the one relationship she just can''t seem to let go. . .Praise for Mary Monroe"Reminiscent of Zora Neale Hurston." --Publishers Weekly"Watch out Toni Morrison, there is a new sister in town." --Rapport

Bestselling author Mary Monroe won rave reviews from critics and readers alike with her first two novels, God Don''t Like Ugly and The Upper Room, both Main Selections of the Black Expressions Book Club. Now she returns with the masterful Gonna Lay Down My Burdens--that rare novel that inspires laughter, tears, and repeat readings. In the sweltering little town of Belle Helene, Alabama, Carmen Taylor keeps her weaknesses, her frustrations, and her tears to herself. She''s too busy shouldering the burdens of her troubled friends, like Desiree Lucienne, the petite, pampered daughter of a doctor who tries to beat the wildness out of her. But it doesn''t stop Desiree from trawling for men whenever she can, and trying to drag Carmen along with her. It''s not that Carmen hasn''t had her share of boozy pick-ups. She has, but they just can''t compare to the one steamy night she spent with the man she''s loved since they were both kids. Now a local cop, Chester Sheffield, with his Barry White voice and his all-too-fine body, keeps showing up in Carmen''s life, wanting to do something about the feelings they obviously have for each other. But that would mean abandoning her "boyfriend" Burl Tupper and that''s something Carmen just can''t do. Ever since Burl ended up in a wheelchair because of a foolish teenage prank she played on him, Carmen''s promised herself that she''d spend the rest of her life making it up to him. When Carmen doesn''t take her chance with Chester, Desiree does, and when she learns that she''s pregnant with Chester''s child, it''s almost more than Carmen can bear. Still, her loyalty to Desiree goes back a long way, and she''s not about to let a man get in the way of their friendship--even when Desiree starts stepping out on Chester. Then, on a sultry, reckless moonlit night, Carmen commits a desperate crime of passion, and, with Desiree, hits the road running. But she can''t run from the truth she''s avoided for years--and in a seedy hotel in the middle of nowhere, she confronts her demons head-on. Now Carmen has two choices--a life on the lam, or a full circle return to Belle Helene, the place where it all began. . .and the only place in the world she can lay down her burdens and seize her one true chance at love and redemption.

The captivating first book in the acclaimed, award-winning and New York Times bestselling God series sweeps readers back to the streets, porches, and parlors of civil rights-era Ohio to bring to life the beginning of an enduring friendship between two girls from opposite sides of the track."Reminiscent of Zora Neale Hurston." —Publishers Weekly Annette Goode is a shy, awkward, overweight child with a terrible secret. Frightened and ashamed, Annette withdraws into a world of books and food. But the summer she turns thirteen, something incredible happens: Rhoda Nelson chooses her as a friend. Dazzling, generous Rhoda, who is everything Annette is not—gorgeous, slim, and worldly—welcomes Annette into the heart of her eccentric family, which includes her handsome and dignified father; her lovely, fragile “Muh’Dear;” her brooding, dangerous brother Jock; and her colorful white relatives—half-crazy Uncle Johnny, sultry Aunt Lola, and scary, surly Granny Goose. With Rhoda’s help, Annette survives adolescence and blossoms as a woman. But when her beautiful best friend makes a stunning confession about a horrific childhood crime, Annette’s world will never be the same.

From New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe comes a powerful novel about the hopes, dreams, laughter--and limits--of six unique women surviving on the streets of San Francisco. . . They''re about as different as six women can be--haughty and humble, beautiful and plain, young and not-so-young, black, white, Latina, and origins unknown. But aside from a gift for laughing hardship in the face, they have one very important thing in common--Clyde Brooks. You might say that Clyde is their "manager." And you might say that Lula Mae, Ester, Megan, Rosalee, Helen, and Rockelle are colleagues--in the world''s oldest profession. Clyde likes to refer to them as his "wives." Maybe it''s their love for the high life--and for each other--that makes the bond between Clyde''s ladies so unbreakable. Maybe it''s their private demons that keep them so loyal to Clyde--or so he thinks. For hard as they try to distract themselves, nothing can quell the women''s longing for a life free from Clyde and what he represents--until one daring act of defiance changes everything. . . Praise for Mary Monroe "Reminiscent of Zora Neale Hurston." --Publishers Weekly "Watch out Toni Morrison, there is a new sister in town." --Rapport"Mary Monroe is a masterful storyteller." --Philadelphia Inquirer

The “magnificent, funny, and terrifying” debut novel from the New York Times bestselling author of God Don’t Like Ugly (The San Francisco Chronicle).   Mama Ruby’s known for taking things that aren’t rightfully hers, like her best friend’s stillborn infant, who she brought back to life and christened Maureen. She’s also rumored to have done away with her husband. Some fear her, others try their best to avoid her. But Mama Ruby doesn’t pay them any mind. Not when she’s got the one gift God gave her—her precious baby girl.   But growing up with a mama like Ruby is enough to make any half-sane girl wish for something—anything—else. And when Maureen gets the chance to explore the “real” world, you can bet she’s going to take it . . . and run like hell.   “[An] engaging debut novel . . . The dialogue and setting are reminiscent of Zora Neale Hurston, but the story has a bizarre, violent edge la Stephen King . . . a candid portrayal of the cold-blooded yet fascinating Mama Ruby.” —Publishers Weekly   “A chilling story that is bound to astound Monroe’s fans.” —Booklist  Praise for Mary Monroe   “An exceptional writer and phenomenal storyteller!” —Kimberla Lawson Roby, New York Times bestselling author   “A remarkable talent.” —Chicago Sun-Times   “Monroe is a masterful storyteller.” —Philadelphia Inquirer

A restless young woman thinks she''s found a free ride to happiness and adventure. But it''s a trip that may land her in prison—or worse. . . When Trudy Bell lands a job at a travel agency, she feels like a new woman. And her friendly personality soon wins her the adoration of her colleagues—with one exception. Ann Oliver, the only other African American employee, a high-level manager who despises Trudy''s low-income background. But no one is going to ruin Trudy''s new life. In fact, she''s found a way to make it even better. As a secretary, Trudy has easy access to company credit cards. Including Ann''s. . .Before long Trudy''s leading a double-life—Ann''s life—complete with a secret apartment where she entertains the men she meets at upscale bars. But their worlds collide the night Trudy brings home the wrong man—one who has an angry score to settle. With Ann. Now, unless Trudy can convince him she''s not the woman he''s after, she may pay the highest price of all. . ."Monroe serves up a tasty dish of murder, deception, lust, and just desserts."—Library Journal on She Had it Coming"Monroe''s richly drawn characters will stay with readers long after the book is finished."—Booklist

What happens when the life you have is not the life you want?Christine Thurman and her husband, Jesse Ray, built a business worth millions and were once deeply in love. But lately J.R. has become obsessed with his empire and Christine feels taken for granted. . .until Wade Eddie Fisher, a bad boy with good looks from Christine''s past, comes back to town. Even though Wade is penniless and undependable, he reignites something deep within Christine. Before long she''s immersed in a sultry affair, and has devised a plan so risky that it promises to deliver all she could possibly want--or shatter the lives of everyone close to her. . . "With its sexual triangle and triplecrossing plot, Deliver Me From Evil is modern noir." --Akron Beacon Journal"Her wildest and most entertaining novel yet." --Publishers Weekly

In the sparkling conclusion to Mary Monroe''s bestselling God series, two forever friends face their biggest betrayals yet and learn that putting your trust in the wrong hands can change your life forever. . .These days, Annette Goode Davis has a full plate--literally and figuratively. Although she''s trying to reconcile with her husband, Pee Wee, she''s still seeing other men on the side. A woman''s got to cover her bases, right? With her love life hopping, Annette should be pleased as punch. Instead, the stress has her eating everything in sight and packing on the pounds. Meanwhile, Annette''s best friend, Rhoda O''Toole, has her hands full dealing with her wild child daughter, Jade. When Jade''s antics almost cost Rhoda her man, Rhoda throws her out. But Jade soon finds a way to make Rhoda regret her choice. . .Annette thanks her lucky stars that her daughter, Charlotte, has her head on straight. And she''s doubly blessed to have a strait-laced neighbor look after Charlotte when she''s caught up in Pee Wee and Rhoda''s problems. But when Annette''s world is rocked by a terrible revelation, she''ll discover that appearances can be very, very deceiving--and she''ll have to summon every ounce of strength to protect the ones she loves. "Monroe is a masterful storyteller." --Philadelphia Inquirer

Even though her life has its ups and downs, Annette Goode Davis feels lucky. Most of all, she''s grateful that her husband, Pee Wee, took her back after he discovered she was having an affair. The trouble is, Annette isn''t sure his heart is really in it. Her best friend Rhoda is quick to point out that Annette got herself into this mess, so she has to be patient with Pee Wee. But Annette''s suspicions are confirmed when Pee Wee moves out--and in with his new lady. Devastated, Annette won''t let her family go without a fight, but she also knows she must prepare for the worst. Because one lesson she''s learned all too well is that when life kicks you in the teeth, you have to come out swinging.

“A spicy mixture of family scandal, mother-daughter betrayal, and good-for-nothing men” from the New York Times bestselling author of God Don''t Like Ugly (Publishers Weekly).Everyone from Louisiana to Florida knows Mama Ruby—a small-town girl who became one of the South''s most notorious and volatile women. Now Mary Monroe reveals how Mama Ruby''s past haunts the family she''s left behind . . .Mama Ruby has died, and Maureen Montgomery is finally taking charge of her own life. With her beautiful teenage daughter, Loretta, by her side, she returns to Florida and settles into a routine any other woman would consider bland. But for Maureen and her brother, Virgil, after Mama Ruby''s hair-trigger temper and murderous ways, bland is good. Yet Loretta has other ideas . . .Set on becoming rich and famous, Loretta convinces Maureen to let her start a modeling career with the help of a Miami photographer. But even as they move in promising new directions, they can''t escape Mama Ruby—including Virgil, who''s concealed one of her most shocking acts for most of his life. To make a future that''s truly hers, Maureen will have to take on a bit of Mama Ruby''s strength, forge new bonds—and face down the past.Praise for Mary Monroe“An exceptional writer and phenomenal storyteller!” —Kimberla Lawson Roby, New York Times bestselling author“A remarkable talent.” —Chicago Sun-Times“Monroe is a masterful storyteller.” —Philadelphia Inquirer

The new edition of a modern classic by New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Mary Monroe! An enduring tale of the rebellious early years of Mama Ruby in 1930s Louisiana – the bold, brassy, indomitable heroine of Mary Monroe’s acclaimed debut, The Upper Room. Growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana, Ruby Jean Upshaw is the kind of girl who knows what she wants and knows how to get it. By the time she’s fifteen, Ruby has a taste for fast men and cheap liquor, and not even her preacher daddy can set her straight. Only Othella Mae Cartier, daughter of the town tramp, understands what makes Ruby tick. When Ruby discovers she’s in the family way, she’s scared for the first time in her life. After hiding her growing belly, Ruby secretly gives birth to a baby girl at Othella’s house. Othella talks Ruby into giving the child away—and with the help of a shocking revelation, convinces Ruby to run off with her to New Orleans. But nothing can erase Ruby’s memories of her child—or quell her simmering rage at Othella for persuading her to let her precious baby go. Someday there will be a reckoning. And Othella will learn that no one exacts revenge quite like Ruby Jean Upshaw . . .

In this page-turning prequel to her thrilling Lonely Heart, Deadly Heart series, New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe introduces Lola Poole and Joan Proctor, fast friends getting a crash course in love, family, betrayal—and other little disasters…They couldn’t be less alike—except for their restless spirits. Lola came from a loving home, even though it included her father’s live-in mistress. And Joan is a secret wild child chafing under her mother’s watchful eye. So when Lola’s quiet world shatters and her hopes seem out of reach for good, Joan has the perfect consolation in mind.But the besties will soon discover that boyfriends, money, and good times are no real escape from their families’ ever-scandalous drama. Soon, with demanding stepparents, conniving relatives, and simmering secrets closing in, they’ll have to watch each other’s backs and use their quick wits to save their lifelong dreams…Praise for the novels of Mary Monroe“Readers who enjoy watching characters’ fortunes rise and fall will relish this tumultuous family.” —Booklist on Family of Lies“Once again, Monroe displays her gift as a marvel with this sensational novel.” —RT Book Reviews on Lost Daughters

For a mother mired in midlife, Christmas brings a chance for renewal and rediscovery in this moving novel from the New York Times bestselling author.For Beatrice Powell, the holidays are usually an extra-special time to celebrate. With her twenty-year-plus marriage, beautiful home, and three wonderful adult children, she has everything she could desire. But change-of-life doubts are making Beatrice a stranger to herself and her bewildered family. She only finds peace volunteering at the local soup kitchen, especially helping out homeless Charles Davenport. And his sensitivity and honesty soon comfort her in ways she never imagined . . .Charles thought he had it all—until a devastating betrayal and the shattering loss of his family drove him to living on the streets. Beatrice is the first person who''s truly cared about him in a long time. And little by little, he''s finding reasons to care about rebuilding his life—and risking a sudden, courageous choice . . .Drawn to Charles and the temptation of a second chance, Beatrice is faced with the hardest of decisions. But his insight, secrets—and the reminder of a profound past encounter—will give her unexpected inspiration, gratitude, and the strength she needs to find her way . . . perhaps in time for Christmas.“The holidays can bring the kind of chaos, good and bad, that occupies your brain. It''s easy to forget to bring your gratitude. Remembrance has that covered . . . an excellent choice if your book group wants to squeeze in a before-the-holidays pick.” —The Washington Informer

New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe presents a heartwarming, uplifting novel about two long-time co-workers who seem unlucky in love. But this Christmas may give them a surprising chance to find themselves—and each other . . . With a successful career, money in the bank, and a solid future, Felicia Hawkins has almost everything she ever wanted. But getting married is the one holiday wish she can’t seem to get. And it’s not helping that she’s hopelessly in love with her co-worker, widower Richard Grimes. They have the perfect office partnership, and he’s as supportive as he is kind. But Felicia doesn’t want to wreck their friendship by letting him know how she really feels . . .   Richard has his hands full juggling pre-Christmas work demands and raising two teen daughters. But he’s not too busy to wish his relationship with Felicia could become much more. He’s drawn to her calm spirit and determination, along with everything they surprisingly have in common. And just once he’d like a chance this season to dare tell her the truth . . .   But what Felicia and Richard get instead is a cascade of misunderstandings; messy, well-meaning matchmaking from family and friends, and a long-distance transfer Richard can’t refuse. Finally, in the middle of one chaotic snow-struck day, it will take all their courage and compassion to risk opening their hearts to each other—hopefully for many more holiday happily-ever-afters . . .  Praise for Mary Monroe’s holiday stories“Monroe presents a tender, charming holiday romance.” —Library Journal on Right Beside You“Exceptional, original, and a seasonal delight by an author with a flair for narrative-driven storytelling.”  —The Midwest Book Review on Remembrance

New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe returns to the 1930s era of her acclaimed novel The Upper Room with a dazzling portrait of two very different couples whose fast friendship is no match for shattering betrayal . . .   A solid marriage, a thriving business, and the esteem of their close-knit Alabama community—Joyce and Odell Watson have every reason to count their blessings. Their marriage has given well-off Joyce a chance at the family she’s always wanted—and granted Odell a shot to escape grinding poverty. But all that respectability and status comes at a cost. Just once, Joyce and Odell want to taste life’s wild side, without consequences . . .   When their new neighbors, Milton and Yvonne Hamilton, turn out to be bootleggers, the Watsons plunge headlong into good times and fast living. . . . Until revelations of Milton and Yvonne’s seedy past make the Watsons think twice about how much time they spend together. But the Hamiltons won’t be dismissed so easily. The Watsons soon find them invading every area of their lives, even discovering their long-held secrets. Now, the Watsons must tread carefully to keep the neighbors from destroying their perfect world . . . “Monroe convincingly portrays a time and place where desperation is the norm.” —Library Journal  “Impossible to put down.” —Susan Holloway Scott, author of I, Eliza Hamilton “Monroe reveals sympathetic aspects and complex motivations for each character in this engrossing setting.”  —Booklist

In this page-turning novel set in the Depression-era South, New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe transports readers to a small Alabama town where home is not always a sanctuary, and two neighboring families let pleasantries mask increasing resentment. . . Bootlegging was Milton and Yvonne Hamilton’s ticket out of poverty, prison time, and plain bad luck. Now they’ve moved on—to a bigger, richer pool of clientele—right in their own respectable new middle-class backyard. And their growing friendship with seemingly-perfect couple Joyce and Odell Watson is proving golden in more ways than one . . . As Milton soon learns, Odell is hiding an outside family and dubious business dealings. It’s the perfect recipe for a blackmail scheme that will help Milton hide his own dirty secrets—even from Yvonne. Better yet, he can take ever more dangerous risks to ace out his liquor-smuggling rivals—and add a lucrative temptation to his illicit services. And Yvonne, emboldened by her husband’s new gravy train, delights in tormenting Joyce about everything the snobbish matron doesn’t have—especially children.  But even a winning hand can be played too far. Pushed past their limits, Odell and Joyce will play on Milton’s careless boasting—to get him and Yvonne out of their lives for good.  And soon, a devastating frame-up will plunge one couple into a living nightmare—and set the stage for explosive retribution . . .

In this captivating Depression-era set novel by New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe, two couples find their grudges endangering more than their Alabama small town’s deceptive peace . . .   When good-time couple Milton and Yvonne Hamilton moved one house over from the respectable-but-restless Odell and Joyce Watson, it was a fast friendship of shared secrets—and secret jealousies and betrayals. Their alliance was bound to crash and burn, but the Hamiltons won’t quite let the flame die out, even after scandalous accusations get them arrested . . .   Odell would do anything to be free of his bootlegging, blackmailing, money extorting neighbors and recover the peaceful—and financially prosperous—life he and Joyce once had. But Milton and Yvonne seem to always bounce back from bad luck, and this time they’ve returned angrier, and greedier, than ever. Determined to get what Odell “owes” them, the Hamiltons have a big surprise for Joyce too, one that shows how far they will go to get revenge . . .   Now pushed past his breaking point, Odell is sure he’s got a foolproof plan to end the scheming once and for all. But it soon spirals into lies, shattering violence, and permanent damage that will roil their tranquil community, and alter his and Joyce’s world forever . . .  PRAISE FOR THE NEIGHBORS SERIES “Monroe brings the Deep South Prohibition-era world to life.” —Booklist  “Monroe convincingly portrays a time and place where desperation is the norm.” —Library Journal