Fiction. African American Fiction. Literature. Romance. HTML:

A novel of "late-in-life love in vibrant New Orleans" kicks off a "female bonding romance series like the Bride Quartet by Nora Roberts" (Kirkus Reviews).

Corporate attorney Hannah DuPont-Lowell always pictured herself returning to New Orleans to retireâ??just not yet. But after her Manhattan company abruptly lays off its staff, there's no better place to figure out a next move than the porch of her plantation-style home, nestled in the stunning Garden District . . .

The DuPont House has been in Hannah's family for two centuries. With eighteen rooms and two guesthouses, it's far more home than widowed Hannah needs. Still, it could make a wonderful inn, especially if she can convince her friends and former coworkers Tonya, Jasmine, and Nydia to join in the venture. But in the meantime, Hannah has a high school reunion to attend . . .

College Professor St. John McNair, Hannah's one-time classmate, is still the finest guy in any room. Between Hannah's willowy, blonde beauty, and his uncanny resemblance to Marvin Gaye, they make a striking pair. And gradually, their rekindled friendship moves toward romance. Still, Hannah is too bruised by her late husband's infidelities to trust a man again. But her friends' arrival and encouragement just might show her a path through uncertaintyâ??straight to a vibrant, joyful new life . . .

"The ambiance and flavor of New Orleans are on full display."â??RT Book Reviews (