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Fool's Paradise
by Nancy Flowers Wilson
Debut Novel
ISBN: 0970819102
309 Pages, Paperback
A Fool's Paradise is filled with characters that you will love to hate. Anne-Marie Saunders is a bright young woman aspiring to become a doctor and according to her father, a "star," until Anne-Marie and her boyfriend, Donovan, announce during Sunday dinner that she is pregnant. Faye Saunders, Anne-Marie's mother, immediately sees Anne-Marie's future coming to a crashing halt, and her quick response to her husband, "My, my, my... looks like your rising Star has fallen!"
About the Author
Nancy Flowers Wilson, a resident and native of Brooklyn, paid tribute to her parents by using their native Jamaica, West Indies, as the setting for A Fool's Paradise. Nancy attended Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, where she received her bachelor's degree in mass communications with a minor in journalism. Nancy has been married for seven years to her high school sweetheart. She is an account manager in the affiliate sales and marketing division of Viacom. |
Anne-Marie's best friend, Colleen, is experiencing the angst of becoming a woman and is involved with an older man whose past has far reaching consequences. A whirlwind of events begins to transpire, and before Colleen is able to come to terms with the happenings, she finds herself biting off more than she can chew. Ms. Margaret, Colleen's mother who is the most heinous woman in the community, tries to turn a new leaf and reconcile a relationship with her daughter, but is it too late?
Throughout the story there are many trials and tribulations that Anne-Marie and those around her must try to overcome.
Character Descriptions:
The main character, Anne-Marie Saunders, is an ambitious nineteen year-old pre-med student who finds herself with numerous offers to go abroad to complete her doctorate degree. However, she is also with child. Her boyfriend, Donovan Miller, is very loving and supportive of her having the baby. Trouble is abrew when he finds out that Anne-Marie has other plans as far as raising their baby. Tragedy strikes and Anne-Marie makes a decision that will change her future forever.
Donovan Miller is an only child. He lost his mother to cancer at an early age. He is very supportive and wants Anne-Marie to have his baby, butthere are strings attached. The effects of growing up in a single-parent home fuels his desire to keep his new family together when Anne-Marie announces she has been selected to attend schools in the states.
Colleen Rashford is Anne-Marie's best friend. After nineteen years of living under her mother, Margaret's rules, Colleen decides that she needs to move out and "discover" herself. For the first time in her life she's involved with an older man. Throughout their relationship the plot thickens as more surprises unfold.
Benjamin Miller is Donovan's father. He and Donovan have a very strong bond. When Donovan shares his news about Anne-Marie's pregnancy, he is very supportive. Mr. Miller is very levelheaded, and when certain things begin to unravel, he finds himself fighting to stay in control.
Margaret Rashford, Colleen's mother has many issues. She is a church going, bible-regurgitating snake who never stops to see how she hurts the ones she loves. Can Margaret be saved? More importantly, will her daughter and Mr. Miller stand by her side when she needs them most?
Faye Saunders, Anne-Marie's mother finds most of her joy in cooking and gossiping. If anything occurs anywhere in town, you can bet that Faye knows all the details. She shows favoritism toward her young daughter Nadine often neglecting the needs of Anne-Marie. Is it possible for Faye and Anne-Marie's strained relationship to suffer any more?
Nadine Saunders, Anne-Marie's younger sister has little or no ambition. She uses her fair skin and beauty to get what she wants. Nadine is somewhat jealous of Anne-Marie's success, and it shows. She thrives on Anne-Marie's failure and also finds solace in their mother's continual negative banter of Anne-Marie.
Trevor Saunders is Anne-Marie's father. He is a good and hardworking man. He loves Anne-Marie dearly and puts her on a pedestal. He thinks that Anne-Marie is the epitome of success until she breaks the news of her pregnancy, and he is struck by disappointment. Will he ever recover from the shocking news or will he be swayed by Faye's ignorance and disown his daughter?
Lloyd Thompson is Colleen's boyfriend. He's loving and caring, but he has excess baggage that may pose a problem. Lloyd will have to prove his love for Colleen during her difficult phase with her mother as well as prove himself worthy of her love. Will Lloyd and Colleen ever be able to overcome their mountain of problems?
Patrick Saunders is Anne-Marie's older brother. He has a knack for telling the truth when it needs to be told, whether people like it or not. He is very supportive of Anne-Marie and stands in her corner when she has no one else to turn to. Patrick's first love is music, and he has a pending record deal, but his band has to overcome personal obstacles first.
Related Links
Nanci Flowers Wilson Homepage
www.nacyflowerswilson.com
