They like me! They really like me!
Mary Not Broken is the third book in The Bishop Women series. It takes place in Flora and Jackson Mississippi, and in Chicago, Illinois; with a brief stop in Harlem. In the story, Mary does a lot of cooking, and I included some of her recipes in the book.
Tragedy, woes, and a loss of faith. Can she claw her way back into the light?
In Depression Era Mississippi, fifteen-year-old Mary Johnson is determined to choose her own life. Furious when her parents agree to have her wed a wealthy old preacher, the feisty teenager elopes with her aspiring musician boyfriend to the bright lights of Chicago. But instead of fun, fame, and fortune, they find misery and heartbreak.
Returning to Mississippi, Mary reluctantly considers marrying the older man her parents wanted. But she might discover life as a pastor’s wife is much more costly than she imagined.
Will her choice lead to happiness or unending sorrow?
Yesterday, by Zoom, I hung out with the Circle of Color Book Club from Jackson, Mississippi. We had a great discussion and a few laughs. The ladies wanted to know my history in Mississippi because of how detailed the story is. From 7-years-old to about 13 or 14, I spent time every summer in Clarksdale, often visiting relatives in Shaw and Greenville. I also spent a year at Jackson State University, formerly Jackson College… the same school from the story.
They asked me to come up with trivia questions, so I asked “What was the name of the company that Paul delivered potato chips for?” I also asked “What happened to Slim?” I guess my questions were too easy because they were each answered pretty quickly and prizes were awarded.
But the most awesome parts… they all dressed in black and and pearls… just like the book cover! And get this… they cooked Mary’s dishes! Oxtails, green beans, cornbread, POUND CAKE, and more!
I was amazed, and yes, I did almost get a little weepy…
As an author, I can think of nothing more gratifying than having a story so well appreciated that readers invite you to share your thoughts and even dress the part. Did I mention they cooked Mary’s dishes?
