Papa Don’t Preach

Four years ago, Jackie is laid off from her dream job as a photojournalist for "Soul Beat" magazine. She is forced to abandon her immaculate Manhattan condo and take a job at a small photography studio in Detroit. Although the Motor City is Jackie's hometown, she's not happy to return to a place full of shameful memories. Despite the unexpected change in plans, she tries to make the most of her new start. Jackie reconnects with her best friend and moves into a great apartment downtown. She begins a relationship with Patrick, a stylish attorney who shares her passion for jazz and ethnic cuisine. As Jackie approaches her fiftieth birthday, she isn't concerned about becoming a wife or mother. She loves her life exactly the way it is. The only complication in Jackie's happiness is her family. She avoids them even though they live ten minutes away. It is too painful for her to be in their presence after a tragic event that no one dares to discuss. Jackie is convinced that her closest relatives are hypocrites. This upsets her father, Reverend Abraham Foster most of all. As the pastor of New Kingdom Baptist Church, "Honest Abe" (as he's affectionately known) is always counseling the members of his congregation, but none of them are aware that he can't keep his own house in order. Reverend Foster has devoted his life to his faith and his family. But his oldest daughter, Jackie wants nothing to do with him and has turned away from the church. His younger daughter, Rhonda, is struggling with a drug addiction. All of his prayers seem to go unanswered as she falls deeper into the darkness of temptation. Before she started using drugs, Rhonda lived in a mansion with two beautiful children and a husband who lavished her with luxuries she only dreamed about as a girl. Now, all of that is gone. The only thing that remains is the memory of how wonderful her life used to be. Getting high is her only comfort. But every time she does it, her soul slips further away. Jackie's world is upended when Rhonda reaches out to her. Things go from bad to worse when Patrick drops a bombshell of his own. The only bright spot in her world comes in the form of Harold, a handsome new co-worker who she's instantly attracted to. The only catch is that he's a devout Christian and it's been decades since Jackie stepped foot in a house of worship. Can Jackie open her heart to the Lord and true love? Will Rhonda find a way to overcome her addiction and get her children back? What can Reverend Foster do to reunite his fractured family? Does the truth hurt or heal? This is Sade Morrison's Christian fiction debut. The novel features heart touching characters and a dose of humor. After all, God blessed us with humor to help us endure the most difficult circumstances. "Papa Don't Preach" is all about love, faith, and how to find your way home, no matter how long the road might be.