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...Mary Monroe
Mary Monroe is a New York Times bestselling American author known for her compelling African American fiction, unforgettable characters, and emotionally rich stories about family, friendship, love, betrayal, and survival. Drawing inspiration from Southern life and the complexities of human relationships, Monroe creates vivid narratives filled with drama, humor, secrets, and unexpected twists. Her writing frequently explores the experiences of Black women navigating difficult circumstances, complicated family dynamics, and the consequences of choices made in pursuit of love, security, and happiness.
Monroe is the author of numerous bestselling novels, including *God Don't Like Ugly*, *God Still Don't Like Ugly*, *God Don't Play*, *The Upper Room*, *Mama Ruby*, and *Mrs. Wiggins*. Her popular *God Don't Like Ugly* series follows Annette Goode as she confronts childhood trauma, friendship, family secrets, and the challenges of building a better life. Monroe is also known for her *Neptune* and *Lexington, Alabama* stories, which explore interconnected lives, community relationships, ambition, and the hidden tensions beneath everyday appearances. Across her novels, she combines engaging storytelling with examinations of forgiveness, resilience, loyalty, and personal transformation.
For readers who love character-driven fiction filled with family drama, shocking revelations, and emotionally complicated relationships, Monroe delivers stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. Her books are especially suited to readers who enjoy Black women's fiction, Southern family sagas, domestic drama, generational secrets, complicated friendships, and narratives about overcoming adversity while discovering the strength to move forward.
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