Mary Monroe

The new edition of a modern classic by New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Mary Monroe, this poignant and passionate novel in the acclaimed God series features unforgettable lifelong friends Annette Goode Davis and Rhoda O'Toole--two women whose best intentions don't always yield the best results . . . Even though her life has its ups and downs, Annette feels lucky. Most of all, she's grateful that her husband, Pee Wee, took her back after he discovered she was having an affair. The trouble is, while Pee Wee agreed to give Annette another chance, she's not sure his heart is really in it. Rhoda is quick to point out that Annette got herself into this mess; now she has to be patient until Pee Wee forgives her. But time may be running out. Annette's suspicions are confirmed when Pee Wee moves out--and in with his new lady. She takes the news hard and so does her daughter, Charlotte. Annette won't let her family go without a fight, but she also knows she must prepare for the worst--because one lesson she's learned all too well is that when life kicks you in the teeth, you have to come out swinging.

A warm-hearted, generous businesswoman discovers her dark side when she's betrayed by both the younger man she thought was the love of her life and the best friend she's always trusted--with shattering consequences--in New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe's final standalone novel set in the outrageously scandalous, colorful town of Lexington, Alabama. The daughter of a hardworking restaurant owner, Louise Brooks always sees the best in people--and in helping them no matter how difficult her own life gets. She's lived through tragic loss and working in the family business, even after enduring a failed marriage and raising a child. So she's delighted when she finds a best friend in Della Thornton, a woman struggling with bad breaks and unlucky romances. Many years later, when Louise's father and her prosperous second husband pass away, Louise takes Della in and gives her a role in the restaurant as it grows more successful than ever . . . Louise is now convinced lasting love is not in the cards for her--until she runs into handsome Malcolm Purdy. He's everything she could want--outgoing, charming, and attentive. Soon they become engaged. And although Louise is dismayed that Della and Malcolm hate each other from the start, she does her best to keep the peace between the two people she cares about and trusts the most . . . But a chance encounter from the past shows Louise that neither Della nor Malcolm is quite who they say they are--and their deceit runs deeper and deadlier than she imagined. With her illusions in ruins, how far will she go to see justice served? And will her final shocking move cost her more than she's willing to lose?

The new edition of a modern classic by New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Mary Monroe The acclaimed God series comes to a dazzling conclusion as two lifelong friends face their biggest betrayals yet--and learn that putting your trust in the wrong hands can change your life forever . . . These days, Annette Goode Davis has a full plate--literally and figuratively. Although she's trying to reconcile with her husband, Pee Wee, she's still seeing other men on the side. A woman's got to cover her bases, right? With her love life hopping, Annette should be pleased as punch. Instead, the stress has her eating everything in sight and packing on the pounds. Meanwhile, Annette's best friend, Rhoda O'Toole, has her hands full dealing with her wild child daughter, Jade. When Jade's antics almost cost Rhoda her man, Rhoda throws her out. But Jade soon finds a way to make Rhoda regret her choice . . . Annette thanks her lucky stars that her daughter, Charlotte, has her head on straight. And she's doubly blessed to have a strait-laced neighbor look after Charlotte when she's caught up in Pee Wee and Rhoda's problems. But when Annette's world is rocked by a terrible revelation, she'll discover that appearances can be very, very deceiving--and she'll have to summon every ounce of strength to protect the ones she loves.

The new edition of a modern classic by New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Mary Monroe In this beautifully repackaged fourth installment in the God series, two women who've been through just about everything together are about to find out if there are some things even forever friends can't fix. Annette Goode Davis is a survivor. Life's obstacles have often knocked her down, but she's never stayed there for long. To Annette, it's all about family and old friends like Rhoda O'Toole. And right now, Annette needs all the friends she can get . . . because her marriage is in big trouble, and she has no idea why . . . Lately, Annette's husband, Pee Wee, barely has the time of day for her. Desperate to regain his affections, Annette goes on a crash diet, gets a makeover, and looks hotter than she has in a long, long time. Everyone notices--except Pee Wee. So, when handsome Louis Baines showers her with attention, Annette finds herself embroiled in a full-blown affair and spending money on Louis like there's no tomorrow. But when she learns a terrible secret about her new lover, she realizes she's in way over her head. Soon, Annette must face the fact that she may have destroyed the life she loved--and this time, not even Rhoda can help her make things right . . .

Now available in paperback Award-winning New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe returns with an outrageous new tale of Depression-era Southern drama starring identical twin sisters with a talent for switching lives and hiding the scandalous results--until one risk too many changes the game forever . . . Since childhood, identical twins Leona and Fiona Dunbar have been getting in--and out--of trouble by pretending to be each other. Yet underneath, they couldn't be more different. Outspoken Leona lives to break rules and scandalize their respectable hometown of Lexington. Fiona is a seemingly demure churchgoing girl who is the apple of her domineering, widowed mother Mavis's eye. But together, the twins have fooled teachers, boyfriends, bosses, racist police--and most importantly, straitlaced Mavis. Their unbreakable bond keeps them fiercely loyal. . . . So when Fiona feels stifled in her passionless marriage, and Leona is heartbroken over losing her one true love, it's perfect timing to change places once again . . . Leona is shocked to discover she enjoys the security of being a wife and homebody--along with the unexpected spark between her and Fiona's husband. Meanwhile, Fiona is indulging her inner wild-child and Leona's ex-lover becomes one temptation she's having trouble resisting . . . As the sisters' masquerade ignites desires and appetites they never expected, it also puts their most damning secrets on the line. Once the fallout rocks their small town, can their deep sisterhood shield them from total disaster and help them reconcile their mistakes? Or will it become a weapon that shatters their lives for good?

The new edition of a modern classic by New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Mary Monroe The riveting second book in the acclaimed God series sweeps readers back to 1970s Ohio and the stunning story of secrets, survival, and a woman who refused to give up. Growing up, Annette Goode thought all men were as low-down as the father who abandoned her, including the boarder who abused her for years and the men she slept with to earn the money she needed to run away from her life. Now, after decades of heartache and severing ties with her dangerously unstable friend Rhoda, Annette's real life has started to take shape... But her dark past won't let her go. When an old secret scares away her fianc , Annette settles with Pee Wee Davis, her on-again, off-again sweetheart since childhood. Then her ex-friend Rhoda suddenly walks back into her life, forcing Annette to decide what she should believe--and what she can forgive--as she tries to salvage the one relationship she just can't seem to let go . . .

The new edition of a modern classic by New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Mary Monroe The riveting first book in the acclaimed God series sweeps readers back to the streets, porches, and parlors of civil rights-era Ohio to bring to life the beginning of an enduring friendship between two girls from opposite sides of the track . . . "Reminiscent of Zora Neale Hurston." --Publishers Weekly Annette Goode is a shy, awkward, overweight child with a terrible secret. Frightened and ashamed, Annette withdraws into a world of books and food. But the summer she turns thirteen, something incredible happens: Rhoda Nelson chooses her as a friend. Dazzling, generous Rhoda, who is everything Annette is not--gorgeous, slim, and worldly--welcomes Annette into the heart of her eccentric family, which includes her handsome and dignified father; her lovely, fragile "Muh'Dear;" her brooding, dangerous brother Jock; and her colorful white relatives--half-crazy Uncle Johnny, sultry Aunt Lola, and scary, surly Granny Goose. With Rhoda's help, Annette survives adolescence and blossoms as a woman. But when her beautiful best friend makes a stunning confession about a horrific childhood crime, Annette's world will never be the same.

Award-winning New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe returns with an outrageous new tale of Depression-era Southern drama starring identical twin sisters with a talent for switching lives and hiding the scandalous results--until one risk too many changes the game forever . . . Since childhood, identical twins Leona and Fiona Dunbar have been getting in--and out--of trouble by pretending to be each other. Yet underneath, they couldn't be more different. Outspoken Leona lives to break rules, have a good time, and scandalize their respectable hometown of Lexington. Fiona is a seemingly-demure churchgoing girl who is the apple of her domineering, widowed mother Mavis's eye. But together, the twins have fooled teachers, boyfriends, bosses, racist police--and most importantly, strait-laced Mavis. Even when Leona does jail time for Fiona, their unbreakable bond keeps them fiercely loyal. . . . So when Fiona feels stifled in her passionless marriage, and Leona is heartbroken over losing her one true love, it's perfect timing to change places once again . . . Leona is shocked to discover she enjoys the security of being a wife and homebody. And the unexpected spark between her and Fiona's husband is giving her all kinds of deliciously sexy ideas. Meanwhile, Fiona enjoys being free, single, and reveling in the independence she's never had. And the more she indulges her secret, long-repressed wild child, the more Leona's ex-lover becomes one temptation she's having trouble resisting . . . As the sisters' masquerade ignites desires and appetites they never expected, it also puts their most damning secrets on the line. Once the fallout rocks their small town, can Fiona and Leona's deep sisterhood shield them from total disaster and help them reconcile their mistakes? Or will the trust between them become a weapon that shatters their lives for good?

Award-winning New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe delivers the latest thrillingly scandal-filled novel in her Depression-era saga of a church-going lady and her oh-so-upstanding husband racing to cover up their many sins--and gambling on one scheme too many . . . With mysterious serial murders rattling peaceful Lexington, Alabama, Jessie and Hubert Wiggins' steadfast calm and devotion to each other reassures everyone that faith will see them through. But the Wigginses have paid a terrible hidden cost to maintain their fa ade . . . Hubert thought he and his secret lover, Leroy, could continue seeing each other on the down-low in peace. But when Leroy's ex-wife moves back in with him, Hubert's attempts to keep Jessie in the dark, plus his jealousy and need for satisfaction drive him to reckless extremes--and desperate risks. Jessie believes her marital struggles will all be worthwhile if she can connive Hubert to finally consummate their marriage. But his erratic behavior and her frustration soon has her trying yet another new lover, who is as charming as he is unreliable--and unexpectedly dangerous . . . Now with their secrets out of control--and the police perilously near--Jessie and Hubert discover who is behind the deaths plaguing their town. But can they risk a pursuit that could expose their own web of lies? When their only choice pits them against each other, their next move will either bury their deceptions for good--or reveal the one truth they can't escape . . .

The new edition of a modern classic by New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Mary Monroe Everyone from Louisiana to Florida knows Mama Ruby--a small-town girl who became one of the South's most notorious and volatile women. In this beautiful reissue, New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe reveals how the indomitable heroine of her acclaimed classic The Upper Room continues to vex the family she's left behind. Mama Ruby has died and Maureen Montgomery is finally taking charge of her own life. With her beautiful teenage daughter, Loretta, by her side, she returns to Florida and settles into a routine any other woman would consider bland. But for Maureen and her brother, Virgil, after Mama Ruby's hair-trigger temper and murderous ways, bland is good. Yet Loretta has other ideas . . . Set on becoming rich and famous, Loretta convinces Maureen to let her start a modeling career with the help of a Miami photographer. But even as they move in promising new directions, they can't escape Mama Ruby--including Virgil, who's concealed one of her most shocking acts for most of his life. To make a future that's truly hers, Maureen will have to take on a bit of Mama Ruby's strength, forge new bonds--and face down the past.

Award-winning New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe delivers the latest thrillingly scandal-filled novel in her Depression-era saga of a church-going lady and her oh-so-upstanding husband racing to cover up their many sins--and gambling on one scheme too many. . . With mysterious serial murders putting peaceful Lexington, Alabama, on edge, Jessie and Hubert Wiggins' steadfast calm and devotion to each other reassures everyone that faith will see them through. But Jessie and Hubert have paid a terrible hidden cost to maintain their devout facade and respectable standing. Nothing can allay the guilt they feel--or stop the growing distrust between them . . . Hubert thought he and his secret lover, Leroy, could continue seeing each other on the down-low in peace. But when Leroy's ex-wife moves back in with him, a heartbroken Hubert is driven to distraction trying to keep Jessie in the dark--and quell his mounting jealousy. And his need for satisfaction is driving Hubert to reckless extremes--and desperate risks. . . Jessie believes the struggles between her and Hubert will all be worth it if she can connive him to finally consummate their marriage--no matter what she has to do. But his erratic behavior and her frustration soon has her trying yet another new lover, who is as charming as he is unreliable--and unexpectedly dangerous. . . Now with their secrets out of control--and the police perilously near--Jessie and Hubert discover who might be behind the deaths plaguing their town. But can they risk a pursuit that could expose their own web of lies? When their only choice pits them and their suspicions against each other, their next move will either bury their deceptions deep for good--or reveal the one truth they can't escape. . .

In this gripping follow-up to the Depression-era saga Mrs. Wiggins, the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author transports readers to the Deep South, as a proper church-going woman determined to snare Alabama's most-sought after widower finds his secret desires and righteous lies come as a package deal... Forty-something widow Jessie Tucker is beloved throughout Lexington, Alabama, for her kind heart and endless generosity. But she feels it's past time she rewarded herself--especially when upstanding Hubert Wiggins tragically loses his wife and son. Making herself indispensable, yet discouraged by Hubert's lack of romantic interest, Jessie cooks up a deception she knows will make pious Hubert do right by her... Hoax or not, Hubert couldn't be happier. The passionate self he's long hidden from everyone has a new, much-riskier secret love. And the unsuspecting second Mrs. Wiggins will help him maintain his ever-so-devout image in the community... But when Hubert is not the ardent lover Jessie always dreamed he was, she turns her desires to handsome younger man Conway. Suddenly the "good church wife" can't resist temptation at all. And someone is watching: Conway's new girlfriend--and Jessie's longtime rival--Blondeen. Now Blondeen has the perfect opportunity to harass Jessie, destroy her reputation, drive her out of town--then become the real wife Hubert should have had all along... In one shattering night, Jessie, Blondeen, and Hubert will each go too far. And when their web of deceit threatens to drag them under for good, they will have only one chance to erase the past and claim everything they've ever wanted. If their secrets don't destroy them first...

An instant classic, beloved New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Mary Monroe's debut novel The Upper Room introduced unforgettable, indomitable, and thrillingly scandalous heroine Mama Ruby. Now this beautifully repackaged edition will captivate readers old and new. Mama Ruby's known for taking things that aren't rightfully hers, like her best friend's stillborn infant, who she brought back to life and christened Maureen. She's also rumored to have done away with her husband. Some fear her, others try their best to avoid her. But Mama Ruby doesn't pay them any mind. Not when she's got the one gift God gave her--her precious baby girl. But growing up with a mama like Ruby is enough to make any half-sane girl wish for something--anything--else. And when Maureen gets the chance to explore the "real" world, you can bet she's going to take it . . . and run like hell.

Talented, beautiful Michelle Heywood, 29, has everything going for her. She has just been promoted to Senior Account Executive for A, A & A, a Michigan-Avenue Chicago ad agency and received a huge raise, bonus and company car. Michelle's new task is to create a blockbuster ad campaign that will sell a new innovative infant formula that contains real human breast milk, Nature Plus Baby Formula by SynCor Foods, to millions of mothers for their newborns and babies. Michelle and Hawk Wilder, Art Director, create a campaign destined to be a huge success. All is great, until ... People start to disappear. People show up dead. Bram Pavolich, President of SynCor Foods wants the success of Nature Plus very much. Perhaps too much. While homicide detective Marcus Harris searches for the truth. Join Michelle in the fast-paced corporate world of marketing where she come to grip with the realization that her unmistakable talents can play a deadly role in people's lives.