The Other Sister
by Cheri Paris Edwards

In her latest novel, Cheri Paris Edwards weaves a heartwarming tale of faith, redemption
and forgiveness in this modern take on the Parable of The Prodigal Son.

Bishop James Jefferson and his wife, Lena, are elated when their daughter, Sanita, breezes into town after a mysterious disappearance. Not so thrilled is Sanita's older sister, Carla, who's instantly suspicious and resentful of her parent's eagerness to welcome Sanita back with open arms and no questions about her whereabouts. The two sisters have never been close, and Sanita's absence has widened the distance between them.

Sanita quickly eases into the comforts of home, but she's haunted by dark secrets, lies and the shame of a lifestyle that took her far from her roots as a minister's daughter, and jeopardizes her attempts to rebuild her life-which now includes a blooming romance with Terrence Catchings, a handsome former basketball player. And despite Carla's efforts to uncover what really sparked Sanita's sudden return, she's facing her own challenges as the new principal of the town's charter school, sending her on an emotional rollercoaster and into the arms of a familiar comforter: food.

As each sister struggles with her own baggage, insecurities and the burden of keeping it all together, James and Lena must balance ministering to their daughters with the demands of their fl ourishing congregation. But when Sanita's skeletons begin to tumble out of the closet, a battle-worn Carla discovers that the man of her dreams-none other than Terrance-has eyes for her sister, and James's and Lena's marriage faces its own threat, the family must embark on a spiritual and emotional journey that will test their bond, the limits of their faith and their understanding of grace and true forgiveness.


5-Star Amazon Book Review by The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

The Prodigal Daughter Returns

Sanita and Carla Jefferson are sisters who were raised in a Christian home in Illinois. Because of the difference in their ages, they experienced life differently. Carla, the oldest, was the good girl, always doing what was right and expected of her because of her position as the preacher's first daughter. The younger, impulsive Sanita, on the other hand, wanted to experience all that life had to offer and then some. Sanita decided on a college on the west coast, a long way from Illinois. While in college she is introduced to her dream and a lifestyle that neither resembles nor mimics her Christian upbringing. She becomes so caught up, it takes a major event to shake up her world and send her to the wide open arms of her family.

When Sanita returns, Carla is not feeling any of it. Life has taught her to be suspicious of Sanita and to be particularly on guard where their parents are concerned. Unfortunately, time to deal with Sanita takes a back burner to a professional crisis brewing in her own life. Sanita finds a distant Carla, nosey neighbors and two very happy parents. The guilt of her more recent past comes crashing down around her, and the homecoming celebration takes a unique turn. Will her parents be able to hold their heads up in their close-knit church community?

Cheri Paris Edwards writes a very clever modern-day rendition of the parable of the prodigal son from the Bible in THE OTHER SISTER. The characters were well-developed and memorable, even down to the nosey church busybody and the sleazy deacon. I loved how Edwards highlighted the familial relationship to examine the bond between siblings, the rapport and expectations between children and parents, as well as the unending love parents hold for their children and how forgiveness is at the core of maintaining all these relationships. Oftentimes children will veer off the course we as parents have laid out for them, but judgment shouldn't be our response to them. Show them the right way and love them anyway. Well done!   This review is from: The Other Sister (Paperback).  Reviewed by Brenda Lisbon of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers


Purchase The Other Sister by Cheri Paris Edwards

E-book version only.  Available  Today on the  Nook  or  Kindle

Genre:   General/Popular Fiction with Inspirational themes
ISBN-10:  0982777906
ISBN-13:  978-0982777909


 

Intimate Conversation with Cheri Paris Edwards



 

Cheri Paris Edwards is the author of The Other Sister available now in e-book. Walk Worthy/Warner published Edward’s first novel Plenty Good Room in 2005. Edwards is the mother of two adult sons and a German chocolate toy poodle named Mocha. Edwards now lives in Texas. She is an adjunct instructor at North Central Texas College and will begin work on her Masters degree in English at Texas Woman’s University in January 2012.

BPM:  What are you the most thankful for now?
Almost a year ago, I packed my three-bedroom townhome into a storage unit, put what clothes and other necessities that I could into my Oldsmobile Alero and me and my doggie Mocha drove through the pouring rain from Illinois to Texas. This was a huge endeavor for me. I’ve never lived outside Illinois and soon found I didn’t have the support I thought I would when I decided to make the move. This has been a harrowing yet exhilarating time and God has certainly drawn me closer to Him during this process. I’ve learned to thankful for the everyday things we sometimes take for granted such as a roof over my head, a car that runs, the ability to move around freely, nature, my doggie Mocha and the opportunity to have traveled 360 degrees in my life. Not everyone gets that opportunity and I’m grateful God’s allowed it. I’m awfully thankful too for the sweet folks I’ve met here in Texas, those from Illinois and FB friends who have supported me in spirit and in tangible ways and been kind to me.

BPM:  When did you get your first inkling to write, and how did you advance the call for writing?
I’ve always written—poetry, narratives, just not fiction. I also am an artist. I draw, paint and really love photography. To me writing is like taking a photo—or perhaps what my ex-instructor John Guzlowski taught is a more apt description—“…writing poetry is like taking a photo and writing a book is like creating a movie, which is a series of photos.”

BPM:  Do you have anyone in your life that was heavily influential in your deciding to become an author?
The person most influential in my becoming an author would have to be agent and ex-publisher/founder of Walk Worthy Press Denise Stinson. I usually worked some sort of position in the summer at one of the schools, but this particular summer there was no work. I finished a non-fiction manuscript and queried her about it. One evening when I came in from my nightly walk, there was a call from her on the caller I.D. I thought she wanted my book, and I hurriedly returned her call. She actually telephoned to reject the manuscript though, but asked during our conversation if I’d ever tried fiction writing. I had not. But, when I hung up I begin to write a fiction book that I finished in about 8 weeks. She promptly rejected this manuscript. I shelved it and started another that I finished in six months. Again, she rejected the story, I worked on it, submitted it to an editing site that sent out a newsletter to publishers and by chance she saw it listed, called me and asked me to resend it to her. A few weeks later, she made an offer. This was a little more than a year from the time I initially talked with her. Denise also shared invaluable advice and information about the business of publishing that I’ve never forgotten. I truly respect her. Though I eventually decided that the genre is not a good fit for my writing, Walk Worthy was the first to publish primarily African American works with Christian themes and I’m very grateful for the opportunity she gave me.

BPM:  What have you realized about yourself since becoming a published author?
Becoming a published author actually reintroduced me to my artistic nature. I’d kinda lost that girl and it’s been wonderful to rediscover the passion I have for creative work because it’s quite natural for me. I’ve always been creative, but having children took me down another path. Once my book was published, I ended up back in college, finished my degree and God willing I will begin a Master’s program in English at TWU in a couple weeks. Last year, I developed an intro writing course and taught it at the local community college on one campus last semester. It was well received and if enough students enroll, I will teach it on two campuses this spring.

BPM:  What are some of the benefits of being an author that makes it all worthwhile?
There are two major benefits for me. One is that I always learn a lot about myself in the process of writing. The other is the wonderful letters, comments or feedback that I’ve gotten about my books. Some have really been touched by the stories or really “get” ME and what I’m trying to do in my stories. That’s affirming.

BPM:  Introduce us to your book, The Other Sister, and the main characters. Do you have any favorites?
The Other Sister is the title of my second novel. It’s a sort of prodigal daughter story-- contemporary fiction with inspirational themes. The story begins when youngest sister Sanita breezes back into town after a mysterious disappearance. Older sister Carla is distrustful of the reasons behind Sanita’s return while her father Bishop James Jefferson who is the minister of a growing nondenominational church, and her mother Lena are overjoyed that their daughter is back at home. Sanita’s best friend Denesha Lewiston still has Sanita’s back in more ways than one and readers know tension between the sister will only intensify when ex-NBA baller Terrence Catchings becomes the love interest of BOTH. Terrence’s Uncle Calvin is the lecherous Bishop Catchings, Preacher is a wanna-be rapper and Sanita’s ex-lover and Foxie another loyal friend. My favorite character to write was probably Marcella. She has a bit of my Mom’s bourgeois behavior and she’s a hoot. We all have a little Marcella in us, whether we admit it or not.

BPM:  What inspired you to write this book? Why now? Ever experience writers block?
This is a story I conceived right after my first book, “Plenty Good Room.” I wanted to explore issues and concerns around sexual choices and I decided it would be interesting to set the story in the peaceful nest of the Midwest and create a wonderful loving family who may not seem to be the likely subjects to cope with this type of situation.

I rarely experience writer’s block. My issue is mainly time. Since I’ve moved it’s been even more difficult to have writing time since I’ve been working “this job and that” and struggle to find time to write and edit. I always have a story to tell though. I’m chomping at the bit to start book II of the Jeffersons.

BPM:  Are any scenes from the book borrowed from your world or your experiences?
The food scenes are definitely borrowed from real life. Like many others, we always have too much food at family events and there are several good cooks in my family. Brother Freddie Rhodes who I mention in the Thanksgiving scene was my brother-in-law. He was a wonderful cook and passed away unexpectedly a few years ago. My mother loved to decorate for holidays and so Lena’s penchant for decorating was probably a subconscious tribute to my Mom, though she was alive when I wrote this book. She has since passed, and I’m grateful she could the chance to read it and know I dedicated it to her. She was definitely the staunchest supporter of my writing and I miss her.

BPM:  Share with us a quote or brief excerpt from one of the most powerful chapters.
In this story, Lena is often the voice of reason. This is from the Chapter entitled, “As we Forgive” and here’s the set-up: Once Sanita’s exploits are revealed her father James struggles to forgive her. He knows he should forgive because he’s a minister and it’s biblical to do so. His internal struggle has him so upset he can’t even write his sermon, but he’s so upset with the daughter he loves that he doesn’t even want to look at her. This is part of an exchange between him and Lena. I like it because it reminds that evil is not something most of us consciously choose, instead its usually a subtle slide that sometimes can lead to a fall. It’s important to remember, “As we forgive, we are forgiven.”

***
“James, pride goeth before a fall. We are always at risk of falling into evil,” Lena said. “God has gifted you greatly and you mustn’t deviate from His Word.” She rose from the chair and stroked her husband’s neck with a now cool hand. “It was only weeks ago you preached about forgiveness. Don’t let your pride keep you from extending that forgiveness to our daughter.”

“Tears pricked James’s eyes as he stared at the familiar comforts of the room he loved. He pressed Lena’s hand with his. “It’s hard, baby.”

“It might be. But it’s what must be done. Let it go, darling. As we forgive, we are forgiven,” Lena said. Then, giving him a hug and lightly brushing his cheek with her lips, Lena left him to write his sermon.

***

BPM:  Who do you want to reach with your book and the message enclosed?
I hope that the book will have different messages for different people. Some may be purely entertained and that’s wonderful too. I was working through a few of my own issues while writing this story, and included some purposely, but most unconsciously. Examples are Carla’s struggle with a desire to be perfect, Sanita’s bad choices and decisions she later felt shame about as well as my concern about the choices I witnessed others making—students or friends. I’ve always been interested in social issues and community concerns and include them in my stories.

The message I’d like female readers in particular to get from the story is that every woman struggles with self-image. In this story, it becomes clear that both sisters wrestle with issues within themselves and neither want to be “The Other Sister.” At heart, I believe this is a story about sisterhood, a connection I think extends beyond family bonds and one I believe we should value.


BPM:  Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
I hope they find The Other Sister an entertaining read first. If they gain a message from the story, or if a character touches them in the story, well that’s wonderful too. For me, a good writer fades into the background and the story shines—so I hope that’s what happens when people read my work.


BPM:  How do you view the past 20 years of Black literature?
I think over the past 20 years black literature has grown in numbers. I believe it partially due to the success of contemporary writers who came on the scene in the 80’s like Terry McMillan, Bebe Moore Campbell and Tina McElroy Ansa. Additionally, there was influx of male writers who became successful writing primarily for women. I missed the much of the exponential growth that happened over the next fifteen or so years (90’s mainly) because it happened at a time that my own life got very busy and my reading time became scarce. By the time, I wrote my own novel (“Plenty Good Room”) primarily because of the internet--there was a burgeoning community of black writers that I knew I little about. The advent of word processing and the self-publishing success of some authors fueled even more growth in all literature, but perhaps more in black literature. Nowadays anyone with a computer is capable of writing and producing a book.

BPM:   Looking back over the past 20 years of Black literature, what have you observed?
While there has been exponential growth in the number of books by back authors, there has not been equal growth IMO in the financial success of black writers. I mean non-blacks routinely make HUGE money telling our stories while few of us can afford to quit our day jobs. I believe that even those who are writing full-time feel pressure that they may lose their contract if they fail to sell in the numbers expected of them which can be difficult to do in a bad economy and in a market that’s saturated. Honestly, I’m not sure that many publishers take “black literature” and black writers seriously. I think they are quite comfortable allowing a few through the door and then almost holding it closed. I’m not sure whether it’s purposeful or not, but I definitely don’t think we get the support to write diverse stories like white writers and even writers of other races do. I’ve heard from writers about publishers asking them to write more sexually explicit scenes or who demanded changes in their manuscript to make it more melodramatic—more “black.” That’s an affront. And, our books are often not marketed/promoted as strongly and widely as books by non-backs. This is why once we get through the door, we need to prop it open for others—by talking about books written by black authors, promoting those we believe have merit to others. When one does well, we all do---

BPM:  Where do you think Black literature is headed? Will ebooks change the direction?
Honestly, I don’t know where black literature is headed and I confess to some degree wish that the title “black literature” was nonexistent. I am from East-Central Illinois where small urban towns such as Champaign-Urbana, Danville, Springfield, and Peoria are the home to a population that is between 8-10% African-American. I now live in Denton Texas, which is about 9% black and almost 17% Hispanic. This means life is very integrated though social time may or may not still be racially divided. I’m also part of a FB group who’s common thread is a love for music. It’s a multi-racial group and so are the sounds posted and it’s interesting that the woman who formulated the group is from Central Illinois.  I’m heartened that shows like “The Misadventures of the Awkward Black Girl” reflect the more diverse environment that some of us operate in. I’m sure that my daily reality reflects in some way in my stories. Because of my reality, it’s difficult to think of writing for blacks only when my experience was not and still is not just black. For me, the hope is that I will engage readers of all races even though the characters I write about are primarily black.

E-books have opened doors for me. I had signed with small indie publisher and when it didn’t work out and I got my rights reverted to me. The negotiations to get my rights was lengthy, eventually requiring the services of a friend I grew up with who is not an attorney. Although we eventually came to an agreement and ended the relationship on a good note I was skittish about signing with a small publisher and I didn’t think I had enough book sales to interest larger ones or an agent. I quickly became disenchanted with querying and realized I knew everything I needed to know to design an effective website and format my e-book. E-booking allows me to be authentically myself and to write with freedom. I can price my book low, hopefully making it attractive to more readers.
 
BPM:  Do you have any advice for people seeking to publish a book?
My advice is to be prepared for a lot of work. Producer Lawrence Kasden says, “Writing is like having homework every night,” and that’s very true. If you are dedicated, writing will take up much of your free time. I’d also advise fledgling writers not to be in a rush to put a book out—to take their time because once it’s out there it’s represents YOU  and if you later find errors or other problems, there may not be a chance to get it back before someone reads it.

Finally, and most importantly I’d tell fledgling writers, “…spend more time writing than you do planning your book debut party, taking and posting author photos, implementing fancy websites, and other marketing and promotions. Your published works will live long after any of those accoutrements and the writing should run the publicity train not vice-versa.”

BPM:  Finish this sentence- “My writing offers the following legacy to future readers... ”
My books showcase the love and respect I have for African-American people and our culture The fast-past stories explore contemporary social issues and feature characters that are familiar. I adore African-American people—well, people in general and I think readers will feel that love.

BPM:  We are here to shine the spotlight on your new book, but what's next?  Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases. How may our readers follow you online?  
My next release is a book I’ve worked on since 2006. It’s called, “Think I’ll Call it Morning” and will probably be priced lower than “The Other Sister” since it’s been around a while longer. It’s a six degrees of separation story featuring Elisha Lawrence and DeAndre Davis. Next up is Book II of the Jefferson’s. I plan to write one book for each season of the year. The second installment is Spring and the title is “Something about April.” The characters featured in this story will be Lena and Carla and there will be very unexpected choices by one or maybe both.

Readers can find excerpts and more about The Other Sister at my website—www.cheriparisedwards.com. They can follow me at write12b at twitter or become a fan of my author page on FB.
 
BPM:  Thank you, Cheri,  for sharing a little bit about yourself, your journey and your book with our readers!

Connect with Cheri Paris Edwards
Twitter:   www.twitter.com/write12b
Website:  www.cheriparisedwards.com

Sneak Peek:  The Other Sister

When Sanita Jefferson sweeps back into town after a mysterious disappearance, her minister father James and mother Lena are overjoyed, but school Principal Carla is suspicious of her sister’s sudden return. Sanita tries to distance herself from her past, reconnecting with friends and beginning a new romance, but juggling lies and secrets plagues her with guilt and shame. Carla vows to keep a watchful eye on her sister but her promise is forgotten when challenges at the school push her to an emotional edge. But, Carla’s discovery that Sanita is involved with the man she wants causes the simmering feud between the sisters to boil over, and when Sanita’s past comes to town and reveals all her secrets, James and Lena Jefferson must turn to their faith to find the forgiveness and grace to keep their family together.


Chapter 1.  Moving.
 
Staring at her reflection, Jasmine touched up her makeup with a practiced hand. I am good, she primped, taking in her barely mussed hair with the hint of a smile. “Nate baby,” she called with feigned sweetness toward the open bathroom door. “It was a fun night, but I know you got things to do. Just close the door behind you, okay?”

No reply or movement in the other room. Jasmine rolled her eyes, thinking how she hated this part of the night. Once the bedroom activities were over, she just wanted Nathan gone. But sometimes, he liked to hang around as if the evening meant more than it had, and she hoped this wasn’t one of those nights. With a sigh, she turned off the bathroom light and rounded the corner into the other room.

“Nathan, baby?” No answer. “Nathan!” Jasmine called sharply, glancing at his motionless figure on the king-size bed. “C’mon, wake up.” Still, no reply.

Irritation rising, Jasmine perched on the side of the bed and nudged Nathan’s shoulder, but she was surprised by his body’s stiff resistance. Sensing something was wrong, she yanked at Nathan’s arm, determined to make him get up. But he didn’t move, and when she let go, the momentum sent his body flopping back onto the bed with a quiet plop. Nathan Brownfield’s head lolled to the side, mouth open, eyes fixed in a blank stare.

Jasmine’s eyes widened. Moving closer, she held a shaky hand in front of Nathan’s mouth like she’d seen on a TV show, praying to feel the heat of his breath. For a moment, she thought she felt a stream of air warm her hand. Then, nothing.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, mustering hope that Nathan was fine and would answer her. But he didn’t, and she rose from the bed, wringing her hands, emotions edging toward fear. What if he’s dead? Jasmine thought. He can’t be dead. He was fine a few minutes ago.

Then she saw the white powder on the table by the couch, next to Nathan’s wallet and keys. “No,” she whispered. Jasmine didn’t use drugs, but she knew enough about them to realize white powder lines meant big trouble and possibilities she didn’t want to think about. Nathan could be dead. Overdosed.

Now in full-blown panic, Jasmine struggled to absorb the scene in front of her. This can’t be happening. What can I do? I can’t call the police. They’ll ask too many questions: “What
were you two doing here? Where did the drugs come from?”

“No police,” she muttered, wringing her hands again. Pacing, she stared at Nathan’s body and realized how little she knew about him. Only that he had a wife and two children and they would be devastated if he died, especially after being with her all night. She also knew that he had a good job, where people counted on him. The first thing he always did when he came to the hotel was to start up his laptop and place it where he could view it with ease. From time to time, he would peer at the screen and peck on the keys. What Jasmine didn’t know though was who to call now.

“Think, Jazz. Think!” But as she continued to stare at Nathan’s unmoving figure, the graveness of the situation became clear. He’s dead, she concluded. And no one will believe I didn’t have anything to do with this. I’ve got to get out of here. She hastily gathered her belongings and quietly slipped from the room, forcing herself not to give Nathan’s still body another glance.

Forty-five minutes later, Jasmine stepped down off the metro bus and quickly walked to her apartment building. Once inside, she snatched suitcases from the hall closet and began to pack, stopping only when a fearful thought flashed across her mind.  After pushing all that she could into her bags, Jasmine called a taxi and dragged the bags downstairs. Determined to stay calm, she replayed the loose plan she’d devised during her packing frenzy.

Minutes later, her taxi arrived. “Bus Terminal,” she told the dark-haired driver. She climbed into the back seat as the driver placed her bags in the trunk and cast a last, furtive glance toward her building. Twinkling lights from high-rise windows winked at her, deceptive in their sameness. Jasmine grew resolute once more, pushing the threatening image of Nathan’s body from her mind. This would be the last time she thought about Nathan Brownfield. It was time to let the plan play itself out now.

Turning her attention to the driver, Jasmine began to chatter animatedly as though she didn’t have a care in the world.

( Continued... )


Copyright © 2010 by Cheri Paris Edwards.  Excerpted and reprinted for promotional purposes with permission of the author. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.  


About the Author
Cheri Paris Edwards is the author of  “Plenty Good Room” published in Hardcover by Warner/Walk Worthy Books in 2005. Her sophomore novel, the first of four about the Midwestern Jefferson family, “The Other Sister” is now available in e-book. Edwards is the mother of two sons and a poodle named Mocha. She will begin work on her Masters in English at TWU in January and lives in Texas.
 

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