Avery and Alicia had it all: money, career, a whirlwind romance and a family. Over time, their paradise began to fall. Avery struggles to let go of the skeletons in his closet as he tries to cling to the delicate relationship he so desperately needs. Alicia, wise in spirit, recognizes the cracks in her ivory tower for what they are. A novel about strength, empowerment and overcoming the odds, Tumika Patrice Cain’s debut novel, SEASON OF CHANGE is a powerhouse!
Available in hardcopy and on ALL ereaders
Readers are calling award-winning Season of Change a “must read”, “emotional and uplifting”, “deeply intense and thought provoking”, “ an exceptionally good read”…
Excerpt:
Chapter 1: Alicia
I must admit, according to today’s standards we did have it going on. There was not one of those sought after trappings of success we did not possess. To the eyes of the world, we had it all – the mansion in one of the most exclusive areas of Bloomfield Hills, flashy cars and all the toys anyone could ask for. If I lived in the world that would have been wonderful, but I didn’t. I suppose if having things were enough to satisfy me, then I should have been happy and never desired anything outside of what we already possessed.
Sometimes money is just not enough. Take it from someone who knows firsthand, having money is not the ultimate be all, end all final destination leading to tranquility. What has far more lasting weight are those things that are not tangible and cannot be bought. Peace would be among those priceless treasures not pursued with the intensity it deserves. It is only when something is missing that its true value becomes apparent. I had finally reached a place where I wanted more, I just could not play the games any more. There was nothing to hide, no pride that I was willing to save face for. I was willing to do whatever it took to be free. You see, despite all that we had, none of those things were enough to protect me from what was going on in my world. I had become a prisoner behind the walls of this perfectly manicured estate. For the sake of my health, my sanity – my life – I had to break free no matter what price I had to pay for that freedom.
Looks can be so deceiving. People in general are masters of manipulation, showing others only what they want them to see. They hide all the real and meaningful parts of their lives that are truly able to liberate others and make a difference. I am no better than the vast majority. Probably worse than most, if I think about it.
There was no way to see the hairline fractures of our fragile existence looking only through the naked eye. We worked very hard to keep it that way. It is only through the high powered magnifying glass of life that the rips and tears and chips could be seen. It is only through that same lens that what could be seen was a foundation too shaky to build on. Too shaky to hold the high rise of our lives we had built on top of it. Is there anything worse than a beautiful edifice appearing oh so fine, yet its very foundation could make the entire structure come tumbling down, falling upon the heads of all those in its wake? Well that is us and this is our life.
We met when I was scarcely more than a child, although no one could have told me I was only a child at the time. It amazes me how time has a way of revealing all those things we never took the time to see, even when they were staring us directly in the face. I had just graduated from Oakland University a few weeks prior. My mentor, surrogate mother and all around good friend, Kate Larraby and I were at the opening party of a new art gallery having a great time when in walks this handsome man. It seems like a lifetime ago and in the same breath it feels as if no time has passed at all. I thought those were the good old days.
Copyright 2012 Tumika Patrice Cain
Tumika Patrice Cain is an award winning author, radio show host, blogger, poet, motivator, founder of the Say What?? Book Club, contributing writer for B.L.O.G Magazine and book reviewer for PEN’Ashe Magazine. Her works center around the complexities of the human experience and in uplifting the spirit. An assignment for a second grade class sparked her interest in writing that would quickly become her raison d’etre. As an educator, she wholeheartedly believes that each one should reach one; each one should teach one. When she is not writing, she may be found teaching writer’s workshops, blogging, volunteering, and otherwise beautifying the world around her. She is the author of the award winning novel, Season of Change¸ and After the Rain…a Poetry Collective. Her works have been published in a number of anthologies, magazines and periodicals. You may follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tumika-Patrice-Cain/254769847981922 and on Twitter: @TumikaPatrice. www.TumikaPatrice.com
Unoma Nwankwor 