The Queens of Richland

Hey Lovies! Whatcha readin'?

The Queens of Richland is my very first novel. I write poetry as a standard, but one evening at a holiday party the beginning of this story came to mind and this book was birthed.

The Queens of Richland is book one in a series. The intro to the story of four friends from various backgrounds that form a sisterhood that is untouchable. Before I could finish this book the stories of the other books came to me.

I completed the book in 2017, but because of fear I did not publish it. Fear that it would not be good enough or that the story only made sense to me kept me from moving forward until one day I could hear my father's voice telling me that I can do anything I put my mind to.

My father was my greatest cheerleader and I didn't recognize it until he was gone. He had enormous faith in my abilities that it took years for me to realize. I thank him everyday for the words, though sometimes misunderstood, and blessings he spoke over my life. His belief in me and the encouragement. Thank you Daddy. I love and miss you terribly. I only wish I had taken heed to his words and belief sooner so that he could read one of my books. But I know he is still with me and is cheering me on, " You can do whatever you put your mind to".

As a poet that writes poetry from the heart and of circumstance, it blew me away when this story was all I could think about. Everyday a new part was revealed and it was like watching a movie in my head that I was dictating. I know that sounds a little crazy, but that is the best way I can describe it. I have told friends that I understand now why authors are a bit eccentric; you have to be to handle a movie constantly playing in your mind and function through daily life. My hat goes off to Stephen King (my favorite author)!

The story begins with Jai'yana, a professional, independent, woman that has had her share of heartbreak in relationships. She has poured her soul into her work and healing.

She loves meditating, working towards her dream of owning her own business, spending time with her friends and her Shiatzu puppy.

Jai'yana met each of her besties as she went through various situations in her life and at different stages. She has a unique relationship with each of them and collectively she is the backbone of the foursome.

A romantic interest is trying to sweep her off of her feet. She reflects on pass loves that brought her to the apprehensive state she is in and with the aid of her girlfriends she is able to make it through.

The next character is Marissa. She is the outspoken, fun-loving, ride or die friend of the group that came from a complexed and troubled background. She is extremely intelligent, edgy, sexy and loyal.

She struggles with the demons of her past, but is triumphant because of the love she is given from the only sisters she has ever had.

Marissa is a professional in a law firm, and only child and native of Richland. Her past has strengthened her for her now happy, sometime tumultuous life.

Next is Ariel. Born and raised in Richland, she was the typical girl next door. From a two-parent household of two professionals, Ariel did not have many trials to deal with besides the self-inflicted ones.

She has a beautiful, young son from a failed marriage and is dedicated to her medical career even though she longs to be an entrepreneur.

Her friends help her through some situations that can be life changing.

Last, but definitely not least is Lexi. The quiet, studious, professional that is the glue that holds the friendship together. Her quiet strength is shown in her ability to observe situations and offer solutions.

Her rocky days in college were a bit easier after meeting a young lady that she did not know at the time would be a lifelong friend.

The story is set in Richland; an ever-growing city in the northeast. It is known for its culture and innovation. The four friends are from different parts of the city, with various backgrounds that would normally never generate such a strong alliance. But fate has brought them together to experience each other's differences and similarities as they navigate, hand-in-hand through life.

Sebastian is the handsome, cultural, professional that moonlights as a chef. He is not a native of Richland, but has been there since his eleventh grade year when he, his parents and older sister moved their for a job his father took. Sebastian is a very eligible bachelor that meets a beautiful woman that he can't stop thinking about.

The other characters bring the story to life and the situations the ladies go through are real life issues that many go through on a daily basis.

My prayer is that the story will be enjoyable and maybe you will be able to relate to one or more of the characters.

I want to thank everyone that has and will support me. I love you all and I truly hope that you enjoy this.

Until next time,

Peace and blessings

Jeanene Durham, "The Healing Wordsmith", is an Alaskan native, mother of seven, grandmother, aunt, sister, friend and lover of words. She is the owner of The Concierge Queen LLC, a premier personal and virtual assistance service in Georgia. Jeanene loves to travel, paint ceramics, help other, most importantly, spend time with her family and you guessed it...read.

thehealingwordsmith@outlook.com

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