Critiques en avant-premièrePatricia M. Muhammad

A loving couple raise their multi-racial, young daughter with the best of manners and breeding in suburban Los Angeles, California. Yamaria's parents shelter her from the realities of this world. She befriends a small bird which she claims 'talks' to her and only her. Thereafter, she is mysteriously orphaned while still at an important young stage in her life. Her nearby American aunt adopts her and though Yamaria attempts to adjust to her new circumstances, she turns to her studies as an escape from her feelings of confusion and longing to know her place in the world. Her American aunt continues her sister and brother-in-law's method of raising Yamaria and is unfamiliar with their secret.

As Yamaria delves further into her studies at university; she unwittingly follows a predestined path that could change the world forever. The protagonist leaves America for Italy and stays with her traditional Italian aunt and uncle to further her post-graduate research. Although her hardworking Italian uncle is oblivious as to what Yamaria searches for, her aunt possesses crucial information that will guide Yamaria to a pivotal event that challenges the limits of what she believes she is capable of. During this journey, she is reunited with an Italian, suave university classmate that takes a sudden interest in her. She is skeptical as Salvatore could have any woman that he wanted. She is an odd beauty with an awkwardness that he finds utterly attractive and refreshing. He convinces her of his intentions and they begin a romance that would be the envy of any townsperson. Salvatore, with all of his wealth and luxurious excursions he provides Yamaria, hopes that he can also be her protector.

Yamaria is reacquainted with a being who has watched over her since she was a child, waiting for that inner part of her to reawaken so that it may be guided. However, paranormal circumstances forces Yamaria to stand on her own, using her wit, strength and fortitude to solve a puzzle involving a sacred tree in Italy and a keepsake that her father gifted her as a child. She discovers others who exist in different realms whom her parents were aware of. Yamaria quickly bonds with her newfound acquaintances as they realized that each of them must use their abnormal gifts to defeat a common enemy. One of the gifted possesses a special book that she holds onto dearly. Yamaria, with their vital assistance, successfully saves the Earth in her time hoping to not disturb other planes of existence. Yet this accomplishment is marred with the betrayal of one of her sisters.

Yamaria and the others now must battle an enemy that follows them back to earth. Out of guilt for causing one of the gifted's death (Livianna), Basilia appears to have sacrificed herself at an attempt for redemption. Salvatore supports his beloved Yamaria throughout the paranormal happenings. Despite the oddities that accompany her, he still asks for her hand in marriage. As she prepares for her nuptials, Yamaria's grandparents withheld their knowledge that her American aunt and uncle died in a tragic car accident in America before the wedding. Yamaria and Salvatore welcomes a surprise guest at their wedding reception. She sees this person return in her true form. Gidadina places her beloved book in the care of the unaware Yamaria, slipping it in her bridal satchel.

Salvatore and Yamaria have now affirmed their destiny. The worst is over until...

Duchessa Anastasia sneaks away from the family mansion at night in 18th Century Venezia during Carnevale. Giorgio, her cavalier servente, has feelings for her. Anastasia accepts the esteemed courtier, Leandro's marriage proposal though he fails to disclose an important detail about himself. The royal guards seize Giorgio at the d'Alessi manor. The Crown accuses Giorgio of treason. Capriana, a servant, knows how Giorgio was framed. A conspirator intends to murder her. Anastasia and Leandro investigate Giorgio's allegations before they are wed. The duchessa is surprised as to whom it leads.

CONTENT WARNING: This book is a work of fiction. However, the author intended to create characters and settings historically accurate to the era it takes place in, the racially tumultuous 1920s. Certain terms used as racial descriptions now considered archaic, outdated or even offensive are used to reflect the past usage by both black and white Americans of that era. Particular themes regarding race, references to certain crimes such as murder and sexual assault are included as part of the fictional plot. The author provides this content description for any potential reader who may consider any of these subject matters or references too sensitive to consider. It is the roaring 1920s in the city of Chicago. Helen Williams is an astute, but bashful upper class coloured detective. Helen obtained her position through a recommendation from her father after delaying an opportunity to attend Fisk University. Her mother spoke against Helen accepting the job. Williams assumed it because at the time, a young, refined, coloured woman being a detective was 'unladylike.' Her go to instrument is an heirloom magnifier she inherited from her hard working and well educated grandfather. Though some of her co-workers take some time to become accustomed to her quirks, she is admired for her detail, accepted and often called upon her colleagues for her insight. Williams has only heard of one other female coloured detective whom she never met. Helen is called in one night to help investigate some peculiar murders in which a field is often used and she now believes is the criminal mastermind's dumping ground. After a couple of days of discussing similar cases with her colleagues, Helen concludes that the executioner is a serial killer who also orders the killings. These activities stem from an underground nightclub. A group of criminals throw a brick into the station house to warn the officers to keep their investigations to crimes above ground. Lieutenant Henry Johnson orders the station on lockdown. After he lifts the lockdown, Johnson partners Williams with Patterson undercover to further investigate murders at the speakeasy. Stephen introduces Helen to his sister Ruby to help her undergo her transformation. Williams now appears as a flapper with her station house brother, Stephen accompanying her. She is surrounded by the unfamiliar, jazz music, alcoholic beverages, and the wildest dance crazes. Williams reminds herself to focus on the investigation. One night at the speakeasy, Helen is assaulted and nearly raped by a Negro male in one of the bigger rooms to the left of the main floor. His African male accomplice waits at the threshold of the room's door to make sure the job is done. She was able to maneuver and defend herself until Stephen nearly pummels him. Thaddeus sees the African man run and trips him, upon impact his skull is split on nails of floorboards. Helen runs out. Thaddeus carries her away and brings her to his flat. She is shy and cautious. The Englishman is protective of her. They increase in natural affection towards one another. The Englishman proposes to Helen and she accepts. One night at the speakeasy, Helen discovers a secret stairwell. It would be the gateway which leads her to solve the murders. Helen and Thaddeus will finally have the peace they earned, and the life destined for them to have--with each other. NOTE: This ebook is currently only available in English.

Protests, riots and someone who hides under the flame that scorches the possibility of improving race relations in America during the Civil Rights era. Jacqueline Sadie Thompson is a detective in a coloured precinct in New York. Lieutenant Reynolds assigns her and Johnson murder cases which occurred during protests. They visit the scene. Someone tosses a Molotov cocktail where they stand. The building collapses. Thompson's British husband, William rescues her. Her partner suffers a coma. Johnson awakens. He recalls the disturbing notions his wife had concerning racial identity. Thompson faints at the station house and is put on leave. Her husband cares for her. Anderson, another detective, furthers their investigations. Johnson convinces one of his cousins to retrieve a book. The detective is aloof and does not disclose to anyone what he saw before the explosion. Jacqueline deduces a portion of it. Jacqueline is determined to solve the case. Her husband is determined to protect her. Who do they both need protection from?

In 18th century Milan, a duchessa is thrusted from her horse and into the estate of another esteemed member of the king's court. Lilliana is unable to remember her accident or her identity. Duca Emmanuele notices that Duchessa Rosetta is complacent about their daughter's absence from the House of Montanari. During the duchessa's convalescence, she and the duca grow in affection towards one another. The maidservant, Noemi of the House of Montanari silently volunteers to help locate and retrieve the missing duchessa. Noemi enlists the help of her fellow maidservant, Gabriella. Noemi leaves the House of Montanari and encounters a proud vendor of pomegranates. He speaks of a tale of a fallen maiden taken into the care of a duca. He guides her to the House of Marchesi. The duchessa finally recalls her father's identity. The duchessa wishes to learn more of the duca. He introduces her to various quarters of the Marchesi mansion. The king and queen gather evidence and secure it in the royal vault. Alessandro proposes to her. Lilliana accepts. The Crown decides to proceed with the planned royal ball. All of the esteemed of the Milanese king's court are to attend.. The night of the royal grand affair arrives. Servants of the Houses of Montanari and Marchesi enter with the assistance of a royal servant. In separate royal chambers, the king and queen officiate Duca Alessandro and Duchessa Lilliana's nuptials. Duca Emmanuele is right to be concerned for his daughter, for someone has conspired a dastardly plan against the duchessa, but who? The king and queen have the answer and reveals it before the entire king's court.

Penelope Moreau is a Creole courtier in 18th century Versailles, France. She searches frantically for a paper containing a clue as to who actually committed the royal theft. Once this is proven, the evidence would refute her brother's, Armand's, alleged complicity in the crime. Pierre LeMercier is also an aristocrat of the king’s court and is fascinated by Penelope’s beauty and intrigued by her feigned lack of interest in him. Penelope and Pierre’s courtship blossoms. Pierre vows, as well as Count Alexandre Montegeau a friend of Penelope and Armand’s parents, to exonerate Armand, restore the House of Moreau's name. Pierre and Penelope hope to be wed when the matter is settled.

It is the 18th century. Emmeline's mother dies after leaving her a clue about her possible future based on her biracial heritage. Emmeline abandons the wealthy estate in North Carolina. She stows away on a cargo brig set for England. A seaman, William escorts her to the shantytown of 18th century Liverpool. A rebellious aristocrat ventures to the unsavory neighborhood. He attempts to befriend her. She initially refuses. Emmeline seeks assistance from a benevolent society. After initial reluctance, Emmeline courts the marquis who eventually announces their engagement. His mother plots with Lady Edna to be rid of Emmeline. Emmeline still attempts to reveal the secret of her heritage while the marquis still seeks her hand in marriage.