Nappily Faithful
by Trisha R. Thomas

List Price: $13.95
Pages: 304
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780312361310
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Hoping to get away from emotional baggage in Los Angeles, Venus and Jake move to Atlanta. Yet the constant cloud of the past follows them: a difficult pregnancy and Jake being charged for the murder of his accountant. Though Jake never spent one night in jail, he fears the case will be reopened and he’ll once again have to fight for his freedom.

And the timing couldn’t be worse since Airic, the biological father of Venus' daughter Mya, suddenly demands parental rights with the child he hasn’t seen since her birth. A nasty custody battle ensues. Airic's new wife, Trevelle Doval, a famous TV evangelist --- may be behind his sudden interest. Venus is in for the biggest fight of her life.

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1. Jake and Venus have obvious tension and resentment towards each other in the beginning. She fears her time at the new mansion is only temporary. Does this feeling seem to dissipate throughout the story or get stronger? Do you think their marriage will weather the storm of the past or fail from the pressure.

2. After three long years of absence, Airic suddenly makes an appearance and wants to be front and center in Mya’s life. Is Venus justified in denying Airic visitation? Was it for Mya’s good or mere spite?

3. Does there come a time when Venus should’ve accepted Airic in Mya’s life? Is parenting about deserving the right or should all biological parents have rights regardless of their being present and accounted for. What would you have done in the same situation?

4. Venus senses danger in Trevelle Doval for taking more interest in Mya than normal. Is it obvious there are ulterior motives or is Trevelle just a doting stepmother with good intentions?

5. Judge Delma Hawkins is assigned the court case between Airic and Venus. She can’t hide her distress for being in the same room with Trevelle Doval. At this point have you any idea what the relationship could be between them? What’s your first guess?

6. Delma makes it a point to admonish battling parents saying, “when it comes to a child, there’s no such thing as a good fight.” Yet she’s prepared to battle Trevelle Doval for her own daughter by any means necessary. Now we see how quickly parents can become embroiled in a custody battle. Is Delma’s protection of her own daughter about spite or what’s best for the child?

7. Does Delma ever realize she’s acting no better than the petitioners that come into her courtroom every day? Will her journey make her a more compassionate judge?

8. Trevelle and Airic seem to have love for one another but do they think by bringing Mya into their lives will make them a stronger couple? What is Trevelle’s real motivation?

9. After experiencing Trevelle’s tumultuous childhood, do you have more compassion for her actions? Is she justified in her scheming and manipulation?

10. Jake’s involvement is limited to supporting Venus emotionally. Does this make him appear weak? Should he have taken matters into his own hands or does it prove his maturity and growth as a better man?

11. Is there a point when you feel triumph for any of the characters or does everyone lose? Does anyone really win?

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