SOULFUL STRUT

Author: Lynn Emery ISBN: 0060731044 12/2006 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: HARPER TORCH

Monette Victor spent fifteen years in prison for a crime she didn't commit. Now she's free, and making up for stolen time. She's bared her soul in a bestselling tell-all memoir, hosts a hit radio talk show, and has more speaking gigs than she knows what to do with. And she's counseling young black women at risk. Monette's suddenly the hottest sister in the city—and she's got no time for romance. But here comes Jayson Odum, a self-made businessman and a sweet, black Adonis in overalls. It's all wrong and Monette knows it. His folks are the Huxtables, hers are pure, messed-up 'hood. She's an ex-con, he's so clean he squeaks. Monette's had to stay tough to gain respect, and she can't afford any more mistakes in her life. But she's about to be blindsided by a big dose of bad trouble—and maybe driving Jayson away would be the worst mistake she ever made ...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Lynn Emery is back with a new contemporary novel titled SOULFUL STRUT. It is a tender story of redemption and learning to believe and trust in yourself. SOULFUL STRUT is an emotional look into the life of a woman who was wronged and the power within her to start her life over.

Fifteen years ago, Monette Victor was framed and sent to prison. After new evidence turned up, she was released to New Beginnings halfway house on parole. Having written a book on her experience and being offered a radio talk show, Monette finds herself in hot demand from the media. All that attention is nice, but Monette is intent on keeping a promise to herself to not make the same mistakes she did years ago that made her an easy target to get put in jail.

While at New Beginnings, Monette meets Jayson Odum. Jayson is the owner of the Quality Car Care Service and finds himself easily attracted to Monette. The two form a tight bond and soon find themselves falling in love. However, for Monette, she can't find within herself the ability to let go of her past and trust herself to fall in love with a "good guy". Waging an internal war, Monette has some soul searching to do before she can really begin to live.

Lynn Emery's SOULFUL STRUT is a fine read. One can't help but root for Monette because she is such a sympathetic character. Jayson is an amiable love interest, however, the focus of the book is on Monette. Emery's secondary characters are interesting in themselves, which help make SOULFUL STRUT a well-put together story.

I would recommend reading SOULFUL STRUT, especially if you are a fan of Lynn Emery's writing.

Julie Kornhausl