Note: Made to Hold You by Elle Wright is the ninth book in the Decades: A Journey of African
American Romance series. This series consists of 12 books, each set in
one of 12 decades between 1900 and 2010. Each story focuses on the romance
between African American protagonists, but also embraces the African American
experience within that decade. Join the journey on our Facebook page, http://bit.ly/2z9sMrd.
My contribution to the Decades: A Journey of African
American Romance series, is set in the 1980s.
Made to Hold You takes place during the decade that I remember as big and bright, good
and bad. Although I was a kid during the ’80s, I have so many fond memories of
that time. The thought of doing a historical set in that decade gave me life. When
I was 14-years-old in 1988, I never envisioned my life in 2018. I couldn’t
imagine being able to communicate to multiple people at a time, send a letter
in under a minute, or even rewind my favorite television show as it aired.
At the same time, I often longed for that
simpler way of life. I miss the days when families actually sat down to eat
dinner together, when a missed phone call wasn’t a big deal, or when I could
walk to the store without a second thought. Choosing the 1980s for my novella
allowed me to explore adulthood in the ’80s. I lost myself in the fashion, the
movies, the television, and the music of the 1980s.
Exploring the African American experience
through my writing has given me a chance to delve into the issues that affected
many couples during that pivotal time in history for the African American
community.
Made to Hold You deals with the effect the “War on Drugs” had on families. I remember
going to assembly at my school and hearing the message, “Say no to drugs.” For
many of us, being so young at the time, the message went over our heads.
Personally, though, I had already been exposed to the toll drug abuse took on a
family. Drugs were not a new phenomenon in the ’80s, but the surge of crack
cocaine use in the United States during this decade destroyed many lives and
ruined many marriages.
Layla and Lincoln thought they would be
together forever. But Lincoln’s addiction made those dream nearly impossible to
attain. Although Made to Hold You explores the dark side of addiction, the
underlying message is hope. It is possible to overcome addiction, but there is
a lot of work involved. I wanted to write a story of redemption, give readers a
happy ending for a couple involved in the devastation of drug use.
It has been such an honor to be a part of
this series. Each author has a unique story, and I hope the readers are
enjoying the journey.
Made to Hold You – Decades: A Journey of African
American Romance, 1980s by Elle Wright
Layla Johnson had a picture perfect life: a
career as an educator, a beautiful daughter, a son on the way, and a loving
husband. Only Layla didn’t count on the effect the burgeoning war on drugs
would have on her family and her world. And on one rainy night, everything that
she worked to attain is destroyed. Now, she’s on her own, with two young
children, a mounting pile of debt…and the past knocking at her door.
Lincoln Wilson broke the one thing he
treasured most. Instead of spending the rest of his life doting on his
beautiful wife and children, he’s alone, haunted by his many mistakes.
Determined to make amends, Lincoln works to put the pieces of his life back
together again. And although it’s an uphill battle, he is up for the challenge.
The last step in Lincoln’s program is to prove to his wife that he can be the
man she needs. When he shows up on her doorstep ready to reclaim his life, will
Layla let him in?
Author Bio: Elle
Wright
There was never a time when Elle Wright wasn’t about to start
a book, wasn’t already deep in a book—or had just finished one. She grew up
believing in the importance of reading, and became a lover of all things
romance when her mother gave her, her first romance novel. She lives in Michigan. Connect with Elle online at:
Twitter: @LWrightAuthor
Instagram: @lrwrightauthor
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Elle-Wright/e/B00VMEWB78
5 comments:
Elle, an important story that resonates with the opiate-dependency crisis of today. So glad you wrote this story!
Great post, Elle. I have fond memories of the 80s too, but it's important to recall the bad with the good. Looks like your novel does that, with a happy ending.
This sounds so awesome. I can't wait to read it.
I enjoyed your post! Good luck with sales!!
Great topic for this decade as well as the 80's. I love the idea of exploring recovery and forgiveness in romance. Definitely want to check out this book.
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