First published 2017
When Forrest Payne, owner of the Pink Slipper Gentleman's Club, marries Beatrice Jordan, the woman who spent years shouting damnation warnings at his customers from the parking lot, their unlikely wedding brings legendary blues guitarist El Walker back to Plainview, Indiana. El had sworn never to return to this small town, but he comes to perform at their celebration. His homecoming stirs up the whole community, including the three lifelong friends known as "The Supremes" who gather every Sunday at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat diner. Clarice wrestles with her fear of pursuing a big career opportunity. Barbara Jean finally confronts the shame left by her mother's troubled life. Odette tries to bridge the gap created by her husband's mysterious anger. Meanwhile, a serial cheater attempts to prove his devotion to the wife he truly loves. As El's guitar weaves through their stories, each character faces the challenge of moving beyond mere survival toward a fuller way of living.
Genres: fiction, literary-fiction, african-american, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, intimate, lyrical
Tropes: found-family, second-chance
Setting: Indiana, Plainview
Period: Contemporary
Audio CD · Macmillan Audio