A View from Harlem
by Tracey Fagan Danzey
#SeducingThePenTour: A View from Harlem by Tracey Fagan Danzey takes a look at our friends from Jasper’s Cafe On The Boulevard five years later.
READ MORE: http://a.co/0rqMbhY
Life makes the distinction between lasting or lust and forever or not. Nearly five years ago, the contrasting lives of these unlikely friends became cemented. Through all their differences, they toiled through the grit of building friendships and finding love. Now it truly begins. Perry and Robert Nichols have finally transitioned from living a lie into living that life.
Despite her once-pretentious facade, Perry now touts a coveted life—one she never apologizes for. What matters is her marriage, her two children, and the success of her upscale business, Lux Body & Soul. Perry’s wrath abruptly becomes unleashed once being betrayed, causing her life to quickly unravel. When everything she holds dear is put at risk, Perry must call on Harlem Brooks.
Harlem Brooks, the good boy gone bad, has returned to the city. He has cleaned up his act and is no longer the judge’s prodigal son. Harlem is back at the firm, committed and living a more suitable life. As his determination increases to spare Perry from ending up behind bars and keeping her family intact, he is unknowingly blind-sided by what is awaiting his own. When he returns to the office late one night seeking any crucial evidence to turn around a plummeting trial, Harlem makes a shattering discovery. Now more than ever he longs for what his brother has . . . his own family.
Like many men, Harlem hasn’t quenched his insatiable needs. What he desires most is the one thing he can’t have. Erika Townsend’s beauty is alluring to Harlem, but what intrigues him most is her resilience. That unshakable strength is what Harlem needs now more than ever.
Torie Matthews is finally settled and happy after marrying Quinn, her best friend and kindred spirit. In the face of their marital bliss, there has been immense heartbreak. When their marriage receives yet another devastating blow, Torie questions whether their bond is strong enough to endure.
Editorial Review
The storyteller is back! It’s been two years since Jasper’s Café on the Boulevard was released, and the time away has served Tracey Fagan Danzey well. This natural storyteller has returned with a punch delivering a strong story that blends humor, drama, action and of course, unforgettable characters.
A View From Harlem centers around Harlem Brooks, a handsome, successful lawyer with no interest in settling down with one woman. It appears that Harlem has life in the palm of his hand until an unexpected discovery about his family leaves him questioning everything he holds dear.
But it doesn’t stop there! In true storyteller form, Tracey has woven in several engaging plotlines that deal with love, faith, loss, infidelity and redemption. Tracey’s characters both supporting and main come to life and have you feeling like you’ve known them forever. (Trust me when I say that you’re going to want to invite Aunt Dot to Christmas dinner!)
If you’re looking for a modern read that seamlessly has you laughing one minute and wiping away a tear the next then the View From Harlem is one you won’t want to miss.
—JT Belangela -Blogger and Goodreads Reviewer
About the Author
Tracey Fagan Danzey is an author and occasional blogger who has been described more than once as a natural storyteller. It is her passion for writing that allows her to create an experience, conjure emotions and share vivid views for her readers through her pictorial descriptions.
To further pursue her craft and aspirations of becoming a published author, Tracey elevated her commitment by becoming a member of the Westport Writers’ Workshop, critique groups and book clubs.
“Where Is The Box For Someone Like Me?” is a project that advanced in the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest and has since developed into Tracey’s debut novel, “Jasper’s Cafe On The Boulevard”. Website: https://www.authortraceyfagandanzey.com
A VIEW FROM HARLEM TRAILER
Harlem Brooks, the good boy gone bad, has returned to the city. He has cleaned up his act and is no longer the judge’s prodigal son. Harlem is back at the firm, committed and living a more suitable life. As his determination increases to spare Perry from ending up behind bars and keeping her family intact, he is unknowingly blindsided by what is awaiting his own.
"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?"
Jasper's Cafe On The Boulevard by Tracey Fagan Danzey
Although the world hasn't carved out a proper identity for Torie Lynn Harper, she is about to present one that will keep them all talking. Torie is an elite cultural "mutt" and social hybrid raised in an affluent suburban community in Connecticut. Following a move to the nearby city, she would learn that being Black, educated and gorgeous would prove insufficient to being heralded into this urban community that doesn't embrace her.
While she would find many that may look like her, undoubtedly, none that speak or share like mannerisms. Desperate to fit in, Torie quickly becomes a member of a grassroots movement determined to thwart the closing of the iconic "Jasper's Café" on the boulevard.
Torie would soon become the envy of many and enemy to one following a swift climb up the corporate ladder. Millie becomes unable to ignore her concerns as threats to her friend increase. The next 18 months would strip Torie of her family, a fiancé and her identity as she'd known it. Torie must search for herself amid deception, workplace improprieties and a weathered romance. For the first time, both old and new friendships will be confronted with cultural differences, opening doors to humorous exchanges, tempered debates and social explorations.
It's an unraveling suspense that's moving the story forward amid a group of friends that are sharing the most authentic and underexposed relationships.
Purchase Jasper's Cafe On The Boulevard by Tracey Fagan Danzey
Excerpt: Jasper's Cafe On The Boulevard
"Mommy, please don't come in here making me cry . . . I've just gotten my makeup done."
"I knew from the first day that I saw those slanted eyes stealing their first peek of me and this world that you were finding your way."
"Oh, Mom," Simone sniffled after seeing her mother's eyes well up.
"Oh, no you don't, Simone Renee Jackson. Don't you take this moment away from me; I've been waiting too long! I certainly knew that you didn't have a problem in taking the lead and that you were not going to let any man or anyone else stop you when you had your mind made up."
"It was very telling that you came on out fast and with little notice while Sinclair stayed put for nearly another two hours even with the doctors prompting his little behind."
We laughed at the idea of Sinclair ever being little.
"He's always chosen to approach life the hard way, taking me along with him, always making sure that he's alright. I often remind him that I sport a permanent scar on my belly for a C-section that didn't have to be, messing up this temple!"
Mrs. Jackson walked over to the ottoman and picked up her purse and removed a small manila envelope from inside and walked back over to Simone.
"Now I want you to take this and buy as many pieces of furniture that you can for that big house on the Cove. My baby is moving to the Cove!" She proudly hands the unsealed envelope to Simone.
I couldn't have been happier when both Simone and I revealed a bank check in the amount of $25,000.
"Where did you get this from?"
"What do you mean, where did I get this from? Baby, haven't I always had to work more than one job at a time?"
"I know, but why haven't you used it on you?"
"I have everything that I need. As I said, I knew that my baby girl was smart as a whip and that I had to start saving for school early on, but your little smart behind and Torie knowing all about those grants and scholarships paid your way right on through that school."
"Oh. My. God!" Simone says in disbelief.
"Oh yes, he sure did have a lot to do with it too," her mother replied and then smiled and winked.
"I figured that I would save it for your wedding, but you and that brilliant soon-to-be son of mine had taken care of everything already. So I thought I'd give you a down payment and you all could find a home. I was too late for that too."
"Mommy, stop playing!!"
"Oh, I don't have time to play. I have a wedding to attend and the bride just happens to be my baby."
Simone no longer cared about her hair or make up in that moment as she grabbed her mother from behind squeezing her shoulders so tightly nearly pulling them both to the floor. Mrs. Jackson prepares to go and find Tessa so that she could refresh Simone's face with the few remaining minutes.
Simone turned to me and said, "I still can't get over the fact that you and Quinn still haven't seen each other."
"Sim, you're the one who had me running around and having me miss the rehearsal. By the time I got to dinner that night, he'd already left."
"Listen, don't say anything about this to your brother; I'm going to hang on to his a little while longer. God only knows what I'll end up letting him use his for," she mumbled while walking out the door.
"Bail." Simone thought she'd whispered it, but to our surprise, her mother obviously heard her and responded, "Don't talk that way about my baby boy; you know I don't play that!!"
Simone whispered, "Aren't you glad you stopped creeping with my brother?" I was caught so off guard that I was delayed in responding. "Oh yeah, I knew. We all did. Sinclair can't keep secrets! Besides, every time Maxwell's The Hush would play, he'd unknowingly ask, 'Hey Sim, where's your girl at?'"
"Whatever," we continued to laugh until Mrs. Jackson returned with Tessa.
As we entered the candlelit ballroom, each calla lily appears subdued and muted in tone. This was of course a complete contrast to the 200 black-eyed beauty calla lilies gathered in bunches at the end of each row. I remember when Simone first described these flowers. She went on and on about how extraordinary they were! A description I'd never heard her use outside of designer clothing and shoes. "Their stems are the darkest jungle green, and the calla lily itself has this luscious crème yellowish tone with ivory pearl cloaks inside and outside of a classic champagne flute. It opens as a heart shape, but reveals a ruby-black center." Even with that description, it absolutely paled to what I'm seeing today.
As we enter the tent for the ceremony, the wooden teak floor is completely infused with an azure glow bouncing off the lighter-colored linens and skipping across the vamps of each of the bridesmaid's black satin sandals. No longer a rehearsal, it's the real thing as the vocalist belts out At Last. All the chatter in the majestic tent immediately transforms into "oooohs" as attention is directed onto Simone. She appears at the undisturbed petal-filled aisle escorted by Sinclair, and has finally given us all our first vision of her stunning gown.
( Continued... )
Excerpt ©2015. Reprinted by permission of the author Tracey Fagan Danzey. All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, Tracey Fagan Danzey. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author's written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only.
Purchase Jasper's Cafe On The Boulevard by Tracey Fagan Danzey
AUTHOR TRACEY FAGAN DANZEY
Writing Stories Just For You
TRACEY FAGAN DANZEY is an author, occasional blogger and has been described more than once as a natural storyteller. A long story short is rarely an option for Tracey. It is her craft that allows her to create an experience, conjure emotions, and share vivid views for her readers through her careful selection of words, which has produced her thoughtful writing.
Her debut novel, Jasper’s Café on the Boulevard, is a book club favorite. Her sequel to Jasper’s Café On The Boulevard, titled A View from Harlem, won a Black Pearls Magazine Excellence award in 2017. Tracey lives in Connecticut with her beloved family and is busy working on her next project.
BPM: Tell us about your passion for writing. What drives you? What’s the best thing about being a writer?
Well, that’s easy for me to answer. It’s being able to create lifestyles and events as I see fit. With the stroke of a pen and my generous imagination, I can allow my friends (characters) to live the reader’s dreams or to overcome common obstacles, or simply fall in love! I’ve always been described as that child with a vivid imagination! Oh . . . I was SO dramatic and everything I did was in the form of a mini-production. Whenever I told a story, people surrounded me and would cling onto my forming words.
BPM: Do you set out to educate or inspire, entertain or illuminate a particular subject?
Yes indeed! I’m not that writer who likes to write in vain; I want to be used and inspire. It’s my intention to absolutely entertain with humor and create getaways for the reader. However, I do like to present real-life controversial situations with the hope of igniting discussions that will be corrected through dialogue. I don’t want to be a preachy writer! I prefer to be much more subtle and make the reader flush it out.
BPM: Can you share a little of your current works with us? Introduce us to your books and the characters.
“Jasper’s Café,” was written to spotlight, celebrate and share the many positive aspects of Black culture, encourage women’s relationships with one another and crossing cultural groups, while bridging common gaps and sharing our strength! Equally important for me was to showcase coveted and authentic depictions of successful Black love . . . this writing would leave no doubt that we love too!
I wanted to ensure that my readers would experience the purest and most transcendent relationships that I could conjure through words. It worked!
My readers have let me know that Torie’s success as both a professional and classy sexy woman worked. This combination allowed her to be the perfect match for one specific suitor.
Quinn Matthews and Nigel Brooks have proven to be the barometers of what it takes and means to be a real man. This doesn’t mean perfection, but it does mean bringing a combination of core essentials to the relationship in order to sustain it. I’m not going to give it all away, just know that you will close this book feeling inspired, warm and hopeful!
A View from Harlem by Tracey Fagan Danzey takes a look at our friends from Jasper’s Cafe On The Boulevard five years later. READ MORE: http://a.co/0rqMbhY
Life makes the distinction between lasting or lust and forever or not. Nearly five years ago, the contrasting lives of these unlikely friends became cemented. Through all their differences, they toiled through the grit of building friendships and finding love. Now it truly begins. Perry and Robert Nichols have finally transitioned from living a lie into living that life.
Despite her once-pretentious facade, Perry now touts a coveted life—one she never apologizes for. What matters is her marriage, her two children, and the success of her upscale business, Lux Body & Soul. Perry’s wrath abruptly becomes unleashed once being betrayed, causing her life to quickly unravel. When everything she holds dear is put at risk, Perry must call on Harlem Brooks.
Harlem Brooks, the good boy gone bad, has returned to the city. He has cleaned up his act and is no longer the judge’s prodigal son. Harlem is back at the firm, committed and living a more suitable life. As his determination increases to spare Perry from ending up behind bars and keeping her family intact, he is unknowingly blind-sided by what is awaiting his own.
When he returns to the office late one night seeking any crucial evidence to turn around a plummeting trial, Harlem makes a shattering discovery. Now more than ever he longs for what his brother has . . . his own family.
Like many men, Harlem hasn’t quenched his insatiable needs. What he desires most is the one thing he can’t have. Erika Townsend’s beauty is alluring to Harlem, but what intrigues him most is her resilience. That unshakable strength is what Harlem needs now more than ever.
Torie Matthews is finally settled and happy after marrying Quinn, her best friend and kindred spirit. In the face of their marital bliss, there has been immense heartbreak. When their marriage receives yet another devastating blow, Torie questions whether their bond is strong enough to endure.
BPM: What are some of the benefits of being an author that makes it all worthwhile?
Hands down, getting to meet so many kind and beautiful spirited women! You know, I have been on the road for the past few months promoting and sharing “Jasper’s Café On The Boulevard,” in Maryland, New York, Connecticut, etc. I am always amazed and flattered that a reader wants to spend time speaking with me.
Seriously, the time that a reader is willing to devote to coming out to these events, to have read my book and further wants to share their experience with it . . . Ah! I’m tearing up. I can’t tell you what that means to any writer. I thank each of you from the core of my being!
BPM: What are you the most thankful for now?
Very simple. I am incredibly thankful for life, getting to be among the living and living a dream like this, with people like you!
BPM: We are here to shine the spotlight on your new book, but what’s next?
I have released the sequel to “Jasper’s Cafe On The Boulevard” and I’ve titled it “A View From Harlem.” Yes ladies, that chocolate surprise that was introduced later in Jasper’s Café! This sequel shares the perspective of Harlem Brooks as he struggles to shift his naughty past behavior into something positive. I really have committed my writing to celebrate our Black men and Black love, so it’s a pleasure to have a say as the author.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FaganDanzey
Website: http://www.authortraceyfagandanzey.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authortraceyfagandanzey
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25073544-jasper-s-cafe-on-the-boulevard