And When dreams are within reach, the past is never far behind.
Recording the twisted story freed her from her pain. He had left her with a sorrow that had taken years to overcome. Never expecting to profit from her mistakes, she grabbed hold of her promising future. The streak of bad luck finally over.
Out of nowhere he reappeared. All the memories replayed in slow motion. Hold it together, Jade silently lectured. Feeling unsteady, she looked at her assistant who sat opposite in the limo, a worried look etched upon her face.
Why now? Just when she was on the verge of realizing all her dreams. Jade's stomach lurched and she quickly opened the window. When the car pulled in front of the hotel, she betrayed the urge to run and hide.
Excerpt
Prologue
Jade debated the work needed as she looked at the property from a distance. A half a dozen horses grazed at their leisure in a pasture just in front of the well-maintained barn. Sitting on the tailgate, she held her hand to shade the sunlight as the house she’d always imagined manifested in her mind’s eye. Having drawn it so many times over the years it felt almost real.
The white pillars of the cottage style home reached the roof and marked the starting point of the wings built out on either side. The charcoal gray coloring contrasted to the white shutters and railings that spanned its length on both levels. Bushes bloomed in yellows and reds on either side of the walkway leading to the front door. At the top of the stairs, a glass inlaid door welcomed guests.
The front eleven acres of pasture allowed the horses to run and was the access to the barn set at the other edge of the property. She wouldn’t use the original home, but strategically build hers to the right so she’d wake and see the horses from her window every morning. Of the eighty eight acres, she’d own sixty of the tranquil rolling hills which had trails for riding. A weather stream and pond were hidden somewhere on the property and she imagined it as a regular stop on her rides.
She blinked and the vision disappeared but it left her smiling. Are you ready to take hold and make it reality? A dream is just a dream until you touch it with your hands, she mused. The listing an hour west of Washington, south off the Lee Highway had an asking price of three hundred and ninety-seven thousand. Even if it cost another three-hundred thousand to build, it was well within her budget.
Seeing a car approach she jumped off the tailgate. Not able to wait for him to emerge she walked to greet him.
“Hey, Beautiful,” he said as he hugged her. “So this is what’s got you all riled up.”
“I’m so glad you could make it. I know it’s crazy, but I need a second opinion. How was your flight?”
“The same as every other flight,” he said with a warm chuckle. “By that smile of yours I don’t think you need me. You’ve already made up your mind.”
“Not fully and I brought the drawing so you can see what I’m planning.” She walked to the cab of the truck and picked up the document then slid off the elastic bands. “It’s just a rough sketch and it may need to change, but stand here and imagine it on the right of the existing house.”
He studied the diagram then looked off into the distance. “Now that’d be pretty.” He held the diagram at arm’s length to place it where she’d wanted it.
Seeing his eyes sparkle, Jade knew he could see it clearly. “Let’s leave your rental here and take the truck up to the house. The agent arranged for the home owners to lend us two mounts to explore. We have all day if we want.”
“Well I’ll be, you thought of everything. Let’s go,” he said excitedly.
Driving to the house he eyed the pastures and fencing to find them intact. Once they parked, David and Kathy came out to greet them. “Hello again, Miss Jade, and this must be the cavalry to the rescue. Mighty fine to meet ya,” David said as he shook his hand. “Trevor called this morning to say you was coming. We’ll just let ya wander around on your own. Billy saddled the horses and they’re in the barn waiting on you.”
“Thank you so much for this. I promise this is the last time I come out.”
“Ain’t no bother, Miss Jade,” Kathy said softly. “We been here fifty–four years and we’d rather give it over to someone who’s gonna love it as much as we did.” She blushed then continued. “We decided that if you see fit to continue our dream, we’d throw in everything to get ya started.”
“That’s right,” David spoke up. “We’re fixin to move to Florida to be close to the grandkids so we got no use for saddles, tractors or horses. It’d save us worrying about where it’d all end up.”
“You’d leave everything?” Jade was stunned.
“I even spoke to Billy and he’d stay on if you’d like. He’s been with us nine years and keeps everything runnin right as rain.” David smiled warmly.
“Are you serious?” Jade felt as if the moon’s aligned somehow to make every piece of her dream fall into place.
Kathy reached to take Jade’s hand. “You are what we prayed for, Miss. The way your eyes shone that first day you come, reminds me of the first day we set foot here. Just keep it alive and let us come visit every now and again.”
Jade hugged her. “You’d always be welcome here, but I want to show you what I plan first.” Jade passed the diagram and waited.
David held one side of the paper as Kathy unrolled it. His eyes watered and he quickly used his hand to smudge them away. “That’s mighty fine. I guess this old house has seen better days.”
“I’d build this one over there.” She turned and pointed to the right. “If it’d be alright with you, I’d like to keep your home as the guest house.”
“You’d keep it?” David’s smile was hard to ignore.
“Would it be okay to build my dream alongside yours?”
Watching her interact with the elderly couple his heart warmed. All the hurt she’d caused him was gone in that instant. He’d do whatever it took to be part of her dream.
“Follow me up to the barn and I’ll introduce you to Billy.” David said as he walked towards the half-ton in the yard.
AMAZON REVIEWS:
5.0 out of 5 starsNow What delivers! By Brianon April 19, 2014-Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Jade Prency is a strong woman. She's been through a lot. After a separation from a destructive relationship, it takes a while to pick up the pieces, but she does. She pens a novel and for the first time in her life, she feels on top and in control. When the man from her past reappears, can she keep it together and maintain the balance in her life?
Now What is an emotionally charged look at love and second chances. The characters are of the type you can easily cheer for, while at the same time relate to their plights in life. Great read!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Great continuation to the story!
ByMary Catherine Fergusonon June 12, 2014
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
"Now What" is a fun, fascinating, and emotional sequel to "And When." Readers who fell in love with Jade Prency in the previous book will love this continuation to her story. Jade has everything she could want - an awesome job, an amazing man, and the life she has dreamed of - but the shadow of her past comes back to haunt her and make her re-examine what her priorities really are. Fans of Wendiann will love this sequel, which lives up to the standards of her previous book in every detail.
________________________________________
5.0 out of 5 stars I'm a sucker for a romance. By Jay MittenerTOP 1000 REVIEWER on May 15, 2014-Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Wendiann has a great writing style that flows almost like you have a girlfriend over telling you a story. It felt comfortable and cozy to be reading this book. I'll be watching for more from her.
The book .. Is just great. Jade Prency is a character that we can all love. She is imperfect and we watch her accept herself as she falls in love and is finally accepted after an abusive relationship. I love how she is able to show us different perspectives between men and women in her writing, it really opens the mind and allows us to consider different points of view.I absolutely love to read about Jade and almost felt like my BFF was having a victory when Derek came into the picture with this new book.
If you're a lover of life and rallying for a strong independent female character you are really going to love this book. You'll also with that Jade was your friend.
________________________________________
4.0 out of 5 stars The steady growth of a new writer By Grady Harp HALL OF FAMETOP 100 REVIEWER VINE VOICE on April 10, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Canadian author Wendiann Proteau launched her first major novel with the publication of AND WHEN though she was far from a beginner author. Looking at her life, really examining it, gave her insights she proceeded to share with a series of seven volumes of self reflective workbooks whose aim was to provide aid to those who like her have reason to question purpose in life - and how to find it. From her notes associated with that series she writes, `Blessed with three siblings and parents who supported my hopes, I was raised in a small Canadian town, in an average middle-class family. I've married, divorced, dated, loved, lost, struggled, worked, succeeded and failed. I really am an everyday type of person. Single at age forty-something, I'm still figuring life out daily. I would define myself as being analytical, a realist and a dreamer, so you can only imagine the confusion that goes on sometimes. The dreamer starts to write fiction thinking of the happily ever after, but then while editing the realist comes out. My analytical side comes from being a go-to person over the years so I've learned to see things from many angles, knowing that circumstances affect us all individually. To be honest, I'd never written more than a grocery list until 2009. It came out of nowhere as I sat at my computer one night following an idea. The `Sit N Do Nothing Hamster Series' is my attempt to bring us all a little closer in this technological world. Using humor, comparison, and pull-quotes, the workbooks of self-discovery are a way to share tidbits of who we are, in the here and now. We are all an accumulation of every moment from birth until now and it's important to share that. The story continues to place difficult hurdles, forcing the characters to veer from their chosen paths. All in all, my life would be nothing without the people who have touched my soul. Friends, family, co-workers, relatives...have all been there through the good and bad. Everything takes hard work and nothing ever comes easy. Well at least not in my life. I firmly believe that karma plays an important role and that it brings us the people we are meant to meet, challenges we have to overcome, lessons we need to learn, and dreams we are meant to reach for.' That excerpt tells us more about the plot than any summary.
For those who have yet to read AND WHEN, Jade Prency is a 40-something big woman, Amazonian and imperfect, and she relies on humor and her ability to help others to find her place in the world, believing tomorrow would always come. After a journey that would challenge even to most resilient of women, in NOW WHAT she has an Internet romance with Brady, and that has its own history. Jade writes a successful book recording the affair and who should return as a ghost form the past but Brady. The question arises, What Now?, and a new journey involving more self discovery unfolds. As the author compares the difference between male response and female response, she comes up with the following statement, `In life we never have glimpses of the internal though process of others, so I thought to reveal bits of the internal dialogue of my characters. I turned to friends to help me follow the differences in male to female thinking, so I do hope I've achieved it. The journey is realistic and challenging. I needed to think of how each person would feel and relied on what I've learned over the years in talking to people about life challenges. We've been on this earth together 1000 years and yet men and women process differently. I supposed that is the magic that keeps us forever curious about the opposite sex.'
There is growth with this new book NOW WHAT. What had been an entertaining `chick lit' novel (her debut) has now become more psychologically enhanced with deeper excavation of female/male relationships. Her technique of volleying the point of view between female and male shows a more profound attention to character development. Wendiann Proteau is growing. Grady Harp, April 14
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5.0 out of 5 starsCan't Get Enough-By Veronica on September 21, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Now What, by Wendiann, is the sequel to And When. I enjoyed And When SO much, I couldn't wait to pick this one up and read it. I am just as impressed with this one as I was with the first, which is a rarity. Wendiann has a lot of talent, and it really shows through in these two works. Such interesting story lines, believable characters, and great character development. I feel as if the main character is someone that I know personally.
Jade Prency has been through a lot. She had to struggle through a discovery of a tumor, then her dad's diagnoses of a terminal illness, not to mention a dream relationship taking a turn for the worst. However, Jade is an extremely strong woman, and manages to pick herself up after each and every struggle. In this novel, Jade is a successful, best-selling Author, and the world seems to be on her fingertips. She is finally happy again, feeling as if the bad luck that she's been dealt with has finally come to an end. However, things are never quite that easy for Jade. The man who broke her heart reappears in her life, and she has no idea how to cope with it. It took her years to get over him, and just when she thought she finally had, there he is again. All of the memories came racing back to her, and she has no idea where to turn. The storyline just keeps getting better and better from there.
Excellent writing overall! I am now a die hard fan of Wendiann, and can't wait for her next book to come out. These books just have a way of capturing my attention from start to finish. Five stars all the way, highly recommend.
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4.0 out of 5 stars Now What Indeed...By Marta Cheng on September 22, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
Now What indeed…In this continuation of Jade Prency’s story started in the book, And When, several years have passed since the end of the last book and Jade is finally in a good place. She’s now a successful author who’s engaged to Derek, a New York publicist, and she’s about to realize her dreams by possibly buying the vacation ranch of her dreams once her book tour wraps up. There’s only one snag in Jade’s well-laid plans and that happens to be Brady, the smooth-talking hunk who purposefully strides into Jade’s life during a book signing in Dallas, eager to make amends after cruelly breaking off their relationship years earlier. Initially angered, Jade kicks him to the curb, so to speak, but the two soon find themselves back in Jade’s hotel room in the throes of some hot ’n heavy sex which ultimately gives way to utter guilt and mortification on Jade’s part. Now What indeed…The character of Jade in this sequel is clearly accomplished and outwardly more sure of herself. The author, Proteau, has a solid, convincing voice that resonates with her readers. While it’s clear why the author kept switching points of view (“POV”) between the two main protagonists, it felt distracting at times and made both characters a bit too transparent. All in all, though, a good book.
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4.0 out of 5 stars Jade is a Fantastic Character! By Renee Spicuzza on September 13, 2015
Format: Paperback
I love Wendiann’s sequel to “ And When” because it provides more detail into the life ad past of Jade, who is such a great character. Jade isn’t stereotypically pretty or snobby, she is a kind hearted person who has been dealt many unfair things in life; her sick father, her own declining health, and a past abusive relationship, but now she is being given new opportunities that can make up for her past. It is exciting to see someone, even if it is just a fictional character, receive fair treatment for the injustices of life. Jade has worked hard and deserves her time to have happiness and love after such hard experiences within her own life and family. Jade’s personality just adds to the excitement of the story because she is so quick witted and with her relatively dry humor, she makes for a very entertaining character who does not take sass from anyone.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Love This Series! Can't Wait To Read The Third! By Melissa Robinson on September 24, 2015
Format: Paperback
Now What the next installment in the Jade Perncy series by Wendiann Proteau was just as good as the first. Jade in the previous book had been dealt a series of unfortunate events. But she makes it through. This book shows Jade as finally getting it together and getting back in control of her life. She has become the author of a bestselling book. She has found a nice guy. But a man from Jade's pass is coming in to shake things up.
I was just as sucked into this book as the first in the series. You can't help but fall in love with Jade. She is a very well developed and written character. The author writes in such a way you really feel like you know really know her. I know I could definitely relate to Jade. I was so happy my friend let me borrow the second in this series. I cannot wait for to read the third.
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5.0 out of 5 stars A great sequel By missaliax on September 22, 2015
Format: Paperback
I couldn't put Now What down, And When has become one of my favorites. Jade Prency is honestly how so many women are because not every gets their fairy tale the first time around. In Jade's case not even the second time around.
Where And When left off I was left with a feeling like Jade was finally catching a break, but not the case. The strong woman she is can easily bounce back, but not with out something else crashing into her life.
Mary Catherine Ferguson--Amazon.com
"Now What" is a fun, fascinating, and emotional sequel to "And When." Readers who fell in love with Jade Prency in the previous book will love this continuation to her story. Jade has everything she could want - an awesome job, an amazing man, and the life she has dreamed of - but the shadow of her past comes back to haunt her and make her re-examine what her priorities really are. Fans of Wendiann will love this sequel, which lives up to the standards of her previous book in every detail.
Jan Heart-Amazon.com
At last! I loved the first book by Wendiann Proteau, And When, and was so excited to start the second book. And I was not disappointed! Jade has grown and moved forward but still has her unfulfilled dreams – she’s a successful author and engaged to Derek, the cool New Yorker publicist. Her life has focus and structure, but then straight out of her past walks Brady asking for a signed copy of her latest book! Jade is stunned – Brady had ‘damaged her completely’ when (and how) he left her without a word in years. From this point Jade’s life moves from being settled and structured to fluid, adventurous, and very interesting – she meets new people, moves on, comes closer to her dream and faces an uncertain future. Jade is the epitome of uncertainty and stubbornness which I love about her, but it also drives me (and the characters) crazy – I guess it means I care about what happens to her! The relationships Wendiann has built with Jade are complex and fascinating, and the interaction between the characters is deeper and more intricate than in And When and more fully explored. Wendiann, please don’t stop doing what you’re doing so well. For me the only downside is that I have to wait for the next volume!
5.0 out of 5 stars Love This Series! Can't Wait To Read The Third! By Melissa Robinson on September 24, 2015
Format: Paperback
Now What the next installment in the Jade Perncy series by Wendiann Proteau was just as good as the first. Jade in the previous book had been dealt a series of unfortunate events. But she makes it through. This book shows Jade as finally getting it together and getting back in control of her life. She has become the author of a bestselling book. She has found a nice guy. But a man from Jade's pass is coming in to shake things up.
I was just as sucked into this book as the first in the series. You can't help but fall in love with Jade. She is a very well developed and written character. The author writes in such a way you really feel like you know really know her. I know I could definitely relate to Jade. I was so happy my friend let me borrow the second in this series. I cannot wait for to read the third.
Now What Indeed...By Marta Chengon September 22, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
Now What indeed…In this continuation of Jade Prency’s story started in the book, And When, several years have passed since the end of the last book and Jade is finally in a good place. She’s now a successful author who’s engaged to Derek, a New York publicist, and she’s about to realize her dreams by possibly buying the vacation ranch of her dreams once her book tour wraps up. There’s only one snag in Jade’s well-laid plans and that happens to be Brady, the smooth-talking hunk who purposefully strides into Jade’s life during a book signing in Dallas, eager to make amends after cruelly breaking off their relationship years earlier. Initially angered, Jade kicks him to the curb, so to speak, but the two soon find themselves back in Jade’s hotel room in the throes of some hot ’n heavy sex which ultimately gives way to utter guilt and mortification on Jade’s part. Now What indeed…The character of Jade in this sequel is clearly accomplished and outwardly more sure of herself. The author, Proteau, has a solid, convincing voice that resonates with her readers. While it’s clear why the author kept switching points of view (“POV”) between the two main protagonists, it felt distracting at times and made both characters a bit too transparent. All in all, though, a good book.
A great sequel By missaliax on September 22, 2015
Format: Paperback
I couldn't put Now What down, And When has become one of my favorites. Jade Prency is honestly how so many women are because not every gets their fairy tale the first time around. In Jade's case not even the second time around.
Where And When left off I was left with a feeling like Jade was finally catching a break, but not the case. The strong woman she is can easily bounce back, but not with out something else crashing into her life.
I don't want to spoil the end, but Now What is a crowd pleaser just like And When. I have fallen in love with the author's writing style. Wendiann Proteau, an amazing writer in my book.
Can't Get Enough By Veronica on September 21, 2015
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Now What, by Wendiann, is the sequel to And When. I enjoyed And When SO much, I couldn't wait to pick this one up and read it. I am just as impressed with this one as I was with the first, which is a rarity. Wendiann has a lot of talent, and it really shows through in these two works. Such interesting story lines, believable characters, and great character development. I feel as if the main character is someone that I know personally.
Jade Prency has been through a lot. She had to struggle through a discovery of a tumor, then her dad's diagnoses of a terminal illness, not to mention a dream relationship taking a turn for the worst. However, Jade is an extremely strong woman, and manages to pick herself up after each and every struggle. In this novel, Jade is a successful, best-selling Author, and the world seems to be on her fingertips. She is finally happy again, feeling as if the bad luck that she's been dealt with has finally come to an end. However, things are never quite that easy for Jade. The man who broke her heart reappears in her life, and she has no idea how to cope with it. It took her years to get over him, and just when she thought she finally had, there he is again. All of the memories came racing back to her, and she has no idea where to turn. The storyline just keeps getting better and better from there.
Excellent writing overall! I am now a die hard fan of Wendiann, and can't wait for her next book to come out. These books just have a way of capturing my attention from start to finish. Five stars all the way, highly recommend.
Jade is a Fantastic Character! By Renee Spicuzza on September 13, 2015
Format: Paperback
I love Wendiann’s sequel to “ And When” because it provides more detail into the life ad past of Jade, who is such a great character. Jade isn’t stereotypically pretty or snobby, she is a kind hearted person who has been dealt many unfair things in life; her sick father, her own declining health, and a past abusive relationship, but now she is being given new opportunities that can make up for her past. It is exciting to see someone, even if it is just a fictional character, receive fair treatment for the injustices of life. Jade has worked hard and deserves her time to have happiness and love after such hard experiences within her own life and family. Jade’s personality just adds to the excitement of the story because she is so quick witted and with her relatively dry humor, she makes for a very entertaining character who does not take sass from anyone.
Great continuation to the story! By Mary Catherine Ferguson on June 12, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
"Now What" is a fun, fascinating, and emotional sequel to "And When." Readers who fell in love with Jade Prency in the previous book will love this continuation to her story. Jade has everything she could want - an awesome job, an amazing man, and the life she has dreamed of - but the shadow of her past comes back to haunt her and make her re-examine what her priorities really are. Fans of Wendiann will love this sequel, which lives up to the standards of her previous book in every detail.
I'm a sucker for a romance.
By Jay Mittener TOP 1000 REVIEWER on May 15, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Wendiann has a great writing style that flows almost like you have a girlfriend over telling you a story. It felt comfortable and cozy to be reading this book. I'll be watching for more from her.
The book …Is just great. Jade Prency is a character that we can all love. She is imperfect and we watch her accept herself as she falls in love and is finally accepted after an abusive relationship. I love how she is able to show us different perspectives between men and women in her writing, it really opens the mind and allows us to consider different points of view.I absolutely love to read about Jade and almost felt like my BFF was having a victory when Derek came into the picture with this new book.
If you're a lover of life and rallying for a strong independent female character you are really going to love this book. You'll also with that Jade was your friend.
The steady growth of a new writer By Grady Harp HALL OF FAMETOP 100 REVIEWERVINE VOICE on April 10, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Canadian author Wendiann Proteau launched her first major novel with the publication of AND WHEN though she was far from a beginner author. Looking at her life, really examining it, gave her insights she proceeded to share with a series of seven volumes of self reflective workbooks whose aim was to provide aid to those who like her have reason to question purpose in life - and how to find it. From her notes associated with that series she writes, `Blessed with three siblings and parents who supported my hopes, I was raised in a small Canadian town, in an average middle-class family. I've married, divorced, dated, loved, lost, struggled, worked, succeeded and failed. I really am an everyday type of person. Single at age forty-something, I'm still figuring life out daily. I would define myself as being analytical, a realist and a dreamer, so you can only imagine the confusion that goes on sometimes. The dreamer starts to write fiction thinking of the happily ever after, but then while editing the realist comes out. My analytical side comes from being a go-to person over the years so I've learned to see things from many angles, knowing that circumstances affect us all individually. To be honest, I'd never written more than a grocery list until 2009. It came out of nowhere as I sat at my computer one night following an idea. The `Sit N Do Nothing Hamster Series' is my attempt to bring us all a little closer in this technological world. Using humor, comparison, and pull-quotes, the workbooks of self-discovery are a way to share tidbits of who we are, in the here and now. We are all an accumulation of every moment from birth until now and it's important to share that. The story continues to place difficult hurdles, forcing the characters to veer from their chosen paths. Read more ›
Fascinating, frustrating, fun - I loved it! By Jan Heart on April 27, 2014
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
At last! I loved the first book by Wendiann Proteau, And When, and was so excited to start the second book. And I was not disappointed! Jade has grown and moved forward but still has her unfulfilled dreams – she’s a successful author and engaged to Derek, the cool New Yorker publicist. Her life has focus and structure, but then straight out of her past walks Brady asking for a signed copy of her latest book! Jade is stunned – Brady had ‘damaged her completely’ when (and how) he left her without a word in years. From this point Jade’s life moves from being settled and structured to fluid, adventurous, and very interesting – she meets new people, moves on, comes closer to her dream and faces an uncertain future. Jade is the epitome of uncertainty and stubbornness which I love about her, but it also drives me (and the characters) crazy – I guess it means I care about what happens to her! The relationships Wendiann has built with Jade are complex and fascinating, and the interaction between the characters is deeper and more intricate than in And When and more fully explored. Wendiann, please don’t stop doing what you’re doing so well. For me the only downside is that I have to wait for the next volume!
Now What delivers! By Brian on April 19, 2014
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Jade Prency is a strong woman. She's been through a lot. After a separation from a destructive relationship, it takes a while to pick up the pieces, but she does. She pens a novel and for the first time in her life, she feels on top and in control. When the man from her past reappears, can she keep it together and maintain the balance in her life?
Now What is a emotionally charged look at love and second chances. The characters are of the type you can easily cheer for, while at the same time relate to their plights in life. Great read!
The gifted and fascinating Urban Poet, Asa D Seeley, once again speaks. He introduces a New Genre of Poetry...Reality Confrontation. Juxtaposed with Essay and staying true to his unique style, Asa brings a breath of...fresh air...to the world of poet
Imogene, a country-bred girl, longs to make a life for herself in New York City. She joins forces with her former college roommate to start a movie production company in the big city.
