"Now and Then, Again'"
     New Book

Excerpt

Shaky legs barely carried Vann through the door of the hospital room. It would have been traumatic under the best of circumstances, but it was enormously so, seeing the woman who was her mother for the first time, in her extremely ill condition. But even the shock of seeing the frail, pitiful woman with tubes stuck in her body, didn’t erase the hurt and rejection Vann had felt all of her life.

While her aunts moved further into the room. Vann closely watched the woman in the bed as her eyes frantically searched each face before settling on Vann’s. The woman took in everything about Vann…who looked so much like herself,…and tears flowed down her face. Vann saw what looked to be relief run across her face, closely followed by something that might have been regret or sadness, which was quickly chased away by a touch of joy – perhaps from the realization that something good had finally come from her long ago frivolous action that had resulted in the child she had tried to forget, because now…hopefully…that child was here to help her.

“Rosie! Oh, Rosie! How are you feeling?” Luberta cried, as she rushed to the bed to give her sister an awkward hug. “Oh Lord, it’s been so long, Rosie!” She said, in an emotionally shaken voice as tears ran down her face.

Their sister, Bernetta, followed with uncharacteristic tears flooding her face. “Rosetta, I’m glad to see you!” She too, gave her sister as much of a hug as she could, then said in typical Bernie style, “but you know if you weren’t in that bed, I’d spank your behind, don’t you?”

“Now Bernie, don’t start!” Luberta scolded. “She don’t need to be hearing that now. We got plenty of time for both of us to do that later.” She said with a smile. “Rosie, look who we bought with us.” She motioned for Vann to come closer to the bed. “This is Vann, Rosie, but I don’t have to tell you that since she looks just like you. Come on, Vann, move up here so she can get a good look at you.”

Vann stood rooted to the spot by the door of the hospital room with her best friend, Rubye, and watched the sisters’ emotional reunion.

She recalled every plea, and the subsequent heartbreaking disappointment when no response came to the letters she had spent hours writing and re-writing, begging for her mother’s love and acceptance. Now, after decades of refusing to even acknowledge the existence of the child she had rejected and abandoned, Rosetta was asking that child for the help she desperately needed, and Vann was suddenly in the tempting position of making the same choices her mother had made.

For months, Vann’s life had been a conflicting battle. Her desire to tell the woman to get lost and leave her alone, wrestled with the very core of her Christian values – love and forgiveness – which compelled her to walk the walk she had so long confessed.

Rosetta reached toward her, silently indicating her desire to touch her. But the decades of hurt made it impossible for Vann to move. Finally, from a throat clogged with mixed emotions, Vann was able to squeeze out two words. “Hello, Rosetta.”

Vann’s greeting wrung loud wails out of Rosetta’s frail body that she couldn’t seem to stop, and broken words poured out. “I’m so sorry! Please forgive me, I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have treated you like that! I know I shouldn’t have done you like that. I could have at least answered your letters. I don’t have no excuse, except I was just young and foolish. Please forgive me.” The weeping that Rosetta couldn’t seem to control, continued as she reached awkwardly toward Vann.

The words did little to lessen the burden of lifelong rejection, and only made Vann want to retreat and run back to all the good and new things that were happening in her life…a wonderful man who wanted to marry her; her profitable new business venture; and the volunteer work that had thrust her into local stardom…all things she desperately wanted to embrace, experience and enjoy. Things she did not want to push to the back burner for this woman who she suspected even now, didn’t want, but needed her.

Vann didn’t respond to the outstretched arms, but stayed where she was, and replied to Rosetta’s words. “But you did treat me like that, Rosetta, and long after you were old enough to realize how much your rejection had to hurt. And I was still reaching out for you long after I should have realized you wanted nothing to do with me. I honestly believe you’re reaching for me now only because you’re desperate for my help, and not because you’re sorry.”

“Vann!” Aunt Luberta cried out. “Oh Lord, have mercy!” Her shoulders shook as she wept over the traumatic scene taking place between mother and daughter who were strangers.

Vann closed her eyes, and prayed, “help me, Father.” Tears flowed like small rivers down her face, but she spoke in a voice laced with steel. “But I’m here because I couldn’t make the choice you made, and ignore your pleas, Rosetta. You see, in spite of the fact that I’ve yearned for your love all my life, and never got it, I do have the love of God in me, and that love compels me to forgive you.”

Rosetta wailed again, as her daughter’s words hit her in the face like bullets. “I’m so sorry, Vann!” She repeated again. “But…I need you…need you to help me.”

“Uh…let’s just take things one step at a time.” Vann’s voice broke as tears made tracks down her face, and finally, she slowly moved to the bed and leaned down to hug the woman. As mother and daughter embraced for the first time, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room as all the women broke down in loud weeping.

A nurse came running into the room looking alarmed, and quickly went to the bed to check Rosetta’s vital signs.

Available wherever fine books are sold, including: Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, BlackCBC.com, and wherever fine books are sold.
 

---

Seasons

Story Synopsis

At twenty-one, with the newness of springtime ahead of her, Jacetta (Jaci) Winters made a wrong choice that left her hopes and dreams in ashes.

But she moved on, survived and flourished – except in the area of relationships. Two decades later, after countless disappointing forays into the dating scene, she is at the point of giving up after concluding that her bad choice destroyed all possibility that God would send someone special into her life.

But Jason Gilmore suddenly comes into her life, bringing changes and the hope of another springtime. But the storms that often accompany seasonal changes erupt all around her, and Jaci must make another choice: Let fear and doubt keep her in an old familiar season, or by faith step into the promises the new season offers.

The future beckons, the past grips, and present occurrences stir confusion and trouble, tempting Jaci to run back to her hiding place and stay there.

Seasons is a wonderful and exciting story that reminds us of God’s merciful and restorative power in all of our circumstances. You will be filled with the assurance that it is always too soon to give up, and filled with renewed faith that your own season can and will change.

Be encouraged, inspired and entertained as you discover how Jaci handles her Seasons.

Drama, intrigue, suspense…Seasons has it All

Purchase at: Exhibit Hope Book Stores, Houston; Exhibithope.com; Amazon.com; Wherever books are sold
ISBN: 0-446-57846-0

Romance In Color
"This wonderfully well-written and compelling book looks at the life of a single woman’s “seasons,” from the raging storms of her life’s winter to the sun-drenched days of her summers—and how she endure it all with God’s love. Seasons is an impactful, provoking novel, reminding us that we do not have to stay in the pit life may place us but climb out of the pit, place our trust in God and allow Him to cover our backs!"

Arm Chair Interviews
"Hopkins writes simply and truthfully of that thing called life. And she does it with interesting characters and a plot that makes you want to race to the end. This novel helped me look at life; my own in particular and helped me rejoice in the ways I have grown, changed and developed into the woman God made. Seasons might just make you smile, and you might wipe a tear or two at the abundance of God's love."

The Road to Romance
"Seasons is all about the drama! Fresh dialogue, realistic characters, and strong faith ties make this a good read."

The Rawsistaz
"Bonnie Hopkins has written a thorough character study that is immersed in a compelling plot. The Christian themes are subtle, but at the same time, evident. The characters, though Christian, have flaws and are well-rounded; this adds to the realism and keeps the book from coming across as preachy. There were a few scenes that seemed to be resolved too easily and others that were a bit unrealistic but in spite of this I enjoyed the book. I really liked the way the author incorporated the seasons theme throughout the story while presenting encouraging messages about strength over adversity, faith in God, and overcoming fears."

The Good Girl Reviewers
"Seasons is a wonderful, heartwarming book that reminds us all that God is always present no matter what season we are in. The characters and the situations they endure will stay with you long after the book has ended!"

People Who Love Good Books
"This book will touch you and you will root for Jaci as she finally finds her 'due' season. Seasons is a must-read for all of you who love Christian fiction but even if you don’t, this book has something for everyone: Romance, Drama, and Mystery. It is a must-read! I give this book 5 stars!"

Blessed “tmturnbaker”
"Our book club named Seasons our best book yet. We absolutely loved this book and our discussion was open and deep. This book was a reflection of God’s love and His goodness. This book was truly a blessing. Thanks Bonnie."

Rhondajac
"I especially loved how the author showcased a strong, male, positive, spiritual warrior in (character) J.P., a willing and able vessel to be used by God. If you are looking for a good story, this is a great book to pick up. I look forward to reading more by the author in the near future."

Glorious Women of California
"The Glorious Women of California would like to extend a warm heartfelt special thank you for taking the time to do a conference call with us to answer questions about your awesome book, Seasons, and speaking words of encouragement to each of us who are going through our own personal seasons. The character Jaci set the precedence as a role model for the single ladies of the group."

C. Lee
"I enjoyed the male dialogue in this story. Bonnie Hopkins did a wonderful job for her first novel. I look forward to reading more of her work."

M.S. "Christian Fiction Lover"
"Great Book! I read the book in two days. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next."

Natitia T
"This book is fabulous from beginning to the end. The author did a wonderful job capturing the characters and bringing them to life. Everyone in my book club said that they could relate or knew someone like the characters in the book. The book club rated the book '5 Amens with a snap!' It was the best book club meeting ever, thanks to Seasons by Bonnie Hopkins."

Willa B.
"Awesome. I give this book a straight up 10. I read it in two days. I can truly say that I haven’t read a book that I hated to put down in a long time if ever. Bonnie, when is the next one coming out?"

Toyia P
"Wonderful! I have never reread a book before. However, after finishing Seasons in two days, I was so inspired! My faith excelled to a new level. I recommended the book to several people and reread several excerpts throughout the book before handing it over to my mother. Great read!"

Maria R.
"I enjoyed this book. I would like a book 2. Ms Hopkins shows how prayer can bring you through hard times."