Southern Stories: The Family Secret (Paperback or Softback)

Set in the 1970s in the Deep South of Simpson County, Mississippi, this is the fictional story of a close-knit family of hardworking parents and their four adult children who were raised with a strong sense of love and respect for God, family and others.

Older sister Cassie marries her high school sweetheart, Ray, but their marriage and the family's bond are fractured when Ray has an affair with Cassie's sister Emma. Concerned about their reputation, the family constructs an elaborate lie to conceal the evidence of the infidelity.

The family's secret weighs heavily on Cassie, and in a moment of painful desperation, she makes the decision to abandon her family. While away, Cassie meets Ace, a handsome, mysterious man who awakens her romantically. Her feelings are torn because she is attracted to him, but his lifestyle appears to be contrary to everything she was raised to believe. Meanwhile, Ray's attempt to pay a gambling debt goes awry, leaving one man dead. This sends him on his own journey away from the family.

Longing for reconciliation, Cassie reflects on what drove her away from her family and how she can move beyond that hurt toward the path of truth and healing.

The story is an inspirational drama with love, action, and suspense. It invites readers to meditate on the journey to healing and inspires them to free themselves from their own lies and secrets.

Albe Charles resides on the East Coast where she works as a programs and communications professional. She is a double alumnus of Howard University with a B.A. in print journalism and a M.Div. in religion. She is also and an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.