A New Book? Yes!
Commentary: Beyond the Trilogy. The Between Years - The Story of Yvette and Dominique
Although not intentionally, Sandra Manigault draws upon the challenges one faces in interracial relationships. In Vanessa - a Love Story, we see Vanessa, who is African American, become involved and infatuated with Miguel, who is Brazilian/Portuguese. In this book, Dominique, who is African American, falls in love with Ricardo, who is Puerto Rican, although he does not specify his nationality. The difference in race also brings about a difference in cultures and expectations. Additionally, in book one, Vanessa - a professor- is middle class. Miguel is not. He would be what we consider to be in the top two percent of earners in America. He was not born wealthy. He is essentially self-made, with the help of significant mentors in his life - something he alludes to in book one. The difference in cultures is very apparent in book one. Miguel sees marriage and relationships much differently than Vanessa does. And although those differences cause some friction in their relationship, Vanessa never considers them to be deal breakers.
In The Between Years - The Story of Yvette and Dominique -two very different women meet two very similar men - similar in that they are sincere and not “players” in the traditional sense. If there is a “player” in this book, it is Dominique. She plays until it catches up with her and threatens a relationship that she wants to keep.
Let’s talk about the main characters in this book- Yvette and Dominique. They are Flora’s twin sisters and they come to live with Flora and her new husband. Not only are they twins. They are identical twins that even in their twenties still look exactly alike. The plot of the book revolves around the conflicts that Dominique brings into the lives of everyone she meets.
Why the title? Why The Between Years? This story unfolds after the end of book 3 of the Vanessa Trilogy, Flora’s Saga, but before the epilogue of book 3. The array of characters is interesting also. We meet Barry, in book one. His role is pivotal in book 3 and significant here. Flora is significant in this book, and although she is important in books one and two of the trilogy, she is the main character in book 3, which is named for her. Vanessa, who is the main character of books one and two, has only a cameo role here and we actually only see her once. The beauty of The Between Years is that it is whole, and stands on its own, and can be enjoyed even if one has not read The Vanessa Trilogy.
I like happy endings, but I do not follow the parameters that define a romance novel. Book 1, Vanessa - a Love Story, has an ending that is not what one expects, and I attribute the ending to my husband who was helping me solve a dilemma I had about how it should end. Vanessa - a Love Story actually could have had three different endings. I chose one of them, the one Donald suggested.
Writing a book about two identical twins afforded me the opportunity to write two love stories. It gave me the opportunity to introduce four new characters, after all, each twin needed her own love interest. It also meant that the plot would pivot from one scenario to another, and from time to time unfold in different settings and between different characters. Nonetheless, each character is fully formed and fully understood. Hopefully, by the end of the book, they will all be likable.
As is the case in each of my books, my women are beautiful, and why not? What is interesting is how each woman uses her beauty. Beauty is currency. Yet not every woman knows that, or uses that in her interactions with men. They are not vain —- at least three of them are not. The one who is, is less vain than she is selfish. But that will unfold as the plot evolves.
So, happy reading. I expect The Between Years to be published before the end of 2025. The other books that comprise The Vanessa Trilogy are readily available on my website, sandralynnlegacies.com. Although each book in the Trilogy is $19, if you buy all three together, I will reimburse you for the shipping. If you are part of a book club, and would like to place a bulk order for one or all of the books, please email me directly at sandralynnlegacies@gmail.com for a special rate.
Thank you. I look forward to sharing more of my favorite characters with you! Enjoy!
Sandra Manigault
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