My Christmas tree glimmered with lights, ornaments, and tinsel. Though such holiday trimmings weren't in vogue any longer, I loved them. I pulled every box of family decorations from the attic and glamored the tree until it looked like a "fancy woman in a cheap brothel" as my aunt Loulane would say.

She's smart and a hard worker." "And?" "A little on the crazy side." Cece inhaled with resignation. "I was overjoyed when the district elected a woman, but Rebecca's half a bubble off plumb.

Tinkie's on the list." "That's ridiculous. She and Enzo were only flirting." "And Oscar showed his ass and then was seen floundering in the bayou where a blow-up sex doll, complete with a death threat, later showed up in front of an entire town."... "Even though they don't have a body, Pret is thinking Enzo's disappearance may prove to be a homicide.

Boopsy's Boutique catered to the woman, or man, with money and lots of it. Date dresses ran upward of a thousand dollars, and some of the high-end designer frocks touched five figures. The dresses were exquisite, emblazoned with crystals and pearls, complete with jewel-encrusted shoes to match. Needless to say, it wasn't a place I frequented.

Where is Wildene?" "Just step out the door and holler "Sooie! Sooie! She's a ho hog if ever I saw one. She'll come running.

My rhythm was joined with that of the Mississippi seasons. To change would shift everything inside of me...

That's one thing I like about you, Sarah Booth. You put your own personal style on a room. I'd call this boudoir pigsty. Yes sir, any man would find this an enticin' little love nest, if he didn't break his neck tryin' to get to the bed.

Everyone who loves risks losing their heart every minute of every day.

Home is where they have to accept you.