J. J. Haile again delivers a masterful work of literary fiction. The Two Bits Club is not just a story that will touch you; it reaches out and holds you With characters so vibrant and contemporary, you'll feel like they're your dearest girlfriends by the end of the book. Every other Saturday Ceceile and her friends get together for a much-needed break from the trials of life. Good food, good company, and a friendly game of cards can sometimes be just the right recipe to help get you through the heartaches and headaches of life, love and family relationships. Take a walk through the lives of truly tangible characters, women who deal with love relationships, divorce, life-changing events, death, and family. Along the way, you'll see that life and living is about the relationships and experiences that we build and share with each other. -------------------- Maxine's eyes bulged as she stared at her mother, "Mama, have you lost your mind too? Daddy made a decision, and he doesn't care how it affects us, he just wants what he wants " Mikey agreed, "Yeah, he's just a selfish fool who doesn't care who he hurts. I hate him " Ceceile shot to her feet, leaving the still crying Betty Ann and slapped Mikey across his face. "It doesn't matter what he's done, he is and will always be your father, like it or not. What we have to do is continue on with our lives, our plans and not let what's happening affect us." -------------------- Lily continued in her ways. An unwanted pregnancy had sent her uptown to a midwife who had apparently not done the usual perfect job she was known for, and now, Lily lay weak and still bleeding in her mother's house. The women gathered around the bed and spoke softly to their friend, Lily seemed almost lifeless, her dark eyes listless and dull. -------------------- Lois went over the column of numbers for the fourth time and satisfied, tucked the slip of paper into her purse and taking her bag, left for work. All day, she went back to the talk she had had with Ella, the plans they were daring to make, the life they were hoping for. They knew that no matter how progressive New Orleans might be, it was after all 1969. Their relationship was frowned upon. It was acceptable for the musicians and the artists that lived in the French Quarter, almost expected, but the sight of two ordinary women parading their preferences would be another matter. -------------------- The Two Bits Club is a story I've long wanted to tell. Not only do I feel it is one you will enjoy, but also it is a tale that I think resonates in any setting and in any time. Enjoy J. J.