Author Description

The winter holidays in Portland, Oregon will never be the same for Jalayah Henderson after her home is invaded on Christmas morning and her parents are shot. This tragedy not only steals her birth mother from her, but it leaves her father alone to raise her at the tender age of ten.<br>Already devastated beyond belief, Jalayah clings to her father for support, but with little time outside of work for her, he is forced to remarry. When he chooses his daughter's eighteen-year-old babysitter, Ashley, as his bride, and allows her to legally adopt Jalayah, it completely kills it for her making the next eight years of her life a living hell.<br>From family problems to relationship issues, Jalayah goes through it until her best friend Taliana whisks her off to Arizona soon as an incredible career opportunity arises. There they start new chapters of their lives, but it isn't long before another tragedy arises in Portland and Jalayah is summoned home by her Uncle Earl, during the worst time of year for Jalayah. Christmas time!<br>With recollections of the past invading her mind along with the discovery of her stepmother's secret man, Dylan, Jalayah returns with vengeance on her mind. As always, Taliana is right there beside her and is ready to back up any decision her best friend makes.<br>Will it be the right one? Will Jalayah act out on her pain and take the chance of losing herself altogether? Or will she be able to overcome the haunting holiday memories to restore her love for Christmas and her family once again?<br>