FICTION · AFRICAN AMERICANS
Anita Bunkley
Also known as: Anita R. Bunkley, Anita Richmond Bunkley
THE MORNING is fair and filled with the smells of spring.
— from Black & gold
Most acclaimed
Black & gold
At the center of this powerful novel is Leela Wilder, a proud and beautiful African American woman, torn between two very different men, and struggling for survival and success in the torrent of greed, ambition, intrigue and prejudice that turned oil-rich Texas farmlands into wellsprings of fabulous fortune in the tumultuous 1920s. Leela's mother died in childbirth, and her father died when she was a small girl, so she has had only her inner strength and intelligence to make her way in a world where odds are stacked against her. When she weds T.J. Wilder, who farms the land he calls Rioluces with a fierce passion, it seems that at last she has won out over the bad hand fate dealt her. But trouble returns in the handsome form of Carey Logan, T.J.'s half-brother; a gambling man who stirs Leela's ardor as her husband never had, and leaves her shattered by shame, alone with a child to raise and 340 drought-stricken acres to farm. When oil fever sweeps over Texas, bankers and drillers scent a killing to be made at Rioluces, forcing Leela into the fight of her life. Carey Logan is more seductive and treacherous than ever and Leela turns for protection to Victor Beaufort, the only black wildcatter in Texas, and a tough and confident man. He will do and risk anything to win in an oil game ruthlessly rigged in the white man's favor; even if it means breaking his word to Leela, and her heart as well. Thus the stage is set for a drama that plunges Leela into a quickening whirlpool of twisted family ties and shocking secrets, moral betrayal and flaming violence that threaten to destroy everything she possesses. With an unforgettable heroine and a vividly evocative portrayal of strong African American families, Black Gold rivets with passion and power; and marks the emergence of an important voice and vision in American fiction.
Vote for Love
1977
Media coach Trina Powers loves grooming high-profile clients for superstardom. Signing businessman-turned-politician Dwayne Hunter could really launch her agency into the big time. But Dwayne is giving her a run for her money. The arrogant, charismatic candidate for Texas state senate acts like he doesn't need anyone! Trina knows she's got to soften his harsh edges. She also knows she's playing a dangerous game...especially when Dwayne unleashes his potent blend of take-charge masculinity and tender sensuality.Dwayne learned about love the hard way and isn't ready to trust another woman. But Trina's not just any woman. With her by his side, he knows he could go far—on and off the campaign trail. But mixing politics and passion could derail his career...especially when the power plays—and scandals—start flying. Now a secret in Trina's past is casting the ballot against them. Unless Dwayne can wage a new campaign: to vote her in as his running mate for life.
Balancing act
Susie Moran is a success. She founded and runs her own pottery company, and now her three daughters are all involved in what has become a highly profitable family business. Susie is justly proud of her family and her achievement - and has no intention of letting things change. But nothing can stay the same for ever. Susie's daughters find themselves increasingly at odds with their wonderful, creative, determined mother. And when Susie's estranged father arrives to build bridges with a family he has never known, their lives are turned upside-down. Everything is changing and Susie's world will never be the same again. In wanting to preserve her business, will she lose something much more precious?