Gumbo by Tiana Laveen

Tony Romano’s life was torn apart at age fifteen when his father died. His mother moved him and his brother from New Jersey to Belle Glade, Florida, a place rife with crime and bleakness. With his widowed mother working two jobs to support them, she was rarely home and the streets were soon raising Tony.

Cassidy Macklin was raised by her grandmother for most of her life. Smart, creative, and kind-hearted, she does her utmost to prevent her circumstances to bring her down. Reading helps her escape to a different life and place, even if only in her imagination. And Grandmama’s soulful food is the balm that heals her heart and keeps her world afloat.

Tony and Cassidy form a connection, which deepens as the days pass. But soon, darkness rears its head and things fall apart, bringing havoc and turmoil. Years later, the two cross paths again and both must come to terms with the monsters of their past. Their discoveries trigger emotions they’ve never faced before.

Secrets, pain, and old habits—some of those die hard. Will Tony and Cassidy be able to finally have the life together that they so deserve, or will they be forced to part again, this time forever?

ATTENTION! There seems to be some confusion. The author of “Gumbo” exercised creative license with the timeframe of this novel. She was and is fully aware, that the 12 year time-span does not coincide with modern day. This has been used by countless authors in all genres, some well known, who pre-date her. It was not an oversight. It was not a mistake. It was not forgetfulness or lack of knowledge of simple addition. It is a form of non-linear narrative, adapted to time-frame. It is not a new concept or technique nor does it disrupt the story. Regardless, apologies for anyone who became confused or bewildered by this technique. Thank you.