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New York is America's most populous city. This means that Ciniya Parnell could meet thousands of people and never see most of them again. But Steve isn't most New Yorkers. He's Ciniya's soulmate… or is he? Ciniya's best friend Na'Jae and her brother William share a sense of foreboding about Steve and Ciniya's relationship. William warns her away out of an older brother's concern. Na'Jae's fears arise from a far darker experience: her ex-husband is a prolific serial killer. But Ciniya is young, idealistic, and stubbornly in love. Even Steve's infidelity during their engagement does not deter her from marrying him. Once they marry, a loving wife and the baby son he's begged her for don't dampen Steve's zeal for a four-year affair. Feisty Ciniya is now experienced enough to know life on her own won't be easy. Still, Steve gave her one gift to live and strive for: her son Jahmari.
This novella is the work of fifteen-year-old author Valery-Leung. It adds a seldom-heard adolescent voice to literature and offers insight into the nuances of twenty-first-century communication and romantic relationships. Valery-Leung's understanding of divorce and child custody laws lends her writing maturity and credibility. Ciniya's decisiveness about divorcing Steve and her firm refusal to tolerate his antics or bend to his pleas for a second chance may well inspire teenage girl readers to exhibit similar strength of mind. Steve's obvious desire for a child presents the idea that wanting to be a parent is not exclusive to women. The tight family bonds among members of racial minorities are shown throughout the book. Valery-Leung gives a charming nod to her own aspiration to be a professional author through the minor character of a famous writer who shares her first name. Through it all, the timeless theme of hope for eternal love runs true.