Essence, Sister 2 Sister magazine, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Publishers Weekly all praised Franklin White's debut novel, Fed Up with the Fanny, for its eye-opening portrayal of "good" black men.
Now, in Cup of Love, White reveals the depth of his talent in another realistic exploration of the lives of black friends and lovers. With a richness and flavor reminiscent of the Harlem Renaissance, Cup of Love is an urban drama overflowing with understanding, tenderness, and passion that is sure to leave you with all the right ingredients for love.
Cup of Love introduces Vance, a young man who can't handle his lurking lust, but who, after receiving a surprise inheritance from his elderly friend, Stubbs, cleans up his act and marries his true love, Artise. When Vance enlists his good friend Ethan to join him in a business venture, Ethan too realizes that it's time to grow up, stop playing around with WWKs (Women With Kids), and face his ex-fiancée, Tassha, who's now dating a prominent politician. As these young couples try to settle down and build successful careers and relationships, they quickly come to realize that love doesn't always run smooth. Here's what they have to say about it:
Vance: "Some men can mess around, play the field over and over again, and never get caught. But nooo, not me! I cheated and got caught the first, second, and third time -- and felt like a damn fool! It's like someone stood on top of one of the three tallest buildings in Columbus with a video camera and watched every trifling thing I did -- then ran back and showed Artise, my fiancée of ten years. If you have ever hurt someone you really loved -- for no apparent reason except uncontrollable lust and being a selfish dog (yes, I said it!) -- then I'm sure you can feel me."
Artise: "I know y'all probably saying who is this Artise chick and boy is she stupid. But let me stop you right there -- you don't have to go there. I'm a Christian and whatever Vance did, Vance has to answer for. I'm not one of those women who have to take revenge on their man. No, I just let the man upstairs deal with it. Life is hard enough as it is and I've got other things to deal with -- like my mother and my business."
Tassha: "I was there to witness the hardships Vance took my girlfriend Artise through -- that's one of the reasons I hooked myself up with a powerful older man who could help me in my personal goals and show me the love I needed. Or so I thought. Shoot, I had no idea Ethan would come strutting his Wesley Snipes-looking self back into town!"
Ethan: "Everybody just went berserk when I dated or even mentioned the infamous WWKs. Way I see it, somebody needed to concentrate their efforts on Women With Kids -- hell, they need love too! But when Vance came to me about his new museum, I knew it was time to stop messin' around and apologize to my Tassha for wronging her the way I did."
Mix in an unexpected pregnancy, a corrupted political campaign, a shady real estate deal, and a stunning hotel episode and the ingredients are set for a roller-coaster ride of entertainment. Hip, sassy, and emotionally satisfying -- with true-to-life characters that you'll cheer and cry for -- Cup of Love is a nonstop read that's certain to leave readers clamoring for more from this outstanding author.
