Author Unoma Nwankwor is back with another installment of her Away to Africa series. I recently spoke with her about A Suitable Wife.
Tell me about your latest book.
My latest book, A Suitable Wife, was the last book in my recent series titled Away to Africa.
Why did you decide to write it?
I wanted to highlight themes of family pressure, authenticity and faith, but I wanted to do it by exploring the differences and similarities between African and Black American culture.
Who is your favorite character in the book and why?
My favorite character is Zola Westbrook, the heroine of the story. She is fearless and did not allow the sting of a past love gone wrong to stop her from wanting love again. But overall, I love the fact that she made sure it was understood that she was nobody’s victim.
What was the hardest part about writing the story?
Having recently lost my mother who was my best friend, writing about Jidenna’s (the hero) grief was difficult. But I had to forge ahead because the series was already planned out before her death. In fact she and I talked about it.
If you were to write a book about your life, what would be the title and why?
LOL. Oh that’s easy. It would be titled In the Midst of it All. Living with a chronic illness, dealing with pain most days, grief, a sick heart. (The Bible says hope deferred makes the heart sick. Mine’s been sick for a while, but I continue to cling to HIM.) In the midst of all that, I keep dreaming, living and striving every day to be a representation of Christ on earth.
What would you tell your 16-year-old self?
I’d tell her to “Be you.” At 16, I didn’t try to be like someone else. I just worked extra hard to hide who I was, so I could go unnoticed.
What is something readers would be surprised to know about you?
Although I write romance, and chocolate is a symbol of the genre, I actually hate it. I don’t eat chocolate. Also, I’m a huge soccer fan.
Tell me about a book that changed your life and why.
I’ve read so many books that I can’t remember. However, recently I read And Then Life Was Beautiful by Asia Monique. She tackled parental loss, and although I wanted to drop the book since that’s such a triggering topic for me, I stuck with it. While reading and looking through the eyes of the FMC, who lost her mother, I had moments of gratitude for my mom being alive through very pivotal moments of my life. The author did such a good job, that in my grief, I could be thankful.
What’s next for you?
Right now, I’m drafting the third book in the DuBois-Arazi series. They are my Moroccan family that own the luxury resort and spa, Grand Amour, located in my fictional town of Tweed Kans Cove in Morocco. I’m aiming for a fall 2023 release. Right now the first two books, A Promise Fulfilled and Destiny Fulfilled are in Kindle Unlimited.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
Not really, except to say a big thank you to every reader and supporter of my work.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of A Suitable Wife.
To learn more about Unoma Nwankwor, author and COO of KevStel Productions & Publications and founder of Expectant Living, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Website: www.UnomaNwankwor.com
Instagram: instagram.com/unwankwor
Twitter: twitter.com/unwankwor