Nothing New Under the Sun (2011) *Original cover art by Aniekan Udofia: A novel that's so real, it will make you think it's about you and yours. Don't believe me? Have you ever had a conversation with someone you just met and felt like an instant connection was made because you had so much in common? Have you ever heard a song playing that seemed to speak to your life, your situation, or your feelings at that very moment? Ever read a book that captured your attention—engaged you—and you couldn’t put it down? Well, that’s what I’m hoping to do with the series of stories contained within these pages.

Here you will find the stories of four seemingly different women, and some of the trials each one experiences. But woven into each story you will find lessons, points of view, perspectives, and ideas that will hopefully allow you to step into their shoes and see things a whole new way. Hopefully you will find that we are not as different as one may think, but we see and respond to trials differently, and therefore we can learn a lot from one another.

Each story begins and ends at a pivotal moment in that woman’s life, giving you a snapshot of where she is at a particular point in her journey. Follow along and see who she is, where she’s from, and what she’s about; then see how she handles that and other trials as they arise. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself relating to her right away. There’s truly nothing new under the sun. Throughout the ages, and right down the street, someone somewhere has undergone something like what you have or will, and it is that bit of knowledge and experience he or she captures and shares that can help you through your own trials, or help you be a source of wisdom and encouragement for someone else.

It is my goal to bring these women to life, and use them as examples from which other women can gain insight, inspiration, courage, wisdom, ideas, and anything else that empowers and enlightens. Women are a wellspring of life and knowledge. It’s just up to us to tap into the power we have and disburse it accordingly, and responsibly.