After the Burn

Leilani Garrett's debut novel about a successful Black woman finding the courage to trust herself above all else is a rallying cry for modern women. Devoted single mom and corporate badass Elle Grace Rollins is crushing it. Despite growing up "hood poor," Elle has built a rewarding life. With a teenage son, a vibrant circle of "sistah" friends, and a man she adores, Elle has it all. Or so she thought. After more than a decade with the love of her life, Darien, another woman threatens to upend their relationship. As a rift grows between them, she unexpectedly finds herself in the arms of a younger man. And as if a love triangle wasn't enough, Elle discovers a rival colleague is trying to cheat her out of a big payday. With her career at stake, Elle isn't willing to take it lying down. In a final showdown, she has one last move to make. But will she come out on top? In After the Burn, Garrett pushes the boundaries of cultural norms, redefining what it means to be a successful woman. Drawing from her experiences as an African American woman in technology sales in corporate America, as well as her adventures as a mother, friend and lover, she contemplates what happens when we allow ourselves to consider what we want first. Written from the perspective of a Black woman, the book speaks specifically to Black women. Yet its message will resonate with women of all ages and races, teaching them that it's okay to create your own view of success in life and in love.