Set on the United States Island territory of St. Croix and the eastern U.S., Ayla's Paradise is the provocative story of its heroine, Ayla Walker Johnson, and her triumphs over adversity. At age nine, Ayla surrenders her mother to what will become her own fiercest enemy -- Death. Abandoned by her father in his grief and forced to carry the burden of taking care of her brothers, she becomes determined to find freedom and longs for love.
The lure of the mainland and its promise of independence and opportunity lead Ayla to escape St. Croix and her responsibilities to begin her own family. But when she finally finds love and maternal fulfillment her world is torn apart and she must fight to save herself and her children from absolute despondency. At times Ayla is insecure, having been politely discarded by a college sweetheart; at other times, she is feisty, threatening to pluck out the eyes of the woman who would dare take her husband; and still other times, she is passionate, scorching her husband with the "island fire" of their prurient lovemaking. More than anything, Ayla is a woman of great strength who overcomes distress and ill fortune to emerge victorious and proud.
About the Author:
Esther Slade was born and raised in the United States Virgin Islands. At an early age, she left the Virgin Islands to attend college on the U.S. Mainland. She earned a BA in English from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, and an MBA from the University of Connecticut. She writes fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Most recently, her article "Strength for the Single Parent" was published in the contemporary Christian magazine Message. Ms. Slade currently resides in Florida and is the parent of three children.
Soft cover; 6 x 9, ISBN 1-885003-87-0; $11.95 plus $3.50 S&H.
