This has been a year–2009–that many of us are glad to see go. There were many high moments–witnessing the inauguration of the  first African American President–President Obama. But there were many low moments. Everyone I know has been affected by lay-offs, which has had a trickle effect throughout the economy.

What did we learn from 2009? These are three things I learned.

1. That we can make it with less in terms of material things.

2.  In times of challenge, we can come up with good ideas, which can generate money for ourselves and others, when you have a business.

3.  Learn to enjoy people versus things. (Have potlucks versus providing all the holiday food and invite your friends over for love, laughter, and  support. I spent almost a week with my daughter, her family, and my son and his family.)

Have a safe, healthy, and  prosperous 2010!

Thank everyone for their continued support and love!

Dr. Maxine Thompson

Black Butterfly Press

ABOUT HOSTAGE OF LIES:

Nefertiti “Titi” Godbolt’s been a captive of her family’s secrets her whole life. Now, as she returns home after fifteen years, she’s ready to confront her family and finally get some answers. It’s her father’s seventy-fifth birthday celebration, but she’s not there to celebrate a man who always seemed to favor her siblings Josh and Cleo, while he, along with Titi’s mother, treated Titi as the black sheep in the family—even before she got pregnant and they forced her to give up her daughter. But when Titi’s father and his brother have it out during the party, some long-buried family secrets pop to the surface, and Titi realizes there may be some truth to the stories her great-grandmother told her when she was a child after all.