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Spirituality Behind True Love
Shilpa’s Blue Crayon follows a down-to-earth African American woman in her thirties who, while devoted to her art and deeply committed to those she holds dear, longs for the love of a husband and children she has never known. What inspired the setup of your story?
I wanted to write a love story that displayed lots of mystery and suspense that would include a surprise ending. Most love stories are extremely predictable and not always true to real life. I wanted to show the insecurities that many women have about their looks, careers, love life, etc. But I also wanted to show when it comes to those you love, most women would do whatever it takes to protect their family and friends with or without a man. That protecting those you care about comes first, even when your safety is at risk. Shilpa embodies many women that I know personally who are strong and successful even when they don’t realize it. And, I truly wanted the reader to take this roller coaster ride with Shilpa until she found love and family even when she wasn’t looking for it. Of course, I’m an African American woman myself, retired, and I’m able to provide the Black perspective of life’s challenges.
The supporting characters in this novel, I felt, were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
My favorite characters are Jacob (Shilpa’s husband); and Winnie/Vida (Shilpa’s best friends) because they display their love, loyalty, and commitment even when hard truths have to be discussed. Jacob is in an interracial marriage with Shilpa and I wanted to show his love for his wife that transcends boundaries, cultures, and societies. How he truly loved his wife without condition, and how they were on the same page with raising their children. Jacob understood Shilpa’s insecurities and provided patience to help her work through them. He helped her find her strength. Winnie and Vida (from both worlds) are what best friends embody (loyalty, truth, compassion, kindness, trustworthiness, and honesty). I have life-long best friends like this so it was very easy to write about Winnie and Vida. The best way to do all this is for Shilpa to be trapped in two worlds until she found the truth about her life.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
What love should be between a man and woman and the spirituality behind true love; love of friendship; the beauty of this world with explanations of the color blue and its importance in our lives; racism, diversity, and multiculturalism; passing for white and what that means; money is not important unless you can use it to serve others; and gaining your power and strength when you need it most.
What is the next novel that you are working on and when will that be available?
My first book, published in March 2024, is called “Kevin and KatheRINe in the Next Lifetime.” I believe it to be a beautiful love story. Personal and professional reviews are amazing. This book displays CC Lane’s brand demonstrating the color blue, love and its spirituality, interracial relationships (black woman/white man), and all that comes with it. And of course, that surprise ending. However, the two books are very different.
I’m currently working on my third book called, Munyori and Johannas, in 72 hours. This book also keeps with the brand of interracial love, the color blue, and lots of surprises that keep your heart pounding. I’m hopeful this book will be published by the end of the year. No writer’s block – the storyline keeps coming. Just have to find the time to finish it.
I would also like to note that Kevin Costner, the actor, is mentioned briefly in all my books. My female friends and I absolutely love him – we are all about the same age as Costner. I’ve used the personality of many of the characters he plays in movies for the love interests. My friends noticed it as well.
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New novel delivers a thrilling romance that explores courage, love and multicultural themes
CHICAGO – From the author of “Kevin and KatheRINe in the Next Lifetime” comes another stirring romance novel that will take readers on a journey that transcends boundaries, races and cultures. In “Shilpa’s Blue Crayon” (published by Archway Publishing), author Crystal Charlotte (CC) Lane invites readers to follow the life of Shilpa, a gifted African American artist whose unusual ocean-blue eyes set her apart in ways that both inspire and isolate her.
Shilpa’s story unfolds within two worlds — reality and the vivid world of make-believe. The novel masterfully intertwines romance, suspense, passion, and societal commentary as Shilpa navigates the complexities of her identity, the expectations placed on her, and the danger that threatens her loved ones. As readers turn each page, they will witness Shilpa’s transformation from a shy, self-conscious young woman into a resilient force of nature determined to protect those she loves. The book’s unexpected twists will keep them engage until the very end.
“Shilpa’s Blue Crayon” weaves rich, multicultural themes with gripping narratives. It is a story about strength, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace one’s unique qualities. A hallmark of Lane’s storytelling is her portrayal of true beauty that goes beyond physical appearance. “When considering a person’s value in this world, ‘looks’ should not be the most important factor,” the author explains. “Qualities like personality, character, intelligence, kindness, and integrity are far more significant in building meaningful relationships and determining someone’s worth as an individual. It is one’s values that are important.”
The novel also features a special foreword written by four-time Grammy winner Deniece Williams, whose insight adds a layer of depth and meaning to the narrative.
When asked what she wants readers to take away from “Shilpa’s Blue Crayon,” Lane says, “It’s true that strong Black women can be stereotyped and characterized by strength, self-reliance, and caretaking; and strong Black women are often depicted as women who are able to withstand difficult circumstances and provide for others without regard to their own needs. To a point, this is true, but like any woman, Black women want love, joy, and respect in their lives as well; and some want families with a loving husband. And to fight for that is ok too.”
“Shilpa’s Blue Crayon” is available now at Archway Publishing and other major online retailers.
“Shilpa’s Blue Crayon”
By Crystal Charlotte (CC) Lane
Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 276 pages | ISBN 9781665766340
Softcover | 6 x 9in | 276 pages | ISBN 9781665766326
E-Book | 276 pages | ISBN 9781665766333
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Shilpa’s Blue Crayon
Shilpa’s Blue Crayon is an enchanting and unpredictable romance, gracefully penned by Crystal Charlotte (CC) Lane. With lyrical prose and a plot rich in emotional depth, this novel pulls readers into a journey that feels both intimate and otherworldly.
At the heart of the story is Shilpa, a down-to-earth African American woman in her thirties. Devoted to her art and deeply committed to those she holds dear, she lives a quiet, contented life in the picturesque and supportive community of “Little Village.” Though outwardly serene and composed, Shilpa carries a quiet ache, a melancholy tucked beneath the surface, an emotional weight she keeps hidden even from herself.
Everything begins to shift when vivid, almost hyper-realistic dreams begin to haunt her sleep. In them, Shilpa discovers a parallel life, one filled with love, a husband, and children she has never known. These dreams, compelling and intense, blur the lines between imagination and reality. As her longing for deeper connection grows, she finds herself straddling two distinct worlds: the tangible life she has built, and a dreamscape that offers everything her heart desires.
The narrative unfolds with a measured pace. Early chapters gently introduce readers to Shilpa’s current reality, a life filled with creativity, loyal friends, and a nurturing village atmosphere. The third-person narration allows for a sweeping view of her world, bringing her neighbors and community to life in vivid detail. There’s a warmth to this village, a place where kindness and familiarity are a given.
Then, without warning, the story pivots. A startling plot twist reveals that Shilpa is not merely dreaming, but entering a parallel universe each time she sleeps. In this alternate existence, she meets the love of her life and experiences the kind of family connection she’s always longed for. The romance is magnetic, bold, passionate, and impossible to ignore. As readers, we are swept alongside Shilpa into these dual realities, savoring the contrast between them.
More than a simple love story, Shilpa’s Blue Crayon is layered with complexity, emotion, and imagination. Lane blends romance with mystery and self-discovery, crafting a tale that is both heartfelt and unexpected. Wholesomeness pervades the narrative, mirroring Shilpa’s resilient and nurturing spirit.
Shilpa’s journey is not without hardship. As a Black woman navigating personal ambition and emotional vulnerability, she faces challenges, some rooted in societal prejudice, others born of her own self-doubt. Yet through it all, she rises. With grace and strength, she claims her right to live, love, and be loved, boldly, completely, and without apology.
This is a story that lingers. Poignant, surprising, and undeniably human, Shilpa’s Blue Crayon invites readers to explore not only parallel lives but the parallel selves we all carry within.
Pages: 276 | ASIN : B0D4267JRW
Rough Edges: A Steamy Single Parents Romance
Elsa Jacobs’ Rough Edges is a heartfelt contemporary romance that follows the lives of two single parents whose paths cross when their teenage sons become fast friends on the high school basketball team. Laura Fields, a dedicated nurse and single mother, has been navigating life alone since the tragic death of her husband eleven years ago. Bennett Keller, a recent widower and factory foreman, relocates from Cleveland to a small New York town to provide a fresh start for his son Marcus, who has been struggling since losing his mother five years prior. As their sons, Daniel and Marcus, play matchmaker, Laura and Bennett find themselves drawn to each other despite their initial reservations.
The charm of Rough Edges lies in the fresh twist of two teenage boys scheming to unite their parents. This engaging subplot injects a unique and delightful dynamic into the story, offering a departure from typical romantic narratives. The boys’ genuine desire to form a cohesive family unit is palpable and heartwarming; Laura fills a void in Marcus’s life, and Bennett does the same for Daniel, fostering a bond that extends beyond mere friendship between the boys. This interconnectedness leads Laura and Bennett to spend more time together, allowing their relationship to blossom naturally. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, and as Laura gets to know Bennett better, her perception of him shifts, revealing the depth of their connection.
While the novel’s ending is satisfying, it left me wishing for an epilogue to glimpse the future of Laura, Bennett, and their sons. Seeing how their newly formed family continues to evolve would have been a delightful addition, enriching the story’s resolution and providing a fuller sense of closure. The early moments of tension between Laura and Bennett add an interesting layer to the narrative. Laura’s initial misjudgments based on Bennett’s tattoos and his job as a factory foreman create a compelling starting point for her character’s growth. Her evolving perception of Bennett, as she comes to appreciate his dedication as a single father, enriches the storyline and deepens their relationship. The author’s writing style adds to the book’s distinctive voice, encouraging readers to engage more deeply with the text and its underlying themes.
Rough Edges is a warm and engaging romance that beautifully captures the complexities of blending families and finding love after loss. I highly recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance, especially those who enjoy stories centered on family dynamics and personal growth. Jacobs’ novel offers a touching portrayal of second chances and the unexpected paths that lead to healing and happiness.
Pages: 348 | ASIN : B0CTD61Y82
LITERARY TITAN 