Yvonne Hooks’ most beloved role is being a mother of two, having a step-daughter and being grandmother to ten grandchildren. She is also a writer and self-published author of three books: The Family Keeper: Christmas Magic, Ruby’s Season and the sequel The Underside of Hope. Yvonne began writing at an early age and continued as an adult producing poetry, plays, short stories, newsletters and programs for family, community and church.
Yvonne credits her creativity on two things: Inspiration from God and her boundless imagination. Her writings give the reader the illusion that they are in the room with the characters as a participant. Writing in the romance genre, Yvonne expounds on love, hope, encouragement and perseverance.
She enjoys spending time with family, mentoring and working with children and youth, taking road trips to explore God’s creations and solving jigsaw puzzles.
This summer, Yvonne will release two audiobooks, Love’s Journey 2.0 and the sequel, The Second Landing. Both are senior romances that remind us it’s ‘never too late’ is not just a clique.
Here’s a little excerpt from The Underside of Hope
THE UNDERSIDE OF HOPE EXCERPT:
“Why don’t you ask Greg to come over?” Ruby said, pouring coffee.
“He’s probably eaten breakfast twice by now.”
“That’s okay. I just don’t want him to feel left out.”
“Good thinking, Mom!” Carl said reaching for the phone. By the time they sat down to breakfast, Greg was there. Carl had alerted him to bring his CD player, so after eating, he and Lisa took over the living room exchanging CDs while the twins strutted their strollers all over the house. Ruby passed out the gifts she had for Carl and Greg. She was a little embarrassed her gifts were inexpensive and ordinary. Carl didn’t seem to mind. He immediately took off his suit coat and put on the tan sweater he received. His light blue shirt coordinated well. Greg seemed pleased with his book and CD Lisa had picked out.
Carl sat with his arm around Ruby in the kitchen listening to the children.
“Do you want to go see the house now? It’s your present, you know?” Carl said softly, burying his face in her hair.
“No, we can see it another time. Your mother wants us over for dinner at four, we won’t have time.”
“Yes, we will. It’s not even two, we have plenty of time. Come on, Lisa wants to see it even if you don’t.” Carl pleaded. “I want you to see that I haven’t changed anything. Other than the furniture, it’s as if you just walked out.”
“Please, Carl, no. I’m not ready now. Things are just happening too fast. Let’s wait a little while. Okay?”
Carl searched her face, trying to understand her hesitancy. “Okay,” he finally said, getting up to get another cup of coffee when Ruby grabbed his arm.
“Wait. I’m sorry. Don’t leave. We can go. That house holds so many memories, I’m a little apprehensive about going back. But I’m being selfish. Of course, Lisa wants to see it. Let’s go.”
Lisa and Greg insisted on squeezing in between the two car seats rather than taking a second car. Leilah and Lydia sang “Jingle Bells” like a broken record. Lisa and Greg had earphones in and didn’t mind. For Ruby, the route tasted familiar and strange at the same time. Before the Jeep had completely stopped, Lisa and Greg jumped out. They ran and played in the snow and Leilah and Lydia joined them. Ruby remained in the seat even after Carl opened her door.
“Go ahead and let the children in,” she announced quietly. Her body seemed to be planted where she sat. She could hear Lisa whooping as she ran through the house. Carl stood at the door waiting.
Finally, she entered the familiar foyer. Nothing had changed; only the furniture and layout were different. She walked around the first floor in the kitchen. Carl followed her not knowing what to expect. He thought she’d be happy, finally coming home. Suddenly, she turned to him and flung herself into his arms. “Just hold me.” Carl rocked her feeling her release in his arms.
“It’s gonna be all right, baby.” He whispered lost for words. The children came running in and stopped abruptly.
“What’s wrong?” Lisa frowned.
“Mommy’s okay. She’s just a little emotional right now. Why don’t you guys go into the living room and wait?”
Lydia immediately put her thumb in her mouth, an indication she was about to cry. Lisa picked her up and took her away.
“Sweetheart talk to me. Tell me what’s wrong. Remember, we need to communicate if we’re gonna spend the rest of our lives together.” Carl prompted her softly.
Ruby wiped her face on the handkerchief he offered. “I guess I met some old ghosts in this room. This is where Lyle told me he loved someone else, and he was leaving me. It was one of the saddest days of my life. I didn’t think I could survive without him. I put so much into that marriage. So much hope and trust. I don’t know if I can open up like that to you. I’m so afraid of being hurt again or disappointing you.”
“Sh-h-h. You know I’d never do anything like that to you. Lyle was young and foolish. In the end, he would’ve taken it all back if he could. He never knew what he had until it was too late. I know what I have, and I’m not going to do anything to lose you. Just talk to me. I need to know when you’re sad or mad or hurt or anything else. Maybe you don’t fully trust me now, but you will someday. I’ll work to make it happen, okay?” Carl kissed Ruby, hoping she could feel the love in his heart.
“Honey?” she whispered.
“Uh-huh.”
“Can we take this real slow? I want to do it right this time?”
“Sure, baby,” he said, disguising the disappointment in his voice. He wanted a New Year’s Eve wedding. He wasn’t one for long engagements.
“I’m okay now. Let’s go check on the kids, I don’t want to spoil their Christmas.” She led him out of the kitchen.
Yvonne Hooks
