We're starting a series here on Ward Realty's blog about some of the best books around, many of them having a connection to Topsail Island itself. Topsail Book Watch is a helpful resource if you're looking for recommendations on what to put on your reading list this summer.
We're starting off with Topsail Island native, Rolonda Watts, and her new novel entitled Destiny Lingers. What would you do if you had a second chance at your first love? The saying goes: "Time moves on but destiny lingers". See how the novel Destiny Lingers explores these concepts and delves into love, life, lies and loss. Also get an inside look at the autobiographical elements of the author's life that are part of the storyline.
This is a perfect novel to bring with you to read during your Topsail beach vacation or anytime you need a Topsail Island getaway in your mind.
Intrigued? Read on to learn more!
The Setting
Spectacular ocean views, cool salty breezes and surrounding coastal beauty are all part of the setting in Destiny Lingers and on Topsail Island every day. Watts is a self-proclaimed beach bum and it's no surprise that she finds inspiration by being around the ocean. When asked what her dream vacation destination would be, Topsail Island was on the short list, of course! Learn more about how Topsail Island is integrated into the novel and escape into island life through the pages of Destiny Lingers.
The Characters
Destiny is an investigative reporter in New York City looking to flee the turmoil of her life and marriage. Amid a myriad of personal tragedies, Destiny seeks out the comfort and familiarity of her roots back home on Topsail Island, a small beach town in eastern coastal North Carolina. Here enters local police chief, Chase McKenzie, who reignites a lot of emotion and memories of the past. Is there a possibility of a second chance of first love? You'll have to read the book to find out.
The Story
Destiny Lingers not only touches on love, loss and rediscovering your roots along with your true self, but it also encompasses the complexities of a racially-charged past as its butts heads with a progressive present. The intricacies of life, love and the pursuit of happiness are entangled in struggle, overcoming and new beginnings. Well worth the read!
The Author
This is Rolonda Watts' first foray into the world of novels, but she's no stranger to the entertainment business. In addition to kicking off a national Destiny Lingers book tour, she's also already plotting and planning its sequel. What you may not know is that she also is the voice behind Divorce Court, Professor Wiseman on the Curious George series, and will soon have a recurring role on In the Cut, a BounceTv sitcom. Oh, and she's doing stand-up comedy across the nation, so if she's in your town be sure to check her out. She's a busy woman with lot of talents, obviously.
The Topsail Island Inspiration Behind the Book
We'll leave you with a little insight and Watts' own words about her inspiration for Destiny Lingers:
"I was inspired to write Destiny Lingers after I was one of only 11 people who survived and was stranded on Topsail Island during Hurricane Bertha in 1996. For three days we ate at the Red Cross, and the island police chief gave me a ride. We shared so many common stories about our little island, as we had both grown up there and were the same age. We couldn't believe we had never met before, until we realized the cold realities of segregation that kept us apart. I wanted to capture this transcending moment in America's racial history, particularly being the last generation who may remember experiencing such Jim Crow times and the vast changes that followed. I also love Topsail Island, which my grandparents helped settle in 1950, despite the racial tensions. I wanted to immortalize my deep connection to this special island forever."
You can read more about Rolonda Watts in this author interview by USA Today or on the author's own website, rolonda.com.
Will you be putting Destiny Lingers on your summer reading list? Hope so! Let us know what you think. We'd love to hear your review.
