After the Dawn

Hidden Legacy/A Family Affair #3

by Francis Ray

New York Times bestselling author Francis Ray's third novel in the Family Affair series, featuring long lost siblings who find family, friendship, forgiveness, and love

Samantha Collins is stunned when her grandfather turns Collins Industry over to her, causing more than a bit of ill will among the other family members, especially her uncle, Evan. But nothing stuns her more than when she finds out that he has asked Dillon Montgomery to help her run the company. Her grandfather had fired Dillon and ordered him off the company property years ago.  Twelve years ago Samantha made her feelings known to Dillon and the whole thing ended in disaster and they haven't spoken since. Working together now, even all these years later, is sure to be a disaster. Still, she needs his help if she is going to keep Collins Industry afloat. But will the prodigal son return to the empire — and the woman — who desperately need him? Will he be able to admit how much he desperately needs her?

Genres: Romance, African American Romance

320 pages, Paperback

First published June 18, 2013

About the author

Francis Ray was a New York Times and USA Today bestselling African-American writer of romance novels. Her literary fiction series – Taggart and Falcon, the Invincible Women, Grayson Family of New Mexico, and Grayson Friends – have consistently made bestseller's lists. She was born in Richland, Texas, and studied nursing, receiving a bachelor's degree from Texas Woman's University in 1967. She began writing in 1987, while continuing to work as a nurse, and had her first book published in 1992.

AWARDS
Romantic Times Career Achievement
EMMA
The Golden Pen
The Atlantic Choice
Romantic Times 2008 Reviewers' Choice Award Winners for AFRICAN-AMERICAN ROMANCE Reviewers' Choice Awards – Best Books Not Even If You Begged, St. Martin's Griffin (February 2008)
Borders 2008 Bestselling Multicultural Romance Award for Nobody but You
Written's 2010 Readers Choice Book of the Year for If You Were My Man

Reviews

[Dafort · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest installment in Francis Ray's Family affair series and so far this book has been really good. One of Mrs. Ray's last works tells the story of forgiveness, healing, independence, honoring a dying request, and of course finding and exploring love.....young and old. Only Francis Ray can bring characters to life and find their soul mates. Readers will be cheering for Samantha and Dillon's relationship as well as the storyline of his mom and his colleague. This was a great story.

This was tough reading this book knowing that this is one of Mrs. Ray's last novels. She was a gifted and talented story teller where she could weave the story and make you fall in love with the characters.

[Kia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was about Samantha and Dillion upholding the dying wish of Samantha's grandfather. I hope that AJ doesn't have anymore children but I love any story that has Zachary Holman in it. Even if its brief. I just loved him in I Know Who HOlds Tomorrow. He was such as masculine man. This book wasn't as good at its predecessor but I still thought it was okay.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy these sweet romances from Francis Ray and this one was no different. Good characters, good storyline, nice conclusion.

RIP Francis Ray

[Vonetta Augustine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my 3rd book in this series. So far, the first two are still my favs. Ms. Ray write such layered characters and she writes some great antagonist. Dillon is a bad boy and I'm here for it. He takes no prisoners and speaks him mind. Samantha is a victim until she reunites with Dillon who gives her courage to stand her ground and speak up for herself.

Her uncle is despicable. By yelling at his father as this man is on his death bed, he involuntarily kills him. He wants to own the family company to hide his fraud and embezzlement of funds. This fool wants to live large but not do any hard work. In the end he once again tries to kill the people who are going to expose his treachery.

I also appreciate the second romance that's included in this series. Novel 1-Gordon and Camille; Novel 2-Kara and Tristan, and this one Marlene and Roman. This is a mature, second chance at romance for these two. Also, I love Zachary and Cade coming back. I wish the epilogue was bit longer to give updates on Sam's uncle, the company, and show a little more interactions between the brothers and their significant others.

Overall an enjoyable read and close to this series.

[Wendy Hinton · Rating 4 out of 5]

You truly never know your family until a Will is read and you aren’t in it.

This story spans a young woman’s fight to run her Grandfather’s business that has been left to her to run.

Her Uncle thinks he should have the reins on this one. He finds out that a long lost relationship of his niece has been decreed by her grandfather to help her run the company.
Deep diving into the company practices had brought them close again and together they discover things that put their lives in danger.

[Fragile Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick one

This was a fun, yet fast paced read. Before I knew it, the climax was happening, then the happy ending. I didn’t mind it too much because I get antsy when it’s drawn out long. Either way, Francis always delivers a story that makes you smile, tingle, and sometimes cry. Loved the ending of this story.

[Quirkybookwormkat · Rating 2 out of 5]

How can anyone describe Dillon a good man when he’s an asshole! He belittles the heroine such as crying shows weakness and etc. I’m sorry if I don’t like it. That type of men turn into abusers down the road. He wasn’t toughening her up. He’s tearing her down. Meh! I don’t need to go on. DNF

[Beverly Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A family affair

There story was excellent like the last two books
It left you in suspense until you continue to read more I enjoy the story, where trust was the main storyline. Excellent reading

[WarmSouthernBelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the similarities between the mother and son. I appreciated them working through their hurts. The chase wasn’t instant either of their mates which made for a good and not overly predictable outcome, outside of the main characters.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick easy read - and very predictable.

[Rhonda Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

I have been a lifelong Francis Ray fan and this book didn’t disappoint. I love the characters and the multiple storylines and plot twist!

[Elaine]

The moral of the story is if your love interest won't commit to a serious relationship just get shot in the forehead and he'll change his mind and propose.

[Carolyn F. Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

True to Life

I enjoyed reading about the adventures a nd real life encounters. I am looking forward to reading more about the additional family members.

[crucnhRATsuprme · Rating 1 out of 5]

horny men are not my cup of tea

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dillon and Sam, love going to last

Dillon and Samantha, brought together due to unforseen circumstances. Having to learn to trust and rely on one another. In this story you see the meaning of passion and purpose. Often it is the one right in front of you that let's you know home is where the heart resides.

It was always a great compliment to have Marlene and Roman's story intertwine. As an older couple it's important to see how patience can move forward and forged an unbreakable bond.

In this story we learn from the past and relish in the future.

[Patrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another WONDERFUL Novel by Ms. Francis Ray! Dillon & Samantha were great characters and I loved this story. I do wish that it was a bit longer it just seemed like everything wrapped up a little to quickly and left you hanging. Marlene and Roman were sooooo cute. Anything with Zachary Holman in it and it's a guarantee that I'll love it. But again I do wish that there was more involvement with Zachary, Cade & Dillon together.

Truly do LOVE this series and I'm very sad to see it possibly end.

[Melinda Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those books that I did not want to put down. It is a story of a single young girl who is fragile but learns her true strength when her Grandfather dies and leaves his company to her and another young man. Fate brings them together and as much as they fight it, they begin to fall in love with one other. This is a beautiful story of family, love, overcoming obstacles and opening up the heart to allow others to break down the walls of hurt. I highly recommend reading this book!

[Mary Rinaldi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happened upon this book on a bargain table at B&N, read a chapter and decided to buy it. Never put it down until I finished it much later that night/next morning. This author had interesting characters dealing with the family dynamics that weren't easy but they rose to the challenge as we all must do sometimes. This was my first book by this author but certainly not my last. My only sorrow at coming to the end of this book was discovering that this talented author has passed away.

[Karen Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful story of love by Ms. Ray. Only she told stories quite like these. She continues to make me believe that true love is really out there. Well written, great plot, and love how characters we meet in one book tie into another. Loved it!!!

[~ Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ♥Loved♥ this book, the storyline was perfect, and the characters were easy to follow. There is a TWIST that makes you want to read the book even quicker to get to the answer... If you're not a Fan of 'My Friend Francis Ray' {yet} you should be!! ♥*☆ Absolutely A Fantastic Woman!! ♥*☆ //(*_*)\\

[Racquel · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was not as good as I wanted it to be..not as good as i thought it would be.

[Cf · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not her best.

[Crystal Anders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story full of dynamic characters. Very entertaining. A must read!

[Reshemah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

[Thea Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frances Ray once again does a great job of keeping my interest in his book.

[Shortphat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to discuss it at the book club meeting.

[Jovette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and the series.

[SassyMama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another ENJOYABLE romantic treat by one of my FAVORITE authors...Francis Ray will TRULY be missed :-(

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another one to savor. Gonna miss her. Good thing there is no expiration on a good book. I'll reread often.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it