I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

Hidden Legacy/A Family Affair #1

by Francis Ray

In her mind's eyes, she could see Wes, tall and elegant in his tailored tuxedo with a patterned vest, black tie, and snow white pocket square. Her red Valentino slip gown highlighted her honeyed complexion and chocolate brown eyes. The gown also picked up the red in Wes's vest and the red in the rose in his lapel.

They were the perfect couple and it was show time. And she wanted to scream.

Madison Reed, popular talk show host and America's darling and her husband, well-known TV correspondent Wes Reed is everyone's idea of the perfect couple. Bute knows that after the loss of their child, they became no more than polite strangers, maintaining the façade, revealing only picture perfect happiness. But Madison's world is turned upside down when Wes is critically injured in a car accident and a woman is killed. Before he dies, Wes confesses that the woman who was killed was his mistress---and that he is the father of her nine-month-old daughter, Manda. He begs Madison to raise the child. Unsure if she can, Madison struggles to take charge of her fate and put her life back together. Overwhelmed, she accepts the help of Zachary Holman, her husband's best friend, only to discover that his life is also shrouded by lies. Can she forgive and forget---not just once, but twice?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, African American, African American Romance, Chick Lit, Adult Fiction, Drama

320 pages, Paperback

First published April 20, 2002

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

[Kia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love story. It follows the simple format. Woman meets man, they fight their attraction, have some rough patches, then get together. I <3 Francis Ray. If I can't get the fairytale in real life might as well get it in a book.

[TK · Rating 1 out of 5]

Who do I need to call to get me my time back?

This book had a promising beginning then quickly annoyed me. The amount of grammatical errors and typos made this a harder read. This released edition seemed more like a first draft. This is my biggest gripe!

There was no need to belabor this story. The “big lie” was totally predictable. TOTALLY. So when it was finally revealed, after so many chapters trying to get you on the edge of your seat, it ended up being a complete let down. Then the ending was rushed. Unrealistic characters, most were under developed. There were more than enough chapters to build this into a touching story.
Love story/ lust story lacking all of the necessary feels.
Glad I thrifted this book. They can have it back.

[Telliey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Ray sure knows how to build a plot. The entire time I was reading I was dying to know what the big secret was. This book was realistic in it's emotions. The impossible situation and the journey from anger to love was heart wrenching for both Madison and me. I must be honest... I don't know if I could have done it. The ease in which this story is told created the perfect flow and made it very hard for me to put down. I only removed one star because the end seemed a bit rushed. People went out of their way to sabotage Madison and I would have like to known how their misfortunes turned out in their entirety. Overall, wonderful read. I was teary eyed and happy by the end.

[Stanjay Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book from this author, Francis Ray. I really enjoyed reading it because the storyline was very different and it grabbed my attention. It was well written and the characters were believable. I hope to read many more books from Francis Ray in the future. 4 stars for this great read!

[CL Harris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I t was a page turner because the storyline moved so slow. I admit that this story was similar in the way the characters evolved-you could almost tell what the outcome was going to be, but surprise it’s not what you expected so that was a good twist. Secrets, lies, hate, inadequacy was fresh for the reading in this story. Ending of course you saw that one coming the happily ever afters.

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. It shows how couples should be honest and open about their feelings. Wes and Madison missed out for not letting each other know they were grieving for their child. A.J. and Vanessa only cared about their status. Gordon did a great job raising his twins. They didn't care about Camille's age, just their father's happiness.

[Mary Calton Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensational book 📚

The author's writing, I'm enthusiastic her books I have quickly become a fan. I was obsessed and intrigued by the plot many levels. The book was realistic. The production of the writing ✍🏾 was plainly reproduced incorrectly. I cannot find grammar or spelling mistakes.

[Ariana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess I read the wrong kind of book lol. I'm sorry but some things should not be forgiven. I would not have taken in Manda, sorry not sorry, but she wouldn't be my problem. And as far as Zachary yeah he could go to.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book, but the end was rushed like always! Why once love is found there is the end of the book? I want to see the relationships develop. The transitions could be better as well I would go from one relationship of one couple to another completely different couple in the next passage!

[Sophia D. Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Love

Once you have been hurt it is hard to trust and love again. This book was talking to me. This book helped me understand that you have to talk in order to heal. People grieve in there on way. I would recommend this book to anyone.☺☺

[Fragile Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had my attention until the end

Great read! A lot of good points worthy of highlighting. I couldn’t wait to see how life turned out for Madison and Zachary, but I also couldn’t wait to see the consequences for the antagonists in the story. It all came together beautifully.

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful book!

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was a very good.it was kind of predictable but it held my interest because I wanted to know the secret. It’s a page turner

[Taylor Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid book. Set in DFW. Deals with grief and finding family in places you weren’t expecting.

[Kiya&#x1f98b; · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goddddddd, the ending left me in tears!!!! That’s all I have to say.

[mariah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Every character pretty’s much made wrong decision after wrong decision. You take of manda Zack how bout dat?

[Carmen Volk · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not finish. Got to page 248 and could not do it anymore.

[Sharon VanAllen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely no religious ending like the name would imply. I don’t know if it was the version I had but there some typos. Just read for a fiction filler

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

MsLady

You never know what tomorrow is holds for you. This was a very moving and well written story. It’s a story that everyone can identify with.

[Cherie l brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A common sentiment whenever I’m reading a Francis Ray novel is “that woman can write some books”! This novel didn’t disappoint at all. It’s not often that I read Mrs. Ray’s but this novel is clean and with the steam turned on a low simmer.

This was the story of Maddison, Wes, Zach, and several other sub characters. Wes, the spoiled rich only child of his wealthy and socialite parents. He’s married to the beautiful and successful Maddison Reed, an Talk Show Host. Wes is wildly successful in his career as a news reporter, but he is not as financially successful in his career as Maddison. Their marriage is out of sorts and the couple is drifting further apart.

Regrettably, Wes experiences a life threatening crisis that results in a deep dark secret being revealed. How can Maddison deal with the devastating and heart wrenching blow from her husband. What will His elitist parent have to say and how will they react? How will Zach, Wes very best friend come out of this untouched? What will Maddison think when she finds out about Zach’s duplicity?

You just have to read this novel to get answers to these questions and to witness other characters find love right in the midst of Maddison’s life crisis.

[Vonetta Augustine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wes and Madison were the picture perfect couple until they miscarried and their whole fell apart. They hadn’t made love in over a year and instead of going to couple’s counseling; Madison closes herself down and shuts Wes out & Wes has an affair and conceives a baby. Then this bastard ask everyone around him to cover up his secret and dies leaving Zachary (his half brother) behind to clean up his mess. Then the jacked up thing he does on his death bed is to ask his wife to raise his child conceived with his mistress whom everyone decides as a “good girl”. She also dies in the same accident that eventually kills Wes.

Wes’ parents are cold, hateful people especially his mother. Helen, Edward, and Louis all got their comeuppance. His parents knew about Manda and chose to keep her a secret to save face but later wanted her because they are lonely and wanted a piece of their son. No where in there was love. Zachary handles their asses ruthlessly just the way they handle people. 🤬😤

The story moving forward was a slow burn. I love the second chance romance with Camille and Gordon. Zachary and Madison found a love based in truth, loyalty, honesty, real communication, and true commitment. 😍😍

[SassyMama · Rating 5 out of 5]

To the outsider looking in, Madison and Wes Reed appear to be the perfect couple. They are what most deem as a match made in heaven. They are successful and appear to be living the good life. However, these two are far from what people think they are. Behind closed doors they are sleeping in separate bedrooms, rarely speak to each other. Madison and Wes suffered a terrible lost losing their only child. This lost has driven the couple in different directions. Madison is driven by her career and has shut off her feeling. Wes has been hiding his lost and hurt in the arms of another woman. An accident takes place claiming the life of Wes along with another woman. On Wes's deathbed he asks Madison to promise to raise the child of the deceased women, Madison agrees. Throughout this horrible ordeal, Wes's best friend Zachary is there to support her through this unfortunate set of circumstances. Ms Francis Ray takes us on a emotional rollercoaster ride of secrets, lies, denial, love, friendship, compromise and sacrifice. No page or stone is left unturned. A must read! This is one book you will definitely not want to put down.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story of love and redemption. Madison an Wes Reed seemed to be a picture perfect power couple. They both were well known television journalist but they had a huge secret - their marriage was a failure. Then the unbelievable happened, Wes was fatally injured in a car accident. The next few weeks were a blur for Madison and she never saw the extreme changes coming.

Ray has out done herself with this work..."trust your heart...it always knows the way." Madison had to work through betrayal of her husband, disrespect from her in-laws, pressure from the media, and getting to know what she really wants. You will run through all types of emotions and won't be able to stop reading. This is an incredible must read novel!

[Tm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far the best romance novel I've read for African Americans. I love how it has so many twists and turns, but still portrays what real love is and how it's all one needs to overcome anything.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very charming book. I loved the relationships that developed with all the characters in the book. I felt the secret that Zacary held on to, could have and should have been brought out sooner. But even with that said a very sweet plot.

[Lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good romance with a few unusual twists. Madison's husband is killed in a car accident leaving her with his child by his girlfriend to raise. How Madison heals from his betrayal and learned to both trust and love again was hard to put down.

[Cf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure I would have handled the situation the same. I give Madison credit for forgiving Zachary, his lies were major. I even enjoyed Camille and Gordon's story. A good read you won't be disappointed.

[Bebe20018 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Francis Ray, her books always make me feel so giddy and happy. I don't know if I could be the kind woman that would take of my husband's love child produced by an affair but Melinda did it and with grace. Days later I am still thinking about this story. Off to finish the trilogy.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

simply beautiful

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.