From Dysfunction to Love

by Bernetta Thorne-Williams

This book is the sequel to Forever Love.

Gail Evans does not believe in a forever love because she witnessed firsthand the devastation that a relationship gone awry could cause for all those concerned. At the age of ten, she witnessed her dad engaging in a flirtatious encounter with someone who was not her mother. Once she divulged that information to her mother, it was the beginning of the end for their family of four. That experience taught her that love might exist for the lucky few, but for most people the thought of a lasting love was best left to fairy tales.

When her best friend got engaged after a whirlwind romance of one week, she was cautiously optimistic for her friend. Katharine believed in lasting relationships because she had amazing parents as role models. Despite her excitement for her friend, she remained a pessimist when it came to her own love life. Therefore, when she met Thomas, Gail assumed the mild attraction was no more than an anomaly. After all, she was the maid-of-honor and best friend, and he was the best man and brother of the wedding couple to be. Her assumption began to shift once they were thrusted together for the holidays.

Gail’s attraction to Thomas combined with his assertion that her past was preventing her from living in the present, forced her to revisit her painful childhood. A childhood she would soon discover shrouded by secrets and lies. Would learning the truth about her parent’s failed marriage free her from her self-imposed prison of isolation and mistrust? Could forgiving her dad and herself lead to the healing she needed to put her past assumptions in the rear-view mirror so that she could enjoy the journey before her with an amazing man? Could the girl who grew up in a dysfunctional family find a forever love?

Paperback

Published February 8, 2022

About the author

Bernetta Thorne-Williams is the author of several romance novels including POOF, Second Chances and Etched Upon My Heart. She has showcased her writing talents in Chicken Soup for The Soul books, including Chicken Soup for the African American Women’s Soul, Chicken Soup for the Beach Lover’s Soul, and other works. Mrs. Thorne-Williams credits her travels with her amazing husband, of over thirty years, as the inspiration behind many of her stories. She is the mother of two adult sons and resides in North Carolina.

Reviews

[Charles Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read with great enjoyment and fulfillment, “From Dysfunction to Love”. I had previously read “ Forever Love” and this book is the sequel. And while I very much enjoyed the romance story from the first book, “From Dysfunction to Love” really explores the intricacies of relationships. You always hear people say about relationships that “it’s complicated”. It is great to see a book handle those very valid feelings, knowing that we are a product of many experiences that shape how we feel about love, many of which we ourselves are not aware of. It is good to see Gail work through her feelings in a real and honest way, with of course, a little help from her best friend, Katharine. Love doesn’t always take the straight and easy path, no matter what the fairy tales may say, but it is always worth it.

[Jane Rhoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a divorcee after 40+ years; so I know both love and dysfunction in a relationship. It was so hard to accept that my marriage was dysfunctional and crumbling. Emotionally, he left the marriage before I could put a face to it and accept it. I was definitely surprised that I enjoyed reading From Dysfunction to Love because my life had been left in tatters during the separation and divorce processes. Although, I am not currently in a relationship, I have hope because I can identify with Gail's disbelief that authentic love exists, and with her stepping out on a limb to share her heart again.

[Mildred Chavis]

She's done it again! My faith in happy endings has once again been validated by Bernetta Thorne-Williams. She understands the value of a happy ending on the human spirit.Her passion for organization of human emotions is a testiment to her wish for personal happiness, for all her characters. Her writing reflects her feelings for family and friends. I really enjoyed from Dysfunction To Love. Looking forward to her next adventure.