When Twilight Comes

by Gwynne Forster, Caroline S. Clay (Narrated by)

In all the world, only two things are important to Marge Hairston: her work as a journalist, and the three children she raised alone after her husband's death. Handsome Drogan, tempestuous Cassie, and gentle Sharon share a warm affection for each other, and a profound pride in their mother, who turned The Woodmore Times into North Carolina's most influential African American newspaper.

But even a family as close as the Hairstons can be torn apart when crisis hits-as it does when Marge is taken seriously ill. And when she insists that one of her children abandon a comfortable and successful career to continue her work at the paper, Drogan, Cassie, and Sharon suddenly find their cherished close relationships unraveling.

It is the unassuming Sharon who finally, reluctantly, steps into her mother's shoes at The Woodmore Times and when she does, she finds herself flung into a terrifying, exhilarating new world. While she faces heartache over Drogan and Cassie's sudden jealousy and mistrust, she also finds unexpected joy in her new career and passion in the arms of a new lover.

And as she blossoms from docile, devoted little sister into a dynamic woman living life on her own terms, she also discovers the strength and courage to lead her brother and sister into acceptance, bittersweet reconciliation, and ultimately, healing.

Crackling with wit and insight,

When Twilight Comes is both a story of loss and a celebration of love and life that will live on in the reader's heart long after the last page is turned.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, African American Romance, Romance

Audio Cassette

First published February 2, 2002

About the author

Gwynne Forster (1922-2015) was the pseudonym of American novelist, short fiction writer, demographer, and sociologist Gwendolyn Johnson-Acsadi. Forster was best known as an early innovator of the African American Romance fiction tradition. Forster was a prolific writer who authored more than 50 books, as well as multiple studies in the field of demography. Forster won a wide readership with her novels and garnered awards, including the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Black Writers Alliance Gold Pen Award.

Reviews

[Destiny “ Dee” · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Gwynne Forster. I didn't really know what to expect, but I'd heard many good things about the author. In honor of her recent passing, I thought I'd take a chance. I liked the book. I wish it would've been a bit longer and told the rest of Rafe and Sharon's story. This book was about the ugly way people can act when their loved one is dying and passes. Sisters and brothers can be against one another. We have to gather strength to move on. Cassie and Drogan's stories were so similar, yet different. It was a pleasant read. This book was well written.

[Cheryl Durham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwynne Forster did a phenomenal job in taking the reader into the lives of the Hairston family as they faced adversity. Marge Hairston, the matriarch of the family and owner/publisher of a prominent newspaper, would soon succumb to a terminal illness. She met with her adult children, a son and two daughters, to gauge their interest and commitment to take over the newspaper. The son, Drogan and the oldest daughter, Cassandra, stated that they couldn't just walk away from their own lives and commitment.

Although the oldest children decided against stepping in and stepping up, they made it clear that they still desired a significant portion of the paper's proceeds. The youngest child, Sharon, accepted the challenge of tackling the newspaper. After turning down the appointment as the Dean of the Social Work Department at the college where she worked....she started her tutelage. Along the way she would learn not only a great deal about running a paper but a great deal about how to deal with employees who circumvent and challenge authority, siblings who couldn't accept responsibility for their choices and even more about herself.

I have always been told that one's true nature is revealed at times of the greatest adversity....and so it was in Gwynne Forster's work. A dying mother continued to stroke and encourage as she dealt with her declining health. Her inner circle continued to minister and love on her because they had over 30 years of memories...and although they would indeed miss her...they basked in the present. Drogan and Cassandra would have pity parties and jeopardize marriages because of their inability to turn the search light inward. Sharon would discover that she could run the paper and for the first time allow herself to find love. She was able to move out of the shadow of her siblings and find her way. Adversity is truly a dear teacher......

When Twilight Comes was masterful . The characters were well developed. The reader was allowed to see their strengths as well as weaknesses. The story was a situation that we all can relate to...and for the most part...have encountered. It reflected that parents know their children and contrary to popular belief, once the reach the age of adulthood, owe them no more than they desire to give. Their work ethic and character...if it's been nurtured..should carry them the rest of the way. Well-written. Strongly recommended to others.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good evoking emotions. Purchased at the Birmingham, AL, library book sale.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't really start to enjoy or really get into it around midway. Then I couldn't put it down, wanting to know what happened next. It was a good read.