Books

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About the Author

I am an author, speaker, workshop presenter, and educator. My background includes teaching math at the high school and community college levels in New York and Virginia. I have spoken to multiple venues over the years on a variety of topics. As an author I write across the genres, starting with my non-fiction math empowerment books and my memoir, Fragments of a Woman’s Life. Later, having read so many novels, I decided to try my hand at fiction and fell in love with the process. What began as a single novel, Vanessa - a Love Story, has now morphed into The Vanessa Trilogy. Few things, I find, are as relaxing as reading a great book or writing a book of my own. My goal is not only to entertain and empower through my written works, but to assist other women who want to write get started and accomplish their writing goals. On a personal level, I am a wife, mother of two phenomenal adults, and grandmother to two adorable grandsons. I have several passions, and writing is one of them.

Vanessa - a Love Story (Excerpt)

Vanessa waited for Miguel in the lobby of the Grand Hotel. Why did I agree to come here? Last night his poetry reading caught her attention and plunged her into an ongoing fantasy. He only invited me here out of politeness. She had asked to see his art and he felt obliged to accommodate her. That was it. No need to make a big deal of it. Miguel appeared to react to her energy last night, or more specifically to the energy that seemed to exist between them… Although her eyes were riveted on his face, he conversed casually, spiritedly, and emphatically with everybody, as he discussed art in politics and politics in poetry. He was the consummate artist, and she was now consumed with him. The ornate lobby bustled with people confirming their reservations and seeking information. Vanessa sat tensely in a red velvet winged back chair, physically comfortable but emotionally knotted. She felt beautiful and vulnerable. Her hair hung in gentle tendrils like little flowers draping her face. Her body was warmly wrapped in soft moss green wool, a one-piece body of a dress that screamed for attention. She reached into a black velour purse for her compact. She checked out well - skin smooth, eyes bright, lips reddened just like last night’s wine…

Copyright 2016. Sandra L. Manigault
Vanessa - The Next Chapter (Excerpt)

When the song ended Vanessa was about to step away when Wyatt held onto her hand. As a second song blended into the first, he held her closer this time. She could feel the energy between them electrify. When the music ended they walked back to where they had been sitting and eating. She began thinking about one thing, but was talking about another. “I notice that when you talk about your work, Wyatt, your eyes dance. That you’re passionate about what you do.” “Thank you, Vanessa. You’re very observant. Now I’m curious. What else have you noticed?” His eyes were riveted momentarily on her lips. “That you have a beautiful smile and a soothing voice…. And for some reason that your wife isn’t here with you.” “I never said that I had a wife.” “That doesn’t mean you don’t,” she replied sweetly. He sighed. “We parted amicably three years ago.” “I’ve heard that one before,” she said, smiling. “You don’t believe me? You want to see the divorce papers?” “No. Not unless I decide to sleep with you.” For what seemed like a full minute Wyatt seemed stunned and said nothing. Then he smiled, and the color of his gray eyes deepened. “You have a deal.”

Copyright 2018. Sandra L. Manigault
Flora’s Saga. (Backstory and Excerpt)

In this final book of The Vanessa Trilogy we see Flora trying to make sense of how Vanessa got to the altar so quickly, given that each woman met her ideal man on the same day. They are both in love. Only Flora’s love agenda isn’t going anywhere. Flora’s ideal man checks off all the boxes. Brandon is a doctor, good-looking, fun to be with, and phenomenal in bed. Flora is eye candy, witty and a professional woman. What more could a man want?

Excerpt (below) from Flora’s Saga. Copyright 2021.

Flora had never been forward, had never taken the initiative. Until now. She had let her head lead and let her brain make the decisions. Until now. With Brandon, it was like her body was always on fire. No sooner were they inside their room when she stopped at the door, backed up to it, and made a gesture that was blatant and raw. She only had to open her mouth after that. He got the message. He picked her up, wrapped her legs around him, and kissed her, as their cores ground their way into the wooden door. His kiss was needy, possessive, his body, likewise, as she barely caught her breath, and let him have his way with her. It did not take long for her to lose the shorts, for her blouse to pop open from top to bottom .…

Copyright 2021. Sandra L. Manigault