Confliction (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781736726815)

First Lady Aubrey Sampson leads a tranquil life in the sleepy suburb of Yorba Linda, California. When Aubrey's husband of twenty-five years, Pastor Phillip Sampson, confesses that he fathered a son by a former church member, Aubrey's world descends into chaos.

Twenty year old Donovan Upchurch, sweeps into the church's anniversary celebration, rushes the altar and lays himself at Phillip's feet, crying "Abba, Abba". Donovan writhes on the floor, contorts his wiry body and growls in an otherworldly voice. A swarm of ministers descend from the pulpit to "loose" the young man from demonic possession. Despite the ministers' frantic efforts, Donovan's demon spirit wins the battle.

Board members of predominantly Black Trinity Baptist Church pile on, threatening to remove Phillip from the pulpit. Associate Minister, John Bogan, a charismatic, fiery White southern Baptist preacher with the mesmerizing voice of an angel, leads the Judas Brigade. Before the coup is accomplished Pastor Phillip is shot in the head and left for dead. Aubrey discovers Phillip's near lifeless body, floating in a pool of blood. Aubrey tries to steer skeptical police in the direction of Donovan, who vanished as mysteriously as he appeared. Police pursue the usual suspect, the woman scorned and contemplating divorce, Aubrey Sampson.

Add to the mix of suspects, Aubrey's personal trainer turned bodyguard. Trent Davis hails from the gritty City of Vallejo, California where Aubrey was raised. Trent's attraction to the wealthy, bronze beauty is palpable. His presence in Aubrey's lavish home gives church folks something to talk about. Aubrey and Phillip's son, Miles, is not risking any chance of Trent getting next to his mother. Miles takes up residence in the sprawling mansion and sleeps with one eye open.

In the midst of her Confliction, fighting for her husband's life while battling insurrectionist church board members, Aubrey gets her swag back by using the power of her pen. She resurrects her writing career, abandoned years earlier at Phillip's insistence. Her blog titled "Sisters in Silence" becomes an Internet success. In a raw post, "Rules for Dating a Married Man", Aubrey outlines rules of etiquette for the Outside Woman and Ho-ing Husband to conduct their affair.

Months after the assault, Phillip dies in his sleep of a heart attack. Donovan emerges from the shadows, disguised in women's clothing, to pay tribute to his fallen father. Donovan is spotted, arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon. Aubrey is livid that Donovan escaped a murder charge. In the courtroom corridor Donovan's mother, Delia Upchurch, begs Aubrey's forgiveness. Forgiveness is something Aubrey still has to work on. Aubrey offers to pray for Delia and her twisted son, and then drops the bomb--- a letter revealing the truth about Donovan's paternity.

The evidence against Donovan is overwhelming, but too neatly laid out for astute Inspector Reynard Broussard. Broussard digs until the true identity of Phillip's assailant is unearthed. The truth comes too late to prevent another attack by the killer still at large. In a teeth-clinching action finale Aubrey goes toe-to-toe with the force that ripped apart her family and threatens to take her life.

Confliction rings all the bells, family drama, suspense and humor that will keep readers mesmerized until the final page is turned.