Like the First Time

    Invincible Women #1

    by Francis Ray

    St. Martin's Press (Griffin)

    May 1, 2004

    ISBN-10: 0312324294

    ISBN-13: 9780312324292

    Available in: Trade Size

    Like the First Time
    by Francis Ray

    THE GOOD SISTER.
    Claire Bennet has lost her job for the second time in as many years due to downsizing. She doesn't know what she's going to do since her checking account has almost been stripped bare and her older brother is always a day late and a dollar short. With no man in her life, her parents' home is all she has and she's going to lose that unless she can think of something quick.

    THE GOOD LOVER.
    Fashionable and trendy Brooke Dunlap has also been downsized, but she's not worried because she expects her wealthy boyfriend to propose any day now. Unfortunately, Randolph Peterson III has other plans and dumps her. Now Brooke is left devastated with no engagement ring, a pile of bills and a Jag that's in the shop.

    THE GOOD WIFE.
    Lorraine Averhart lost one of her dearest friends to cancer only months before and with that friendship, their dream of opening their own florist shop. But when Lorraine sees the wonderful candles, soaps and bath gels Claire has created, she pushes them to go into business together. With Brooke's savvy about what women want, Claire's products and Lorraine's money, they're sure to be a hit. They've got nothing to lose, so why not?

    But Lorraine's marriage comes under terrible strain as the business takes off and a new a temptation appears on the horizon; Claire becomes involved with one of the most powerful men in town; and Brooke is forced to reevaluate what matters most: a fat bank account or love and belonging somewhere she can call home?



    Francis Ray's Bio

    New York Times and USA Today best selling author Francis Ray has written fifty-four titles.

    As a literary fiction series writer within multiple genres, world wide readers enjoyed her consistent bestseller’s lists which included Historical, Romance, Diversity, Christian and Contemporary novels. As well as the recipient of numerous Awards throughout her literary career:
    Romantic Times Career Achievement, EMMA, The Golden Pen, The Atlantic Choice,Written Magazine Book of the Year, Borders 2008 Bestselling Multicultural Romance Award, Romantic Times 2008 Reviewer’s Choice Award Winner, 2013 African American Literary Awards Show-Best in Romance, The Francis Ray Romance Slam Jam Lifetime Achievement Award was renamed in her honor from Romance Slam Jam, Building Relationships Around Books 2013 Woman Literature, the Francis Ray Lifetime Literary Award was named in her memory from BRAB, Romantic Times 2013 Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award for Multicultural Romance and NPR Books named HEART OF THE FALCON, the number 2 book for Contemporary romance list of 100 Swoon-Worthy Romance 2015.

    Mrs. Ray, also established The Turning Point Legal Fund to assist women and children of domestic violence to help restructure their lives. The fund is administered by The Family Place, a woman’s shelter in Dallas, Texas.