Venus Johnston has a great job and a long-term, live-in boyfriend who happens to be a drop-dead gorgeous doctor. She also has a weekly beauty-parlor date to keep her long, nappy hair slick and straight. But the tedious hours and harsh chemicals in the salon have long grated on Venus. One frustrating day, she trades in the long hair for a dramatically short, natural cut and sends her commitment-balking boyfriend packing. It’s a bold declaration of independence and one that has effects she never could have imagined. Reactions from friends and co-workers range from concern to contempt to outright condemnation. When her ex starts dating a voluptuous, long-haired beauty, Venus is forced to question what she really wants out of life. With wit, resilience, and determination, Venus finally learns what true happiness is, on her own terms.

Trisha R. Thomas lives in the Northwest with her husband and children. Nappily Ever After, her first novel, was nominated for an NAACP Image Award and the 2001 Golden Pen Award for Best New Author and Best Mainstream Fiction.