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Sister of bestselling author Zane weaves a compelling tale of long-lost sisters who are reunited against the backdrop of painful pasts and sexual escapades.

As a former journalist who interviewed celebrities such as Vanessa Williams, Deion Sanders and Janet Jackson, Charmaine R. Parker knows how to tell a great story. The sister of bestselling author Zane and the publishing director of Stebor Books, Parker began writing creatively as a child, penning shorts stories, poetry, skits and plays. Now, with her debut novel, THE NEXT PHASE OF LIFE (Atria Paperback; July 26, 2011; $12.00), Parker brings her highly anticipated work to a wide audience. With her page-turning tale of longlost sisters who are reunited via the internet, Parker presents a cast of unforgettable characters as they confront painful pasts, romantic challenges and life-changing decisions.

Tai Wilson, the beautiful and savvy owner of an employment agency that is one of the hottest businesses in Washington, DC, has everything she’s ever wanted except a meaningful relationship. After a humiliating experience at her fortieth birthday party, Tai begins to wonder if she’ll ever meet the man of her dreams. Like manna from heaven, Marco, a gorgeous younger man, unexpectedly lands in Tai’s life and becomes her love interest.  As things begin heating up between Tai and her new man, she gets another surprise: Trista, the sister who was separated from her during childhood because of their parents’ tragic death, reconnects with Tai and moves to DC from Salisbury, North Carolina.

Tai is thrilled about her sister being back in her life and quickly finds her a job and introduces Trista to her upscale lifestyle filled with lavish parties, fine restaurants and spas. But despite Tai’s generosity and support, Trista exhibits flashes of anger and resentment toward Tai and shuts herself in her room. Trista’s dark moods and crying spells are an indication to Tai that Trista is troubled and while Tai does her best to get Trista to confide in her, she is unsuccessful. Disturbed about Trista’s behavior, Tai takes a secret trip to North Carolina to do some investigating. Once there, Trista’s former employer and Salisbury’s retired sheriff fill in the blanks about Trista’s past and Tai realizes her sister has been harboring several dark and potentially damaging secrets. Meanwhile, Tai’s close friend, Candace, a sexy fashion merchandiser, takes Trista under her wing and introduces her to a charismatic and stylish man with a twin brother. Soon, Candace and Trista are being wined and dined by the mysterious twins and even take a road trip to New York City with them. However, all that glitters is not gold and Candace and Trista nearly find themselves in the midst of an FBI sting operation where the twins are taken into custody.

Thanks to the intervention of Nevada, a sharp private investigator and another of Tai’s close friends, Candace and Trista are spared arrest and criminal charges. After Tai confesses to Trista that she has visited North Carolina, Trista comes clean about her past and her relationship with Tai improves because Trista realizes Tai is not standing in judgment of her and loves her, regardless of her past actions. Before long, a series of positive personal and professional developments occur with Tai, Trista, Candace and Nevada with the promise of bright and happy futures for all as they enter the next phase of life.

With surprising plot twists, a rapid-fire pace and a satisfying ending, THE NEXT PHASE OF LIFE is certain to gain Charmaine R. Parker legions of fans and loyal readers.

Charmaine R. Parker is a former journalist who worked as a reporter, copy editor and managing editor. The sister of bestselling author, Zane, Parker grew up in Washington, DC, and is married with a daughter and lives in Maryland. Visit the author at http://www.facebook.com/charmainerobertsparker.

You can order THE NEXT PHASE OF LIFE by Charmaine S. Parker at Amazon, HERE!

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