They told her sign language would ruin her future. It became her light.
Dr. Leila Toussaint grew up hard of hearing in a Deaf family in New Orleans, in a school where her language was against the rules. Raised by a Deaf seamstress mother and a fierce big sister, she learned early that love does not need sound to be heard.
Now she is a professor, a rising speaker, and the founder of a mentorship movement for young people the world overlooks. She has a best friend who has walked beside her since college, a nephew who thinks she can do anything, and a kind man who is learning her language one sign at a time.
But when a wave of lies threatens everything she has built, Leila must learn the hardest lesson of all: that even the one who lights the way for others needs someone to hold the light for her.
Inspired by the life of Dr. Regina Daniels, author of Silent Strength, Leila's Light is a warm, hopeful story of faith, family, friendship, first love, and the courage to be seen in your own language.
Perfect for readers who love:
Inspirational and faith-filled fictionStrong Black women leading with heartStories about Deaf culture and American Sign LanguageFamily, mentorship, and second chancesA Reader's Guide for book clubs and small groups is included.