Measure of A Man (Homecoming)

By H. Dean Ragland

Four men, four different choices, four chances to take back their lives.Jackson, nicknamed Junie, realizes that he has never recovered from leaving the two loves of his life; painting and Lena. And heaven help the next woman who runs across Lonnie, the serial cheater, who has no idea where to turn after being unceremoniously dumped by his wife. Ben, the self-made man, is stopped cold by a past he has been running from all his adult life and Stephen, has to balance being open the return of his ex-wife while ensuring the well-being of his children against an unpredictable mother.The second installment of the "Homecoming" trilogy, "Measure of a Man" continues the story from the experience of the male characters in the novel. It is the story of four men who face both the self-inflicted and unexpected challenges of their lives.Strong and masculine in its perspective, the story shows that a man isn't measured by his immediate circumstances but whether or not he can rise in spite of them.Excerpt:Lonnie's mother was as wild as the wind. And like the wind, she could be either welcome relief or the storm you bunkered your home against. Adara moved to Virginia from Brooklyn with her family. She was the daughter of a police officer so she grew up knowing how to handle herself in any situation. Adara was an enigma to the local townspeople when she moved in; she was independent and opinionated like a man but everything about her smelled like a woman. The most telling thing about her was her hair; strong, curly and untamed, it sat on her head like a warning; it was not to be managed and neither was she.Adara sauntered around town in breezy dresses that hung loose around her and never seemed to wear much in the way of underwear. She picked any man she pleased and really didn't give much consideration as to whether he was already taken, chosen or married. Dapper Calvin was a well groomed man. He wore suits every day in preparation for his future aspirations. If you can tell a man by his shoes then fastidious is what his footwear screamed. Always shined, never scuffed or run down, Calvin's shoes signaled his attitude about every aspect of his appearance. Not a hair out of place or a smudge on his attire; he rivaled most women in self-preservation. His weekly manicures and pedicures, monthly facials and expensive wardrobe elevated his average looks. Not surprisingly, for most women, he was warm sun on a cool shadow. He captivated them; his hands were always thoughtful and his manners elegant. Calvin was an intelligent and lively conversationalist which was what drew men to him also. He was quick witted:"Say Cal, what's good?""I can't call it brother, but if I could I would have to name it God.""Yes, that's what I mean, God is good.""Do we need to discuss it or do we just need to live it?""What do you mean?""Shouldn't we just live in God's goodness, gratefully?"Calvin was fascinated by Adara. He liked the fact that he couldn't sweet talk her into his arms and his smooth charm didn't work on her. Adara was a challenge, she would come and go as she pleased and, like a cool breeze, never warned him when or where that would be. Although Calvin knew he had the gift of eloquent speech and would probably end up with a career in religion or politics, he wasn't sure either role was suited for his new love. But he didn't care, he had to have Adara and because he couldn't handle her, he married her.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1480251992
• ISBN13: 9781480251991
• Release Date: November 2012
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 214 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.5" x 5.5"