I don’t think I have ever read a story by Barbara Samuel that wasn’t an immersive experience, and The Sleeping Night certainly is just that. The majority of the story is set in post-World War II Texas and is told from the points of view of two childhood friends: Angel Corey and Isaiah High. Angel is white and Isaiah is black, a fact that the two never gave much thought to until they became teenagers and the world around them seemed to intervene and insist they not associate.

The fractured friendship between Angel and Isaiah began a fragile recovery during Isaiah’s time as a soldier in World War II. The pair exchanged letters that are shared as part of the narrative throughout the book. When Isaiah returns to the small Texas town after the war, he is certain he’s only passing through. Yet there is an undeniable pull to Angel, the closeness they once shared, and the feelings growing between them now, as adults. However, what Angel and Isaiah can’t deny between themselves is something the world won’t allow them to share.

The Sleeping Night is a richly detailed story of love no matter what. A highly recommended read.

About the Book
In 1940s Texas, an African American soldier returns to his hometown after fighting in World War II. His bitter memories of his father’s murder there make it unlikely he’ll stay in town for long; but then he reconnects with the young white woman who was his childhood friend.

About the Author
Barbara Samuel is a multiple RITA award-winning author with more than 38 books to her credit in a variety of genres. She has written historical and contemporary romances, a number of fantasy novellas with the likes of Susan Wiggs, Jo Beverley and Mary Jo Putney. She now writes women’s fiction about families, dogs, and food as Barbara O’Neal.

Her work has captured a plethora of awards, including six RITAs; the Colorado Center for the Book Award (twice); Favorite Book of the Year from Romance Writers of America, and the Library Journal’s list of Best Genre Fiction of the year, among many others.You can find a full list of all titles here.

Now living back in her hometown of Colorado Springs, Barbara writes in a study overlooking Pikes Peak, a pin that draws her home from her travels. She shares her home with Christopher Robin, a British endurance athlete, a gorgeous and lovable chow mix named Jack; a very, very old Siamese named Esmerelda; a rescued street cat who has become the fattest silver tabby on the planet, and the wonder twins, two tuxedo kittens from a local shelter, whose names have changed several times. Yes, a lot of animals.

An avid photographer, cook, and traveler, Barbara keeps a log of travels, recipes, and photos at her blog, A Writer Afoot, where she also sometimes posts writing advice. You can follow her on Twitter and Facebook, but she doesn’t promise to be particularly interesting there.