1950s Philadelphia: fifteen-year-old Ruby Pearsall is on track to becoming the first in her family to attend college. But a taboo love affair threatens to pull her back down into the poverty and desperation that has been passed on to her like a birthright. Eleanor Quarles arrives in Washington, DC, with ambition and secrets. When she meets the handsome William Pride at Howard University, they fall madly in love. But William hails from one of DC’s elite wealthy Black families, and his par­ents don’t let just anyone into their fold.

What was she doing here? Hyattown had changed very little in the years Vanessa Sexton had been away. In some ways her high school sweetheart, Brady Tucker, hadn't changed much either - he was still lean, athletic, rugged... But the once reckless boy had become a solid, dependable man. He'd stood her up on the most important night of her life; could she ever trust him again?

The first time single father Spence Kimball set eyes on Natasha Stanislaski, he was floored by her exotic beauty. But the former ballet dancer turned toy shop owner had a fiery temperament that kept men safely at bay. Sensing a hidden wound, Spence and his little girl joined forces to find a way into her closely guarded heart. For Spence realized he'd do anything to tame Natasha's fears...and show her how to love.

It's 1947. War's over, cherry-print dresses, parking above the city lights, swing dancing. Beautiful, 17-year-old Violet lives in a perfect world. Everybody loves her. In 2012, she's still beautiful, charming, and surrounded by admirers. Veronica "Ronni" Johnson, licensed practical nurse and aspiring writer, meets the captivating Violet in the assisted living facility where Violet requires no assistance, just lots of male attention. When she dies, she leaves Ronni a very generous bequest - only if Ronni completes a book about her life within one year.

When Grandpa Stinson dies, he expects nothing more than to keep his grandsons together, running the family's multibillion-dollar business. But he's got just one unfaltering rule: They have to get married and have a baby first. The brothers disagree...wholeheartedly. But it's set in stone. Follow the rule, or you're the one grandson out of luck.... Stubborn, rugged, but oh-so-sexy Roark Stinson, the oldest brother, refuses to give in to his grandfather's manipulations. After all, women are the root of all evil, and he's never witnessed a relationship that actually works.

What would you do for a friend? What sacrifice would you make? This is the issue facing Gail Henderson when her best friend, Crystal Al Jabbar, asks her to be a surrogate for her and her husband, Rashid, using Gail's own eggs. Further complicating her decision is the loss of Gail’s husband and toddler son in a fatal car accident, two years earlier. After much contemplation, Gail reluctantly agrees. Her decision sets off a chain of events none of them could have anticipated.

Born and raised in St. Claire, Lindsay Juneau's life was seemingly full raising a six-year-old daughter and caring for her widowed mother. Of course, things aren't always what they seem, and the newest resident of St. Claire isn't buying the ruse. Veterinarian Nicole Allen is looking for something different. She finds it in St. Claire with its hypochondriac rabbits, shotgun-toting shut-ins, and eclectic mix of people. The most alluring, though, is a woman who's also looking for something different.

After a joyous dinner party turns disastrous, Karli's perfect world is turned inside out. As she struggles to hold onto the life she holds dear, in comes the perfect stranger, Hudson Lewis. His charm and breathtaking view of life takes Karli by storm and awakens a dormant beast that unknowingly lies within. No holds barred, Karli embraces her new lease on life with a vengeance, but when a melting pot of lies and deceit is exposed, everyone's life will forever be changed as it brings everything to light in plain view.

Rob, a charismatic ex-fighter pilot severely disabled with MS, has been steadfastly cared for by his wife, Jan, for many years. Quite by accident one day, Terry, a young writer/postal carrier, enters their lives and turns it upside down. Injecting joy and turbulence into their quiet existence, Terry draws Rob and Jan into her lively circle of family and friends until the growing attachment between the two women begins to strain the bonds of love and loyalty, to Rob and each other. Contains mature themes.

Charlotte Knight could not believe her luck when she landed a job working as a nanny for powerful billionaire Brady Douglas. She also could not believe just how drop-dead gorgeous he was when she met him in real life. So much so, that she began to develop a crush on the handsome single father of one. However, the situation intensified once it became clear that Brady was just as interested in Charlotte as she was in him.

When Sukie's husband shacks up with her Pilates instructor, her domestic drama becomes the talk of her small Georgia town. Friends from her married life prove fickle, and Sukie hides at home, terrified of encountering the town gossips at the grocery store. Betsy, Sukie's neighbor, invites her to join "Fat Fridays", a weekly gathering at a local café where the women order whatever they crave - no calories counted. Over sausage pizza and sage advice, Sukie gets a grip on her new life.

Meet the Days, Howards, Madisons, and Lees. Four wealthy couples obsessed with keeping up appearances. Pearson, Vonita, Nadalia, and Ryan want the world to believe that they live flawlessly prosperous lives, but behind the custom-made doors of their elaborate mansions lie salacious secrets that are becoming harder to hide. Saving face may be a priority for these wives, but scandal, addiction, financial ruin, and infidelity threaten to reveal their truths to the world - and worst of all, each other.

As if juggling surgery and being an instructor isn't enough, she's recently taken on a more demanding administrative role at the medical school that was named after her legendary father. To make things worse, she's now required to attend a growing number of galas, fundraisers, and conventions. Wouldn't having a wife - a wife of convenience - help ease the burden that's threatening to overtake her world?

Chocolatier Lanie Heaven has good friends, a booming business, and the adoration of the citizens of Merritt, Alabama. But she also has a secret. After the devastating breakup with her longtime college boyfriend, she lost a baby and the hope of ever having a child - the thing she desires above all else.

Meg Michaels, a bookstore owner, has already walked away from two cheating exes. She's learned her lesson and has her mind set on success - until she gets knocked up. Embarrassed and unwilling to discuss her situation with friends and family, she wears layers to hide the pregnancy.