The Elegant Mrs. Nguyen

Mrs. Nguyen is not an easy character to love, but dig a little deeper into FOREST PARK: Logan Book 2 and you may change your mind. Yes, she’s an judgmental bigot who holds a grudge, but, like the diamonds she has kept hidden for many years, when you hold her to the light, many dazzling facets are revealed:  loyalty, love, and the ability to let go of old perceptions, thinking and actions. She doesn’t waste time on regret.

Most of all, I admire Mrs. Nguyen’s strength and persistence. I may not like her at first, and I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t think much of me, but I’d want her in charge if she were in my lifeboat. The woman gets things done and wouldn’t put up with any nonsense or noncompliance.

Allow me to introduce you to this complicated, strong woman.

“Mr. Tran is expecting you,” he instructed. “Seventh floor.”

So you are Mr. Tran now.

The man had helped her and her son during their first difficult months in this country, but she disassociated herself and her son from him as soon as possible. How he could be Chinh’s friend, even as a boy, she would never understand. Tran Van Cong had been a criminal back in Vietnam, and as soon as he stepped onto American soil, she was sure, he had become even more of one.

Whatever money you have, you owe it to my husband, who saved your life. We made our own way here. I will collect on that debt now.

Alone in the elevator, she pushed a gold filigree number seven. Top floor.

Of course.

She noted the gaudy finishes with some smugness, thinking of her son’s tasteful restaurant downtown and the refined elegance with which she had decorated it. Over her son and his wife’s objections, she had the ivory and black-veined marble for the foyer flown in from Carrara, Italy. It was perfect. Some things were worth it. As was this visit, if she could stomach it long enough.

Excerpt FOREST PARK: Logan Book 2