Grace In The Details, a story that pulses with the rhythm of Lagos, weaving redemption, romance, and the shadows of secrets into a tapestry of hope. As we step into this vibrant world, I’m thrilled to share the journey of this book, born from love for storytelling and the inspiration drawn from Nigeria’s rich culture and resilient spirit. Whether you’re a fan of heartfelt dramas or new to African literature, this novel promises to captivate, move, and linger long after the final page.

A Story of Second Chances

In the bustling heart of Ikeja, Lagos, Elochukwu Ihụnanya, a young Igbo man, seeks to outrun his past as a male escort, haunted by choices made to save his family. When he stumbles upon an impossibly affordable apartment next to the grand villa of Mr. Adebola Adebowale—a wealthy widower shrouded in rumors of ritualism—Elochukwu dares to dream of a fresh start. Mr. Adebowale’s unexpected kindness, from lavish furniture to heartfelt mentorship, lights a path toward redemption.

Enter Ifa Omorisola, a poised Yoruba businesswoman navigating her own pressures of family and society. Their romance, sparked in a lively cooking class filled with jollof rice and laughter, blooms with promise—until Mrs. Farah Abbas, a possessive figure from Elochukwu’s past, crashes into his new life, exposing secrets that threaten to unravel everything. Will Elochukwu break free from the chains of his past, or will they shatter his fragile hope?

Grace In The Details is a love letter to Nigeria, blending Igbo and Yoruba traditions with the electric energy of Lagos. It’s a story of human frailty, cultural unity, and the small moments—rose petals, shared meals—that hold the power to heal or destroy.

Why You’ll Love It

• Emotional Depth: Elochukwu’s journey from guilt to hope is raw and relatable, mirroring the universal quest for redemption.

• Cultural Vibrancy: From Yoruba deities to the aroma of egusi soup, the novel immerses you in Nigeria’s rich heritage.

• Romance and Drama: The tender connection between Elochukwu and Ifa, paired with the gripping tension of a resurfacing past, keeps you turning pages.

• Social Insight: Themes of economic disparity, gender expectations, and personal reinvention resonate with fans of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀.

Behind the Story

Writing Grace In The Details was a journey of heart and heritage. As a storyteller, I wanted to capture the beauty of Nigeria’s diversity—Igbo and Yoruba cultures intertwining, the hustle of Lagos, the weight of societal pressures. Elochukwu’s story reflects the courage it takes to rewrite one’s life, inspired by the mentors who’ve shaped my own path. From late-night writing sessions to research into Lagos’s vibrant neighborhoods, this novel is a labor of love, crafted to spark joy, reflection, and connection.

Gratitude

This book wouldn’t exist without my mentors: Eronini Osinachim, Juliet Ibrahim, Elozonam Ogbolu, Clinton J. Ezewele, Timini Egbuson, Dr. David Imonitie, Pastor Alicia Besser, Pastor Michael Gienger, and Lee Norton. Your unwavering support and heartfelt guidance lit the way. Thank you for showing me that grace lies in the details of kindness and consistency.

Get Your Copy

Grace In The Details is available now on Amazon in eBook ($4.99) and paperback ($14.99). Dive into this 18-chapter saga, perfect for readers who crave emotional storytelling with cultural flair. Order today and join Elochukwu’s journey through love, loss, and the fight for a second chance.

A Taste of Lagos

To celebrate the launch, try this simple Nigerian jollof rice recipe inspired by Elochukwu and Ifa’s cooking class:

Ingredients

1. Long Grain Rice: For this one-pot jollof rice, I used Jasmine rice. Other great long-grain rice choices for Jollof Rice are Basmati rice or parboiled rice.

2. Tomatoes: A combination of fresh tomatoes and tomato sauce or tomato paste makes excellent Jollof rice. Use Roma tomatoes as they are not as acidic as other kinds of tomato. Jollof Rice should be tomatoey, but the tomatoes shouldn’t make the rice tangy.

3. Onions: Use onions in Jollof Rice for flavor. White, yellow, or red onion would work.

4. Oil: For sautéing onions and making the tomato sauce. Any neutral tasting oil works here. Oils like light olive oil, vegetable, peanut oil or canola oil work well in Jollof Rice.

5. Chicken or Beef Stock. This is key in adding flavor to the use. Ideally, the stock used in cooking Jollof Rice should be from cooking the chicken or beef made to go with the rice.

6. Stock Cubes: Also known as bouillon cubes or Maggi, stock cubes are key in adding flavor to Jollof Rice.

7. Salt, Garlic and Ginger: The combination of garlic ginger works wonders in making Jollof Rice tasty. Do not skip it.

Other ingredients that could really take your Jollof Rice to the next level include white pepper, bay leaves, dried or fresh thyme, basil, parsley, celery, fresh or dried rosemary, curry powder, habanero (or scotch bonnet peppers for heat), and smoked paprika or regular paprika.

Cooking Jollof Rice

1.) Season chicken with blended garlic and ginger, onions, salt and white pepper. Cook the chicken with seasonings and water to make chicken stock.

2.) Remove chicken from stock and either fry or broil in the oven until golden brown.

3.) Blend tomatoes and cook down into a paste.

4.) Sauté onions and add in cooked-down tomatoes and tomato sauce or paste. Cook until the tomatoes have shrunk and started sticking to the bottom of the pot.

5.) To the pot, add dried thyme, blended garlic and ginger, and white pepper. Stir to combine.

6.) Add chicken stock and water to the pot. Add in salt and chicken bouillon powder.

7.) Add washed rice to the pot, cover and cook on low heat until the rice is fluffy.

8.) Add carrots and green beans to rice if so desired. Serve the Jollof Rice with the chicken.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Let’s find grace in the details together.