Savannah’s Inheritance: Seduction and Lies

By De’Vonna Bentley-Pittman

Ah, the consequences of keeping secrets. Such is the context woven into this tale of romance, mystery, and suspense in De’Vonna Bentley-Pittman’s novel Savannah’s Inheritance: Seduction and Lies.

Independent woman Savannah Belmont has had more than her share of tragedy and challenges in her life. When Savannah was a baby, her mother Ophelia was committed to a sanitarium for her mental health issues, thus Savannah was raised by her loving, no-nonsense, faith-filled grandmother Ma’Dear. When Savannah was 17, Ma’Dear died, and she is left to care for her mother and sort out the legacy Ma’Dear left.

Having experienced funerals—better yet, homegoings—like Ma’Dear’s, the scene was highly touching and relatable. When contrasted with the homegoing for Creswell Delarby’s Uncle Nat later in the story, it did bring up questions about Uncle Nat’s past. One statement that stood out was when Ma’Dear said, “Baby, your funeral is where you find out who loved you and who hated you.”

Savannah goes on to graduate from college and law school, becoming the first Black female attorney for the law firm of Selix & Riley. At the beginning of her tenure there, she meets Creswell, an attorney with his own private practice but also works with her firm on high profile cases. It is clear that Savannah doesn’t need a man to make her happy or support her financially, which makes the chemistry between them more powerful as their relationship develops. She also has her BFF Tesha, who brings a balance to their friendship as she navigates grieving for Ma’Dear and office politics.

But packages that look and smell phyne can contain unpleasant shocks, and Creswell’s secrets may cost him the love of his life…

Bentley-Pittman gives the reader a slow-burn flame to the story, building the romance between Savannah and Creswell while keeping the undercurrents of unsettling family secrets and characters who are strange yet familiar. Though the couple share many facts of their childhoods, there is always a sense of important things held back. And there are times when Creswell has Savannah doing things that leave her uncomfortable. This story kept me fascinated and wondering, “What next?” I also appreciated the inclusion of mental health from Ophelia’s point of view, bringing an added dimension.

Bentley-Pittman is an author, activist, freelance writer, social justice advocate, supporter of equity, and the founder of the Minnesota Black Authors Expo. Savannah’s Inheritance can be purchased on Amazon, the Minnesota Blacks Authors Expo website, and her personal website www.devonnapittman.com

Will Black Love triumph? I’m looking forward to your next installment, De’Vonna.