HOW WILL I KNOW

A supernatural novel of self-discovery featuring Whitney Houston.

Debut author Renson introduces protagonist Michael Monroe, the 29-year-old son of the wealthy, glamorous Olivia Monroe. Olivia and her late husband built a diamond empire that made them rich, but after Michael fell in with the wrong crowd in culinary school, his mother cut him off without a nickel. The would-be chef is now unemployed, driving a heap, and newly single after his boyfriend dumped him. All Michael ever wanted was to make it in the restaurant world, which now seems unlikely at best. All seems lost until he hears a familiar voice in his head. Is he going crazy? No, the spirit of the late Whitney Houston has decided to be his guardian angel, and Michael is soon emboldened. He even finds the courage to stand up to his mother. After a local psychic picks up on Michael’s connection with the Whitney Houston, the opportunities multiply, including an offer to participate in a televised séance in Florida for $2 million. He’ll just need to learn how to survive the ensuing media onslaught. Michael’s story moves from the crowded streets of Manhattan to the crystal-blue waters of the Florida Keys and grows increasingly whimsical. He may hit some low points, though it looks like he’s riding a long upswing. There’s always a new lively spot in Florida to see and more encouraging words from Whitney Houston (“I am here for you”). Michael’s new problems are small beer, such as finding a condo he likes. Life improves so dramatically that the tension deflates. Still, his ability to turn his life around has its inspirational moments, and his method is definitely novel.

An inventive, playful, and low-stakes story.