**A novel that can be read as a STANDALONE.**Dive into the heartwarming tale of 'Stepping Forward Into The Past, ' where Willie Jr. King and his spirited grandbaby, lil Gert, invite you to join them on a nostalgic journey to their Alabama roots, filled with love, laughter, and a heapin' helpin' of Southern charm.After forty years gallivantin' round England, Willie's heartstrings are pullin' him back to Mobile, Alabama, stronger than ever, so he's fixin' ta make the trip across that big ol' pond. He isn't goin' alone, though; his lifelong best mate of over seventy years, Simon Bentley, and a mess of kinfolk are right alongside him, ready to discover their roots at the historic Sellers Plantation. A place with more stories than Spanish moss on a summer night, handed down from none other than Willie Jr.'s beloved mama, Ms. Gertie King. Bless her heart, she always knew how to stir things up, even from beyond, and she be doin' that when she left the ol' sprawling plantation, only ever owned by whites, to lil Gert in her will. Her kind gesture set a whirlwind of emotions and plans for the future in the heart of her great-granddaughter, Gertrude Bentley.Seventeen-year-old lil Gert, fueled by curiosity and youthful determination, is eager as a June bug to get her hands on the old plantation house. With her mama, Mabel, and Granny Rachel already plannin' every detail of the elaborate renovation. It's up to Granddaddy Willie to keep 'em grounded and on budget, but Lord knows womenfolk can't resist buyin' fancy new things.Balancing dreams with practicality, Willie embraces the opportunity to impart the rich tapestry of their African-American heritage, a legacy steeped in resilience, community, and the enduring power of family stories. This resilience will inspire you, the reader, as you witness the family's determination to preserve their history and build a future.As they peel back the layers of time and tradition found in the Deep South, Willie's storytellin' flows like sweet tea on a sweltering day, refreshin' and full of Southern flavor. From nostalgic childhood memories to attic discoveries, each corner of the Sellers Plantation reveals a piece of their family's journey through the highs and lows of Southern life.Prepare to laugh, shed a tear, and fall in love with a family bound by deep roots and unwavering love. Set against the backdrop of Southern hospitality and the majesty of Alabama's countryside, Willie Jr. King and lil Gert invite you to pull up a rocker on the porch, savor a mason jar of sweet tea, and embark on a timeless voyage through history, home, and the true meaning of belonging.Let's begin...
