For every jazz joint that opened in Korean War-era Harlem, a new church seemed to spring up. This novel introduces you to an unlikely team behind a church whose rock was the curb at 126th and Lenox. Essie Belle and Laura live in tenement flats, on public relief. Essie wants to somehow earn enough money to reunite with her daughter and provide her with a nice home; Laura loves young men, mink coats, and fine Scotch. The friends decide to use a thrift-store...