She thought her story was over. He sees a woman God’s not finished with yet.
Ayanti Effiong, known to the world as Yanni the pop star, is used to being judged. Fame gave her everything—then stripped it all away. Now, back in the real world with a record and regret, she wants nothing more than to stay invisible.
Mensah Afortey has his own struggles. His ministry is on the edge. His faith, tested. And when a woman with a complicated past enters his world, everything he thought he knew about timing, grace, and love is upended.
As they slowly let down their guards, a deeper truth begins to emerge: no matter how far we fall, God’s love still finds us. And He doesn’t just redeem our past… He renames our future.
He Changed My Name is a tender, faith-rich romance about identity, grace, and the love story that begins when we finally surrender who we thought we had to be.
Action Drama Special Interest Romance
Unoma Nwankwor writes Inspirational Contemporary romances that span Africa and its Diaspora. She weaves romantic tales for readers who enjoy stories centered around faith, family, and the rich culture of Africa. Through the pages, she promises you humor, tight hugs, forehead kisses, and above all else, redemptive, sacrificial love.
Her readers are in love with her unique way of telling stories that capture the essence of her present home base in the USA and her Nigerian culture. Unoma wears many hats, but the one she’s most proud of is, mother of two kids and wife to her film director husband.
You can catch her writing from the comfort of her bedroom nook with a pack of pepperoni slices and a cup of java.
Keep up with Unoma by joining her newsletter on her website.
The shrill ring of her phone brought her back to the present. She sat up against the headboard. Her heartbeat accelerated as she answered the phone. It was Debby.
“Please give me good news.”
“Hey, chica,” Debby responded. “I hope you’re doing better.”
Earlier, Ayanti had a breakdown. She had screamed and bawled her eyes out, wishing she was back in Calabar, the capital city of her home, Cross Rivers in Nigeria. It seemed like a lifetime ago she won that competition and left the country.
“Yes, I’m fine, but tell me I can be better.”
“Okay, here’s the deal. Charity for Homes had filled up with court ordered volunteers until next month…”
“I can’t wait that long!”
“Lemme finish, girlie. We were able to get you to volunteer with them not as an individual, but under a church group.”
“A church!” Ayanti wiped her hands across her face. She hadn’t been in one of those in years. Did Debby have any idea the kind of judgment that went on in that place? She’d take her chances with the mean police officer until next month.
“Hear me out. The church volunteers with Homes for Charity as a non-sponsor group. You can be part of those volunteers and when they are not volunteering, you can still make up some hours by working in the church. That way, you can get this thing over with faster. Now tell me that doesn’t beat picking up trash in the streets,” Debby finished.
“But those people would have known what I did. Why I’m there…”
“And? Which one of them there hasn’t done anything bad?” Debby asked. “Girl, think about it. Besides, you have nothing else to lose at this point.”
“I guess you’re right.” Ayanti contemplated the whole arrangement.
“Of course I am.” A beat of silence passed between them. “Now get some rest and I’ll see you tomorrow. Think about it and let me know what you want to do. You have until the end of the week.”
“What’s the name of the church?”
“Ummm…hold on.” The shuffling noise of paper could be heard in the background. “It’s called Calvary Is the Way. It’s on Auburn.”
Ayanti remained silent for a few minutes. After a while they disconnected. Ayanti switched off the television and turned to her side. Calvary Is the Way? She rolled her eyes. These new age churches and their names. What ever happened to churches with sensible names? Like Mount something…
Sometimes broken roads lead to the best destinations
Eager to escape the hypocrisy of the church and build her singing career, pop sensation, Ayanti “Yanni” Effiong enters and wins The Next World Star. Apart from fulfilling her dream, her move to America offers the perfect opportunity to help young female immigrants. A cause she pursues with a passion until fame takes over. Fifteen years later, broke, dumped and fresh out of jail, she begins to regret the lifestyle and name she created for herself.
Mensah Afortey is on the brink of losing the church he put his heart and soul into for the past seven years. This years’ Valentine Day gala is his last attempt to raise money for the church. Everything is set but they need a big name to pull in donations. Just as he is about to give up, in walks “Yanni.” When he agreed for Ayanti to serve community service under his church he didn’t know she was the same person as the embattled star.
While she pays her debt to society, the last thing she wants to do is perform on a day that left a bitter taste in her mouth. But there is no denying the instant attraction between them. Before he wins her heart, Mensah must win her soul. Over time and in fellowship with the church, Ayanti comes to realize that despite what man calls her, God has the ability to change her name.
Unoma Nwankwor writes Inspirational Contemporary romances that span Africa and its Diaspora. She weaves romantic tales for readers who enjoy stories centered around faith, family, and the rich culture of Africa. Through the pages, she promises you humor, tight hugs, forehead kisses, and above all else, redemptive, sacrificial love.
Her readers are in love with her unique way of telling stories that capture the essence of her present home base in the USA and her Nigerian culture. Unoma wears many hats, but the one she’s most proud of is, mother of two kids and wife to her film director husband.
You can catch her writing from the comfort of her bedroom nook with a pack of pepperoni slices and a cup of java.
Keep up with Unoma by joining her newsletter on her website.
The shrill ring of her phone brought her back to the present. She sat up against the headboard. Her heartbeat accelerated as she answered the phone. It was Debby.
“Please give me good news.”
“Hey, chica,” Debby responded. “I hope you’re doing better.”
Earlier, Ayanti had a breakdown. She had screamed and bawled her eyes out, wishing she was back in Calabar, the capital city of her home, Cross Rivers in Nigeria. It seemed like a lifetime ago she won that competition and left the country.
“Yes, I’m fine, but tell me I can be better.”
“Okay, here’s the deal. Charity for Homes had filled up with court ordered volunteers until next month…”
“I can’t wait that long!”
“Lemme finish, girlie. We were able to get you to volunteer with them not as an individual, but under a church group.”
“A church!” Ayanti wiped her hands across her face. She hadn’t been in one of those in years. Did Debby have any idea the kind of judgment that went on in that place? She’d take her chances with the mean police officer until next month.
“Hear me out. The church volunteers with Homes for Charity as a non-sponsor group. You can be part of those volunteers and when they are not volunteering, you can still make up some hours by working in the church. That way, you can get this thing over with faster. Now tell me that doesn’t beat picking up trash in the streets,” Debby finished.
“But those people would have known what I did. Why I’m there…”
“And? Which one of them there hasn’t done anything bad?” Debby asked. “Girl, think about it. Besides, you have nothing else to lose at this point.”
“I guess you’re right.” Ayanti contemplated the whole arrangement.
“Of course I am.” A beat of silence passed between them. “Now get some rest and I’ll see you tomorrow. Think about it and let me know what you want to do. You have until the end of the week.”
“What’s the name of the church?”
“Ummm…hold on.” The shuffling noise of paper could be heard in the background. “It’s called Calvary Is the Way. It’s on Auburn.”
Ayanti remained silent for a few minutes. After a while they disconnected. Ayanti switched off the television and turned to her side. Calvary Is the Way? She rolled her eyes. These new age churches and their names. What ever happened to churches with sensible names? Like Mount something…
Unoma Nwankwor writes Inspirational Contemporary romances that span Africa and its Diaspora. She weaves romantic tales for readers who enjoy stories centered around faith, family, and the rich culture of Africa. Through the pages, she promises you humor, tight hugs, forehead kisses, and above all else, redemptive, sacrificial love.
Her readers are in love with her unique way of telling stories that capture the essence of her present home base in the USA and her Nigerian culture. Unoma wears many hats, but the one she’s most proud of is, mother of two kids and wife to her film director husband.
Unoma Nwankwor writes Inspirational Contemporary romances that span Africa and its Diaspora. She weaves romantic tales for readers who enjoy stories centered around faith, family, and the rich culture of Africa. Through the pages, she promises you humor, tight hugs, forehead kisses, and above all else, redemptive, sacrificial love.
Her readers are in love with her unique way of telling stories that capture the essence of her present home base in the USA and her Nigerian culture. Unoma wears many hats, but the one she’s most proud of is, mother of two kids and wife to her film director husband.
Unoma Nwankwor writes Inspirational Contemporary romances that span Africa and its Diaspora. She weaves romantic tales for readers who enjoy stories centered around faith, family, and the rich culture of Africa. Through the pages, she promises you humor, tight hugs, forehead kisses, and above all else, redemptive, sacrificial love.
Her readers are in love with her unique way of telling stories that capture the essence of her present home base in the USA and her Nigerian culture. Unoma wears many hats, but the one she’s most proud of is, mother of two kids and wife to her film director husband.
