Being the gentleman he seemed to be, Ike asked me to dance. Our table didn’t have a clear view of the dance floor, and I was curious to see him dance. As soon as they came back, he reached for me and invited me to join him. I took his hand, hoping he wouldn’t notice its clamminess. I’d been thinking about dancing with him since I’d extended the invitation.

My curiosity was satisfied when we joined the crowd on the multi-level dance floor, and Ike began to move. His relaxed, self-confident movements kept my gaze glued to his body. According to Bree, I was a decent dancer, for a white girl. I’d always been a quick study and learned the latest dances from my black friends. Jumping or hopping around would’ve gotten me crucified. Shelle could put anyone to shame on the floor, so I copied her. I’m sure she was aware of my mimicry, but she never let on. That’s why I loved these ladies. They understood me, and they also knew my attraction to black men wasn’t some kind of fetish. The only way I could describe it was they had a unique, mysterious quality they called flava. I found it to be so attractive. The way they walked and talked had a special rhythm white men didn’t have and couldn’t fake. Barack Obama had it. Just watching him walk off a plane or up to a podium was almost a religious experience.

I believe my interest developed when I was young, and the good Reverend Olson made it a rule that I wasn’t to hang around with the black kids. His insistence backfired on him and only made me wonder why. I set out to find out what was so awful about them. In elementary school I would intentionally walk home from school with black kids, because I wanted to hear what they talked about. Most of their conversations weren’t any different from the ones I had with my white friends with subtle differences. Like when they spoke a half-sentence or even a single word, and everybody knew what it meant but me. Eventually, I learned those nuances and became accepted as one of the group and made friends with a couple of the girls. They invited me to their houses after school, and I had to make up an excuse my mother would believe as to where I was. Mama couldn’t have cared less, but she knew she’d hear it from my father if he found out that she’d let me go. She had been born and raised in Alabama too, but she wasn’t racist. ​

Contemporary women’s fiction/romance author Chicki Brown has been featured in USAToday. She was the 2014 B.R.A.B. (Building Relationships Around Books) Inspirational Fiction Author and also the 2011 SORMAG (Shades of Romance Magazine) Author of the Year. Her novel, Don't Stop Till You Get Enough, was chosen as a USAToday 2016 HEA Must-Read Romance.

Nia Forrester, Beverly Jenkins, Lisa Kleypas, J.R. Ward are among her favorite authors.

A transplanted New Jersey native who lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

CONNECT W/CHICKI...

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When trust is broken, can it ever be repaired?
 
At one time, Terrence “T-Murder” Burrell had it all—a wife, three kids, and an extravagant lifestyle as one of the most popular rappers in the industry. Because of his cheating, he lost his family and knew his life would never be the same. But one night with his ex-wife changes his outlook, and he sees a chance not only to redeem himself, but reclaim the life he once took for granted.
 
Charisse Burrell divorced Terrence after he broke her heart one too many times. In a moment of weakness she gives in to her desires and makes a mistake that she soon regrets. Now Terrence wants her to believe that not only has he changed, they should try again. Her brain says she shouldn’t trust him, but will her heart give him another chance?

​“You’re not gonna answer me?” Terrence asked.

He was breathing hard, the way he did when he held an intense emotion. He could explode at any minute.

He chuckled and shook his head, then stepped away from the wall. “Well, well, well. Dudley Do Right ain’t so righteous after all, is he?” The fake smile snapped off his face in an instant. “What’s his last name?”

“Enough, Terrence! That was cute when we were dating, but the over-the-top jealousy thing is old and outdated, especially since we’re not together anymore.”

“Give me his name.”

“I’m done. You can show yourself out.” She made to walk away, but he slammed his hand against the wall, blocking her path.

“Name.”

She looked up at him. They were within millimeters of each other. If she weren’t angry, she’d sway into his chest. “What are you doing? Are you drunk?” She sniffed but didn’t smell alcohol. Only the stale scent of weed that he probably acquired in the studio.

“I’m not drunk. Tell me his name, Charisse. I deserve to know the name of the man who’s screwing my wife. Give me his fucking name.”

“First of all, I’m not your wife. Second, do I need to call the police and have them escort you off the premises? Do I need to say that I have a trespasser in the house, someone who’s here uninvited?”

He narrowed his eyes at her. “You think you’re going to make me leave? This is my house. My name is on the deed, too. And I pay the bills here.”

He’d done this before when he was angry, and she absolutely hated it. “You think you can control me because you pay the bills? Would it make you happy if I left this house? Why don’t you put me out, Terrence?”

He appeared startled by the question.

“Whenever you get mad, this house magically turns into yours. Yes, your name is on the deed, too, but you said it was mine. I picked it. I wanted something simple I could manage where the kids and I would be safe from curious fans. I wanted normalcy. But now it’s your house. Thank you for letting me know where I stand.”

“Enough! You know I don’t want you to leave, and yes, this is your house. What I want… I just want to talk to the man.”

“There is nothing for you to talk to him about.”

“I need to know!” he said louder.

​“You know everything you need to know! Go.”

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​

Delaney Diamond is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sweet, sensual, passionate romance novels, born and raised in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She reads romance novels, mysteries, thrillers, and a fair amount of nonfiction. When she’s not busy reading or writing, she’s in the kitchen trying out new recipes, dining at one of her favorite restaurants, or traveling to an interesting locale. To get sneak peeks, notices of sale prices, and find out about new releases, visit her website and join her mailing list. Enjoy free reads and the first chapter of all her novels at www.delaneydiamond.com.
 
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A second chance at love, but some lies can't be forgotten or forgiven. 

Grace Smith reveals the truth.  


When the man she loves returns, Grace revelation put them both in danger. The last thing she wanted was for Mase to have to choose between his club and her, but there is no way the two can co-exist. The betrayal runs too deep. However, she'd risk it all for the chance to put her family back together, but doing so puts not only her, but the Lady Guardians in danger, as well.
 
Mase Scott has his answers. 
 
His revenge tour brings him to his club’s front door. The answers he's been seeking for years will tear his club apart and put the only woman he has ever loved in danger. Losing her again, can't happen. The easy answer is to give it all up for love, but he's a biker and his heart doesn't beat that way.  

Grace's Revelation (Part #2) is a sizzling MC Romance novella. If you like sexy alpha bikers, a strong biker beauty, and a steam love connect that spans over miles on the open road, you'll love Sydney Aaliyah Michelle's latest BWWM romance. 
​

​An unfamiliar bike sat in my driveway.

I scanned the area. The hair on the back of my neck stood at attention. 

I parked next to the strange bike and grabbed the gun from my lower back. I climbed off and clicked off the safety.

“Put the gun away, Gracie.” His voice came from the side steps that led to the porch. 

“No. I think I’ll keep it right where it is.” I clicked the safety back on, but held it in my hands. “In case some overly emotional asshole wants to put his hands on me again.”

I sidestepped around to get him in my sight. 

He chuckled and dropped his head.

“I’m sorry, Grace.”

“For what?” I asked.

“For hurting you.”

“Which time?”

“Fuck, Gracie, put the gun down.” He rubbed his face. “I tried to stay away, but I needed to see you.”
He looked up.

The pleading in his tone, hit me in the chest. The pain and hurt bubbled around the corners of his usually bright eyes and it crushed my heart.

I had been warring with my conscious all week trying to figure it out, figure us out.

When I thought about the things he said to me, I thought about the sweet things he whispered in my ear, the dirty things that made my body shiver.

When I thought of his hands on me, they comforted me, caressed me, and possessed me. His fingers inside of me made more of an impression than when they were around my throat.

What is wrong with me?

I put the gun away and walked past him up the steps.

​“Come on.” I opened the door and left it open as I walked into the living room.

Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N8HZSX1
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​

​Sydney Aaliyah Michelle is a Contemporary Romance writer, a voracious reader, tattoo lover, and movie fanatic who hails from Texas. After surviving 5 1/2 years living in China, she had the courage to finally pursue her passion and become a writer.

She identifies the sci-fi action flick "The Matrix" as the best representation of her life in the past. She is now blessed to be awake and doing what she loves. She can recite the entire script from the 80's teen comedy/drama "The Breakfast Club" and loves any and everything associated with the Avengers Movies, especially Tony Stark.

When it come to books, Sydney reads a myriad of genres, but some of her favorite writers are Stephen King, John Grisham, J.A. Huss, Julia Skyes, & Emily Bronte. Under the Dome, The Great Gatsby & Wuthering Heights are her favorite books.
​
Email Sydney at sydney@sydneyamichelle.com.
To learn more about Sydney, visit
www.SydneyAaliyahMichelle.com
 
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We were fully dressed, upright and not horizontal. Still, our inner connection was highly sensual, definitely intimate.

Feeling some new kind of need to know how intimate I could be without Que inside of me, I got to my feet. Without a word, I left Que where he was sitting to go scrounging in baskets neatly lining the built-in wall shelves in my closet. Returning with a small jar of body butter, I lowered the lights and lit several candles before sitting again. “Let me see your hands.”

Que complied, all curious and cautious. Que’s hands were big and solid, and a bit rough, like a working man’s.

Uncapping the body butter, I scooped out just enough to warm between my palms. “Everything in line for the grand opening?”

Que wasn’t buying my redirect. I knew he knew I was up to something. His answer was quiet and slow in coming. “Ronnie’s my boy. He came through like a champ. The work’s finished. We’re just waiting on our scheduled walk-through with county inspectors.”

“Congratulations,” I nearly purred, slowly covering Que’s hands with a thin layer of warmed body butter.

“What’s that?”

“Yaz’s baby sister recently launched her own product line. It’s her Vanilla Mango Spice. You like?”

“It’s nice,” Que suspiciously assented, as if I wasn’t worth trusting. “Relax,” I invited, releasing one of Que’s hands to change the music to what I liked: smooth, sensuous jazz. Smile locked low, I proceeded to give Quinton the hand massage of his life.

This man had shown me a satisfaction I’d only experienced while nude and nasty. Not that I was trying to get back at Que for being a flirty sadist, but I was curious as to whether I had depth enough to gift non-coital contentment to him.

“Even though I dislike your boy, Fre’Shawn, I gotta admit he’s good on his grind.”

Sitting cross-legged on the floor, I merely looked up at Que and hummed, “Mmm-hmm.”

“That doesn’t mean I appreciate the idea of another man hovering over you.”

Raising one brow, I kept at my business, slowly massaging Que’s right hand. I was firm but tender, meticulously kneading away Que’s tiredness and tension.

“And most def ’, I don’t appreciate this whole situation. So, let me put this out here: you have an open invitation to stay with me.”

​I snorted a small laugh.

“I have a spare room, Joy. I’m just saying.”

My heart responded with pleasure like the beat of butterfly wings that this man cared enough to want to protect me. But I said nothing. I was busy experimenting.

The deeper, the more intense that hand massage, the more Que seemed to want to talk. It dawned on me that he was mouth-jocking, trying to avoid something. So, I shushed him to silence, intent that he feel whatever it was he was feeling.

I admit it was teasing, but not intentionally. I wanted this hardworking man to escape the cares of reopening a community center. I wanted him to relax and leave all the foolishness outside. Yes, I wanted Que to touch the sexual energy he’d unleashed in me. But this wasn’t solely about the flesh and the freak. And, okay, yes, there was a little bit of payback in it. But above all, I needed genuinely—in my own way—to convey I cared.

That right there was a lightning strike. I care for this man!

That made my head spin and my soul spread. But I didn’t back up. I let truth flow. Truth possessed me, filling me with heat, lust, and light. With only the sweet scent of Vanilla Mango Spice and the mellow sexy of jazz between us, I sat there, eyes locked on Quinton’s, and poured my whole self into my touch.
Neither of us spoke. Our sole physical contact was my hands massaging his. And I did it like I had a license. Our eyes fixed and focused on each other’s, we learned a wordless language together. Maybe it was me who was learning, and Quinton simply conveying. Whatever the case...our language was melodiously potent, hot, and unquestionably…orgasmic. When I felt neither of us could take much more without needing to cross the line to carnal contentment, I eased up.

Warming a final application in my hands, I rubbed body butter over Que’s muscled forearms before sealing all that sexy with a demure kiss to his cheek. “Let’s find something to eat,” I softly suggested, rising to my feet.

When I reached for Que’s hand, he held mine before kissing it. “Give me a minute.”

As Ma’Deen would say, “Who’d a thunk it?” Joy Matthews could lead us to a different kind of Nirvana through the touch of genuine care. I could give more of my true me. Smiling, I walked off, giving Baby Boy what he needed: time to tame and deflate that thunder beast.

Suzette D. Harrison, a native Californian and the middle of three daughters, grew up in a home where reading was required, not requested. Her literary “career” began in junior high school with the publishing of her poetry. While Mrs. Harrison pays homage to Alex Haley, Gloria Naylor, Alice Walker, Langston Hughes, and Toni Morrison as legends who inspired her creativity, it was Dr. Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings that unleashed her writing. The award-winning author of Taffy is a wife and mother who holds a culinary degree in Pastry & Baking. Mrs. Harrison is currently cooking up her next novel…in between batches of cupcakes. 


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Camille "Cami" Douglas doesn't have it all figured out. In fact, she is known for making a lot of mistakes in the name of living-it-up and following her free spirit, but this time she has bumped her head and broken her own heart in a way that has taken its toll. She's done. Logan Graham, also known as "Angel" by fellow paramedics, has issues of his own, but his came from a 911 call he responded to months ago that still gives him nightmares and makes him avoid the people closest to him. Two people, each broken apart by life's choices and circumstances, form a deep friendship because of one's need to be saved and the other's need to be hero. Both have to learn to use LOVE to heal old wounds and to redeem their battered souls.

“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, man. I mean, I couldn’t believe she was out like that.”

Logan had been trying to wrap his brain around it all from the moment he realized that this wasn’t a normal call he responded to. Cami was full-spirited, vivacious, always smiling and if not smiling, intense.

Beautiful.

And yes, a little screwed up.

Something he could tell just by looking at her.

He officially met her for the first time during the rehearsals for his boy’s wedding. He was struck by how beautiful she was but then he thought she was just as intense as Amara. But after the wedding when they took the photos, she was the silly one. Making jokes and not doing what the photographer asked at all. He loved it. So naturally, he’d hope that they could share a few playful moments before they headed back to the winter dreariness in Pittsburgh, but as they talked at the bar it became clear she was preoccupied. She was constantly checking her phone, frowning whenever she saw or didn’t see something she liked. So he moved on and found a willing tourist to spend some time with.“I don’t know everything, but I know things have been rough for her lately. Sometimes my wife goes into another room to talk to her. I hear her soothing voice murmuring, like she’s trying to help Cami through something monumental. But Amara is private, and I respect how protective she is about her closest friend, so I only ask is Cami cool? And she’ll say, ‘she will be when she learns.’”

“Learns what?”

“Hell if I know. We are talking about women, Lo. What man you know that can figure them out?”

They both sat back in their seats at the same time contemplating the point. Logan was the first to speak up.

“I think with lots of listening and maybe with the understanding that it won’t make sense, we can make sense of it.” He looked over at Noah who just stared back at him with a blank expression. Then they busted out laughing earning a scowl from Amara who was still pacing in her jeans and one of Noah’s white V-neck undershirts she liked to confiscate from his underwear drawer every chance she could get.

“I think you need to go and comfort Doll. You know how she can get when we huddle together for too long.”

“That’s only because you used to call her Misery.”

“And how does she know that, huh?”

“It’s called pillow talk.”

“Yeah well, you don’t sell out your homies when you trying to get laid while lying on your pillow.”

“See if you’re saying that when it’s your woman looking at you all smoky-eyed and wet from hours of loving and asking you for your secrets,” Noah said with a grin that brought out the dip in his cheek.

“Too much info, man,” Logan said, shaking his head.

“You went there.”

“And you’re a punk.”

Noah didn’t deny it, he just looked at his beautiful wife as she took a call on her cell phone. Probably the call she’d been waiting for since she had tried reaching Mr. Douglas, Cami’s father. With it being so late, or early, depending on how you saw one o’clock in the morning, she was sure he was asleep. She had promised that if he hadn’t called or answered by two-thirty, she would go over there. He sent Joseph over there instead. “Knock it down if need be.” Joseph, being a fan of Amara, said he’d do whatever. 

Aja is the writer of sensually erotic and passionate women’s fiction. Her stories allow readers to experience realistic, inspiring, and soulful interactions and intense passion while overcoming life’s challenges. She is inspired by soulful music and sensual art to craft her stories. Her published works include the Love & Passion series and the Unexpected series with Roy Glenn. Love's Required is her latest release.

Author Links:

Aja's website: http://www.ajathewriter.com

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Thanks for joining us for another annual 20 Days of Love! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, we would love to hear from you!

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Thanks for joining us for another 20 Days of Love! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, We would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

​When I first visited this couple in ‘Young, Rich & Black’, they were in college and fell in love hard and fast. I was unprepared for the angst some readers experienced, wondering whether they would fall out of love as they grew up, and grew older. That got me wondering about the nature of love in general and young love in particular. In ‘Rhyme & Reason’, I look at how love can mature, be tested, and hopefully withstand the passage of time, misunderstandings, separation, and hardship. This sample is a scene showing the reconciliation of the Deuce and Zora from 'Young, Rich & Black', who after a period apart are about to get a hint that their feelings burn just as bright and as hot as they ever did.

Nia Forrester lives and writes in Philadelphia, PA where, by day, she is an attorney working on public policy and by night, she crafts woman-centered fiction that examines the complexities of life, love and the human condition. 
​
She welcomes hearing from her readers at authorniaforrester@gmail.com or tweets @NiaForrester. And visit her at www.niaforrester.com 

He pulled a crushed packet of cigarettes from the pocket of his jeans and offered me one. I accepted it and leaned in so he could light it for me. As I took that first illicit drag, he said, "I think I saw you earlier. I was in a café and I looked out the window and saw someone who looked a lot like you."

"I saw you, too," I admitted. We both exhaled smoke and watched the milky tendrils merge and swirl. We kept our backs to the bar and looked out over the water again. "And when I saw you in their... books, I was a little stunned."

"I wasn't expecting to see you here, either." His voice trailed down my spine. I stole a glance at him.

I was wrong earlier when I said he wasn't handsome. There was something so masculine about him. I couldn't really find the words to describe him. He was tall and lean, but there was a strength to him. Underneath his clothing was sure to be the body of someone who did not go to the gym, but who had the natural muscles and leanness of physical labor. He didn't have the perfectly slicked-back hair that most Scandinavian men seemed to favor; they wore it like a badge of their social class and their success. Mads's hair was a messy mop of waves and stray curls that looked coppery in the glow of the spotlights. He swept back the curls that hung in front of his eyes and revealed the most beautiful pair of hazel eyes.

I bit my lower lip. He was too good-looking for me, and he was smiling at me with such fierceness that I knew he felt something, too. He was watching me. I could feel the path his eyes took. My body tingled in anticipation.

"I saw you standing there and I thought, shit, this must be some kind of dream. Or maybe Ida was playing a joke on me."

We both laughed.

What were the chances?

Kim Golden was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1995, she left the US and moved
to Sweden for love with a capital L. When she isn't writing fiction, she writes copy about lipstick
and perfume for a Swedish cosmetics firm.

She writes stories for people who know that love comes in every color.

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A warm August night that was filled with sizzling hot passion had been a secret for Adelia McGee and Jimmy Lee Daniels, in Blackmore, Texas. Oooh, but the old sayings quoted by the elders …what’s done in the dark will come to the light…the night has a thousand eyes…were so true. And in a small town where everybody knows your business. Please, be for real!

At forty-one, Adelia McGee is going to have a baby, and that was alright. The man she’s pregnant for is MIA, for now. But that was alright because she knew he did jobs out of town, and would be back for his holiday side hustle. Now, what’s not alright, is the news her mother drops on her. She and her step-father have retired and are moving back to the family home….nooo!

Jimmy Lee Daniels has been sniffing around Adelia McGee every since high school. He even beat up her high school sweetheart, little good it did him. And then the most wonderful and magical thing happened, yeah right. Then he had to do something really stupid. Why did he allow his self to get sucked into this love stuff? Too late now after what he did! Grrrrrrrl!

At forty-one years old, how could she say she did the unmentionable as far as she was concerned, and now must suffer the consequences of everybody knowing? She had been careless and totally out of character. Admit the truth Deli, if not to them, at least to yourself. She had been lonely, horny, desperate,
whatever, the end results, she had been sexually active with the town’s recluse, and now she was pregnant. And what she will admit, she enjoyed every magical caress, stroke, kiss, and each and every powerful in and out thrusts. But most of all, she loved the tingling out of body feelings she experienced.

“Deli, you’re saying you had sex with Jimmy Lee Daniels?” shouted Jo.

Startled with Jo’s outburst, Deli couldn’t believe she actually said what she was thinking out loud. Pat was ecstatic and not because she was pregnant. She and Jimmy Lee Daniels finally got together. The thought of that caused her to place her hand over her heart, and take a seat at the nearest table. Jo and
Deli joined her. Pat had prayed that the two would stop dancing around each other and admit there was something between them. Her girl hadn’t shown any interest in the other two dudes, who had made their little sandwich shop their frequent spot for a meal, vying for her attention. But when Jimmy Lee walks through those doors, Deli’s face lightens up. Pat finally spoke, “Deli, how many times did you enjoy,
and I quote, every magical caress, stroke, kiss, and most of all his powerful in and out thrusts?

Deli gasped and covered her big mouth!

“How many times Missy?” Pat demanded.

“Enough to be pregnant!” she cried.

“I knew it and not the least bit surprised. Jimmy Lee Daniels has been feeling you since we were teenagers and you, him. And don’t you dare try to deny it,” warned Pat. Deli and Jo’s baffled expression caused her to laugh. “Jo, you keep your head in the sand too much. And you my friend,” pointing, “can be read like one of those romance books we read. When it’s his Sunday to work in the worship service, you can’t keep your eyes off of him.”

Both women looked dumbfounded. Pat snickered. “But that man does look good in a suit and would be GQ fine with that dark chocolate skin and six-six height, if he would get some of that wooly hair off his face. That’s what takes away from his appearance, except when he wears that black suit. He looks so
good sometimes I have to ask for forgiveness.” ♥

Jimmy Lee pulled his Winnebago off the interstate into the parking lot of the truck stop. He found a spot in line with a few other recreational vehicles and parked. For what good it was going to do, he stripped down to his boxers, pulled the navy stripe comforter back, and crawled between the matching sheets, to
take a short nap. Half covered, hands behind his head, he laid wide awake with her on his mind and of course that night. He had been sniffing behind Deli like an old hound dog, bad for the last few months, going to the diner and boldly asking  for her to serve him. He even waited until the end of the day hoping to catch her alone. Man, did he get lucky that night. Although it was past closing time and she had worked a full day, Deli was absolutely beautiful. She was a tall striking beauty with wide hips, thunder thighs and shapely legs, cantaloupe size breasts, just the right size butt and a neat waist for a woman her size. The shade of orange she wore that night brought out her ginger spice skin, which he now knows is soft and silky to the touch. Her dark honey-brown short hair, which was curly and highlighted with light gold streaks, crowned her heart-shaped face. Her professional arched browns were slightly thick but sexy. And that sexy mouth and lips of hers invited him to wet his tongue. But he wanted and had to have more than that. He wanted to taste and feel every inch of her. His mind took over his good judgment, even if she was a willing and fervent participant.

Once he had his way with her, he knew he was going to spend the rest of his life in prison, if Mr. McGee didn’t kill him first. He hid out on his property for three days, nothing, and then he had the foolish notion; just maybe she was feeling him too. You couldn’t ignore the sizzling, passionate chemistry between them, which he was very much aware of. Their lovemaking had been undeniably magical. To show what a big lovesick fool he was, he did something really stupid. Best to his ability, he wrote her a
letter pouring out his heart and soul, admitting he loved her. All he asked was for her to respond, one way or the other. He even gave her his cell, which was a first. No woman has ever had that opportunity. He knew what people said about him, but he was a man with a nice bankroll and security. At any rate, she chose to ignore him completely, which cut him deep to his soul, stripping him all the way down to his manhood. Maybe he wouldn’t have taken it so hard, if he hadn’t put on paper so she could laugh with her friends, Jo and Pat. He felt violated and exposed. As long as he lives, he will never use those words again. ♥

Hello everyone, I am native Houstonian with two adult daughters. I’ve spent my adult life teaching children in the public school system and loved every minute of it. Now, I’m a retired (Halleluiah) teacher of thirty plus years and love every minute of that for sure. My main interest and hobbies includes listening to Pandora, my own playlist which inspires my writing, playing spider solitaire, working bent and wiggly word search and Sudoku puzzles. I’m also an avid reader of every genre in the AA Romance category which prompted me to become a writer. 

Now, a little bit about my writing. It’s an honor and pleasure to invite you into my world of women fiction with sweet romance. I love to write what I enjoy reading. Therefore, I have penned and self-published seventeen of the sweetest tales with plus size women of all ages as the heroine, touching your every emotion. I have three series, Allanville’s Matchmakers, The Golden Years, and A Second Chance. My heroines are beautiful and sophisticated with high self-esteem. They are not looking for a man to validate their worth…just love them for who they are. Dramas, the element of surprise with twist and turns, romance and a little bit of heat, are featured in each story. I have created a group for those who enjoy my stories. I would like to extend an invitation to you. Here’s the link…

https://www.facebook.com/groups/151438282104321/?ref=br_rs

W Parks Brigham Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B00G4IPAMU?_
Website: http://www.wparksbrigham.com/.
FB Author W Parks Brigham
Email: wparksbrigham@writeme.com
​Two Magical Hearts…
http://bit.ly/2MagicalHearts

Hello! I’m Tolu A. Akinyemi and this is one of my tour stops during my one-month book tour for Dead Dogs Don’t Bark and Dead Lion’s Don’t Roar. This virtual book tour is organized by Write Now Literary Book Tours. The tour runs Nov 5-30, 2018. 

Dead Dogs Don’t Bark is the second poetry collection from the acclaimed author, Tolu A. Akinyemi. With a similar tone and style to Dead Lions Don’t Roar (Tolu’s first poetry collection) this follow up masterpiece is nothing short of pure motivation. The poems cover a range of topics that many in life are aware of, that the Author himself has experienced and that we all, whatever our age, need support in. Beautifully written, the poems speak volumes to all age groups as they feature finding your inner talent, celebrating your individuality and distinct voice. The poetry collection has didactic elements for evaporating the effects of peer pressure and criminality amongst many others. Also covering mental health, relationships, career focus, and general life issues, the poetry is bitter sweet, amusing and thought provoking in turns.
 
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2qaFPml
 
Amazon: http://a.co/d/g3BVQBO

 
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It's another #writewednesday and today I'm sharing an excerpt from my upcoming novel, Bel Amour. In keeping with Monday's theme about "forgiveness," today a husband seeks forgiveness from his wife after the ultimate betrayal. Will she hold onto her bearings, or will the love in her heart override everything and give him a second chance. Here's Rick and Kennedy's story. Read on...

Rick could be spotted long before she approached him. Sitting down in the center of Woodruff Park, his broad shoulders were hunched over, and his hands formed a steeple, as his elbows rested on his knees. She knew he was deep in thought.

“Hi Rick.”

“Hey, sweetheart,” he smiled, standing to greet her and wrap her in a tight embrace. He quickly gave her a peck on the lips, and Kennedy turned away.

“No, Rick,” she mumbled.

“I’m sorry, babe,” he murmured, pulling her close to him again, and holding her tightly.

He held her a moment too long for her comfort. When she became restless in his arms, he finally released her and smiled down at her with a crooked grin. She had always loved his smile, that lit up his entire face. The pearly white beam looked as if it should have been on a toothpaste commercial. Despite the turmoil they had been in for just under a year and a half, he looked very well. He was meticulously groomed, as always with a low haircut that showed off the manufactured waves in his hair. His beard and mustache connect was precise in its trim. The grey pinstriped suit he wore was tailor made to fit his large physique, and he smelled of something crisp and spicy. It was a clean fragrance and she really liked it. Kennedy had always been physically attracted to her husband, and together they made a striking pair. Or so they’d been told. In hindsight, none of that mattered when they didn’t have a mental connection necessary for a marriage. Rick extended a hand towards the bench he had been sitting on.

“Have a seat… please.”

Kennedy gathered the folds of her sundress in her hand, and sat on the bench beside her soon-to-be ex-husband.

“How’ve you been? I haven’t heard from you in some time.”

Tilting her head slightly to look up at him, she squinted against the sun’s rays, despite the fact she wore sunglasses. “I’m well, considering.”

“Can we please agree to get along today, Kenni?” he asked, calling her by her nickname.

She sighed deeply and placed her hands in her lap. “What was it that you called me out here to talk about today? What was so urgent that it couldn’t be discussed over the phone?”

“The divorce will be finalized soon, Kenni, and I’ve been having a lot of second thoughts.”

She blew out a breath of air that tossed the curls framing her face around. “Let’s not do this today, Rick.”

“No. Let’s. We still hold the power in our hands to change things around. We don’t have to go through this divorce, the ball is in our court and we call the shots. Let’s not wait until it’s finalized and it’s too late, and we’re stuck with our regrets, baby. I don’t want our lives to be filled with shoulda’, coulda’, woulda’s.”

Rick reached out a hand and tugged at one of her straying curls, twisting it around his finger. She knew he loved her curls. He had always been fascinated with them, even often washing her hair and drying it for her. Kennedy didn’t pull away, even when he released the bouncy coil to caress her cheek, and cup her chin. He turned her face around to look at her, and she closed her eyes, not wanting to look at him.

“You still have those long beautiful lashes, Kenni.”

“As opposed to what?” she asked, crossing her arms and rolling her eyes.

“This time apart has done me a world of good, as I pray that it has you. I’ve had time to think about my failings and shortcomings as a husband, and how we could’ve handled the situation differently. I’ve reflected on my choices, and prayed to God asking Him to forgive me.”

“That’s good for you, Rick. I’m glad you’ve finally found the Lord. I always prayed that you would,” she replied in a lackluster voice. She had once again turned her focus and attention to a group of elderly men that were playing chess nearby.

“I thought you’d be happy about that.”

“Are you happy about it?”

“Yeah, of course.”

“Then that’s all that matters. Knowing you’ve gave your life to the Lord, nothing else should matter. Not what the world thinks, your parents, your siblings, or me. Only He matters now.”

“Why won’t you give me another chance?” Rick asked, pulling Kennedy’s hand into his own.

She jerked her hand away, working her jaw, and wondering if this meeting were just a waste of her time. Could it be possible that he had heard about her and Elias, and now he wanted her back? She’d heard of men doing that before. They didn’t want their woman, but they didn’t want to see her with anyone else either.

“You had a chance, Rick. Do you remember how we even discussed me coming back home when I first left? I was willing to give you a chance at counseling, only to discover you were still messing with her! You had your second chance.”

Tears filled her eyes, as she turned away from him. She watched the children playing in the park, recalling that had once been her dream. Early in their marriage they had talked about starting a family. Having both agreed to wait until they’d been married at least three years, once they hit that milestone she no longer wanted a family with him. Her dreams had been dashed to pieces.

“Kennedy?”

“Rick, I’m not going down this road with you again. It’s dead.”

“You haven’t even considered counseling, Kennedy?”

She swung her head around, her curly locks flying everywhere. The rage in her eyes was strong enough to convey what she felt without words. Rick hung his head in his hands, and rubbed vigorously. She knew he only did that when he became frustrated about something.

“I did consider counseling! You screwed that up, as well. Don’t make this my fault, Rick!” Her voice had deepened and taken on a tone that sounded different than her normal speaking voice.

“I need you, Kenni,” he stated, turning his head sideways and penning her down with his stare.

“You need me?”

“Yeah, Kenni, you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” She threw her head back and laughed loudly at his humorous commentary.

“What’s so funny, Kenni?”

“You. You’ve really got jokes today, huh?”

“Nah, I’m just wishing we could rewind the hands of time that’s all. I’d’ve never done what I did and I’d take away all the hurt I caused you. I love you, Kennedy. Don’t you love me, too?”

She was silent for a while. Her heart did still love him, of that she was sure, but she wasn’t in love with him anymore. No longer did she feel as if she needed him. Placing one arm around her and leaning into her, he kissed her jaw, before she turned her head away. Taking one finger, he crooked it underneath her jaw and turned her head forward again.

“Baby, don’t you love me?” he whispered into her ear.

Pushing her thumb pads against her eyes, she bit down on her bottom lip. The pain was unbearable. He had destroyed single handedly any chance they had at happiness. Kennedy hated him for having her cry in public like this.

They sat side by side in Woodruff Park, down the street from where he worked. Her emotions bubbled up and boiled over, causing her to lash out at him.

“You don’t need me! You proved that the moment you slept with Jessi! She was like a sister to me, Rick!”

She leaned forward struggling to breathe and control the tears that were taking on a life of their own. Darn it, why wouldn’t the tears stop flowing? He pulled her into his arms, and kissed the top of her curly head. For a moment she relaxed into his embrace and remembered what it was like when things were good. When they loved each other, and couldn’t wait to be in each other’s arms again… making sweet love. She turned her face into his chest and released the hurt, pain, and disappointment, and he comforted her, from the pain he had created.

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey lives in the metro Atlanta area with her husband and three children. Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in the Almighty God, and belief in themselves. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

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Do you harbor something in your heart that keeps you from moving forward into a brighter future? Perhaps, you have done something that you continue to hold guilt about and thinking about it aggravates, frustrates, or even angers you? Maybe, you think someone else is still angry or resentful towards you for what you have done?

This weekend I became privy to something someone had done that bothered me greatly. I felt myself moving towards anger at them, when realistically it had nothing to do with me. But what I realized was the person had not truly dealt with the offense they had committed against someone else themselves. So, while their words were apologetic, their behavior did not appear to be so.

The key to forgiving ourselves begins with dealing with the wrong we have committed. Confessing our sins and being honest about our part in it will start the road to cleansing and healing. We pray and ask the Lord's forgiveness, but as the Scripture above states, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness, but we must do our part in letting go, also.

It doesn't end with us asking His forgiveness, but it is the beginning of the journey. It is important that you make amends with the person you have wronged and seek their forgiveness.

1. Take on self-responsibility and own your part in the wrongdoing. Search your heart to determine why you committed the offense in the first place. Once you're clear about that decipher if you really are sorry, or if you're simply sorry you were called out on your behaviors. Then turn from those behaviors or attitudes.
2. Be completely honest about what you have done and hold nothing back. When they ask questions, and they will, tell the truth now rather than allowing them to find out information from another source.
3. Be patient. Just because you get to a place of accepting the Lord's forgiveness and owning self-responsibility, understand that the other person may not be there yet. It may take time and space for their healing to begin, and you must respect their right to have that no matter how difficult it is for you. When they begin to ask questions, and they will, respect them enough to answer with a caring and considerate heart, not having bitterness in you because you don't want to relive it. When you hold that attitude it is nothing but guilt festering inside of you, and that's what the enemy wants. For you to be steeped in guilt, resentful towards the other party, and the relationship becomes further damaged to the point of ending.
4. Let go. Afterwards, you have to let it go. You cannot continue raking yourself over the coals allowing your soul and heart to be riddled with guilt. When He says that He forgives you, He means that and He wants you to forgive yourself, too.

Once you have forgiven yourself, begin to walk in your forgiveness. Have a loving and patient attitude towards the other person, and a repentant heart that allows you to change, but be free to be the best person you can. Do not continue trying to make up for what you have done, because you simply cannot.

It's time to be free, be healed, and live an abundant life because that is what Almighty God wants. Do not walk with your head down, burdened with guilt and shame. That's from the enemy, he wants to steal, kill, and destroy every good thing in your life. Don't give him the power. Separate yourself from the sin and the wrong, and walk in a life of redemption.

Release all of the guilt that has burdened you down like a ton of balloons. Let it go and be free! He has already won the battle. John 16:33 gives us encouragement: "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Is there someone you need to forgive or someone you need to receive forgiveness from. Reach out and have a conversation with them. Let the Lord open your heart for the process to start.

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15.

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. 
Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.
She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle


Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

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It's another Fab Friday and today's featured author is Sharon Crittenden, author, radio host, speaker, First Lady, wife, and mother. To hold those titles and be successful in her calling, prayer is key. And that's what she's sharing with us today. Please welcome, Sharon, and read on...

Does the uncertainty and chaos from relationships keep you up at night? Are irrational levels of grief, resentment and heartache your constant companion? Could you benefit from a prevention plan from repeated cycles?

If the answer is yes, you’re not alone.  Chances are, you or someone you know seriously struggles with heartache, heartbreak, jealousy, grief, bitterness and so forth.

Sharon writes, “Dealing with our hurt and life’s troubles are enough to strangle our well-emotional being.”  She knows exactly what it feels like to be overcome by resentment, heartache and grief, which is why she has dedicated this book to aiding thousands of men and women.  This book hopes to encourage millions to take back control of their minds, emotions and as result, their lives!

Guard Your Heart invites readers to dive into Proverbs 4:23. This is the least published topic on Amazon, but happens to be one the most influential and inspirational scriptures from the Holy Bible:  
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it”

As long as you are living, breathing and have relationships with people, you will always have to face matters of the heart. 
There is a pathway to experience more joy, clarity, physical restoration, and contentment through the power and authority of the Holy Spirit.  Heartache and heartbreak are an unavoidable part of life.  In essence, it’s also a tactic of the enemy to overtake you.  A broken and bitter heart doesn’t have to control you. You can make it through every setback and setup to rob you of the promises of God. 

Sharon Crittenden was born in Rochester, New York.  She is an Award Winning and Amazon Best Selling author of Prayer Plus Faith Equals Miracles: 31 Days of Fervent Prayer and Guard Your Heart: Strategies to Kick the Enemy Out of Your Life. When she is not writing, she serves as a pastor’s wife, top motivational speaker, radio host, director of Rhema Word Press, and mother of two.  Sharon has appeared on numerous radio and television news channels in an effort to share her passion for writing with the overall goal of helping people live better lives. 

In 2018, Sharon was the recipient of the bronze medal for best non-fiction, inspirational religious books.  She was also a finalist for the Book Excellence Awards and recognized for best e-book. 
Sharon's compassionate demeanor is a refreshing approach that allows her to inspire Christian believers throughout the world.  Particularly, she is deeply passionate about empowering and refining Christian women.

Her love for helping all mankind allows her to authentically connect with Christians and non-Christians alike.

Her ministry, A Helping Hand Urbana exists to equip people with tools such as prayer, fasting, and worship to create positive and lasting inner change. She believes that everyone can benefit from a personal growth mindset, especially those that are having difficulty connecting and walking out the Word of God.

Aside from everything else, Sharon Crittenden is not motivated or driven by sales, awards and achievements.  Her goal is to restore and rebuild people who have suffered from set-ups, set-backs and disappointments. 

She is by far superficial and will not hesitate to turn down any opportunity that does not fall in sync with her belief systems as a minister of the Gospel.  She spends the bulk of her time with her family and serving as the first lady and ordained missionary at Rest-Oration Church in Urbana, Illinois. She is humbled by every major success as a result of her writing and truly grateful for every victory won while overcoming the enemy’s traps, tricks and plans. 

You can visit Sharon at her author page on Amazon and on Facebook @Sharoncrittenden42official via the following link -- facebook.com/sharoncrittenden42official/

Thanks for joining me for another Fab Friday! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, Sharon would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner

Once all the children went home for the day, Faith went to the drugstore near their home to get the answer to a question that was running through her mind. She faced the wall of pregnancy tests. There had to be at least fifty different options available. Which would be the most accurate? Should I use a dipstick or a test strip? Is it too soon to tell? Should I just go to the doctor? She attempted to calm herself as all of these questions danced in her head.

Faith wondered if she was ready to be a mother. She was enjoying the one-on-one time with Jamison. They could just pick up and go on a weekend getaway whenever they desired. They didn’t have to work around naptimes or feedings. Going to the movies would become streaming movies at home when they couldn’t find a babysitter. However, seeing a tiny visible representation of her and Jamison’s love would be amazing.  

After studying the different brands, Faith picked up a variety of tests and placed them in her basket. If all the tests gave her the same result, she would be able to trust it. Her next stop was the vitamin aisle. She looked up and her eyes landed on those of Janay Ingram. This woman was somewhat of a friend to her at one time, because Faith was her children’s babysitter. However, an unexpected relationship between Faith and Janay’s husband, Evan, put a chill on the friendship. Faith could still see the effects of it in the woman’s eyes. Faith noticed Janay had a pregnancy test in her hand as well.
Janay nodded her head. “Faith.”

“Hello, Janay,” Faith said. “How are you?”

“I’m well.”

An uncomfortable and tense silence existed between the two women for a few moments.

“Janay, I never had a chance to apologize for what happened. I never meant to get involved with Evan like that. I hope you can forgive me.”

Faith noticed Janay’s face soften momentarily. “I see you and your husband are starting your family, huh. Congratulations.”

“Thank you, but I don’t know if I’m pregnant or not. That’s kinda why I’m taking a home pregnancy test,” Faith stated, waving the box.
Janay’s scowl returned.

“You don’t have to get smart with me. I know what a home pregnancy test is for.”

“Then why did you ask me a question you already knew the answer to? I think you know the purpose for being in this aisle.” Faith nodded toward the pregnancy test in Janay’s hand.
Janay sauntered a little closer to Faith, who squared her shoulders and locked eyes with the woman.

“Knowing the kind of woman you are, you should probably pick up a home DNA test, too.” Faith gasped. “You have a nice day.”

Janay walked away and tossed the pregnancy test back on the shelf, leaving a shocked Faith with tears streaming down her cheeks. Why did that woman have to be so mean? Faith was no longer a threat to Janay and Evan, since she was married to Jamison. Faith assumed Evan and Janay were together as well. She decided the issue was not hers, but Janay’s. She pulled herself together and headed for the vitamin aisle.

It was on a white sand beach in Cozumel, Mexico that Darliss received the call to write her first book. Secrets was born ten years later and she hasn’t stopped. Her books, Hell is a Skyscraper: A Trio of Novelettes, Something Else to Want, and The Make-Believe Wives followed. Her newest release, The Make-Believe Family, joined her book family in the summer of 2018. Currently, her books are listed as both required and optional texts for a university-level Oral Communications class. Walking in the footsteps of her Christian playwright grandmother, Darliss was also commissioned to write and witnessed the performance of her short play, One Simple Yes.
A passionate writer, Darliss desires to write stories of fiction that have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of her readers. She is committed to continue to write entertaining and inspirational fiction for years to come.
You can find more information about Darliss at her website www.DarlissBatchelor.com and on social media at www.FaceBook.com/BooksbyDarliss.

Contact information: www.DarlissBatchelor.com www.Facebook.com/BooksbyDarliss

Buy Links:
Autographed Print: http://www.darlissbatchelor.com/the-make-believe-family.html
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Make-Believe-Family-Darliss-Batchelor-ebook/dp/B07GGKT6R1/
Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-make-believe-family-darliss-batchelor/1129248840?ean=2940161675632

Today is a #writerwednesday and I'm excited about it. On Monday I shared with you that I had lost my memory stick, but was able to recover about three stories out of the mass amount of loss I took. But today, I'm sharing a snippet of one of my favorite completed, but unpublished novels with you.

Falling back on an old gimmick of "switch" from their childhood days, Natalia and Naraja are about to play the game one final time. Natalia has agreed to stand in as a substitute for her twin sister as she takes a much-needed break from her husband. But can she deceive her brother-in-law, or will her ploy work so well that it leads to something, well...maybe a little more tempting?

I awoke that morning to the alarm clock going off. Rolling over in bed, I reached my hand out and pushed a series of buttons before finding the right one. Turning to my left side, I noticed Kevin had gotten up and left the bed already. Breathing a sigh of relief that I wouldn’t have to deal with him lasted momentarily. Suddenly the middle of the night came crashing down on me. He had pulled me close in his arms. I recall feeling him wrapping his arm around my waist and angling his hand upward to hold my breast. I had jumped from the bed as if scalded by hot water and ran into the bathroom. When I had returned, he was no longer in the bedroom. I had heard him slam the door to the guest bedroom. I knew that was where he spent the night.

I pulled my hand down my face and groaned. This was going nothing like we had planned, and I was uncertain I would last one week. A part of me wanted to help my sister, but another part realized she needed more help than I could or was willing to give. Naraja’s marriage was in trouble and that’s where she needed help.

I flung the covers from my body and sat up. Looking at the cell phone on the bedside table I decided to try her once more, since it was still early. I had no idea what her itinerary was like, but she couldn’t have done too much at seven in the morning. After all, if she was in San Francisco, surely, she’d still be asleep. It was only four in the morning there.

I dialed my phone number preparing all of the things I would say to her when we finally spoke. To my chagrin the phone rolled over directly to voicemail.

“Arghh!” I screamed out and flung the phone across the room.

I didn’t care if it broke, it would serve her right. Sliding out of their bed, I slipped my feet into the house slippers and made my way to the bathroom.

Twenty minutes later I had taken a quick shower and taken care of all of my personal hygiene needs. I grabbed my purse, keys, and the unbroken cell phone from the floor near the fireplace and walked downstairs to prepare for the day ahead. I knew the first thing on her schedule was to go to her aerobics class, and then she had some meeting at the local elementary school for a fundraiser she was a part of. After that, I was free to relax at home.

First thing on the agenda for me was breakfast. After I found something to eat, I would head out to the studio. I was very familiar with her workout studio, having gone there with her several times in the last week.

I was thankful that Kevin had left for the day. Naraja informed me that his mornings began at four and he left the house at six to head into the office. I had several hours before I would have to run into him again, and I could only hope that I had spoken with my sister before then.
Pulling the refrigerator door open, I looked inside to determine what I would eat for breakfast. Finding a honeydew, a cantaloupe, and two containers of pineapples and strawberries, I figured this would have to do. Unlike my sister I was not a cook. I would make a smoothie and sip it on the run.

Closing the refrigerator door with my foot, I backed up into a solid wall. Two massive arms wrapped themselves around me.

“Aigggh!” I screamed, dropping everything to the floor.

“Babe, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to scare you,” Kevin apologized, turning me around to face him. “You okay?”

Kevin’s arms were on mine, rubbing up and down in what was meant to be a soothing fashion. Yet, it was everything but. My heart pounded in my chest so rapidly I was sure he could hear the thump, thump in the silence of the kitchen.

“What are you doing here? Damn, why’d you scare the hell out of me like that?” I shrieked, clutching the honeydew in my palm like a football ready to be thrown.

His eyebrow lifted slightly, and I recalled that my sister wasn’t a curser.

“I…I’m sorry,” I stuttered. “You just startled me really bad.”

“Apparently.” He kneeled and began picking up the container of strawberries and pineapples, which had fallen at my feet. I still held the honeydew and the cantaloupe had rolled near the kitchen sink.

I scooted away to grab the errant fruit, hoping to avoid further discussion and especially his touch. I placed the fruit on the counter, willing my shaking hands to remain still.

It was more than the fear of him scaring me from his sudden appearance in the house that had me on edge. I could not help but recall the nearness of his presence last night, and how he had held my breast in his hand.

The thought of that caused my face to grow warm. I was thankful that I was not light in color, because I’m sure a blush would have crossed my face. It seemed to me that my breast heated up at the simple thought of him touching me in such an intimate, yet embarrassing manner.

“So, what are you doing here?” I asked using a diversionary tactic. Placing him under inquisition would serve to have him in a defensive posture, while I launched the offensive attack.

Kevin sat the strawberries and pineapples on the counter, leaned back against it and folded his arms across his chest.

 A small smile captured a sense of playfulness as it danced across his full lips. I turned away and grabbed a knife to begin slicing the melons.

“Smoothie or fruit salad?”

“Huh?” I turned back to him and he nodded to the fruit and the knife in my hand.

“Oh, smoothie. Can you please hand me those?” I asked, pointing the knife at the two containers of fruit sitting near his elbow.

“Yeah. Make me one, too, please.”

“Sure. Now back to my question. Why’re you home? I thought you left out earlier.”

“I did…I went in a couple of hours ago and knocked some things out.”

I continued slicing the fruit with my back to him. Waiting for an explanation I sensed none was forthcoming.

“Sooo?”

“Sooo…I decided to work from home the rest of the week as much as possible to spend some much-needed time with my wife.”

One large hand came to rest on my waist, while the other sat the two containers of fruit on the counter near my melons. Not mine, but the ones I was slicing on the counter.

I had not realized until I heard his voice at my ear and his breath on my neck he had moved so swiftly across the kitchen.

Get a grip, girl. You can work your way through this. Just remember your acting skills you learned in high school drama class, I coached myself internally.

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey lives in the metro Atlanta area with her husband and three children. Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in the Almighty God, and belief in themselves. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Thanks for joining me for another Writer Wednesday! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

Last week anyone who was on Facebook and saw my status knew that I was experiencing the ultimate disappointment. On Thursday I was crushed and posted it to my status. Many people reached out with well wishes and advice for how to manage the situation, but it did nothing to lessen my heartache. Don't get me wrong, I was grateful for everything they offered, but it did not restore to me something precious that I had lost.

Thursday morning I had packed my memory stick in my purse, but unbeknownst to me when I pulled my headphones out of their personal pocket of my purse where I had also stowed that treasured memory stick of mine, the stick fell out.

So, you say purchase another one. I already have at least four others. There was two years worth of work on that stick. It held 10 complete unpublished novels, at least 15 other works in progress, plays I have written and so much more. When I tell you that I broke down at the moment I realized it was gone and cried like a baby, I really did. And I knew from the moment I stuck my hand in and did not feel it that it was gone. Even as I emptied out my purse and pockets, I knew it was gone.

My husband put it best...it's like there are pieces of me scattered all over the place and I cannot find them. It's like I'm not whole anymore, incomplete. But he told me that he wasn't worried about it. He said that he hurt, because I hurt but he had the pleasure of hearing each one of those novels, both complete and incomplete read to him. I always read to my husband as I write. Force of habit.

But he then told me something else that was heartwarming and eye-opening. He said although the public hasn't read it, and I have heard them and know how beautiful they are, I can't wait to see what Almighty God is about to do through you next.

The Scripture above resonates within me because the word of the Lord is true, and my husband understands this principle and simply needed to remind me of it. Situations in our lives can occur that causes us to question, "What was the purpose of that?" or "Why me?"

We don't always understand why something happens, but we can be assured that the Lord does not intend for harm to come to us. There have been a couple of lessons I've learned through this:

1. To always back up my data in a couple of different places in addition to the memory stick.
   
2. Slow down and pay attention to what I'm doing at all times. Don't be in such a rush or so unfocused that I allow things to happen like that.
   
3. Trust Him even when I don't understand.
   
4. He is the Giver of the gift and as He poured all that I had written into me, He can give me more and better!
   

The night of my loss, I was able to retrieve a few items. None of this was saved to the computer, because I was using my husband's, but I ran a couple of commands and was able to find one of the files. The other two files I found because I had sent them to my Beta reader and I was able to pull it back through the email. There are still so many other things lost, but no amount of tears, regrets, or "woulda," "shoulda," "couldas" will resolve it or bring it back.

The heartache of it all is still with me, and I will probably carry it for quite some time. But like my husband, I cannot wait to see the plans the Lord has for me and my future. I have hope, because He says He plans to give me hope, and I believe His word.

What major or recent disappointments have you encountered?

How were you able to overcome it?

What Scriptures do you rely on to encourage you during disappointing times?

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. 
Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.
She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle


Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

It's another Fabulous Friday and today I'm showcasing my author sister, J.L. Campbell's latest release, Bankrolled, part of the Lady Guardians series. If you haven't heard, the Lady Guardians are a series of novels about bad-ass women in a female motorcycle club. They're defying the odds, but they're doing it only as women can.

J.L. Campbell is an award-winning Jamaican author who has published over thirty books. She writes contemporary and sweet romance, romantic suspense, women's fiction, as well as new and young adult novels. Campbell, who features Jamaican culture in her stories, is fascinated with the island's flora and has hundreds of photos in her collection. She is a certified editor, and also writes non-fiction. 

Social Media Links
Find J.L. Campbell on the web at www.joylcampbell.com
Join my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/iarreaderssuite/?fref=ts
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jlcampbellwrites/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jl.campbell/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thewriterssuite
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JL_Campbell

Thanks for joining me for another Fab Friday and a Fabulous Release! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, JL would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner

A couple of weeks ago, I introduced you to Kennedy Holloway. Her life has been turned upside down finding love where she did not expect to, and the person who holds her interest is here today. Please give a warm welcome to the Atlanta Cobra's forward, Elias Da Silva.

People talk. Everybody's got something to say about me and who they think I am. But on the real...nobody really knows me. Not anyone except my father and my sister. Even those close to me don't really know me like they think they do. They know what I allow them to know, when I allow them to know it.

Who I really am? I'm a son, brother and uncle. I'm a friend. I am a man who misses the love of his mother, because she died of lupus when I was only six and my sister was eight. I am a man who respects and understands the love and challenges of a single father and how often they are misrepresented, because my dad has been and continues to be a strong, helluva black male instrumental in the lives of his children and grandchildren. I am a business man who's passionate about promoting the causes of those who just need a shot; not looking to fatten my own pockets. And this man just happens to be the number one forward in the NBA, playing for the Atlanta Cobras. But everyone doesn't need to know all of that. It's what helps me protect my family from scrutiny. They don't need something else to talk about. They need to focus on what I want them to focus on. 

So, I don't sweat the fact that the media portrays me as this ladies' man. That's what I allow them to see and the image I have allowed them to carve of me. Why? Because it keeps everybody out of my real business and so far, I've been as successful at that game as I have been in the game of NBA. But there's one game I haven't been too successful at, the game of love.

Like many men my age, I haven't been looking for love. It's not because I want to play games with a woman's heart, that's not who I am. I just lay the cards on the table, explain the rules and they either accept it or they don't. You see, I've worked too hard to build the career that I love and my wealth has afforded me certain privileges I wouldn't otherwise have. Aside from my NBA career I have a couple of business that means a lot to me, too. And I promise you, I won't be that brother getting milked by some broad claiming to have my kid, or getting duped into a marriage so she can take what I've built.

Family? Family has always meant everything to me. I'm possessive and protective over what's mine. That's what's gotten me into the mess I'm in now. This woman...Kennedy Holloway, yeah, that's her name. She was only supposed to be a photographer for this photo shoot I was doing for Courtside Magazine. But, man I don't know...somehow we connected on some other level behind the camera. She saw things in me, I could tell that no one has ever seen. And I knew it from the way we kicked it, but when I saw the pictures it was like she was showing the world this other part of Elias Da Silva. And I wasn't so sure I wanted them to see that. But I wanted to see her again.

So, my pursuit begins. But something's not quite right. She's putting up these walls to keep me out and I'm not sure why. As a celebrity, the media can't let some things go. And when they get ahold of me and Kennedy, they're determined to hold on like a dog to a bone. But the secret they uncover that she's kept so carefully hidden in her life is about to make me lose my mind.

And if you haven't met Kennedy. Check her out at Behind the Lens.

Follow our love story in the upcoming novel, Bel Amour (Beautiful Love).

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey lives in the metro Atlanta area with her husband and three children. Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in the Almighty God, and belief in themselves. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Thanks for joining me for another Writer Wednesday! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

Last week I struggled with headaches every day. Not just the regular headaches that I've dealt with for years on an ongoing basis, but these were a different type. It was not until the end of the week that I realized I was stressed out on so many levels about so many things. It was not good.

Now, I must confess I believe part of the reason I was having the headaches was because I had changed my diet and amped up my exercise routine. I had been doing excellent on that for about three weeks, and last week on a Monday I crashed. I went the entire week eating the old foods I used to love (fried, sweet, and fast), and I did not work out once. So, I know part of the reason was because of that fact alone, a fact that my husband actually pointed out.

When I settled down on Friday after the work week was over, I began to sort through all the random things that were rambling through my mind and that's when I realized I was stressed. We're coming up on that time of the year, where we're still trying to balance regular life's demanding schedule and trying to squeeze extra in because here come the holidays, here come the times of celebration, and here comes the extra spending.

I love being invited to things and included in things, but here's a little secret that I'll share with you, and you only. I am an introvert. Honestly, I am such a homebody that I have to allow my family to talk me into participating in most things. Not because I don't like to or don't like people, I think it's that I love my comfort zone and I don't like being pushed beyond it. And beyond that? Writing is my guilty addiction...has been since the age of 12.

Well, in the effort of trying to push beyond my comfort zone, sometimes I allow myself to take on too much and that's what I have done lately. I said 'yes,' to so many things that I became absolutely overwhelmed. That's the other thing about me, I don't like disappointing people by saying 'no.'

So, I began to question my reluctance to complete some of the things I had been asked to complete, participate in some of the things I have been asked to participate in, and provide some of the things I have been asked to provide. And then I looked at my hectic and demanding work schedule (I have a stressful job that I really love), and compare it to everything else. I cannot do it all, and I had been trying to fool myself into believing that I can.

So, there were things that I needed to say 'no,' to and some things that I needed to delegate to others, which I absolutely hate doing. I really do believe I can do it all, and it'll be done the way that I want to. Other confession? I'm a control freak over things related to me...not things related to others, just me.

Then it hit me. Philippians 4, verses 6 and 7. It came to me on Friday night I believe it was. And so, I started asking the Lord to lead me as to what to do in different areas. Show me what was His will, and what wasn't. Show me the things it was okay to do and those that I need to let go of. And above all give me peace with it and peace with the people that may be involved in it. And you know what? He did.

Everything has not been revealed all at once. He is giving me glimpses and answers day by day, but I have to be patient and trust Him. And then I have to truly let go once He gives me the answer and follow what He's telling me to do, not second-guessing Him or questioning Him in any way. And with each revelation, He's giving me peace and comfort through it all.

Sunday morning, my mind amped up again starting to think about the vast things that are on my plate, and things I'm being asked to do or to give. The headache started back up, and He led me right back to this Scripture. And after this Scripture, came this blog piece. I think He's telling me that I'll have to hold tight to this particular Scripture as He guides me through this particular season of life.

Whatever it is that you may be facing this season, or any season of your life, trust it into His hands before you stress about it. Nothing is worth risking our health for. And after all, He wants us to live an abundant life and enjoy it to the full. That's what He promised in His word. Then who are we to do anything less than what He has established for us?

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10

What do you do when life becomes stressful?

Do you have a favorite Scripture?

How do you escape the madness life offers at times?

I would love for you to share with me. Drop it in the comments below... 

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. 
Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.
She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle


Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

It's another #writerwednesday, and Elias Da Silva is taking a moment to check out something that's caught his eye. But the fire of desire that rises in him, quickly turns into a different type of heat...

Breasts thrust in the air, arms askew, back arched, her hips supported by a cushion, Kennedy’s t-shirt slipped free of her tight, knee-ripped jeans. Her exposed mid-section quivered slightly at the air blowing in. Licking her lips, she angled her head, and lost her breath, as she attempted to consume the fullness of it.

A soft moan escaped her lips. Jazz played softly in the background, and the scent of jasmine saturated the air. She was intoxicated with the ambiance and tried to get more.

Elias struggled with his physical reaction towards her. Kennedy was beautiful on a regular day, breathtakingly gorgeous on the night they’d had dinner, desirable the night she’d come to his party and had one too many drinks, but here on his café floor like this she was sexy, and he wanted her.

He gripped the counter of the nearby coffee bar, trying to restrain himself. Closing his eyes, he tried to think of unicorns and butterflies, to stop the physical reaction his manhood was having towards her. It was no use. The only thing he saw behind his shuttered eyes was her underneath him, his arms wrapped around her back, as she arched trying to take in all of him.

Elias yearned to know what that sliver of skin peeking from under her t-shirt felt like. He wanted to taste those lips she had just licked, and make love with his tongue to that little slip of tongue that had been exposed for just a moment.

Running his hands down his face, he recalled there were other staff members around. Despite his greatest desire he would never do anything to disrespect Kennedy, nor would he embarrass her in front of anyone.

Come on, man, get a grip, he warned himself. He decided he would bring attention to his presence, and hopefully cause her to change positions. The last thing he needed was someone else seeing her in that position and desiring her the way that he did. The thought of that brought anger to the forefront of his emotions, causing his erection to decrease.

“There you are,” Elias stated, kneeling beside her on the floor of Friday Night Expressions. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”

Kennedy remained silent, clicking off several shots in succession. He waited patiently, trying to see what she saw on the ceiling above her. Elias wondered how she viewed the ceiling and what she thought of it. If there were any way possible, he would have wanted to see it through her eyes.

He had commissioned a couple of independent artists who frequented the café to paint a mural on the ceiling. African-American men and women sang, played instruments, read poetry, wrote novels, and painted all on his ceiling.

Setting her camera down beside her, Kennedy sat up, and swiveled her legs around to face Elias. She rested her arms on her knees and smiled at him.

“What’s up?”

“Checking to see how you were coming along? We have a band that’s supposed to rehearse in about a couple of hours, but they needed to move it up an hour earlier. I didn’t know if you’d be finished.”

“Ah, sure. I’ve got a couple more shots before I call it a wrap tonight.”

“Cool. Well, if you don’t mind staying around this evening, you should be able to catch at least one of our acts. Help you get a vibe for the place and all, you know…”

She smirked at him and shook her head. “I can stay around for a little while. Not too long, because I’ve got to get some rest for another shoot I’m scheduled for in the morning.”

“More important than mine?”

She laughed. “Nothing’s more important than yours, Mr. Da Silva.”

“Mr. Da Silva is it?”

She winked. “No.”

“Who’s the shoot for? Anyone I know?”

“Zachary McKnight.”

“Zachary? My Zachary?”

“I don’t know that he’s yours…buuut, yes, your teammate Zachary McKnight.”

Zachary was a center for the Atlanta Cobras, and one of the most arrogant men he knew. The fact that Kennedy would be working with Zachary upset him. His reputation among the ladies wasn’t too good. There had been a few allegations that he had attempted to rape a couple of groupies, but nothing had ever come of it.

The Cobras had hired their high-powered attorneys, paid out a settlement, coerced a signed contract from the ladies, and swept any remnants of the scandal under the rug. Initially most of the team had given Zachary the benefit of the doubt, but he never cooled his heels and instead bragged about his sexual prowess in the bedroom.

Elias knew that the press liked to portray him as a ladies’ man, but he had always been portrayed as a combination of a player and a gentleman. Not once had he ever been accused of losing control with a woman. They were always treated with the utmost respect.

“What time is your shoot?”

“Starts around nine. Why?”

“Just wondering. Shooting him in the same spot we shot in at Piedmont Park?”

“Nah. He wants to do Krog Street Tunnel,” Kennedy stated, grabbing her camera and pulling herself to her feet.

Elias exploded up like a rocket, all six foot six inches of him. His quick movements caused Kennedy to stumble backwards, widening her eyes.

Flaring his nostrils and puckering his lips, he was angry that he had scared her. That was another emotion he never wanted to be responsible for her feeling.

“Why does he want to meet there?”

“To capture his artistic side. You know he paints, too, right?”

Elias rolled his eyes, his fists coming to his waist, pushing his blazer coat behind him. “Come on, Kennedy. You’re a smart woman. Surely you’ve figured him out by now.”

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. 
Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.
She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle


Thanks for joining me for another Writer Wednesday! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

How often do we as women talk about wanting to find love? How often are we comparing ourselves to someone else, trying to figure out how she grabbed love but we didn't? How often are we comparing ourselves to a man, stating that he needs to bring all these things to the table, but what are we bringing to the table?

Love is not just about the financial benefits he or she can bring to the relationship. Nor, is it about how good one can make you feel in your daily dealings. Love is about building one another stronger even in the worst of times, seeing beyond his or her faults and to the core of who they are. Love is about understanding what someone needs, not just what they want to bring out he best in them.

I used to be frustrated, not understanding why my husband constantly pushed me to do more, be more, when I was perfectly complacent in being who I was. What I did not understand at the time was that his love for me, an Almighty God inspired love, allowed him to see what I could not see within me. And he had an understanding of what it would take to pull it out of me.

Now, when I look back to the girl I was at twenty-two and the woman I am at forty-five, I cannot help but say wow! Not just wow, as in the normal wow about how much I've grown. But honestly amazed at the person I am today, regarding my feelings and values, as well as, what I have been able to accomplish, when I did not even realize some of the capabilities existed within me.

The challenges that I thought were insurmountable, the obstacles that I feared were unavoidable, and the mountains that were too high to begin to climb let alone conquer were nothing when I look back. Yet, all of them grew me in ways I believed impossible back then.

This weekend, Bishop Dr. Richard Leaphart posed an interesting statement, "I can't receive His benefits if I don't believe He loves me, and the same is true in the natural."

Are you allowing yourself to believe that the Lord Almighty loves you and wants the best for you? Are you allowing Him to bring out the best in you?

And what about that relationship you're in? Are you believing that he loves you, even when times aren't the best?

Let me pose this question: If you don't believe he loves you, then how can you quite possibly love him enough to give him what he needs? You can't because you're too focused on worrying about what you're not receiving to see what he needs.

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. 
Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.
She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle


Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

Today, I would like to introduce you to Kennedy Marie Holloway, independent photographer for Courtside Magazine. Kennedy will soon find herself in the spotlight because of the company she's keeping. On the surface, she may be living the dream of some groupies, but she is carrying a lot of baggage that keeps her from enjoying this new spotlight. Read on...

The basics...about me. I'm a thirty-three year old, former finance consultant for Thompson-Meyer, one of the country's top bank and brokerage firms. I am married to Rick Holloway and we recently celebrated three years of marriage. The only child of Marilyn Everett-Briggs, defense attorney and Scott Briggs, a police detective for DeKalb County.

Of mixed race descent I have always been proud of who I am and where I come from. There were several things that split my parents' marriage up, one of which was my father's African-American heritage that was not high on the list of my maternal grandparents' reasons to love about him. They wanted her to marry within her WASP background, and she failed to do so. The other thorn in their marriage was their conflicting career choices. Her career as a defense attorney and his as a detective eventually pitted them against each other.

I did not want my own marriage to follow their fate, but eventually it did. My reasons for preparing to divorce were dissimilar to my parents. They still loved one another very much. My husband's actions did not depict true love.

When my eyes were opened to the truth about him, I realized my entire life was a characterization of what others thought my life should resemble. Now, I'm on the way to a new life. Picking up the camera has been my life's passion, something I did on the side that no one took seriously except myself.

That love and desire led me to make some serious changes, the first of which has been my career. Giving up my career as a financial consultant, I am now an independent photographer on the brink of success and notoriety. Is it because of some well-placed ads, perfectly timed appearances, and the right connections...that landed me gigs as a contractor for Courtside Magazine? That helps, but it's not that.

Courtside Magazine is the premier sports magazine, following the lives of professional NBA players both on and off the court. I have landed several small gigs with them, but when asked to do a feature spread on Elias Da Silva, the NBA's number one forward, playing for the Atlanta Cobras, I was overjoyed. This would surely lead to more higher paying jobs.

I should have known from the first moment I met Elias things would never be the same. Try as I might to shut down his interest, he did not take no for an answer. There was a reason I was able to see something in him that others failed to see. And against my better judgment, I ignored my initial instincts and went out on a date with him.

That wasn't altogether the worst thing that could happen. No, the worst thing was when my husband found out. And the thing he's asking of me now? This thing that is crazy in the scheme of things? It isn't so easy to turn away from. I have choices to make, and someone is going to get hurt no matter what I decide. My connection to Elias Da Silva has thrust me into the spotlight that I once shunned, and has Elias' personal life at the heart of the media's focus. The one thing he hates the most.

Follow our love story in the upcoming novel, Bel Amour (Beautiful Love).

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey lives in the metro Atlanta area with her husband and three children. Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in the Almighty God, and belief in themselves. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Thanks for joining me for another Writer Wednesday! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

Relationships are all about sacrifice. Oftentimes, we go into them thinking about the excitement that a new relationship brings. Getting to know someone new and all that they have to offer, along with all we have to give. We look forward to those first, second, and subsequent dates; the times when we will see one another again; or when he will call, because we can't wait to hear his voice.

As time grows on, it can become easy to forget about those beautiful moments in the beginning. Or what I would like to call those "firsts." The first date. The first kiss. The first dance. The first time he said, "I love you." Those moments are not to be forgotten, but to be treasured because you cannot capture them again, only build on them.

As challenges arise in the relationship, it's easy to get lost in the disagreements and the ups and downs and forget to cherish what you have. I say have rather than had, because that special thing isn't lost, it just needs to be cultivated and rekindled. In the darkest moments and the most challenging times, recall that love is about sacrifice. It's not always about those exciting, thrilling, unexpected moments, but also about sacrificing for the greater good of another. Giving him everything you have when he needs it most, and when he gives to you everything, letting him know you appreciate it.

Sacrificial love is not always easy, it can be quite painful and make you afraid. I think about what Jesus Christ must have endured and felt when He had to go to the cross at Calvary to sacrifice for our sins. There have been times when tears have come to my eyes, at just the thought of what He had to face, and how often we (I) take it for granted.

Even in every day living our sacrificial love can be painful and not easy to give. In an upcoming novel, I have written, Bel Amour, the characters must endure a sacrificial love. Kennedy has experienced a great hurt in her marriage, but she knows she must push on to live her best life. And just when she is ready to move on with her life and put the pain of the past behind, she is faced with a new challenge that she has to consider.

Kennedy will have to release a chance at happiness, for the greater good of someone else. The love she is called on to show is not just romantic in nature. It is a love that is selfless, unconditional, and non-threatening. But in making that choice, she will have to hurt someone else in the process.

But as with all things, when the Lord is in the mix and we're doing His will it will work out for good. And I'm not simply referring to the book at the moment, but in you life, in my life, and the lives of those around us.

This weekend, I wrote a newsletter about how to rekindle the flames of love in you new or existing relationship. I share ideas and images of Kennedy and Elias in the novel, Bel Amour. If you have not received the newsletter you can check out the link below. And if you are not a subscriber, you can subscribe in the newsletter link below and receive a free short story.

Book Café Newsletter - FALLing In Love

Subscribe to Book Café

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. 
Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.
She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

Should "Til Death Do Us Part," really be adhered to anymore? That's the problem that Kennedy Holloway is facing and must determine how important her marital vows are to her. Ready to move on with her life and beyond the heartbreak her husband has created for her, she has made her peace with what was and is ready to move into what could be. However, life altering events will have her changing her mind and putting her life on hold for...forever?

Today's #writerwednesday snippet is from an upcoming novel, Bel Amour (Beautiful Love).

BEL AMOUR
A beautiful story of love between a man and a woman. Photographer Kennedy Holloway has changed her life, and is now pursuing her first love in a career of creating beautiful art from behind the lens of a camera. A freelance photographer for Courtside Magazine, she’s begun rubbing elbows with some of the NBA’s elite players. Running from heartache and disappointment, she’s come to the end of the road when she meets Atlanta Cobras’, Elias Da Silva.

Touted as the NBA’s #1 shooting guard and designated all-around ladies’ man, Elias’ private life is off limits to the paparazzi. No one really knows the man off the court, and he’s blocking every attempt from anyone getting too close, until he meets Kennedy on assignment. Her attempts to hide behind the camera only peeks his interest further. He won’t rest until he wins at the game of love.

Follow Kennedy and Elias through three years of ups and downs, as they learn about one another and themselves. Deemed to be the “perfect couple,” Kennedy’s past rises as a barrier between them. Will a lesson in sacrificial love keep the two of them apart, or will it be the bond that they need to bring them together again?

Kennedy looked around her townhome one final time before releasing a sigh. Everything had been packed away. All her recently purchased furniture sent to storage, along with other valuables.

“You ready, babe?” Rick asked, draping an arm over her shoulder with a large grin creasing his face.

Not really, she thought, but kept her feelings to herself.

Kennedy looked up at her husband and smiled. “Sure.”

She looked down at the baby in her arms, her heart pounding, and uncertainty dancing around in her mind.

The infant’s fists were bundled underneath her chin while she slept peacefully away. She had no clue of the turmoil the adults in her life were experiencing.

Jessica had left the hospital shortly before the nurses came to release her, never once looking back or saying goodbye to the baby. Rick had her on his own for two weeks, before Kennedy finally caved in to his demands, against her mother’s wishes. Marilyn had not taken her calls since she announced to her mother that she had stopped the divorce and was moving back into their home.

Halfway through the drive to their home, Rick reached over and grabbed her hand into his pulling her from her thoughts. She looked up at him and smiled slightly, her head still resting in her other hand.

“What’s on your mind, baby?” he asked.

“Mm, nothing.”

“Come on, you can talk to me. You’re worried about being a mother?” he grinned like a Cheshire cat.

“No. Not really,” she muttered, turning to stare out the window. Her thoughts had been on Elias, wondering what he was doing. She had tried several times to no avail to reach out to him after the pictures appeared in the media.

“Then what?”

“Just wondering what Jessica could be thinking about to leave such an innocent life behind,” she lied, twisting in her seat to glance at the baby’s car seat. She couldn’t see her face very well from her position, but she could tell the newborn was still asleep.

“Mm. She’s selfish I can tell you that much. Let’s not talk about her. I don’t want to think about Jessica anymore. I want to talk about the family me, you, and Trinity will be. Not to mention the little one that I plan to put inside you once I get you home in bed,” Rick stated, laughing.

“Oh no, you don’t!” Kennedy replied, jerking her hand from his.

He frowned.

“What do you mean? That was always our dream, remember? Especially yours, babe.”

“Seems like you got a head start on that one.”

Rick reached a hand out and stroked Kennedy’s hair. “Come on, babe. You told me you’d forgiven me.”

“Doesn’t mean I’ll forget.”

“So, you’re saying we can’t start a family together?”

“We have a lot of healing to do, Rick. And you have a lot of growing and maturing to do. We’re hardly in the position to have another baby right now. Trinity’s barely three weeks old, and we have to learn how to take care of a child. The last thing we need to do is overwhelm ourselves with thoughts of another. Besides, we have too much baggage to deal with before jumping on that road.”

Rick sighed and rubbed a hand down his face. He pulled into the driveway of their home. She had not been here in such a long time. This had once been a dream home for her, now all it held were painful memories. Just looking at it, made her want to run.

As if sensing her hesitation, the baby chose that moment to begin whimpering in her sleep.

Rick tossed a look her way, and instantly unbuckled his seat belt.

Kennedy unbuckled hers and made her way to the rear passenger seat. Unstrapping Trinity’s car seat, she carefully lifted the infant out and held her close to her, while rocking her. She grabbed the baby bag with her other hand and lifted it onto the same shoulder she had already strapped her purse.

Rick grabbed Kennedy’s bags from the other side and smiled at her.

“Look at you…just beautiful. Motherhood looks great on you.”

Mr. Stanley came from around his backyard and stopped. Lifting a hand up to his forehead, he smiled and ambled over towards the couple.

“Well, I’ll be. Look who’s here! Land alive, I ain’t seen you in quite some time. I’m sho’ glad to see you two back together,” he remarked, as he made his way closer.

“Hi, Mr. Stanley,” Kennedy greeted warmly, a rush of affection taking over her.

“Hey, Mr. Stanley,” Rick greeted, reaching out and heartily shaking the elder man’s hand.

Mrs. Irene came out of the house and began making her way towards the small group.

“Well, well, well, who do we have here?” Mrs. Irene gushed, walking up to them.

“Well, it explains why we ain’t seen Kenni around, Reenie,” Mr. Stanley stated. “She’s been busy, and pregnant! I’m so glad you two starting a family.”

“May I see her?” Mrs. Irene asked, with a look of concern.

“Sure, Mrs. Irene,” Kennedy replied, handing over her carefully wrapped bundle.

She looked to Rick who stood beaming from ear to ear.

“Why that’s a proud papa if I ever seen one. I know I was like that with all three of ours,” Mr. Stanley stated, grinning back at Rick.

“Whose baby, is she?” Mrs. Irene asked.

“Woman! That’s their baby. What in Sam’s hill are you talking ‘bout?”

“Well, I know I seen Kennedy recently on them talk shows ‘bout them celebrities, and her figure was just as gorgeous as it is now. Ain’t no way a baby don’ come outta that,” she stated, pointing at Kennedy.

Kennedy glanced over at Rick, who was working his jaw back and forth.

“Foolish talk, woman!” Mr. Stanley reprimanded, talking about the couple as if they weren’t standing there.

“Mm-mm. Chile got blue eyes. Ain’t no way this heah’ Kennedy’s baby,” Mrs. Irene stated, looking between them.

Mr. Stanley looked down at the baby for the first time and then back up at Rick. “Son, you don’ went out and got yourself a baby outside the marriage?”

Rick started scratching the back of his neck and looking uncomfortable. “Well, see…”

“Yes, sir. Yes, he did. I’m here to help him raise her and make sure that she has a good home,” Kennedy intervened, accepting the baby back from Mrs. Irene.

Pressing her lips together she looked at the infant and back at her husband. “Mr. Stanley and Mrs. Irene, I think I need to get her in the house now, so I can change her.”

“You do that, sugah,” Mrs. Irene stated, patting Kennedy on the back.

She turned to head to the house, but not before hearing the advice given her husband.

“You take good care of that woman. She’s a mighty good girl, son. Don’t keep messing up too much. It’s only so much a woman can take. You hear me?” Mr. Stanley advised.

“Yes, sir.”

“Stanley had one time to pull some stuff like that on me…you wouldn’t be standing here talking to him now,” Mrs. Irene huffed, and walked off.

Kennedy squeezed her eyes shut tight. She waited for a few beats before hearing her husband’s footsteps on the stairwell, before he made his way up to the porch. She moved aside to allow him to unlock the front door.

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. 
Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.
She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
BLOG: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle+-

Thanks for joining me for another Writer Wednesday! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

Over the last few months, I have been struggling with having balance in my life. I am either extremely dedicated to what's going on at work, going over and above to accomplish goals, OR I am spending an unbalanced amount of time escaping into my writing world to the exclusion of all else.

I looked at my blog this past week and realized it has been just over a month since I last posted. That's so different than my norm. When I started this blog I would blog daily Monday through Friday. Then after life dealt our family a few blows, I scaled it back to Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I kept that pace up from 2015 through earlier this year. It's not that my blog and my writing isn't important to me, perhaps, some might say it's the most important thing to me. This happened because there was no balance or organization in my life.

As in my writing style of being a pantser, I also have a carefree, flow with the wind attitude in life. That's not always a good thing, because at some point things are going to spiral out of control or create some chaos in your life.

Lately, I have been extremely focused on work because my temporary job turned into a full-time job. On top of that, I took on another ghostwriting project which has eaten up any spare time that I have. While I am thankful for these blessings, I know that the Lord that I serve is not a God of chaos and confusion, rather balance.

So, in an effort to reel things back in and create balance (notice I said "create," not "restore," because there never was any before) in my life, I have done a few things that require a bit of self-discipline.

1. Exercise - Implementing an exercise routine in my life is not the easiest thing to do, but necessary. Waking up at 4:30 in the morning kicks my butt, but it helps me feel great about my day. I have more energy than I normally have and it helps me to focus on what I'm eating, preferring to choose healthier options over the junk that I love. It also helps me to feel good about me, and encourages me to know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, no matter how challenging. (Philippians 4:13).
2. Schedule - I sat down with my husband and kids and created a routine that we would abide by when it comes to certain things that are important (e.g., whose day to cook, what laundry day belongs to whom, etc.). This has definitely gone a long way to bringing order to our chaotic days and knowing what to expect. We still have two carefree days thrown in for the sake of being who we are.
3. Family Time - This may come in the way of sitting and talking about anything, cooking together, dancing or just playing games. Before our time was more sporadic, and it still is to a certain extent but now we all work towards making it a priority.
4. Me Time - My time is not like most people's. I relax by reading or writing. So, when I am working on a ghost-writing project, or my own novels it helps me to relax. In this way, I'm able to get done what I need to get done and still feel like I'm throwing some of the stress off.

The most important routine is to maintain my prayer life with reading the Word of Almighty God. I have never not prayed, because this is part of my daily life in the morning, throughout the day, and at night. However, I am focusing on how, when and how long I pray, because that, too, has suffered throughout the chaos that my life had become. Without His presence and guidance in my life, nothing can or will go right. So, I make Him a priority to ensure I am filled with His spirit and giving my best to my family and myself daily. He helps me to live my best life.

1. What are some routine things you do to create balance in your life, and to bring peace to your day?
2. What things have you seen get out of order when you don't do this?
3. How do you spend "me-time?"
4. What are some things your family does during family time?

Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey lives in the metro Atlanta area with her husband and three children. Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in the Almighty God, and belief in themselves. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.