Welcome, readers! This Fab Friday we're featuring an interview with Sheena Binkley, getting to know her up close and personal. Jump on in, grab your favorite beverage, and curl up for a good chat.

CHELLE: Plotter or Pantser? 

SHEENA: Definitely a Pantser

CHELLE: Tell us a little about yourself? Who is Sheena the woman?

SHEENA: I am a very ambitious, driven, goal-oriented individual who loves a challenge. I love to be creative and go outside of the box with each book that I’ve released. Even though I may be bold with my writing, I’m completely different in real life. I’m very quiet and a bit shy.

CHELLE: Wow! I wonder how many of your readers would have guessed that. Your personality online is anything but. (LOL!) You definitely exude confidence when you engage your readers online. Writing can be demanding, not to mention marketing your books. How do you create work/life balance being an author?

SHEENA: Having a work/life balance can be extremely hard, especially when you have a family. When I have an off day and my son is at school and my fiancé at work, I allow myself a few hours to get some writing done. When I do have a deadline to fulfill, I do spend more time writing; that includes late-night writing. I even write while I’m at work too (when I have the down time, of course).

CHELLE: I recall those days. I miss being able to do the writing at work during the downtime. I still sneak time in late nights every so often. But back to you. LOL!! Describe a day around your house and in your ordinary life where writing is not key.

SHEENA: When I’m not writing, a typical day at work include either going to work, or on my off day, taking and picking up my son from school. After school, I’ll help with his homework, and later we all have family time where we all discuss our day.

CHELLE: Most authors have a routine they settle into when they prepare to write. Yet, others toss routine out the window and go with the flow. Tell us about your writing routine.

SHEENA: When I first started writing, I did have a routine in which I would plot, plan and execute a particular storyline. Now, I’ll just go with the flow and write whatever’s on my mind. I’ll have a lot of ideas in which I’ll just start writing when I have a chance to.

CHELLE: Being a pantser is such a freeing experience. Pandora or Spotify? What would we find on your playlist?

SHEENA: Definitely Spotify. As for my playlist, I love old school music, so you’ll find Earth, Wind, & Fire, Isley Brothers, MSFB, Cameo; the list goes on. You’ll also find some other artists, including Bruno Mars, The Weeknd, Solange, and even Shawn Mendes (yes, I love his music!).

CHELLE: Cameo, EW&F, and Isley Brothers…girl, you took it way back! I think you’ve just inspired me to create an EW&F and Isley Brothers station. Now that can definitely get you in a writing mood for some steamy love scenes! Either that or making babies one. Whew! Okay, Sheena…Did you keep a journal or diary as a child growing up? If so, what secret did you not want your parents to read?

SHEENA: I kept a diary when I was younger, but I didn’t have any secrets, lol. I was on the straight and narrow, so I didn’t do anything bad growing up.

CHELLE: Mm-hmm…you saved it all for the books. I see you. What genre do you write and why? What authors have influenced your writings?

SHEENA: I mainly write romance, but I have released books in several sub-genres, including New Adult, Interracial, and Urban. The authors that have influenced my writing including Carl Weber, Reshonda Tate Billingsley, and even new powerhouse authors, Christina C. Jones, and Alexandria Warren.

CHELLE: Christina is definitely out there doing her thing! If you could pair up with another author to write, who would you choose and why?

SHEENA: I would love to collaborate with Alithea-Jae Smith. She’s one of my authors from my publishing company, and she is such a talented author. Our writing style is sort of similar to each other’s, so I know if we ever do a story together, it would be a perfect fit.
We have talked about collaborating, but with our busy schedules, we haven’t found the time to. Hopefully we will in the future.

CHELLE: Sounds like you just have to make it happen. Stop and set an appointment on your calendar to reach out to her and map it out. I’m sure both of your fans would love it. If your latest release were turned into a movie, what actors would you select to play the starring roles, and what music would comprise the soundtrack?

SHEENA: I would have to go with my Love, Life, & Happiness spin-off, Real Love for this one. The actors I would select to play the heroine and hero would be Keisha Chante (Riana) and Trey Songz (Shawn).
With the soundtrack, I actually have a book playlist that includes “That’s What I Like” by Bruno Mars, “You Know That I Love You” by Donnell Jones, “Love Me Now” by John Legend, and “Say Yes” by Floetry.

CHELLE: Okay, so I had to go to Google on that one. I’ve never heard of Keisha Chante before, so I’ll have to check out her music. That playlist is an excellent one…I love Donnell Jones, especially that song. How do you handle writer’s block?

SHEENA: With writer’s block, I usually would take a break and watch TV or listen to music. When I listen to music, it does give me ideas on a certain scene and it helps me to get back on my computer and write. So listening to music does help a lot.
 
CHELLE: Mountains or the beach?

SHEENA: The beach

CHELLE: Provide one marketing tip for upcoming authors that has worked for you.

SHEENA: Having a social media presence does help market your brand. Getting to interact with your readers is so important as an author; therefore, being able to go online at any time and posting about your books or even random comments will not only help with creating a great relationship with current readers, but also with readers who are interested in your work.

CHELLE: Thanks for sharing that tip with upcoming authors, Sheena. That’s an excellent one that authors can work well. If there was one thing you would want your readers to know after reading your works, what would it be?

SHEENA: That writing is my passion and I love HEAs, so each book that I have published is from the heart and that I put my all into every book that I have created.

CHELLE: Writers often have to forsake time with friends and family when deadlines are looming, or the creative muse is flowing. What one person has been your greatest supporter on your publishing journey?

SHEENA: Wow, I would have to say my fiancé. He has always been understanding with my writing and that’s something that I would always appreciate from him.

CHELLE: Awww…that’s so sweet. I’m sure he appreciates you, too. Describe your idea of the perfect “me-time.”

SHEENA: Getting a mani-pedi and just relaxing.

CHELLE: Kobe or LeBron?

SHEENA: LeBron. Never liked Kobe.

CHELLE: Ohhh! Don’t say that, Sheena. We live life beautifully inspired here, at The Beautifully Inspired Blog. Leave us with an inspirational post, comprised of three words.

SHEENA: Motivated, happy, blessed.

CHELLE: Beautiful words! Sheena, thanks darling for dropping by. It’s been a pleasure. Well, people, you’ve gotten a different glimpse of Sheena than you may have seen before. Check her out at the links below, and leave her a comment. She’d love to hear from you.

Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Sheena-Binkley/e/B00CSTNTIG/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1
Email: sheenabinkley@live.com
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/authorSheenaBinkley
Blog: http://sheenabinkley.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sheenabinkleyauthor (Like Page)
Twitter: @ChevonBink
Google +: https://plus.google.com/+sheenabinkley
Pinterest: Sheena Binkley
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/577100099053119/?fref=ts
Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/bY22E9

Thanks for joining me for another Fab Friday Feature! Please leave a comment below. Sheena would love to hear from you!

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Today's #writerwednesday shares a preview from my upcoming novel, A Woman's Design: Redemption. In the first book, A Woman's Design: Afflictions, Paige had quite a few intimate encounters of the sexual nature with various men. There's one that she will never forget, because it was a lightweight wakeup call. Today, she comes face-to-face with that encounter in the most unlikely environment and situation.

A knock at my door pulled my attention from my laptop to the doorway.

“Paige, it’s time.” My supervisor, Gloria, had stuck her head in the door calling me to the emergency staff meeting.

Logging off my system I gathered my iPad, phone and keys, and followed her down the corridor to conference room D.

The other social workers and case managers had already gathered around the table. The room was filled with the sound of buzzing bees as everyone gossiped, trying to determine what the meeting was about.

I walked to the head of the table as I usually did to sit to the right of Gloria. It was a power play I used to send the message to everyone that I was her right hand. The other case managers often vied for her attention in an effort to get the most promising cases, the best resources, and maximum favors. I had already cornered the market on that a few years back. Gloria and I had become best work buddies through the years, sometimes having lunch together, or drinks after work.

She had always believed we were close at work and away from work, but there was another side of me she had not known. At least until the news flashed my story on TVs across the Metro Atlanta area. There was still a lot she didn’t know and I preferred to keep it that way.

I looked around the table at my peers and rolled my eyes. They seldom had time to be bothered with me, and it had always been just fine by me. The wall I had carefully constructed to keep others out closed me in. Co-workers I had known for years maintained a distant air. At holiday parties and staff functions if I wasn’t socializing with Gloria, I found myself alone, or in the corner with my male constituents, or someone’s husband.

“Alright people, let’s get this show started,” Gloria stated, shuffling a stack of papers in front of her.

Everyone calmed down and focused their attention on her.

“Let’s start this meeting off by first giving an update on your current case log. Amanda we’ll start with you,” Gloria said, pointing at a young blonde, brown-eyed woman.
She was new to our agency and was still disillusioned to the point of believing she could and would make a difference.

Amanda spoke up and gave updates on her case log. The meeting went on like that until everyone, yours truly included had updated Gloria on our cases.

Gloria took care of a few tasks like reassigning a couple of caseloads temporarily, while two case managers went on vacation. One of the perks of my friendship with Gloria was that I was not on the receiving end of said caseloads.

I knew the fact I never had to oversee their caseloads while they were on vacation, although they had to oversee mine pissed off most of my co-workers.

“Okay. Now we’ve gotten the primary business out of the way let’s get down to the real reason for this meeting. I know you’re all wondering why I called this last minute meeting, so I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. First, let me say thank you for dropping everything and being here. I appreciate that you are all overburdened with caseloads and seldom have time to eat lunch or breathe, let alone run to a last minute meeting. You are a great team and I appreciate the hard work and diligence you bring to this department. Which is why it’s difficult for me to tell you…goodbye.”

There was a shocked silence for almost a minute before the murmuring began. I stared at the wall across from me for a while before I blinked out of my daze.

What happens now? What about those perks I’ve been banking on? These thoughts floated around in my head as I sat quietly next to her.

“Does this call for congratulations?” Iris Jordan another senior social worker inquired.

“Actually it does. I’m getting married at the end of this month to a wonderful man I’ve been dating for the last five years. We’re moving back to his hometown in Boston where I’ve already landed a position with their Department of Family and Children Services division.”

I turned to look at Gloria and it suddenly dawned on me. Maybe this friendship wasn’t as lopsided as I had believed at first. Obviously she was as unattached to it as I had been. I had no idea she was in a relationship, let alone one so serious it was leading to marriage. Moving to Boston? Where had that come from?

That was another of those ‘aha moments’ that pointed out to me just how self-absorbed I had been. My world revolved around me and for some reason I thought everyone else’s should, as well.

“So, is your position posted for re-hire?” Rich Bradenton was always looking for a promotion. He was probably the laziest person on the team and had been turned down for every promotion he sought.

“Actually it isn’t. Only external candidates were recruited for this position, and only applicants who had been in a similar role. It’s being reshaped to take on more responsibilities than I have been responsible for. Your new supervisor will be taking this department in a new direction; however, I must admit that you are in very capable hands. I promise you won’t be disappointed and in fact—” Gloria broke off and looked at her watch, before glancing at the door.

“If you all will excuse me for just a moment. My replacement should be here any minute,” she said, walking to the opened door and peeking her head into the hallway.

She pulled the door slightly closed behind herself and began conversing with someone in the hall. Some people peeked tried unsuccessfully to get a glimpse of who she was speaking with.

“Can you see?” Adele Scoggins asked Iris Jordan.

“Uh-uh. I can’t see a thing,” she said, straining her scrawny neck like a crane.

“I still can’t believe they didn’t tell us. I’d’ve liked to have applied for the position. Can you believe I wasn’t even considered?” Rich Bradenton complained with his face in his right hand.

“It’s okay, Rich. They said they were revamping the position. Maybe it was something you wouldn’t have wanted anyway.” That was Yvette Rhodes. She had been in love with Rich forever, despite the fact he was very married.

“You think?” he asked, looking at her to stroke his ego.

I could tell from the desperate look on her face she wanted to do more than stroke his ego. Poor Yvette, Rich either never realized her infatuation with him, or he refused to acknowledge it. He wouldn’t give her a bone to lick. No pun intended. Hell, yes there was. Who am I kidding?

Our attention over our miseries was brought up short when a smiling Gloria stepped back into the room.

“Team, I would like to introduce you to my replacement, and your new supervisor, Jacob Hawthorne.”

My heart started pounding rapidly because surely I had heard incorrectly.
Gail stepped aside and I almost crapped my pants! He stood there in the flesh, looking finer and sexier than he ever had before.

I wanted to crawl underneath the table and disappear.

Too late!

His eyes landed on me and his lips twisted up in a quirky, mischievous smile and his warm cocoa brown eyes darkened. I could see something there smoldering. I could’ve sworn Jacob undressed me with his eyes right at that table.

I had always been a confident woman when it came to my appearance and body. At that moment I wanted to cover up and hide. I felt as if everyone in the room could see my nude body.

All of a sudden my white three-quarter sleeve ruffled blouse and black and white mid-skirt was not enough clothing. I looked down at my iPad in front of me and pretended to be scrolling through my notes.

My already light face flushed red. I could feel the heat creeping all over my body and the tingling in my legs begin. I couldn’t believe this. I was in a room full of people and this man had the ability to make me feel ways I had not felt in two years. I didn’t have this reaction to him the other day in the parking lot, why now?

Was he toying with me? When I looked back up at him he had one finger at his temple, smiling at me with his bottom lip between his teeth. He was mentally fucking me and I was getting wet! Damn!
I risked a glance around the table and was surprised to see no one was watching me. All eyes were on him and Gloria as she introduced the team.

When I looked back at him he had turned his attention elsewhere. At that moment I determined God must really have a sense of humor. If He was angry at the way I had pushed Him away, He was exacting revenge at this moment.

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Romans 8:24-25 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

It's hard waiting and expecting something and never seeing the manifestation of the thing you're hoping for. In the beginning you're like a little child waiting on Christmas. You know that it's coming because it's been promised, you only have to wait for that day to arrive to get your just reward. But in other ways it isn't anything like a child waiting for Christmas. That child can see the gifts under the tree, he sees all the decorations and hears the songs playing on the radio, and sees the movies on TV. So he knows that it's coming, because it always does at the same time every year. But with you, you have no idea of when it's coming and there aren't any signs to show the manifestation of the thing you're hoping for is on the way. But you stand by faith, believing that in time you shall receive.

But then the days and weeks turn into months and you continue to pray and wait, and pray, and wait some more. But what happens when those months turns into years? It's so easy to give up if you haven't begun to see the manifestation of a promise in your life. We begin to become confused thinking maybe that wasn't promised to me, or maybe I misunderstood. Sometimes you even question your clarity thinking maybe it was me speaking and not God. Some people get to a place of feeling they haven't received because they don't deserve. Well truthfully none of us deserves His goodness. But He blesses us anyway, not because we deserve it, but because He's just that good.

Have you ever considered that during the waiting there's something else you're supposed to be getting out of the wait? Have you ever thought the waiting was for a reason? Maybe you haven't received the thing you're hoping for yet, because you haven't gotten the lesson out of the wait. Sometimes we go through ordeals or wait times, because He wants us to learn something during that time. Whether that lesson is strength, patience, humility, faith, compassion or something else it doesn't matter. If it's His plan for our lives it will be made manifest at His time, not ours. " For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11.

It may be a few years, a few months, or several years but don't give up on God. As the song says, "...because He won't give up on you." During the wait ask Him what is it that He wants you to learn, what does He want you to get out of the experience? And then sit quietly and listen. He'll tell you because He simply wants you to come to Him.

Be blessed my friend and continue to wait with love, expectancy, and faith. But during the wait, do the work and wait with a purpose. For when you know your purpose, you can fulfill your greatest potentials.

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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
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Bouncing and singing to the melodic grooves of Al Green, Stephanie was cheerful and in love. She knew every word to the song Al sang with perfection and confidence. She enjoyed singing the lyrics to "I’m Still in Love with You," her jam. Stephanie loved Al Green and listened to 100.3 The Beat, while singing her heart out. She popped her fingers and sang with her loud, alto voice vibrating throughout the car, putting her all into the song.

Excited about the prospect of seeing her man, Stephanie shimmied and danced to the song's beat. She missed Donnie and couldn't wait to see him.

Everyone considered Donnie Johnson a charmer. Stephanie met him two years ago at a charity affair for a mentoring program. He was a new manager, recently hired, at a local computer firm that had sent several of their managers to donate time and money to help the cause of keeping troubled teens out of jail by providing them with opportunities to work with professionals.

Donnie was a 32-year-old, six foot, bald-headed, caramel-colored brother who favored tailored suits and pressed, crisp, white shirts with neckties that blended well with his colors. He looked exquisite and reeked of money and good fortune. Plus, he had a mellow voice that transported unsuspecting females out of their underwear and into his bed without them realizing what happened.

After dating Stephanie for over a year, exclusively, he presented her with a flawless, white, four karats, square-cut diamond and asked her to marry him. She agreed. Now, their scheduled day to tie the knot was two weeks away.

As Stephanie turned into the Ridge Park subdivision, with its newly-built, two story, ranch-style, brick homes, the sound of her ringing phone interrupted her thoughts. She turned the music down and grabbed her cell off the passenger seat. She recognized the picture of her best friend's smiling face, as the name Regina and her number flashed on the screen. Stephanie smiled and pressed the answer button.

"Hey, girl." Regina's unmistakable voice filled her car. "What's up?"

The two friends met 20 years ago, at a Christian function. Regina Wilcox visited her church and they happened to sit together. They ended up chatting and exchanging phone numbers. The two girls were totally opposite of each other. While Stephanie flaunted a huge smile with perfect, white teeth and was considered by many as a beautiful, mocha-colored, brown-eyed girl with extremely long hair, who barely stood 5'4 in her clunky pumps, Regina was a gorgeous Caucasian, standing 5'6 and skinny with giraffe-like long legs that seemed to go on for miles.

The color of her hair served up a dark blond color, and her crystal blue eyes sparkled reminiscent of the sky. They reminded you of the clear, blue waters rolling up on the beach and cascading back into the ocean.

Both girls were beautiful. Stephanie's big ol’ trusting heart seemingly got her in trouble. Always a friend to everyone, and even when someone hurt her, she would accept apologies and move on. Regina, on the other hand, was honest, critical of others, and held grudges. When they met, they were 11-years-old and just starting to wear clunky heels and the wrong color makeup and lipstick. But once they exchanged phone numbers, they became inseparable, even attending the same college and sharing rooms. These two ladies were thick as 20-year-old tree barks and stood together on issues even if the other wasn't too keen on the situation. They both came from upper middle class, educated parents and lived about 15 minutes away from each other.

The day they met, Regina's church visited Stephanie's congregation to participate in a concert as special guests. That was the beginning of an honest and beautiful relationship. Both girls dealt with their share of problems, bad boyfriends, and teary nights on the phone; but when things boiled down, they always counted on each other. While in college, Regina's family packed up and moved to Fort Meyers, Florida. But Regina accepted a job with a large, St. Louis firm as an attorney, which made Stephanie happy because she started her nonprofit company in the same area.

"Hey, Regina, girl, are you back in town?"

"Not yet. I'm still in Florida. I changed my plan due to a delay and won't return until next week sometime. My siblings want me to stay a little longer, since we haven't seen each other in a while." Regina pulled down her rearview mirror and wiped the excess lipstick from the corners of her mouth.

Turning her head to check out the homes in their new subdivision, Stephanie asked, "Well, how's your mom?"

"She's good, and she told me to tell you hi, and she'll contact you in two weeks." Smiling at her reflection in the mirror, Regina tilted the mirror up and focused on the road ahead of her.

"That's good. I cannot wait to see Mrs. Wilcox again. How many years has it been since I've seen her? Too many. I love your mom."

Frowning before responding, Regina stated, "Too bad Momma has to come to this wedding of yours to witness this travesty. I wish you would take my advice and not marry that fool."

"I still don't understand why you don't like him. He does so much good for the children and young men at the boys' club. He spends hours helping them with their homework and teaching them how to be good, young men."

"But, Stephanie, your problem is being blind. I'm concerned by what you're not recognizing, and that bothers me. Remember that time you brought him to your company's party and he tried to talk to one of your friends?"

"He said he was playing." Stephanie rubbed the side of her face. The conversation was bothering her. She didn't want to remember the negative stuff.

Slapping her steering wheel in frustration, Regina asked, "What would you say if you were caught, red-handed, trying to talk to another woman?"

"Well, that happened then, and this is now. Donnie asked me to marry him and not anyone else. So, my dear best friend, although I love you dearly, please understand this is my decision and accept the situation."

"I am your best friend, which is why I have tried my darnedest to stop this. But, I'll leave your wedding alone. You, and only you, will have to live with your decision. I'll be here when you need me."

"That's all I ask, Regina. I just want you to support me. I'm happy, and that's all that should matter."

"I'll let you have this one, but the next time-"

"It won't be one, Regina, so let this go, please."

"I gotta go, girl, but I'll call you when I come to town next week. Be good; I love you."

"Love you too, girl. Smooches."

 Stephanie pressed end call on her phone and sat the phone back into the cradle on her car's dashboard. She smiled, thinking about the conversation. One thing she liked about Regina was her honesty.

Stephanie laughed as she drove through the subdivision. She lived in a beautiful area, but she and Donnie decided to sell their homes and purchase one together. They put their homes on the market and they would be on display throughout the month. They hoped someone would buy them quickly. Stephanie was ecstatic about a house she'd found and couldn't wait for her fiancé to view the structure.

She remembered the day clearly. "Donnie, let's check out this house in that new subdivision we passed the other day."

He reached over as he drove and squeezed her thigh. "If you let me bless you with some good loving when we arrive, I'll be happy to take a look."

"Boy, you silly if you think I'm going to lay on some filthy floor folks been walking over."

"You want me like I do you, right? I love you." He turned his head slightly to glance into her eyes.

"Boy, you better put your eyes back on the road." Stephanie took her two forefingers and pointed from her eyes to the street. "You better listen to me. Ain't nobody got time for car accidents."

"Girl, you feening for what I'm going to do to you?"

"I can't wait." Stephanie squeezed Donnie's right hand and smiled. Happy and satisfied, things in her life were materializing the way she always dreamed they would.

Stephanie couldn't wait to sign the papers for the house they were going to buy together. About to visit Donnie's home, Stephanie drove up to the white, chain link fence with the multi-colored daisies peeking throughout multiple links. As she stepped out of her white BMW, she passed by the red, yellow, and pink flowers and leaned over to sniff the sweet fragrance lingering in the air. Stephanie stood up straight, tossed her thick, shoulder-length, auburn-colored hair back into the wind and strutted to the front door of the house to locate the man she would marry in two weeks. She used her key to open the front door. Stephanie was going to surprise her fiancé, who had no idea his lady had arrived home early from a business meeting in Los Angeles.

Stephanie was a day early, and she had missed him so much that she traded her seat for one on standby, just to arrive early enough to rush to the man who would soon become her life partner. She was excited because she had not seen him in five days. That's how long she counted since they had kissed or touched each other; she was excited to feel his loving arms wrapped around her waist as they became one.

Stephanie walked through the house with her white, 4-inch, crystal-covered sandals silently clicking on the beige carpet. She stopped and stood in the foyer, looking in the mirror to give herself a once-over before seeing him. Placing her Fendi, calfskin bag and car keys on the Balbo console table, she primped and turned to check out her appearance in the circular mirror. Her white, sheath dress that hugged her body emphasized her small waist and her sexy breasts that were deemed 'just right' by Donnie. Stephanie was gorgeous, but not conceited, and understood how to handle her looks. Although a sharp dresser, she focused more on her education and her work. Stephanie was grateful she didn't have a weight problem, but she was careful to present the right attitude of someone who was appreciative of life and charitable to others. Her parents had always taught her, in life, you attract more with sugar than salt. Her efforts to focus on her heart had always made her stand taller amongst her colleagues and others. She inspected herself in the mirror to ensure her appearance would be appreciated by her man who loved to flaunt beautiful women on his arm.

Pivoting, she walked toward the en-suite. She noted Donnie's Land Rover parked in the driveway when she pulled up to the fence. He was home. Since she had not bumped into him or detected any movement, she assumed he was in the bedroom. As she moved closer to their special spot, she heard their song blaring, which made her feel all joyful and unique inside.

It was their signature song, "The Point of it All," by singer, Anthony Hamilton. She practically jogged to the bedroom, thinking about what would be happening in 2.5 seconds. As she touched the doorknob, she heard something knocking up against the wall. Twisting the doorknob, Stephanie nearly choked on the gum she was chewing.

"Oh, baby, your stuff is so good to me. Do your thing, girl." Donnie huffed and grunted out of breath.

"I love you." A woman, with her long legs wrapped around Donnie's back, screamed out as he pounded into her.

"Aww, baby. Don't stop." Donnie was thrusting himself into the woman, as if he had never experienced anything so good in his life. If Stephanie didn't know any better, she would think the man was crying.

The two, whipped fools sweet-talked and moaned so loudly over the music, they never even spotted her standing directly over their heads. Stephanie allowed the tears to pour from her eyes, as she searched the room for something to grab. The sting of betrayal begged her to kill Donnie. Not only that, he had mocked her by having sex with another woman while their song played in the background. Her heart pained with hurt and the feeling of rejection. She wanted to hurt him and make him experience the pangs of a broken heart like she was experiencing. Noticing the fireplace, she reached for the fireplace poker and walked in slow motion toward the man who had just crushed her heart. Lifting the poker up into the air, she slammed the deadly weapon across his head. Blood spurted out and spread quickly onto the screaming woman, who jumped out of bed and tried to run, but Stephanie was right behind her.

"Please don't hurt me. Please." The young lady looked no more than 20 years old. Her eyes bucked, and she looked like a deer blinded by headlights that was about to get hit by a speeding car. She looked terrified. Her straight, blond hair stood straight up on her head. Fear had caused her muscles to throb under her skin. Her pores began to exude sweat, and the hair on her arms, back, and neck started to stand up after seeing Stephanie swing the poker and strike Donnie with a violent blow to his head. The woman's entire body and brain were stimulated by fear. The young lady used her hands to hide her pale, white breasts, full, pink nipples and her private area, but her actions failed to cover her up. "I don't understand what's going on." She was inching toward the wall and reaching for her clothing. "Please, for God's sake, don't kill me. Who are you?" She cried. "Why are you doing this to us?"

"The question is, why are you in my fiancé's bed having sex with the man I am scheduled to marry in two weeks?"

Searching for her clothes, she stayed as far away from the crazed woman who was wielding a poker with a desperate look of anger and hate etched across her face. "This is my boyfriend." The lady screamed, as if she had been hit by a car. She slid her long, skinny, white body down the cream-painted wall; once on the floor, she scooted across the hickory hardwood to secure her dress that was bunched up in the corner. "Please don't beat me," she sobbed.

"You mean like you're doing me, slut?" Stephanie gripped the long, black, body of the poker and swung at the lamp on the table, which broke into tiny pieces while crashing to the ground.

The sound of the table lamp hitting the floor terrified the girl, and she pled for the stranger to let her go.

"Please, lady, let me go. I don't know you, and I don't want to die."

"I'm not going to hurt you. But this two-timing fool over there, I am going to beat the mess out of him."

Pivoting around to focus on the one person she trusted, she tried to hold back her anger. A surge of hate and disgust so powerful consumed her body and thoughts that she believed she would die from the energy in the room. She rushed to the bed where Donnie lay bleeding to finish him off. Stephanie raised the poker and Donnie's eyes fluttered open. He jerked to full attention and rolled off the bed. As he tried to stand up, he staggered like a drunkard leaving a bar.

"Are you crazy, Steph?" He shook his head to gather his senses. Donnie asked and grabbed a towel off the chair next to the bed, pressing down on his head to halt the bleeding. He walked toward Stephanie with his other hand raised. "Please, baby, this means nothing."

Seeing his private member dangling made her madder. With her left hand, she covered her left ear, as if she was trying to block out the noise. She was about to hit him again when she caught a voice saying: Don't do this; it's not worth jail. Stephanie. Put the poker down and flee.

"No." She screamed, as she swung the poker up into the air, missing Donnie. But before she brought the poker down again, the voice interrupted, Flee, Stephanie; now.

Dropping the poker, she turned and sprinted to the front of the house, grabbed her purse and keys off the table, opened the door, ran to the car, and jumped inside. She made it safely and locked the door as Donnie, who was running behind her, almost on her heels, took a brick and tried to break her window. He was screaming like a person suffering from behavioral issues, as he chased the car, naked, with the towel still pressed against his head.

The car was speeding out of control as Stephanie pressed the accelerator as hard as she could. She looked out of her rearview mirror and realized Donnie had stopped and wrapped the towel he used to wipe the blood from his head wound around his waist as a small crowd started to gather.

Stephanie was despondent. All she could think about was killing herself. She could not believe this was happening to her. She thought she had found the one - the man of her dreams. She thought she could trust him, but like all the rest, he was a liar and a lust-filled idiot. He didn't wear a condom. How many times had he exposed her to diseases?

Kill yourself, an obnoxious-sounding voice barked. Don't nobody want you. You keep getting hurt. Life isn't worth it.

She hit the steering wheel so hard she injured her hand, which only made her cry harder as she tried to shake away the pain. "Please, God, please help me."

Rose Jackson-Beavers, Chief Executive Officer of Prioritybooks Publications grew up in East St. Louis, Illinois and received her Bachelor and Master degrees from Illinois State and Southern Illinois Universities. Rose is an inspirational speaker who is frequently asked to talk to youths and young adults about life issues. She has worked with many teens throughout her community and has received numerous awards and recognition for her work in youth empowerment and publishing.

She has worked as a freelance writer for A-Magazine, a St. Louis Publication, and The Spanish Lake Word Newspaper and as an Opinion Shaper for the North County Journal Newspaper. Married for thirty-two years to Cedric, they have one daughter, Adeesha. Rose is the author of ten books. Her 2012 book, A Sinner's Cry was a finalist in the Religious Fiction category in, The Next Generation Indie Book Awards 2012. Her newest release through Urban Books is Full Figured 5 with Brenda Hampton remained in the top ten on Black Expressions Bookclub for several months. Rose is an Amazon bestselling author. She has published over thirty authors and more than 100 books with many of the books becoming best sellers and receiving award winning recognition. 

Please leave a comment below. Rose would love to hear from you!

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

To read my novels, visit Chelle's Book Cafe

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Five women, five lives, five secrets. Each woman is battling her own personal demons, and hiding a secret from her friends and family.

Each of them envying one another's life, wishing her life was different, wishing she had what the other woman had. But what happens when what appears to be real, is all a façade? Battling breast cancer, single parenthood, infidelity, the loss of a child, and managing the single life, can become overwhelming for these ladies.

Not satisfied with their lives, looking for something better, they contemplate alternative choices to improve their lives; crossing over to the other side of the fence is a very real possibility. They can't see beyond the choices they make, but they must be held accountable for them.

And after they have crossed the fence, they realize two things simultaneously. Yes, the grass was greener on the other side; and their grass could have been just as green, had they taken care of it.

They lay back on the bed watching TV for over an hour before falling asleep. It was dark when they awoke cradled in one another’s arms. The red LED lights on the digital clock next to the bed read 9:37.
He began kissing her again and sat up the moment that he felt his control slipping.

“What’s wrong, Pierce,” she asked, fearing she had done something wrong.

“Baby, I can’t lie. I want you so damn bad right now, I can’t hardly resist you. But I would be wrong to take advantage of you. Like I said, I know I created this situation here,” he said, waving his arms around to indicate the hotel room, “but, with all you got going on in your life, I don’t wanna be just another issue. When I asked you out here, I promised myself I wouldn’t do anything more than enjoy spending time alone with you, if that’s what you wanted.” Pierce breathed in a deep sigh and then exhaled, running his right hand across his head and down his face to relieve the stress he was feeling.

Courtney had gotten off the bed and come around the side to stand in front of him.

“But I want you to break that promise, I want to be taken advantage of, Pierce, I’m begging you,” she said as she began to pull her shirt up.

But he stopped her and pulled it back down clasping her hands between his own.

“Look, girl, if something goes further between us, I need to know that you’re ready. And just because I might be, it doesn’t mean you are. I just think that if we don’t control this thing, someone’s gonna get hurt. You’ve endured enough hurt and I can’t stand the thought of messing up what could be a good thing. Baby, you’ve got loose ends at home that need to be tied up. You’re still married and I can’t get past that. We creep around having lunch and phone conversations that you wouldn’t want anyone to know about. And I may be wrong to even bring you out here like this, but I’m human too. I ain’t here to add to no one’s pain. But you know I can’t make that decision, you gotta be ready.” He stood up and pulled her off the bed and kissed her deeply.

“Pierce, I do want you, baby. I love you, too, I really do. I just want you to make love to me tonight. I don’t have anywhere I have to be, please take me,” she pleaded.

“I can’t…I know you’re not ready,” he said.

“Yes, I am,” she replied.

Despite her love for her husband, she knew she was doing the right thing. She didn’t know if there was anything left for them to salvage anymore, or if she even wanted to. She had tried so hard to make things right between the two of them and he had brushed off her every attempt. She still hurt over the loss of their baby, but she didn’t deserve to be punished. And now here this beautiful, fine, sexy ass man stood in front of her. What was she to do? She didn’t know the answer to all of that, but what she did know was that she wasn’t going anywhere tonight. She was going to stay right here and be loved like the woman she was, and deal with the rest in the morning.

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
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Please 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.

To read my novels, visit Chelle's Book Cafe

For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter.

If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength! - Proverbs 24:10

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
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please 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.

For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter.

Hello. I’m Excited. This is one of my stops during the month tour for But My Soul Is Black by Terrell Williams. This virtual book tour is organized by Write Now Literary Book Tours. This tour runs September 4-29, 2017. Follow the tour here.  Book your own tour here WNL             
Genre: Fiction/Romance

Terrell Williams began life as the 2nd eldest son of 9 children (4 girls and 5 boys) and was reared in less than affluent circumstances. The second in his immediate family to graduate from college, he went on to marry a wonderful woman, and who eventually became the proud parents of 4 children (3 girls and 1 son who is also his namesake).

Mr. Williams enjoys reading and writing poetry, and he has written several plays that have been performed and were well received in Texas. The idea for his debut novel, But my Soul Is Black, lay dormant for many years until Mr. Williams finally finished the novel upon his retirement, fulfilling his dream of becoming a published author. His romantic tale tackles controversial topics such as interracial relationships, generational differences of conceptual thinking about life and love. This novel seeks to remind the readers of the interconnectedness we share as humans, as well as showing that truly, love transcends all!

But My Soul is Black, takes a candid look at interracial romance and the human experience. The book reveals the cultural misperceptions that harm us, and the love that heals us.
ISBN-10: 150069312X
ISBN-13: 978-1500693121
ASIN: B074TCQJDD

Bobby has high hopes for his new life in Detroit, and he will not, under any circumstances, blow his chances by messing up a prime job opportunity at his uncle’s construction company. But his first meeting with his mentor, African American foreman Jimbo, turns out even worse than expected when it becomes apparent that Bobby is learning the ropes to become Jimbo’s boss.

As Bobby tries to navigate Jimbo’s understandable resentment, he must also wrestle with the misperceptions of Black culture that his Caucasian family has passed on to him. Eventually, the two men become friends as Jimbo recognizes that Bobby doesn’t hold the prejudices of his uncle.

But just as things start to smooth out, Jimbo introduces Bobby to the kind, clever, and stunning Karen—Jimbo’s favorite woman to string along. Confused by his strong feelings for this intriguing woman and frustrated with Jimbo’s flippant treatment of her, Bobby struggles with whether to pursue Karen…at the cost of ending his newfound friendship with Jimbo and sabotaging his future.

Taking a candid look at interracial romance and the human experience, …But My Soul is Black reveals the cultural misperceptions that harm us—and the love that heals us.
 
Connect Socially
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bobby_selinski
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/butmysoulisblack/
Purchase Link
Amazon: http://a.co/fWBzP17
Tour Hosted by Write Now Literary Book Tours

Please leave a comment below. Terrell would love to hear from you!

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

To read my novels, visit Chelle's Book Cafe

For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter.

It's another Fab Friday and today's featured author is...Chelle Ramsey! Yes, me. The makeup of a woman is intricate, detailed, specially woven and crafted with love, and extremely complex.

My latest novel, A Woman's Design: Afflictions focuses on three best friends, learning to love, laugh, and heal from self-inflicted pain, and accepting treatment they never had to. It takes a look at the lives we as women choose to live, the hurt and pain, the beauty and the love. It's on sale this week for only $0.99. You don't want to miss it. Read More...

Ambiance – Loving her husband, building her brand, and being there for her girls are the only things that matter to her. But she’s quickly learning that her love is not enough to build a strong, stable marriage. Surrounded by family, friends and business constituents should be enough; yet, she’s all alone. When her love isn’t enough to suffice her husband’s needs, Ambiance considers stepping beyond the vows and taking matters into her own hands. The tragic results will have her running into the arms of the Lord.

Naomi – As a teen she made the decision to be a single mother. Choosing to build her life around her daughter has molded and shaped all the decisions she has made until now. Her relationship with her daughter is highly valued and nothing can shake it, not even her daughter’s attempts to grow up. But when her daughter’s so-called “deceased” father comes back, Naomi’s carefully constructed world may begin to crumble. Her efforts to protect her child may be the one thing that pushes her away, and she must decide if she will open herself up to love again.

Paige- running from her inner demons she struggles to build a life vastly different than her mother and aunt’s. With a mindset of use or be used, she takes the concept of “love ‘em and leave ‘em” to a new level, and her promiscuous lifestyle is a cause of concern for all those who love her. She doesn’t care whose heart she’s breaking or whose life she’s ruining, it’s all about her. Until it no longer is.

Three women are on a journey of self-discovery, as they deal with the fallout from choices made from emotion rather than self-awareness.

I had begun to lose my interest and desire for my husband because of his treatment of me. So, my attitude tonight was another way to keep him from trying to get too close. I was hoping, if anything, it would push him away. I felt like if my husband didn’t care about our marriage, neither did I. I was tired of putting all the hard work in while he ran the streets.

“Ambiance, what’s wrong with you, girl? You’re acting like it’s the end of the world. You’re going to break those dishes if you keep tossing them around like that.”

That was my husband, Eric. At six-foot-one with a warm, brown sugar complexion, piercing dark eyes, and full kissable lips, he was definitely a charmer and a looker. Women had a hard time ignoring his looks, and that was what kept him in trouble. The fact that he was a very nice dresser and always smelled so delicious didn’t hurt either. His physical build was more like that of a baseball player. He was definitely muscular and toned, but not overtly so…like a certain man named Nick. But none of that was swaying me tonight.

Eric was standing in front of me now with one hand on the counter and the other wiping down his face.
“Come here, quit acting so mean and hateful,” he stated.

What did he mean? What did he expect after years of his ignoring me and his treatment of me earlier? I really didn’t want to discuss it with him. He had gone too far, and I didn’t know if I wanted him to turn back now. I didn’t want to work things out anymore, and it seemed as if that was exactly what he was trying to do.

“Look, Ambiance, I know things between us have been off for some time now, and I know it’s my fault. I messed up the first year of our marriage, when we should’ve been getting to know one another as husband and wife. I know it took some time for you to forgive me, but…it was hard being pushed away during those times. And I’m sorry about my attitude earlier.”

He had placed both of his arms on either side of me, not allowing me to move away from him. I was trapped as he pressed his manhood against my behind. I tamped down the feelings for him I felt swelling up inside of me.

“Well, good, now you know how I felt when you weren’t around. When you were out whoring around and running the streets. Even now, you don’t always come home at night. I don’t know where you’ve been, or who you’ve been doing,” I huffed, slamming a dish into the soapy water, causing bubbles to fly back up in my face.

“You mean, what I’ve been doing?” he asked, as he began pressing little kisses down my neck. I took a deep breath and held it in.

“No, I said it right the first time. I don’t know who you’ve been doing.”

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
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Please leave a comment below. Chelle would love to hear from you!

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

To read my novels, visit Chelle's Book Cafe

For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter.

This week our focus has been on learning from our affliction. More often than not we repeat our challenges in life, because we failed to learn the lesson the first time around. As adults if we're not careful, we can create generational curses that are passed down to our children, and so on and so forth. They repeat the same mistakes we've made.

When we go through the storm, learn and change our perspective and attitude, we're more likely to not repeat the process. Instead, we can teach our children to not repeat our mistakes and how to grow through the challenge. Naomi Chanel Blankenship knows a little something about learning from her mistakes and gaining spiritual maturity and growth through it all. Now she's ready to share the wealth of knowledge with her daughter.

Convincing Sasha to give her father half a chance was not easy. She wanted no parts of it and let me know she felt betrayed by the fact that I was even speaking to Jaime, let alone wanting her to spend time with him.

“Maybe you fell for his story, Mom, but I didn’t!”

“Sasha Kennedy Blankenship, get back down these stairs, now!” I was standing at the island chopping vegetables for the grilled steak burritos I was making for our dinner. My tempestuous daughter had stomped up the stairs at our latest disagreement about her at least calling her father. This had been going on for almost two weeks now. I was getting worn down and ready to give up. Jaime had called again this morning asking if I had made any progress. It took everything in me not to get angry with him.

Here I was picking up the pieces once again where he had failed his daughter. It seemed as if I had been doing that ever since the day he walked out. I was tired, but I had to know that I had given it my all before I gave up.

She marched back down the steps with her arms crossed over her chest and her lips poked out.

“You know, you look like you did when you were four and I told you that you couldn’t wear your tutu and ballerina slippers to school.”

Sasha didn’t so much as crack a smile. I blew out a breath and set my knife down. I walked to the sink and washed my hands, dried them on a paper towel, and walked over to where my daughter stood. I pulled her into my arms.

“What are you scared of, baby? All these years you wished you had gotten to know him. All these years you visualized him in your head, and now that he’s here, you won’t give him half a chance. Are you worried that he’s going to take you from me?”

Sasha shook her head no, not saying a word. I felt her shoulders shake and knew that she was crying.

“Then, baby, what are you afraid of?”

She still refused to say a word, and then it began to dawn on me. I don’t know how I didn’t see it before. Sasha was so much like her father in so many ways. I had told her that throughout the years, and in her head, she had made him up to be fabulous and convinced herself he had died. Now it had to be a blow to her knowing he was alive and not as fabulous as she first thought. I realized my daughter was projecting Jaime’s failings onto herself, and it was impacting how she felt about herself. She was worried that getting to know him would reveal all of his flaws. And if they were revealed, she would be disappointed. That was scary to her, because to her, she was him.

“Come here,” I said, pulling her into the family room. I sat her down on the couch and went to the bookshelf to grab a photo album. I showed her picture after picture of herself at the various stages of her life. She saw pictures of herself as an infant with me, Ambiance, Paige, and my parents. She saw her at dance recitals, soccer games, swim lessons, award programs, birthdays, and so much more. I had shown her these pictures throughout the years at various times when she just wanted to sit down and look at them. But this time was different.

“What do you notice about all these pictures, Sasha?”

“I don’t know. He wasn’t in them?”

“No. That you were beautiful, and you were strong, and you were loved, and you were cared for. You
even see yourself having a tantrum in some of them. But what you notice above all is that I was there. Your family was there. And no matter what, love was never withheld from you. But more than that, you have to notice that Sasha was Sasha. You were who you were then, and now. No matter who comes or goes in this life, you will remain you. He cannot break you or make you baby. Only you have the power to give someone else that type of control over your life. And it’s up to you how you decide to be happy, how you decide to live this life, and how you decide to move forward. No one has that power but you. In all these pictures and stages of your life, you dictated your outcomes. We could want the best for you, but we couldn’t reach those goals, create beautiful art through dance on stage, or win those awards you won in life. Only Sasha could do that. Only Sasha held the power all those years ago, and only Sasha holds that power now. So, if your father isn’t who you wanted him to be, if you find that you’re disappointed in the image you created in your head, it’s your choice. You can continue to carry around an illusion created by you all those years ago, or drop the image you’ve held all these years and get to know the man he is. Learn the other part of your culture and what makes up Sasha. It gives you more power, more freedom, and more control over your life.”

Sasha took a deep breath within my arms and sat up. “I don’t know, Mom. I have to think about it.”

“That’s fine. It’s better than the resolute no and the shouting you’ve done the last couple of weeks. Just remember this, regardless of what your answer is, I love you and I support you. But keep it real with yourself.”

“Okay. I love you, too, Mom,” she stated, wrapping her arms around me.

Thanks for joining me for another #writerwednesday. Please 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.

For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter.

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
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Over the last several weeks we have focused on the topic of affliction and its varied impacts on our lives. We discussed the numerous sources of our afflictions, the unhealthy and healthy coping mechanisms we deploy, the guilt and the shame of our afflictions, and the sources of comfort during the affliction. This week we will take a look at learning from our afflictions.

I honestly believe that although they can often seem unfair and burdensome, some of our afflictions are bestowed upon us for the spiritual maturity and growth of ourselves and others. Take a moment to think back on a time when you handled an affliction in your life. Now recall honestly how you handled it. Come on…keep it real with yourself, there’s just you and me here…and I can’t read your thoughts. Did your attitude in the affliction reflect faith or disbelief?

When others from your inner circle, or even those on the outside looking in watched you, what did your actions state to them? They were either inspired by your faith as it ministered to them, or discouraged by your lack of faith. It’s not always going to be easy managing an affliction, but you can truly learn to trust the Lord and allow Him to guide you through. Your test turned into your testimony can be a message ministered to someone who needs it. Don’t discount the trial or the lesson to be learned in it.

What words are coming from your mouth? Are you affirming your faith through the words that you speak, or are you poisoning your atmosphere with negative energy? My husband often reminds those around him, “Remember whatever you put out is what you will receive.”  He has drilled this into my head quite often, and even as I write this I’m laughing internally, because all day long, I was not focused on this vital lesson he has taught me. I’ve put out negative energy about being tired and having too much to do, instead of thanking the Lord for the opportunities and the blessings that lie before me. The thought process my husband teaches us, aligns with my Bishop’s favorite Scripture, Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”

Sometimes it’s easy for us to get stuck in the past on what happened to us, what we’ve been going through for a while, and how things will ever change, if at all. We have difficulty believing that there is something greater in store for us on the other side. Yet, allowing your faith to grow and learning to trust in Him will allow your spirit of expectancy to grow. Almighty God does not want you to suffer, but to look forward to what He’s able to bring you through. Sometimes it’s done for His glory, but you must raise your level of expectancy, which allows Him to open doors and do great new things on your behalf. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:18-19)

Understanding why you have been burdened with an affliction may not always be easy to comprehend. Yet, you can choose to know the Lord knows what He’s doing even when you don’t. It’s at these times that you have to deposit a token of faith into your faith bank account. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

No matter what situation you’re going through, it won’t necessarily last forever. It’s been placed in your life for a specific time and purpose. Learn what you’re supposed to learn while going through, and believe that it’s going to work out for your good. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
While going through and being delivered from your afflictions there are a few things to learn.

1. Learn to trust the Lord with your afflictions and your future
2. Learn to have a spirit of expectancy
3. Learn to speak life into your situations and declare and decree positive outcomes
4. Know it will work to develop your spiritual maturity and growth
5. Allow your test to minister to others and strengthen their faith
6. Your victory comes from the lessons learned in the affliction
7. Embrace your victory and new beginning

 
I hope that you have enjoyed this four-part series on afflictions. If you have missed any portion of the series, you can read them by clicking the links below.

1. THE AFFLICTED WOMAN
2. THE WEIGHT OF AFFLICTION
3. COMFORT DURING YOUR AFFLICTION

Thank you for joining me on this journey. My latest release, A Woman’s Design: Afflictions deals with three best friends, Ambiance, Naomi and Paige, who are dealing with afflictions they have been burdened with in different ways. While some try to hold on to their faith in the Lord, others will see their faith tested. They are dealing with infidelity, sexual promiscuity, and single parenthood. Their stories are the stories of many women across the land. How they handle it will define their outcome in the end.

As a way to thank you for following this teaching series on afflictions I am offering the book for sale this week for $0.99. Click the link below to purchase it.

A WOMAN’S DESIGN: AFFLICTIONS

Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please 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.

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
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

It's another Fab Friday Feature and today's spotlighted author is Mrs. Melody S. She's sharing a bit of suspense with a dramatic cliffhanger, that leaves you begging for more. Read on...

He walked unassumingly toward the side of the residence and quickly cut off the electricity to the home. He then used his own key to let himself in and once inside, made his way to the master bedroom. He quickly changed his clothes and sat on the bed to wait. As he’d suspected, he didn’t have to wait long.

“Nicole?” Brent shouted as he entered his home and called out to his wife. The intruder smiled to himself as excited butterflies filled his stomach and he positioned himself behind the bedroom door.

“Baby?” he called out as he stepped into the bedroom and attempted to turn on the light.

The intruder nearly gave himself away as he fought to keep himself from laughing aloud at the obvious confusion in Brent’s voice. As Brent stood in the center of the room wondering where his wife was and what had happened to the lights, the intruder crept from behind the door. He moved swiftly and soundlessly until he was standing right behind his target. He raised the butt of his unregistered .9-millimeter pistol and bought it down on the back of Brent’s head. Brent collapsed at his feet, and the stranger struggled to drag his limp body into the bathroom. He dumped Brent into a chair he’d already positioned in the center of the spacious room, and then secured him to it with zip ties. He left the unconscious man alone while he went outside to turn the electricity back on. He wanted his father to see every bit of the surprise he had for him.

Brent awakened to find himself tied to a chair and with a splitting headache. Oddly, he couldn’t remember what had happened, only that he’d been looking for his wife.

“Well hello there, Brent. I see you finally decided to join me.”

Thanks for joining me for another #writerwednesday. Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!

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A woman's heartbreak may not stem from the man or men she's been with in the past. It can stem from her very first love, the man who was supposed to protect and cherish her the most. Yes, her father could be the first heartbreak a woman ever experiences. Deception, control, or disappointments can be at the root of her real heartbreak, all stemming from her daddy.

Paige is one such woman. Her heartache had never been truly acknowledged nor dealt with. As a result this woman/girl with "Daddy issues," managed them in the most inappropriate way possible. As a result she finds herself in the center of issues like the one I'm sharing today. Read on...

Thanks for joining me for another #writerwednesday. Please 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.

For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter.

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
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

The weight of a burden that we carry around can be oppressive and keep us from our destiny. It changes our attitude towards life and our expectations about life. Last week’s blog post focused on the guilt we allow ourselves to carry during affliction, and how it moves us to cut off those closest to us. We discussed how to manage our attitudes through it, even if we were the cause of the affliction.

This week we’re taking a look at comfort in the midst of our afflictions. Where have we typically found comfort, where should we find comfort, and how can we be assured of comfort, are the areas I’d like to address.

As women we have different ways of handling affliction that we believe helps us to cope with the pressure while we go through. It’s not always what is in our best interest; however, in those times it feels like what’s best for us. No matter how much someone tries to dissuade us from doing the wrong thing, we’re often hell-bent and determined to do what we believe is best.
Some of the coping mechanisms we employ are:

1. Alcoholism
   
2. Drug dependency
   
3. Depression
   
4. Over eating
   
5. Not eating enough
6. Sexual promiscuity
   
7. Lying
   
8. Clubbing/Partying
   
9. Insensitive attitude towards others
   

There are more valuable and reassuring sources of comfort that we can seek, to find encouragement and strength. These comfort mechanisms are designed to breathe life into us and build us up, and not tear us down.

PRAYER - We don’t have to succumb to destructive attitudes to seek and find solace in the midst of our afflictions. Instead, we can look for inspirational and uplifting methods of seeking comfort. The greatest comfort you may find when burdened with an affliction is through prayer. Staying in the presence of Almighty God will give you strength to make it through the greatest trials, and He will give you peace in the midst of the storm (Mark 4:39). Talk to the Lord, as though you were talking to an old friend. Don’t just stop there, but make sure that it is reciprocal. Listen to what He wants to say to you. When you’re in the quiet, all distractions from the outside world are shut down, you can hear Him best. Whether through a remembered Scripture, a verse of a song, a thought, or even a little whisper, He’ll guide you in these times. Be mindful not to pull away from him in adversity, as we oftentimes do. He’s where we gain strength and peace.

SCRIPTURE – Reading God’s Word will engrain righteousness and encouragement in your heart and mind. The Bible gives guidance for righteous living and overcoming trouble in times of difficulty If your affliction is one of health, find Scriptures related to health (Psalm 118:17, Isaiah 53:5), if it’s a spiritual battle find Scriptural passages to empower you (James 4:7, 1 John 4:4, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Isaiah 54:17, Ephesians 6:11-17). Whatever your affliction is there is guidance for you in the Bible to help you stand strong and overcome.

CONVERSATION – Talk with someone who you can trust that will give you sound and wise counsel or advice. Make sure that it is someone you can trust to hold your most sacred issues close to their heart, and that they will pray for you. Sometimes when you talk out a problem with someone else you’ll realize that it is not as bad as you thought. Or maybe you’ll find a plausible resolution or resource to help work your way out of the situation, or get the assistance that you need with the adversity.

PRAISE – Your praise is surely your weapon! Lift up your voice to praise the Lord for what you’ve gone through, what you’re going through, and what you will go through. Use the gift the Lord has given to you to chase away the enemy, and to declare the good works of the Lord. Don’t be afraid to tell the enemy to get out of your life, while you sing praises to the Most High God. Praising Him will instantly change your perspective and your attitude. It will place a barrier against the enemy, and draw you closer into the presence of Almighty God (2 Chronicles 20:22). You can trust that in your praise the Lord will surely deliver you (Psalm 18:1-6).

SOURCES - There are other ways to find comfort that are encouraging and motivating when you’re dealing with an affliction. Surround yourself with trusted people who will speak a positive word over your life, and give you reassurances that will comfort you and help you find peace during these times. Inspirational music is also a method of finding comfort and peace during your afflictions. The music and the lyrics are soothing and will bring you peace. It allows you to reflect on positive thoughts and penetrates deep within your heart. Your attitude can change your outcome, perspective, and mood. Try documenting your trials to review later, so that you can see where Almighty God has delivered you from and what He has given you the victory over.

Finding comfort in the right places and right means in your affliction will strengthen and empower you for future times. These times are also meant to allow you to be a source of comfort for someone else who may face similar challenges later in life (2 Corinthians 1:4). So be comforted in knowing that your affliction has a purpose and an end.

In my novel, A Woman’s Design: Afflictions, Paige succumbed to promiscuity and an insensitive attitude towards others. Her best friend Ambiance allowed doubt to take root within her, and she looked to sources outside of her marriage for comfort. Even still, her other best friend Naomi’s insecurity allowed her to become mildly depressed. Read about their story and how these women overcame their challenges here.

If you missed the last week’s blog post in the Afflictions series, The Weight of Affliction read it here. Read week one’s blog post The Afflicted Woman. These teachings will guide you in living empowered in the midst of an affliction.

Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please 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.

For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter.

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
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Thanks for joining me for another #writerwednesday. Please 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.

For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter.

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
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please 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.

For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter.

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
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Hello. I’m Excited. This is one of my stops during the two week tour for Put It In Ink by Danyelle Scroggins. This virtual book tour is organized by Write Now Literary Book Tours. This tour runs August 7-18, 2017.  Follow the tour here  Book your own tour here
Genre: Inspirational Fiction
ASIN: B01FP5TZC8
ISBN-10: 0996003878
ISBN-13: 978-0996003872

Nikiya “Nikki” Barnett
Nikiya Barnett, known to shop patrons and friends as Nikki, was eager to tune in to RFRT with Sister Sappora Ink. The blog talk show previewed for the first time the past week, rating high and considered a hit by reviewers. As far as Nikki was concerned, the world needed someone who would tell the truth, live the truth, and share the truth, even if it were a blog talk show host.

As explained, Sister Ink answered questions about relationships, and although honest, she was raw. Against her will, Nikki listened to blog talk shows often blaming the desire to be a good best friend for this phenomenon. A couple of them were worth listening to, but some were uninformative and a useless waste of time. The hosts were inexperienced or too pretentious to explain life’s circumstances with realness and clarity. They failed to solve problems or share foundational truths from the Gospels, as Chelle declared Sister Ink did.

For the first time, Nikki’s curiosity about a show’s review ignited interest and Nikki refused to miss it. Intent on judging for herself perhaps sparked the motivation. It may also have been the desire to understand how she lost the love or her life or the need for spiritual advice. Either way, Nikki would be in the front of the computer, with an open mind centered on Sis. Ink.

The only dilemma was making it home on time. Nikki’s solution may not have been perfect but it was plausible. She drove 85 in and 70 mph zone, praying the angels would blind the police. The inability to afford another speeding ticket should have detoured Nikki from breaking the law, not to mention how dumb it would be to get a ticket resulting from rushing to hear a talk show, but it didn’t. With long hair weave blowing, as the wind whipped through the windows of the car, Nikki uncaring and unconcerned bobbed and sang along with the music. We are conquerors, conquerors.

Driving fast, the “zooming” of the other passing vehicles warranted a rearview mirror check. Dang Nikki! The thought was not a result of a police approaching, but the reality of looking at a calescent mess. Nikki snickered, but noticed the children in the car to the left laughing and pointing their fingers. Nikki licked at the children and then sped past them.

Connect Socially
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PastorDanyelle
Website: http://www.danyellescroggins.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/danyellescroggins
Purchase a copy
Barnes & Noble link: http://bit.ly/2w05e49
Amazon ebook link: http://amzn.to/2wfJ3pT
Amazon paperback: http://amzn.to/2f2yGTa

Please leave a comment below. Danyelle would love to hear from you!

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

To read my novels, visit Chelle's Book Cafe

For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter.

I kicked the week off with a motivational message on Monday for women and how we deal with our afflictions. Today is #writerwednesday and I'm following up on that message with a piece from my girl.

She's one of my characters, Ambiance Lorraine Caldwell, and she's talking about the affliction that she has been burdened with: an unfaithful husband and an unfaithful heart. She's keeping it real and raw, about how she lost herself and fell away from her relationship with Christ because of her affliction. If you've dealt with this burden or know someone who has, or if you've ever been tempted, join us...

Hi ladies,

It's Ambiance here and I just want to sit down and chat with you for a moment or two. I've had a heavy heart, and trying to hold it all inside and keep my secrets to myself have become too much for me to bear. So, if you don't mind, I'd like to unload my afflictions with you.

Let me start off by saying, I never meant for things to get so out of hand the way that they did. I did not set out to have an adulterous heart, and I did not set out to justify my actions by the wrong my husband was doing. It happened because I had made Eric my entire world. After all, isn't that what a woman was supposed to do? I did everything by the book, saved myself for marriage, submitted to my husband, and trusted him to lead me in the right direction as the head of my life. It still didn't stop my entire marriage from being a farce!

So, Eric and I met in my last year of college when I was home from UGA on Christmas vacation. I had dated other guys, but I knew the man who was getting my body, would be my husband. Why? Because my daddy and step-mother raised me to keep the cookies locked in the cookie jar until I said "I Do."

Now, I know many women say you need to test it out and all of that stuff, but not me. I trusted God to give me everything that I needed and wanted as a woman in my husband. I'm not just talking about a good provider and someone who loved me. I'm talking about someone who could put it down in the bed and please me, too. God gave me that. It wasn't God who failed me, it was my husband.

Eric started cheating from the first year. We didn't even get into the marriage well, before he started jumping in bed with this trick named, Kendra. I'm sorry, but I don't have patience for a woman who doesn't have enough confidence in herself to get her own man. My friend, Paige included, but that's another story...literally.

Anyway, we tried to get help. I did everything that I could think of to please my man, including not nagging him and being a freak in the bedroom. It just wasn't enough. Eric was bound and determined that one woman would not be enough to satisfy him. I thought we survived the first year after counseling, but not long after he was up to his old tricks again.

I couldn't keep that man out of the strip clubs nor out of Kendra's bed. He told me every lie he could think of and I fell for them, because I wanted my marriage to work. I knew the truth. I knew that he wasn't hanging out with his brothers late nights until the early mornings. I knew he wasn't working late on some case, even if he was a practicing attorney.

I prayed and prayed and prayed, and I read the Word of God. I declared and decreed everything I could think of. Finally, I got fed up with that man and I got fed up with God. He wasn't answering my prayers so my career became everything. I worked my butt off during the day at Vanilla Rose, the fashion boutique I worked at. And I worked my butt off at night on my own fashion consulting business, Bleu Diamante Fashions. My world revolved around my work and I was available when and if Eric needed me, because he was quickly forgetting I was his wife. He was no longer available to perform his husbandly duties, or he was too tired to do so. So, if he wasn't doing that, you know he wasn't giving me emotional support.

Women, I don't care what you say, we want to feel love, desired, and beautiful. We want a man to look at us when we pass by like he can't live without us. We want a man's head to turn even if we're with our man. We want to be wanted, bottom line!

So when he stepped to me and I know I wasn't on my A-game that day, I was all for it. Now don't get me wrong, I played it like I wasn't interested. But from day one I could not get that man out of my head. He was so sexy and good-looking. His grooming was on point, and he drove a nice ride! I decided one day to go to lunch with him, even though I told him I was only interested in friendship. I stood my ground on that for a long time. I had to know that at some point I would fall.

When a man pays you the attention your husband doesn't, and he's never to busy to talk to you day or night; when he accepts your calls in the wee hours of the night, because you're scared from being home alone; when he talks to you on the ride home and on the ride to work; and when he's the last voice you hear as you lay down in your empty bed at night; and when he makes you feel you're the axis of his world...you can't help but fall head over heels in love.

That my ladies, is how I fell into an emotional affair with Nicholas "Nick" Jackson. It was not an easy entanglement. He wanted to show me what it really felt like to be loved, but he was always a gentleman. Even when I was angry at Eric, he would advise me as a friend in a way that I knew was in the best interest of my marriage. He always kept it real with me, and told me that eventually I'd have to tell Eric about him.

I thought I had it all together until that fateful day that we had lunch at Flaming Rio. Everything changed, and my world would never be the same again. Ladies, if you find yourselves in such a situation, the desire to feel that attraction from a man can be tempting and overwhelming. I simply suggest you tie up your loose ends first. Be real with yourself, stay prayed up, and stay in the Scriptures. When the Word of God says, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour," that's the Truth! That's first Peter five, verse eight.

My life, my soul, and my world was devoured in one single day. It did not matter if I was only engaging in an emotional affair, it still led to more, and it always will. There's no way around it, so don't trick yourselves.

The main message I want you to get out of all of this is, if your marriage is afflicted, don't give up on God. He might not answer when you want Him to, but He has a plan, and He'll step in just in the 'nick' of time. Pun intended. ;)

I wish that I had waited on the Lord. If I had I would not have created the catastrophe I found myself in, nor would I have experienced the tragedy that was on its way. All I wanted was to be free of the nightmare. Yes, I simply wanted someone to say, "Woman, be free."

Thanks for joining me for another #writerwednesday. Please 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.

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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
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

Merriam-Webster defines the word “affliction,” as “a cause of persistent pain or distress,” “great suffering.” Then dictionary.com defines it as, “a state of pain, distress, or grief; misery,” and “a cause of mental or bodily pain, as sickness, loss, calamity, or persecution.”

Affliction can also be the result of persecution from those around you. Family, friends, co-workers, or those you live around may cause mental distress. This type of suffering does not always come at the hand of a declared enemy. Trials come in various forms whether they be from the loss of a loved one, divorce, financial challenges, or physical or mental ailments.

Most women are innate nurturers who are naturally strong, but sometimes the pressure of life and unanswered prayers can be burdensome. We are expected to hold it together, especially for our families, which isn’t always easy. When we find ourselves afflicted with physical or mental distress, we find ourselves employing coping mechanisms that are not always healthy.

Just as the affliction may come by way of countless sources and attack different facets of our lives, so do we also learn to handle them in various manners. Sometimes we avoid those who love and care for us, or block ourselves off from the outside world altogether. To escape the pain, we may sleep more, or eat more than normal. Some women deal with afflictions through:

• Stress
• Eating
• Drugs
• Alcohol
• Sex
• Depression.

All of these methods are unhealthy for our mind, body, soul, and the relationships we form with others.

The Bible shares many stories of women who suffered some form of affliction. Yet, their suffering was to draw them and others closer to God, that He would be glorified. I am reminded of Mary the mother of Jesus. Can you imagine being engaged and your fiancé is expecting to marry a virgin, and you have to tell him that you’re pregnant?

People in the community were surely talking about her. Here is this young girl who is suddenly pregnant and she isn’t married. Her fiancé thought about breaking off the engagement (Matthew 1:18-19). Everything he expected changed into something that may have been difficult to conceive. It was a blessing, but Mary and Joseph had to go through the test. Her obedience to God and trust in Him led her to be a vessel for a gift to be endowed on future generations, including you and me. Read her story (Luke).

Ruth, the Moabite experienced affliction. Her husband died prior to having children. She pledged to her mother-in-law, Naomi that she would go wherever Naomi went and make it her home, and that the God Naomi served would become her God. In the midst of her bereavement, she left her home and set out on the road to a strange land. Meeting Boaz was a blessing to Ruth not only in the way of provision for work, but also finding a husband who was compassionate and kind. Read her story (Ruth).

If ever there was a woman who faced persecution it was Esther. She married King Ahasuerus, learned that one of his trusted counsel, Haman, had planned to kill her and her people, and risked her life by approaching the king who had not called her. Despite the persecution of her and her people at the hand of Haman, Esther was able to turn the attack back on the enemy. She accomplished this through her and the people praying and fasting (Esther 4:16-17). Read her story (Esther).

Sometimes our afflictions come at our own hand. Take Eve for instance, her every need was provided by the Lord. She was blessed with a life of abundance. Yet, her lack of obedience and bad decision caused her to lose it (Genesis 3). Eve recognized God’s grace and favor on her life despite her sin, in the birth of her son (Genesis 4:1).

Elizabeth was barren until her old age (Luke 1:7). Women often desire to conceive and nurture life. Many women become hopeless and depressed when they can’t procreate, and it affects every area of their lives. Elizabeth and her husband, Zechariah, were righteous people, always serving the Lord. Despite her failure to reproduce, she did not turn away from Almighty God. In time, she conceived and gave birth to a son, John the Baptist. It did not happen when she wanted, but in God’s own time He brought it to pass, because He had a plan for the family.

Hagar, Sarah’s servant, faced abuse, injustice, prejudice, and despair (Genesis 16:6) after she became prideful for giving birth to a son for Abraham when Sarah could not. When she was sent away to the desert, God saw her distress and provided for her and her child. Hagar was promised that she would become the mother of a nation (Genesis 16:10), a parallel of Abraham’s promise.

Regardless of what your affliction may be, or whatever burden you’re carrying the Lord will see you through. It may not happen in the timeframe that you expect, but He will do it in His time, Kairos. The Lord is faithful to deliver you. Although it may be taking a long time, continue to keep your focus on Him. Psalm 34:19 “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.” He has a plan for your troubles, suffering, and pain. Allow Him to work in you, through you, and for you.

I have learned in life that whatever my circumstance and whatever challenge I face, there is always someone else who’s going through worse. It’s difficult to consider something worse, when you’re in the midst of your pain. The burden can be so heavy you don’t care if there are people going through worse. You simply want your misery to end. Trust that it’s not over and you will survive. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 “8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

When afflictions arise in your life stand on the Word of God and pray. If you already have a prayer life, go deeper, if you don’t, it’s never too late to start. His Word will be your strength and His presence will be your fortress. When the pressure becomes too much, and you’re overwhelmed immerse yourself in what His Word says. It will bring you out and draw you closer to Him. Psalm 119:71 “It is good for me that I was afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.”

In my recent novel, A Woman’s Design: Afflictions, three best friends are suffering because of choices they have made, or those made by their loved ones. They don’t instantly turn to prayer and the Word of God. They struggle to find themselves in the midst of the darkness and pain. Their afflictions lead them into deeper struggles. Read more here: A Woman’s Design: Afflictions.

Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please 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.

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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
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

By night, the North Carolina native travels to imaginary worlds--creating characters whose romantic journeys invariably end happily ever after.
Since she was a young girl growing up in Garner, Joy knew she wanted to write. Stumbling onto romance novels, she discovered her passion for love stories; instantly, she knew these were the type stories she wanted to pen. Real characters. Real journeys. Real good love is what you'll find in a Joy Avery romance.
Joy is married with one child. When not writing, she enjoys reading, cake decorating, pretending to expertly play the piano, driving her husband insane, and playing with her two dogs. Joy is a member of Romance Writers of America and Heart of Carolina Romance Writers.
Connect Socially
Website: http://www.joyavery.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorjoyavery
Twitter: www.twitter.com/authorjoyavery
Purchase link
Amazon: http://bit.ly/maybeitslove
Tour hosted by Write Now Literary www.wnlbooktours.com

Follow the tour:  http://wnlbooktours.com/joy-avery/

Please leave a comment below. Joy would love to hear from you!

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Have you ever met a man who was so tempting, and so delicious? Yet, his ways can be a bit controlling, even though he says it's in your best interest. Temptation comes in many facets and if we're not careful we'll succumb to something that will pull us under.

It's another #writerwednesday, my reading friends.  I enjoy sharing with you what's in the works. Here's a snippet of A Woman's Design: Redemption. This is part 2 of A Woman's Design...

“Come on, baby, let’s hit the water,” Larry jumped up from lying on the towel he had spread out for us.

“Well, um…I, uh—”

“You can swim, can’t you?” He placed his hand over his eyebrows, shielding his eyes from the sun.

“Yeah. I can swim.” I gulped apprehensively.

“Then what’s the problem?”

“Nothing,” I mumbled. I was not ready to remove my sarong and reveal all this woman pouring out of my bathing suit.

I looked around the beach at all the women and young girls in their respectable and not-so-respectable swimwear. Most of the young girls around Sasha and Sabrina’s age ran around in thongs, butt cheeks jiggling everywhere.

There were a few my age dressed the same way, too. Even those not showing off all their goods looked wonderful in their bathing suits.

What I had not seen were many women who looked like me. I had seen a few of them strutting along the beach, but I didn’t possess that same confidence.

Larry lowered down on the towel and rested a hand on my lap.

“Naomi, I brought you here to have fun. Let go of your reservations, and just live today. Okay?”

I looked into his eyes and wondered about the laughter I saw there. Was it happiness or ridicule? I was unsure, but wanted to believe in his words.

Larry kissed me sweetly on the lips as he stroked my arm. I looked in his eyes and tried to calm my breathing pattern as it quickly increased. He smiled at me and kissed me again, this time urging me to open my lips as he put pressure on them.

I opened up, hesitantly allowing his tongue entrance. I was so caught up in the kiss and the way he was making me feel that I didn’t notice he had released my sarong’s knot.

“Come on, baby,” he said, breaking the kiss unexpectedly.

I held his hand tightly and allowed him to pull me into a stand next to him and he grabbed me in his embrace. He kissed me again and this time I wished we were in private somewhere rather than on the public beach.

His hands rubbed my back up and down and before I knew it, I felt a cool change.

My breath caught on a hitch in my throat as I realized what he had done. I looked back at the blanket and saw my sarong lying there.

“Larry!”

“It’s okay, baby. Come on, let’s hit the water.” He pulled me behind him.

My pleas fell on deaf ears as he continued to the water’s edge. I wanted to fly away on the wind as I felt every roll and wrinkle jiggle and shake as we ran to the water. I knew my thighs and hips were smiling at the beach goers.

I continued to run, because I only wanted to disappear into the water now. Hoping no one had seen what I had worked hard to cover up.

When we got to the water he began splashing me no sooner than I started fussing at him.

I swam away and pouted at a further distance. He quickly caught up with me.

“Baby, what’s wrong,” he asked, pulling me into his arms.

My resistance did nothing to stop him.

“I didn’t want to take that off, Larry. You didn’t ask me you just did what you wanted to do, without any concern about how I’d feel.”

“I cared about how you felt. But I also realized you’re a bit self-conscious and have no reason to be. If I’d let you, you’d sit on that towel the rest of the day reading a book. We’re here to have fun, baby. I don’t know what you’re worried about. I think you look sexy and that’s all that should matter. What the rest of these people think out here don’t matter to no one. You’re here with me and that’s all I care about.”

He ran his hands over my hips before letting them easily slide down to my bottom.

I reached behind me and pulled them back up.

Larry smiled and winked at me before pulling my lips into another sensual kiss. This time when his hands slid back down there he gripped me tightly and bit my lip each time I attempted to remove them. I finally gave up and let him hold me there if it made him feel better.

Larry moaned and groaned in my mouth as if he were making love. I was thankful for the cool water, because I knew if it wasn’t for that we would spontaneously combust. Or at least I would.

Lord, please help me resist the temptations this man brings. I’m thankful for such a good man who finds me beautiful, but I don’t want to step out of Your will, I prayed silently.

Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!

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I was one busy woman this weekend, between running my children and niece from one mall to the next, open house, grocery shopping, cleaning, and watching my infant niece. It was all so tiring, yet so fulfilling and rewarding...just spending time with those who are important in my life.

Sometimes we look for opportunities to minister to others, and sometimes the opportunity falls in our paths. The only thing that we can do in those moments is be obedient to the Lord and allow Him to use us. I was witness to some things this weekend, and also had conversations with the young people in my life that actually inspired me. I tried to be the best that I could be, and share a word of encouragement that they could take with them throughout the year.

You don't always know if the word was well received, or understood, or even if it made a difference. All you can do is be obedient, pray, and allow Him to do the rest. This particular time I received a confirmation via a text message that my message was received, and I just pray that it will continue to inspire and strengthen.  

Below are some of the Scriptures that I shared with the children in my life. As they start a new day of school today, they will face many challenges. I can only pray they will recall some of what I have shared, as well as lessons that my husband and I have tried to teach them.

I don't know what obstacles lie in your way this week, or in the month ahead, but I pray that you will find some encouragement in the Scriptures below...

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!

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Creative Expressions Literary Services is pleased to announce Virtual Book Tour for Beautiful by Sylvia Hubbard. The tour will run July 23-August 6, 2017.
Publication Date: July 7, 2017
Genre: Romance and Suspense
Paperback: 324 pages

Sylvia Hubbard knew she’d wanted to be a writer of romance long before she knew there were black writers in the world. Weaving stories magically as a summer past time to writing stories to get through the humdrum of school, she was able to create something from nothing.
Today, she has independently published over 40 books, is the founder of Motown Writers Network and The Michigan Literary Network, CEO of HubBooks Literary Services, runs over five blogs on a variety of subjects, host The Michigan Literary Network Radio Show and is a happily divorced mother of three children in Detroit, Michigan.
 
“I’m no superwoman,” she states with a smile that seems infinite on her lips. “I’m just being an asset in the world instead of a liability.”

Social Links
Facebook|Twitter|Instagram|Youtube|Periscope
Snapchat|Goodreads|Amazon Author Page


Tour hosted by Creative Expressions Literary Services

Click Here To Follow The Tour

Please leave a comment below. Sylvia would love to hear from you!

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Hello loyal readers, and welcome to another #WriterWednesday! This past Saturday night I had the privilege of being a featured author on It's Lit with M.J. Kane. My fellow author and former writers' group leader invited me on her show to dish on writing, life, and to sample a little of the fruits of the vine.

To say we had a great time does not begin to explain our night. Between her and her cousin, LadyKane the hysterics were never ending from before the show started until after it ended. I do enjoy in person events when I do them, but seldom do I attend them because I am introverted. Yet, they both had me quite a bit relaxed as we kicked it about everything under the sun. And that was before we sipped a little Sangria. My daughter was in the studio with us as well, and she enjoyed watching us clown.

We talked about writing love scenes and our challenges in that area. Personally, I have a love scene that's my favorite in her book, Lonely Heart, which happens to be the third book in The Butterfly Series.
It is a brief interaction between Kaitlyn and Antonio that has both rocking on the edge.

Anyhoo, today, I would like to share with you that particular body of work that Mrs. Kane so lovingly and creatively crafted. Check it out below. Also, there's a link to watch our interview that we did on last Saturday night, in case you missed it...

 “The only way to speak the truth is to speak lovingly.” – Henry David Thoreau

 “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” -Dr. Suess

Write Now Literary is pleased to announce Who Killed My Husband? By Michelle Stimpson
Virtual Book Tour. July 17-28, 2017.  @wnlbooktours @ StimpsonTweets
 
Genre: Short Story/Mystery
 
ASIN: B071743ZLP

Chapter 1
“Thank you for doing this, Allan.” I kept my eyes steady on the unfamiliar, winding road sprawling before me. Already, I had braked three times for sharp turns and a pothole. 

Allan, ears covered by headphones, bobbed as though he didn’t hear my compliment. His baby smooth skin, dimples, and semi-mohawk haircut made him look much younger than thirty-two. So young, in fact, that a few times, twenty-something chicks at his DJing events had mistaken me as his older sister or his manager, even though I was only thirty. Allan thought that was funny. “It’s good for business,” he’d say, flashing his boyish grin.

I was tired of him acting like a boy. A guy. A dude. A bro. I needed him to grow up and be a man. Start thinking about things that mattered, namely his eternity. Since Allan had agreed to attend this non-church-affiliated men’s retreat, I thought my prayers were finally being answered. I had gone all out to take off work early so I could take him to Peaceful Days. Even dusted on some makeup and flat-ironed my wavy mane so he’d have this awesome picture of me in the back of his mind all weekend.

I tapped him on the shoulder and mouthed again, “Thank you for doing this.”

I knew better than to expect a “Sure thing, Ashley,” or “It’s my pleasure to go,” from him. He was either ignoring me or caught up in his music. No matter, I was used to being blocked out of his life by music, working at KRBF FM radio Dallas. His side gigs. His friends. His lifestyle.

Still, my eyes watered for a moment. The rejection stung worse than a bee. At least when a bee stung, it was defending its own territory. Allan and I were supposed to be one in God’s sight. Why he chose to turn on me—his wife of six years—and treat me like the enemy was unreasonable. We were on the same team.

At least we were until Corey died.

Blinking tears away, my vision cleared just in time to spot a pretty good-sized animal dart into the road. I slammed on the brakes. My stomach squirmed. I winced, hoping the thing had escaped being crushed.
A second later, my body relaxed. Whatever it was hadn’t become a bump under my wheels.

“Geez Louise!” Allan yelled. “Can you not see?”

“It came out of nowhere!” I pointed toward the open field on the passenger’s side.

“I saw it a mile away!” he claimed, motioning toward his window. “You’re not paying attention.”

“Neither are you!”

Allan pulled the headphones down so they dangled around his neck. “I’m paying plenty of attention to the road. Can’t say the same about you since you nearly got us killed.”
Cautiously, I continued our path to the campgrounds.

“Do you need me to drive?” he asked with a hint of sympathy in his voice.

This was my husband’s way of apologizing. He wouldn’t just come out and say, “Babe, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled at you.” He’d offer to do something.

“No,” I said. That was my way of not accepting his roundabout apology.

I had grounds for a full-blown argument. How dare he accuse me of trying to kill us? And why am I driving anyway—I’m the woman! Real men know how to step up and take the wheel in more ways than one. Top that off with the fact that my heart was still racing from the animal-in-the-road scare, and I was primed.

But I didn’t want to go there. Not now. Especially not today. Allan had finally agreed to attend a Christian men’s conference for the weekend, and I’d been praying that God would use this weekend to touch my husband’s heart. Having a big blowout of an argument just before dropping him off wouldn’t exactly be productive.

Thanks to a few books I’d been reading and the personal advice of the Holy Spirit, I had come to the point of understanding that, apparently, Allan was in the “may be won without a word” category. I just needed to keep my mouth zipped and let God do His thing. Problem number one: Allan had a knack for provoking me. Problem number two: I wasn’t always obedient. Problem number three: God was taking

His sweet time.

My husband pressed a dial on his headphones. “Hello?”

The caller spoke loud enough for me to hear that it was a man. A hollering man.

“Wait up, man! I gotchu! My first payment isn’t even due until next month, bro,” Allan said.

I put two and two together and realized he was talking to Jerry Albright, the man who had helped finance my husband’s acquisition of the radio station where he worked.

“I’mma have yo money like I said, at the time we agreed to,” Allan said forcefully, slipping into a strong southern accent. “Why you tryna collect early?”

The rest of the conversation was much more calm. Allan wasn’t playing with Jerry. But neither was Jerry playing with Allan, apparently.

Great. Now we have loan sharks after us. This whole DJ Pistol Whip persona was getting out of control.

“Aight. I’ll talk to you next week. I’m gonna be at a…some kind of thing my old lady set me up to…
Naw…you know I ain’t goin’ out like that! I got a reputation to protect!” Allan laughed.

Thank God they’re laughing and not threatening each other.

Whatever the man had suggested was probably too civil for DJ Pistol Whip to admit to.

“I’ll catch you later.” He took the headphones off, mumbling to himself that Jerry was crazy. His thumbs whittled away at a message to somebody.

“In one-half mile, turn left on Prayer Lane,” the navigation system instructed.

Allan chuckled. “Prayer Lane.” He pushed his headphones back in place.

I could hardly wait for that half a mile to come and go so I could drop him off at that camp and burn rubber on my way out. I figured, if nothing else, at least I’d get a weekend away from him

As we neared the grounds, we were welcomed by the United States flag, the Texas flag, and the Christian flag. Flowers bloomed in pristine arrangements lining the entryway’s white picket fence. Green grass rolled for acres between small buildings with country flair. A large pond sparkled in the midst of the camp. The scenery alone should have been enough to let Allan know that God is real and loves to bring beauty into this world.

Peaceful Days Camp was painted in bright red letters on a wooden sign. Underneath the facility name was the phrase Come all who labor.

“That’s what I’m talking about,” Allan yelled. His music’s volume must have been so loud he didn’t realize how his voice carried. “Laboring is what I need to be doing this Friday night instead of hanging out with some chumps at a camp.”

“Really?” I yelled loud enough for him to hear me. “You think judging a twerking contest is labor?”

“It’s a hard job, but somebody’s gotta do it,” he shouted back. “DJing and vibin’ with the hip hop culture is the way I make my money. You knew who you were marrying when you married DJ Pistol Whip, right?”

“I didn’t marry DJ Pistol Whip. I married Allan Crandall.”

“One and the same, baby. One and the same.” He bobbed his head even harder and started throwing punches in the air as though fighting an imaginary foe.

All I could do was poke out my lips. He had a point. Allan had turned into this persona he’d created to earn a living. He was very good at what he did. A part of me was glad that he loved his work. But when that work involved MCing wet T-shirt contests, I had a problem. A serious problem.

I followed the signs to the H. P. Lewis men’s dormitory, which had been mentioned in the series of emails leading up to the retreat. Of course, all of the email messages came to me, since Allan wasn’t about to keep track of anything regarding this event.

I parked and, almost immediately, Allan hopped out. I pushed the button to open the back window so he could retrieve his bags. As he walked around to the back of our vehicle, I got the paperwork from my purse. Suddenly, I felt like a mother must feel when she’s dropping her child off at kindergarten. The joy. The pain. The pride.

A sadness swept over me as I wondered: Will I ever experience that for myself?

Thoughts of little Corey filled my mind, nearly overtaking me with their intensity. He would have been three years old the following week. “Horrible Threes” I’d heard people called them. People wouldn’t say such negative things about babies and children—about them waking up in the middle of the night, the crying, the teething, the getting into everything—if they realized what a blessing it was to have a living, breathing, normal, healthy child.

The tears had come too quickly for me to blink them away. I swiped them from my eyes.
Allan closed the back window.

I got out of the car to see him off. I had planned to give him a big kiss and a hug in Jesus’s name, but I wasn’t feeling my husband or Jesus at the moment.

Allan hoisted his backpack on his shoulder as he walked toward me.

All around us were couples saying goodbye. Hugging, slight pecks, praying with one another.

I looked up at him. Forced a smile. “Have a good weekend.”

The heavy weight of concern crossed his face. “Why are you crying, Ashley? I’m at the retreat, okay? This is what you wanted, right?”

As mean as Allan could be sometimes, he always fell apart at the slightest hint of wetness on my face.

Peering into his eyes, I wondered why on earth God had allowed these crazy twists and turns in my life. My son’s death. My failing marriage. Even my mother’s dementia, which had been a long time coming, seemed an odd ending to such a good life.

If only my husband and I were on the same page, spiritually, I could lean on him. We could pray for each other. He could actually love me like Christ loved the church, and I could be submissive because I respected him, and life would be…well…easier and holier and basically better.

But I knew not to share my thoughts to Allan. No sense in talking to a brick wall.

Allan hugged me. “Get some rest this weekend. I know.…” He sighed. “I know what today is.”

“Yeah.”

Allan still couldn’t say Corey’s name.

A tinny beat came from the headphones, interrupting our silent moment.

“Are you going to wear those all weekend?” I asked.

He shrugged. “I guess, when we’re not doing anything.”

I thrust the itinerary into his hand. “You’ve got a full weekend. There’s no way you’ll have time for music.”

“There’s always time for music, baby.” He gave a charming smile.

I sighed. Twisted my lips to the side. This was a joke to him. If all he planned to do was go to the classes between vulgar songs, my efforts to get him here had been nothing but a waste of time, effort, money, hope, and prayers.

I blew a cool breeze from my mouth. “You’re right. It’s totally up to you, Allan. Enjoy yourself.” I turned and opened the driver’s side door, not wanting him to see my fresh batch of tears. I didn’t want him to think I was trying to manipulate him by crying. Guilt-induced expressions of love were always disingenuous and short-lived.

Allan grasped my arm. “Ashley. Wait.” He squared up my shoulders before I had a chance to wipe my cheeks dry.

“I’m here because I want to be here.” He swallowed. “I’m tired of fighting with you. I can’t change what happened. I can’t fix everything like I want to. And I don’t know God like you want me to. But I’m here this weekend because I do care.”

“If you care, then listen? Take off your headphones and listen to what’s in here.” I placed my hand on his heart.

Slowly, my husband removed the black headset. He put it around my neck. Smiled. “You could use some music this weekend, I bet.”

I giggled slightly. “You’re probably right.”

He rested his forehead on mine. “I love you, pretty brown-eyed girl.”

His nickname for me, based on the Mint Condition 90s song, still made me melt. I twisted my lips to one side, then gave way to a smile of my own. “Love you, too. See you Sunday.”

The truth was: I loved Allan and I knew he loved me. But if God didn’t fix him that weekend, I didn’t know what I was going to do. We’d already tried counseling. Well, I tried counseling. Allan went twice and said it was a waste of time. I bought his-and-hers versions of do-it-yourself couples therapy-type books. Allan never got past the first few chapters. I was getting to the end of my strategies for improvement.

Friday night found me in bed crying as I flipped through pictures of our wedding. We were so happy back then. We had the rest of our lives in front of us.

Or so I thought.

Taking off the afternoon and enduring the tension with Allan almost all the way to the camp had taken a lot out of me. I didn’t want to argue with my husband. I didn’t want to be so judgmental. I just didn’t know any other way to make him see how much he needed Jesus.

Rather than cry my eyes swollen, I decided to get up and do some work. I logged into my employer’s system and began to edit and comment on documents the team had uploaded. If nothing else, I could at least find some success at work.

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