It's another Motivational Monday Moment. In this life we will encounter ups and downs, the good and the bad, tribulations and victory. Through it all we have to have something to keep us strong. There's something greater we must believe in. Every person's journey is different, but without faith, you just might not get there.

Read on, be encouraged and have an inspired and blessed week! God Bless. <3

"Beginnings are usually scary and endings are usually sad, but it's everything in between that makes it all worth living." - Sandra Bullock in "Hope Floats"

Sometimes the things we can't change, end up changing us instead. - Moi<3

Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it isn't there. You can't see the future, yet you know it will come; you can't see the air, yet you continue to breathe.
- Claire London

"Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. " 1 John 5:5

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David Lamb is a native New Yorker, born and raised, bitten with the writing bug since he was in elementary school and had handwriting nobody could decipher. Like Charles Dickens, David grew up a poor boy in the big city who found that the pen really is mightier than the sword. In middle school Lamb's hero was David Lampel whose velvet voice could be heard reporting the news over David's grandmother's radio. Whenever he heard him on the radio, David would substitute Lamb for Lampel and pretend he was delivering the news. Sure that he was destined to be a famous reporter David was happy to go to a high school with a journalism program. Like most kids, by the time he finished high school he had a whole new career in mind. After high school he went to Hunter College and majored in Economics because he wanted to be cool like that college kid who came to speak at his last year of high school. He was an Economics major, he was dressed sharp and above-all the girls thought he was the man! So like any unreasonable high school boy fueled by overactive hormones David figured if he majored in Economics they'd think he was cool. After finishing college David went on to law school at NYU, but all the time writing was still his heart. While working as a lawyer by day, at night he transformed into a writer and eventually wrote and produced the award-winning hit off-Broadway romantic comedy Platanos Y Collard Greens. Being a writer and having the chance make people laugh out loud while challenging them to think about the world around them, and inspire each of us to believe in the power of love and our own ability to overcome life's challenges is a great gift that David truly enjoys and thanks you for allowing him to share with you in On Top Of The World (Until The Bell Chimes)

WINNER 2016 BEST FICTION-Pacific Book Awards. From award-winning playwright David Lamb, creator of the hit play Platanos Y Collard Greens, comes a fast and fun modern spin on Dickens that perfectly combines laughs and love in a satire about race, class and celebrity worship. Scrooge, or rather Scrooje, is music's biggest superstar, with one hundred million albums sold and twenty-five million Twitter followers. Belle is a take no prisoners legal shark whose beauty causes traffic accidents as she stylishly zips through the sidewalks of Manhattan. They never imagined being music's most powerful couple, but that's what happened when Belle fell head over heels and gave the Coke-bottle glasses wearing, biggest nerd on campus the ultimate makeover, turning him into a fashion impresario whose style sets trends from Milan to NY Fashion Week. Then it happens. Belle realizes too late she's created a chart-topping monster as Scrooje ego explodes. Now, it's been three years since they’ve spoken. But tonight at Hollywood s biggest red carpet event they'll be given a second chance. With twenty-five million viewers tuned in will Scrooje finally shed his ego, jeopardize his image and declare his love for Belle? Will Belle even give him a chance? The Romantic Times says On Top of the World is "hilarious, highly entertaining, incredibly fun," and ESSENCE best-selling author, Nancey Flowers, proclaims that its a "Fun and Entertaining story of fighting for love against all odds!" While music star Talib Kweli says that On Top Of The World is a "Dynamic novel about the price of fame packed with so many laughs and so much heart I couldn't put it down."

Connect Socially
Website: http://davidlambbooks.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authordavidlamb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theauthordavidlamb/

Buy Links
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2dhfqAR
Amazon ebook:  http://amzn.to/2dJ4sjm
Amazon paperback: http://amzn.to/2cKneoi

Tour hosted by Write Now Literary Book Tours

Follow the tour  http://wnlbooktours.com/david-lamb/

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I'm giving you another sneak peek of book 4 in The House of BeJeweled series.  I know that there is a lot of time between book releases, and many of my readers message me to let me know they're still waiting. I appreciate your patience, and thank you for your support.

BeJeweled started off as one novel, extremely thick with just a few of the characters' stories told. After sharing it with another author, I was encouraged to turn it into a series. This series has evolved over the last two years with everyone telling their version of the story.

I have fleshed the characters out to draw you in, infuriate you, inspire you, and fascinate you. This has been a wonderful journey to share with you, and as we near bringing it to a close, I hope that I have taken your emotions on a rollercoaster ride, one page at a time.

Angel is back, and in some ways she's grown, but in other ways she's still holding on to the past. She's a woman torn between two loves.  

“Where’s your little man tonight?” Alex asked.

Angel had agreed to go out on a date with him. She had missed spending time with him and had begun to rethink her decision of placing their relationship on the back burner.

“He’s spending time with my mom. She wanted him for the evening, so I decided it was time for some grown up fun,” Angel explained.

“I’m just glad you remembered me, Angel,” Alex said, grabbing her hand. “I don’t know what you were doing to me up in that club. I was about to go crazy. You dancing and shaking all over the place and smiling at me, it’s only so much teasing a man can take.”

“Is that what you think, Alex? That I was teasing you?”

“Sure as hell felt like it.”

“Well, I’m sorry. I wasn’t teasing you, I was enjoying your company like I always do. And yeah, I felt whatever was going on up in there tonight, too,” Angel confided.

She had called Alex up the day Kianna showed up at the hospital to visit Black. They had started talking on the phone again every day, but they hadn’t seen each other in a while.

His invite to go out tonight to have fun was just what she knew she needed. Club Blue was the same club they had gone to when they first acknowledged their attraction to one another. It was no coincidence that they had gone there after her and Black’s initial separation, and again tonight after she had mentally separated from Black.

“Just tonight?” Alex asked.

“No. I won’t lie to you, Alex. I have always had feelings for you. But I know I brought a lot of baggage into the relationship. I never meant to do that. I told you in the beginning I wasn’t ready for a relationship, I just needed a friend. You pressed the issue. And when all this jumped off with Black, I needed some time to sort out my feelings,” she confessed.

Alex released her hand, and pulled her closer to him on the couch. He had begged her to come back to his apartment. He had simply wanted to discuss where they went from there and nothing more, according to him. But now it seemed as if it was progressing further than that.

Caressing the side of her face, Alex kissed her closed eyelids and made his way down to the tip of her nose before landing his lips on hers. She slowly opened her mouth allowing his tongue to enter. The strong taste of vodka from the Club’s signature drink, Blue Russian, flavored his tongue and mixed nicely with the sweet and tangy taste left in her mouth by the amaretto sour.

Angel placed a manicured hand up to his face and softly stroked it. Getting lost in the kiss, she felt her breath racing. She had not had true desire for anyone in a long time. Not desire just to hold on to him, but actually wanting to be with someone and giving all of her to him.

Alex was the first to break the kiss and left Angel wanting more. He picked up a remote and pressed a series of buttons, before the room filled with Bootsy Collins’ I’d Rather Be With You.

“Are you ready for this?” he asked, his heavy-lidded, sexually intense green eyes filled with desire.

“Mm-hmm,” she murmured.

If you have missed any of the books in The House of BeJeweled series, now's your time to check them out. Go ahead, click the links below, and catch up on all the drama, spice, and inspiration at one-click on Amazon.

BEJEWELED: THE FLIGHT OF AN ANGEL

BEJEWELED: WHAT A TANGLED WEB WE WEAVE

BEJEWELED: A BEAUTIFUL BLEND

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We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves. -Dalai Lama

Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding. Albert Einstein

An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind. Mahatma Gandhi

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Welcome to another Fab Friday Feature. Today the fabulous Unoma Nwankwor is here showcasing her latest release, The Final Ultimatum! Check her out...

Please join author Unoma Nwankwor as she tours the blogosphere with Write Now Literary Book Tours and her new release The Final Ultimatum, October 21, 2016.
Book Title: The Final Ultimatum
Author: Unoma Nwankwor
Publication Date:  Oct 21, 2016
ASIN: B01LQO2F60
Genre: Christian Romance
About The Book

Born in Akron, Ohio to Nigerian parents, Unoma Nwankwor is a multi-published author and 2015 winner of the Nigerian Writers’ Award for Best Faith Based Fiction. Her readers are in love with her unique story telling that fuses faith, romance and African spice, capturing the essence of her present home base; Atlanta and her Nigerian culture. She is also the COO of KevStel Group LLC and resides in Atlanta with her husband and two kids.

Excerpt

“Nma, so where’s this husband you keep saying you have?” Abayomi heard the man say as he approached.

Olanma giggled and then abruptly stopped. Abayomi knew that in that moment she sensed his presence.

She turned sideways, but the man she was with was so busy checking her out that he didn’t see Abayomi walk up.

“If he’s not taking care of…”

“I hear you’re looking for me and I take care of my wife just fine.” Abayomi came to a halt between Olanma and the man.

The look of shock on both their faces was satisfying. Nma? He couldn’t believe she allowed another man to call her that. Not even her father called her “beauty.” Only two people had that privilege – he and her grandmother. Or so he thought.

Abayomi snaked his arm around his wife’s waist and kissed her hair. He then stretched out his other hand to the man. “Abayomi Rice, said husband.”

The expression on the man’s face switched from shock to embarrassment. At least he had some shame.
After a few moments, he heard his wife say, “Yomi, this is Emeka Maduka, an old friend.”

Old friend? That’s what she thought. The man wanted her. Abayomi wasn’t fooled. He wrote the book on old friends. It was time to cut this little reunion short. “It was nice meeting you. I’ll take my wife now.”

Abayomi didn’t wait for a response before he ushered Olanma out of the ballroom. He found a secluded area where they could talk. He stared at her and began to pace. He had never been good at hiding his possessive nature.

“Yomi, that was rude and what are you doing here?” Olanma asked in a hushed whisper.

“Apparently, reminding you that you’re still my wife.”

She stared at him in disbelief. “No, I’m not doing this with you.”

“Really? Nma,” Abayomi said, his tone laced with irritation and sarcasm.

“You’ve got some nerve. You pop into Lagos two days ago, and then you don’t come home…” Her voice was shaky with rage. “I’m not doing this with you. Not here.” She began to walk away.

Abayomi exhaled. He was messing this up. “Olanma, wait.”

She stopped, but didn’t turn around.

“I’m sorry. I saw him touch you and then you laughed with him. I haven’t heard that sound in ages and I saw red.”
 
He hadn’t meant to reveal all that, but masked feelings were what had brought them to this point. If there was going to be a chance for them, they would have to lay down the masks. And since he was the one that was served with divorce papers, he had to take the first step. His prayer was that his vulnerability would lead them back to the intimacy they once shared. Where their souls were tied as one and hopefully rebuild their trust. He hoped she would see that.

Olanma walked back to him and stared at him intently. “It’s been a year. What did you expect? That I’d curl up and die?” She turned and walked away.

Her heated eyes showed him her soul. She was hurt, but so was he. This wasn’t what he imagined for them. Past the pain and anger he saw in her eyes, he also saw longing and love. It was clearer to him that restoring his marriage would be an uphill battle. Losing, however, wasn’t an option.

Purchase links:

Amazon: http://bit.ly/FinalUltimatum
iTunes, Nook, Kobo: https://books2read.com/u/mlK28q

Connect socially:

Website: http://www.unomanwankwor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UNwankworAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/unwankwor
Tour hosted by Write Now Literary

Follow the Tour http://wnlbooktours.com/thefinalultimatum

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Today on #writerwednesday I'm taking a break. But I won't leave you down and out. I'm bringing you a sample from Ms. W Parks Brigham's "A Sweet Romance." She's serving up a healthy offering of love and drama, Allanville style! It's the perfect treat for your Wednesday delight. Get comfortable and get ready to read. Take a sample, and don't forget to come back for more...

Blurb…         
Thick and luscious Myra Watson was cute and educated with a great job and beautiful home. Like most of the young ladies her age and older in her hometown, Allanville, she was ready to become a wife and mother. The Matchmakers had already bombed out in matching her with her supposed soul mate. He was nothing but a two-timing lady’s man. Un-huh…she deserved better. Now, she’d solicited the prayers of the saints for her Mr. Right…Black Knight in shining amour.  Was that asking for too much?
           
Demrick (Rick) Hill had done it all, from hustling on the streets of Oakland to big balling with the best of them. Yeah, he had been labeled a thug, but he could proudly say he had never seen the inside of a jail…not even for a traffic ticket. How was he able to keep his nose clean? It was by the grace of God.  Due to tragedy and a close call, he was now ready to get his life right with a fresh start and a change of scenery by relocating to Allanville, Texas. 
           
As fate would have it, Myra’s prayers were answered, at least halfway…Thanks to her conniving friend; Myra was awarded three children and became an instant mother in one night.  And guess who came to her rescue? A pest from her past, Rick Hill. 
Lawd, what I’ma do? Mmm-uhm, be careful for what you ask for!

Myra was running late for worship service and had no excuse; she scolded herself as she pulled into the church parking lot.  It wasn’t like she hadn’t picked out what she was going to wear this Sunday.  Since she wasn’t doing nursery duty, she wanted to look extra special.  Okay, the real reason?  The two men she once upon a time had been engaged to would be at Allanville COC this morning.  Tommy Mitchell, her first love, had returned to Allanville to make it his home with his wife and family.  His cousin said he had even purchased a home in her subdivision.  Now, if that wasn’t a slap in the face!  And then there was Kane Atkins, who already lived in Allanville. She broke up with him six months ago, due to his infidelity. He even had the audacity to want her back after he was caught more than once with a different woman.  If the truth be told, she loved flaunting her new five-five curvy figure in Kane’s face.  Tommy, however, was a different story. 

Yep, admiring her reflection in the mirror, she was now looking her DIVA self, if she had to say so.  Myra knew she was lacking in the natural beauty department, and had to work with what God had blessed her with. Make-up, the right hairstyle, and wardrobe were essential for her to be pretty; she was all right with that.  Her positive nature and easy-going personality were her drawing cards and strength.  She pulled her curls out around the brown and peach stretch headbands.  Although her natural hair was a snap to do, she still had to work with the side she slept on.  Getting out of the car, Myra adjusted the long-sleeve brown and peach vibrant print tunic she wore over the matching, side slits skirt.  The bold colors complemented her flawless and smooth silky dark butterscotch complexion. To complete her outfit, she chose a pair of brown, gladiator three-inch crisscross shoes, two kinds of long beaded necklaces of the same colors in her outfit, and peach buttoned earrings.

“Good morning, Sis. Myra,” greeted Shelly and Cornelius, who were part of the welcoming committee for the month of October.  They made a striking couple in coordinating suits of taupe and black.  Shelly was one bold sister in her dress and hair style, in spite of her plus size figure and height.  She was every big girl’s role model and the envy of the thin sisters.  And Lord ha’ mercy, she had a husband who spelled the word f-i-n-e and adored every inch of her to no end.

Myra knew there was someone out there for her.  She just needed to be patient and not latch on to the next man that was put in her path.  Moreover, she knew she shouldn’t be so easily conned by a little attention, or compliments for her dimpled smile.  Myra stepped inside the auditorium, and yes, the first person she saw was Kane Atkins.  She spoke to him and other members as she made her way to sit by her mother.  No sooner than she took her seat, Betsy Watson pointed discreetly to Tommy and his little family.  Naturally, they were sitting with his parents.  Although Myra had that nonchalant attitude working, she still stole a quick peek.

Tommy Mitchell was handsome like all the Mitchell men.  If it wasn’t a sin, she would hate him.  But she couldn’t, after her brother revealed the true facts concerning why their relationship had finished its course. According to her brother, Tommy said being with her was more like being with his sister than a girlfriend.  That bit of news had been devastating and hard to accept. Regardless, Myra had often said after her break-up with Kane, if she had a million dollars, she would split it between the both of them.  They taught her a valuable lesson on love and commitment.

Tommy had been her sweetheart from high school until their first year at PVA&MU.  They had planned to get married after graduation.  She and her sorors had even created a bridal binder with detailed information for their big day… And boom, he dropped the bomb.  He was marrying someone else he’d met during his internship. That was eight years and three children, ago.

On the other hand, she and Kane Atkins had dated for about four months.  He proposed marriage and like a desperate female, she said yes, ignoring all the signs.  That fool was a liar and wanted to dip and dab with whoever would give him some play.

Humph, Tommy was still a handsome hunk, and his wife was also attractive, thought Myra as she stole another quick glance their way.  Whatever.  She sighed and prayed a silent prayer for the right frame of mind to worship in spirit and truth. ♥

That must be where the children are, Myra thought. 


“Tamia,” shouted the dude she was with.  “The baby is crying now.” Baby…

“Myra, I don’t have any stuff.  All we have are the clothes on our backs.  I had to leave in a hurry.”  She started to cry again.

“No diapers?” exclaimed Myra. 

She shook her head no.

“Okay Tam, don’t cry.  We can stop by Wally World and pick up a few items for now.  You get the baby.”  It was just a sad ridiculous mess, thought Myra as she lifted the boys and walked over to her small compact car. She strapped the toddlers in the best she could, and shook her head in total disgust.  Minutes later, Tamia got in the back seat with the baby, her big purse, and a small grocery bag. Myra didn’t make a comment; she was just glad Tamia had enough sense to sit with the children.  There were no baby seats for any of them.  How did things get this bad? ♥

Rick pulled into the parking lot of Wally World, but not before the sky released booming claps of thunder followed by streaks of lightening.  The rain would be next, he thought as he jumped out of his truck and rushed to the door.  One of the store managers stood outside to inform customers who were trying to grab their last minute supplies that the store was closed due to power outage. As soon as the power was restored, it would reopen.  Rick decided to sit in his truck and nap until then, since he was already out.  Another deafening burst of thunder; the sky lit completely up, causing him to have second thoughts like the others who were already leaving.  He would have to make out with what he had until tomorrow.  While he jogged to his truck to keep from being drenched, Rick noticed a sister in distress.  She was struggling with two large baskets.  Where were the attendants?

“Ma’am, can I help?”

Myra gasped when a man spoke from behind her.  The cashier told her they didn’t have anyone available for the moment and she didn’t have time to wait.  Turning around with pepper spray in her hand, she let go of the basket. 

He threw up his hands.  “I didn’t mean to scare you.  I just thought you could use some help, that’s all.” 

He kept his hands up so she could see he was harmless, although his cap was pulled down over his head. ♥

W Parks Brigham lives in Houston, Texas and has two adult daughters. She’s spent her adult life teaching small children and loved every minute of it. She is now a retired (Halleluiah) teacher of thirty plus years and loves every minute of that for sure. Her main interest and hobbies besides reading, listening to her own radio station designed especially for her, playing spider solitaire, working Sudoku puzzles.

Because of her love for AA romance and women fiction, she was inspired to write her own and has penned some of the most wonderful stories with plus size women as the heroine, touching your every emotion. Her heroines are attractive, educated, and sophisticated with high self-esteem. They are not looking for a man to validate their worth…just love them for who they are.  Drama, the element of surprise with lots of twists and turns, romance, love, and semi-steamy intimacy are featured in each story.

Besides being a writer of AA romance and women fiction; W Parks Brigham considers her stories in a class all by themselves Contemporary Christian Romance since she includes intimacy. Remember, she was first to tag her stories in what she’s sure will be a new category in the near future.
 
W Parks have recently ventured out into reading other genres.  In doing so she has met some amazing new authors and has enjoyed their stories.
 

CONNECT WITH W PARKS BRIGHAM

W Parks Brigham Author Page: www.amazon.com./-/e/B00G4IPAMU
 FB Author W Parks Brigham                             
 Website: http://www.wparksbrigham.com/.
 Email: wparksbrigham@writeme.com
 
Available books by W PARKS BRIGHAM

1. DESTINED TO BE….REIVISED
   
2. PROMISES
   
3. WHO AM I SUPPOSED TO LOVE
   
4. SURVIVING THE STORM
   
5. YOU WERE MEANT FOR ME (ALLANVILLE’S MATCHMAKERS BOOK #1)
   
6. YOU BELONG TO ME (ALLANVILLE’S MATCHMAKERS BOOK #2)
   
7. NO STRINGS ATTACHED (ALLANVILLE’S MATCHMAKERS BOOK #3)
   
8. YOU’RE THE ONE FOR ME (ALLANVILLE’S MATCHMAKERS BOOK #4)
   
9. WE BELONG TOGETHER (ALLANVILLE’S MATCHMAKERS BOOK #5)
   

A New Series…The Golden Years

1. IT’S NEVER TOO LATE FOR LOVE (The Golden Years Book #1)
   

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To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. -e. e. cummings

In this society of do's and don'ts everyone has an opinion on what you're supposed to look like, think like, dress, like and eat like. There are set parameters for every industry, profession, race, religion, and individual. Expectations are placed upon us from the moment of conception. Your parents derive in their minds what type of life they want you to live and what's acceptable or not.

Friends place boundaries and restrictions on the rules that allow them to be your friend, or deem you socially acceptable or not. The job and even the church places regulations on the type and style of clothing and hairstyles that are acceptable or not. Of course, the media always depicts what is defined as beautiful, acceptable, and graceful.

From the moment most young ladies become pre-teens to teenagers we strive to conform to society's ideals, because we want to be accepted. We want to fit in with the norm and not be frowned upon as the outcast. If we're not grounded and comfortable in our own skin, it becomes easy to lose who we are.

This past Sunday, my First Lady expressed the expectations placed upon her as the First Lady of a church, and the pressures that came along with it. She also talked about deliverance from that oppression and turning it over to the Lord, as the only One we should be striving to please.

Perhaps, my husband said it best when he expressed to my daughter later that same day, "If you're always faking to be someone else, you'll eventually lose yourself. Keep it real. -Marvin Ramsey, Sr."

When we take off the restraints of trying to live up to the expectations of others, we're finally free to be who we were designed to be. There's nothing more freeing than loving yourself for who you are, walking in your own skin, and not being weighed down by the opinion of others. Regardless if you try to please others or not, they're going to talk about you anyway. My mother often said when I was a child, "Don't worry about what people say, they talked about Jesus Christ!"

So you might as well do you! It is a constant battle to be you and not conform to the expectations of others. But one well worth the fight. Live your life and walk in the uniqueness that the Lord Almighty crafted you to be. Your trial won't feel like someone else's trial; your journey won't take the same path as someone else's journey; and your anointing won't have the same light as someone else's. That's the beauty of you!

He exclusively made your walk, your journey, your gift,  your anointing to be all your own. It's designed to heal some, encourage others, free another, but above all it's designed for you and you alone to walk in it. Don't be restricted, weighed down, oppressed, shackled and bound by someone else's expectations. Free your mind, be delivered, grasp your healing, and walk in the victory He has planned for you (INSERT YOUR NAME HERE)!

YES! It's been another Motivational Monday Moment and I want you to walk free, whole, heal, delivered, and empowered this week in your anointed and victorious life. For you will overcome!

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It's Fab Friday and today's featured author, Tesa Erven, is new to The Beautifully Inspired Blog! She may not be new to you, but she's bringing some of that stuff you know I love to deliver here!!! Yes, she's got drama, she's got suspense, she's got intrigue, and she's got the gift for writing.

I haven't read the first book, but after reading this excerpt I've now got books one and two lined up! But I won't say more. You'll have to read for yourself. Please don't hesitate to welcome, Mrs. Tesa Erven to The Beautifully Inspired Blog! Leave a little comment love for her.

Book Two in The Loose End Series
Book release date: May 12, 2016
 
Title of Book: Threads that Mend
 
Genre: Romance
 
Author Name: Tesa Erven
 
Book Teaser: Can two people from a secret love affair redeem themselves after suffering the consequences of their actions? Or will they allow the past to tangle the Threads that Mend.
 
Book Synopsis: In the sequel to The Loose End, we revisit the lives of Renee Lawson, Bradsen Myers, Kayron Hawkins, and Sabrina Brown. 
 
Renee finds herself staring her decisions in the face: the selfishness of dating a married man for four years and the foolishness of pushing away another who offered true love.
 
Meanwhile, Bradsen is attempting to cope after being rejected by Renee. The happiness he’s forced to witness from his soon-to-be-wed twin brother and business partner only accelerates the pain he's feeling.
 
Kayron is not so happy with life after the hurt he’d caused Renee and his wife comes back tenfold. Not only is he fighting for his marriage, he also finds himself in a life-threatening situation.
 
Through all of the confusion and emotional turmoil, Sabrina is enjoying her newly found secret love affair. Will the others be as lucky as Sabrina? Or will they allow the past to tangle the threads that mend?
 
Book Excerpt from Breaking News:

“Shots fired, shots fired! Officer down, I repeat, an officer is down.”

Renee couldn’t believe the startling breaking news that was interrupting regular programming.

“This is Sonya St. Jermaine and we are now at the scene of what appears to have been some kind of robbery at a local convenience store. The two off duty officers pulled up to this mini-mart where the shooting took place,” the reporter said as she pointed to the store behind her.

“I’m getting word that the families have been notified and the two officers involved are Kayron Hawkins and Julia Williams, both veterans with the Oakland Police Department. We understand that one of the officers was shot in the leg and the other one was airlifted to UCSF Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. We will have more on this as soon as it becomes available. Reporting live from MacArthur Boulevard in East Oakland, I’m Sonya St. Jermaine.”

Renee sat there in horror as she listened to the news report before she yelled for Sabrina to come into her bedroom.

“Calm down Renee. I’m sure they will be okay.”

“Bri, I can’t believe this. I need to know which officer is in critical condition. I need to know.” Renee was near tears.

Sabrina glared at Renee. “We are not going through this again. Let’s just pray that they will be okay.”

For Renee it brought back all those terrible feelings of the night Sabrina had to break the news to her that Kayron was dead. It was as if her heart had been ripped out of her chest. She couldn’t understand how they had just shared the most memorable birthday of her life, then the next he vanished without a trace. Only to find out later that he was reportedly dead. Her heart was filled with so much hurt, pain, sorrow and despair after hearing about his sudden death. She wasn’t ready to face the fact that he was gone. Even now, was it true? She had no other information from what she heard on the news and no one she could contact for answers. Not wanting to relive the past, she made a promise to herself not to find out what happened.

 “Okay, you’re right.” Renee started to calm down a bit. “I promise I won’t go searching for answers.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes I’m sure.” Renee assured her. “Don’t worry Bri, I won’t have you call the precinct or visit funeral homes with me. I’m going to leave it alone.”

“Thank you.” Sabrina breathed a sigh of relief. However, Renee couldn’t help but wonder if Kayron Hawkins was once again dead or alive… (Continued) 

Author Bio: Tesa Erven was born and raised in San Francisco, California. She currently resides in New Jersey with her husband and two kids. She works as an office administrator for a global outplacement firm. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing and singing.  The Loose End was her first published work.
 
Author Website: www.tesaerven.com
 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authortesaerven
 
Twitter: @TesaErven
 
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/tesaerven
 

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There's nothing like the love of a parent to protect and nurture their child. Yet, somehow as we grow up we tend to think that we're no longer under that same protection. Parents tend to think otherwise. It's another #writerwednesday!

  My daughter and I had made it through her first visit with her father unscathed. I had spent the day with my parents sharing my thoughts and feelings with them on this newfound relationship. They had worked hard to let me know that I was doing the right thing, or at least my mother did. However, my mom and dad felt that the feelings of insecurity and envy I was experiencing were normal. But they also assured me of what I already knew. I had nothing to worry about. I had raised my daughter to be a wise, independent, and intelligent young lady. She knew where her strength lie and our relationship was solid and stable, nothing could shake that.

“Look, baby, I think you’re doing the right thing letting her get to know her father,” my mother stated, as she spooned a serving of cabbage onto my plate next to her famous Sunny Golden Fried Chicken.
“Hmph, father my a—” my father began.

“Gene! Don’t you dare say that. Now you just hush up and eat your dinner,” my mother warned him. She often sat quietly by and upheld his word. But she didn’t play that about cursing in her home. She said she wouldn’t allow the Lord’s presence to be disrespected in her home, and He surely was in my parents’ home.

“I’m just saying. I don’t know why he wants to pop up after all this time. He wasn’t nothing but a sperm donor. He ain’t never contributed to that child’s growth. Now when she ‘bout grown and ready to head off to college, he all of a sudden want to pop up and get the daddy of the year award! Well, I’m tellin’ you, it ain’t happenin’ not on my watch, Cathy!” he argued back.

“He didn’t just pop up. They ran into each other. I’m sure if he had known about her he would’ve tried to contact Naomi after he’d grown up and matured,” my mother defended.

I turned my nose up to what she was saying because I knew that it was a bunch of hogwash and so did she. Her purpose for saying all of that was because she didn’t want my father to turn my mind against allowing Sasha and Jaime to build a relationship. But she didn’t have to worry about that, I was determined to give it an honest shot.

I looked at my phone for probably the tenth time in the last hour. She still hadn’t called.

“You ain’t got nothing to worry ‘bout, Naomi. We all raised that girl right. She ain’t gone just let him step in her life and take your place. She probably ain’t had a chance to call you yet,” my father stated reading my mind. “I’m sure he’s probably right over her shoulder at every moment,” he complained.

“Richard Eugene Blankenship, give that man half a chance!” my mother set her serving bowl on the table with a clatter meant to convey the severity of her stance to my father.

But Pops wasn’t having it. “Catherine Aileen Blankenship, he’s had more than 16 years to get a chance.
He didn’t take it. All I know is he better not do nothing to hurt neither one of my babies again. Or he’s gon’ have me to deal with. And that’s all I gots to say on the matter.”  My father punctuated his statement by taking a sip of iced tea from his glass and glaring at my mother over it.

She shook her head and looked down into her lap. And with that one simple movement, I saw my father’s hard core softening. He reached out to his right where she sat and grabbed her hand in his and softly rubbed it.

“Okay, I’ll give him a chance. But one wrong move, and just like white on rice, I’m gon’ be in his a—”
“Eugene!”

“Just saying…that’s all.” He picked up a forkful of cabbage and shoved it into his mouth, going silent for the remainder of the meal.

I admired the two of them. I’m sure they had their share of challenges along the way, but they truly loved one another and had each other’s back.

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"We become what we think about." Earl Nightingale

How much of your time do you allow negative thoughts to control your mind, emotions, and day? How much time do you find that you're spending thinking about what you cannot do, or won't be able to do? How much time do you spend thinking about everything that will go wrong, or could go wrong?

Compare that with how much time you spend planning to ensure things go the way they are supposed to, and creating a plan in case that plan goes awry. Then compare that with what you say about yourself and your life.

I have learned that the thoughts we focus on most are usually what occurs. Perhaps, not exactly as we think about them, but definitely in terms of the energy. If we exert our thoughts on negative scenarios, behaviors, and attitudes that is usually the outcome we receive. However, if we focus on positive thoughts and extending that positive attitude to positive actions, we're generally going to be happy about the results.

We were not created to focus on the negative aspects of life, nor for those things to be made manifest in our lives. Scripture even tells us that the Lord's thoughts towards us are positive and good. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11

More often than not I would find myself praying for something good to happen, and then turn around and worry about the alternatives. I was defeating the purpose of my prayer and not trusting the Lord. Almighty God is willing to bless you with those things that you pray for in alignment with His will. You simply must be like a child and believe. They believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy, and they typically receive good things because of their belief (faith).

Now if they can receive what they want, imagine yourself for a minute. You serve the One True Living God who holds the world in the palm of His hands. Now if you are asking for things in His will, don't you think He'll bless you, too? Sweetheart, he has the power to blow your mind above all you can even begin to imagine! It simply takes faith. Kick those negative thoughts to the curb and believe. "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." Matthew 21:22

If you're facing a tough obstacle and you're unsure how to overcome it, simply remember that He has already given you the strength to do all things in Him. Philippians 4:13. If you stop thinking about what you cannot do, and focus on what you can do in His power, nothing will be too hard. You will arrive at a place where you're able to look back over your life, and realize how much good came your way when you trusted Him.

Turn your thoughts towards the goals you want to accomplish in life. Then start creating a plan and taking steps towards achieving those goals. Celebrate the small milestones along the way. It will encourage you to push further, work harder, and reach higher than you ever have.

If you're not satisfied with the person you have become in life you can change that. Don't allow others' negative opinions about you to foster a poor character inside of you. Change the negative aspects, by focusing on what's good, and changing what is not so good. Believing that you can become a better person, speaking those positive affirmations in your life daily, will enable you to change your attitude, outlook, and behaviors. Speak life into your life. "Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Proverbs 18:21

Live life victoriously empowered and always winning simply by changing your thoughts and the words you speak. And believe in Him, because He believes in you! #speaklife #MMM

It's been another Motivational Monday Moment with Chelle Ramsey! Have a blessed and highly favored week.

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Please join author Suzette. D Harrison as she tours the blogosphere with Write Now Literary Book Tours and her new release Taffy on October 4, 2016.
 
Genre: Historical Fiction; Historical Romance
Book Title: TAFFY
Publication Date: 2/11/2016
ISBN-10: 1523298251
ISBN-13: 978-1523298259
About The Book

Suzette D. Harrison, a native Californian and the middle of three daughters, grew up in a home where reading was required, not requested. Her literary “career” began when her poetry appeared in a volume of creative writing published by her junior high school. While Ms. Harrison pays homage to Gloria Naylor, Dr. Maya Angelou, Alice Walker, and Toni Morrison for initially inspiring her creative spirit, it was Alex Haley’s Roots (which she read at the age of fourteen) that unveiled the tremendous power and importance of African American literary voices. In addition to being the wife of a university professor and mother of gorgeous children, Suzette is a cupcake proprietor who loves singing gospel-with-a-hint-of-jazz. An elementary school librarian, Suzette is currently working on her next novel…in between batches of cupcakes.
 
Excerpt

Taffy made ready to fuss him out only to reconsider. That steel-headed man won’t move. She would. Taffy eyed the fence, knowing she’d earlier hopped it with ease. But she couldn’t hike her dress up before present company.

“Go ahead,” Roam goaded, popping peppermints in his mouth, ready to enjoy the spectacle. “I’d like to see you try.”

Options were few with the opposite side of the road lined by a ditch and a frighteningly out-of-control briar patch. Taffy could reverse her path. I’m not! Taffy had long ago learned how to do what she had to.

“You ‘bout to break something,” Roam warned, shaking his head as Taffy prepared to climb. “Gal, quit acting up and walk this way.”

Ignoring Roam, Taffy hoisted herself onto the bottom rail. Fumbling, she tried climbing with shoes in hand, finally dropping them over the fence, onto the other side.
Roam moved quickly before Taffy, too, was beyond reach.

Taffy felt an arm snake about her waist, effortlessly hauling her backward as if it didn’t cost Roam a thing. “What’re you doing?!”

“Whatever I want,” Roam responded, setting Taffy on her feet, anchoring an arm about her waist when Taffy spun, spitting heat.

“Move, Roam.” Taffy strained against Roam’s iron hold. “Get off me before I hurt you!”

“Already did.”

Her fire fizzled. Voice softened, tongue tasted regret. “Roam, what do you want?”

“You.” Taffy stilled. Roam reinforced his hold. “Two things I won’t do with you: mince words or waste time.” Lifting her chin, claiming her mouth, Roam proved his point.

His lips were hot, soft, sweet. Taffy got lost savoring them and him, and the bombarding emotions of mere moments before became nonexistent. Oh my blessedness, Taffy inwardly purred, feeling a slow, unsanctioned melting. They’d shared quick, quaint kisses in adolescent sweetheart days. Never this. Never with man-to-woman savoir faire. Resuscitated passions exploded and multiplied. Taffy could barely breathe let alone think, so she followed love’s lead and held on for the ride.
 
Trailer: http://bit.ly/2cMvsAt
Website: http://sdhbooks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sdhbooks/?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ariasu62
Buy Links:
Amazon: http://a.co/03eTrQ5
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/23gvAYd
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1Nbl9mT

Follow the tour: http://wnlbooktours.com/suzette-harrison/

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After a long hard day at the office, a worksite, or the salon all a woman wants to do is relax. There's nothing than when a woman has a man who makes her feel appreciated and loved. When he takes his time to love on her and shower her with affection it makes all the difference in her world.

That's just what I'm serving up today in this preview of BeJeweled: A Beautiful Blend.

If you enjoyed this excerpt from BeJeweled: A Beautiful Blend purchase your copy on Amazon now. If you have not read books one and two in the series, pick them up by clicking the links below.


BeJeweled: The Flight of an Angel (Book 1)

BeJeweled: What A Tangled Web We Weave (Book 2)

BeJeweled: A Beautiful Blend (Book 3)

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Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints - Ephesians 6:18

When I saw the picture above it caused me to laugh. I don't know who first penned that quote, but I love it. That is exactly the woman I aspire to be not only for my family, but my friends, my co-workers, and this world at large.

I believe that we as a people should be praying at all times, not just when trouble settles in but even in the good times. Because we know that the good times will not always be around. Praying over the things that could come as well as those things that are happening will keep us ever vigilant, close to Christ, and our mind focused on the right thing.

Prayer is a language of love, which allows us to communicate with our Lord and Savior. Not only do we speak to Him, but He moves on the inside of us and speaks to us, as well. Starting our day off with a spirit of prayer allows us to set our mind for the day. It enables us to yield to His Spirit as He dictates the way we should go in our day.

Continuing to pray throughout the day protects us from the snares of this world, and allows us to walk in the supernatural realm. It's easy for us to get caught up in the worldly ways and material things, when we are constantly surrounded by them through media and reality. Yet, if we're ever praying it's easy for us to remain centered on the things that matter most.

Am I saying we should worry constantly? No! For worry derives from fear, and we know that fear is the trick of the enemy and it does not derive from the Lord, 2 Timothy 1:7. Instead, I am saying that we should always be on the watch so that we do not encounter devastation and destruction from the enemy's hands, 1 Peter 5:8.

My children and my husband joke that I pray about everything including a dead dog in the street. My prayers are prompted by the urging in my heart, and a desire to draw closer to the Lord. I have often heard people say were it not for their grandmother or their mother praying for them they don't know where they would be. Perhaps, if we all took a moment to pray for something or someone other than ourselves we could all be always covered in prayer.

Starting your day off with prayer will give you the balance and strength you need to face whatever comes your way. Continuing to pray throughout the day will ward off the enemy's plans and keep you under protection from the Almighty. It is an act that brings about humbleness and allows you to submit to His will and authority over your life.

Kick your week off with prayer and continue to pray throughout the day, trusting in Him to lead you in perfect peace.

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