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

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

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

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

“Hi Rick.”

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

“No, Rick,” she mumbled.

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

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

“Have a seat… please.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Are you happy about it?”

“Yeah, of course.”

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

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

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

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

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

“Kennedy?”

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

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

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

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

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

“You need me?”

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

“What’s so funny, Kenni?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I’m well.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Smoothie or fruit salad?”

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

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

“Yeah. Make me one, too, please.”

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

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

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

“Sooo?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What major or recent disappointments have you encountered?

How were you able to overcome it?

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

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

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


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

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

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

Social Media Links
Find J.L. Campbell on the web at www.joylcampbell.com
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Thanks for joining me for another Fab Friday and a Fabulous Release! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, JL would love to hear from you!

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