Today's March Madness post comes from W Parks Brigham. I love, love, love her stories. They're full of the most real-life, down to earth characters you ever want to meet. She always drops a little sweetness in there to enhance the storyline. Make sure you drop Ms. Brigham a line at the end of the post to be entered into her giveaway of a signed copy of True Love, and another book from her collection. About True Love... 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! ♥ True Love Excerpt... 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.♥ What else could happen on this glorious Sunday? Myra asked herself as she pulled her jacquard animal print comforter back. It was pretty with raised satiny stripes of light taupe over a strawberry background and a light solid taupe top. Although she spent more money for it than she should have, she was glad she did. It gave her dark walnut sleigh bed life while adding pizazz to her bedroom décor. Removing the decorative pillows and shams, she said her prayers and got in bed. Still wide awake, Myra thought about the surprise she had when she went by her parents’. The Mitchells had also been invited for dinner, Tommy and his family included. She was polite and on her best behavior when he introduced her to his wife and children. Myra had to admit, his wife seemed to be a very nice person whom she could really get to like. His children were just adorable, especially the little girl. She was already a daddy’s girl. Maybe she could put the past behind her, and they could become friends again. After all, it had been eight years, and she was certainly not in love with him. At any rate, she participated in a little conversation and excused herself. Ring! Myra looked at her caller ID and rolled her eyes to the ceiling. It was Kane. “Why are you calling me at this late hour?” “Myra, we need to talk,” said Kane, attempting to sound pitiful. She wasn’t falling for his innocent act and snapped, “About what?” “I miss you, Myra. Can’t you find it in your heart to forgive me and give us another chance?” That was the problem with him. Once she gave their relationship some serious thought, he never said the words I love you. It’d always been I adore you, I want you, I need you, etc. What was she thinking to accept his proposal? “No, Kane. We’ve been through this before. It’s over.” “That’s whatcha say,” Kane spat out. “It’s not like you have brothers knocking at your door.” “What’s that supposed to mean?” “It means all men don’t appreciate a thick curvy sister, Myra.” “Kane, if I recall correctly, you did nothing but complain about my size.” “You’re right, I knew you could lose some of that weight and firm yourself up. And you should thank me for the new and improved Myra.” “You’re really full of yourself, Kane Atkins!” Give me a break! “I want you to make this the last time you dial my number with this foolishness. Good night!” Myra pissed him off with her I’m all that attitude since she dropped a few pounds; he fumed as he listened to the dial tone. One thing he’d never been able to do, and that was prey upon Myra Watson’s self-esteem. Her father raised her to think she was beautiful and someone special. She didn’t need any man to stroke her ego. That was one thing they had in common, inflated egos. She was just the right size now and would look great on his arm. Dang, he hated he didn’t handle her better than he did… With a smile, he voiced his thoughts aloud. Just give her a little time, and she’ll be all yours. After all, you are Kane Atkins. ♥ “Hello, hello,” moaned Myra. All she could hear was small children and a woman crying. She looked at her caller ID, Tamia Travis. “Tamia, stop crying. I can’t understand a word you’re saying. What has happened? Are the babies all right? Please tell me what’s wrong?” Myra Watson was now sitting up in her bed with her feet dangling on the side. She hadn’t seen or heard from her wayward friend and old college roommate with all her drama in two years. Tamia Travis was awarded the title of being number one drama queen while they attended PVA&MU, and still was. Tam, as she was called back then, had lived a reckless, unstable life. Myra held the phone for what seemed like hours as she listened to Tamia rant through sobs. All she could make out was…I can’t take anymore…I’m done. But done with what? That was the question. “Tam, I need you to pull yourself together and tell me what is wrong.” “Myra, I need you to come pick me up.” “Pick you up where?” “I’m in Hempstead at the truck stop. I need your help!” “Momma, I eat,” whined one of her babies. “Shut up,” she shouted harshly. Myra could have sworn she heard another different cry. “I’ma whup yo azz. I mean it.” “Tam, don’t, that’s not necessary! Give me fifteen minutes, I’ll be right there. Stay calm and please don’t hit him.” Myra stuck her feet in a pair of shoes, grabbed her keys and purse, and was out the door with her cell phone. She didn’t take time to change from her navy blue pajamas. The cotton print bottoms and solid top with the same trim around the sleeves could pass for street clothes. Her shawl would cover up her braless top, she thought as she pulled a cap down over her head. Myra was shocked when she looked at the time. It was almost twelve midnight and Tamia’s child was hungry. She said a silent prayer before quickly backing out of her drive. Myra headed straight toward the interstate as she begged God to protect the little fellow and give Tamia patience… 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. ♥ Download True Love... About W. Parks Brigham... 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 includes active participation in her church, listening to her own radio station designed especially for her, playing spider solitaire, working bent and wiggly word search and Sudoku puzzles. She is an avid reader of every genre in the AA Romance category which has prompted her to write and self-publish her own with plus size women as the heroine. Therefore, it’s her honor and pleasure to invite you into her world of l women fiction with a contemporary Christian romance flavor. She has penned twelve of the sweetest tales with plus size women as the heroine, touching your every emotion. Her heroines are beautiful, 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 twists and turns, romance, and love are featured in each story. She considers her AA Romance stories in a class all by themselves with the Christian elements she tries to project in a positive way. W Parks Brigham Author Page: www.amazon.com./-/e/B00G4IPAMU Website: http://www.wparksbrigham.com/. FB Author W Parks Brigham Email: wparksbrigham@writeme.com Don't forget to reply for a chance to win! 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 Undeniably Chelle...
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June 2019
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