Chelle Ramsey's Blog, page 4

20 Days of Love, Aja...

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

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

Beautiful.

And yes, a little screwed up.

Something he could tell just by looking at her.

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

“Learns what?”

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

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

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

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

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

“And how does she know that, huh?”

“It’s called pillow talk.”

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

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

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

“You went there.”

“And you’re a punk.”

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

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

Author Links:

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

Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/Aja/e/B00K30K138/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aja_thewriter/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AjaTheWriter

FB Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/ajathewriterbooks/ 
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20 Days of Love, Celeste...

About Lady Guardians: Cruisin...
Carmen Rodriguez was living her best life. As maitre’d at Café Laquette, Carmen worked in her best friend’s five-star restaurant, meeting people and making things happen. She distanced herself from her past and was hopeful for what was to come.

And then a letter came, announcing the return of her first love; propelling Carmen into the very tormented past she desperately tried to forget. 

Multimillionaire, Grayson “Turks” Foster, renowned architect, and vice president of the Dirty South Riders was living his best life, too. Turk spent his days designing architectural masterpieces for the rich and famous and spent his nights riding out with his biker brothers. Even with everything Turk had going for him, there was an undeniable absence; a space in his life he desperately wanted to fill. 

He’d seen her before; a chance encounter that brought Carmen Rodriguez into Turk’s orbit. Would Carmen’s past deter her from pursuing a future with someone new? Or, would Carmen leave the past in the past for good? Find out in Cruisin’
Excerpt... But Grayson didn’t sleep well. In the shower, all he thought about was Carmen being just a few steps away. And when he laid down in his bed, his thoughts were of the one he craved the most. He wasn’t the only one struggling. Carmen struggled in the shower as well. Grayson was everything she never thought she deserved, yet, he was right there. Grayson had stepped up for Carmen in ways no man had ever done before. He showed her a life and lifestyle she couldn’t even imagine existed for people like her. He was honest and genuine and vulnerable at times without looking weak. Grayson was a real man; something she’d never experienced before.
Carmen lay in the bed wearing Grayson’s shirt, trying to figure out how she would handle Juan Carlos. But Grayson’s masculine scent remained in his shirt. Carmen lifted the collar of the shirt to her nose and inhaled. It was him. It was Grayson. All thoughts of Juan Carlos faded to the background as thoughts of Grayson filled Carmen’s head. She tried to get comfortable in the bed and quiet the yearning she felt in her core. Squeezing her thighs tightly, Carmen tossed from one side of the bed to the other. She couldn’t get comfortable. She couldn’t stop thinking about Grayson."
About Celeste Granger...
Love. It is a many splendid thing, isn’t it? Yet, it’s not a straight path from one heart to another. Most often, love is a tangled mess that challenges our thoughts, beliefs, and challenges us to prove over and over that we are more than enamored with an individual. Love is a tangled conglomeration of what the mind thinks, what the soul feels, and what the heart knows. And I write about it...

facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1943300475969127/

facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/celeste.granger.92

author page: https://www.facebook.com/TheCelesteGranger/

amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Celeste-Granger/

Crusi: Cruisin' (Lady Guardians)/ Thanks for joining us for another 20 Days of Love! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, We would love to hear from you!

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20 Days of Love, Nia...

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

Deuce leaned in close, straining to hear over the din. Unless he was mistaken, Lloyd just said …
“Zora. She’s supposed to be here, too. I thought you’d know.”

Lifting his glass to his lips, Deuce took a long sip, giving him just enough time to compose himself.
“Nah,” he said, swallowing. “I didn’t know.”

Lloyd squinted. “For real? So, you …”

“This is so cool, you guys!”

Before Lloyd could finish his thought, Summer had thrown her arms around them both, having to reach up a little because she was so short. Summer Harris, the unofficial organizer of the alumni mixer, had reached out to a bunch of folks from Penn State, primarily on Facebook and Twitter and suggested the get-together in a Midtown bar. She had only given a couple of weeks’ notice, and Deuce stopped in only because he it was close to his apartment and he was slightly curious to see who else was in the city.

The turnout was surprisingly good. So far there were about twenty people there, most of them familiar, though none of them people Deuce had been particularly tight with. New York was a post-graduation mecca for lots of people, but most Penn State alums wound up in Philly. So, he stopped in just to see who else from the Black Student Union might be around. He already knew that most of his crew were spread far and wide, including his best friend, Kaleem who was back out west in an MBA program and training for the Summer Olympics.

“I never thought so many people would make it!” Summer sounded like she had to have been drinking well before anyone else showed up, because the mixer had only been underway for about an hour.
Early in, early out, that had been Deuce’s plan.

“Especially just one year after graduation,” Lloyd said, peeling Summer’s arm from around his neck. “I guess the real world ain’t all it’s cracked up to be, and we’re just pining for the old days.”

“I know I am,” Summer said, raising her voice a little more than was necessary to be heard. “My gig at HarperCollins is not what I thought it would be. I’m like a glorified … file clerk.”

“Bet you don’t have them kinda problems, huh?” Lloyd said, nudging Deuce in the ribs. “Workin’ with your Dad and all.”

“I don’t work with my Dad,” Deuce said.

He was looking at the entrance to Le Bar now, scanning the clusters of folks who walked in. The moment Lloyd said her name, his heartbeat had sped up. Just at the sound of her fucking name.

“You don’t?” Lloyd looked confused. “But I thought you were at …”

“Yeah, but my father isn’t there anymore. I work for the new CEO.”

Lloyd shrugged, and looked like he didn’t understand the distinction. Most people didn’t. They tended to think that because his last name was Scaife, he could walk up in that joint and start running shit. Knocking back the remains of his vodka tonic, Deuce extricated himself from Summer as well.

“Lemme go get another one of these,” he said. “Anybody want anything while I’m over …”

“There she is!” Summer shrieked. Shoving her way past Deuce and Lloyd, she plowed her way out of the reserved section and toward the front of the bar.

And yeah. There she was.

Zora looked a little disoriented when she first walked in, her eyes narrowing a little as they adjusted to the relative darkness of the bar. She stood still for a moment and pulled the strap of her purse higher on her shoulder, surveying the room before Summer accosted her with a hug.

Zora’s face lit up in a smile when she saw who it was and held Summer back at arms’ length to look her over. While she did, Deuce looked Zora over. She was wearing a canary-yellow blouse with long sleeves and a ruffled neck with skinny black pants. And her hair … damn, he’d always loved her hair … It was in neat, sleek, cornrows, and in her ears were medium-sized gold hoops. She wore vivid lipstick in a shade of purple that was like a bruise, but somehow made her lips look even fuller, even sexier. Sunglasses were pushed up atop her head, giving her an air of mature sophistication that was at odds with how Deuce was accustomed to seeing her.

He thought of Zora and the picture that came to mind was her in one of his sweatshirts, nothing underneath. Her hair messy as hell, her lips swollen from being kissed, curled in a smile her eyes sleepy, cloudy, and looking at him in the way only she did.

Deuce had not seen her in eight months, and they hadn’t spoken in six. And yet, he could already feel his body orienting itself in her direction, pulling him toward her.

She stood at the entrance for a few moments more, talking to Summer and Deuce stood watching her, not realizing he was staring until Lloyd spoke.

“So, I’m guessing y’all split up or somethin’, huh?”

Deuce looked at him.

“Yeah,” he said, his voice hoarse. “Anyway. I’ma grab this drink. You want …?”

Zora was looking over at him now, as Summer pointed him out. The expression on her face robbed him of every coherent thought. Her lips trembled, like someone trying not to smile, or not to cry. And her eyes …

The moment their eyes met, she touched Summer on the shoulder, wordlessly excusing herself from their conversation and coming toward him. Deuce felt Lloyd take his glass.

“I’ll get this one,” he said, from what sounded like far away.

Fighting the urge to meet her halfway, Deuce stood still until Zora reached him. And when she did, he bit into his lower lip and looked down at her. She looked up at him, her long neck curving. Her lips finally parted in a smile, and her shoulders lifted and fell in an inaudible sigh.

“Deuce.”

Out of nowhere there was a lump in the back of his throat, hard and immovable.

Zora’s shoulders sagged even further, and she shook her head.

“Deuce,” she said again.

And then she hugged him. Not like you hug a friend, putting your arms around their waist. But the way you hug a lover, her arms up and around his neck, pulling him down to her, so that her cheek was momentarily pressed against his.

Muscle-memory dictated that the next move was for him to turn his head and kiss her. Deuce fought it, and instead reached up and took her by the wrists, gently removing her arms from around his neck.


'RHYME & REASON' COMING SOON! About Nia... Nia Forrester lives and writes in Philadelphia, PA where, by day, she is an attorney working on public policy and by night, she crafts woman-centered fiction that examines the complexities of life, love and the human condition. 
​
She welcomes hearing from her readers at authorniaforrester@gmail.com or tweets @NiaForrester. And visit her at www.niaforrester.com 
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20Days of Love, Kim...

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

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

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

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

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

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

We both laughed.

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

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

Follow Kim:
Facebook: http://facebook.com/SeeKimWrite
Website: http://kim-golden.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KimiGM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimigm/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kimigm/


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20 Days Of Love, W. Parks Brigham...

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

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

Jimmy Lee Daniels has been sniffing around Adelia McGee every since high school. He even beat up her high school sweetheart, little good it did him. And then the most wonderful and magical thing happened, yeah right. Then he had to do something really stupid. Why did he allow his self to get sucked into this love stuff? Too late now after what he did! Grrrrrrrl!
Excerpt... At forty-one years old, how could she say she did the unmentionable as far as she was concerned, and now must suffer the consequences of everybody knowing? She had been careless and totally out of character. Admit the truth Deli, if not to them, at least to yourself. She had been lonely, horny, desperate,
whatever, the end results, she had been sexually active with the town’s recluse, and now she was pregnant. And what she will admit, she enjoyed every magical caress, stroke, kiss, and each and every powerful in and out thrusts. But most of all, she loved the tingling out of body feelings she experienced.

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

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

Deli gasped and covered her big mouth!

“How many times Missy?” Pat demanded.

“Enough to be pregnant!” she cried.

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

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

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

Once he had his way with her, he knew he was going to spend the rest of his life in prison, if Mr. McGee didn’t kill him first. He hid out on his property for three days, nothing, and then he had the foolish notion; just maybe she was feeling him too. You couldn’t ignore the sizzling, passionate chemistry between them, which he was very much aware of. Their lovemaking had been undeniably magical. To show what a big lovesick fool he was, he did something really stupid. Best to his ability, he wrote her a
letter pouring out his heart and soul, admitting he loved her. All he asked was for her to respond, one way or the other. He even gave her his cell, which was a first. No woman has ever had that opportunity. He knew what people said about him, but he was a man with a nice bankroll and security. At any rate, she chose to ignore him completely, which cut him deep to his soul, stripping him all the way down to his manhood. Maybe he wouldn’t have taken it so hard, if he hadn’t put on paper so she could laugh with her friends, Jo and Pat. He felt violated and exposed. As long as he lives, he will never use those words again. ♥ About W. Parks Brigham... Hello everyone, I am native Houstonian with two adult daughters. I’ve spent my adult life teaching children in the public school system and loved every minute of it. Now, I’m a retired (Halleluiah) teacher of thirty plus years and love every minute of that for sure. My main interest and hobbies includes listening to Pandora, my own playlist which inspires my writing, playing spider solitaire, working bent and wiggly word search and Sudoku puzzles. I’m also an avid reader of every genre in the AA Romance category which prompted me to become a writer. 

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

https://www.facebook.com/groups/15143...

W Parks Brigham Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/ent...
Website: http://www.wparksbrigham.com/.
FB Author W Parks Brigham
Email: wparksbrigham@writeme.com
​Two Magical Hearts…
http://bit.ly/2MagicalHearts Thanks for joining us for the first 20 Days of Love of this year! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, we would love to hear from you! And join us all month long for Drama! Spice! Romance!

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Fab Friday Features, Tolu...

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. 
About Tolu... Tolu Akinyemi was born in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria and currently lives in the United Kingdom. Tolu Akinyemi is an exceptional talent, out-of-the box creative thinker, a change management agent and a leader par excellence. Tolu is a business analyst and financial crime consultant as well as a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) with extensive experience working with leading Investment banks and Consultancy Firms. Tolu is also a personal development and career coach and a prolific writer with more than 10 years’ writing experience; he is a mentor to hundreds of young people. He worked as an Associate mentor in St Mary’s School, Cheshunt and as an Inclusion Mentor in Barnwell School, Stevenage in the United Kingdom, helping students raise their aspirations, standards of performance and helping them cope with transitions from one educational stage to another.

Tolu has headlined and featured in various Open Slam, Poetry Slam, Spoken Word and Open Mic events in the United Kingdom. He also inspires large audiences through spoken word performances, he has appeared as a keynote speaker in major forums and events in the United Kingdom and facilitates creative writing masterclasses to all types of audiences.
In March 2018 he was endorsed by the Arts Council England as an 'Exceptional Talent'.

About Tolu's Books...
Dead Lion Don’t Roar is a collection of inspiring and motivating modern day verses. Addressing many issues close to home and also many taboo subjects, the poetry is reflecting of today’s struggles and lights the way to a positive future. The uplifting book will appeal to all age groups, anyone going through change, building or enjoying a career and facing day to day struggles. Many of the short verses will resonate with readers, leaving a sense of peace and well-being.
 
Amazon: http://a.co/d/bLCmMt1   
 
 Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2CAY9N5
 

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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Like A Sister...

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...
Excerpt...
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.
About Chelle Ramsey...
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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Forgiving Yourself...

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
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.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.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.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.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.
About Chelle Ramsey...
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


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Fab Friday Features, Sharon...

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...
About Prayer Plus Faith Equals Miracles...
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”
Excerpt...
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. 

Download The Book...
About Sharon...
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!

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Fab Friday Features, Darliss...

About The Make Believe Family...
Faith Lewis has a life most women would envy—married to her true love, living in her dream home and surrounded by loving friends and family. When she and her husband, Jamison, learn they’re going to be the parents of triplets, Faith is ecstatic! All her dreams have come true and she couldn’t be happier.

But, just like the Garden of Eden, the fall comes fast and furious.

Her former employer, Evan, despite trying to reconcile with his wife, is still in Faith’s life and Jamison isn’t pleased. Evan’s daughters dote on Faith because she was their caretaker and the only constant in their lives, which fuels jealously in Evan’s wife and causes more friction, making Faith’s life very uncomfortable.

As Faith navigates pregnancy, her BFF’s move to Georgia, Jamison’s trust issues with Faith’s and Evan’s friendship, and discord with her in-laws, she wonders if she’s cut out for “married with children!”

The premature birth of the triplets is a harbinger of events that quickly sends Faith’s life spinning out of control. Faith could never, ever have imagined her fairytale would turn into a nightmare from which she might never awake.

THE MAKE-BELIEVE FAMILY is the unforgettable story of a woman whose desire for a warm, loving family leads her to take a chance on love and risk her heart in the trials and tribulations of life while struggling to keep her faith through it all.

Excerpt...
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.
About Darliss...
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 Darliss...

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