Chelle Ramsey's Blog, page 8

Fab Friday Features, Patricia...

Welcome to another Fab Friday Feature! Today's featured author is Patricia Saunders and she has the power of weaving reality into emotion-moving works of art in the form of poetry. Today, she's sharing work from There Is Sunshine After the Rain. Drop in and read along...
About Sunshine After the Rain...
“And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.”
The funeral service is over, everyone has gone back to their places, and you’re left alone. You were the caregiver, you memorized the medical records, and now you are disorganized. The world has swallowed you up and spit you out.
Sitting there with the pieces of your life around you, there seemed to be a pattern. There was faith, love, deceit, lust, and loss—in that order. You didn’t think you were deserving of love. That is why everything was being taken from you, and you were ready to give up on life.
Through your poetry, faith, and learning from your past, you can rewrite the story. It was after coming through all the experiences and being stronger, you realized there is always a new chapter.

The book will take you on the journey of a young girl growing up in Connecticut, who had to take some stumbles along the way to come into her own and realize instead of tearing herself down for the decisions she made, there is a lesson. Love is greater than anyone can imagine and can warm you like the sunshine after the rain.
You went from the beginning, the journey, the test, and the testimony to say, “There Is Sunshine after the Rain.”

Turn Back the Hands of Time...
I am standing on the edge
Looking out at the land
The land where you farmed
The land where you broke your back to make a way
I look at your hands that are rugged, swollen, and show the scars
You never gave up because you said you wanted a better life for us
There was never an alarm clock to wake you
You didn’t complain about going to work because it was what you had to do
You talked about the amount of cotton you picked from sun up to sun down
You told the stories that your hands were raw until they bled
As I rode down the highways
Looking at the fields of cotton
My eyes welled up
I asked to stop the car
I got out and I breathed the air
I can only imagine
You shared the tales of having to drop out of school so that you could work the fields
I stretch out my hands now
Though they resemble yours, they have never worked in the field
My hands are smooth like a city girl
If I could turn back the hands of time
I would let you be the childhood boy
Experience the things that you missed growing up
I would let you go to school
You would be an architect
You always liked building things
I understand that I can’t
That was the road that you had to travel
The journey wasn’t always sweet
But if I could! I would! Turn back the hands of time

Download...

About Patricia...
Self-Published Author, Patricia A. Saunders was born and raised in Connecticut before relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area nearly 25 years ago. She received her Master’s in Management from the University of Phoenix in 2011. After the passing of her mother who had Alzheimer’s, Patricia decided that all the words that she kept to herself were to be released.
 
Her work has been featured on a Coast to Coast Book Tour at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Toronto Word On The Street, Sacramento Black Book Fair, Tucson Book Festival, Miami International Festival of Books and AARP Life@50+ Spring Convention, National Book Club Conference and Bay Area Book Festival. Also, on In the Company of Poet, Women Owned Business Club Magazine, and Alysha Live! Radio Show and Coach Deb Bailey Secret of Success Talk Radio. She performs locally at spoken word events and Capital Jazz SuperCruise Open Mic with Grammy Award Winner Eric Roberson.
 
She is a monthly blogger of her own blog Blessed & Curvy who covers today’s hot topics.
 
Her latest book There Is Sunshine After The Rain: Making It Through Life’s Struggles (2018) is an autobiography infused with poetry. The book will take you on the journey of a young girl growing up in Connecticut, who had to take some stumbles along the way to come into her own and realize instead of tearing herself down for the decisions she made, there is a lesson. Love is greater than anyone can imagine and can warm you like the sunshine after the rain.
You went from the beginning, the journey, the test, and the testimony to say, “There Is Sunshine after the Rain.”
 
She released her first self-published book Through the Fire (March 2012) which covered emotions from situations, circumstances, and life lessons that have influenced her over her lifetime. On a mission to complete a book a year in case she inherits the ugly disease she released her second book Loving Me (2013) and third Let It Rain (2014) which is also self-published and covers various topics from love, grief, self-image, self-esteem, bullying, and discovery of self-love. Her fourth book (2016) This Too Shall Pass was inspired from three note cards she received after the passing of her mother when she felt like giving up on life, on the brink of losing her home and being unemployed that encouraged her to live for those who loved her.
 
She works as a supervisor for a Christian Radio Station. In her spare time, Patricia enjoys writing poetry, traveling, spending time with family and wine tasting.

Patricia A. Saunders
Psaunders320@gmail.com           
510-427-0889
www.patriciaAsaunders.com
http://www.twitter.com/blessedpoetpat
http://www.facebook.com/blessedpoetpat
http://www.instagram.com/blessedpoetpat

Thanks for joining us for another Fab Friday! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I'm sure Patricia would love to hear from you!

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Secrets In The Relationship...

A quick little untruth here. A twist of the truth there. Keeping this to yourself for the time being. We've all done it. Right? But do secrets in the relationship hurt it or help it sometimes? It's time for Relationship Real Talk.
 “I only spent $50 on that ball cap last week. What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.” “I forgot to pay the light bill last week, I’ll just pay it this week. He doesn’t need to know.” “I went out for lunch this week, even though we agreed to not spend unnecessarily. He won’t even know.” “I ran into my ex yesterday and we had drinks, but it’s better if I sweep that under the rug. She’ll just get jealous if she finds out.”

These are just the little secrets here and there that won’t hurt anyone, especially if they’re taken care of on the back end. Or will they? Those little white lies that some find so easy to tell, those carefully covered details that are twisted to deter your significant other from finding out the truth will come back to haunt you.

It doesn’t matter if the other person learns the secret or not. It will haunt you. When you look at the mirror and deal with the true person hidden there, your conscious or in some cases the Holy Spirit will convict you of your wrong-doing.

“Well, it’s only $5 spent on the earrings I really wanted,” you say. Yes, but if the two of you agreed to not spend any extra money that $5 extra dollars becomes an untruth that sets up to fester between the two of you like an untreated sore.

Where you’re seeing it as only $5 or some other trivial matter, it’s a bigger matter than you realize. Truthfully, if you’re willing to hide a small matter it’s easy to hide something larger that you know will create problems. Those little white lies become like landmines in a relationship. You’ll have to constantly step over them, and carefully cover your tracks to make sure they’re not uncovered and blow up on you. That’s done by telling another lie and another.

“Never let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” I’ve heard this saying by older women telling younger women to keep certain things to yourself and never disclose everything to your man. Well, that saying is taken from the Bible and completely twisted to suit their own purposes.

The scripture reads “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:3 NIV. The scripture that many use for their own purposes was a set of specific instructions Jesus gave about our hearts. When we’re practicing acts of righteousness we should do it from a place of love and obedience, not so that others may see, or to receive praise from others. It has nothing to do with hiding secrets in the relationship.

When you’re tempted to be dishonest in the relationship, no matter how trivial or large the matter ask yourself a few questions.

Why is it that you cannot be honest?

How will your significant other feel if he learns what you’re doing?

Reverse the roles and ask yourself how you would feel if he were to hide a secret from you, no matter how trivial.

What impact will the secret have on the relationship if he uncovers it?

If you often feel the need to create diversionary tactics or hide secrets in the relationship, perhaps it’s time for you to reevaluate the relationship, or yourself.

Do you believe there are times when secrets in the relationship are justified? Share below...
Thanks for joining me for Real Talk! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

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Fab Friday Features the Fabulous Four...

Fab Friday is here again and today you're in for a special treat. Four fabulous authors here at your favorite place. Grab a delicious beverage in your favorite mug and hop in your favorite chair and read on...
Write Now Literary is pleased to be coordinating a blog tour for four authors Siera London, Tonya Barbee, Donneil Jackson and Sierra Kay. This book blast tour will run April 20, 2018.  Book your own tour here.
Meet Donneil...
Donneil D. Jackson is a writer by nature and a Jersey girl by heart. Growing up a sheltered child, she used writing as an escape from her everyday life. She discovered that with writing she could be someone else, do things Donneil would never do and entertain others. Donneil has been writing for as long as she can remember, ever since her mother placed a pencil in her hand. The girl has a niche for painting an elaborate scene while telling a descriptive tale. One day she began writing Chante’s Song marking the beginning of her professional writing career.
Website: http://www.donneildjackson.com

About Foolish...
As one of the hottest radio personalities, Kayla, the Gossip Queen, has the fast-paced, glamorous life that many dream of. But one thing eludes her. Love. Growing up in a family where her father was nothing more than a ghost, Kayla sets her sights on finding true love and creating the perfect family of husband, wife, home, and children--even if she has to slip up and make a ton of mistakes along the way.
When she meets Shawn Dewitt at a club, their attraction is immediate. Despite the less than perfect beginnings, such as dealing with Shawn’s deranged ex-girlfriend, Kayla finds herself falling hard and fast. All Kayla sees is Shawn's charm, great looks and mind-blowing sex. She braces herself for the highs of love and the lows of perpetual infidelity and lies.
After being with a man who constantly makes her question her role in his life and her vision of the perfect family, Kayla has to ask herself, "Am I right to fight for this love, or am I being foolish?"
Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction
Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/y9sgry99
Meet Siera...
Siera London, a former naval officer, is a #1 Amazon Bestselling Author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. A native Floridian, her love of coastal towns and bustling cities shines through in her sassy and sexy storytelling. Currently, she resides in southern California with her husband and a color patch tabby named Frie.
Website: http://www.sieralondon.com About Forbidden Attraction...
Recently divorced, Sarah Jones no longer looks forward to the cupid and candy holiday. With her shattered heart and designer swimsuit in tow, she plans a little vacation to Adventure Cove Resort and Spa. It’s just the respite she needs from inquiring minds.

Quiet and brooding, Deputy Lance Stevens wants to be left alone with the pain of his past mistakes, but his family has other ideas. This contrived vacation is another family intervention he plans to squash, that is until Sarah zips into his life.

What’s meant to be Sarah’s escape turns into a steamy attraction to a man who’s too young, and too determined to get what he wants-her. Lance is forbidden in more ways than one and Sarah is harboring a secret that could destroy more than their budding romance. What happens when Ms. Jones realizes there’s more than a Valentine’s Day fling going on?
 
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Amazon: http://a.co/58WYFcx
Meet Sierra...
Sierra Kay has an M.A. in Writing from DePaul University, won a Nuyorican Poets Cafe Short Story Slam, participated in comedy fests as a member of the writing teams for Spankx and N20 Comedy. She also writes poetry and suspense novels. Obviously, she’ll try anything at least once. Her two novels are available online.
Learn more at sierrakay.com.

About At The Touch of Love...
The Grim Reaper has visited Echo Charles so often he might as well have his mail forwarded to her address.
Echo never quite recovered from the loss of her parents to a tragic accident on her twenty-first birthday. Now fourteen years later, she mourns their death of her career, her social life, and if the reaper has his way, the death of her best friend’s lover. The only ray of light in all this darkness is Dr. Brandon Hall, who has had run-ins with the reaper himself—especially when his ex-wife put a choke hold on his bank account along with his belief in love.
 
Dr. Daniel Ellington’s touch provided the electricity that pumped Telia Arthur’s heart, and a life without his smile was unthinkable. However, an unfortunate accident spared the lives of their children and left his hanging in the balance. Now Telia must deal with a challenge only a few people know about, in addition to Dan’s mother who has descended on Telia intent on securing control of Daniel’s wealth as well as his heirs, all while her son is fighting for his life.  Telia and Echo began a friendship in elementary school that has blossomed into sisterhood. But their emotions are being dragged over concrete. Will love conquer all or become another victim of the reaper?
 
Genre: Suspense
Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/author/sierrakay

Meet Tonya...
Tonya Barbee, Founder of I am Still a Rose, LLC (IASAR), has a passion to help those who want to be helped. It took her awhile to realize that she had to make a change in her life in order to get the change she was looking for. After betrayal, emotional abuse, and other turmoil, she had to self-reflect, learn to forgive, and move beyond her pain. Her commitment is to help inspire and empower those that are ready to start a new chapter and to stop those vicious cycles.
 
IASAR will offer events, conferences, plays, and inspirational products that empower women to get past their circumstances to get to their triumphs. Tonya is an inspirational speaker who uses her experiences to uplift women who have had similar circumstances and are ready for resolution. She’s spiritual, energized, funny, and eager to help encourage others to never, ever give up.
 
Tonya never dreamed of writing books but she’s always enjoyed telling stories and sharing profound testimonies. Her listeners inspired her to write and the rest is history. The Little Girl Inside is her first project, followed by a short story, a collaborative project with ten amazing authors who bared their souls through heart wrenching testimonies. Tonya’s short story is titled, Prayer Works, in Sharing Our Prayers, which is followed by her latest (soon to be released), I Am Still A Rose, a sequel to the Little Girl Inside. She's working on several other exciting projects so stay tuned.
 
Tonya resides in Maryland and enjoys spending time with her incredible four children and seven grandchildren that have stolen her heart.
 
Website: http://www.tonyabarbee.com

About The Little Girl Inside...
 It's love (or the misconception of such). It's betrayal. It's triumph! It is all three wrapped into one self-reflecting book written by an author whose relationship struggles helped shape and define her as the self-sufficient woman she is today.
 
If you have endured the difficult dynamics of a relationship and often wondered why the cycle kept repeating then this book is the perfect guide to help you evaluate yourself internally before giving your heart externally. You will find the much desired answers to your "who's," "what's," "when's" why's," and "how's" of your past relationship issues.
 
Aren't you exhausted from the same ole same ole? It is time to STOP, reflect and make changes that will help you get it right!
As you read this book, you will experience the author’s journey as she continuously seeks the fairy tale relationship only to discover the fairy tale relationship never comes.  Her pain will become yours as you begin to relate with the various bad relationships documented. However, her victory will become yours as you will learn how to effectively build upon and maintain a healthy and fulfilling relationship.  You will quickly become empowered and inspired to start afresh and live your life to the very fullest.
 
Genre: Nonfiction, Inspirational
Amazon: https://bit.ly/LittleGirlInsideTBarbee
Thanks for joining us for another Fab Friday! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I'm sure our friends would love to hear from you!

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Where Have Our Black Queens Gone To?

She is bold, courageous, beautiful, humble, and strong. She moves in sync with her man and uplifts him when he's down. She doesn't care about what society says, but what the Lord Almighty says. She is a queen, a black queen. Sisters, let's have some real talk today...
Queen – a woman or thing regarded as excellent or outstanding of its kind.

Fighting for equality. Individualism to express oneself freely through fashion. Desire to prove that no one can judge you. There’s always a reason we have for upholding certain attitudes. Black women were recognized as strong, proud, spiritual women of virtue. Standing side-by-side in the fields with our husbands, brothers, and sons as the sun beat down on us we worked to provide for our families. Later, as that same sun set we came home to establish a place of refuge for our husbands to turn to as he sought to escape the pressures of the world.

We taught our daughters to love and respect our men and showed our sons what to expect from their prospective wives. We upheld the word of our husbands as law because they were our man of God sent from the Almighty to guide and lead us. And the Word of God we held close to our bosom ruling our households by its very truth.

Certain things were held sacred, like respect, love, honor, virtue, and the words of our husbands. Sundays were designated for worship, but the other days would not find us too far from following the word of the Lord. In tribulation we remained regal, holding our head up even when our shoulders were burdened down. A smile graced our lips and love flowed from our hearts. Even when there wasn’t enough to give to our own families, we would provide for those less fortunate in our communities. If our husbands were less than loyal, we kept our own integrity intact, not allowing hurt to cause us to place our virtue at stake. And as black queens we did not allow lust to rule our bodies.

As time progressed these things changed.

Straying men. Hardship. Hardheaded children. Oppressive times. There are dozens of excuses that we as black women have used for why we uphold the attitudes contradictory to those of our ancestral mothers. Yet, the truth lies within us. From the beginning certain men have strayed, times have been challenging, children have been disobedient, and hardship has knocked at our doors. Yet, that did not stop black queens from being who we were ordained to be. Queens.

Queen – a woman or thing regarded as excellent or outstanding of its kind.

We are to be an example of righteousness, faith, and strength in our homes, families, communities, and on the job. Our lifestyle is to be a paradigm of worship in how we communicate and interact with others. We cannot continue to point at society, our men, and anyone else for our failure to hold ourselves accountable to a higher standard of living, one that compares to the Lord’s expectations and not those of other people. Rise above your limitations, by having faith in the Lord, belief in yourself, and allowing Him to give you strength when you’re weak, because we know His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

At what point do we stop becoming so defensive but look within to let the healing begin. Raped? Molested? Abused? Cheated on? Promiscuous? Insecure? Scorned? We cannot allow labels of hurt, shame, and defeat to define who we are, rather we should allow them to strengthen us, determined to love others and extend grace to them. We cannot continue to break down our black brothers in a futile effort to build ourselves up. We must stand apart and recognize the beauty within ourselves, while lifting our black men, our sons and our daughters.

We do not have to be epitomized as angry black women, rather we are strong just by adhering to the character Almighty God ordained us to uphold. That’s nothing less than giving our best in the good and the bad and remembering that we are queens. Women of great virtue, courageous, mighty, and strong, excellent and outstanding.

My husband said something one day that rang true with me. He shared the following story:

A man has a few of the fellas over for a game of dominoes, just as his wife and kids go to bed for the night. They’re playing and enjoying themselves and getting caught up in the game. Everyone is keeping the volume down out of respect for the wife and kids, when one of the men slams a domino on the table and shouts.

All the men around the table go quiet, staring at one another. The husband is giving his friend the evil eye and shaking his head back and forth. Then the bedroom door opens and the moment all the men have feared is upon them. Out steps the wife. They hear each one of her footsteps until she’s standing in the doorway staring at them. She tilts her head to the side, narrows her eyes and gives them a look. That one look puts all the men in check.

Not once does she have to go toe-to-toe with her man, front on him or his boys, or get over the top and loud. Just a look. One simple look from a queen that speaks volumes. No need to step beyond the boundaries of being a woman, because getting in his lane throws everything out of bounds. The power and respect of being a woman alone is all that we need, and we will receive our respect just by being the woman we are. Stand up queen and be elegant, powerful, and virtuous in your own right. Let’s restore ourselves and our men to our rightful authority as children of the Most High King, and prepare our sons and daughters for a future of hope, peace, and prosperity.
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 Real Talk! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

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On My Own...

The last couple of months I have had various authors as guests sharing their works and giving away gifts to you, the readers. Today is the first day that I'm back with #WriterWednesday and I cannot wait to share with you. We're one week away from the release of A Woman's Design: Redemption and I'm so excited about the release.

I am giving two lucky readers a free e-copy of A Woman's Design: Redemption upon its release date. Simply share this blog post and tag me in it, and you will be entered into the giveaway. Read the excerpt below... I was so excited, I couldn’t contain it! I had forgotten one thing after another that morning and probably would have forgotten my head if it hadn’t been attached. At 11:15, I was going to my closing and finally purchasing a home. On my own.

Patti LaBelle’s lyrics to her song, On My Own, flowed through my head as I drove in silence to my destination. I looked forward to settling down in Santa Monica, claiming my new life, and staking a claim for my future.

During negotiations, the buyer had insisted on a quick closing. This was no problem for me, since I was ready to put behind me the memories of Denver and Felice, which haunted my apartment. We had agreed upon a purchase price of nine hundred and five thousand. Chiku was right when she said the seller was ready to get rid of this property. I was glad to be of assistance.

Pulling up into the parking lot of the law offices where we would conduct our business, I found a spot underneath the shade of a large palm tree. I admired the landscaping. A blanket of lush green grass spread out across the office park. Stately columnar symmetrical-shaped incense cedars lined the walkway leading to the building. Orange-gold buttercups blossomed at the glass double entrance doors, creating a glorious welcome to visitors. I had a brief flashback of my home in Atlanta. Eric and I had spent a mint on landscaping, and I could appreciate the beauty of what lay in front of me.

Quickly pulling my attention from my past and into the present, I glanced into the overhead mirror. I grabbed my makeup bag and freshened up my lip gloss. Smiling at my reflection, I was proud that I was about to become a homeowner on my own for the first time.

My heels clicked across the marble flooring once I stepped inside the building. The blast of cool air from the air conditioning instantly dried the moisture that had begun to bead at my hairline. It was a sauna outside, and I was thankful for the cool air flowing inside. It was rare that the temperatures would rise to the sultry eighty-three degrees we experienced this day. So, I really couldn’t complain. I enjoyed Santa Monica’s balmy temperatures year-round. Surely, I could put up with the sporadic extremes.

“Hi, I’m here looking for the offices of Everly and Goldstein,” I said, approaching the security desk.

“Second bank of elevators. Third floor. Right off the elevator and straight ahead. Double glass doors with their names etched on ‘em. Can’t miss it.”

The bored and tired-looking security guard never glanced up from the game he was playing on his phone. Clearly, he had better things to do than direct visitors around the facility. That surely left me with a feeling of safety. At least I knew if someone came in to pose a threat to the safety of the building’s occupants, we had the protection of Elite Security Forces’ finest on duty.

I glanced again at his name tag underneath the company’s name and logo. “Earl Montgomery.” I laughed. “That figures. I bet he’s about as goofy as Martin was in National Security,” I mocked aloud.
Stepping away, I looked back once more. He was not the least bit concerned about my commentary. He probably had never seen the movie anyway.

Despite his oblivious attitude to the facility’s visitors, the security guard gave excellent directions. I arrived at my destination determined not to let anything deter my happiness that day. I was prepared to close on the place of my dreams. At least for now, anyway. If I ever planned to marry and start a family one day, this place would be an excellent rental property or vacation spot for my friends coming to town.

I knew Chiku had not arrived yet. She had sent a text informing me she would be fifteen minutes late. I was offered a cup of tea and some cookies by the receptionist, who was much more alert than the fake security guard downstairs. She showed me into the conference room where we would be meeting, informing me that I was the first to arrive. She would notify the attorneys when everyone was present.
I took an opportunity to gather my thoughts as I stared out the floor-to-ceiling windows. Little seeds of doubt started popping up in my head. Was I making the right decision? I had abandoned everything to come here. My family. My friends. My memories.

Eric’s constant reminder of his infidelity.

This wasn’t the first time my thoughts wondered to his son.

Although Eric’s brother, Stephen, sent receipts to me showing proof of the monthly allotment of four hundred dollars sent to Kendra to take care of Eric’s son, I couldn’t help but wonder about his overall well-being. Then I began to wonder if I would ever have children of my own. I whispered a silent prayer, asking the Lord to free me of the envy I often experienced when thinking of Eric’s son.

“I see I’m not the first to—” My thoughts were interrupted by the presence of someone walking into the conference room.

Turning around, all thoughts and words flew from my head. My heart sped up as my breathing became labored. I sucked in dry air, unable to form a coherent thought, let alone formulate verbal communication. A prickly, stinging sensation took over my body. I felt as if a thousand pin pricks were poking me at once, while my eyes were burning. As instantly as I had been overwhelmed with the sensation, it left me. I felt incomplete.

A different energy replaced the first one. This one caused me to feel warm and sensual, all woman-like. I suddenly became aware of every thick curve of my body. My femininity was accentuated by the racing of my pulse, the heaving of my breasts straining against my simple, white blouse. The jeans caressing my thighs wanted to peel off all by themselves. Surprised at the unexpected moisture, I clenched my thighs tight. I needed to get out of the room. My thoughts took over and turned my body into the enemy.
That smooth caramel face, chocolate, almond-shaped eyes, and full lips did something to me. The smoldering look he gave me made me feel as if I was standing before him naked. I wanted to prance, letting everything loose…letting him see what he could not have. Allowing him to take a glimpse at all that I knew he desired from the look in his eyes.

Then I recalled running my fingers through those dreads in the heated throes of lovemaking. I flushed as I realized he was having those exact thoughts. He stood before me making love to me with his gaze, biting his bottom lip. I wanted to taste it. I needed to taste all of him.

Pissed at myself, I released a verbal assault that in the physical, would have brought me up on charges.
“What the hell are you doing here? You know what…save your sorry ass excuse, because whatever it is, I’m sure I don’t want to hear it. You fucked up a good thing, but I’m glad I missed out on the best thing I never had!”

I felt Beyoncé’s lyrics in my heart and soul and understood with clarity what she meant. My hands squeezed shut into fists, and I breathed deeply in and out, attempting to control my rage and hurt.

“I’m…I’m…why are you here?” Nick asked.

“Not that it’s any of your damned business, but I’m going on with my life! I’m here to close on my home!”

Slowly, Nick’s eyes widened at the same time mine did.

I shook my head, laughing in the face of fate. “You’re the real estate developer?” I asked, pointing at him, disgust evident on my face.

“Yeah…uh, I…Yeah,” he repeated, pulling his hand down his beard.
If you haven't read book 1 in the duology, A Woman's Design, click the image above to download A Woman's Design: Afflictions.
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
Thanks for joining me for another #writerwednesday! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you, and you will be entered into today's giveaway!

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The Climb...

I love the Miley Cyrus song, The Climb. The lyrics can be applied to so many situations we face universally, and they are definitely inspirational. As I sing them, I think about, life, work, and my art.

This Monday morning at work kicks off the start of a new software system we are implementing. As you can imagine, Murphy's Law kicks in and everything imaginable is not working properly.

Yet, I trust and believe Almighty God will work it out for our good. I stand back and check my attitude through the process. Will I be knowledgeable enough? Am I patient enough? Am I operating efficiently and is my communication clear and concise? Is my faith strong enough to pull me through the challenges, or will I gripe and moan? Above all I want to ensure that I do not become dragged down by the emotions of others.

The ironic part is that I have asked these same questions in my personal life. There will always be another battle to face, another obstacle in our way. The question is, how will we allow the fight during the battle or the energy exerted while moving the obstacle to define us? Will we whine and complain, or will we trust Almighty God to grow us?

No challenge is going to be easy, but if we allow it to our faith will grow stronger, our integrity and resolve will be strengthened, and our character will improve. Just allow Him to work through you, keep pushing ahead, and hold on to your dreams. No matter how hard, never give up, never rush the process, but take a look around while going through it. Ask Him, "Lord, what do you want me to learn?" Then be open to His answer.

​Miley Cyrus' "The Climb" lyrics:

I can almost see it
That dream I'm dreaming, but
There's a voice inside my head saying
You'll never reach it
Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels lost, with no direction
My faith is shaken

But I, I got to keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna want to make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain’t about how fast I get there
Ain’t about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down, but
No, I'm not breaking
I may not know it
But these are the moments that I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just got to keep going
About Chelle... Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.

Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter.
Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games.

She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.

LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites
TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

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

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March Inspiratioms, J.L.

All month long a different author has shared their gifts through the beautiful novels they have displayed here on March Inspirations.

​On this Fab Friday, J.L. Campbell is bringing a little spice to close out the week as she throws us into The Thick Of Things. Don't miss the chance for a giveaway. Comment to be entered... I was a little of everything—embarrassed, confused, speechless. How could he be so sure I was what he wanted? No matter what he thought, I had too much going on to be adding a relationship to the list.

“What are you afraid of, Khalila?”

My name on his tongue was a caress that scattered my thoughts.

“It’s not that I’m afraid of anything.” I pulled my hand out of his and drank the rest of the water while gathering my thoughts. “My divorce isn’t final yet and…” My mind settled on Amir, who I didn’t want to think about now. Softly, I sighed. “It’s too early to be thinking about a relationship with anybody.”

“We’ve gone way past the point of thinking about what’s happening between us. I’m not asking you to marry me, but I’m interested in you.” His voice softened and I had to concentrate to hear his words. “Give me the chance to show you that what we did wasn’t only about sex.”

I didn’t know what to say, so I held my silence.

His gaze was analytical and he didn’t seem to expect a response. The longer he looked at me, the more my heart rate accelerated. It was ridiculous that at my age any man could get this kind of response from me.

“I hope that wasn’t all it was for you,” he said.

It took me a few seconds to catch up with him, but I didn’t answer. I was too busy trying not to squirm at the image of him on top of me in his bed.

After reading his watch, Douglas smiled. Why, I didn’t know, but it was a genuine gesture that made me want to respond in the same way.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

Nodding, I got out of my seat.

Douglas didn’t crowd me, but let me walk ahead of him. As I wove through the tables, I greeted a few members of the working team, who would also be leaving the hotel today.
Once we were out of the restaurant, Douglas touched my arm and directed me toward the elevator.

“Aren’t you leaving today?” I asked.

“Yes, I’m just making sure you get to where you’re going.”
Putting a smile in my voice, I said, “I’m not likely to get lost on my way upstairs.”

“I didn’t think so.” He laughed and eased both hands into the pockets of his shorts. “I’m simply doing what any decent man would do.”

My cheeky grin conveyed gratefulness and understanding. “Carry on, then.”
​
He nodded and in silence, we walked to the elevator. When it was a few floors away, he faced me. “I want to ask one favor of you.”

“What’s that?”

“Answer your phone when I call, okay?”

He stepped in close, kissed my cheek and then brushed his lips across mine.

I sucked in my breath and opened my mouth, wanting more of him, but he stepped back.

The elevator opened and he urged me forward with a gentle hand to my back.
​
I walked inside, asking myself what kind of game Douglas was playing. Why would he start something he couldn’t finish, not to mention leave me hot and bothered?

As the doors closed, our gazes locked and I swore that man knew exactly what he was doing and the state he’d left me in. About J.L. J.L. Campbell is fascinated with Jamaican flora and has hundreds of photos to prove it. 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, has written twenty-seven books and two short story collections. She is also a certified editor.

Feel free to join her mailing list for news and updates http://eepurl.com/n29ZH


Website: http://www.joylcampbell.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jl.campbell/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JL_Campbell
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jlcampbellwrites/
Thanks for joining us for March Inspirations ! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, J.L. would love to hear from you, and you will be entered into today's giveaway!

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

March Inspirations,Lily Java...

Join Lily Java as she takes us on a storytelling ride of an undeniable attraction. She's prepared to give away a copy of Blackbirds on today's edition of March Inspirations. Leave a comment to be entered. Once upon a time Sydney Tarr and Elliott Vance were friends: fast friends, ride or die, pledge of allegiance, take it to the mat, “friends”. And the fact that Sydney loved her friend more than she should didn’t matter until finally... one unusual and spectacular night, it did. It mattered very much.

Still, not every story is a fairy tale is it? Friends do part -- sometimes forever -- but, not always.
​
When Sydney bumps into Elliott again on a crowded subway car, after so many years apart, she’s a different person from the woman he once knew. Elliott’s changed too. For one thing, he no longer takes no for an answer. BOSS Lounge was the single set’s hunting ground of nightclubs in Santa Barbara. A tight space, it seemed to be filled to all possible proportions by the time Elliott got there at about twenty minutes after midnight. The outdoor patio was the place for dancing, and the DJ was clearly settling in for a long string of seriously accessible dance hits. The crowd was feeling him and seemed to be in a bit of frenzy as they swayed, jumped, and pumped their hands in the air.

It wasn’t long before Elliott spotted Brian and Sydney. They were at the bar. Brian sitting on a stool with his arm casually strung around Sydney’s waist. They both were laughing and holding tall fruity looking drinks with straws appropriate to the beachside ambiance.

Sydney had changed after dinner. She was wearing low-waist black pants with a simple grey midriff. She had on a lightweight black leather jacket but it was open and did nothing to hide the smoothness of her skin around her flat stomach and picture-perfect navel. Elliott stood frozen, watching them from about twenty feet away. People were bumping into him, but he didn’t notice or care particularly. He was more interested in figuring out how he’d get Sydney out of there without causing a scene.

Then Brian whispered something in her ear. She nodded vigorously, and they were moving into the crowd and dancing. Elliott thought he’d had enough just seeing Brian’s hand so casually placed on Sydney’s waist, but he’d never seen her dance. He found he was both fascinated and incensed at the sight of her. It was like he was looking at someone else — some part of her he hadn’t met yet, like some pod creature had taken over Sydney and suddenly she was moving with a sensuality she’d never even hinted at before. Brian danced to her back, his long muscled arms out on either side of her, and Sydney was swaying in front of him. Her waist and hips seem to separate from each other and move independently from other still very noticeable parts of her body.

Fuck it. Maybe a scene was called for.

It was during that thought that Brian finally spotted him. Spotted him or felt his presence might be a more accurate description. Slowing his pace, Brian stood there for a moment watching Elliott watch them. Finally, he nodded and bent low to whisper in Sydney’s ear again. When he’d finished, her head whipped around, and when she spotted him standing across the patio, her smile was so huge Elliott almost forgot how pissed off he was.

Fighting the packed house, Sydney made her way towards him with a measured and unhappy Brian close behind.

“Elliott!!” Sydney grabbed both his arms and shook him jumping up and down slightly.

“I’m so glad you’re here.”

He suspected she was pretty sloshed, but she did a good job of hiding it with youthful exuberance.

Something she’d no doubt learned from watching Cyrus drink himself silly over the years.

“You have to dance with us. You must! But first,” Sydney pointed one finger in the air,
“first I must go to the bathroom before I embarrass myself.”

Brandishing the finger back and forth at both of them, Sydney made one final command, “Don’t either of you move from this spot. I’ll be right back.”

They both watched her go.

Brian spoke first.

“Hey Elliott, glad you made it out man.”

Elliott had never known what it felt like to have ice running through his veins until that moment.

“I thought we were all hitting the sack early, Brian.”

Brian shrugged, “Hey man, the plan changed. We did try to call you.”

“Yeah,” was all Elliott could manage.

“Can I ask you something, Ell?”

“What?”

“Are you ever planning to tell her?”

“Tell who? Tell what?”

“Tell Sydney, man. Tell her you’re into her.”

“Shut the fuck up, Brian.”

“Oh, I see.”

“You’re irritating the fuck out of me right now.”

“Yeah, I can see that too. The question is how exactly am I doing that? Are you really trying to tell me you came all the way down here with your balls twisted because you’re on the ‘we should all be asleep by now patrol’? Man, if that’s the case then you are more fucked up than I ever imagined.”

Elliott took a step closer to him, “What did you just say to me?”

Brian raised both hands and backed away.

“I like my job way too much to fight you for her, Ell.”

“Maybe you ought to leave then.”

“I will,” Brian said, starting to turn away but not without a parting shot, “but Ell, you should stop playing at being Mr. Unattainable with her. I’d bet half my paycheck Sydney is into you too, but she thinks you’re friends,” Brian said the word ‘friends’ using air quotes and a half smile. “I guaran-dam-tee you she doesn’t think she could possibly have someone like you. Can you believe that shit? As special as that girl is, she has no fucking clue you’re ready to stab me in the heart for her right now on the damn dance floor.”

“Go if you’re going, Brian. Be in the hotel lobby at seven a.m.”

“Yes sir, boss man.”

And with that goodbye and a little salute, Brian took his leave About Lily Java... Lily Java is a freelance writer, blogger, and novelist who is the author of literary women’s fiction in numerous genres. Lily’s debut novel, a highly suspenseful and romantic read was called STICKY MOON and is the first volume in what will be the Harper/Sparrow Trilogy. When she isn’t reading or writing, Lily spends her time raising money for culturally rich arts organizations and planning special events in iconic landmarks throughout her beloved hometown: New York City. Lily lives in Brownstone Brooklyn with her family and a coterie of very tolerant pets.

​ Blackbirds is available on Amazon at https://amzn.to/2pFyQS4
Meet The Author

Website lilyjava.com
Facebook @AuthorLilyJava
Twitter @lilyjavawrites
hanks for joining us for March Inspirations ! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, Cedric would love to hear from you, and you will be entered into today's giveaway!

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

March Inspirations, Cedric...

Hello! This is one of my tour stops during my one month book tour for Get Me Through by Cedric Nelms. This virtual book tour is organized by Write Now Literary Book Tours. This tour runs March 5-30, 2018. Follow the tour here.  Book your own tour here WNL
ISBN-10: 1979321361
ISBN-13: 978-1979321365
About The Author

Get Me Through....The Makeover of My Life is a book for all seasons of life. It will lead you through getting out of the places that you are stuck, picking up the pieces after disruption, and releasing yourself to dream again my the future. Get Me Through is path through life's most questionable moments.

The title of the book is purposely open-ended and ambiguous because most people are trying to get through. From Kindergarten to College, people are trying to get through school. Whether you are a high paid executive, entrepreneur, or occupying a cubicle, the daily grind of work and handling life issues is a reality. Still others are trying to get through the seasons of a relationship; the harsh winter or the warm summertime feel that relationships bring. On the other hand, the death of a loved one or the death of one’s self-esteem may seem like, to some, as trying to wade through a cloud of never-ending darkness. Ultimately, getting through is a part of the human experience. At some point, trying to get through is a part of everyone’s process, the only difference is each person’s process is tailor made. Even so, no matter what you are struggling to figure out, you are just trying to get through it with your character and sanity intact.

About Cedric...
Cedric Nelms was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. He graduated from St. Bernard High in Playa Del Rey, CA. He attended Morehouse College, where he majored in Biology, with a minor in Psychology.

Cedric has been in the ministry for 18 years and has been working in different areas of ministry, from youth ministry, men’s ministry, teaching, community development, social justice, and civic engagement. He was also the radio host of the Chosen Generation Ministry Radio Show, an internet program/podcast that deals with the intersection of culture, life, and faith. He is the lead pastor of Chosen Generation Fellowship Church, in Long Beach. In addition to that, he is the newly appointed Los Angeles City Director for World Impact, where he is actively working on being a bridge builder between Los Angeles and the Faith Based community.

Cedric has been married to Karen, for 18 years and they have been together for 20 years. They have 5 beautiful children, Erika, Jonathan, and a set of triplets, Isaiah, Khalid, and Courtney. He loves to spend time with his family, reading, watching sports, traveling, going out to eat, writing, and just having a good time!

Purchase Link
Amazon: http://a.co/1vftcxh
Connect Socially
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cjnministries
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cedric.nelms
Website: http://www.cjnministries.com Thanks for joining us for March Inspirations ! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, Cedric would love to hear from you, and you will be entered into today's giveaway!

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

March Inspirations, Parker...

Today's March Inspirations features, author Parker Cole and she's showcasing her new novel, Time To Say Goodbye. It's an intriguing novel that you don't want to miss. Stop by and read about her novel and leave a comment to be entered into the giveaway. Read on...
Hello! This is one of my tour stops during my one month book tour for Time to Say Goodbye by Parker J. Cole. This virtual book tour is organized by Write Now Literary Book Tours. This tour runs March 5-30, 2018.  Follow the tour here.  Book your own tour here WNL.         
ISBN-10: 1973224151
ISBN-13: 978-1973224150
Genre: Sweet Inspirational Romance Gargi Kapoor is the only one convinced her brother, Dev, is innocent of the crime he was convicted of. When he is sent to the hospital with an unexplained paralyzing disease she finds herself having to lean on the last person she'd ever want to depend on -- a man who wants her brother to pay for stealing his mother's life savings.
Leon Reckley is extremely satisfied to find the man who ripped his mother off suffering from an unknown disease that leaves him paralyzed and in need of rehabilitation therapeutic services. He's even happier when he is given the opportunity to be the therapist that makes him fit enough to return to prison to finish his sentence. No one will work harder to make sure Dev Kapoor serves every minute of his prison sentence.
Gargi never dreamed the man who has utter contempt for her brother would be the man she slowly begins to trust. Leon never thought he'd be convinced Dev might be innocent, let alone be drawn to his enemy's little sister. Together, will they find the truth? Or when Leon's job is over, will it simply be time to say goodbye?
The strike of the gavel against the wood block began the nightmare. Every time Gargi entered the prison, the memory of that falling mallet resurfaced with the flare-up of a chronic disease. Three years had passed since then. Four more to go.

Thursday afternoon sunlight warmed her as she walked the short path to the prison entrance. Once indoors, the coolness enveloped her and sent goosebumps along her arms. The officer greeted her as she placed her belongings in the green basket. She passed through the beige-and-brown metal detector and then stood still while a female officer used a flat black wand to swipe over her person.

Gargi subjected herself to the search and gazed over the dingy white cement walls with the iron gray stripe in the center. Paint chips littered the crevices on the floor. A mix of antiseptic cleanser and dankness filled the air. Her nose wrinkled at the combination.

She’d experienced it all before and yet, each time she came she underwent the same procedure all over again.

It won’t always be like this. One day, this will all be over.

The Michigan Court of Appeals received their appeal months ago. Each passing month forced her brother to stay in this forsaken place longer. She only hoped the appeal would work its magic and allow their attorney to argue their case against the state.

Eventually, they’ll prove her brother’s innocence. She knew it. About Parker...
I am an author, speaker, and radio show host with a fanatical obsession with the Lord, Star Trek, K-dramas, anime, romance books, old movies, speculative fiction, and knitting. An off and on addict to Mountain Dew and marshmallows who writes to fill the void the sugar left behind.

Connect Socially
Website: http://www.parkerjcole.com    Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParkerJCole
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parkerj.cole.7
Purchase Links: Amazon ebook: http://amzn.to/2BJrB2O
Amazon paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1973224151
Tour hosted by WNL Book Tours www.wnlbooktours.com
Thanks for joining us for March Inspirations ! Please be so gracious as to leave a comment below, Parker would love to hear from you, and you will be entered into today's giveaway!

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