Michelle Lindo-Rice's Blog, page 56

Breaking News: Rhonda McKnight Releases a New Novella

Breaking All the Rules won't Break your Bank! This guaranteed page-turner is a romance that promises to warm your heart - available on Kindle and Nook 
About the Book
Deniece Malcolm is shocked and heartbroken when she finds out her baby sister, Janette, is marrying Terrance Wright, because she was the one who was supposed to marry him! Everybody knows there’s a rule about dating exes. Janette is pregnant and not only is this wedding happening, but Deniece has to arrange the festivities.
Deniece’s feelings and pride are hurt, but surprisingly, Terrance’s younger, sexier, cousin, Ethan Wright, is there to provide a listening ear and a strong bicep to cry on. Ethan’s interested in Deniece, but she has a rule about dating younger men. Despite her resistance, things heat up between them and Deniece begins to wonder if it’s time to break a few rules of her own.

Excerpt
Chapter 1
I know I hadn’t heard the words that came out of my sister’s mouth correctly. Her statement almost made me drop my brand new seven hundred dollar phone in the toilet. I pulled it away from my ear, set it on the knee wall next to the commode and pushed the speaker button. “I know you’re probably shocked, but I’m so happy I could cry!” I closed my eyes to the sound of her voice. She hadn’t said what I thought she’d said. She hadn’t said she was marrying Terrance Wright. She couldn’t have said that. “Deniece, I know you’re still there. I can hear those stupid wind chimes in your bathroom window.” I peeked over my shoulder at the noisy ornament that had betrayed me and smirked. Even though she knew I was present, I considered pushing the end button and pretending the call had dropped. But I knew there was no point in doing that. Pesky as she was, she’d only call back until I answered. I swallowed, lowered the toilet seat lid and plopped my “needed to lose twenty pounds” behind down. “I’m here,” I croaked like I’d sucked in a room full of dry air.“I know you’re surprised, because who would have thought I’d be interested in your leftovers, but it’s a long story how we got to know each other and although I feel kind of bad that he’s kinda ex-ish for you, I can’t help but be happy because I’ve found the man I want to spend the rest of my life with.”I shook my head. This was crazy. Way out there for a pre-coffee conversation. Kind of ex-ish? Had my sister lost her mind? “He proposed last night. I was going to call you when I got home but it was close to midnight and I can never remember if you’re in a different time zone.”I rolled my eyes. “New York is on the east coast just like you are, Janette, but I was asleep at midnight so I appreciate you holding off on your news,” I refused to say good, “until this morning.” “I have so much to do. I need your help like yesterday. Do you think we could talk about some wedding stuff?” I stared at the phone, tempted once again to push the end button and disconnect the call. “No, boo.  I’m not even dressed and I have an appointment to get to, so I most definitely can’t talk about this right now. I’ll call you later.”“Wait!” Janette shrieked. “There’s one more thing. I need a favor.” My baby sister was and had always been oblivious to my feelings. It would never occur to her to ask, “Are you okay with me marrying the only guy you have ever loved?”I swallowed again. This lump nearly choked me going down, because it was a knot full of regrets. My sister didn’t really know that much about my relationship with Terrance. I’d done much too good of job denying and disguising that fact all those years ago to really hold her accountable for my heartache, but still, the backstabber knew there was a rule most women held fast to…never date your girl’s exes. Surely, she knew the rule applied to sisters as well. “What’s the favor?” I asked, rolling off a few sheets of toilet paper. I wanted to cry, but I didn’t dare ruin my makeup. I had to be out of the door at a meeting with a new client in fifteen minutes. “I need you to come home as soon as possible and pull the wedding together for me.”I popped to my feet like someone had sprung me from a Jack-in-the-box. “Janette Malcolm,” I said, using the sir name we shared. “I know you aren’t asking me to plan a wedding for you and my ex-boyfriend.” Janette’s spoiled attitude came through on the phone. “Why not? You’re a wedding planner and it’s not like he’s a new ex. There’s a string of exes between him and you.”I fought to keep my mouth shut, because my temper was rising. My sister continued. “And besides the favor is for me not him. I’m the one who needs the help. All Terrance will do is get a tux and show up.” Terrance in a tux, the image took me back to high school. Specifically, to prom night which was the last time I’d seen Terrance in a tuxedo. He’d been wearing it for me, because he was my date. How crazy that the next time I’d see him in one he’d have my sister on his arm. That wasn’t right. In fact, it was all kinds of wrong. I picked up the phone, walked into my closet and removed the dress I was planning to wear. “I’m really booked out right now. There’s no way I can fit an out of state wedding in my schedule. Hire a local wedding planner.”“I don’t have money for a wedding planner,” Janette protested, “and the only one who is the least bit reasonable is booked up for our date.”“Choose another date. I mean, it’s not like you guys can’t move it. He just asked you to marry him last night.”“We can’t move the date.” Janette hesitated. There was a nervous pause in the air and then she continued, “The wedding is in a month.”“A month?” I dropped my dress. The hairs stood up on the back of my neck. “Why the rush?”
“We need to have it really soon. Remember, I said I had two things to tell you?” Janette paused again. “I’m six months pregnant.”
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Spiritual Food for Thought 31 Inspirational Quotes to Jump Start your Day

Virtual Tour Stop

In her book, Missionary Boyd gives quick tidbits that you can take with you throughout your day. I've interviewed with her and have had the pleasure of meeting her at my book-signing in New York. It's a pleasure to have her guest on my blog.

Missionary| Inspirational Speaker| International Radio Host| Author| Là Tanyha Boyd Lá Tanyha Boyd, is living her dream and walking in her calling to empower, and inspire others in“Living in the Now;” the abundant life. Author Lá Tanyha, has traveled around the world via the airwaves as an Inspirational Speaker delivering messages to jumpstart your day and vision, all the while infused with Faith, Hope, & Determination leaving you with a mindset of I CAN DO THIS! Challenging others to Take Action to go higher in their careers, fulfill their goals and walk in their purpose.Lá Tanyha is the International Host of Spiritual Food for Thought Global Radio. Through this syndicated radio broadcast she empowers others across the globe to follow their dreams and to live life with purpose, passion, fire and determination.Author Boyd often shares messages that; “Life is all about living and when we can have Spiritual Food, it nourishes us like nothing else.”Answering the call to minister, Missionary Là Tanyha has been working in the vineyard for over ten years, and is a Licensed Missionary.Là Tanyha is a mentor and a powerful Inspirational Speaker, facilitator with a heart and fire for God and His people. 
About the Book

Spiritual Food for Thought: 31 Inspirational Quotes to Jumpstart your Day,  is a daily devotional to encourage and inspire you in your walk with Christ. “In this journey called, “Life,” I've learned that God never consults our past to determine our future. The roads we take become learning experiences for growth and development, to bring us into our God given purpose.”

This is just a sample of inspiration you will receive from this book. Spiritual Food for Thought , consists of inspirational messages that offer daily words of empowerment, and promote spiritual growth and development in the Lord Jesus Christ for your day to day living.
Here's What Other's Are Saying!
“Spiritual Soul Food for Thought is the BEST way to start your day! I have used the quotes to kick off my mornings, motivate my afternoons, and empower my evenings!”~Tamika Hall, Editor- In - Chief  of Gospel Insider News.com Magazine & Bestselling Author of Meet Me at the Altar, and Love Doesn’t Leave Bruises“I have been a guest on Lá Tanyha Boyd's Spiritual Food for Thought Global Radio show numerous times. She is a warm, delightful woman walking in her gift of encouragement. If you need a spiritual word to lift your spirits, I recommend Spiritual Food for Thought. You're guaranteed to find words of wisdom that will jumpstart your day.”~ Tyora Moody, Award-Winning Author of the Victory Gospel Series and Eugeena Patterson Mysteries.
Now Available 
on 
Paperback & Kindle
Order Your Copy Today!    Purchase the Book Online at:Amazon.comBarnesandNoble.comwww.LaTBoyd.com
For More Information:
Visit the author online at:
Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/1EPBp4T6uD0 http://youtu.be/KtLUoMFlKs4Website: www.latboyd.comEmail: authorlatboyd@yahoo.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLaTBoydFollow on Twitter: @spiritualfoodra  Hashtag: #JumpStartURDay 

Up Close and Personal with Michelle Stimpson, Author of Stepping Down

What's hot about this book? I've had the pleasure of reading Stepping Down. I enjoyed reading about Mark and Sharla. Sometimes, a spiritual leader can be distracted by church affairs, but it is all recognizing that the church belongs to God, and He has to lead and direct our path. As Mark draws closer to God, we see how that impacts the decisions he makes. 
Click to Order Synopsis
Mark has been pastoring New Vision church for six years now, and all his hard work is about to pay off as the church approaches mega-church status. But while Mark has been busy building the church, his own household has been crumbling to pieces. After ignoring divine guidance, Mark finds himself caught up in the appearance of a scandal that threatens to tear the church apart. And his wife’s secrets only add insult to near-fatal injury.
Sharla would have done just about anything to be a mother…and, actually, she did. She was willing to pay the price for her mistakes, but she never dreamed someone else might have to suffer instead. How close can she come to confessing her past without jeopardizing her future?
Stepping Down is the eighth full-length novel from National Bestselling Author Michelle Stimpson. As the granddaughter of a pastor and the great-granddaughter of a bishop, she explores a conflict many spiritual leaders still encounter today. Readers will enjoy this fast-paced, hard-hitting novel that addresses the ageless question: How can a man run the church if he can’t run his own household?
Michelle Stimpson - Author, Speaker, Educatorwww.MichelleStimpson.com

Me: What was your inspiration behind the novel? Michelle: Stepping Down was the product of prayer and reading two other books (52 Lies Heard in Churches Every Sunday and Pagan Christianity) that really challenged me to think about what it means to be in ministry and in leadership. The main character struggles to balance his commitment to family and to his calling, which is something that I think many people struggle to maintain.
Me: What is the take-away message you’d like to share with your readers? Michelle: Actually, two things come to mind: 1) Do whatever God tells you to do. I think that even those in ministry are often persuaded to do things that they don’t believe God would approve of for the sake of their reputation or political reasons. But the model Jesus set before us is to do what God speaks to our hearts to do; 2) Don’t get so caught up in outside ministry that we lose sight of our ministry to those closest to us—family and friends.
Me: How can readers connect with you? www.MichelleStimpson.comwww.Facebook.com/michelle.stimpson2www.Facebook.com/TheMichelleStimpsonPage
Click to Order your Copy of Stepping Down

Read an excerpt of Walk a Straight Line

You'll fall in love with Gina, Keith, Michael, Terence and Colleen. Coming Dec. 31, 2013
Two friends. Two brothers. Two weddings. Too many secrets.  Who will cross the line? Pre-Order your Copy Today
Chapter  Excerpt:
       “You were easily the best dancer on the dance floor.”        Gina Price’s body responded to the Barry White voice from behind. After an energetic bout with the Cha-Cha slide, she’d sought respite at one of the now abandoned guest tables. Her now crushed gold satin dress bore the after-effects of her abandon, but she had no regrets. She’d just needed a brief power nap, and she’d be ready for round two. It took some effort but she opened her eyes.        Starting with his shoes, her eyes swept his tall frame. The dark-blue suit fit him like a second skin. A jacket hung carelessly in one hand, while uncontrolled muscles popped from under his light blue shirt. His tie had been savagely loosened and now draped over his well-defined shoulders. At the end of her journey, she saw his face.Oh, my. He sounded like Barry White, but he looked like Shemar Moore. Uhm, pretty boys spelled trouble. Her voiced oozed honey when she uttered a low, “Thank you, but tell that to my aching feet.” Gina swayed her body to the up-tempo beat. “The deejay is doing his thing—’cause this crowd is pumped. I mean it’s almost midnight and nobody’s rushing home.” Shemar Moore chuckled. “Yes, this was some reception wasn't it? Terence and Colleen hadn't spared any expense because this wedding was top of the line.”       “Hmm... Hmm... People will talk about this wedding for years to come,” Gina agreed. With the ice doves, to the still-glowing imported scented candles, orchid and lily centerpieces and crystal one-of-a-kind chandeliers, her head spun. Such opulence and grandeur made their wedding picture perfect from beginning to end. Even the weather had cooperated. Gina rubbed her bared shoulders and eyed the other members of the wedding party who still held it down on the dance floor. By the looks of it, it would be awhile before the festivities died down. She snickered. There’d be some back pains and sore limbs come morning. “Mind if I sit?” he asked.She had propped her feet on one of the empty chairs to rest them and admire the black, gold-encrusted, three-inched heels. Yup, the shoes were worth it. Colleen had dubbed them Men-fishing shoes.Well, she’d reeled in a live one. Gina moved her legs, and waved him into the chair next to her. “Not at all.” She didn't play coy.“I've been admiring you all evening. I couldn't leave without at least introducing myself. I’m Michael Ward—friend of the groom.” He extended his hand.Long tapered fingers... Groomed nails... She’d give him an eight. Gina realized he waited for a response. “I’m sorry,” she blushed and took his outstretched hand. “I’m Gina Price, best friend of the bride.”“Gina. Nice name,” Michael replied. “Thank you.” Okay, he bored her already. Time to cut this brother loose until he got some swag, or even a corny pickup line. So far, he held as much appeal as a Twinkie without the filling. Then she looked at him. Yup, he was worth a second try.She tilted her chin towards Colleen and Terence, and made small talk. “Look at them dancing like they’re the only two people in the room. I mean I had tears in my eyes when they recited their vows. And, doesn't Colleen make a stunning bride?” Terence had hired a top of the line makeup artist to do her face and hair, and the results were spectacular. Colleen looked like she could be on the cover of Vogue magazine, and Terence would fit right in with the men at GQ.  He was handsome. Gina had to give him that. Yeah, a handsome devil.  Pre-Order your Copy

New Release Alert: Flawfully Wedded Wives by Shana Burton

This is the third in the series and I'm telling you this will not disappoint!

Flawfully Wedded Wives by Shana Burton
Synopsis:Just when Sullivan, Lawson, Kina, Angel, and Reginell finally think they’ve gotten life figured out, fate steps in and throws them all a curve ball, adding fuel to the drama that seems to follow the ladies wherever they go.First Lady Sullivan Webb’s lingering questions surrounding daughter’s paternity motivate her to seek out her own absentee father, but her search uncovers secrets that threaten to destroy the lives of those she loves most.

Kina Battle’s new celebrity status as the winner of a popular weight-loss reality show goes to her head and quickly as she shed the unwanted pounds from her figure. However, Kina isn’t prepared for the harsh backlash when her secrets are exposed and people begin to question if she is the devout Christian that she’s led everyone to believe she is.

Lawson Kerry Banks could get over her husband’s affair if the evidence was staring her through the eyes of his love child, Simon.  Lawson’s refusal to accept Simon force Garrett to choose between the woman he loves and the child he’s fathered.

Life as the wife of a high school football coach lacks the excitement that Reginell Kerry’s former life did.  It certainly lacks the financial security that pulling down $1000 a week as an exotic dancer afforded her.  When the bills start to pile up, Reginell goes back to doing what she knows best, only this time it may cost her more than she’s willing to pay.

Angel King’s broken heart finds a safe place to mend in the arms of electrician Jordan McKay.  He respects her decision to abstain from sex until marriage, loves the Lord, and adores her.  However, Jordan is harboring a dangerous secret that could destroy their relationship and leave Angel brokenhearted once again.The ladies often fall victim to being led by their hearts instead of their heads.  This time, they have no other choice but to listen to the voice of the Lord.
Excerpt:“Write a question down that you want one of us to answer,” said Reginell.  “It can be anything, but try to avoid ‘yes-no’ questions.  Write your questions on the paper, fold them up, a drop them into this cup.” She pointed to a coffee mug. “Who wants to go first?”            Kina raised her hand.  “I will.  My question is What is something you’ve done that you’ll never do again?”  Kina crumpled the paper.  “Outside of letting my weight get back up to three hundred pounds, I’d have to say I’ll never let people walk all over me again.  That’s something I’ve always done, even as a kid.  I never spoke up for myself or fought back.  I could never go back to being that weak person I was a year ago. Nice girls finish last.  I know because I used to be one of them!”            “All right, Sully, you’re up,” said Reginell.Sullivan unfolded her question.  “What do you need more of right now? Let’s see… Shoes, sex…”  Sullivan tapped the side of her head.  “What I really want more of right now is time with my father.  We’ve missed out on so much time and so many years that are gone forever.”Lawson patted her on the back.  “In Joel, the Bible says the Lord will restore to you the years that the locusts have eaten.”Sullivan raised an eyebrow.  “Is ‘locusts’ how we’re now referring to Vera?” “Sully, that was mean,” chided Lawson.“You’re right,” granted Sullivan.  “I’m being way too hard on the locusts.”            Angel spoke up.  “Vera has her issues—I’ll give you that— but she stuck around.  She didn’t abandon you.  Your father did.”            “Who’s next?” blurted out Sullivan, unwilling to entertain negative talk about her father.“I’ll take a gander at it,” ventured Angel.  “Fill in the blank. Love is…”  She thought it over.  “Love is…elusive.  It is for me anyway.”               Lawson wrinkled her nose.  “Why do you say that?”               “Look at my track record.  When is the last time I had a relationship that was actually productive?”                Sullivan proceeded gingerly.  “Well, Angel, sometimes you have to look at the common denominator.”                Angel frowned.  “What’s that?  That all the men I chose are incapable of being in a committed relationship?”                “No, that they all dated you.  You’re the common denominator,” said Sullivan.                Kina nodded.  “She’s got a point, Angel.  When you fall in love, you fall hard and you fall quickly.“Take a look at your relationship history.  You met Duke in college, claimed love at first sight and married him a year later,” recounted Lawson. “You were engaged to Duke again six months after his wife died.  Then you dove in headfirst with his cousin.  I warned you about taking your time with Jordan, and what did you do?  You slept with him on your second date, and now you’re pregnant by a man who you barely know at all.  Had you taken your time before giving your whole heart, those relationships may have turned out differently.” Angel was stuck.  “I either move too fast, and I end up hurt or I move to slow and end up alone.” “All right, I’ll go next,” Reginell volunteered.  She silently read her question and frowned.  “What did you want most as a child that affects you as an adult?  I don’t even think I know what that means.”  Reginell thought it over.  “The only thing I wanted as a child that affects me as an adult is having the opportunity to sing.  It’s the only thing I’ve ever been good at or that made people pay attention to me other than taking my clothes off.” “Reggie, I hate to hear you talking like that,” lamented Lawson.  “Do you really think that stripping is the best God has planned for you?  If you would turn your life over to Him, you could live a life better than you ever imagined.”Reginell sighed. “All right, Lawson, it’s your turn.”“My question is ‘Are you happy?’”  Lawson sighed.  “At this moment, yes.  It’s hard not to be when you’re in this fabulous place with no worries and no drama and no baby-mamas.”Kina leaned forward.  “What about when you get home?”“Home is a whole other matter entirely.  It’s not up to my husband to make me happy; it’s my job to do that because happiness is a choice, but Garrett plays an undeniable role in that.  At this point, I really don’t know what to do to fix my marriage or be happy in it.”Sullivan reclined back on her beach towel.  “Why don’t you stop trying to fix and let God do it?”Reginell shook her head.  “How is it that y’all have advice for each other but can’t figure out your own lives?”Click to Order Flawfully Wedded Wives 
Catch up with the other books in the series: Flaws and All, and  Flaw Less

Watch the Book Trailer Here!

Coming Soon: December 31, 2013About the BookTwo friends. ...

Coming Soon: December 31, 2013


About the Book
Two friends. Two brothers. Two weddings. Too many secrets.            
Colleen MacGregor rededicated her life to God when she met and married Terence Hayworth. However, her happily-ever-after will have to wait, because she has some serious dragons to slay to sustain her marriage and keep her friendship with Gina Price intact. After fifteen years of friendship, Colleen must now draw the line and stop telling Gina everything.
          What did God do to her friend? Gina finds it hard to deal with Colleen's newfound faith. She thinks Colleen has become self-righteous, subjecting Gina to her holy tirades whenever the mood strikes. When Gina begins dating one brother, while simultaneously falling in love with another, boy, does she get an earful! Gina, however, is way too busy trying to sort her way through her own murky feelings to worry about her soul. Her heart wants what it wants.
          Michelle Lindo-Rice explores the complicated world of female friendships. Can a friendship survive when one friend becomes saved?

Click the pre-order link to purchase a copy Available for Pre-Order

As a new blogger, I'm looking forward to having wonderful...

As a new blogger, I'm looking forward to having wonderful interviews with some prolific authors in Christian fiction. Stay Tuned!!

The Author Speaks...

My thoughts:
Like any other author of Christian fiction, I hope that you will see Christ in the novel. We seek to entertain but the Holy Spirit drives us. We are led to write or craft a story that will leave you with characters that you love or love to hate. They are flawed, human, but they are touched by a Perfect God. 

Let's go behind the scenes of Sing A New Song. A talk with the Author (me :)



Please tell us the inspiration behind your novel, Sing A New Song.
I was watching a television show where a young lady had several men taking paternity tests. I laughed when I heard the results as each one heard they were not the father, thinking it was all in good fun.
But, later that night, I was convicted and I started to wonder what could have happened to put a woman in such a predicament. That was when Tiffany was 'born'.

Are there social trends/issues/themes that drive Sing A New Song, including any relevant research?
Tiffany Knightly, a famous singer, grew up a normal girl in a middle-income family. She was abused by her step-father. The statistics for young women who have been abused are alarming. Most women do not tell, and never tell.

Other issues tackled are the dynamics of christian dating; cancer; infertility and another important question, Can women and men really be just friends?

What is the message or key take away in Sing A New Song that you as an author would like to convey to your readers?
So many of us have done things that we regret. We've all made mistakes. But, we serve a God who truly forgives and he loves us with a genuine love. We just need to forgive ourselves knowing that everything that has happened in our past were meant to lead us to Christ.

Highlight your favorite verse(s) or verses that are referenced or that are central to your novel.
Psalms 91:1; I Samuel 17:47; Psalms 43:1 were referenced in Sing A New Song.
I have so many verses, but one that stays with me is, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

Please share your website, contact info, any upcoming projects, what you're working on, etc.
My second novel, Walk A Straight Line, comes out Dec. 31, 2013. I am working on its sequel, My Steps are Ordered, due out next Aug. 2014. I can be reached through my website at www.michellelindorice.com


Would you like to be featured on my blog? Please email for info

Sing A New Song

SING A NEW SONG Released Feb. 2013

Book Synopsis If you found out you were dying, would you suddenly confess all your past sins?
When former chart-topper Tiffany Knightly learns that she’s dying from cancer, she leaves behind her plush California lifestyle to return to Hempstead, New York, with Karlie, her reluctant teenaged daughter. Her fans think she has simply gone home to die, but Tiffany has another mission. She desperately wishes she could leave her past in the past, but in order to secure her daughter’s future, she must tear open past wounds.
Life wasn’t always easy for Tiffany. With a stepfather who abused her and a mother who didn’t believe her, she acted out by becoming promiscuous. Fifteen years later, she’s back to reveal to her ex-husband that he might not be Karlie’s biological father. In fact, there are four men who could have fathered Karlie—four that she’s willing to acknowledge, anyway.
As Tiffany reveals her truth and searches for Karlie’s father, she reconnects with old friends and old lovers. Some reunions are happy, but some innocent lives are torn apart, leaving Tiffany to wonder if she’s doing the right thing. Through it all, she will have to learn to rely on the healing power of God’s unfathomable love.

      “I’m sorry, Tiffany. We’ve done all that we can do.” Dr. Ettelman spoke those words with great dread. Tiffany Knightly leaned back in the plush black chair across from Dr. Ettelman’s wide mahogany desk. The sun beamed on her honey-blond curls and heightened her hazel-colored eyes. From her vantage point of three floors up, she could look out the window behind him and make out the business-clad people scurrying like ants to keep appointments.Tiffany blinked in slow motion. How could the world go on when she had just received the most devastating news of her life?Dr. Ettelman must have moved from behind his chair, though Tiffany did not recall seeing him move. But the next thing she felt were his hands gently squeezing her shoulders. Instinctively she shrank away from him. He was the monster at that moment. “Whoosh.” Tiffany finally exhaled the breath she had been holding. Vehemently, she shook her head. “No, Dr. Ettelman, I must not have heard you correctly,” she croaked in a voice she hardly even recognized. She panted hard, feeling as if she was about to pass out from the magnitude of emotions hitting her all at once. Dr. Ettelman’s face reflected empathy. He was still talking about something. What was he even saying?       “We’ve done all that we could do, Ms. Knightly. Is there someone that you can call?” She heard the hopeful inquiry but robotically shook her head. She needed some alone time to process the news she’d just received, and did not feel like calling anyone.Tiffany opened her mouth, but it just hung open. Words were stuck in her throat. Vestiges of all coherent thought left her body. It was as if her mind had disintegrated, leaving her powerless to stop the feeling of losing sanity. She screamed on the inside to regain some semblance of control. Tiffany could barely process the doctor’s words, but he had said it. He had said that she was dying. No. He must be mistaken—he was talking about someone else. Tiffany frantically looked around the room, scarcely seeing the pictures on the wall. Her eyes rested on his medical degree prominently displaying his specialty. Her eyes zoomed in on the calendar behind her. Today was March 17 . . . March 17 . . . March 17. . . . March 17 was the day she received her death sentence.Almost subconsciously, Tiffany picked up a picture frame on his desk. There was a girl smiling back at her. In slow motion, she replaced the silver-encrusted frame before finally looking into Dr. Ettelman’s sympathetic face. Her tall, lithe frame drooped, and she sank even lower in her chair.