#WriterWednesday with Shelia Bell

This week's #WriterWednesday interview is with Author Shelia Bell. 

Check it out!!

AT: Where do you live? What’s your town’s claim to fame?
SB: I presently reside in Nashville, home of country music!

AT: What genre do you write?
SB: I write Christian fiction, women’s fiction, and Young adult fiction

AT: Are you a published author or aspiring to be published? If published, how many books are out there with your name on them?
SB: I am a published author with twenty titles to my name, and I am extremely grateful that God blessed me with the talent and gift to write and tell stories!

AT: Amen! What inspires you to write?
SB: I love it. It’s a passion for me. I truly believe that it is a form of ministry. I love to see the characters develop into real life people. I enjoy going back and reading the work that God blessed me to create. It’s an awesome feeling.

AT: I can definitely identify with that feeling. Name one book you wish you’d written.
SB: Ummm, one book I wish I’d written. That’s a tough one, Adrienne. So tough that I can’t name one. I don’t look at other work and say that I wish I had written that particular book. I write what I write and how I write. My writing is unique to me and another author’s work is unique to them. 

AT: So very true. What was the last book you read? Did you enjoy it?
SB: I am a full time editor, so I read constantly, but it’s primarily for editorial purposes. So, I would say the last book that I read and truly enjoyed was Jezebel’s Daughter by Jacquelin Thomas. I also enjoyed reading Every Little Step by Bobby Brown and Journey to Love by Lacricia Angelle. I have read so many others, especially new and upcoming authors, but to be honest, because of poor editing, I wish not to name them.

AT: Oh, my! Well, who is your favorite author? Why?
SB: My favorite author of all time was J. California Cooper. I simply loved her unique, flavorful style of writing. I have not read anyone who can top her even though I have read and enjoyed numerous books by a bevy of authors.

AT: Now for the fun questions! You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?
SB: Adrienne, where do you get these questions? LOL. I would be the color purple.  Purple represents royalty and since I am “God’s Amazing Girl” I can see no other color befitting me more than purple!

AT: Love it! What would your autobiography be called?
SB: That’s easy: The Story of My Life.

AT: Do you believe in love at first sight?
SB: Yes, definitely.  Been there done that.

AT: Hmm, I bet there's a story there! If a genie granted you three wishes, what would they be? (can't ask for more wishes)
SB: Without thinking about it I would say Total Health for me and my family, longevity of life for me and my family, peace for me and my family

AT: Beautiful! Are you spring, summer, fall, or winter? Please share why.
SB: I actually love Winter. I love the cold because I can cozy up inside a blanket and get warm. I love seeing the snow on the ground and in the trees. 

AT: Tea or coffee?
SB: Definitely a tall glass of iced tea with a splash of lemon!

AT: Yummy! Tell us about your most recent/current project.
SB: “The McCoys of Holy Rock” was released June 30 of this year. In this sixth installment, readers will learn more about Hezekiah and Fancy McCoy who came on the scene in book V (My Wife My Baby…And Him). This couple has a lot they’re not telling, and when Hezekiah McCoy is voted in as the new Senior Pastor of Holy Rock things began to hit the fan! 

The Real Housewives of Adverse City 2 released on July 31, 2017. It is appropriately named  because it is book II of a new series I started: The Real Housewives of Adverse City. The Real Housewives of Adverse City 2 continues with the tales of the fabulously rich housewives, Eva, Peyton, Meesha  and Avery.  Their stories prove that there are definitely some things that money can’t buy!

AT: Both sound so good! How can readers connect with you (share website and any social media links)
SB: Readers can connect with me on Facebook
Instagram: @sheliaebell 
Twitter: @sheliaebell
Email at sheliawritesbooks@yahoo.com.

For editorial services vist me on Facebook at WrittenWord Editorial.
My website is sheliaebell.net

AT: Any final words?
SB: Yes, just a few. I want to thank you for this opportunity, Adrienne to share with others information about my work, my passion, and my dream.  I also want to take this time to tell you that I have enjoyed reading several of your books. You are a gifted writer and I encourage you to keep living your dreams now! Thanks again.

AT: You're most welcome and thank YOU!!

#WriterWednesday with Author Lori Titus

Today's featured author for Writer Wednesday is Lori Titus. Let's get to know her and her books!!

AT: Where do you live? What’s your town’s claim to fame?

LT: I am from Los Angeles, but I moved to a small town in Central California a few years ago. It’s a suburb, a community known for the oil industry and agriculture.

AT: Cool! What genre do you write?

LT: I wrote horror and paranormal mostly, though I am dipping into sci-fi/fantasy with one of my works in progress. I am sure that I will try out some other genres, but my work will always have some paranormal or horror element. 

AT: I'm a fan of paranormal and of your work. I'm sure you'll conquer whatever genre you choose to tackle. Please let my blog readers know if you are a published author or aspiring to be published. If published, how many books are out there with your name on them?

LT: Yes, I am published. I have five novels and four novellas published under my name. I started working as a ghostwriter a few years ago, so I probably have closer to twenty titles under various names floating about with my DNA in them. 

AT: Wow! What inspires you to write?

LT: I am inspired by so many things. Mostly the kind of thoughts you get a moment before drifting to sleep. Sometimes it’s things on television, people I know, snippets of things I hear in the news. It all depends on what’s going on around me. I think writers in general have a knack for turning just about anything into inspiration. 

AT: I agree! Name one book you wish you’d written.

LT: Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke and Bone. I read that book several years ago and it still sticks with me. It’s beautiful and awful at once. And the love story in that book? Absolutely incredibly well done. 

AT: What was the last book you read? Did you enjoy it?

LT: I just finished reading Shonda Rhimes’ memoir. Everyone already knows she’s an awesome writer.  I’m impressed at how she can captivate the reader from beginning to end. You won’t be disappointed at all.

AT: I actually own that book. Gotta move it up my TBR now, lol.  Who is your favorite author? Why?

LT: My favorite? That’s a hard one! I can point to a lot of authors who were transformative. Koontz, King, Rice. Of course just about every writer I know mentions Poe and Shirley Jackson. Tananarive Due. Octavia Butler. And I keep trying to read and find new people that stir me up.

AT: Nice list! Now for the fun questions! You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?

LT: Hmmm. Raspberry Sangria. It would be the exact red-purple color of this iced fruit drink I get from the coffee shop. It is scrumptious!

AT: Sounds yummy...and pretty, lol. What would your autobiography be called?

LT: Many years ago, someone wrote me a letter titled “The Awful, Miserable State of Being Titus.”  That is too good to pass up. 

AT: Man, sounds intriguing. Do you believe in love at first sight?

LT: Yes, I do. I have fallen in love at first sight at least twice. I’m hoping the third time is the one that sticks! 

AT: I love it! If a genie granted you three wishes, what would they be? (can't ask for more wishes)

LT: Here’s where it gets difficult because I am not sure if I want things that are personal or things that will touch other’s lives. It would be beautiful to live in a world where no one was hungry or without a home. If I could get those two wishes I would probably not worry about a third wish, since those two are a lot for even the best genie. Plus, I’m not sure I trust genies…how do I know there won’t be some kind of horrific spin on whatever wish they grant me?

AT: Ha! True! Are you spring, summer, fall, or winter? Please share why.

LT: I am Spring and Fall. I love when it is warm or cool enough to enjoy the outdoors. I’m not a fan of summer (it’s usually well above one hundred degrees where I live) or winter (which usually lands here suddenly and is long and far too cold). 

AT: Tea or coffee?

LT: I love my coffee. But I love tea too. Coffee is usually my morning drink but in the afternoon I switch to herbal tea. I’ve always got at least four different kinds in my cupboard.

AT: You don't play about your beverages, huh? Tell us about your most recent/current project. 

LT: My latest novel is Blood Relations, a story about a religious cult. We follow the lives of several apostates to the group. The Congregate stalk their former members, and in some cases they do violent things. It’s a horror tale, and it’s very much about the consequences of giving over power to other people. The power of the group lies in their Hive Mind, and the ability to follow and abuse those who don’t follow orders.  

You can find it here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Relations-Lori-Titus-ebook/dp/B01M4MQEFH

This December, I have a book that will be featured in a box set along with a group of other paranormal authors called Sigils and Spells. I will have details about the pre-order date soon. 

AT: How can readers connect with you?

LT:

I am on Twitter and Instagram as @Loribeth215 

My author page on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Lori-Titus/e/B00450JMMI/

You can find me on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/lori.titus

Readers can follow my blog, The Darkest of Lore, at   https://Loribeth215.wordpress.com 

I also write articles for a horror site called Gruemonkey:  www.gruemonkey.com

AT: Any final words?

LT: Thank you so much for interviewing me. 

AT: My pleasure!

#WriterWednesday - Author Beverly Sandridge

Hello, folks! I've decided to relaunch my Writer Wednesday author interview series. First up is Author Beverly Sandridge. Check out her interview and be sure to grab one of her books!

AT: Where do you live?
BS: Little Rock, Arkansas.

AT: What genre do you write?
BS: Inspirational Romance / Christian Inspirational Romance.

AT: Are you a published author or aspiring to be published? If published, how many books are out there with your name on them?
BS: I am a published author. I currently have 3 published Novels. “Manhattan Rendezvous, Manhattan Rendezvous the Sequel and An Unexpected Rendezvous. I’m in the process of publishing my 4th Inspirational Romance Novel this summer.

AT: What inspires you to write?
BS: Being able to inspire others through a variety of life experiences.

AT: Name one book you wish you’d written.
BS: Disappearing Acts  

AT: Oooh, I love that book! What was the last book you read? Did you enjoy it?
BS: The Bible. It’s one of the greatest books that I’ve ever read. It was if it came alive to me all over again.

AT: Can't go wrong with the Bible. Who is your favorite author? Why?
BS: Donna Hill - Her work is very inspiring.

AT: Now for the fun questions! You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?
BS: Yellow. Because I love to bring sunshine everywhere I go.

AT: I'm a fan of yellow, too. What would your autobiography be called?
BS: “How I overcome the enemy… in me  – The Beverly Sandridge Story”

AT: Nice! Do you believe in love at first sight?
BS: Absolutely 

AT: If a genie granted you three wishes, what would they be? (can't ask for more wishes)
BS: #1 a long healthy life. #2 Unlimited financial access. #3 Wisdom.

AT: Are you spring, summer, fall, or winter? Please share why.
BS: Spring. Because I love to produce new ideas and watch them thrive.

AT: Tea or coffee?
BS: Tea

AT: Tell us about your most recent/current project.
BS: I’m currently re-publishing my 2nd Inspirational Romance Novel, Manhattan Rendezvous the Sequel it will be released this summer.  

“Manhattan Rendezvous the Sequel continues the story of genuine love, deception, strong family ties and thick redemption that was started in Manhattan Rendezvous. It's a constant reminder that things in life aren't always as they appear, especially when it comes to love . . . “ 

Purchase link: http://bit.ly/2tKAhic

My most recent Christian Inspirational Romance Novel is An Unexpected Rendezvous. 

Suddenly Eva has to deal with sacred vows, yet broken promises. She always believed in the dream of living your whole life with the one person you truly love. But what happens when you find in an unexpected rendezvous what you have been searching for all your life, and you have no choice but to walk away? Sometimes we spend our lives searching for what we think we really want, only to discover that we had it right there beside us all along...true love. In this fast-moving Christian romance, Eva learns that with the power of prayer and forgiveness, a three-fold cord is not easily broken.

Purchase link: http://a.co/eva6Ggh

AT: Both sound like good reads! How can readers connect with you?
BS: On Facebook at Author Beverly Sandridge

AT: Any final words?
BS: I have enjoyed the interview! Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share my work. 

AT: Loved learning about you and your books, Beverly! Much success to you!!

Sunset Reads: Damian & Layla - Virtual #Book Tour

Contemporary Romance/Suspense

Date Published: 12/26/2016

One year.

It’s been one year since Agent Damian Trent left for Washington without a word.

One year since he’s seen her beautiful face.

One year since he’s heard his name on her lips.

He's been recently called back to New York City on assignment, to catch a criminal who’s trying to infiltrate Sunset Reads. The last thing he expects is to work side by side with the woman he turned his back on.

Having her close is an unwanted distraction that he’s more than willing to ignore, if only she wasn’t so damn tempting.

Everything seems under control, until a night of feverish passion has him abandoning all thoughts of reason. Now, he will do everything in his power to get her back, and even more so to protect her.

Layla Reece wants nothing to do with the man who left her a year ago.

The man who took her heart with him, leaving her broken.

After a year of trying to forget Damian Trent, she is finally ready to move on.

But trying to forget him becomes a tedious task when he suddenly reappears in her life.

Although she fights to stay away, his magnetism is too strong and she finds herself giving into the deep timbre of his voice, and the strength and safety of his arms.

Staying away from Damian turns out to be futile, especially when his kisses consume her and his heart shatters the walls she spent so much time building.

Finding herself in danger, she now has to turn to the only man she trusts to keep her safe, but can she trust him enough to give him her heart once again?

Excerpt:

He smiled wickedly and leaned in, bringing his face only inches away from hers. “What do you want to know, Miss Reece?”

Layla stared at those full, sensual lips, warmth spreading through her.

“Everything,” she replied breathlessly, her eyes widening when she realized she had spoken aloud.

He stared back at her parted lips while she spoke, and fought the urge to close the distance between them. After a brief moment, he smiled and leaned back. “I can tell you that I’m an only child. I can also tell you I grew up here in New York. In Brooklyn. Joined the military at eighteen.”

“How did you get recruited into the FBI?”

“I was a translator in the Special Ops unit. I graduated with two majors-”

“Two majors! Wow!” Her eyes showed genuine admiration.

“Don’t seem so surprised…” he teased.

“Oh…no…it’s just that, well you don’t really seem like…” she trailed off, not sure how to continue.

“Like a book worm?” He smiled.

“Well. Yes.” She played with her napkin nervously, her nerves catching up to her.

“And how do I seem, Miss Reece?”

Layla was briefly stumped by the question, but then pursed her lips in contemplation, mischief shining in her eyes.

“Rough around the edges,” she paused, taking in his demeanor, “definitely reserved…” Her eyes traveled along his strong jawline, making her way across his broad shoulders, and pausing slightly on the muscles of his chest before she brought her eyes back up to meet his. “Powerful,” she whispered.

He leaned in again. “Is that all?”

She smiled, a glint of amusement in her eyes. “Very Intelligent,” she finished, and took a sip of her drink, taking a quick glance at him beneath lowered lashes.

He stared at those green eyes. “You’re very observant, Miss Reece, and surprisingly rather bold.”

She smiled. “So I’ve been told.”

His eyes narrowed dangerously. “Have you also been told that you are very sexy, and that just by a glance from those emerald eyes you can make a man think deliciously, dark thoughts?” His voice was low and seductive.

D.C. Triana is a new romance author and novelist. She was born in raised in New York  and is currently residing in Florida. Last March, Her dream of publishing a romance novel came true with, Sunset Reads: William & Cristina. The novel is currently holding a 4.5 star rating on Amazon as well as GoodReads. She is excited to announce her second novel in the series, Sunset Reads: Damian & Layla, releasing on December 26, 2016.

When she is not delving into her hopeless romantic thoughts, she is expanding her experiences and travelling around the world. She also will not miss an episode of the Walking Dead, has an obsession with Superman, and has watched Pride and Prejudice at least ten times. An avid fan of all types of music and dancing; she enjoys cuddling up with her puppy Obi, and helping new authors like herself. You can visit her at http://www.dctriana/com, or be part of her newsletter where you can take part in giveaways, receive updates on upcoming storylines, and get reviews on hot new titles. Sign up for her Newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bXH-P9

Contact Information
Website: http://www.dctriana.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bXH-P9
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/D.C.Triana82/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DCTriana1
TUMBLR: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/sunsetreadsromancewriter
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SunsetReads/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/DCTriana

Purchase Links

Amazon: William & Cristina

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D0QU2Y4/

Damian & Layla

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBB4QYD/

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#Book Blast - We Belong Together #SweetRomance

If you enjoy sweet romances, be sure to check out W Parks Brigham's latest book!

BLURB:

Shelly Roberts and Joffrey Matheson have watched friends fall in love and take that giant step—marriage—promising to share their lives together. Now it’s their turn. They’ve been paired as the perfect couple, according to Allanville’s Matchmakers Committee. Yes, their friendship has developed and grown. Yes, they are compatible, enjoy each other’s company, and want the same things out of life. Most importantly, they’re both seeking a meaningful relationship. Family and friends are excited as they cheer them on. Everyone is anticipating and waiting for the big news. 

Humph, that’s a joke! 

Instead, they keep getting sickening, whining excuses; there are no sparks…no chemistry…we’re just friends…you know, a yummy peanut butter sandwich but with syrup instead of jelly. The million-dollar question, how can you develop a serious relationship when you’re still carrying a torch for someone from your past? Where they do that at? In the small town called Allanville?

EXCERPT:

WE BELONG TOGETHER      

http://amzn.com/B0181L5PO0 

Shelly and Joffrey

       “Isn’t this a lovely and peaceful night?” remarked Shelly as she looked out at the colorful waters reflected by the outdoor lights.  “Joffrey, I had a great time tonight.”

            “I’m glad you did,” he said, placing his arm around her shoulder.  It was true that they’d had a fantastic time with dinner and dancing, but very little conversation, which was fine with them.  Now they were sitting and enjoying the gardens and the lake.  Although it was late and they both had to report to their respective jobs in the morning, neither put forth any effort to move. The serenity of the grounds was peaceful and relaxing in spite of them being surrounded by other couples.

            “Shelly, what do you consider a meaningful relationship between two people?” 

            Wow, what a loaded question. She turned to face him. Fluttering her eyelids while thinking carefully before speaking, she began to give her point of view. No doubt, that was what he wanted to know. “Joffrey, I think becoming friends is the beginning of a relationship.  Having the same purpose and desires would also play a major part for it to develop into something more meaningful…love, understanding, trust, communication, compromise, and compassion should be some of the key elements followed by intimacy, only when the two people are ready.” 

            “I see you’ve really given this some thought,” he commented with a smile.

            “What woman doesn’t have the desire to fall in love, get married, and have children?  That’s what we’ve been taught from the time we were old enough to understand the true meaning of love and marriage.”

            “Is that what you were taught and want Shelly?” he asked, taking her hand in his. 

She looked into his tender but expressionless face and said, “Yes.  And you?” she asked.

            “I feel the exact same way, but I have to be honest. I’ve done the complete dating scene, which included satisfying my physical needs as well.”

            “So, what are you saying, Joffrey?  Are you ready for us to become lovers?”

            Hesitating for a second, he then spoke, “Only if you’re ready.”  Reading her face, he knew she wasn’t.  He took her hand and kissed it.  “I know baby, and you don’t have to worry about me pressuring you into doing anything you’re not ready for.”

            Oooo, that was close.  She had a million thoughts running through her brain. He’s just not the one. She leaned over and kissed his lips. “Thank you, Joffrey.” 

            “You’re welcome, beautiful lady. Come on, it’s getting late. We better be on our way.”  He signaled for one of the outside attendants to give his ticket to…

♥

Deidra and Cullen                            

            “We’re going to have to do this again,” said Cullen, holding Deidra’s hand as they strolled down the sidewalk.        

             “It’s just as nice on the outside as it is in the inside.”

            “Yes, and next time we’ll have dinner on the terrace.” 

            “Is that a promise?” She asked, smiling. 

            He stopped and held her chin up. Gazing into her amber eyes, he asked, “Can I kiss you?”

            She answered sweetly, “Yes.” Their lips touched and then with a mutual consent, their tongues sought each other while savoring a passionate treat. 

            “Mmmm, I’ve wanted to do that ever since I first set eyes on you tonight.

            “I’m glad you did,” she said and they continued their stroll in comfortable silence. They’d already had an extensive and interesting conversation on relationships and what they were expecting.  Surprisingly enough, they had pretty much the same views on love, marriage, and families, not wanting to rush into anything heavy at the moment.  They did agree to consider themselves a couple. Deidra didn’t bite her tongue in saying she had been a teenage mother and her son was her main priority. She didn’t mention anything about his father which was probably best for the time being.  One thing was for sure, at twenty-six, she had done well.

            Cullen pointed to a couple getting up from one of the benches.  Deidra smiled.  They did a fast-paced walk over in that direction.  He thought it would be nice to sit for a while to just enjoy the scenery. 

            “Too late.” Deidra laughed as they watched an older couple take the spot. 

            He liked the sound of her laugh.  She was always so serious, but tonight he saw another side of her and didn’t hesitate to say so. 

            “Oh, there’s another one about to be vacant; come on, let’s not lose this one,” announced Cullen.  This time, they did a slow run trying not to draw attention, but they did anyway.  The couple who were now heading to their car looked back as they sat down laughing their heads off.  The woman turned back around, but the man stared for a second and then turned as well…

♥

Shelly and Joffrey                            

            Shelly asked, “What’s wrong?”

            “Nothing,” he said and helped her into the car.  Going to his side, he gazed at the couple once again and shook his head.  He was not going to start that again, thinking every honey-colored woman in these parts could be her. He’d done that for too long.  It was time he put an end to that foolishness for good.

            Shelly noticed he was extra quiet once more, and that solemn expression had reappeared.  Not only did they have a wonderful dinner, but a soul-searching heart-to-heart talk about relationships and what they wanted. His attitude didn’t change until they glanced back at the couple that took the bench they were sitting on.  “Did you see someone you know?” 

Man, she doesn’t miss anything. “I thought I did, but as always, I was mistaken.”  And he left it at that. 

Shelly knew exactly who he thought he saw and realized his feelings for her were intense after all this time.  There wasn’t anything for her to say; she understood too well. Like any couple who had someone else heavy on their minds, they rode home in silence.  They arrived at her home in no time.  She had the car door open before he could get around to her.  He took her hand and they walked to the door.

            “Shelly, I’m sorry.”

She put her finger on his lips.  “There’s nothing to be sorry for. Trust me, I understand more than you can imagine.” 

            Like he’d said before, Shelly Roberts was a beautiful, special woman.  And he was happy they’d become good friends.  He held her in his arms, kissed her good night, and then told her to have a pleasant night.

            Shelly locked her front door and went to her room and called Ryane to keep her promise. “Hey girl—” nothing but moans and groans were on the other end. Shelly hissed, “Why did you answer this phone? Bye.”

♥

Cullen and Deidra                                     

            “Cullen, I had a wonderful time,” declared Deidra. She then reached up to give him a quick kiss.  Not this time, he said to himself and caught her around the waist, surprising her with a lip-locking treat.  Not giving her a chance to respond verbally, he said good night and skipped down her four steps. 

            Cullen Davis left her stunned but in a most pleasant way. Deidra closed her door and quietly looked in on her mother and son before going to her room.  Both were sleeping soundly.  And the way she was feeling, she would, too.

Buy today on Amazon:

www.amazon.com./-/e/B00G4IPAMU

Connect with the author:

                                Website: www. wparksbrigham.com/

                                          Email: wparksbrigham@writeme.com

                                       FaceBook page: Author W Parks Brigham

Bejeweled #Book Tour

BEJEWELED: WHAT A TANGLED WEB WE WEAVE

Olivia’s dreams have finally begun to come true, as she marries the man who’s held her heart for twenty years. Her beauty salon is prospering, and she has begun rebuilding her team, after seeds of discord were sowed and bonds were broken. Everything is beginning to look up, or so she thinks. When a scandal is leaked to the media, Olivia’s dream of expanding is in jeopardy. She must step up and play hard ball in a game with which she’s unfamiliar.

Nikki had dreams of building a beautiful family with a loving husband. But after looking at the shattered pieces of her broken life, she is losing hope and desires more. She wants more than the shame of barrenness, and more than physical abuse from his drinking binges. One phone call gives her courage to escape the deadly clutches of her husband. Yet, when she finds strength in another’s arms she finds herself spinning more lies. Nikki’s web of deceit is going to cost all those who are close and it could just cost her, her life.

When deception is the name of the game, who all will have to share the pain?

Excerpt:

“Mrs. O, can I talk with you for a moment?” she asked, hesitantly stepping into the kitchen.

“Sure,” Olivia said, washing a knife in the sink. She had just prepared a fruit salad for a late night snack. She set the knife back into its place in the knife block on the marble countertop. Grabbing the bowl of fruit, she took two black glass bowls out of the overhead cabinets and walked to the table.

“Come on and have a snack,” she offered, placing the bowl before Nikki.

“I wanna thank you for all that you’ve been doing for me. I haven’t told my mom about the episode at the reception yet,” she stated somberly.

“How come?” Olivia asked, ladling fruit from the large mixing bowl into the bowl in front of Nikki.

“Thanks,” Nikki grabbed her spoon and speared a pear and twirled it around in the fruit juice at the bottom of the bowl. “Well, as you can probably guess, my mom and sister don’t really like my husband.”

“I’m sure they don’t dislike him, Nikki. They probably just do not like what he puts you through. That would have to be tough on any family.”

“I know, but it makes it hard for me to go and talk to them. I feel like they’re judging me every time I do, and the only thing they can say is, leave him.” She popped the pear into her mouth. Staring off into space, she thought of the last conversation she had with her mother about Carlos, which didn’t go over well.

“Have you shared with them how it makes you feel when they do that?” Olivia asked.

“Uh-uh,” Nikki replied, swallowing the last of her pear, “it don’t matter. They won’t listen, anyhow.”

“I see. I think you want them to just hear you out and keep their opinions to themselves, support you, right?”

“Well, that would be nice. But anyway, like I said, I wanna thank you for being here for me. But my time is up now,” Nikki stated as she stared down into the bottom of her bowl, refusing to meet Olivia’s eyes.

“What do you mean, your time is up? You know I told you that you were welcome to stay for as long as you needed. If you want to get help, I’ll do that; if you want to move out into your own place, I will help you with that, too. I don’t want you to feel rushed into anything, or like you have a time limit on you, because you don’t. I just—”

“No, no, it’s nothing like that, Mrs. O, it’s just…it’s time for me to go home.”

Olivia raised one eyebrow and swallowed past the lump in her throat before speaking. “Home?” she asked in a shocked tone, as if she didn’t know there was such a place.

“Yes. Home. I’ve been gone long enough,” Nikki stated, “and Carlos and I talked, and he thinks we can work this thing out. He’s apologized so many times. And I miss him, you know?”

“Mm-hmm,” was all Olivia said. She placed her fork into her bowl and clasped her hands under her chin.

Nikki turned away from the look of disappointment that she saw reflected there. She could take anger, attitude, rejection, and even sorrow. But disappointment, she could not handle.

“Look, I’ve been gone from home for a while now. I’ve stayed with Rory a couple of nights. Then I stayed at my sister’s one night, until I couldn’t take her pressing me about why I had left home. Then I came here with you. I’ve never been gone from home this long before. I think he realizes how serious I am.”

Receiving no response from Olivia, Nikki scooted her chair back from the table. She took her bowl to the trash receptacle, emptied it, and washed it out. The entire time she stood at the sink, Olivia sat quietly at the table eating her fruit salad.

As Nikki walked to the entrance of the kitchen, Olivia finally spoke up.

“Nekana,” Olivia called. Nikki stopped in her tracks. No one except her mother called her by her given name. “You don’t have to bask in it just because it was given to you.”

“Huh?” Nikki turned around with a scowl on her face. She had no clue what Olivia was talking about.

“Your name. Surely you know it means ‘sorrow.’ But you don’t have to carry that weight on your shoulders, anymore.” Olivia released a weighted sigh before going on. “Baby girl, when you turn it over to the Lord, He delivers you and gives you peace and joy. His word says: ‘And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.’ Nikki, it’s time for you to hold your head up and stand strong. Reclaim your life. Do what you must do to be the strong, beautiful woman that you are. Trust in God, and stop fighting this battle you call life. I’ve known you for five years now, and you’ve been sad every one of them.

“Where is your joy? Where is your strength? Where is your courage? Stand up for Nekana Vincent, because no one else is capable of doing it but you. You’ve got Wesley running around here, trying to protect you. You’ve got Carlos acting a fool and taking you through hell over his drinking and jealousy. Then you’ve got your mama and sister trying to dictate every step of your life and placing their expectations on you. And if you let any one of those people down, you’re scared you will fail. You’ve already failed, because you’re trying to please too many people. Stand up for one person…you. Stop being the victim, Nikki. Fight! Fight! Damnit, fight for your life!” Olivia had come to a stand behind the table and was hitting the table with her fork with every sentence she said. She stood trembling with anger.

About the Author

An original Georgia Peach, Chelle Ramsey is the author of five published and several waiting-on-the-shelf contemporary fiction books, with a focus on women's fiction. Many of her stories are based in her birthplace of Atlanta or her husband’s hometown of Cincinnati, where readers can relate to local hot spots and events. Chelle wants people to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. She sprinkles words of encouragement and inspiration throughout all of her real life fiction novels.

Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her property management role by day, while she writes her fiction novels by night. Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she loves listening to music, and becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, and Nora Roberts. She especially enjoys trying to solve the engaging mysteries of James Patterson and Stuart Woods, while eating a bowl of butter pecan ice cream. Chelle resides in a rural community of Atlanta, GA and enjoys writing, family time, ministering through dance at church, and watching NBA games with her husband. 

CONTACT INFO:

BLOG: www.writingmydreams.com

WEBSITE: www.chelleramsey.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorChelleRamsey?ref=hl

FACEBOOK_NOVEL: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-of-BeJeweled-Novels/385049478363422?ref=hl

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ChellesBooks

EMAIL: cmichelleramsey@gmail.com

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/chelleramseybooks/

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/goodreadscom_Chelle

PURCHASE BOOKS:

AMAZON: C. Michelle Ramsey Amazon or Chelle Ramsey Amazon

PAPERBACKS: https://www.createspace.com/4706061v

Teardrops Know My Name #Book Blast

One winner will receive a $10.00 Amazon Gift Card. Enter contest below Book Title: Teardrops Know My Name Author: Dalia Florea

Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Romance

Recommended age group? 18 and up

Publisher: Dalia Florea (March 27, 2015)

ASIN: B00TWQJGQC

 

   

Dalia Florea is a novelist and native New Yorker. Her debut book “Mirrored” recently reached the top 100 Best Sellers list in Women’s Detective Fiction and rated favorably on both Amazon and Goodreads. When she isn’t crafting suspenseful romance, Dalia enjoys solving Sudoku and cryptogram quotes, attending jazz concerts and visiting wineries. Dalia currently lives in Northern Virginia and is hard at work on her next two novels.

 

 

 Someone is stalking, fashion photographer, Linda McNair and turning her world upside down. She has no idea who it could be. Is it an old boyfriend? Someone in the industry? A complete stranger? The only thing Linda knows for sure is her stalker has to be stopped. Her life may depend on it. When Linda meets Detective Sean Gregory, one of New York’s finest in more ways than one, stories unravel, revealing secrets, lies and betrayal that nearly destroy her, breaking her heart into a million tiny pieces. Linda tries to resist Sean’s affection, but she can’t help wondering if he’s the right man who can put the shattered pieces of her heart back to together.

   

Website Facebook Twitter

Contest: Author is giving away One $10.00 Amazon Gift Card

   

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Enter to WinTerms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author Dalia Florea and is hosted and managed by Paulette from Write Now Literary Book Tours. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Paulette @ pharperjohnson@gmail.com