Monday, December 28, 2015

My Top Ten Reads of 2015

Michelle's Book Stop Top Ten 5-Star Reads of 2015
I read sooooo many great books this year, I couldn't stop at 5. So here are my top Ten. I have an eclectic reading taste. Not all the books listed are Christian Fiction. 


Honorable Mentions: The Forbidden Man by Elle Wright, The Stranger by Harlen Coben

#10 Righteous Ways by Rhonda McKnight
I finished this in hours. I got a little teary-eyed with this heartwarming tale. I can't wait to read more about Samaria in the upcoming novel, Shame on You. It was released late in the year but I had to add it to this list. Great read from an amazing author.

#9 Friction by Sandra Brown
Sandra Brown is one of absolute favorite authors. Once I started I could not put it down. I read this book in a matter of hours. The suspense, the improbable romance, vendettas had me on the edge of my seat. The title suited. Crawford's journey had me tear up. He was flawed, human but a hero. Truly enjoyed this read.

#8 Memory Man by David Baldacci
Excellent Read. The Memory Man had me turning the pages. I was caught up until the very end. There is a new hero, Decker and his mind is amazing. I have read several of David Baldacci's work. I love that Decker is flawed but phenomenal.

#7 Lady Elect 2 by Nikita Lynnette Nichols
I love a big woman confident in her skin who knows how to put herself together. The follow-up to Lady Elect made me laugh and definitely had moments where my eyes bulged. Lady Arykah has a mouth on her but she's fierce and loyal. The ending has me asking WHO said that? For me the Breakout Character was Myrtle. She is a treat.

#6 Jezebel's Daughter by Jacquelin Thomas

Whew! What a twisty-good read. My grandmother used to make soup and what was great about it was that she threw everything in there. But all the ingredients came together for some seriously good soup. Jezebel's Daughter was all that and then some. Jacquelin Thomas had romance, repentance, redemption, revenge, remorse, retaliation, religion which made for a sizzling read. She weaved multiple characters and their storylines toward a finale that left me stunned and wanting more. All I can say is nothing turned out how I imagined and there were a few "Oh, snap" moments in this soap opera. Great storytelling. And look at that cover. Can we say hot?

#5 Secret Places by Vivian Kay

Excellent writing. Vivian Kay should amazing skill when creating the characters. The plot line was so creative. She ventures into a topic that is so out there while weaving in God's redemptive plan. This book was so good I had to create my own event to talk about it.

#4 The Ultimate Betrayal by Kimberla Lawson Roby


The Ultimate Betrayal was the ultimate in writing craft. The dialogue between characters was one of the strongest elements in the novel. Kimberla is a master at dialogue that you can follow even without tags or beats. For me, there were so many life lessons to be learned from Alicia's story. Her battle was between her mind and heart. What she felt was expected versus her own desires. However, the breakout character was Melanie. Melanie battles something as an adult that we would expect to see in someone much younger. I felt her struggle scene by scene. The transformation of this character is glaring. Melanie is a living example of how crucial a role parents play in an individual's development. This wouldn't be a Reverend Curtis Black novel without the reverend appearing. One of the powerful sentiments he says, "there are so many times when we've done things that could have been prevented ... if only we'd kept our faith in God." Can I get an Amen?


#3 - The Favorite Son by Tiffany L. Warren

Tiffany L. Warren has crafted an edgy, meaningful Jacob-and-Esau cautionary tale with thought-provoking lessons and themes . The descriptive language brings the characters and scenes to vibrant life. Friends, all I can say is with all the drama going on, when God acts, He will leave you breathless. I imagine this will be a great discussion piece for many. I LOVED it.

#2 - Mama's Boy - ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Mama's Boy by ReShonda Tate Billingsley is one of the best books I've read this year. ReShonda creates characters with so many layers that you have to keep turning the pages to learn more about them. This was a remarkable journey of forgiveness and never say never. You never know what you would do until you're in a situation, so it's best not to judge. One of the most powerful lines I read was, "You can't help anyone face their demons, when you're helping justify their actions." How true that is.

#1 - Stand Your Ground - Victoria Christopher Murray

Victoria Christopher Murray is the mistress of first lines. From the very first sentence to the last I was drawn into the story of two women: Janice and Meredith. Two women from different worlds who share one thing in common: death. With artful descriptions, Victoria put me inside their hearts and minds. I did not just enjoy this read, I lived it. I lived every scene on BOTH sides! I finished it in hours. I had to. When I read the last line, I knew that I had been schooled. I had seen the impact of Stand Your Ground laws and I knew this book would stay with me, always. There is forgiveness, love, twists, turns but above all: Truth. Real. Insightful. Unadulterated and told without apology. A must read.

I had so so many to choose from but this pivotal MOMENT so eloquently described is my absolute favorite from Stand Your Ground.

"We weren’t friends. But we were something. We were two women. Two mothers. One with a son and one without. We were two people whose lives were forever linked and forever changed. We were Janice Johnson and Meredith Spencer. Forever hopelessly connected." Quoted with permission from Stand Your Ground.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Michelle Lindo-Rice's Book Releases of 2015

I can't believe 2015 is almost at an end. As we all look forward to 2016, I'd like to take a moment and share with you the books I released this year and some of my highest moments.

I won my first Award as an Author!
BWABC Literacy Rocks! Female Author of the Year 2015

I also put out some of my finest writing!

November 2015

A Piece of the Pie

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"This story of love and forgiveness was wonderfully written. Michelle is one of my favorite authors. You will not be disappointed with this read." LaCeasha Banks Turner

"While reading this book I had a roller coaster of emotions – I laughed, yelled, got mad, and jumped for joy. It was a few surprises throughout the book bit I held on for the ride and loved it." Queenie Clem


August 2015

My Soul Then Sings




"This book just changed my life. Thank you for writing it. I hope there is another one in you. I would love to see how everyone evolves." Wyniqua Brown

"Having read the first one I didn't think it could get any better. Man was I wrong, the suspense and the Jaw dropping it's clear to see why you have been nominated BWABC LIteracy award." Bridgette Murray


April 2015

Silent Praise


"This was my first book by Michelle Lindo-Rice and I loved it! This story grabbed a hold of me from the first page until the last. I laughed, I cried and I praised God for the incredibly well written and sincere storybook. The journey of all of the characters resonated with on me." Cafe au Lait Diva

"Readers you will find yourself wiping away tears when you are reminded weeping endures for a night but joy comes in the morning. There's so much more I could say, OMGoodness - the dance scenes!!! Hurry up fellow readers get your copy now and find out why Ms. Lindo-Rice is one of my favorites." Leslie Hudson



February 2015

The Fall of the Prodigal

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"The Fall of The Prodigal is a wonderful story about forgiveness and faith with a lot of twists and turns. I was glued to this book from page one. Michelle Lindo-Rice did a great job as she dealt with love, faith, forgiveness, mental illness, and the struggle in moving out of God's way to allow him to fix a situation." Miss Kay

"Michelle Lindo-Rice has a way of painting a picture with words that will draw you in and keep you captivated. Love, forgiveness, redemption, peace, hope...God's work revealed throughout the series." Dawn Marie Pitts

The Fall of the Prodigal is about family, secrets and lies but when God enters the fight there is no competition. This book had well-developed characters with a plot that has more twists and turns. It will keep readers on their toes while anticipating the characters next moves. This is by far my favorite book by this author. This book is entertaining, suspenseful with a clear Christian tone with a splash of drama. I definitely recommend this book to others." Teresa Beasley


I can't wait for 2016. My first book with Brown Girls Faith will be released Jan. 12th. 
Title: Tell Me Lies. 

Monday, December 21, 2015

Announcing the Third Book in the Bejeweled Series: A Beautiful Blend

Welcome Chelle Ramsey!


BOOK BLURB:
BEJEWELED: A BEAUTIFUL BLEND
Olivia believes she can have it all.  A successful business and a loving husband. But his ex-wife is not ready to walk away, and continues to threaten any chance he and Olivia might have at happiness. When Olivia discovers she’s being stalked, secrets her mother took to the grave come creeping out.
The baby Nikki and Carlos have been planning is finally on the way. One problem…the paternity is at question, and Carlos is in the dark. To protect her secrets, Nikki’s ready to sever ties to both men that hold the key to her heart. But one half of her heart won’t let go, and the other half is willing to fight until the end. The birth of her child may lead to the death of her marriage.
One test has the power to determine the truth. One test will change their lives forever.
Deception will bring separation, and destiny will mend two broken hearts. And in the end, everyone must work together to create a beautiful blend.


EXCERPT 
Carlos pulled her tight in his arms that night and kissed her down her neck and back. She lay in bed pretending to be asleep. How did she find herself in this mess? She loved her husband, but longed to be with another man. Because the other man knew how to appreciate her and make her feel desired.
Beyond that she was too much of a coward to tell Carlos the truth. She knew that he would be hurt and angry. She didn’t want to face his rage.
“Nikki,” he called out to her shaking her arm. When she didn’t move, he shook her again. “Nikki, baby,” he called once again.
She knew he wouldn’t stop until she woke up. “Hmm?”
“Come here,” he said, turning her around to face him. Carlos untied the ribbon on her night gown releasing her breasts. His calloused fingers roughly caressed her full breasts. They had grown so big and round since she had become pregnant. He lowered his lips to one of her puckered nipples and took it in his mouth. Nikki felt her body responding to her husband’s touch and his mouth.
Carlos pulled away and looked into her face. “I love you, Nikki. I’m gonna take good care of you now and after this baby come. But baby, don’t keep pushing me away. Please, baby, I’m trying,” he said.
The lovemaking she shared with her husband that night was filled with passion fueled by guilt.
When Nikki awoke the next morning, Carlos had already left for work. She called her mother.

Amazon Short Link: bit.ly/THOBJ3 



  
ABOUT CHELLE RAMSEY:
An original Georgia Peach, Chelle Ramsey is a fiction author, writing stories to encourage, empower, entertain and strengthen readers. 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. She wants her readers (women and men) to become empowered to rise above adversity, with faith in God, and belief in themselves.
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 relishes trying to solve the engaging mysteries of James Patterson and Stuart Woods, while eating a bowl of her favorite butter pecan ice cream. Chelle resides in a rural community of Atlanta, GA and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games with her husband.

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

PURCHASE BOOKS:
PAPERBACKS: (HOBJ1) https://www.createspace.com/4706061; (HOBJII) https://www.createspace.com/5546573and (HOBJ111) 



Friday, December 4, 2015

New Release: ANCHORED BY LOVE!

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 Publisher: KevStel Group LLC (December 4, 2015)
 Author: Unoma Nwankwor Publication
Date: December 4, 2015 ASIN: B0175FT2EC

  anchored-by-love
About The Book
When Jabir Danjuma met Damisi Odinga years ago, it wasn’t necessarily love at first sight. However, their attraction can’t be denied. Just as he begins to feel the forbidden emotion, Damisi breaks up with him and moves half way across the world. Now, Damisi has a request that only Jabir could fulfill. Their encounter sets off a series of events that leave them both with fresh pain and hurt. They vow never to see each other again, but fate has a different idea. Will they stick it out long enough for the Potter to perfect their scars and pain for His purpose or will distance and time steal the day. photo
About The Author
Unoma Nwankwor is a romantic at heart. Born in Akron, Ohio to Nigerian parents. She spent her childhood and early adulthood years in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. She is the COO of KevStel Group LLC, a faith based Entertainment Company aimed at providing uplifting and life changing entertainment through its movies and books. Unoma is also the published author of An Unexpected Blessing (2013) , The Christmas Ultimatum(2013), When You Let Go (May,2014), A Scoop of Love (Jan,2015) and Anchored By Love (Dec, 2015). She has numerous published flash fiction and short stories. Her work has appeared in Africa Book Club, USA Today HEA blog and the Kenyan Ezine ;Wamathai and well as numerous radio shows and blogs. She is currently working on her next novel The Final Ultimatum. Her readers are in love with her unique way of telling stories that capture the essence of her present home base; Atlanta Georgia and her Nigerian culture. Her stories which center on forgiveness, faith and hope have been described as a fusion of faith, romance and African spice. After all, “and now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” ~1 Corinthians 13:13 Unoma resides in Atlanta Georgia with her husband and two kids.
Excerpt
“So I guess you’re my knight in shining armor coming to rescue the damsel in distress…” The tone of her voice was not lost on him. There was an edge in it he didn’t like. She continued, “How many of us have there been over the years?” “What?” He stared down at her. She sat up straight and scooted away from him. She stared at him. “How many of us have there been? Six years…let’s see…yeah, I remember the three-month rule, so what is that, twenty-four?” “You want to do this? Now?” His forehead creased in confusion. What had he said? How could she go from sweet one minute to this the next? “We might as well. All this pretending we’re all good is making my stomach sick.” He sighed. He wasn’t going to take the bait. Besides, she really didn’t want the answer. She just wanted to find a way to not let him into her heart. “Answer me. How many?” “No.” “No?” “N-O. No.”

Social Links:
 Website: http://www.unomanwankwor.com
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UNwankworAuthor
 Twitter: https://twitter.com/unwankwor
 Purchase Links:
 Amazon Link: http://amzn.com/B0175FT2EC
 Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/anchored-by-love   T
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Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Meet Sydney Richardson, Attorney At Law

Sydney Speaks


I’ve always preferred dark chocolate. Its rich texture on my tongue leaves me panting for more.  Even now, if I close my eyes, I can savor the sweet goodness of such a fine treat.

I like my men like I do my chocolate. Dark. And Fine. So when I met Dr. Lance Forbes, I salivated. I couldn’t wait for him to be mine, under the sanctity of marriage of course.

But, all Lance did was Tell Me Lies. I never knew so much dishonesty could come from such full lips and an even finer mouth. But lie he did.

Now, if it’s one thing I can’t abide, it’s dishonesty. Believe it or not, there can be an honest lawyer. I should know because I am one. And, I’m good at it. Actually, I seem to be good at everything I do, except finding the right man.

However, when I met Noah Charleston, everything changed. The first time I laid eyes on him, I wanted to run my fingers through his thick, black hair. And, those blue eyes of his blinded me like the waters of the Caribbean.
Yes. I said blue eyes.
Yes. Noah is white.
Who knew?
But, as I like to say, saying never is for punks and weaklings. Well, actually, I stole that line from my best friend, Belinda Santiago. Truthfully, she pushed me to go out with Noah. And, I’m so glad she did.
Noah is everything I imagined and more. His kisses have me so hot only prayer can cool me down. And, I’m praying. I’m praying he’s the one because when I tell you I’m ready. I’m ready. I’m chasing my heart and telling it to slow down, but it’s set on Noah. I’m not too worried, though, because Noah’s perfect. He would never tell me lies, and that’s nothing but the truth.

About the Book

The Lawyer, the Preacher, and the Past that could Destroy Them 


 When Sydney Richardson met Pastor Noah Charleston, it was practically love at first sight. Sydney battles so much deception in her personal life and on her job, she is glad for a perfect man she can depend on. But her Prince Charming has some scars in his past. What will she do when she finds Noah's past life come to light?
Pastor Noah Charleston has come a long way since his troubled youth. A respected man-of-God, Noah’s past emerges in the form of blackmail and threats. Noah’s not sure how Sydney will reach when she learns about his past.  Will Noah take a chance on the truth before it’s too late?
Release Date: January 12, 2016  Order Your Copy

Monday, November 30, 2015

Welcome Colette Harell!

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Book Title: Tell The Truth; The Devil Won't Genre: Christian Fiction Paperback: 288 pages Publisher: Urban Christian (October 27, 2015) ISBN-10: 1622868196 ISBN-13: 978-1622868193 Publication Date: October 27, 2015 Author: Colette Harrell 

  About The Book
tell_the_truth_the_devil_wont_amazon_book_cover 
 From the author of The Devil Made Me Do It The full-figured Esther Redding doesn’t realize it, but she desperately needs a change. Her Cinderella tiara is tarnished, and her glass slippers cracked. No longer any one’s knight in shining armor, Briggs Stokes always had a soft spot for Esther. She was in his blood, and he didn’t want a transfusion. When he returns to Detroit, he decides that nothing will keep him from her door. Well, nothing . . . but the once reformed bad girl, Monica Stokes Hawthorne, Briggs’s ex, who wants to be his—give me one more chance, again—wife. The resulting tug-of-war that ensues may be the catalyst that destroys the person they both love the most. More than one household is upset when the prison doors swing open and a “rehabilitated” Roger, Esther’s ex, returns home. Following Roger is a sinister force so malicious that no one in their community will be left untouched. When truth is held hostage by lies, mayhem ensues. And when it does, the lives of Esther, Briggs, Monica, and Roger are forever changed. Don’t blink—pray—these shenanigans are too shocking to miss . . . The second stand-alone book in the Heaven over Hell trilogy.  

About The Author
colette_website_picture_cropped_is_on_author_page 
 Colette R. Harrell, Christian Fiction Author Colette Harrell, wants you to know that she’s like you, God’s chosen vessel. She has come to be a gift, to be an encourager and a light that reflects God’s goodness. She’s a wife, mother, author and playwright. A Detroit native, she currently calls Ohio home. She holds a master’s and is a Director of Social Services. Writing with humor and compassion to engage and minister to the human heart. Her motto is: whatever you do, do it “for love alone.” Her newest novel, Devil Get Behind Me! Will thrill this January 2016. It is filled with wisdom and humor. This adventourous love story goes where Ms. Harrell loves to tread, down an unbeaten path. No millionaires rescuing damsels in distress—although she enjoys these reads herself—but real people, falling and getting back up. The Devil Made Me Do It was her debut novel. It was Nominated for First Fiction for the Phyllis Wheatley Book Award. It has been held as one of Black Pearl Magazine’s, top ten Christian fiction books for 2014. And, Read Between The Lines radio show, named it as one of its overall top ten books for 2014. Her sophomore novel, Tell The Truth, The Devil Won’t will cement her as an author to watch.

Excerpt
Chapter One
It was dead cold. The air crackled with the sound of ice-covered tree branches crashing onto cement sidewalks; it was an unnatural arctic day, even for Harlem. There were motorists stranded on every major highway as an epic ice storm settled over the length of New York City. And while the air over those highways was filled with road rage, explicit language, and hunger pains, the contrasting hush of the opulent brownstones on 132nd Street was shattered by an eerie scream that filled the bitter air.
Monica Hawthorne, the ex-Mrs. Briggs Stokes, stood shaking uncontrollably. Her beloved, risked-everything she-had-to-have-him husband of one month, Randall, lay in a pool of blood on their imported Brazilian cherry kitchen floor. If Randall could, he would have stood up and told her for the tenth time that ten thousand dollars for a floor was too much, and just because she could buy it didn’t mean she had to. But Randall couldn’t utter a word. She watched horrified as his blood seeped into the natural grooves of the wood, giving credence to the fact that maybe the cost was too much.
Monica blinked, but he wasn’t getting up or giving her advice about her newly acquired wealth, because standing over him was his newly divorced wife, the ex-Mrs. Meredith Hawthorne. This She-Spawn-from-the-Pits, with her six hundred-dollar hairdo mussed, her designer clothes askew, and her chest heaving in spastic breaths, clutched the knife that once protruded from Randall’s chest. Words of explanation weren’t necessary; the vivid picture painted its own morbid story.
Monica was spellbound. She was in her own home. The ordeal of leaving one husband to claim another’s was behind her. The guilt had been laid aside. The shame stamped down, at least temporarily. It was Randall and her against the world. But it had all just changed drastically.
Snapping to, Monica shrieked, “Oh sweet Jesus! What have you done? You crazy—!”
Her cries were halted by the demented gleam in the ex-Mrs. Hawthorne’s eyes. The maniac’s focus switched from Randall to her, then back to Randall. Mrs. Hawthorne had gone mad, crazy, bonkers, craycray.
Monica’s head hurt at the thought that she was still addressing this woman by what was rightfully her new name. It bore psychological study that she could only think of the witch as Mrs. Hawthorne. For over three years the woman had railed it at her, negating Monica’s right to ever wear the title. She’d stood in haughty arrogance and promised in divorce court that she would never relinquish it. At the time, Monica didn’t care; she felt Mrs. Hawthorne could keep the last name, as long as she had the man. Now she felt she had been short-sighted. If in the middle of a bloody rampage, she thought of her that way, then who was she?
The murderous interloper looked on in glee as blood bubbled out of Randall’s mouth. Monica observed her spiteful approval as Randall’s hand feebly stretched over his wound, but failed in mustering the strength to staunch the flow of his river of life. His eyelids fluttered—pausing, fighting to focus as he scanned beyond Mrs. Hawthorne’s face. His eyes settled on Monica’s outstretched hands.
“Randall,” Monica whispered. She swayed in agony.
Time was grinding to a stop, like an old-fashioned watch discarded in a moth-eaten hope chest, it would soon end, and Randall would be done. She needed a way to get close to him, but Mrs. Hawthorne stood as she had for the last three years, directly in her path.
Always . . . in my way.
Rage bubbled into a go-for-broke moment. Monica launched forward and charged Mrs. Hawthorne with a Joan of Arc warrior’s roar. The sound of the impact and responding grunt was dulled by the body that crumpled to the floor. Monica gambled . . . and lost. Her body fell inches from Randall’s.
Her hands bloodied, Mrs. Hawthorne rocked in despair. She had meant to take her time with the slut, but her offensive attack had taken her by surprise.
Then . . . Monica moved. What she was witnessing had
Mrs. Hawthorne’s keening wail ricochet throughout the spacious brownstone. She glowered in anguish, howling as Monica’s fingers inched toward Randall’s, and they entwined even in their near-death status.
She watched in ghoulish repulsion as the almost loving tableau played out before her. Her eyebrows arched as she made out Monica’s pleading words, “Jesus, help us.”
A rattle of air descended from Randall . . . and then stillness.
In slow motion, Mrs. Hawthorne turned in robotic movements away from the scene. Her steps faltered when she heard Monica’s fading voice, “Father, why hast thou forsaken me?”
The prophetic words washed over her as she stood in cold resolution. Shaking it off, she strutted away from the two people who had humiliated her in public and had caused her heart to bleed dry for three unbearable years.
Randall had won his freedom, imprisoning her in her own madness in the process.
She had sworn to Randall’s dying mother, there would be no divorce. Tears gathered at the end of her hawkish nose, dribbling onto her twice-a-week, spa-waxed upper lip, then streamed down her cosmetic-tightened neck.
She was Mrs. Meredith Hawthorne, of the Hawthornes, and failure was foreign to her. In agony, she backtracked, and stumbled, tumbling over the bodies. Blindly, Meredith wiped her eyes, reared back, and spit in Monica’s face. Still feeling empty and unfulfilled, she stared, craving the ability to wake Monica and kill her again.
Rising, she noted Randall’s discarded, prized Civil War-era, matching pearl- and jewel-handled knives. She blew a kiss at him, and left the knives there. It was only fitting Randall have ownership of what he demanded in the divorce decree. What better way to deliver his bounty, then to use it as the method of obliteration for both he and his tramp?
Mrs. Hawthorne reached into her purse and pulled out her derringer. Acting as a lover whose desire is close to fulfillment, she caressed it. Her insides churning, she panted, taking one last glance at the co-conspirators to her destruction. She could answer Monica’s final question. God had forsaken Monica because she was a Delilah home wrecker. What Mrs. Hawthorne wanted to know, was why He had forsaken her.
She lay the letters for her children—who never called—on the solid mahogany credenza, then her purse. All she’d had was the facade of a happy life. She’d paid for it in an avalanche of tears as she played dumb blonde to Randall’s neglect and numerous indiscretions over the years, anything to keep him home. And how had he repaid her? By falling for a nasty, ashy-prone, ghetto rat. The slut’s resulting pregnancy, and his request for a divorce, “so he could be happy” was the Joker’s wild card. How many wrongs was she expected to endure?
She looked around and hiccupped laughter—a great-granddaughter of the confederacy ending up in a brownstone in Harlem? Well, rise up every long-buried plantation owner and move over. I’m coming in, and from this gaudy, overpriced slum.
In the middle of her cynical chuckle, she bit her lip. She was stalling and knew it. The gun shook in her hands as she placed the barrel to her temple; lips pressed together, she focused on the brightness of the moon, brilliant against the frigid dark sky. The trigger was pulled, and the gun clattered to the ground. Once again blood seeped into the Brazilian cherry hardwood floor.
It should now have been quiet in the apartment. Instead, after the booming sound of the gunshot, you could hear through the intercom three things: the startled cries of a newborn, a phone ringing, and a feeble whimper.

The air was clear and sweet with the aroma of citrus floral and the essence of myrrh. Large winged inhabitants fluttered about on missions of supreme purpose. Above, two hovered in midflight, one apparently holding the other from takeoff.
“Why do you hold me, Zadkiel? I must go. Did you not hear Monica scream? I am hers, and she is mine. Monica thinks that God has forsaken her. I am here,” he bemoaned. What the guardian saw split him in two. He could not linger.
Zadkiel pulled the guardian angel back, his wings clutched, and held him firm through the struggle. “Stand down. She cries out in fear, not faith. We are not charged to react to tears, but we are rewarders of faith. What is occurring is heartbreaking, but you have not been given leave to interfere.”
The guardian wanted to push at Zadkiel’s wings, but that would have been disrespectful. “Oh, why do the humans act this way? Must they torment and cause such pain to each other? They have left a child and though Monica has not been innocent for many years, her screams of pain bring too many hurtful emotions to the forefront. How can you float above it all?”
“I am not above anything, but we must be obedient to our Lord of Hosts. He has not given us permission to intervene; a greater good must be coming.” Zadkiel then telepathically shared with him how he kept the sounds of Randall’s and Monica’s pain in the background of his thoughts. “I am empathetic to your feelings. I have learned that our God knows all and His will is the only way. He did not create this mess, but He will make a way out for the innocent babe. Go sing a song of praise. It will ease your soul.”
Large expansive wings flapped in decisive strokes as a voice of power and beauty soared over majestic heads. As other voices joined in song, the angelic choir trumpeted the holiness and sovereignty of God. Contrary to the chaos, He continued to reign.
In another realm, the gates of hell rattled in anticipation of the eventual capture and consumption of the new souls. It was a two-course meal: adulterer and murderer, their favorites.

Connect Socially 
Website: http://www.writespirit.org/ColetteHarrell/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Colette.R.Harrell
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ColetteRHarrell

Purchase Links
 Amazon: http://amzn.com/1622868196 Barnes & Nobles: http://bit.ly/1XbNJZh