What? She's a Christian and She Writes That?? #Romance #Writing #BookJunkie #Contemporaryromance

For many years, I've struggled to reconcile the type of romance I write with my Christianity. I love romance and I love writing romance. There's something so utterly special about falling in love that deserves to be celebrated. 

Yes, I could write Christian romance, but I prefer spicy reads. Since it's becoming more difficult to find clean, spicy romance novels, I tend to write those. My characters don't use profanity, and most certainly never blasphemies. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to be preachy, and I have nothing against people who use such language. God gave us free will and allows us to use it to our hearts' content. 

When I first started my writing adventure--several years ago, I found that Harlequin Mills & Boon romances were a guaranteed fun read. All the romance and heat, and no profanity, which is why, for many years, I focused my writing toward the Harlequin Mills & Boon market. As a result, I began writing sexy love scenes in order to fit, first the Harlequin Mills & Boon Presents line, then Modern Tempted (KISS), and finally their Blaze line. 

If you've ever read these novels, you'll know the bedroom door stays wide, wide open. You may think that as a Christian I shouldn't be writing explicit love scenes, and I'm well aware that they're sweet romance lines out there, but here is my problem. What is the point of writing novels for a sweet romance line because the books avoid depicting fully recognized love scenes, but some have absolutely no problem with using the Lord's name in vain? 

I'd rather write hot love scenes than to ever use the Lord's name as a curse word! 

And here is my other reason. I'm not the only Christian woman who enjoys spicy novels. I know of quite a few who secretly read books far, far more a-hem...erotically explicit! I feel like it's my duty to present an alternative for the sake of Christian women everywhere who enjoy spicy romance. I only have to view the number of negative reviews on some books to see that there's a market for my books. Many readers complain about the volume of profanity in the books out there, yet they buy them all the same, which shows they want the spicy reads but not the profanity.

Yes, it is true that we live in the age of profanity, but not all of us enjoy reading or hearing it. I, for one, find it highly distasteful. I'm a firm believer that the use of profanity is a sign of limited vocabulary. You may not agree since we're in modern times, writing for modern tastes. Call me old-fashioned but I don't want to read or write anything that makes me uncomfortable. And, like I said, I'm not the only one. 

So there you have it. The reason I write spicy romance is because I like them. And did I mention that sex is in the Bible? When you read passages like: and he went into her, or unto her...what do you suppose that means? As a Bible believing Christian I believe I can follow wherever the Bible leads.

If I had to pinpoint my audience, I'd say it's readers who enjoy sweet and spicy romantic comedy. Readers who love to laugh, who enjoy tasteful, explicit love scenes. Readers who love spice without the bitter aftertaste.

If you’re a Christian woman who likes your romance heartwarming, yet sexy. If you enjoy potent chemistry, humor and sizzling heat. Try a Monique DeVere romance. 

And if you're not a Christian but you enjoy this type of romance, I'd be thrilled if you give my stories a try, too. 

Dish The Pie With Monique & Guest Nina Croft: Lemon Meringue Pie and His Fantasy Bride @entangledpub #ContemporaryRomance #EntangledBrazen

Dish The Pie with Monique & Nina Croft!

It's been a while, but I have another fabulous Dish The Pie guest for you. Please help me welcome my good friend Nina Croft!

Nina writes for Entangled Brazen, and today she's dishing the pie on His Fantasy Bride, book 3 in her Things To Do Before You Die series. And sharing her favourite pie recipe with us.

Nina, welcome! So happy to have you hang with me . The first question I always ask my guests is...

Do you like desserts? What is your favourite and would you share the recipe with us?

Nina: Actually, I’m not a huge dessert fan. I’m more of a savoury person, which is probably just as well as I already spend half my life on a diet. But I do tend to make desserts if we’re having people around for dinner and my favourite at the moment is lemon meringue pie. I love the contrast of the sweet and the sour and the different textures, crisp pastry (well, it’s supposed to be crisp though mine sometimes turns a little soggy) gooey lemon, soft melty meringue. Hmmm – might have to go make one….

Monique: Gasp! Not a huge dessert fan? How do you function? Lemon meringue pie...Yumbo, I'd love a slice. How about giving us your recipe?

Recipe for Lemon Meringue Pie

Lemon Meringue Pie

For the pastry

• 175g plain flour
• 100g cold butter, cut in small pieces
• 1 tbsp icing sugar
• 1 egg yolk

For the filling

• 2 level tbsp cornflour
• 100g golden caster sugar
• finely grated zest 2 large lemon
• 125ml fresh lemon juice (from 2-3 lemons)
• juice 1 small orange
• 85g butter, cut into pieces
• 3 egg yolks and a 1 whole egg

For the meringue

• 4 egg white, room temperature
• 200g golden caster sugar
• 2 level tsp cornflour

1. For the pastry, put the flour, butter, icing sugar, egg yolk (save the white for the meringue) and 1 tbsp cold water into a food processor. Using the pulse button so the mix is not overworked, process until the mix starts to bind. Tip the pastry onto a lightly floured surface, gather together until smooth, then roll out and line a 23 x 2.5cm loose-bottom fluted flan tin. Trim and neaten the edges. Press pastry into flutes. The pastry is quite rich, so don’t worry if it cracks, just press it back together. Prick the base with a fork, line with foil, shiny side down, and chill for 1⁄2-1 hour (or overnight).

2. Put a baking sheet in the oven and heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Bake the pastry case ‘blind’ (filled with dry beans) for 15 mins, then remove the foil and bake a further 5-8 mins until the pastry is pale golden and cooked. Set aside. (Can be done a day ahead if you want to get ahead.) Lower the oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4.

3. While the pastry bakes, prepare the filling: mix the cornflour, sugar and lemon zest in a medium saucepan. Strain and stir in the lemon juice gradually. Make orange juice up to 200ml/7fl oz with water and strain into the pan. Cook over a medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and smooth. Once the mixture bubbles, remove from the heat and beat in the butter until melted. Beat the egg yolks (save white for meringue) and whole egg together, stir into the pan and return to a medium heat. Keep stirring vigorously for a few minutes, until the mixture thickens and plops from the spoon. (It will bubble, but doesn’t curdle.) Take off the heat and set aside while you make the meringue.


4. Put the egg whites in a large bowl. Whisk to soft peaks, then add half the sugar a spoonful at a time, whisking between each addition without overbeating. Whisk in the cornflour, then add the rest of the sugar as before until smooth and thick. Quickly reheat the filling and pour it into the pastry case. Immediately put spoonfuls of meringue around the edge of the filling (if you start in the middle the meringue may sink), then spread so it just touches the pastry (this will anchor it and help stop it sliding). Pile the rest into the centre, spreading so it touches the surface of the hot filling (and starts to cook), then give it all a swirl. Return to the oven for 18-20 mins until the meringue is crisp and slightly coloured. Let the pie sit in the tin for 30 mins, then remove and leave for at least another 1⁄2-1 hr before slicing. Eat the same day.

Created by Crystal Swan for Dish The Pie With Monique

Monique: Have you ever eaten pie for breakfast? If so, what was it?

Nina:  Often. Usually the night after we’ve had people for dinner. And the last one was guess what…. lemon meringue pie.

Monique: What’s your favourite food?

Nina: Cheese! All sorts of cheese, though I’m particularly fond on stilton and really mature cheddar and melty camembert and dolcelatte and… I also like food with cheese on it – I absolutely love pizza, especially four cheese pizza.

Monique: Okay, I'm jealous. I love cheesy foods, but I can't have them because I'm allergic to cheese. What do you love most about life?

Nina: I think, the ability to be able to appreciate what I have and not take things for granted. I have a fabulous husband and I live in a beautiful place, surrounded by animals, and I get to write every day. It’s the life I always dreamed of, but it still strikes me frequently, just how lucky I am. And I’ll sit back (often under a fig tree with a glass of wine in my hand) and just stare at the beauty around me.

Monique: Awww. Living a life of thanksgiving makes all the difference. Your life sounds bliss! When was the last time you cried?

Nina: Yesterday. I saw on Facebook that a friend’s dog, Jessie, had died. She was a friend when we first moved out here to Spain (she now lives in Florida) and we both got dogs around the same time, and we used to walk them together. Mine, Lola, died last year, and it was heart-breaking, like the end of an era. Learning Jessie had died as well just brought it all back.

Monique: Sorry though I'm sure Jessie and Lola are reunited, and Lola is having a wonderful time showing Jessie around their new home. Are you married? How did you meet your husband? How did he propose? How long have you been together?

Nina: Yes, I’m married, to a wonderful guy called Rob. We met when I was nineteen and just going into my second year at university. I was on a field trip in the wilds of Essex, studying voles and things, and Rob worked at the field station. I was so drunk that whole week (a total character aberration – I usually hardly drink at all – honest) and we sort of got together at the party the final night. We’ve been together for over thirty years and married for twenty-five this year. And do you want to know something really bad…I can’t remember how he proposed.  That’s awful! But marriage was never a big deal to me, just being together is what’s important.

Monique: Awww... Okay, now please tell us about your new release.

His Fantasy Bride

Things To Do Before You Die #3

by

Nina Croft

Entangled Publishing

All Rights Reserved

I can’t marry you. You don’t love me.

Two sentences, that’s all Gabrielle Harper left Vito D’Ascensio when she vanished the night before their wedding. If he wants his bride back, he’s going to have to hunt her down and prove his love. But when he searches for Gabrielle, he finds Gabby instead; it seems his perfect bride is nothing but a fantasy. 


After six months, Gabby presumes it’s over, an episode in her life she’s totally ashamed of. But now Vito is back. He’s the one man she can never have, but as desire explodes between them, she has a tough time remembering why they shouldn’t be together. Oh, right, her family hates him, and he’s done terrible things. Or has he? But it doesn’t matter. When he finds out the truth about who she really is…he’ll never want to see her again.

“I think the sex has muddled your mind.”

Vito caught her gaze and held it. “Then no more sex until this is resolved.”

Her brows drew together. “It’s not resolved?”

“Not by a long way.” He reached across and took her hand. The move caught her by surprise, and she didn’t pull back. The stroke of his long fingers over her palm sent shivers up her arm. “I believe my Gabrielle is under there somewhere.”

Oh, no, she’s not.

“I believe you’ve built me up into some sort of paragon that you can’t live up to, but that’s not who I am.”

Want to bet?

“I think you should give me a chance to prove to you that I’m just an ordinary man.”

Hah! Of course you are. Not.

“Just give me some time. It’s all I’m asking. Let me show you the real me. Sicily was time out for both of us. Let’s see how we get along in real life. Just a few weeks.”

When she remained silent, he raised her hand to his mouth and kissed her palm, and she tingled everywhere.

“Please.”

Oh God, how the hell am I supposed to say no when he asks so nicely? Not fair.

She was weak willed as well as pathetic. Somehow she couldn’t bring herself to deny him. She’d actually hurt him when she’d run. When he hadn’t come after her she’d presumed his feeling were shallow, but maybe he’d felt too much.

“Gabby, say something.”

What?

She was so tempted to give him his few weeks. But it would be wrong. If she was a decent person, she would make a clean break now. Just get it over with and tell him the truth. He’d hate her. But he’d hate her even more if she strung him along, pretended there was a chance for them, until the truth came out—as was inevitable. There were no words bad enough for what she’d done.

On the other hand, there was a chance—probably quite a big chance, huge in fact, considering her personality—that he’d spend time with her and come to the conclusion, all on his own, that they were totally unsuited for each other.

And he’d walk away. She wouldn’t need to tell him anything.

God, she was a coward.

But it would be better for him as well as her. She was doing him a favor.

Self-delusion at its best.

She took a huge, deep breath. “Okay.”

After all, how long would it take him to realize that Gabrielle just didn’t exist? Then he could move on. Yeah, she was doing this for him, to atone a little for her sins. Totally for him.

And now who’s the liar?

But he was right about one thing—sex did cloud the issue.

“But no sex.”

  AmazonUS | AmazonUK | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | ibooks

Nina Croft grew up in the north of England. After training as an accountant, she spent four years working as a volunteer in Zambia, which left her with a love of the sun and a dislike of nine-to-five work. She then spent a number of years mixing travel (whenever possible) with work (whenever necessary) but has now settled down to a life of writing and picking almonds on a remote farm in the mountains of southern Spain.

Nina writes all types of romance, often mixed with elements of the paranormal and science fiction.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Newsletter | 

ETHAN'S TEMPORARY FLING Is Now On Sale For #99cents #Romance

💘💘💘 ETHAN'S TEMPORARY FLING 💘💘💘 is now on sale for 99ȼ 

Get Your Copy Before The Price Goes Back Up❗

from: Amazon | Smashwords | 

Ethan's Temporary Fling

Copyright © Monique DeVere 2014

Crystal Swan Publications

All Rights Reserved

Ethan Stone—he of the title Sexiest Eye Candy To Lust After—towered outside her door. He was tall, far taller than she imagined from his magazine photo. At five-foot-eight—eleven in heels—she looked most men in the eye, but to do the same with Ethan Stone she had to tip her chin six inches.

She must have conjured some kind of freaky fantasy after snagging her own copy of the gossip magazine. Because there was no way Ethan Stone would be standing outside her door at eight-o-five at night in a dinner suit holding a single white rose as he unleashed that incredible smile. Karis glanced behind her to where she’d left the magazine, then back at him.

“Karis Van de Burke?” His deep intonation did something strange to her solar plexus. Made it quiver.

“Darling? Are you still there?” Her mum’s voice was an unwelcome intrusion.

“I’ll call you back, Mum.” 

| Amazon | Smashwords | 

Dish The Pie With Monique & Guest Pamela S. Thibodeaux: Banana Pudding & Tempered Joy #ChristianRomance #CowboyRomance

Dish The Pie With Monique & Pamela S. Thibodeaux 

My Dish The Pie guest today is Pamela S. Thibodeaux, author of Inspirational romance with Edge. Her Christian novels are a little more steamy and grittier than the typical Christian novel, but manages to deliver just as powerful a message. Please help me to welcome Pamela to Dish The Pie.

Pamela, before we talk about your latest novel, Tempered Joy, I need to know...

Do you like desserts? What is your favourite and would you share the recipe with us?

Pamela: Absolutely! Dessert is my favourite part of any meal LOL! One (yeah I have many) of my favourite desserts is Banana Pudding. That just happens to be the favourite of Ace Harris, hero of Tempered Joy, too.

Monique: I'm looking forward to your take on this yummy dessert! How about giving us the recipe?

Recipe for Banana Pudding

Photo: Pamela S. Thibodeaux

1 large box Instant Vanilla (or banana) pudding mix (2 for 13x9 pan)

1 can Eagles Brand Condensed Milk

1 bag (or box) of Vanilla wafers 
1-3 Bananas 

1 tub of Cool Whip or can of Ready Whip.

Mix ingredients adding milk to thin mixture to desired consistency.

Place a layer of vanilla wafers on bottom of pan or dish, slice a banana on top, cover with pudding mixture then whipped cream. Continue layering ingredients until all gone. Garnish final layer of whipped cream with crushed (or not) vanilla wafers.


Monique: Have you ever eaten pie for breakfast, Pamela? If so, what was it?

Pamela: Oh I’m most sure I have…apple and pecan come to mind but there may be others.

Monique: A girl after my heart! Yumbo! Which movie is your all-time favourite? The one you watch so often you know every line?

Pamela: Can’t pick just one because there are two. Pretty Woman and A Few Good Men are my all-time favorite movies. Sounds crazy right, because they are on opposite ends of the movie spectrum, but I watch both every chance I get. 

Monique: I'm sure under close examination both those movies have something in common. Which season (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter) is your favourite and why?

Pamela: Summer…definitely! I’ve never been a fan of Winter (although I am working on my attitude about it, LOL). I’ve often said I have bear blood in me because when it gets cold outside, I want to stay in and hibernate. 

Monique: As a fellow summer girl, I know exactly how you feel! What’s your favourite food?

Pamela: Bread in its every form…cookies, cake, pies, white,

Created by Crystal Swan for Dish The Pie With Monique

wheat, crackers, croutons, muffins….cutting bread out of my diet is sheer torture! One year during Lent I prayed about what to give up and kept getting ‘bread’. I was like… “Surely that’s not right, huh Lord?” Then I opened my prayer journal and the daily Scripture was: “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Couldn’t be any clearer, right?

Monique: LOL. I love it. Where would you be more at home? The countryside, suburbia, or the city? 

Pamela: Oh definitely the countryside. I used to say I’d love to have 20 acres of woods with the center 5 cleared away for my home. That’s reduced to 2-5 now but I love having some distance between me and my neighbor and more nature around me than what one normally finds in a city.

Monique: Sounds like a wonderful place to write lots of books, Pamela. So tell us about your new release.

Tempered Joy

by

Pamela S. Thibodeaux

All around rodeo cowboy and heir to the Rockin’ H Ranch, Ace Harris is determined not to fall in love.  He’s only loved one woman in his life, his mother, and no one can even come close to filling her boots. Lexie Morgan thinks rodeo cowboys have rocks for brains and a death wish for a soul.  A broken childhood and the death of her father and best friend leave her doubting and questioning God (despite her years of religious upbringing) and afraid of love. Can two young people who clash from the onset learn to trust in the healing power of God and find love and happiness amidst tragedy and grief?  

Ace walked into the kitchen door and asked, “What’s for supper?” 

He eyed her, a curious lift to his brow. There was something different about her, a glow and an inner radiance that drew him like a moth to a flame. His breath caught in an audible hiss, body tightened with need. He took a deliberate step back from her, all too aware of her presence.

“Pizza, green salad and,” she opened the refrigerator door for him to look inside.

“Banana pudding,” he breathed. “Oh, man, it’s been ages since we had that.”

She laughed, pleased at his reaction and glad Amber had told her that banana pudding was his favorite desert. “All made from scratch,” she informed him. “Don’t you dare,” she warned and slapped his hand away when he attempted to swipe a taste.

Though his mouth watered with want, Ace backed away from the refrigerator.

Kindle | Amazon Print | Nook | B&N Print | Smashwords |

 

Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.” 

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Amazon Author Page | 

#FreeKindleBooks PARTY FOR TWO Is #FREE Until Monday! #FreeReads #LoveToRead #amreading #iLoveBooks #BookBuzz

Party For Two is FREE until Monday!

Go grab your copy from Amazon!


"If you love your romance with a dose of humor, this is the book for you. Monique DeVere is a master at tugging at your heartstrings and your funny bone, all at the same time. Highly recommend!"

XOXO

"Well developed characters combined with a clever plot kept my attention." 

XOXO

"I took turns laughing at the antics and wanting to put the characters in timeout."

XOXO

"This was a fun read." 

XOXO

"I liked that the relationship between Dani and Casey wasn't just sexual."

XOXO

Her sexy weekend fling.

Ex-lawyer turned pregnancy model Danielle Hampton has one simple rule; never date an attorney, even if he’s so deliciously hot she’s nicknamed him His Hotness Esquire. When her father asks her to strap on her silicone bump and pretend to be Casey Lowe’s pregnant fiancée in order to pull her family’s law firm out of trouble, her first answer is a resounding no! But she owes Casey for wrecking his pool.

Civil Rights Attorney Casey Lowe lives by a code of practice: never date his boss’s daughter, but he’ll do just about anything to make partner at the top law firm—even if it means violating his personal code. He hasn’t bargained on the fierce desire that burns hotter than the Mojave Desert and combusts every time he gets his boss’s daughter alone. She may drive him to distraction and melt in his arms, but will this party girl hang around long enough for him to convince her that all the best parties… are for two?

Party For Two

Copyright © Monique DeVere 2015

Crystal Swan Publications

All Rights Reserved

“Answer the question, Lowe. Did you or did you not say—”

It should have wiped the smile off his face but if anything it brightened his grin. “Yes, I said it, but—”

“Just the facts, Lowe.”

He chuckled. “Why the hell did you ever give up law?” His mouth landed on hers and she hadn’t even seen it coming. 

Dani refused to let her eyes drift shut. Refused to let the sweet sensation of Casey’s lips on hers seduce her. She should pull back. Push him away. She got as far as planting her palms on his chest—his hard chest with the solid muscles that flexed beneath her fingers. Then, as if they operated independently of her brain, her hands bunched in his shirt front, tugged him closer. Her lids became too heavy and fluttered closed. The tip of his tongue caressed the seam of her lips. They softened, parted of their own accord. He accepted the invitation, slid his tongue in slow bewitching strokes inside her mouth. A shudder skittered through her, coaxing a sigh from her.

She was going to push him away… in a minute… any minute now… just one more second…

He made a half growl kind of sound deep in his throat then broke the kiss. “How’s that for a fact?” 

Dani blinked. She couldn’t think. Every muscle in her body had jellified. She’d never been kissed stupid before. 

XOXO

Grab Your FREE Copy of Party For Two before it reverts to regular on Monday!

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And don't forget that More Than Friends is also FREE!!!

Dish The Pie With Monique and Guest...Deborah Hall-Branch #FaithBased #WomensFiction & Banana Pudding

Dish The Pie With Monique & Deborah Hall-Branch

Happy Friday!! Am I the only one who lives for the weekends? Yeah, sure they're busy, but c'mon, it's the weekend! 

I have a little treat for you. My Dish The Pie guest today is Deborah Hall-Branch. Not only is she an ordained minister, she's also the author of THEONA, a faith-based women’s fiction novella. Before we get to the book, though, I need to ask you, Deborah...

Do you like desserts? What is your favourite and would you share the recipe with us? 

Deborah: Southern Style Banana Pudding.  My husband isn’t a big fan of it, so I usually find myself eating it all.

Monique: So I guess you usually make this pudding for one? . I've never heard of Southern Style Banana Pudding and can't wait to get your recipe. Please share it with us.

Favorite Dessert:  Banana Pudding

Photo by: Delicious as it Looks

http://www.food.com/recipe/old-fashioned-banana-pudding-32625

Ingredients Nutrition 

Servings 6-8  Units US 

1  cup sugar

3  eggs, beaten

1  dash salt

2  tablespoons cornstarch

2  cups milk

1  teaspoon vanilla

3 -4  ripe bananas, sliced

 vanilla wafer

Directions

Mix sugar and eggs together.

Add salt, cornstarch, and milk.

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly; cook until thickened.

Remove from heat; add vanilla and mix well.

In serving bowl, layer the wafers, bananas, and the pudding. 

Monique: Sounds delish! Have you ever eaten pie for breakfast? If so, what was it?

Deborah:  No.  I can’t even eat lunch without having

Created by Crystal Swan for Dish The Pie With Monique

breakfast first no matter what time of day.

Monique: No indulgences for you then? I think some of my readers would agree with me when I say...pie can be breakfast!  What is the happiest moment of your life? (besides giving birth, or hubby proposing)

Deborah: Being told I was cancer free.  That was the happiest moment of my life and still.

Monique: I can imagine, Deborah. I'm so happy to hear that you've been well and truly healed! Who do you get along better with? Men or women?

Deborah:  Men.  Although I’m a woman too, I have discovered we just have too many isms and schisms.  One day we like the person we call friend.  The next day we’ve moved on to someone else.  No, I pick men every time.

Monique: I hear you there! I get along so much better with men. The best female friends I have are all cyber. Have you ever had a best friend of the opposite sex?

Deborah:  Yes

Monique: Okay...just yes? You've piqued my curiosity big time...Which movie is your all-time favourite? The one you watch so often you know every line?

Deborah: The Temptations.  Someone brought me the movie for a Christmas present several years ago and we’ve played it so much it kind of drags now.  But, I know all their dance moves, songs, and lines.  Funny!

Monique: I think I would pay good money to watch you shake your stuff!  It's been wonderful hanging out with you, Deborah. Would you tell us a bit about your novella?

THEONA

by

Deborah Hall-Branch

A faith-based women’s fiction novelette

“Theona, wait! You have me wrong. I wasn’t… maybe I should not have said that. Please believe me; I would never use anyone. That was just my stupidity speaking out loud in case you turned me down. I really do want to have dinner with you; get to know you better. Can you forgive me?”

Sympathy burrowed deep within her spine. His saddened eyes burned into her soul. He reached over for her hand and held it in his. “Don’t worry, I’m not a swindler or some handsome, mesmerizing demon from hell that has come for your soul—just a lonely guy who can’t handle rejection from a beautiful intelligent woman and would love to share his evening with you.”

Theona couldn’t deny the burst of sympathy for him in her heart. His sincere words made her heart race. “Maybe we can have a few drinks. We’ll see how the evening goes in reference to dinner. You better hope karma stays on your side.”

“He smiled. “Okay, I can go along with that.” Satisfaction twinkled across his face.

Amazon | B & N

Deborah Hall-Branch was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  A unique author whose promo tag 

is “Sometimes Fantasy.  Sometimes Reality.  Always Spiritual.  After working many years in the health field, a job separation nudged her to begin writing about her life’s experiences.  Deborah is also a multi-genre published author, co-author, and motivational speaker who teaches about abuses warning signs, its devastating aftermath, how to break free from their low place to women, children, and men.  Her first book, Through the Eyes of Abuse was published in 2009.  She has written more than several published five star articles.  Her compassion to help someone else be healed from this horrific stigma became her mission and to share her most intimate stories with others has opened many doors such; as, C.O.P.E. (Coalition of Prison Evangelists) a well-known organization throughout the United States of America, CASA, a nonprofit network supporting and promoting court appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children, Youth and Teen symposiums, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Zeta Mu Chapter) “The Morning Aphter” Programs.  A licensed/ordained Elder in the ministry where she serves, her addressees has also been those of leadership positions within the Christian denomination.  Married nineteen years, mother of three adult daughters, and grand mom to three handsome grandsons, and one beautiful granddaughter.  Deborah and her husband now reside in Atlanta, Georgia.

In November 2015, Deborah published her first faith-based women’s fiction novelette, THEONA available now on ebook format.