December excerpt

Coming April 2011....Cinderella had a prince; Karyn has a King

CHAPTER 2 EXCERPT
“You stalked the woman?” Rossi Tolliver asked incredulously over the phone. “Have you lost your mind? There are laws against that…” He rattled on, advising Levi of the repercussions.
Annoyed with his cousin’s scolding, Levi gritted his teeth and huffed. Although his intentions were genuine, leave it to Rossi to overreact. What was stalking anyway—a misdemeanor? “Call it what you want, but it was for her protection.”
Satisfied with his own explanation, Levi finger combed the fine hairs of his mustache. At thirty-one, Levi had retired his thrill-seeker fixes the day after he hit twenty years old.
After the death of his wife, it was the counsel and prayers of Rossi, who was a youth minister, had cushioned the blows to Levi’s distraught spirit. Levi thought back to the day forty-eight months ago that changed his life forever. Some might have considered his questions juvenile, but his state of mind at the time was anything but logical.
“Is it okay to be angry with God? Does that make me less of a Christian?” Levi braced himself, fearing the answer. When Rossi didn’t comment, Levi rambled on. “The Lord allowed the devil to steal the most important person in my life. He allowed it to happen.” It was a bold accusation.
Levi had sniffed as they sat in matching chairs, facing each other in the bedroom Levi had shared with Diane. It was the night—a nightmarish day—before her funeral. A closed door separated the cousins from the crowd of comforters who did everything but console. Laughing and eating mocked the sad occasion.
Nodding, Rossi clasped his hands. His weary expression was a reflection of Levi’s. “God has grace for all emotions, but in the end, God is God, and He doesn’t make any mistakes.
“Whatever you do, don’t sin against God, man. Our thoughts aren’t God’s thoughts, so we’ll have to wait until we get to the Holy City for answers. Maybe then the Lord will explain all this to us.” Rossi swept his arm in the air for dramatics. “Remember, God never takes anything away without replacing what you lost. Our hope is to believe Psalm 115:16: Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.”
Levi didn’t know what he had expected from Rossi, but yet again, Levi wasn’t finding any comfort. “Look, man, I’ve got a little girl in there—” He paused, pointing an unsteady finger at the door—“who is two months old. Dori won’t have a mother when she begins to talk, walk, or take snapshots at her first birthday party. She’ll never know Diane…”

Crowning Glory November 2010 excerpt

More Chapter 1

“Do you have a moment?” Levi didn’t wait for an answer to his summons as he turned and headed to the elevated platform that claimed to be the café’s territory near the entrance. It was the only spacious area in the cluttered bookstore. Already, Karyn’s fist was fishing for a comfortable resting spot on her hip as she formed an attitude. If I do, am I supposed to jump?
Marking his spot at a white round parlor table, he laid his bag in a black wood chair with a black vinyl cushioned seat. The buzz in the coffee shop didn’t miss a beat as he unbuttoned his black suit coat and claimed an adjacent seat. If he wore a coat, he must have left it in the car. Levi crossed his ankle over one knee and leaned back. His demeanor was relaxed and carefree as if it was his designated VIP seating.
She hadn’t planned to follow, but curious as a feline, Karyn set aside the new shipment of stuffed animals that recited bedtime stories when squeezed. She strolled to where Levi was camped out as if he was royalty. He met her eyes with tenderness. Levi’s simmering smile was ammunition to detonate a romantic explosive in some poor woman’s life.
For a fleeing moment, Karyn felt unworthy in his presence with her red canvas apron smeared with dust from opening boxes that had been sitting in warehouses. “What’s going on?”
“It’s a late birthday gift—Happy Birthday—or an early Christmas present—Merry Christmas, whichever works in my favor,” he explained, patting the bag with a Macy’s logo.
Speechless, Karyn fretted with her braid as her heart pounded wildly. She indulged in a secret moment of excitement. The contents represented anything but a birthday or Christmas present. It was a bribe gift. Karyn knew it and was flattered—confused but thrilled.
“But I…” She grasped for an excuse not to accept it, although her birthday and Christmas were ideal reasons.
Levi remained focused as he stood and pulled out another chair as if she was adorned in a ball gown. Karyn scanned the store. Besides the few pockets of café customers, it was a slow night, easily manageable by the supervisor and two other employees. Patrice could stretch any small task into an eight-hour shift.
“Let me go clock out first.”
Suddenly, Patrice appeared, arms folded and eyes suspicious as Karyn signed out for a ten-minute break. Patrice didn’t smile or frown, but her eyes hinted she was waiting for juicy tidbits to spread—true or false. Karyn always felt uneasy around the unkempt woman. Patrice spoke her mind without fear of censure. Fellow employees called Patrice harmless, but Karyn was wary of the woman’s best intentions. Beware was written in invisible ink on her coworker’s forehead. Since jobs were hard to find, and Karyn didn’t want any rumors floating back to her boss to find fault with her, Karyn gave an unnecessary explanation, “It’s quiet, so I’m taking my last break.”
“Sure, go ahead. I’ve got your back,” Patrice encouraged with a wink, then added over her shoulder as she walked away. “Watch it. That guy is way out of your league.”
Karyn knew that, but Patrice didn’t have to bluntly voice it. Ignoring the small stab to her heart, Karyn headed for the café.
Levi waited at his post in a military stance. She stole a deep brave breath as she obliged his invitation at the table and rested. Levi retook his seat, inching his face closer to hers.
“Do you remember the first time I asked you to go out with me?”
“Yes.”
“Me too.” He grunted, amused, and shook his head. “How about the second?” After she nodded, Levi recounted word for word each instance she had turned him down. “To an ordinary man, you would’ve crushed his ego. I’m not one of them. I’m calling your bluff after your last textbook recital of ‘I don’t have anything to wear.’” He presented his offering. “Problem solved. I happened to be in the mall this weekend, and you weren’t working.” Disappointment briefly brushed his face as his words mildly scolded her. “Dori and I made a special trip to buy a book from Miss Karyn. When you weren’t here, I thought I was going home empty-handed. My little girl had other ideas for my wallet, so we shopped until I practically dropped.”
Karyn laughed. Levi possessed a wonderful sense of humor. He often appeared serious—until he smiled. He was a handsome man.
“When I saw it on a mannequin, I imagined you in that the outfit. I don’t know why,” he teased with a shrug. “Here’s the deal. Since we’re both Christians, I know honesty won’t be an issue. When you get home, try it on. If it fits, then you’ve just agreed to dinner with me on Friday night.”
This time Levi didn’t ask for a date. He already had one orchestrated as he gathered his car keys. Levi shook his head as if he could hear her formulate another ridiculous excuse. “I’ll pick you up at seven, and I’m always on time.”
Not only had Levi outwitted her, he had removed his wedding band. Karyn wondered at the meaning. On his first visit, thanks to his chatty daughter, Karyn learned his status.
“Daddy’s a wido’. Sometimes he’s sad. I think he needs someone to play with,” Dori babbled on and on as Levi stood nearby, seemingly unfazed by his daughter’s assessment. A few visits later, he confirmed his daughter’s biography with his ring finger still bearing signs of his bond to his deceased wife.
Karyn looked away, hoping for a customer who needed her attention despite the fact she was on break. When there were no diversions, she swallowed. Accepting whatever was in that bag meant more than a simple dinner. He was challenging her. Again, she hated dares.
Once Karyn found her voice, she shoved doubt aside. She never gambled, but she hoped she was wearing a poker face. She couldn’t wait to tear open her present. She knew his taste in men’s clothes and little girls’ outfits, but what did he envision for her? She beamed anyway. “I agree with your terms.”
“I’ll cherish your smile until Friday.” He winked then adjusted his glasses.
“Don’t you need my address?”
“Nope. I followed your bus home awhile back,” Levi said, unashamed, then exited the store more conceited than when he first entered.
She didn’t register his last remark as she peeked into the bag, but the gift was protected with an army of colored tissue. “Yep. This is definitely some kind of test,” she whispered to herself. She had mapped out a schedule for school, work, and church. How was she going to make room for a man?

Crowning Glory October 2010 excerpt

Excerpt from Chapter 1 (unedited)
Coming April 2011. Pre-order your copy.

Without a test, there can be no testimony. Karyn Wallace reminded herself five minutes after she agreed to a date with Levi Tolliver. She wasn’t Cinderella, and Karyn doubted the widower would be her Prince Charming.

Yes, she was affected by the most beautiful dark chocolate eyes she had seen in her lifetime. They were hypnotic, even camouflaged behind designer glasses, which were angled perfectly on his chiseled nose. Levi’s skin was a blend of chocolates: dark, milk, and white, which created a creamy undefined tone. His thick, black wavy hair and thin mustache were nice touches, but it was Levi’s dimples that seemed to be on standby, waiting for his lips’ command to smile.

Buffed at—she guessed about—five feet, eleven inches, Karyn wasn’t intimidated by Levi’s height as he towered over her petite stature. “You might as well surrender to what God has stirred between us,” Levi stated as if he had sealed a business deal after his seventh visit and counting in a month to Bookshelves Unlimited where she worked as a kid specialist bookseller.

Suspicion set in. What does he know about God in my life? At twenty-seven, Karyn was too old to play games. Sometimes the devil injected the word God into conversations as bait to Christians so they would believe they’ve found a kindred spirit. Where was Levi’s spiritual allegiance? She didn’t have time to test the waters to see if she could survive another relationship gone awry. The memories of one bad relationship had a way of lasting a lifetime.

When he moved intimately closer, his lashes mesmerized her, catching Karyn off guard. “Deny the attraction, Karyn.”

She hated dares. Bluffs got people into trouble, hurt, or sometimes killed. Karyn blinked. Now, she was getting carried away. Anchoring her elbows on the table in the store’s café, Karyn nestled her chin in her hands. She took pleasure in delaying her response. After all, he was interrupting her dinner break.

“I’m attracted to flashy cars, white kittens, black-eyed peas, and—”
“Me,” he interjected as a fact.

Karyn refused to confirm or deny his assumption, but she silently admitted she was enjoying their banter. There was something intoxicating about a person who oozed confidence. Despite her outward boasting, building her self-assurance was—at times—an inner struggle. Shrugging, she continued as if she didn’t hear him.

“Although I don’t own a flashy car or a white kitten, I can put away some black-eyed peas.”
“Your preferences are noted.” Levi lifted a brow and held it in place to make sure he had Karyn’s attention.

Only after she became impatient did he soften his features and smile, offering his sidekick dimples for her pleasure.

“My Buick LaCrosse is new, but not flashy. My daughter is allergic to cats, and my mother can throw down on any beans, peas, or greens.” A dimple winked as he stretched his lips into a lazy grin. “For the past four years, my spirit has laid dormant, waiting on a word from God. Now, all of a sudden, with no warning, I got a message plain enough that even a caveman could read it.” He snickered.

Karyn smirked. “I’ve seen those GEICO commercials, and I’m not impressed.”

About Crowning Glory (2011)

Cinderella had a prince. Karyn Wallace has a King.

Crowning Glory is not your typical love story where poor girl meets rich guy or good girl meets bad boy. Karyn served four years in jail for an unthinkable crime. She embraced Christ through the Crowns for Christ prison ministry. Once released, Karyn is strong and confident despite the stigma society places on ex-offenders. She will not be swayed from the scripture “He who the Son has set free is free indeed.”
Levi Tolliver doesn’t have a record, neither a tardy slip in high school nor a speeding ticket. For the most part, Levi is a practicing Christian. The only exception is he doesn’t believe in turning the other cheek. He believes there is a price to pay for every sin committed. His perfect life is shattered by the senseless killing of his wife during a blotched grocery store robbery. He questions why bad things happen to good people, so criminals get no pity from him, “Lock them up and throw away the key.”
But Christ is for the underdog. What will happen when Perfection (Levi Tolliver) meets Imperfection (Karyn Wallace)? God has the combination to keep Levi from locking out Karyn. Levi has a decision to make and the odds are against him.

Still Guilty (April 2010) March excerpt

Parke meets the man who adopted a child who could possibly be his son.


“Mr. Jamieson, I’m Mr. Ann, GJ’s father.”
Now it’s GJ as in Gilbert Junior? He’s trying to bait me. Parke lifted a brow and stood. “I don’t want to get off on the wrong foot, but he may call you dad, but if he’s mine, I’m Parke’s father.”
Gilbert snorted and took a seat. “I’m going to save us some time. The adoption is final. What are you trying to prove after the fact?” He leaned forward.

Parke sat back and tapped his finger on the bare table. “If PJ is my son, I plan to fight for custody.” He didn’t blink.
Gilbert taunted Parke with a laugh that rebuked his statement. “I recall that you agreed to my conditions.”
“I didn’t.”
“You’re wasting your time and mine. No judge in the state will overturn the adoption based on an ‘I didn’t know’ excuse.” He leaned back as if he had trumped Parke’s card. “This meeting had nothing to do with you, but was confirmation that I had made the right decision. I knew you were trouble the moment you called my house.”
Relax your fist, Parke. Relax. Stop imagining his lip swollen, Parke could hear Cheney’s voice.
They threw taunts back and forth as if they were riding on a seesaw. A waitress approached to take their orders and both waved her away. Now Parke was hungry. He had worked up an appetite, but he was focused on one thing only. “If I lose, at least my son will know his natural father wasn’t a wimp or coward—that Parke Kokumuo Jamieson the Sixth was a man who loved his son, but was denied access. He will know I would spend every dime I had to secure his release.”
“Ha!” Gilbert dropped his head back and laughed again. “Release? You make it sound as if he’s been captured.” He slapped his palm on the table.
Parke mentally tried to hum every gospel song he could remember or recite scriptures he had read. He admitted he was in the midst of a serious ordeal. “In a way, yes, because regardless of who set the trap, God already has a plan of escape. My tenth great- grandfather was also captured in Africa, but he escaped slavery in the United States.”
He switched to spiritual warfare. “You can’t see them, Mr. Ann, but I came with backup. God has dispatched legions of His angels to help me. It doesn’t matter what you or the law says. All I have to do is endure until the end. You game? Because I’m suited up.” Ah, that felt good to get out.

Still Guilty (February 2010) excerpt

“Hold on, counselor.” Judge Kendall interrupted the opening statements. Her facial expression gave away what was about to come. “Mrs. Beacon, my courtroom is not the place for theatrics. Armed criminal assault is a serious charge. I’ll overlook your choice of attire, but keep up with your shenanigans, and I’ll have no problem having you disrobed and thrown in jail.”
Mrs. Beacon leaped to her feet despite the efforts of her two attorneys at her side to restrain her. “Your Honor, in all fairness, I didn’t interrupt the man. You did.” Mrs. Beacon turned to her group and they nodded in sync. “I’m harmless and old enough to be your grandma. I’m—”
“Enough!” Judge Kendall slammed her gavel. “If you don’t behave, today won’t be your best day. Now, sit down and take off that hat. This is a courtroom, not the Kentucky Derby.”
“But Your Honor, I feel naked without my bonnet—” She didn’t finish as her attorneys wrestled her to her chair. One had an arm wrapped around her waist while the other was brave enough to cover her mouth while apologizing to the judge. When Mrs. Beacon bit down on a finger, he released the muzzle.
Rainey had enough. He got up from his seat as the judge added more charges to Mrs. Beacon’s slate. Exiting the Barnum and Bailey arena, Rainey exhaled to release the jumbled emotional mess from thirty minutes in Mrs. Beacon’s presence.
Outside the courtroom, the scene was just as maddening. The number people had swelled. It was as if Santa’s elves, topped off in red hats, were scurrying doing nothing. As he tried to head to the restroom, a bunch of old women refused to let him through, mumbling something about his name wasn’t on Mrs. Beacon’s list. What list?
“I’ve heard of a key for access to the men’s room, but a list. I just walked outside this courtroom.”
“Hmm-mmm. That’s what they all say,” a woman with a long face and Jay Leno chin argued.
“Excuse me again, but this is a public building,” he had politely informed them, trying his best not to yell.
“Exactly, young man, and we are here to enforce the building code. You’d make one person over the mandatory limit. We need all the space we can get. With so many women here, we’ve taken over the men’s restroom. Sorry. Just hold it a little while longer,” one cute little woman advised. “Whatever you do, don’t think anymore water. Coffee, teas, and soda could also act as diuretics.”

Still Guilty (April 2010)

A loud noise caused Penelope to bark twice, but she didn’t move to investigate. Malcolm jerked his head in the direction outside the front door. Parke leaned forward. “What was that?”
Ellington tilted his head, straining to listen. Suspicion caused his nostrils to flare. “You heard that too?” Standing, Ellington stomped to the window, angled his body as if he was on a covert mission, and peeked through a slit in the curtains. Without an explanation, he dashed to his office, almost tripping over a bowl of untouched cheddar popcorn.
“Where are you going? What’s wrong?” Parke asked. He and Malcolm stood alarmed.
“Somebody’s trying to steal my truck. I’m going to get my gun,” Ellington yelled from another room.
“Wait a minute before we get in a gun battle. Let’s head outside first. Maybe we’ll scare them off,” Parke advised his friend. “Probably a bunch of kids…”
Malcolm frowned. “The more reason I say call 911. I’m not putting my life on the line over your custom, fully loaded F-150 truck. I’m a newlywed, and if it’s God’s will, I’ve already mapped out a long, enjoyable life with my wife.”
Parke shoved his brother. “C’mon. Let’s see what’s up. Be a man, not a hubby.”
“Humph. The other option is much more rewarding,” Malcolm retorted.
Ellington raced out his home office with a gun stuffed in his waistband. The brothers followed. The driver of a monster-size tow truck had finished strapping the wheels to drag it off private property.
“Hey! Hey! What are you doing? Get away from my truck!” Ellington shouted, but the person kept working.
Parke’s jaw dropped. He back slapped Ellington across the chest. “Man, are you having money problems? You could’ve asked me.”
“Shut up, Parke.” Ellington marched down the steps to his truck. “Listen, man, I think you…” He halted when he noticed bright red lipstick. “The repo man is a drag queen? Great. Why use a gun when my fists will do?” he mumbled as he balled his hands.
The repo man held the clipboard away from his jacket. “Do I look like a man to you?” the woman snapped in a lethal tone that would’ve been sexy under different circumstances.
Ellington was blindsided. “You look like a thief,” he argued, not deterred.
“If you paid your bill, I wouldn’t have to come like a thief in the night. Back off. I’m just doing my job. You can settle your bill—”
“Imani?” Parke asked, surprised he recognized the sass behind her voice. It had been a while since he had seen Cheney’s best friend who was also Mrs. Beacon’s neighbor.