Happy Friday! I truly hope you are all enjoying The Book Catalog as much as I am. It's been a wonderful experience for me to reminisce about each book I’ve written. I’m really appreciating the opportunity to share my thoughts and reflect on the moments I experienced while writing each one.
Now, onto book #16, which is The Evolution Of Love
This book was written in 2016 as part of the Love, Life, & Happiness spin-off series. After completing the original series, I realized I missed writing about the crew, so I decided to develop stories centered around the secondary characters from the series. I recently released "No Other Love" and "One Shot With A Baller." When "Evolution of Love" was released, it was in preparation for "A Love, Life, & Happiness Christmas," which is the seventh book in the series.
"The Evolution of Love" follows Elise, Cheryl's sister, as she navigates her own dilemma of being caught in a love triangle with her current partner, Jared, and her ex, Dante. Not only does she have to collaborate with Dante on a book he recently wrote, but she also has to deal with her mother, Jackie. As secrets are revealed, Elise must follow her heart to decide who should be a part of her life.
I truly enjoyed writing this story because it allowed readers to delve into Elise’s character and the difficult choices she faced regarding her career, love life, and her relationship with her mother. Jackie was certainly a handful, especially as several truths about her were revealed throughout the narrative. However, despite the challenges Elise encountered with her mother, the story emphasized the theme of forgiveness. Elise had to forgive not only her mother but also herself in order to move forward in her life. I believe many people can relate to this struggle when making choices to progress.
If you have never read the story, it is available on all major platforms, or you can click on Amazon link below to download:
Here is an excerpt from the story, as Elise is planning for her wedding day. Or is she? Enjoy!
“Are you excited for your big day?”
I smiled at my sister, Cheryl, while adjusting my veil. I couldn’t believe this day had actually come. My wedding day. This had been a long time coming, but I was glad it happened the way it did. I took my time to meet the perfect guy, and now, I’m happy.
“Is everything in place? You know how I am about being organized.”
“Yes, everything is fine. Just worry about marrying that fine ass man of yours,” my best friend, Kimberly Martin, quipped while touching up my lip gloss. She’s the best make-up artist around, and we've known each other since we were kids. She basically knows my life story and has been there for me through it all. She has been my support system, which I've always appreciated.
“Which I can’t wait for,” I said with a giggle.
“You deserve it, Elise. He’s the perfect man for you,” My cousin, Riana, interjected, handing me my bouquet of white and purple orchids.
I took a deep breath and got up from my chair to take one more look in the mirror.
“Are you nervous? If you are, just think about walking down that aisle and seeing your future husband. That should make all of those fears go away,” Cheryl advised.
I smiled. “I’m actually pretty calm. I’m just excited for what’s in store.”
“What are you waiting for then? Go out there, and marry your man!” Kimberly exclaimed.
I took another deep breath and went to the door. I walked down the long corridor, looking back to see if my bridesmaids were behind me, but no one was. I looked around, taking in the beautiful scenery of white lilies. I gazed down at my wedding dress, a sleeveless gown decorated with a sprinkle of beaded pearls. The train was a little heavy, but I wanted this day to be perfect, so if I had to be uncomfortable for a few hours, so be it. I continued walking to the end of the hall and saw my dad standing by the door of the chapel. He stared at me with one of those proud father looks and held out his arm for me to take. My dad and I'd had a complicated relationship over the years, but he’d been there for me in recent times. I think that outweighed the issues we'd had in the past.
“You ready, E?”
I smiled. “Definitely.”
“Before we go in there, I just want to say how proud I am. You have become an exceptional woman, and I’m proud to be your father.”
I was trying not to become emotional, but his words really touched me.
“I love you, sweetheart.”
“I love you too, Dad.” I looped my arm through his, then he opened the door to the chapel.
My wedding coordinator, Denise, who was standing near the back, signaled for me to wait before walking down the red rose-petaled aisle. I guess she'd found a mistake and wanted to make sure it was handled.
Once she gave me the okay, my dad and I started to walk. I looked around at the guests, in awe that they were here to celebrate this wonderful occasion. I was becoming nervous again, but I tried not to let it show My groom faced the reverend, which I thought was weird; he should be watching me walk down the aisle.
Once I reached the altar, he turned around, giving me a sexy smile.
“You look gorgeous, Elise.”
I stared at him, taking in how good he looked in his tux. I looked over at his groomsmen, which included my brother, Kevin, and smiled. Kevin turned up his nose and glanced towards the door.
“Thank you, Dante.”
“I can’t wait for you to be my wife.”
I blushed, thinking about how I couldn’t wait for him to be my husband. But there was something wrong with this picture. Why was I marrying Dante when I was in a relationship with Jared?
I looked out at the guests and saw Jared Crawford sitting in the front row with the actress Bridgette Morris.
My mind started racing, trying to figure out what was going on.
“E, baby, what’s wrong?” Dante asked.
Before I could say anything, I slowly collapsed on the floor. Maybe this was all a dream…
I suddenly woke up, looking around and wondering where I was. I took a few deep breaths to calm myself as I began to realize I was in my bed in my house. I looked to my side; I'd almost forgotten that Jared was staying late at the tattoo shop and said he would come by later. He had his own key, so he could let himself in.
I leaned back onto the pillow, still in shock over what I'd just dreamed. Why would I dream about Dante? I hadn’t seen him in years. And not only that, I’m with Jared now. I was completely in love with him, so why would I be thinking about another man? I took a deep breath and lay back down, hoping that my dream was just that. It didn't mean anything, so I have nothing to worry about.
Or do I?
Check back tomorrow for book #15 in The Book Catalog.
Until then, happy reading! :-)
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