What exactly is “NORMAL”?

I just spent some time on Facebook reading (and sometimes responding) the many discussions about Dr. Ford and Kavanaugh and his nomination to the Supreme Court. Before I go further, this is NOT a political statement and is not a condemnation of either individual — this is an observation (and some frustration) about other people’s perceptions and comments.

The facts: Christine Blasey Ford came forward with an allegation of an assault that (allegedly) happened while they were both in high school in the 1980s and was not disclosed to anyone until 2012, has never been brought to the police, and is now being highly publicized with the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to a SCOTUS position. The White House originally refused an FBI investigation, but the house judiciary committee did finally schedule a hearing to hear both sides before any vote takes place.

On Thursday of this past week millions of viewers were glued to the television set watching as Dr. Ford recounted her story and answered numerous, sometimes rough, questions; then Brett Kavanaugh testified, denying all allegations that have been made against him. It was an emotional day for viewers as well as they people involved; many viewers decided not to watch fearing that it would be too “triggering”, indeed RAINN reported calls from sexual abuse victims nearly doubled after the televised event. (After the hearing it was decided to have an FBI investigation “of limited scope and lasting no longer than one week” before voting on Kavanaugh’s nomination.)

The Facebook debate that riled me most was one where a woman stated her doubt about Dr. Ford’s validity because she wasn’t “the normal shrinking flower” after such an assault. She also added unequivocally that IF the assault actually took place the length of time that it took to be reported at all made Ford (and other victims who delay) GUILTY of every assault that took place after!

So how exactly should a woman (or man) react after being sexually assaulted? What is the NORMAL SHRINKING FLOWER (a derogatory term in itself) like? When I wrote my book Bartlett’s Rule about a rape survivor and the man who fell in love with her I gathered (anonymous) info from several survivors, not one of them reacted the same way as another. There were some who said they didn’t report the incident because: some were filled with undue shame and guilt; some worried they might not be believed; and some were made to believe they “asked” for what had happened”. Some who did call the police did not feel that they had reached a sympathetic ear or were terrified when told they would have to testify in front of strangers and their assailant. Many chose not to say anything for years and then only opened up to a few who they felt should know. So which way was NORMAL?

Some victims can’t talk about an assault at all. Some try to deny it ever happened, they have to find a way to accept it was real and then TRY to find a way to move on. Sometimes moving on means not wanting to relive it because isn’t that what a victim does when questioned by police, hospital personnel or an opposing lawyer? Maybe, MAYBE, if the perpetrator is prosecuted and jailed, other victims might be saved, but the original victim is being “re-assaulted” with each retelling; and what happens if the alleged perpetrator winds up free and on the street anyway? One rape victim I spoke with was told by a supposed friend that she “probably asked for it, so stop whining”, this woman was filled with self-doubt and even self-imposed-guilt for years — do not add to her suffering by blaming her for what the rapist, and only the rapist, was guilty of doing! ? Coming forward after such a personally destructive incident takes immeasurable courage and strength.

This particular poster also cited The Innocence Project multiple times, I don’t know what her experiences might have been with this very worthwhile group, she herself wasn’t that forthcoming. No one can deny that sometimes the wrong people do go to jail. It is my personal assumption that most of those wrongly convicted were not deliberate, vengeful attacks, but rather innocent and tragic mis-identifications, or questionable evidence. Most crimes are only obvious to the people immediately involved (and a Higher Power if you believe) and no matter how convincing later testimony may be, the only way to POSSIBLY learn the truth is with a thorough investigation and open minds.

Hopefully the FBI investigation, limited in time and scope, of Dr. Ford’s accusations and Brett Kavanaugh’s denials will allow the truth to surface and perhaps justice will be done.

Yes, I’m Angry ~ #MondayBlogs

Yes, I am angry… and you should be too.

Sex can be great when it is something that BOTH parties want, but let’s not sugarcoat the ugly — sexual ABUSE is not great for anyone.

Sexual abuse, whether it is the stranger fondling someone on a crowded subway, forcing someone to perform a non-intercourse sex act, or a #NoMistakingItForWhatItIs rape is abuse and is wrong.

If you have to threaten someone with a weapon, physical strength, emotional blackmail or threats of punishment (of the victim or someone else) in order to “score”, then it is RAPE, ABUSE, WRONG. Clothing, intoxication, the hour of the day or night, or even a history of previous relations is NOT an invitation to get laid. The word NO means IT AIN’T HAPPENING. The inability to say no, or to say anything, means IF I CAN’T CONSENT, YOU DON’T HAVE PERMISSION. Rape is not a mistake, it is a malicious act. And rape is not even sex, it is a sick need for domination. And one more thing, REAL men do not rape, EVER.

Now be aware that rape and sexual abuse can happen to women or men, girls or boys. And sexual abuse can be instigated by men or women. Since I am a woman though I am using the female’s POV.

Most acts of rape or sexual abuse go unreported; many times this is due to shame, the belief that no one will believe the victim, that no one DOES believe the victim (schools are notorious for this), or that the victim is somehow convinced that SHE ASKED FOR IT. Sometimes it takes time before the victim can talk about it and it is long after rape kits can add validity. Sometimes the act can never be spoken about because that is just the way the victim has found to cope. Most times, thankfully, the victim moves on and survives and finds a way to work around the triggers that haunt her for the rest of her life. And sometimes the victim simply denies that she was ever abused… why? Because she couldn’t go on living if she admits it.

Sometimes rape is reported, immediately or shortly after, and the rapist is taken into custody… sometimes even the case does go to court. And invariably the victim is the one who is on trial, lawyers bring up the victim’s social conduct, the clothes she wore, brings in previous lovers to prove promiscuity, and G-d help her if she was ever abused in the past, they will use that to “prove” a pattern where the victim obviously enjoys it.

Of course not all is gloom, we do have a rare conviction now and then and a really fair and impartial judge acknowledges that a young man’s sports accomplishments would be ruined by a long imprisonment so he sends the guy to jail for a whole six months (with good behavior he’s out in three). And the judges who realize how charging a young man with rape could ruin his entire future now that is priceless.

Sigh, one more rant. I am aware that sadly not every report of rape is true, but false reports are extremely rare. There is the occasional set-up, publicity seeker, or woman who is looking to cover her tracks and lie about an illicit evening. And to these women, rare though it may be — your impact is huge and you may as well be raping these victims all over again, because each time your lies are exposed, more true and HONEST victims are doubted and made to suffer again. So congratulations for being part of the pain, I hope you can sleep well… even though you don’t deserve it.

If you have been victimized, you are not alone, you are not wrong and you have nothing to be ashamed of. If you care for someone who has been raped or abused you are not to be blamed. For more information on the ugly truth about sexual abuse, incest, and rape you can go here: https://www.rainn.org/after-sexual-assault and for support check out http://www.aftersilence.org/ or call the WOAR 24 Hour Hotline: 215-985-3333. You can Google regional support groups closer to your location if needed.

 You are not alone. You are not a lost cause. You can heal.

…

#TBT Seven Years Ago... then came Bartlett's Rule

My first book with Vanilla Heart Publishing was published in 

April 2008. I was so excited!

Author Lauren Shiro had made a connection with VHP's Managing Editor and she told me how impressed she was with Ms. Williams. I asked if she would mind if I contacted her, she wished me luck... It wasn't long before I received a response - Send The Manuscript!

Suddenly I was signing a book contract and waiting to see my name on the spine of a book. Kimberlee Williams walked me through promotion techniques, she designed a terrific book trailer and posted it on YouTube, and she arranged an on-air "Meet & Greet"

Soon after I had a book discussion and signing at a Nanuet bookstore and the very first time that I was asked to autograph a book was a feeling I will never, ever forget — Readers wanted MY autograph!!!

I wrote my first newspaper article when I was in college. In 1981 I began freelancing from home while our children were young, but I always said that I wanted to "grow up and become an author" and I did, I did!

I've published a few books with Vanilla Heart Publishing since then, I've had short stories and articles in other books with other publishers, and I am still writing articles for newspapers and magazines all over North America. It's been a thrilling and wondrous ride. Kimberlee has taught me so much about the publishing world and has been a terrific friend as well as publisher. I've also met some terrific people, other authors with Vanilla Heart Publishing. It's been a terrific seven years and I hope to look forward to many more. If you want to learn more about all of my VHP books, visit my website page.

About Bartlett's Rule
Bartlett's Rule shares the story of Lon and Paige's love affair; a romance filled with hardship, emotion, danger and triumph. Falling in love was never the challenge; being there for each other, knowing just what to say and making it work is the real test. Paige and Lon are real; they are human, they cry and they laugh. Paige has to learn to trust. Lon has to learn to be patient.

Bartlett’s Rule was named one of
Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s Top Ten Reads for 2009
on MyShelf.com

Reviews:

Malcolm Campbell ~Barbara Moroch~Bobi / Amazon

Buy Links

AUDIO –   http://www.amazon.com/Bartletts-Rule/dp/B00F4AUKZQ

PRINT – http://www.amazon.com/Bartletts-Rule-Chelle-Cordero/dp/097965453X

Kindle – http://www.amazon.com/Bartletts-Rule-ebook/dp/B001H0G6KU

AllRomance Ebooks – https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-bartlett039srule-17739-149.html

Smashwords for All Ereaders – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1549

Payloadz Instant Download – http://store.payloadz.com/go?id=853574

and the FREE Book Club Discussion Packet with full color printable bookmarks, author bio and photo, discussion starters, and synopsis –  http://books.noisetrade.com/chellecordero/bartletts-rule-by-chelle-cordero

Celebrating Audio Book Month - Courage of the Heart

Can you hear it now? YOU BET!

Courage of the Heart by Chelle Cordero is now available as an AUDIOBOOK on Audible, iTunes, and on Amazon! Also in All Ebook Formats and  Print Editions.

Courage of the Heart shows us that sometimes love is the only cure for the very deepest of emotional wounds. Adam Sherman has remained quiet about his scandalous past and is comfortable with his reputation as a womanizing and dedicated bachelor. Davie Prescott is twenty years old and a college student working part-time at the same Internet Provider where Adam is employed.

Adam is attracted to Davie, but he shies away from her innocence because he feels his shameful past is too harsh for her existence. Adam finally shares his darkest secret with Davie and is amazed to find that she doesn’t turn away from him.

But when Adam’s past catches up to him, he soon learns that there’s a lot more at stake than just his nightmares. Adam is prepared to give Davie up if need be in order to protect her until he learns that she´s got a secret of her own. With Davie´s help, Adam learns a courage that is born of love, courage of the heart. The story of the two lovers takes a series of unexpected and fast paced turns where lives, sanity and love are put in jeopardy.

Review

Courage of the Heart by Chelle Cordero begins as an office romance that quickly turns into an unlikely love affair. In one fell swoop, life changes when the past confronts the present with mystery, intrigue and life threatening situations. More than once I found my heart racing as I turned the page. Kudos to Ms. Cordero for penning an entertaining read.

kgcummings... Kathy

author of The Wind Whispers War and it's sequels

Courage of the Heart is narrated and produced by Raquel Gliss, professional voiceover artist and narrator in her early 40's specializing in the narration of romance and erotic novels.   

            

                

AUDIO, PRINT, and ALL ELECTRONIC EDITIONS

BUY LINKS

AUDIO –  http://www.amazon.com/Courage-of-the-Heart/dp/B00DQYAM2S

And if you decide to use the Amazon-exclusive Audible.com 30-day free trial membership it includes:

• This audiobook free, plus a bonus audiobook of your choice
• Exchange any book you don't like with our Great Listen Guarantee
• Total flexibility - cancel, pause or upgrade membership easily and whenever you like

PRINT - http://www.amazon.com/Courage-Heart-Chelle-Cordero/dp/193540718X

Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/Courage-of-the-Heart-ebook/dp/B001PO5RJE

AllRomance Ebooks – https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-courageoftheheart-17784-149.html

Smashwords for All Ereaders – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1553

Payloadz Instant Download – http://store.payloadz.com/go?id=853573

A turning point? ~ Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 06/01/14

Hi! Welcome to another Weekend Writing Warrior round. Every week writers post 8 sentences on their blogs from a published or unpublished book. Then we "hop" around and leave comments on each other's snippets. Whether our work is already published or in progress, the helpful comments help us become stronger writers on our next WIP. We welcome EVERYONE's comments.

  

See more at the WeWriWa blog

Welcome to a snippet from Courage of the Heart. Courage of the Heart was originally published by Xlibris in 1999 (BEFORE they went full vanity press) - with no real marketing efforts from the publisher and before I knew much about the subject, it didn't do very well. However it was revised slightly and republished by Vanilla Heart Publishing in 2009 and has enjoyed a healthier reception.

Adam has managed to soften Davie's heart and he has taken her out on a bona-fide date. We're entering during a conversation they are having. By the way, I will probably just do this story for one, maybe two, more weeks. Your commentary has really helped me see the way I present my characters in a very different light and I hope the lessons learned will help my writing get stronger. Thank you.

"…and of course you don't want to get married," Davie really felt she was a long way off from that herself although she eventually did want a family.

"I used to think I didn't," he looked away and left his answer hanging.

"Adam," Davie waited for him to turn back to her, "why are we spending time together?"

He shrugged, "why not?"

"We both know that I'm not your usual type."

"Tell me what my usual type is," Adam grinned; his potent smile was enough to make Davie stammer.

"Uh, you know…older, pretty, sophisticated…and more experienced," she blushed slightly.

He answered her quietly, "you are very pretty, I thought you knew that Davie."

 For more WeWriWa snippets, go to www.wewriwa.com

Courage of the Heart

Sometimes love is the only cure for the very deepest of emotional wounds. The story of the two lovers takes a series of unexpected and fast paced turns where lives, sanity and love are put in jeopardy. Their commitment to one another results in a spirit that binds them together and helps them to overcome physical and emotional dangers.

Audiobook

Smashwords
Amazon (print)  

(excerpt previously published Jan 2009, and yes, it comes AFTER the 8 sentences above))

There is a theory that if you pick up a book and turn to page 69, you will know if the book is interesting or not
so we are putting it to the test...
~~~~~~

p 69

"Really?" He looked really young and boyish for a moment.

"Of course." Davie laughed. "For some stupid reason I do care about what happens to you even though you keep on pushing me away."

"I'm sorry. Sorry about pushing you away, but not about you caring. I like to know that you care about me." He reached for her hand again. "So, what was the occasion for going home?"

Davie bit her lip. "The sixth anniversary of my mom's death."

"I'm sorry, Davie." Adam knew from the way Davie had talked about her mom that she still took her passing very hard. "I'm glad you were able to be there with your dad."

Davie shook her head and grimaced. "He didn't need me."

"Of course he did."

"Nope. What my father needed was privacy." She looked at Adam with a defensive smile. "I walked in on a lovers' tryst."

"What?"

"It seems that Daddy has a girlfriend and they're getting married."

"That's great!" He saw her hurt expression. "Isn't it?"

Davie stood up and began to pace around Adam's bed. "I guess so. I don't know." Sighing, she stopped at the foot of his bed. "I guess I just have to get used to it."

"You really are upset about this." He frowned.

Davie returned to the chair and leaned closer to Adam. It was comfortable to talk with him. "It's just that I never thought my father could love anybody except for my mom."

"It doesn't mean that he doesn't love her."

Trying Again - Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 05/25/14

Hi! Welcome to another Weekend Writing Warrior round. Every week writers post 8 sentences on their blogs from a published or unpublished book. Then we "hop" around and leave comments on each other's snippets. Whether our work is already published or in progress, the helpful comments help us become stronger writers on our next WIP. We welcome EVERYONE's comments.

  

See more at the WeWriWa blog

Welcome to a snippet from Courage of the Heart. Courage of the Heart was originally published by Xlibris in 1999 (BEFORE they went full vanity press) - with no real marketing efforts from the publisher and before I knew much about the subject, it didn't do very well. However it was revised slightly and republished by Vanilla Heart Publishing in 2009 and has enjoyed a healthier reception.

Adam and Davie have reached a point of amicability and it makes working together a little easier. They are both still attracted to each other. Will they ever move beyond mere friendship into the kind of relationship they both really want?

As far as Davie was concerned, it was obvious that their relationship had no future anyway. There was nowhere for them to go as a couple, especially since she was relatively inexperienced in physical love; Adam's position on commitment, or lack of, was well known throughout the company. She did enjoy spending time with him though.

He had a gentle, vulnerable side that reached out to her as a woman. He had a rakish-quality that titillated her even if their physical relationship never went any further. His interest in her made her feel desirable even if, unfortunately, not enough to him. Even if it was only a fantasy, Davie wanted to be with him.

 For more WeWriWa snippets, go to www.wewriwa.com

Courage of the Heart

Sometimes love is the only cure for the very deepest of emotional wounds. The story of the two lovers takes a series of unexpected and fast paced turns where lives, sanity and love are put in jeopardy. Their commitment to one another results in a spirit that binds them together and helps them to overcome physical and emotional dangers.

Audiobook

Smashwords
Amazon (print)  

When I write my stories I often think of who I would have playing the main parts as if it were a movie... okay, I admit, I just want to be prepared for that big movie deal, lol. (One never knows?)

Here is how I would cast

Courage of the Heart

Davie Prescott would be played by Anna Belknap

Adam Sherman would be played by Brandon Beemer

Can you see these actors as Davie and Adam?

What about family? - Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 05/18/14

Hi! Welcome to another Weekend Writing Warrior round. Every week writers post 8 sentences on their blogs from a published or unpublished book. Then we "hop" around and leave comments on each other's snippets. Whether our work is already published or in progress, the helpful comments help us become stronger writers on our next WIP. We welcome EVERYONE's comments.

  

See more at the WeWriWa blog

Welcome to a snippet from Courage of the Heart. Courage of the Heart was originally published by Xlibris in 1999 (BEFORE they went full vanity press) - with no real marketing efforts from the publisher and before I knew much about the subject, it didn't do very well. However it was revised slightly and republished by Vanilla Heart Publishing in 2009 and has enjoyed a healthier reception.

Thanks to all of your insightful comments last week, I saw Adam's perseverance in a different light and it is a big help to me in my current WIP. This week I'm skipping ahead a bit - Adam and Davie are working on being friends again. This week we'll learn a little about Adam.

Adam, were you alone for Thanksgiving?" Davie was so used to big family gatherings on every holiday and the idea of being alone seemed abhorrent to her.

"I watched the game on TV."

"Alone?"

For the first time Adam had actually felt alone for the holiday; he kept wishing Davie had been by his side, "not everyone goes home for the holidays."

"It's just, uh," she hadn't meant to offend him, "I was just raised with a huge family and these colossal gatherings every holiday; I'm sorry if I offended you."

"We never really spent time with family. My mother usually worked the bar on holidays anyway and then later, it was just my father and me."

 For more WeWriWa snippets, go to www.wewriwa.com

Courage of the Heart

Sometimes love is the only cure for the very deepest of emotional wounds. The story of the two lovers takes a series of unexpected and fast paced turns where lives, sanity and love are put in jeopardy. Their commitment to one another results in a spirit that binds them together and helps them to overcome physical and emotional dangers.

Audiobook

Smashwords
Amazon (print)  

E-book Club Discussion Packet: Courage of the Heart

(FREE Download)

Book Club Extras Packet includes author bio and photo, title information,
covers, discussion starters, and full color printable bookmarks.

Bid on a Bartlett’s Rule audiobook & 

raise money for Diabetes Research

I’m participating in Brenda Novak’s 10th Anniversary Online Auction for Diabetes Research – the auction runs through May and there are LOTS of terrific items being auctioned off; proceeds go to The Diabetes Research Institute.

AN AUDIO COPY OF BARTLETT’S RULE IS BEING AUCTIONED OFF. 

Bid on a Bartlett’s Rule audiobook & raise money for Diabetes Research

I’m participating in Brenda Novak’s 10th Anniversary Online Auction for Diabetes Research – the auction runs through May and there are LOTS of terrific items being auctioned off; proceeds go to The Diabetes Research Institute.

AN AUDIO COPY OF BARTLETT’S RULE IS BEING AUCTIONED OFF. 

Bartlett’s Rule by Chelle Cordero

BARTLETT’S RULE shares the story of Lon and Paige’s love affair; a romance filled with hardship, emotion, danger and triumph. Falling in love was never the challenge; being there for each other, knowing just what to say and making it work is the real test. Paige and Lon are real; they are human, they cry and they laugh. Paige has to learn to trust. Lon has to learn to be patient.

At the conclusion of the auction, Chelle will send the winner the code
to download the book to the device or computer of their choice directly from Audible.com

~~~~~~~~~~

Malcolm Campbell’s review  of Bartlett’s Rule

At first glance, Paige Andrews’ approach to celebrity writer and celebrated womanizer Lon Bartlett is reminiscent of a child’s first day at the beach, a child who runs down to the incoming waves only to run back to the safety of the dunes beyond the water’s reach, and then again, and then again. Indeed, she desperately wants her evolving relationship to be as spontaneous and carefree as first love.But in looking closer, as both lovers and mad men are apt to do, Lon sees that behind Paige’s engaging smile lie painful memories of man named Hal who raped her and all but took away her ability to get close to anyone again. Lon’s best intentions trigger Paige’s worst fears.

“Bartlett’s Rule” is an easy-to-read novel about difficult-to-resolve issues for rape survivors and the prospective significant others in their lives. For Paige and Lon, sorting out the boundaries of trust and the limits of patience is a treacherous undertaking because they are very much in the public eye and because Hal’s arrogant needs are not yet satisfied.

Unfortunately, Paige’s dysfunctional family is also not out of sight and out of mind, providing additional twists and turns in the plot to keep readers guessing about choices and outcomes until the last page.

Adam is not giving up - Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 05/11/14

Hi! Welcome to another Weekend Writing Warrior round. Every week writers post 8 sentences on their blogs from a published or unpublished book. Then we "hop" around and leave comments on each other's snippets. Whether our work is already published or in progress, the helpful comments help us become stronger writers on our next WIP. We welcome EVERYONE's comments.

  

See more at the WeWriWa blog

Welcome to a snippet from Courage of the Heart. Courage of the Heart was originally published by Xlibris in 1999 (BEFORE they went full vanity press) - with no real marketing efforts from the publisher and before I knew much about the subject, it didn't do very well. However it was revised slightly and republished by Vanilla Heart Publishing in 2009 and has enjoyed a healthier reception.

When we last read about Adam and Davie he was trying to apologize and Davie wasn't giving him much of an opportunity. He's persistent. She's stubborn. [creative punctuation has been used and I hope I counted correctly this week] :

         "You are a pompous…egotistical…self-serving…"

         "Can I help you fill in the blanks?" he was trying to get her to smile, Adam really thought she was gorgeous when she smiled, especially when the smile was for him; he was disappointed.

         She let out an exasperated sigh and sat down, "look, I've got exams at school all week, I don't need this harassment"; Davie was aware that her voice had risen and she had left the door open, "look Adam, I need this job, I can't afford to file complaints if you won't leave me alone here…please, leave me alone."

         "Okay, I screwed up again, I'll keep it out of the office," he sounded too patronizing.

         "That doesn't mean you can show up at my door again," she thought she saw him hiding a grin.

         "How about this weekend?"

         "I have plans, I'm going away."

Courage of the Heart

Sometimes love is the only cure for the very deepest of emotional wounds. The story of the two lovers takes a series of unexpected and fast paced turns where lives, sanity and love are put in jeopardy. Their commitment to one another results in a spirit that binds them together and helps them to overcome physical and emotional dangers.

Audiobook

Smashwords

Amazon (print)

Adam tries to apologize ~ Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 5/4/14

Hi! Welcome to another Weekend Writing Warrior round. Every week writers post 8 sentences on their blogs from a published or unpublished book. Then we "hop" around and leave comments on each other's snippets. Whether our work is already published or in progress, the helpful comments help us become stronger writers on our next WIP. We welcome EVERYONE's comments.

  

See more at the WeWriWa blog

Welcome to a snippet from Courage of the Heart. Courage of the Heart was originally published by Xlibris in 1999 (BEFORE they went full vanity press) - with no real marketing efforts from the publisher and before I knew much about the subject, it didn't do very well. However it was revised slightly and republished by Vanilla Heart Publishing in 2009 and has enjoyed a healthier reception.

Adam knows how badly he messed things up. He told Davie that he "can't be the first", but he can't tell her why. He's tried to apologize and Davie isn't willing to accept his regrets, she feels he's humiliated her. Davie has managed to avoid him at work, for the most part, when he suddenly shows up at her home uninvited.

          "I'm getting ready to go out, have a friend coming over," she started to push the door closed.

          He put his hand against the door to prop it open, "I promise you I won't keep you long."

          She looked at the watch on her wrist and shrugged, "keep it short."

          He followed her inside, "please Davie, take pity on me, I feel like a jerk already."

          'There's nothing I can do about that,” placing her hands on her hips Davie tried to ignore the trembling she felt inside; the same trembling she got whenever she saw him lately, "did you have anything…important…you had to say?"

          "I want to see you…"

          "Why?"

          He shrugged.

          "I'm still a virgin, Adam, so you're not interested, nothing has changed," she walked back to the door and put her hand on the knob to open it.

          "I guess I just like you, Davie," he hadn't been able to get her out of his mind. He had tried, but he hadn't even been able to bring himself to see anyone else since before the fiasco when they almost made love; that was a new experience for Adam Sherman, spending his nights alone, sitting in a movie house alone, dreaming of Davie and waking to take a cold shower…alone.

 For more WeWriWa snippets, go to www.wewriwa.com

Courage of the Heart

Sometimes love is the only cure for the very deepest of emotional wounds. The story of the two lovers takes a series of unexpected and fast paced turns where lives, sanity and love are put in jeopardy. Their commitment to one another results in a spirit that binds them together and helps them to overcome physical and emotional dangers.

Audiobook

Smashwords

Amazon (print)

Looking back at this twice published work, the first time 13-years ago, I can see for myself how my writing style has changed and I hope improved. I received some nice reviews on this book so I am hoping that something in my writing way back then did work and I look forward to your comments.

From Amazon

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read with characters I cared about.

By Gloria Antypowich

Adam Sherman is a computer expert and a womanizer who is
dedicated to "Bedding but not Wedding." When he becomes
aware of Davie Prescott, a twenty year old student who works
part time at the same place that he does, he pursues her.

Davie feels an equal attraction, but she is not an average 20 year
old. When Adam makes his move to take her to bed, she
confesses that she is still a virgin. His reaction is the exact
opposite to what she might have expected; he is not thrilled that
he is her first. In fact he pulls away in shock and says he will not
make love to her. Then he gets out of the bedroom as fast as he

can.

Davie is humiliated and angered, assuming that her lack of
experience had been a turn off for him.

Adam is still attracted to her and tries to smooth the troubled
situation between them, but she is not willing to open up to him
again. Adam has a dark secret that he has been hiding, but
eventually his past catches up to him in his work place. He shares
his secret with Davie and is shocked that she doesn't turn away in
disgust; instead she is supportive.

Then he learns that she has been hiding a secret too. They both
have deep emotional wounds, and together they help each other
come to terms with the problems that have created turmoil in their
lives. Their commitment to each other gives them the courage to
face their problems and make a new life.

I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced, full of twists and turns,
mystery, danger and tragedy. I cared for these two characters. I
was reminded again that sometimes people have no control over
the circumstances in their lives and without love and support from
family and community, they flounder in shame and fear.

Don't miss a great read. I'll be looking for more books from
Chelle Cordero.

Welcome to Courage of the Heart ~ Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 04/27/14

Hi! Welcome to another Weekend Writing Warrior round. Every week writers post 8 sentences on their blogs from a published or unpublished book. Then we "hop" around and leave comments on each other's snippets. Whether our work is already published or in progress, the helpful comments help us become stronger writers on our next WIP. We welcome EVERYONE's comments.

  

See more at the WeWriWa blog

Welcome to a snippet from Courage of the Heart. Courage of the Heart was originally published by Xlibris in 1999 (BEFORE they went full vanity press) - with no real marketing efforts from the publisher and before I knew much about the subject, it didn't do very well. However it was revised slightly and republished by Vanilla Heart Publishing in 2009 and has enjoyed a healthier reception.

The opening scene, actually the prologue, opens with our hero, Adam, and our heroine, Davie, in bed about to make love for the first time. However Davie confesses something to Adam... and his reaction is certainly not what she expected. Creative punctuation has been used (of course) so it is only 8 sentences:

  

Davie felt another shudder run through her, "but, I don't know…Adam, I," she inhaled sharply as she felt his fingers probing inside her, "Adam…I've never…"

For the first time Adam remained motionless, "never…what?"

"I've…never been with a man before," she sensed his withdrawal before he actually pulled away.

Adam's brow was furrowed, "what are you saying, Davie?"

The icy chill that Davie felt left her feeling embarrassed to be lying naked in bed with this man, she pulled the bedsheet over her exposed breasts, "I've never been with a man…before"

He sat upright in bed seemingly unaware that he was just as naked as she was, "are you telling me that you're a virgin?"

Davie sat up clutching the bed linens tightly to her body, "yes."

"Damnation," Adam got up from the bed angrily, "you couldn't have told me that before?"

For more WeWriWa snippets, go to www.wewriwa.com

Courage of the Heart

Sometimes love is the only cure for the very deepest of emotional wounds. The story of the two lovers takes a series of unexpected and fast paced turns where lives, sanity and love are put in jeopardy. Their commitment to one another results in a spirit that binds them together and helps them to overcome physical and emotional dangers.

Audiobook

Smashwords

Amazon (print)

 Adam Sherman has remained quiet about his scandalous past and is comfortable with his reputation as a womanizing and dedicated bachelor. He is an expert in the field of computers including programming, networking and hacking. At twenty-five years old, he is content with his management job at a local Internet Provider. Davie Prescott is twenty years old and a college student who is working part-time at the same Internet Provider where Adam is employed. She was raised in a very close knit family of aunts, uncles and cousins. She and her widowed father are very close. Adam is attracted to Davie, but he shies away from her innocence because he feels his shameful past is too harsh for her existence. Adam finally shares his darkest secret with Davie and is amazed to find that she doesn´t turn away from him. When Adam' s past catches up to him, he soon learns that there´s a lot more at stake than just his nightmares. Adam is prepared to give Davie up if need be in order to protect her until he learns that she´s got a secret of her own. With Davie´s help, Adam learns a courage that is born of love, courage of the heart.

More Chelle Cordero Audiobooks