Picking Up His Pieces by Nikole Morgan
In suburban Richmond, Virginia, three generations of up-and-coming African American families strive to overcome inherited weaknesses while establishing a legacy on which to build their faith and futures.
Pastor Ivan (Ivy) James, whose father’s life was destroyed by sexual deviance, must come to terms with his own imbalanced view of marital romance with beloved wife Yolanda. Learning to express emotional as well as physical intimacy, Ivy simultaneously struggles to father the six children borne by various women during his wild youth. A unique challenge is Ivy’s troubled twelve-year-old son Dominic who comes to live with Ivy and Yolanda when his crack-addicted mother cannot provide for him. Ivy's sex addiction faces the ultimate test in Satan’s efforts to destroy his ministry.
Malcolm Stewart is distrait when lovely wife Telese begins divorce proceedings following yet another bout with his violent temper. Making the decision to change his life permanently, Malcolm enrolls in anger management classes and graduates with honors in hopes of winning back Telese and their two bright children. Stress sends him over the edge in a dangerous emotional spiral. But new friend Steven Hill, security guard who ministers to the homeless and hopeless on the streets, teaches Malcolm to channel his anger positively – by punching the boxing bag to release pain and frustration.
Raymond Durrant’s career path in the business world is clear and smooth as long he remains in the clutches of supervisor Amanda who will stop at nothing to break up Ray’s marriage. When he is tricked into making a terrible mistake, Ray searches for the right answers to his problem and finally makes a stand to choose God over personal success. Amanda tries everything in her power to destroy what he and wife Donae have, risking her reputation and career in an all-out quest to snare Ray for herself. Ray learns to allow God to make his name great, as promised in Scripture. He joins Malcolm and Steven to form a three-cord strand of faith that helps each man fulfill God’s purpose for his life.
These dynamic young couples build relationships on solid ground to rise above the sin natures of their fathers and mothers and the weaknesses of their own flesh to sow seeds of faith and rebirth.
Excerpt from Picking Up His Pieces
Excerpt from Picking Up His Pieces
Donae walked into Ray’s office and rushed over to his bathroom to tinkle. She washed and then dried her hands on the monogrammed towels that she’d purchased for him as a just because gift. Although he hated surprises, he loved that his wife was so thoughtful. Laughing loudly at herself, she started undressing, leaving on her purple lace thong and matching bra. Grabbing her clutch purse, she touched up her make-up so she’d look irresistible from head to toe. Knowing Ray was a fragrance fanatic, she dabbed a few drops in all his favorite places. Strolling around his office in her sexy undies, she admired the photos of their children on his desk. Both were the splitting image of Ray. Donae often thought the only part she played was in the fun of making them and the pain of having them. Aggressively Donae studied their photos for a sign of her DNA, only to rediscover the one thing they inherited from her was her gleaming smile.
Spotting a photo of herself, she giggled at the snapshot Ray had taken of her with a huge afro. She’d just taken her braids out that day and her hair was tightly crinkled. As she started to pick it out, he snapped the picture. Although she hated that photo, he loved it, saying it captured her natural beauty. Donae wondered if all the pictures on his desk of her and the kids were an escape from a stressful day. She wondered if Ray had experienced any of those hectic days some of the management wives were referring to.
It was at that moment when Donae realized how truly blessed she was. She loved her life, her husband, her job, and her children, but most of all her God, for spilling so much favor into their lives. Donae was so grateful for everything the Lord had brought them through and thanked Him for giving her such a great man. Ray was an awesome protector and provider. Tonight she had celebrated his dream, and on this night, not only one dream would come true, but two.
Making a pit stop by the waste can, she made it official, and then excitedly raced to the restroom to grab her cell phone from her clutch purse. Once she was pleased with her seductive allure, she struck a pose on his soft leather sofa and snapped the shot, certain that the picture mail would speed him considerably.
The text message under her picture read: Congrats 2 U Honey! Waiting 4 u - HURRY. Before she pressed “send,” the sound of whispering voices outside Ray’s door sounded an alarm for her to hide. Racing to the bathroom, she quickly closed the door leaving only a small crack. Donae was certain that whoever was with Ray would soon be rushed out once her French manicure nail hit the “send” button.
Ray rushed into his office nervously. Behind him was an univited guest, almost on his heels.
( Continued... )
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About the Author
Nikole Morgan was born and raised in Greenville, S.C. where she currently resides with her husband and children. After obtaining a Cosmetology License as well as years working in manufacturing she realized her gifts and talents didn’t rest there. Her passion for writing was a desire from within that would never die, no matter how much she attempted to suppress it. She began writing as a way to escape painful memories of life’s misfortunes and allowed her own words to minister strength to her soul.
As God worked through her she faced her fears of doubting herself, no longer believing the lie that the enemy planted in her mind of not being good enough. She trusted God and courageously embarked upon a journey to fulfill a lifetime dream of bringing words to life. She’s proven through her heart felt writing that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things. Picking Up His Pieces is her first novel. Readers are encouraged to visit her website, www.nikolemorgan.com or e-mail her at nikolemorgan612@gmail.com. Please contact her for speaking engagements, book clubs visits or readings.
Purchase Picking Up His Pieces by Nikole Morgan
ISBN-10: 1467545341; ISBN-13: 978-1467545341
http://www.amazon.com/Picking-His-Pieces-Nikole-Morgan/dp/1467545341
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/picking-up-his-pieces-nikole-morgan/1113879821
