Blackberry's Wine

By Michele Jackson Taylor

Dory wanted to love again, but didnt see it happening any time soon. Besides (she thought), who would want a middle-aged divorcee with deep-rooted trust issues? Then one night, a silent prayer at a local gospel concert turned her world upside down. Can she, by faith, overcome her fears, insecurity, jealousy, anger, temptation, and the haunting secrets of her past in order to allow herself to experience the purity of a sweet encounter with an unlikely suitor?

And then theres Markyoung, gentle, passionate; full of life, love and the Holy Spirit. Emotionally numbed from being hurt by a previous love-gone-wrong relationship, commitment is a foreign word in his vocabulary. Yet, theres a gnawing void in his heart that's longing to be filled.

Can a head-strong, independent woman and a spontaneous, free-spirited man find love in each other and together start a brand new life? Will their spiritual convictions and Christian values be the strength of their relationship, or will their personal hang-ups be its derailment?

Blackberry's Wine is an edgy inspirational romance novel filled with relationship issues, prayer, encouragement, honesty, hope, faith and transformation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jun 6, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477210390

Michele Jackson Taylor

Rev. Michele Taylor is the author of The Making of You, In Loving Memory: Essays by Alexander Jackson (her beloved father), and The M.J. Collection. Residing in Brooklyn, New York, she is the founder of Taylor House Publications, and Comfort and Joy Ministries, Inc. She enjoys helping people to pursue their dreams and to follow their destiny.

Book preview

Blackberry’s Wine

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Michele Jackson Taylor

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AuthorHouse™

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

Blackberry’s Wine is a work of fiction. Similarities in actual events; real people living or deceased; or to real locales, are intended solely for the purpose of realism. Unintentional similarities in character names or profiles, places or events are entirely coincidental.

© 2012 Michele Jackson Taylor. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 6/4/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4772-1039-0 (e)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-1040-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-1041-3 (sc)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012909085

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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E-mail: [e-mail]

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Preface

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Epilogue

Other Publications

Resources

In honor of a sweet encounter

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Dedication

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Everyone has a hero. Mine is my sister, Reverend Justine Elizabeth Jackson Carr.

We were partners in crime growing up, and are now partners in Christ. That’s just the way God planned it. The crimes we did were not illegal, simply the things siblings do together as youngsters. We found ways to get around our parents’ rules in order to do whatever we wanted to do. Whether that was breaking curfew, allowing friends to come over when our parents weren’t home, dating, sneaking our boyfriends into the house (having boyfriends…for that matter), going to house parties, having house parties when our parents were away on vacation, or covering up for each other whenever the need presented itself. My Hero!

As children and teenagers, we spent countless hours writing short stories, performing skits to an audience of one (our stepmother), and reading Harlequin romance novels. Often, we’d read a (short) novel a day for weeks at a time. Our journalistic nature landed us positions on the staff of our high school magazine, The Perspective. Justine was the editor; and I, the co-editor. Her love for writing presented opportunities for submissions in national poetry contests wherein her works were published in poetry anthologies. My Hero!

Justine, who was not a fighter—except when she fought with me or fought to protect me—became a fighter for life, and a warrior for Christ. Among other things, she fought against the powers of tradition and religious demons that bound her to an emotionally abusive marriage that challenged her faith. She fought against the powers of darkness that tried to steal her children’s spirits and souls. She even fought against death—and won—while lying in the hospital bed in a coma. For every battle fought, there were cries of Victory. Today, she is a force to be reckoned with, and a voice to be heard. My Hero!

Reverend Justine is the author of Get Over It! (A Down to Earth Look at the Issues of Christian Marriage and Remarriage), and the founder of Get Over It Ministries. At the publishing of this book, she’s conducted five annual conferences that have helped so many men and women in and out of the Body of Christ to heal from separation and divorce—including myself.

Standing on God’s promise that she would remarry, Reverend Justine stepped out on faith and began to prepare for the coming of her groom. When he arrived, the flutter in her heart blossomed into love. She married Reverend Clifton Carr, Jr., in 2011. Once again, Justine demonstrated a fearlessness that gives me hope—and so many others—through Manifested Victory.

So I dedicate Blackberry’s Wine, an edgy inspirational romance novel, to my awesome, anointed, gifted, Spirit-led, fearless sister—the romanticist—who continues to inspire me and provide excellent examples of Eros, Philios and Agape love. My Hero!

And as for those romance novels she’s been known to read on a daily basis, well…she’s probably reading one right now.

I love you, sis!

Acknowledgements

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My eternal gratitude to our heavenly Father, Jesus Christ our Savior, and the Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth and righteousness. Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to try something new. I pray that you are glorified through this project.

In memory of my beloved parents, Thelma and Alexander Jackson, whose dedicated lives to Christ, and gift of writing are the legacies I embrace today; my step-mother incredible Rosemary; my loving step-sister Michelle; and, aunt Jestine. God has called all of you home, but you forever remain present in my heart.

Love to my sister Linda who always knows how to lift my spirits; my brother, Robert, who puts the R in Romance; my sister Rosemary, who just amazes me; cousin Timmy (Sam) for your encouragement and artistic eye; and, aunt Pearl who looks out for me every day. To my wonderful family (every one of you), you bless me with your constant love and support, and I love you dearly. I pray that something in my life’s journey inspires you to go for yours, and to achieve everything you set your mind and heart to do. With Christ, all things are possible.

Love to a few wonderful friends in the ministry that are truly family: Hilda Metcalf, A. E. Henry, L. G. Williams, Elaine Janiece, Marilyn Hunte, Tracye Penn, Moneick Hancock, John Taylor Jr., Samantha Browne-Williams, Kimberly Walker, Sharon Ayers, Norime Smith (Brown Rane), Charles Henderson, Jr., Jane Francis, Marva Jamison, Alexis Ballard, Bishop Del P. Shields, and Rev. Dr. Fred Lucas.

There are so many people whose lives have touched mine in some special way: Clergy friends, church family (from all of my church affiliations), extended family (those who calls me sis, auntie or ma), neighbors, co-workers, and business and ministry associates—thank you. To everyone reading this book, you have my deepest gratitude. I am honored, humbled and truly blessed! To God Be the Glory.

Preface

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Spending time with these doting characters reminds me of the opulence of romance and the forever feeling in love with a man like Mark! Fascinating, yet inspirational, this romance captures the epitome of a man and woman’s journey to reciprocal, divine love.

Reverend Michele brightens the road to romantic (and spiritual) relationships that can be often plagued with miscommunication, lack of faith, trust and confusion and fear. This narrative stirs with the message of forgiveness, discernment, hope and eternal love. Dosage of wit, charm and humbleness precipitates on the pages; each turn of which keeps you wrapped and enticed by the internal tribulations of Dory, Christine, Mark and yourself.

Faith based or secular, this literary contribution channels the love of Christ and the deliverance of the anointing through all of the characters. You’ll remember all the reasons why you fell in love with Mark. You will click with Dory, slap your girlfriend high-fives over spicy Christine, awed by the confidence of Terrence while all the time your heart swoons for Mark. Particularly, you’ll be floored by the revelations of the characters that make you connect and want more.

She got it right! Ladies, move Think like a Man off your shelves! Think more of what would Ruth do; what led Boaz to the love of his life. Gentleman, you are worthy of a divine love too. Inspirational, refreshing, optimistic, soul searching and thought provoking, Reverend Michele intelligently blossoms spiritual pinnacles that will resonate with her readers.

C. Nixon, Genesis Consultants

Finally, a novel for Christians with a reality spin! Phenomenal read. A definite page-turner.

D.M. Young, Urban Photography

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Blackberry’s Wine is a story that will take you on a spiritual journey of unconditional love, passion, faith, and the mighty power of prayer. In this book, author, Michele Taylor has a unique ability to inspire you to Let Go and Let God. She lifted my spirits and helped reaffirm my trust in the lord even while faced with the insurmountable challenges of everyday life. I cried, I laughed, and I rejoiced with prayer. Hallelujah! Her enthusiasm for the lord is truly inspiring and this heartfelt down-to-earth story has something for everyone to enjoy."

S. Ayers, Freelance Photographer,

AyerWave Art Gallery

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Michele Taylor has captured the essence of what I’ve envisioned the evolution of real, godly love would be like. Her book is invigorating, inspiring, and enlightening in a time when life has so many detours that moves us away from the true meaning of love. A riveting and powerful expose’ on the power of love that grips at the soul and tugs at the heart to make you renew your belief in the existence of a good man.

J. McMillan, CEO

Diverse Management Solutions

I Want You

I want you…to look into your eyes and see you looking back at me.

I want you…to sit and talk about everything and anything or nothing at all.

I want you…to hold you longer than the greeting of a hug, and to feel you hugging me.

I want you…to hold you close and feel your heartbeat as it beats with mine in a rhythm of excitement.

I want you…to feel the warmth of your body and your breath, as we come close to an embrace.

I want you…to greet your sweet lips with mine and to explore one another.

I want you…to love you and to be loved by you. To create a passion that would take us beyond limits we’ve never endured.

I want you…just for being the person you are.

I want you…to want me too. I want you.

Samuel T. Watkins, Jr., Whispers from My Heart

Blackberry’s Wine

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Chapter 1

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"He’s so fine," Dory said to herself when she saw the featured Disc Jockey of the month in the sound booth of Just-Like-Christ Book Store. His locks are beautiful. They frame his face perfectly.

Six-feet, one hundred and ninety pounds of solid muscle, caramel complexion and strikingly handsome, Mark Bishop was the epitome of how she liked her men. He reminded her of a robust glass of fine wine; full-bodied, visually appealing, stimulating, aromatic, inviting and potentially intoxicating.

A younger man, she thought. Nice eye-candy.

Dory considered her five-feet, five-inch frame and chocolate skin tone next to this Caribbean Adonis.

We’d look good together, she decided.

Every time he caught the beat on the beat at the start of a new mix, Mark smiled with delight.

All right now. That’s good, he said with satisfaction. His head bobbed up and down to the beat as he adjusted the headphones around his neck.

Dory eased in and out of the aisles of book stands hoping Mark wouldn’t see her watching him.

He’s got a warm, smile, she whispered under her breath.

Mark glanced around the room surveying the customer’s response to his jamming mix. His eyes met hers, and he nodded. Dory smiled innocently, and then quickly looked down at a book she randomly took off the shelf—pretending to be interested in what she was reading.

Dag, I’m busted!

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It wasn’t the first time she encountered Mark. Three months ago, their paths crossed at a gospel concert in New Jersey. He didn’t see her amongst the enthusiastic crowd cheering on the DJ as he primed the audience with soul-stirring gospel jams before the main artist took center stage. Every track sent the crowd into a roar of unified praise, Dory included. She admired his well-groomed mahogany locks tied back, resting between his shoulder blades.

This brother’s anointed, she shouted to a sister standing next to her. God is really using him to stir up the spirit.

I know, the sister replied. He’s a real-crowd pleaser!

God, if only he’d see my face in the midst of all these other faces. Then maybe I’d have a chance…maybe there’s hope after all. I’m so tired of being alone and going to concerts unescorted. It’s time for a fresh start—a new beginning—and I’d love to begin anew with him.

Dory closed her eyes, controlled her thoughts and refocused on praising God.

Somebody make some noise for Christ tonight…Shabach the Lord! Mark shouted into the microphone If you love the Lord, holla!

Dory hollered so loud that she thought her larynx would leap out of her mouth and onto the stage.

Wave your hands in the air like you just don’t care! Come on y’all…give God the highest praise.

Mark lifted his arms in a wave-praise. Somebody give God the highest praise.

The crowd roared with shouts of Hallelujah.

I can’t hear you!

The crowd shouted louder, Hallelujah!

That’s what I’m talking about. Shout unto the Lord…Glory!

Glory!

A sea of hand-waves swept across the concert hall. Dory lifted her head back and screamed, GLORY!

Mark canvassed the audience and spotted Dory with her hands high in the air; head tossed back and mouth open wide. The sight of her praising God with so much fervor made him leap up and down.

Get your praise on sister! Glorify our God!

How could she have known that Mark was talking to her? How could she have known that of all the faces glowing with the anointing of the Holy Spirit, it was hers that captured Mark’s attention?

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Dee. A high-pitched voice came from behind Dory.

Christine Alexander was beautiful. Her sandy-brown locks graced her nearly white skin and draped across her oval face down to the middle of her back. She was the envy of many sisters in the church. Brothers automatically gravitated to her—often bypassing sisters of a darker hue. Her intelligence matched her beauty; being the first thing the brothers saw, and not the asset she opted to highlight.

Christine. Dory managed to squeeze out a half smile. Praise the Lord.

Praise him!

Did you see the brother in the sound booth? He’s so handsome. I’m gonna talk to him. Come with me. She locked arms with Dory and pulled her along.

You don’t need me, Dory refuted.

What’s the matter, sis, you scared? Just stand here and keep me company. I’ll do all the talking.

The man’s working. Let him work. She unlinked her arm.

Christine proceeded to the sound booth with Dory close behind. She waved her hand in front