Broken but Not Destroyed

By Pamela Taplin

Honey Love Parquette has carried secrets throughout her life. Being the owner of the hottest supper club in Nu Awlins, The Doors of Grace. A place where the heart of the city beat with Brass Bands and good times.
Within those doors she is in control, the past has no hold. She finds balance in her life as a Pastor. She depends on her faith. Surrounded by a sisterhood, that like her endured the storms of life.
And now the time has come for her to face her past. But once again a life storm comes and blow her husband back after disappearing. Honey needs to decide is love enough.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Sep 3, 2020
• ISBN: 9781728334509

Pamela Taplin

Pamela Ruchon was born in New Orleans La. A city filled with tradition, music, dance and great food. With strong women in her family she was blessed to have a life foundation of faith and strength. She currently resides in Los Angeles, Ca.

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© 2020 Pamela Taplin. 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 09/02/2020

ISBN: 978-1-7283-3451-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-7283-3449-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-7283-3450-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019917840

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

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.

CONTENTS

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

CHAPTER

ONE

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A s she walked to her car memories burst through the corridors of her mind, like an overflowing damn. This time I won’t hold back anything, I’ll tell all my secrets. Oh Lord I need to be free from all this baggage I have carried for so long. I can’t change the past, but I refuse to allow the past to dictate my future.

It’s three o’clock and I have to get to the club. Tonight I have to make all final arrangements, it’s the Uptown Queens annual ball. I love the Second Line events, I get a theme and do my thang. Mademoiselle you would be so proud of your Honey Love. Thinking back on how she got her name Honey Love Parquette. Daddy named me Honey, he said I was the sweetest thing in the world. My Momma called me Love. She said love will always be with me, but she was wrong. Parquette because that is who I am a Parquette, strong, capable, and unbreakable.

Upon arriving at the club Ms. Ella met her at the door. Now Ms. Ella was her Godmother, hostess, manager, accountant and the over-seer of all that had to do with her. Child where you been? I tried calling you after prayer meeting. We had a time (she chuckled). What’s wrong Honey? Oh nothing Ms. Ella, thinking about this menu for the Queens. I know you girl that ain’t nothing to think about.

You cook with your eyes close; the good Lord gave you a gift. When it comes to feedn His People you feed the body and the soul. Speaking of the soul I know you got a wonderful message for Sunday. Tears begin to roll down her face.

Ms. Ella Sunday will be the seventh anniversary of Joshua’s abduction. With her arms holding her tight Ms. Ella said Baby I see your pain and God feels your hurt. It’s sad and terrible but look how the Lord has used you. So many families who share your pain and lost find comfort in a tragedy that yall share. Now go in that kitchen and do what you do. He got you Honey Love lets wipe those tears away. I love you Ms. Ella. Love you to Honey.

Here comes Leslie, go over everything with her. She will be finalizing everything today. Ok remember trouble don’t last always. As she entered into the kitchen every thought memory hurt and pain seemed to disappear. It was the one place in the world where she was in control.

Growing up after school she spent most of her time in the kitchen with Mademoiselle. It was all about creating something special outta something simple. She would say, "Honey Love life sometimes starts off with things that aren’t all that great. But when you began to add the better things like a lil honey and a lotta love, you have something that’s wonderful and never forgotten. Like you Honey Love. I miss my Granma so much.

CHAPTER

TWO

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W atching the sun creep through the long night of darkness, wondering how she would survive this day. Wiping the tears away as she looked at the picture of her forever baby Joshua. Reminiscing on the joy that he brought to her in the short time of his life. A praise began to swell in her, and the tears of a broken heart quickly turned into tears of joy. Joy simply because it don’t hurt like it used to.

The doorbell ranged. Good morning Cousin. Good morning Cousin. Good morning Pastor Parquette. Good morning Deaconess Brown. They laughed, are you ok Cousin? Yes Gwen. You know it’s been seven years, but God got me. This Sunday is the largest support gathering we’ve ever had. We got this. I’m proud of you Honey.

Get ready I know you got a Word from on high today! Yes, I do! I’ll get your things together while you get ready to win this battle today. Thanks Cousin you have always been here for me,