What is my extraordinary?

Without a doubt, I have an overwhelming abundance of love from my family and circle of close friends. Instances where they’ve made me feel special are too many to count. Yet, there is an incident that still warms my heart after nearly fifty years. It was the night Daddy took me to the school fair during first grade.

I didn’t think I’d get to go. My dad worked long hours in construction and my mother worked second shift from 3 to 11 pm. Since times were tough back then, she worked as much overtime as possible to make ends meet. As a result, it was sometimes hard for us to participate in afterschool events. For some reason, I really wanted to go to this fair. Maybe it was because my teacher had repeatedly mentioned all the games and prizes. I was so sad not to be going.

Normally, that would have been the end of it. Ma had to work and even as little kids we understood. However, this particular night my mother begged my dad to take me and he agreed after his long day as a brick layer and cement finisher. He got home late and didn’t have time to change or clean up. When we got to the school, Daddy emerged from his white convertible 1963 Cadillac with his work pants covered in soot, cap filthy, and cement plastered on his boots. I remember the scene like it was yesterday. Some people might have been embarrassed to have their parent come to school in soiled work clothes but not me. I can still feel the joy and pride bubbling in my heart as I reached up with my five year old hand to grab my father’s hand. I skipped into the school glad to be with him.

The night was perfect. I participated in the cakewalk, which is basically a form of musical chairs, and ended up winning an orange-frosted cake. I really was too happy for words. It was the best school fair ever. Daddy carried the cake for me as I clung to his hand, and I felt like the most extraordinary person in the world.

There couldn’t possibly have been a happier person on earth at that precise moment. I had won an orange cake, hung out with my daddy, and got to attend my very first school fair in our convertible Cadillac while my mom made extra money with her overtime. The world was perfect that night, and I was the star.

RELENTLESS

Scarred by a childhood betrayal, Attorney Maxwell Montgomery has vowed never again to let his fate be dictated by anyone—not his parents, not God, and definitely not the church. He doesn’t need anyone including the woman who has willingly put her life on hold for him. He is determined to be successful, powerful, and rich enough to avoid ending up like his father by any means necessary. No one is immune from his vengeful pursuit—or so he believes. Thinking he’s on top of the world, he isn’t prepared for the shocking turn of events headed his way.

RELENTLESS is book 1 in the edgy new faith-based series co-authored by Patricia Haley and Gracie Hill.

Excerpt:

Adrenaline surged. There wasn’t any greater satisfaction than hearing the jury foreman belting out the verdict, “We find in favor of the plaintiff.” The sum of the judgment didn’t quench Attorney Maxwell’s legal thirst; although $12 million wasn’t bad for a day’s work in court. Best news was that there were plenty more cases to come. So long as corruption continued slithering into the church, he’d be a man on a mission. Anticipating the battles he’d get to fight sent exhilaration surfing through his body that he could ride indefinitely.

Maxwell saw the wave of reporters waiting on the courthouse steps as the bright spring sunlight refused to be hidden. He jiggled the knot on his tie and straightened his Armani suit coat, which didn’t need much help. It always fit perfectly, as expected, consistent with the rest of the life he’d carefully and purposefully crafted. “Are you ready to face the crowd?” Maxwell asked his client.

She grabbed his arm, shaking. “Do we have to go out there? Now that we’ve won, I just want to get out of here.”

Absolutely not was what he should have told her, but there was no need for further convincing. He’d proven that his plan worked best. She was walking out with a civil case victory against the almighty Reverend Morgan, the so-called anointed leader of one of the largest ministries in the tri-state area. Whatever he was supposed to be, reverend, minister, doctor, or bishop, the well-deserved label of being a bona fide predator could also be added to his bio. No way was Maxwell going to pass up a prime opportunity to shout their victory over the airwaves. He’d send a message to the other perpetrators. There would be no rest as long as Maxwell Montgomery was alive and breathing. Churches were on notice and they’d better take him serious…

ABOUT PATRICIA HALEY-GLASS

PATRICIA HALEY is a trailblazer in the modern-day Christian fiction genre. She is an award winning, #1 national bestselling author of twelve faith-based novels and two anthologies. She’s a senior project manager, born again believer, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Patricia lives with her loving husband and precious daughter in the Chicago, IL area. Visit her on www.patriciahaley.com. Become a Facebook friend at Patricia Haley-Glass or join her fan page at Author Patricia Haley.

Website: http://www.patriciahaley.com/novels/

Email:       phg@patriciahaley.com