The Covers and synopsis of the approved books

Enjoy!
Cheers!!!

     Ministry of Education in Ghana's Approval of my by books!!!

Yes, yes! I thank God that 3 of my books namely Serwah: The Saga of an African Princess, The Lost Princess and Fate's Promise, the sequel to the Lost Princess have all been approved by the Ghana Education Service of the Ministry of Education as supplementary readers for schools in Ghana. I am ecstatic and blessed for this favour. 

So what do you think? Are you going to support me by purchasing these books for you alma maters? Thank you in advance for your unflinching support of my works.

Cheers!

                          WRITER'S DIGEST AWARD WINNER

I am always delighted to share with you all some of my achievements as a writer/novelist.
I was honored as an award winner in 2017. This kind of recognition really encourages me to write the more.
Indeed getting a manuscript published is a slow process in Africa since the publishers rather concentrate more on educational materials instead of leisure reading. I believe this is not right because when I was growing up if my dearest mother had not encouraged me to read all the books she bought me aside from my school books, I don't think my imagination would have been fired up for me to become an author.
These things have a way of discouraging a writer since one cannot even earn much in Africa by writing. I am just hoping and praying that one of these days someone out there will recognize my books and turn them into a movie.

                      A RWOWA MEMBER AT LAST!!!

Yes RWOWA stands for Romance Writers of West Africa and I'm pleased to announce that I'm now a full member. I didn't even know it existed till only recently. I am so glad that I get to connect and interact with my fellow African romance writers.

Yes proud to be a part of these awesome African writers.
You can connect with us at:
www.rwowa.org

Enjoy!!!

GRACE IN MARRIAGE What is marriage? These are some of the definitions I came across. 1. The legally or formally recognized union of two people as partners in a relationship. 2. A combination or a mixture of two or more elements 3. Marriage lets you annoy one special person for the rest of your life 4. Marriage is the process by which two people make their relationship public, official, and permanent. It is the joining of two people in a bond that putatively lasts until death, but in practice is increasingly cut short by divorce. 5. Marriage is like a dancing hall; those in it have danced and so sweaty and tired wanting to get out whiles those outside want to get in. (My own mother’s definition.) 6. Marriage is sacred vow between a man and a woman with God as the referee So now the question is what is a successful or a perfect marriage? These are some opinions. 1. A good marriage would be between a blind wife and a deaf husband 2. A perfect marriage is just two imperfect people who refuse to give up. 3. Always striving to give your spouse the very best of yourself; not what’s left over after you have given your best to everyone else 4. His warm legs to put your cold feet on 5. A strong marriage rarely has two strong people at the same time. It is a husband and wife who take turns being strong for each other in the moments when the other is weak 6. If you are wrong and you shut up, you’re wise. If you’re right and you shut up, you’re married 7. Placing blame in a marriage is like saying “Your side of the boat is sinking.” 8. One of the happiest moments in life is when you find the courage to let go of what you cannot change. So as a Christian what would you term a successful or a perfect marriage? Pastor Hagee said “Love at first sight is often cured by a second look.” Another said, ”When one rushes into marriage, they will spend their whole married life regretting not taking the time to seek the Lord’s will before they got married.” Many of us don’t realize that we go into a marriage with wrong expectations. But wait, that’s not where it starts. It starts from childhood when we have expressions like: 1. A strong handsome man who will do my every wish 2. Someone with lots of money and would buy me everything I need like the biggest house, the biggest car and the most handsome children 3. Someone with a good job etc. Yes these expectations start when we are very young especially if you were devouring romance novels like I was. What we don’t realize is that our expectations stem from our fears of what we are not and what we don’t want to experience in our own lives probably watching what others, perhaps our own parents or family members have gone through. You hear of people saying that marriage is the principle of give and take. True, because human nature is exceptionally selfish. Some men or women don’t want to marry because they don’t want to give up their comfort zones of doing what they want. Some may even marry and wouldn’t want children because they don’t want any interference from any other; that is giving away the time they want to spend with each other to another person, be it a bundle of joy. But sisters, if we really want to face the truth today, let us go to the genesis of the whole issue of marriage. You may not like it but the woman was created for the man. Genesis 2.18-24. Verse 18 says “And the Lord God said, it is not good that the man should be alone. I will make him an help mate.” And verse 24 says “Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother and shall cleave unto his wife and they shall be one flesh.” One flesh right? Does it make sense but that’s our God’s definition. We are also told in Ephesians 5 that marriage is a mystery created by our mysterious God. Sisters let us remember this latter verse because we are bringing up the husbands of other people’s daughters so we don’t get ‘jealous’ when our sons are cleaving to their girlfriends or wives. Remember our own situations. Do you have an unbearably mother-in-law or sister-law or brother-law? Show them mercy. They are going through the pains of the green eyed monster, jealousy! Now for our own situations, if we go back to the definitions of marriage and the remedy for a successful marriage at the top, I am sure some of them resonate with you. The one that brought out a hoop of laughter for me is this “A good marriage would be between a blind wife and a deaf husband”. This takes grace right, for a woman to pretend that she doesn’t see his faults and the husband to pretend not to hear his wife’s nagging. I have heard a pastor counsel one woman by asking her to fill her mouth with water whenever she felt tempted to speak or yell at her husband. Another one is that marriage is a combination of two or more elements. This is so true. You came into the marriage with a lot of baggage; let’s say your upbringing, past abuse, lack of resources etc. and he also may be coming from the same or more background baggage. So tell me, what makes us judges of who he should or shouldn’t be? These are our own expectations and I know that no one person on earth can fulfill ALL OUR HEART’S desires. Not the Hollywood kind where as soon as passion wanes, and it will, they throw their hands up in the air and say “I have fallen out of love etc.”. What I mean is you and your spouse may have interests in many areas but not all. So give him room to pursue his own interests or join him. I did. I didn’t like football but when I saw that he did and his watching alone took our time together away from me I joined him. And now Viola! I love football!!! But not where there is sin involved. In that instance pray and fast for him. One preacher said, “Marriage isn’t a healing journey but a wounded journey.” Ladies it takes a lot of grace not to yell or become frustrated when you: 1. feel unloved by the man who promised you heaven and earth before you got married 2. watch your man withdraw from you and into the TV or newspapers 3. see your man walk out the door or come in from outside everyday without as much as a hello 4. take abuse whether verbal, physical, sexual, social, financial etc. from the man you love 5. watch your man refuse to help you with the chores or even the maintenance of the house 6. refuse to take care of your children while you’re busy cooking or something 7. see a man full of love become your ‘enemy’ 8. see your man always take the side of everyone including your in-laws against you 9. He turns your own words of love against you 10. When he interprets every word you say as hurtful or disrespectful to him I can go on and on but you know your very situation. But like I read somewhere and have heard many people say including my own counsel to many women, where do you go to for comfort and shelter when you are hurting in your marriage as a Christian and your spouse is refusing to see your pain? The Bible! It is a great way of remembering the vows you made to each other especially before God on the day you got married. This will help you focus and stay engaged with your faith and your spouse on a daily basis. What I did several years ago when the Lord laid the burden of an intercessor on my heart was to forgive and ignore my spouse by force. Why? Because the Bible says, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear my prayers.” Psalm 66.18. This does not mean I allowed everything he did. No. But I found other ways in wisdom of making my point clear. This is grace sisters. God’s grace is sufficient. I have been married for 38 years this year and have known my husband for 41 and it has not been easy. Listen to what a study of Columbia University found. “Those who practiced religion were more protected from depression compared to those who did not practice. The study showed that subjects who highly valued (God) religion, had a thicker brain cortex, therefore protecting the part of the brain where major depression would occur.” Sisters, even so called unbelievers understand this, why not you today? Regardless of whatever you may be going through, daily remind yourself of the strength and power of marriage. “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands (including God) is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4.12. Remember that God created marriage to safeguard His creation. The devil knows this also knowing that we are created in God’s image so he has always wanted to destroy God’s creation. What he rails against most is marriage so he has devised all sorts of relationships to dilute God’s true purpose for marriage. Think about that. You may feel lonely in your marriage because your husband neglects you. As painful as it is, ask for grace to continue in that marriage. If he has not asked for divorce or kicked you out, you as a Christian woman must not take the first step. Oh I know it’s very difficult. I have been there. Do not let TV programs and romance novels fool you. You are a child of God and this is what our Lord and Commander in Chief, our Savior commands: I Corinthians 7.10-11. “And unto the married, I command, yet not I but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband. But and if she departs, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband let not the husband put away his wife.” Of course if your life is threatened that is a different matter all together, then I will say flee for your life. Also remember the power of patience and forgiveness as 1 Peter 4.8 says: “Above all have fervent charity (that is loving each other deeply) because love shall cover the multitude of sins.” Isn’t it true that you tolerate everyone whom you like or love? This is what I received in my research about the above quotation. “This is a very important life verse for marriage because marriage is a unification of two sinners. No one is perfect in a marriage. There will be times that a husband or wife may fail each other, mess up, or do something hurtful. It is important to remember God’s definition of love and know that loving each other deeply can cover all those sins. This verse reminds us of the true power of love.” I totally agree because my own definition of love is giving the other person the benefit of the doubt EVERY TIME!!! You don’t jump to conclusions whenever he frowns at you or speaks harshly to you or even yells at you. It’s not right but what can you do my sister? God commands us to love and be humble in His presence. The only thing He doesn’t sanction is colluding with your spouse to commit sin. Remember Ananias and Saphira in Acts 5. But He will make His grace sufficient for you. That is His promise so I will even say crave weakness because whenever we are abused or ignored or neglected or betrayed, that is the time God’s power is manifested greatly on our behalf as Paul himself testified in !! Corinthians 12.9. “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Conclusion: This is the month of love as the world has created it. I plead with you don’t long for what the world says you should have like red roses, chocolate, dinner etc etc. These are all good and great if they come naturally from your spouse or if he is someone who forgets things then by all means subtly remind him. Has he stopped doing these things, ask for grace to bear and endure looking unto your Lord and Savior, the author and the finisher of your faith who after all that He did for mankind, they still hated him with a perfect hatred. You will not be alone on this day. Know that many will be in the same boat so don’t cry and feel sorry for yourself. Why don’t you take the high road and buy him a card or cook his special and favorite meal? Then put on your best dress and makeup. This has the potential of bearing good fruit. This is grace. Happy Valentine’s Day sisters!!!

GRACE IN MARRIAGE What is marriage? These are some of the definitions I came across. 1. The legally or formally recognized union of two people as partners in a relationship. 2. A combination or a mixture of two or more elements 3. Marriage lets you annoy one special person for the rest of your life 4. Marriage is the process by which two people make their relationship public, official, and permanent. It is the joining of two people in a bond that putatively lasts until death, but in practice is increasingly cut short by divorce. 5. Marriage is like a dancing hall; those in it have danced and so sweaty and tired wanting to get out whiles those outside want to get in. (My own mother’s definition.) 6. Marriage is sacred vow between a man and a woman with God as the referee So now the question is what is a successful or a perfect marriage? These are some opinions. 1. A good marriage would be between a blind wife and a deaf husband 2. A perfect marriage is just two imperfect people who refuse to give up. 3. Always striving to give your spouse the very best of yourself; not what’s left over after you have given your best to everyone else 4. His warm legs to put your cold feet on 5. A strong marriage rarely has two strong people at the same time. It is a husband and wife who take turns being strong for each other in the moments when the other is weak 6. If you are wrong and you shut up, you’re wise. If you’re right and you shut up, you’re married 7. Placing blame in a marriage is like saying “Your side of the boat is sinking.” 8. One of the happiest moments in life is when you find the courage to let go of what you cannot change. So as a Christian what would you term a successful or a perfect marriage? Pastor Hagee said “Love at first sight is often cured by a second look.” Another said, ”When one rushes into marriage, they will spend their whole married life regretting not taking the time to seek the Lord’s will before they got married.” Many of us don’t realize that we go into a marriage with wrong expectations. But wait, that’s not where it starts. It starts from childhood when we have expressions like: 1. A strong handsome man who will do my every wish 2. Someone with lots of money and would buy me everything I need like the biggest house, the biggest car and the most handsome children 3. Someone with a good job etc. Yes these expectations start when we are very young especially if you were devouring romance novels like I was. What we don’t realize is that our expectations stem from our fears of what we are not and what we don’t want to experience in our own lives probably watching what others, perhaps our own parents or family members have gone through. You hear of people saying that marriage is the principle of give and take. True, because human nature is exceptionally selfish. Some men or women don’t want to marry because they don’t want to give up their comfort zones of doing what they want. Some may even marry and wouldn’t want children because they don’t want any interference from any other; that is giving away the time they want to spend with each other to another person, be it a bundle of joy. But sisters, if we really want to face the truth today, let us go to the genesis of the whole issue of marriage. You may not like it but the woman was created for the man. Genesis 2.18-24. Verse 18 says “And the Lord God said, it is not good that the man should be alone. I will make him an help mate.” And verse 24 says “Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother and shall cleave unto his wife and they shall be one flesh.” One flesh right? Does it make sense but that’s our God’s definition. We are also told in Ephesians 5 that marriage is a mystery created by our mysterious God. Sisters let us remember this latter verse because we are bringing up the husbands of other people’s daughters so we don’t get ‘jealous’ when our sons are cleaving to their girlfriends or wives. Remember our own situations. Do you have an unbearably mother-in-law or sister-law or brother-law? Show them mercy. They are going through the pains of the green eyed monster, jealousy! Now for our own situations, if we go back to the definitions of marriage and the remedy for a successful marriage at the top, I am sure some of them resonate with you. The one that brought out a hoop of laughter for me is this “A good marriage would be between a blind wife and a deaf husband”. This takes grace right, for a woman to pretend that she doesn’t see his faults and the husband to pretend not to hear his wife’s nagging. I have heard a pastor counsel one woman by asking her to fill her mouth with water whenever she felt tempted to speak or yell at her husband. Another one is that marriage is a combination of two or more elements. This is so true. You came into the marriage with a lot of baggage; let’s say your upbringing, past abuse, lack of resources etc. and he also may be coming from the same or more background baggage. So tell me, what makes us judges of who he should or shouldn’t be? These are our own expectations and I know that no one person on earth can fulfill ALL OUR HEART’S desires. Not the Hollywood kind where as soon as passion wanes, and it will, they throw their hands up in the air and say “I have fallen out of love etc.”. What I mean is you and your spouse may have interests in many areas but not all. So give him room to pursue his own interests or join him. I did. I didn’t like football but when I saw that he did and his watching alone took our time together away from me I joined him. And now Viola! I love football!!! But not where there is sin involved. In that instance pray and fast for him. One preacher said, “Marriage isn’t a healing journey but a wounded journey.” Ladies it takes a lot of grace not to yell or become frustrated when you: 1. feel unloved by the man who promised you heaven and earth before you got married 2. watch your man withdraw from you and into the TV or newspapers 3. see your man walk out the door or come in from outside everyday without as much as a hello 4. take abuse whether verbal, physical, sexual, social, financial etc. from the man you love 5. watch your man refuse to help you with the chores or even the maintenance of the house 6. refuse to take care of your children while you’re busy cooking or something 7. see a man full of love become your ‘enemy’ 8. see your man always take the side of everyone including your in-laws against you 9. He turns your own words of love against you 10. When he interprets every word you say as hurtful or disrespectful to him I can go on and on but you know your very situation. But like I read somewhere and have heard many people say including my own counsel to many women, where do you go to for comfort and shelter when you are hurting in your marriage as a Christian and your spouse is refusing to see your pain? The Bible! It is a great way of remembering the vows you made to each other especially before God on the day you got married. This will help you focus and stay engaged with your faith and your spouse on a daily basis. What I did several years ago when the Lord laid the burden of an intercessor on my heart was to forgive and ignore my spouse by force. Why? Because the Bible says, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear my prayers.” Psalm 66.18. This does not mean I allowed everything he did. No. But I found other ways in wisdom of making my point clear. This is grace sisters. God’s grace is sufficient. I have been married for 38 years this year and have known my husband for 41 and it has not been easy. Listen to what a study of Columbia University found. “Those who practiced religion were more protected from depression compared to those who did not practice. The study showed that subjects who highly valued (God) religion, had a thicker brain cortex, therefore protecting the part of the brain where major depression would occur.” Sisters, even so called unbelievers understand this, why not you today? Regardless of whatever you may be going through, daily remind yourself of the strength and power of marriage. “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands (including God) is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4.12. Remember that God created marriage to safeguard His creation. The devil knows this also knowing that we are created in God’s image so he has always wanted to destroy God’s creation. What he rails against most is marriage so he has devised all sorts of relationships to dilute God’s true purpose for marriage. Think about that. You may feel lonely in your marriage because your husband neglects you. As painful as it is, ask for grace to continue in that marriage. If he has not asked for divorce or kicked you out, you as a Christian woman must not take the first step. Oh I know it’s very difficult. I have been there. Do not let TV programs and romance novels fool you. You are a child of God and this is what our Lord and Commander in Chief, our Savior commands: I Corinthians 7.10-11. “And unto the married, I command, yet not I but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband. But and if she departs, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband let not the husband put away his wife.” Of course if your life is threatened that is a different matter all together, then I will say flee for your life. Also remember the power of patience and forgiveness as 1 Peter 4.8 says: “Above all have fervent charity (that is loving each other deeply) because love shall cover the multitude of sins.” Isn’t it true that you tolerate everyone whom you like or love? This is what I received in my research about the above quotation. “This is a very important life verse for marriage because marriage is a unification of two sinners. No one is perfect in a marriage. There will be times that a husband or wife may fail each other, mess up, or do something hurtful. It is important to remember God’s definition of love and know that loving each other deeply can cover all those sins. This verse reminds us of the true power of love.” I totally agree because my own definition of love is giving the other person the benefit of the doubt EVERY TIME!!! You don’t jump to conclusions whenever he frowns at you or speaks harshly to you or even yells at you. It’s not right but what can you do my sister? God commands us to love and be humble in His presence. The only thing He doesn’t sanction is colluding with your spouse to commit sin. Remember Ananias and Saphira in Acts 5. But He will make His grace sufficient for you. That is His promise so I will even say crave weakness because whenever we are abused or ignored or neglected or betrayed, that is the time God’s power is manifested greatly on our behalf as Paul himself testified in !! Corinthians 12.9. “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Conclusion: This is the month of love as the world has created it. I plead with you don’t long for what the world says you should have like red roses, chocolate, dinner etc etc. These are all good and great if they come naturally from your spouse or if he is someone who forgets things then by all means subtly remind him. Has he stopped doing these things, ask for grace to bear and endure looking unto your Lord and Savior, the author and the finisher of your faith who after all that He did for mankind, they still hated him with a perfect hatred. You will not be alone on this day. Know that many will be in the same boat so don’t cry and feel sorry for yourself. Why don’t you take the high road and buy him a card or cook his special and favorite meal? Then put on your best dress and makeup. This has the potential of bearing good fruit. This is grace. Happy Valentine’s Day sisters!!!

How to identify an abused relationship – 24 Tips

By Rita A. Coker

Every human being needs love and a relationship. We are made this way. No one wants to live alone except they are forced to do so due to one thing or the other. Because of this, many people, if not everybody seeks some form of a relationship.

Unfortunately many of these relationships end up very badly because we fail to see the signs of an abuser or a potential one. Is this a classic example of what they say that love is blind? Hopefully, the tips below, which are by no means exhaustive, will help mothers to counsel their daughters and friends to counsel their friends.

If you want to test your relationship to see if it’s a healthy one, watch out for the following signs:

A very possessive partner
They always want to know who has called you
They try to read your mails
They read your text messages
They try to listen in on your conversations with friends and even family members.
They sulk when you don’t give them what they request for
They are bad tempered
Refuse to forgive easily when offended
They are not friendly with your friends or even family members
They try to get you to break up your relationships with friends and even family members
Highly jealous whenever you speak with the opposite sex
They discourage you from responding to party invitations from friends
They start complaining about your job
They are very domineering
They complain about how you dress instead of making suggestions
They throw things and destroy things when they get angry
You cannot question their actions and if you do they blow up
They refuse to let you meet their family members or friends
Whenever they misbehave, they accuse you for making them do it
They cannot give you compliments
They speak harshly to you most of the times
They never appreciate whatever you do
They stalk you
They do not trust you

If you are seeing more than 2 of the above, please run for your dear life. You are definitely living in an abused relationship or you are heading for one. Your happiness is very important. Go and find someone who will truly appreciate you and love you. Love yourself.