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Written Between the Pages #1
The Devil Goes To Church Too
Have you ever wondered why some people in the church can be so mean, judgmental, and holier than thou? Raquel Brooks finds out first-hand when at the tender age of fifteen, her life takes a drastic turn. She grows up, living a sheltered life, thanks to her mother, being naïve to the ways of the world. Due to that, her eyes are closed to the fact that going to church doesn't make a person holy. She learns that from her own parents, then from members at the church she goes to.Raquel's life is nothing short of a roller coaster ride, filled with sadness, depression, but most of all, her desire to be loved. Things happen that could be detrimental to Raquel's future, but she refuses to give up. There is one particular person that needs her to keep her sanity. So, Raquel is determined to succeed, despite the circumstances. Will she be able to overcome adversity or will the people that's supposed to mean her the most good, contribute to her downfall?
- GenresEbooks
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2018
215 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Monica Walters
133 books946 followersStarting with poetry, writing has always been a constant in Monica's life. The interest began in her teenage years, being in love for the first time. Her love for writing has only progressed. Song lyrics and poetry led to short stories, then one day in her down time, a short story became a 56k word novel. It has been non-stop since then. Being a wife and mother, has only added to the joys of Monica's life. Attaining a BS in Sociology, helping her better understand people and their behaviors, has only helped her become a better writer, understanding characters and their complex personalities. Romance of all types has been her passion, and she plans to continue honing her skills in that genre.
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September 23, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (9/23/18)!💝
Blurb:
Have you ever wondered why some people in the church can be so mean, judgmental, and holier than thou? Raquel Brooks finds out first-hand when at the tender age of fifteen, her life takes a drastic turn. She grows up, living a sheltered life, thanks to her mother, being naïve to the ways of the world. Due to that, her eyes are closed to the fact that going to church doesn't make a person holy. She learns that from her own parents, then from members at the church she goes to. Raquel's life is nothing short of a roller coaster ride, filled with sadness, depression, but most of all, her desire to be loved. Things happen that could be detrimental to Raquel's future, but she refuses to give up. There is one particular person that needs her to keep her sanity. So, Raquel is determined to succeed, despite the circumstances. Will she be able to overcome adversity or will the people that's supposed to mean her the most good, contribute to her downfall?
Blurb:
Have you ever wondered why some people in the church can be so mean, judgmental, and holier than thou? Raquel Brooks finds out first-hand when at the tender age of fifteen, her life takes a drastic turn. She grows up, living a sheltered life, thanks to her mother, being naïve to the ways of the world. Due to that, her eyes are closed to the fact that going to church doesn't make a person holy. She learns that from her own parents, then from members at the church she goes to. Raquel's life is nothing short of a roller coaster ride, filled with sadness, depression, but most of all, her desire to be loved. Things happen that could be detrimental to Raquel's future, but she refuses to give up. There is one particular person that needs her to keep her sanity. So, Raquel is determined to succeed, despite the circumstances. Will she be able to overcome adversity or will the people that's supposed to mean her the most good, contribute to her downfall?
October 10, 2023
Whew
I enjoyed this book. Raquel worked my nerves something serious. I kind of understand, because she was so young. He preyed on her. The secret still needs to come out. Oh, I loved Collin. But that mom, she got off wayyyyyyyy to easy.
I enjoyed this book. Raquel worked my nerves something serious. I kind of understand, because she was so young. He preyed on her. The secret still needs to come out. Oh, I loved Collin. But that mom, she got off wayyyyyyyy to easy.
June 28, 2019
There were times I felt bad/sad for Raquel especially the horrible way her mother Hazel treated her. I was surprised Ryan was not exposed for the crime he committed. Detailed storyline had me feeling as if I knew these characters personally. Content went well with the title. I'm hoping Collin is the one... Looking forward to reading the next part
July 2, 2018
The Devil Goes To Church Too, was a great novel!! I felt like I was actually on the pages, with the characters. I can't wait until the next book!!
June 17, 2018
Amazing
From start to finish...so many highs and lows. A true emotional rollercoaster! So good and honest. It pulled back the curtain! I loved it!
From start to finish...so many highs and lows. A true emotional rollercoaster! So good and honest. It pulled back the curtain! I loved it!
October 22, 2018
Wonderful Story
What a great story. I loved the characters, and the storyline. It was well written. This is the first time I read anything from this Author, but not the last.
What a great story. I loved the characters, and the storyline. It was well written. This is the first time I read anything from this Author, but not the last.
February 4, 2020
Very aptly titled
Well written, unbiased point of view- Ms Walters just told it as is, whew! Definitely a good read. Was glad to see that Noah truly did have unconditional love for his mom, Raquel, despite his grandparents behavior. Hazel Brooks, OMG; not just her behavior towards Raquel for getting pregnant out of wedlock, but for neither punishing nor making Ryan accountable for his action after discovering Noah's true parentage revealed her as being one of those that ushered the 😈 on into the church. And dear old dad, Mr Brooks, smh. Ryan's behavior leaves me with eyebrows raised...I mean... I'm just saying. Anyway, I was glad to see Raquel not become a victim of her circumstance. Raquel lovingly titled baby Noah, My World, and strived and succeeded in achieving everything she set out to do to make a good life for them. Loved the relationship between young Raquel and baby Noah (and their singing) and on into their adult relationship. Glad she was able to experience what good Love felt like, but I wonder what's going to happen when Noah finally finds out who his father is; I kind of wonder if he and RJ have an idea already?
Well written, unbiased point of view- Ms Walters just told it as is, whew! Definitely a good read. Was glad to see that Noah truly did have unconditional love for his mom, Raquel, despite his grandparents behavior. Hazel Brooks, OMG; not just her behavior towards Raquel for getting pregnant out of wedlock, but for neither punishing nor making Ryan accountable for his action after discovering Noah's true parentage revealed her as being one of those that ushered the 😈 on into the church. And dear old dad, Mr Brooks, smh. Ryan's behavior leaves me with eyebrows raised...I mean... I'm just saying. Anyway, I was glad to see Raquel not become a victim of her circumstance. Raquel lovingly titled baby Noah, My World, and strived and succeeded in achieving everything she set out to do to make a good life for them. Loved the relationship between young Raquel and baby Noah (and their singing) and on into their adult relationship. Glad she was able to experience what good Love felt like, but I wonder what's going to happen when Noah finally finds out who his father is; I kind of wonder if he and RJ have an idea already?
October 25, 2022
page turner
This book will make you feel indifferent about the characters. Very well written.
I felt bad for Raquel, she was a victim and didn’t even know it because she was in love with her predator. Adult Raquel needed to learn to love herself first before getting into a relationship. At first I was disappointed in David’s actions, but he was right to save himself. I was hoping Raquel would really get help for herself. This woman was stuck. I wanted Raquel to be happy, but she needed to do a lot of self healing and self awareness. She knew what happened to her was wrong, but she always added a but to it. Not buts about it, dude deserved prison time.
Rachel parents were just weird, her mother made no sense and the father rarely spoke up. I was dancing when she finally smacked the shit out of her mother as many times as Hazel smacked Raquel and she took it. Her mother was straight up abusive. I felt so bad for baby Noah. I don’t care how well Raquel and Noah turned out I would not have left my child to be raised by such a cruel person. I loved Raquel’s relationship with her son.
After all that has happened I could not allow Hazel in my life, especially finding out what she did amongst the abuse, mother or not. I had an idea it was her, cruel witch.
This book will make you feel indifferent about the characters. Very well written.
I felt bad for Raquel, she was a victim and didn’t even know it because she was in love with her predator. Adult Raquel needed to learn to love herself first before getting into a relationship. At first I was disappointed in David’s actions, but he was right to save himself. I was hoping Raquel would really get help for herself. This woman was stuck. I wanted Raquel to be happy, but she needed to do a lot of self healing and self awareness. She knew what happened to her was wrong, but she always added a but to it. Not buts about it, dude deserved prison time.
Rachel parents were just weird, her mother made no sense and the father rarely spoke up. I was dancing when she finally smacked the shit out of her mother as many times as Hazel smacked Raquel and she took it. Her mother was straight up abusive. I felt so bad for baby Noah. I don’t care how well Raquel and Noah turned out I would not have left my child to be raised by such a cruel person. I loved Raquel’s relationship with her son.
After all that has happened I could not allow Hazel in my life, especially finding out what she did amongst the abuse, mother or not. I had an idea it was her, cruel witch.
June 24, 2023
ummmm 🤨
I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️ because she does a great job of keeping you’re interest. I’m invested in these characters and despite how the first 3 series have dragged on and on and on, I still want to know what happens.
What I don’t like about this book are the things that make the story a good story. The author does a good job of showing just how multifaceted people are and that people are not ALL good or ALL bad.
I could criticize each and everyone of the adult decisions made in this book (and yes I’m pissed at Hazel, Raquel’s father, and Ryan’s raggedy a$$e$) but this is what can happen and has happened in real life. When kids are not protected, they are left to be prey to the predators in the world. And when they are not healed or the people/adults around then fail to protect/respond appropriately, then the child becomes an adult who normalizes this behavior.
The main criticism I also have about this book is that I was not warned about the white love interest in this book. I am a Black woman who wants to read about Black love. Interracial dating is not a Black love story and this book nor this author should not be categorized under Black romance. Like dayum… we can’t have 💩! 🙄
I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️ because she does a great job of keeping you’re interest. I’m invested in these characters and despite how the first 3 series have dragged on and on and on, I still want to know what happens.
What I don’t like about this book are the things that make the story a good story. The author does a good job of showing just how multifaceted people are and that people are not ALL good or ALL bad.
I could criticize each and everyone of the adult decisions made in this book (and yes I’m pissed at Hazel, Raquel’s father, and Ryan’s raggedy a$$e$) but this is what can happen and has happened in real life. When kids are not protected, they are left to be prey to the predators in the world. And when they are not healed or the people/adults around then fail to protect/respond appropriately, then the child becomes an adult who normalizes this behavior.
The main criticism I also have about this book is that I was not warned about the white love interest in this book. I am a Black woman who wants to read about Black love. Interracial dating is not a Black love story and this book nor this author should not be categorized under Black romance. Like dayum… we can’t have 💩! 🙄
September 28, 2022
WHEW!
When I read the opening message from the author to her readers giving us a heads up about he possible triggers that were contained within the pages I thought to myself…I don’t think I need to read this book…well I guess I can say curiosity
Got the best of me…once I got passed the first two chapters I could not stop reading My heart broke and cried for 15 year old Raquel Brooks. Her mother Hazel was worse than cruel I just don’t have the words to describe her😡. I honestly think
She had some serious mental issues,and just had not been diagnosed.
This story chronicles Raquel life’s journey from the time she was 15 up to her mid forties. And yes I felt like I was on that journey with her and her “world” AKA her son. This story was beautifully written it drew so many emotions from me . I felt like the proud auntie as I watched her fight through her adversities to achieve her goals. I don’t want to share to much because I don’t want to spoil this for other readers. So I’ll just say This is a darn good book if you can get beyond the things Ms Walters warns about. I will say this there is a HEA❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
When I read the opening message from the author to her readers giving us a heads up about he possible triggers that were contained within the pages I thought to myself…I don’t think I need to read this book…well I guess I can say curiosity
Got the best of me…once I got passed the first two chapters I could not stop reading My heart broke and cried for 15 year old Raquel Brooks. Her mother Hazel was worse than cruel I just don’t have the words to describe her😡. I honestly think
She had some serious mental issues,and just had not been diagnosed.
This story chronicles Raquel life’s journey from the time she was 15 up to her mid forties. And yes I felt like I was on that journey with her and her “world” AKA her son. This story was beautifully written it drew so many emotions from me . I felt like the proud auntie as I watched her fight through her adversities to achieve her goals. I don’t want to share to much because I don’t want to spoil this for other readers. So I’ll just say This is a darn good book if you can get beyond the things Ms Walters warns about. I will say this there is a HEA❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
June 12, 2020
LOVED IT
Wow this book was really good. Very well written with a great storyline. I really enjoyed getting the back story on Noah's mother Raquel. A young girl so sheltered and raised by strict parents that the one mishap in her life leaves her feeling like a pariah within her family and church. I really felt sorry for what she went through but her blessing came when she had Noah. What I admired about Raquel in this book was that she dedicated her future to being the best and providing the best for Noah. I loved their relationship. Hazel was a miserable, evil woman. How does a mother look down on her daughter when she was taken advantage of but praise the predator. Collin was the better man for Raquel. Pastor Charles prayed on her weakness as that young naive 15yr old and David was too caught up in himself to really be there for Raquel. I just wonder will the secret identity of Noah's father ever be revealed. Overall great read. Highly recommend reading.
Wow this book was really good. Very well written with a great storyline. I really enjoyed getting the back story on Noah's mother Raquel. A young girl so sheltered and raised by strict parents that the one mishap in her life leaves her feeling like a pariah within her family and church. I really felt sorry for what she went through but her blessing came when she had Noah. What I admired about Raquel in this book was that she dedicated her future to being the best and providing the best for Noah. I loved their relationship. Hazel was a miserable, evil woman. How does a mother look down on her daughter when she was taken advantage of but praise the predator. Collin was the better man for Raquel. Pastor Charles prayed on her weakness as that young naive 15yr old and David was too caught up in himself to really be there for Raquel. I just wonder will the secret identity of Noah's father ever be revealed. Overall great read. Highly recommend reading.
March 25, 2021
The Devil's Everywhere
Awesome read. Pastor Charles was truly creepy, especially in the beginning. Towards the end, I softened towards him, but he should've been in jail. God knows best. Couldn't help but admire Quels; she stayed fixated towards her goal for herself and child. Despite her naivete, she bonded to her child even before birth and I loved how she sang to him. I couldn't figure out her parents, supporting the grandchild, but wicked towards their daughter. Especially Hazel, who sent so many mixed messages. I wish there had been some background into her and her extreme bitterness. Despite all, Quels managed to succeed even though it took her a long time to recognize love because it had never been shown to her. Her relationship with Noah was true, unconditional and I'm glad she didn't pass that generational curse to her son. But will he ever find out who his father is, and how will he react? I hope the truth is explored in the next book.
Awesome read. Pastor Charles was truly creepy, especially in the beginning. Towards the end, I softened towards him, but he should've been in jail. God knows best. Couldn't help but admire Quels; she stayed fixated towards her goal for herself and child. Despite her naivete, she bonded to her child even before birth and I loved how she sang to him. I couldn't figure out her parents, supporting the grandchild, but wicked towards their daughter. Especially Hazel, who sent so many mixed messages. I wish there had been some background into her and her extreme bitterness. Despite all, Quels managed to succeed even though it took her a long time to recognize love because it had never been shown to her. Her relationship with Noah was true, unconditional and I'm glad she didn't pass that generational curse to her son. But will he ever find out who his father is, and how will he react? I hope the truth is explored in the next book.
December 20, 2022
After much deliberation, I’d have to say “annoying” is the best way to describe this book. Things that annoyed me: how badly Raquel’s mother continuously treated her; the way she never stood up for herself (even in adulthood, her mother would slap her); how her father never protected her from her mother; how the self-righteous people of the church shunned her; how the baby daddy never had to face the wrath of the congregation; that her baby daddy kept chasing her for over thirty years; how Raquel kept getting support from the baby daddy (money for baby, apartment rental, a car) but it made no sense as he didn’t have a high-paying job; how Raquel cried all the time (tears of fear, sadness, joy, frustration, you name it-on every other page she was crying!)
But the most annoying thing of all was, the story kept me reading until the very end (which, of course, was one big happy finish, complete with a white knight and all). Too cliché for me.
But the most annoying thing of all was, the story kept me reading until the very end (which, of course, was one big happy finish, complete with a white knight and all). Too cliché for me.
January 1, 2024
The Devil Goes to Church ( Book 1)
This book was inspirational, dramatic with lots of suspense. Ruquel is a 15 yrs old girl who never have friends and was not involve in activities at school the only thing her mother allow to do was sing at church. Rev Ryan Charles took a liking to Raquel and got her pregnant. Raquel felt like the only love she got was Pastor Charles so she kept his secret. First lady was able to put it together and have this young child feminist from the congregation, her mom beat her for 2 months and she kept pastor secret intact. Raquel had Noah then went to College then university graduates as a pharmacist. Raquel married her college lover David but he left her because her of secret with Pastor Charles and he never leave her alone. Raquel then found love again with Collin who was strong enough to show David and Pastor Ryan who is in charge. Noah career took off. He met in an accident . And the story now continue with Noah. Lovely read.
This book was inspirational, dramatic with lots of suspense. Ruquel is a 15 yrs old girl who never have friends and was not involve in activities at school the only thing her mother allow to do was sing at church. Rev Ryan Charles took a liking to Raquel and got her pregnant. Raquel felt like the only love she got was Pastor Charles so she kept his secret. First lady was able to put it together and have this young child feminist from the congregation, her mom beat her for 2 months and she kept pastor secret intact. Raquel had Noah then went to College then university graduates as a pharmacist. Raquel married her college lover David but he left her because her of secret with Pastor Charles and he never leave her alone. Raquel then found love again with Collin who was strong enough to show David and Pastor Ryan who is in charge. Noah career took off. He met in an accident . And the story now continue with Noah. Lovely read.
June 30, 2024
Talkin’ Bout the Church Folk
The title definitely didn’t lie!!!…The devil definitely goes to church!!!…
I truly don’t know how to feel about Hazel because she definitely had some misplaced anger and she placed it all on Raquel!!!…Even after Raquel told her parents they didn’t look out for her or protect her, her mother found a way to degrade her daughter!!!…
Although Raquel didn’t see it as a violation of what Ryan did to her, it was!!!…I was disappointed in the both of them because they didn’t reveal Noah’s paternity!!!…I hope as this series goes on, he is told that Ryan is his father!!!…
Cecil came in like a breath of fresh air and I was happy to see Raquel allow herself to be open to love again after her David left her the way he did!!!…
All in all it was a beautifully written story and I really enjoyed it once I gathered my emotions!!!…
I had to stop reading it a few times because this was a heavy book!!!…
The title definitely didn’t lie!!!…The devil definitely goes to church!!!…
I truly don’t know how to feel about Hazel because she definitely had some misplaced anger and she placed it all on Raquel!!!…Even after Raquel told her parents they didn’t look out for her or protect her, her mother found a way to degrade her daughter!!!…
Although Raquel didn’t see it as a violation of what Ryan did to her, it was!!!…I was disappointed in the both of them because they didn’t reveal Noah’s paternity!!!…I hope as this series goes on, he is told that Ryan is his father!!!…
Cecil came in like a breath of fresh air and I was happy to see Raquel allow herself to be open to love again after her David left her the way he did!!!…
All in all it was a beautifully written story and I really enjoyed it once I gathered my emotions!!!…
I had to stop reading it a few times because this was a heavy book!!!…
October 30, 2022
This story took me on such an emotional roller coaster. Raquel went through so much and despite it all accomplished everything she needed. We’ve seen the growth from a naive 15 year old mother (disgusted by Pastor Charles) to an established 40 something woman. The mother son relationship with Noah was beautiful to see. I so wanted David to be the One for her but he was such a disappointment. I’m will David when it comes to the interaction with Ryan, f*ck him with his pedophile ass. Collin being unfazed by it didn’t sit right with me no matter how long ago it happened. Her parents were so weird in every interaction. That mother of her will be the first one to enter the gates of hell. I don’t know if I can emotionally continue the series with Noah. Especially seeing it’s contacted to other pervious stories that’s just too much to go back to follow up. All in all a heart tugging story. 👏🏾
March 28, 2019
Good Book
Raquel was so strong, loving, protective, and forgiving. She was taken advantaged of at fifteen years old by her twenty five year old pastor and ended up pregnant by him. She protected him and never told their secret so it wouldn't affect the ministry but she was kicked out of the church because of the pregnancy. Raquel went through so much at the evil hands of her own mom and her dad went along with the foolishness most of the time. I never like David and Raquel together and I don't like Noah and Sonya as a couple. It's good that Pastor Charles made sure he was a part of Noah's life and that RJ and Noah had a tight bond even though they don't know that they're brothers. I'm glad that Raquel eventually got her HEA with Collin.
Raquel was so strong, loving, protective, and forgiving. She was taken advantaged of at fifteen years old by her twenty five year old pastor and ended up pregnant by him. She protected him and never told their secret so it wouldn't affect the ministry but she was kicked out of the church because of the pregnancy. Raquel went through so much at the evil hands of her own mom and her dad went along with the foolishness most of the time. I never like David and Raquel together and I don't like Noah and Sonya as a couple. It's good that Pastor Charles made sure he was a part of Noah's life and that RJ and Noah had a tight bond even though they don't know that they're brothers. I'm glad that Raquel eventually got her HEA with Collin.
March 8, 2020
Amazing Read
Raquel went through more than most before the age of seventeen. Her mother had to be the biggest hypocrite that ever lived! How do you find out what the minister does to your daughter but still want to protect his image? Raquel was an a amazing person for being to complete the accomplishments that she did with so much going on in her life. David didn't offer her the love she deserved. Other than having Noah, meeting Collin was the best thing to happen to her. Ryan was extremely toxic for her life and I'm so glad she realized it and stopped letting him come around without Collin being near. Outstanding book! It tells the truth things that happen in every day life!
Raquel went through more than most before the age of seventeen. Her mother had to be the biggest hypocrite that ever lived! How do you find out what the minister does to your daughter but still want to protect his image? Raquel was an a amazing person for being to complete the accomplishments that she did with so much going on in her life. David didn't offer her the love she deserved. Other than having Noah, meeting Collin was the best thing to happen to her. Ryan was extremely toxic for her life and I'm so glad she realized it and stopped letting him come around without Collin being near. Outstanding book! It tells the truth things that happen in every day life!
September 26, 2022
Bestest
Eventho my nerves got rocked countless times with Hazel and Raquel, this is the best book ive read in a long time! It was a breath of fresh air from what im used to reading. I was so glad that Collin made it thru all of Raquel’s indecisive, self destructing bs. Yes she was 15 yrs old when all of that happened but by the time she was actually a full grown woman and could make her own decisions and stand up for herself, she should’ve seen it for what it was. David spoke nothing but the truth to her and she still kept choosing Ryan. She made all the sacrifices for him but he never made not one for her and that should’ve been enough for her to bury all feelings she had for him. I really wished the she wouldve lit Hazel behind up one good time tho
Eventho my nerves got rocked countless times with Hazel and Raquel, this is the best book ive read in a long time! It was a breath of fresh air from what im used to reading. I was so glad that Collin made it thru all of Raquel’s indecisive, self destructing bs. Yes she was 15 yrs old when all of that happened but by the time she was actually a full grown woman and could make her own decisions and stand up for herself, she should’ve seen it for what it was. David spoke nothing but the truth to her and she still kept choosing Ryan. She made all the sacrifices for him but he never made not one for her and that should’ve been enough for her to bury all feelings she had for him. I really wished the she wouldve lit Hazel behind up one good time tho
February 21, 2024
Conflicted
Oh wow😮💨‼️ This was a lot 🤦🏾♀️… I appreciate the context but I’m still conflicted 😐 & need a sedative on slow drip or boxing gloves to get through this back story. …”The Devil Goes To Church Too (Written Between The Pages - Book 1” was a good read. However, there were several characters that absolutely infuriated me: Ryan Sr.(predator), Phillip (coward), Hazel (evil 🤬!) & David (waste)🤬 each for various reasons, but I’m particularly angry at the extent of selfishness, manipulation,deviant behaviors & hatred towards Raquel‼️ …Also, I loathe Raquel didn’t experienced a genuine romantic love until Collin. Why am I so emotionally invested into these fictional people🤷🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️⁉️
Oh wow😮💨‼️ This was a lot 🤦🏾♀️… I appreciate the context but I’m still conflicted 😐 & need a sedative on slow drip or boxing gloves to get through this back story. …”The Devil Goes To Church Too (Written Between The Pages - Book 1” was a good read. However, there were several characters that absolutely infuriated me: Ryan Sr.(predator), Phillip (coward), Hazel (evil 🤬!) & David (waste)🤬 each for various reasons, but I’m particularly angry at the extent of selfishness, manipulation,deviant behaviors & hatred towards Raquel‼️ …Also, I loathe Raquel didn’t experienced a genuine romantic love until Collin. Why am I so emotionally invested into these fictional people🤷🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️⁉️
November 7, 2025
Family issues
Raquel had a rough life starting from childhood. Her mother was very strict and wouldn't allow her to do anything but go to school and church. She was very introverted and stayed to herself. She caught the eye of many with her beautiful voice. That included her Pastor Ryan Charles. They shared a lot of time together although it was inappropriate. He showed her the love and attention she was missing and she was happy. She ended up getting pregnant and had to keep it a secret to protect Ryan and her family. She goes through life burdened and depressed. Ryan has a relationship with his son Noah but he isn't aware that he is his father. Ryan wants Noah to know but with so much time passing by Raquel doesn't think it's a good idea.
Raquel had a rough life starting from childhood. Her mother was very strict and wouldn't allow her to do anything but go to school and church. She was very introverted and stayed to herself. She caught the eye of many with her beautiful voice. That included her Pastor Ryan Charles. They shared a lot of time together although it was inappropriate. He showed her the love and attention she was missing and she was happy. She ended up getting pregnant and had to keep it a secret to protect Ryan and her family. She goes through life burdened and depressed. Ryan has a relationship with his son Noah but he isn't aware that he is his father. Ryan wants Noah to know but with so much time passing by Raquel doesn't think it's a good idea.
October 14, 2018
Reviewed by CRABBIE
My 1st read by this author and I was not disappointed. Raquel's story was very detailed and from the very beginning you knew this young girl's life was going to be a hard one. With all the things she went through Raquel never faltered. What Pastor Charles did was absolutely disgusting but at the same time, I almost wanted him and Raquel to figure it out and make it work, ALMOST. Hazel was something else and I couldn't stand her. Noah was adorable and I'm curious to know if and when he finds out who is father is how he will handle it. I enjoyed this story, the characters were relatable and storyline throughly thought out.
My 1st read by this author and I was not disappointed. Raquel's story was very detailed and from the very beginning you knew this young girl's life was going to be a hard one. With all the things she went through Raquel never faltered. What Pastor Charles did was absolutely disgusting but at the same time, I almost wanted him and Raquel to figure it out and make it work, ALMOST. Hazel was something else and I couldn't stand her. Noah was adorable and I'm curious to know if and when he finds out who is father is how he will handle it. I enjoyed this story, the characters were relatable and storyline throughly thought out.
March 16, 2020
Amazing themes!
This well written, grammatically accurate, emotional story had me cheering for Raquel. #1 she, however , beaten down stilled loved family. #2 yes the devil goes to church. Holier people r just remembering what they used to be. #3 I'm happy that Raquel studied science. Young women should we each for the stars and shine too. The author has me hooked! Some writers and author's just write, some author have something to say and say it well. Already have the next two in this series. Keep writing lady, I will be spending my extra income and smiling .
This well written, grammatically accurate, emotional story had me cheering for Raquel. #1 she, however , beaten down stilled loved family. #2 yes the devil goes to church. Holier people r just remembering what they used to be. #3 I'm happy that Raquel studied science. Young women should we each for the stars and shine too. The author has me hooked! Some writers and author's just write, some author have something to say and say it well. Already have the next two in this series. Keep writing lady, I will be spending my extra income and smiling .
June 23, 2020
Great story
Quel was a beautiful mother to Noah.She didn't truly know love until him. Ryan Sr was wrong for taking advantage but I believe he truly loved her so honestly I'm not mad at him. Hazel was a devil from hell and Quel father should have man up. I hate she never truly found herself because she was looking for love in someone else but herself. I'm glad she found some happiness thought. David just wanted things his way he loved her with conditions and that wasn't far to her. Ryan Sr truly loved her with his soul the saying age ain't nothing but a number is true. It was a great story all around.
Quel was a beautiful mother to Noah.She didn't truly know love until him. Ryan Sr was wrong for taking advantage but I believe he truly loved her so honestly I'm not mad at him. Hazel was a devil from hell and Quel father should have man up. I hate she never truly found herself because she was looking for love in someone else but herself. I'm glad she found some happiness thought. David just wanted things his way he loved her with conditions and that wasn't far to her. Ryan Sr truly loved her with his soul the saying age ain't nothing but a number is true. It was a great story all around.
January 2, 2025
I'm a little torn for the rating. This book was okay. The mother of the protagonist can go straight down to Hell for everything that she put her daughter through. The protagonist's father, although I understand his reasoning for the majority of it, could have definitely spoken up more and protested against his wife. It was like this mother was Lucifer's wife. I think that this mother got away with murder just about. I'm not sure how to really take other characters like the pastor and even the protagonist. Although I know the protagonist was just going through it. Despite my indifference about this book, I do want to read what the second book has to offer.
July 5, 2018
Raquel (Baby Doll, Quel, My Love)
My, my, my what can I say. This story, I don't know, but I do know that Hazel Brooks was a pain in all who knew her. Pastor Charles should have known better for going after a child, and Raquel my GOD, that SLAP was long over due...I can't seem to find the words on why Hazel was such an ass, but I know this much once Noah FINDS out the truth its gonns be hell to get him OVER IT.
This title says a lot and sadly its real within many walls of a CHURCH one calls home. 4stars
My, my, my what can I say. This story, I don't know, but I do know that Hazel Brooks was a pain in all who knew her. Pastor Charles should have known better for going after a child, and Raquel my GOD, that SLAP was long over due...I can't seem to find the words on why Hazel was such an ass, but I know this much once Noah FINDS out the truth its gonns be hell to get him OVER IT.
This title says a lot and sadly its real within many walls of a CHURCH one calls home. 4stars
November 26, 2018
Whew Chile!!!
First of all, I don’t know how to feel. I hated Hazel, but then old church folk knows nothing about Gods grace and mercy....Raquel was very naiive, bless her heart. But why did she have so many confusing emotions about Pastor? Like he had a hold on her. Now he knew he was wrong for pursuing her. Noah and Ryan gone flip when they find out. That’s why we shouldn’t keep secrets they only hurt the ones we think we’re protecting. Now Collin is bae...interesting to see how these babies gone react..good job!!!
First of all, I don’t know how to feel. I hated Hazel, but then old church folk knows nothing about Gods grace and mercy....Raquel was very naiive, bless her heart. But why did she have so many confusing emotions about Pastor? Like he had a hold on her. Now he knew he was wrong for pursuing her. Noah and Ryan gone flip when they find out. That’s why we shouldn’t keep secrets they only hurt the ones we think we’re protecting. Now Collin is bae...interesting to see how these babies gone react..good job!!!
October 12, 2019
Did you bring him?
This was an awesome read. It had my emotions all over the place. I was over everybody several times. Raquel kept my heart in turmoil. Hazel kept me ready to slap the devil out of her. My head is still spinning with my feelings about Daddy & Ryan. This is someones story and I pray that her Boaz redeemed her. I am running to the Book of Noah because I'm too traumatized to not see this series through. PS The book cover does not do it justice...very unappealing.
This was an awesome read. It had my emotions all over the place. I was over everybody several times. Raquel kept my heart in turmoil. Hazel kept me ready to slap the devil out of her. My head is still spinning with my feelings about Daddy & Ryan. This is someones story and I pray that her Boaz redeemed her. I am running to the Book of Noah because I'm too traumatized to not see this series through. PS The book cover does not do it justice...very unappealing.
November 4, 2024
A lot in less than 300 pages
Monica Walters is very good at telling a story in way that keeps you wanting more. I didn't expect to be so consumed by this book. I really don't like Pastor Ryan Charles and all the drama and toxicity he brought to Raquel's life. Noah was the only good thing that came from their connection. Sis Hazel Brooks is an evil, hateful, and miserable woman. I wanted to reach in the book and slap her on several occasions. I really liked having a different POV for storylines connecting to The Sweet Series. I definitely recommend this series.
Monica Walters is very good at telling a story in way that keeps you wanting more. I didn't expect to be so consumed by this book. I really don't like Pastor Ryan Charles and all the drama and toxicity he brought to Raquel's life. Noah was the only good thing that came from their connection. Sis Hazel Brooks is an evil, hateful, and miserable woman. I wanted to reach in the book and slap her on several occasions. I really liked having a different POV for storylines connecting to The Sweet Series. I definitely recommend this series.
January 24, 2020
Church Hurt
This book is a reminder that church hurt is a real thing. That Hazel was something else. While I don’t condone statutory rape, I felt bad for Ryan Charles to a certain extent. I hated that David seemed to waste Raquel’s time. He should have just let her be. She was ambitious and working to provide a better life for herself and her son. Perhaps she and Pastor will revisit their love affair from time to time just to spice things up a bit.
This book is a reminder that church hurt is a real thing. That Hazel was something else. While I don’t condone statutory rape, I felt bad for Ryan Charles to a certain extent. I hated that David seemed to waste Raquel’s time. He should have just let her be. She was ambitious and working to provide a better life for herself and her son. Perhaps she and Pastor will revisit their love affair from time to time just to spice things up a bit.
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