2013 Release The Sanctuary

“From the first chapters, my heart broke for the first lady, the pastor, and the congregation. Paulette's debut novel is more than just another wrong-doin'-preacher book. Her inside experience as a preacher's wife lends her--and her characters--a unique perspective. Bravo, Paulette!”  Michelle Stimpson, Essence Best-Selling Author

 Book Excerpt.... Coming Feb 2013

It seemed like forever since we had a civil conversation. He had been under so much pressure with the ministry’s expansions and building renovations. I wanted Cedric to remember this night. I didn’t want to add any more stress on him by us arguing. Another night of contention was not something that we both needed. Hopefully, this dinner would really set the mood.

I had everything prepared by the time Cedric arrived home: drinks, food, and me. I was ready for an evening of reconciliation, conversation, and well, you know… what grown people do. Fragrances of lavender, amber, and vanilla filled the air.  All these together released a heavenly scent throughout the house.

I anticipated nothing less than his full cooperation. Why wouldn’t he want the same things as me? Why wouldn’t Cedric want to put the past behind us and move forward? Destiny still awaited us, and we were called to fulfill God’s-given purpose together.

I rehearsed in my mind how I was going to greet Cedric. It had to be different; something that would make him take notice; something unusual.  Things between us could not stay the same. I believed that after tonight, our marriage would be back on track. The tension had made its way into our bedroom, and I was determined to kick it out! Surely, greeting him in my sexy lingerie would lure him in.

As I put the finishing touches on the meal, I could hear the keys turning in the door knob.  As soon as he opened the front door, I greeted him with one of those sensual kisses, the kind that told you that tonight’s the night.

“Hi, honey,” I said as I stretched out my hand to grab his briefcase, but he would not let me take it. His facial expression showed me that he was a little irritated with things still, but I was determined not to let his bad mood ruin what I had been planning for hours. “Baby, I missed you. I hope you had a good day. I prepared a wonderful dinner for us, your favorite. Just put your stuff down on the sofa, and make your way to the kitchen,” I said as I tried to hug my husband. As I continued to pour my love out to him, Cedric surprised me with his aggressive reaction. He grabbed my arm and pushed me away from his warm flesh. His hostile response to my advances only enhanced the rejection I had been feeling these past few months.

Looking into his eyes, I didn’t see any passion; only hostility, rage, and anger. Cedric turned his back towards me, and proceeded to walk towards the bedroom. This was the third time this week that he had brushed me off, and I was infuriated by his actions. So, without hesitation, I grabbed his arm and demanded that he speak to me.

 “Cedric, I am trying to talk to you. I said I made your favorite dinner, and I was thinking we could end this night with some ‘dessert,’ if you know what I mean.” Even though I was playful in my tone, I could see that no matter what I said or how I said it, Cedric was not feeling me.      

“I’m not hungry,” was Cedric’s exact words. “I’m not hungry for anything.” It didn’t take a rocket scientist to know what Cedric meant by anything. Oh yeah, he was quite clear.  He didn’t want me, my advances, or my meal.  He was not the least bit interested in what I had to offer. It was the first time in all the years of our marriage that I could see the strength of our love weakening. I couldn’t stand it anymore.

At that moment, my heart was filled with anger, disappointment, and pain. The shock of his response left me in a state of confusion.