The Deceivers Secret - The Deceiver's Fall! Book II Reading ~ Chapters 1-3 Read Out Loud

The Deceiver Secret: Book II - The Deceiver’s Fall!

LISTEN TO Chapters 1 thru Chapter 3 Here! Book Coming January 2025!

The stakes have never been higher for Eve Lafoy. After narrowly escaping a chilling abduction, she’s thrust into a darker world of hidden betrayals and dangerous secrets.

This time, she refuses to be the victim—she’s ready to take on those who deceived her. Hawke Deville, carrying secrets of his own, is the only one Eve dares to trust.

Yet his loyalty isn’t without its own complexities. With a powerful attraction between them, they must navigate a web of lies, as one wrong move could shatter everything they’re fighting for.

In this thrilling sequel, Eve and Hawke are drawn into a ruthless conspiracy that challenges their trust, passion, and survival. With enemies circling, they’ll need every ounce of courage to unveil the truth before it’s too late.

The Deceiver’s Fall is a heart-pounding tale packed with suspense, electrifying twists, and a fierce romance that will grip readers until the final, unforgettable page.

Watch the preview here!

The Soul of Thanksgiving: Cornbread Dressing and Its Rich Legacy!

There’s a magic that happens in the kitchen on Thanksgiving morning, a symphony of flavors that takes us back to the essence of home, heritage, and history. At the heart of this feast for many Southern families—especially in Black households—lies a dish so treasured it feels almost sacred: cornbread dressing. Its aroma wafts through the house, carrying stories of resilience, ingenuity, and love from generations past.

Introduction

Cornbread dressing is more than a holiday staple; it’s a symbol of survival and community. Unlike its northern cousin, stuffing, which is typically cooked inside a bird, dressing is baked separately, its crispy edges and moist center the perfect complement to turkey, ham, or even a hearty vegetarian main. Yet, its true beauty lies in its roots. This dish carries the legacy of West African cuisine, the creativity of enslaved people in the American South, and the enduring spirit of family traditions. As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, let’s take a moment to honor the history, culture, and flavor that make cornbread dressing a dish worthy of celebration.

Key Ingredients and Their Stories

1. Cornbread

The heart of dressing, cornbread is a Southern staple made from cornmeal, a grain deeply tied to African and Native American culinary traditions. Whether made with yellow or white cornmeal, it provides a nutty, earthy base for the dish.

2. Butter or Margarine

Rich and creamy, butter adds depth to the dressing’s flavor, a nod to indulgence during holiday feasts.

3. Onion, Celery, and Bell Pepper

Known as the “Holy Trinity” in Southern cooking, these vegetables bring balance and brightness, echoing the fresh ingredients that West African cooks would have used.

4. Eggs

Eggs bind the dressing, much like they bind families together during holiday gatherings.

5. Slices of Toast

A practical addition, toast absorbs flavors while adding texture, a small detail that elevates the dish.

6. Cream of Celery Soup A modern touch, this creamy element underscores the resourcefulness of home cooks blending old and new traditions.

7. Poultry Seasoning and Black Pepper

Spices give dressing its warm, comforting aroma, hearkening back to the African use of bold seasonings.

8. Sage

The unmistakable herbal note in dressing, sage ties the dish to Thanksgiving’s essence of gratitude and homecoming. 9. Salt

A humble yet essential addition, salt reminds us of the resourcefulness of those who created “struggle foods” from the bare minimum.

10. Chicken Broth

Broth brings moisture and richness, a small indulgence that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

11. Olive Oil

A nod to modern health consciousness, olive oil mirrors the evolution of the dish without straying from its roots.

Cornbread dressing is not just food—it’s a reflection of history. Its origins can be traced back to kusha, a West African dish resembling couscous, crafted by enslaved Africans who adapted it to their circumstances in the American South. This culinary ingenuity transformed humble cornmeal into a beloved holiday centerpiece. Historians like Toni Tipton-Martin and Michael Twitty remind us that dishes like cornbread dressing hold stories of survival and creativity. These recipes were born out of necessity but have grown into symbols of celebration. They connect us to our ancestors and provide a taste of home no matter where we are.

Growing up, Thanksgiving wasn’t complete until my grandmother’s cornbread dressing hit the table. She’d hum hymns as she chopped onions and crumbled cornbread, her hands moving with the confidence of decades of practice. When we’d ask for her recipe, she’d laugh and say, “Child, this isn’t a recipe—it’s a feeling.” That feeling came alive with every bite. The crispy edges gave way to a savory, moist interior that seemed to hold the warmth of her love. It wasn’t until years later that I learned the history behind this dish, and I felt an even deeper appreciation for the legacy she carried forward with every pan she made.

Cornbread dressing, much like the Black experience in America, has endured transformations. From struggle food to holiday staple, it stands as a testament to resilience and adaptability. In honoring its roots, we recognize the strength of those who came before us and the creativity they passed down through their recipes. Today, young chefs like Mashama Bailey and Kwame Onwuachi are reinventing these dishes while preserving their cultural significance, ensuring that cornbread dressing remains both timeless and relevant.

Conclusion

Cornbread dressing is more than a dish; it’s a story on a plate. It’s the love of a grandmother, the ingenuity of ancestors, and the unity of family and community. This Thanksgiving, as you savor each bite, take a moment to appreciate the journey this dish has traveled to grace your table.

Closing

In the hustle of holiday preparation, let’s not forget the heart of the season—gratitude. And what better way to express it than by sharing a dish that embodies history, resilience, and love? Cornbread dressing isn’t just a side; it’s the soul of Thanksgiving.

Thank you for celebrating with us.

How ChatGPT Saved My Twins (And My Sanity) From a Bra Crisis!

So, Ladies did you ever think you'd use chat GTP to find your next new bra? Yes, you heard me right.

Did you know you can use tret GPT to find a new bra. Well, honey, let me tell you—I sure didn’t think I ever would too. But when desperation struck, and my favorite bra vanished from store shelves, I gave it a shot. Spoiler alert: Hallelujah, it worked!

Let me tell you, my story. My mother got my first bra from Sears Roebuck and Company. My mother loved Sears, JCPenney, Montgomery Ward. Well, we lived in the Midwest, you get the picture.

My first bra? A Sears Roebuck treasure picked by my mom. Back then, Sears, Montgomery Ward, and JCPenney were the places. Simply because my mother loved them. Fast-forward a few decades, and I’ve become a JCPenney girl, loyal to one bra in particular: the Ambrielle® Everyday Full-Figure Strapless Bra. Ladies, this wasn’t just a bra—it was the bra.

You see, I’m not the only United States of America 40 C size bra wearing woman out there. Let me do the math for you. There is a million of you walking out there.

Okay, a bit to wild, you say? Yeah, you guessed it, math wasn’t my thing in high school. I loved English and creative writing.

Anyway, what this means is that since 40C is your average size in California, (where I live) and maybe America. Then when I need a new bra, every “Shelia, Kay, Karen, Carmen, Carmelita, Betty, Bobby Sue, Annie Mae, Shaquita and Lolita out there in California land needs a new bra size 40 C.”

Now back to the Ambrielle® Everyday Full-Figure Strapless Bra. I love this bra! It’s the best bra in the world!

Why? Because finding a 40C strapless bra with padded back support that doesn’t pinch or jab is like spotting a unicorn in the wild. And as much as I adore my “twins” (yes, that’s their nickname), they need comfort, security, and the freedom of no shoulder straps digging into my flesh all day.

But then... one day disaster struck.

The Great Ambrielle Bra Drought Hit California!

It’s summer 2024, and I head to JCPenney for my trusty 40C. To my horror, the shelves are bare. Not just my local store—every store. I turned to JCPenney online, only to find they were sold out there too. Cue my frustration.

I turned to Google and of course it sent me some eBay links and Mercari links. Where I found some desperate housewifes trying to sell me their old used funky Ambrielle® bra. Ew! Aww Sh--, can you say “just too stinky”.

Sorry, “Desperate Housewife Debra” on eBay or Mercari… Hard Pass! No, Thank you!

Anyway, back to my story so I decided to ask old faithful good old ChatGPT.

Enter ChatGPT—My Bra Whisperer.

In my darkest moment, I turned to ChatGPT, hoping AI might succeed where Google failed. I typed, "Who makes bras like the Ambrielle® Everyday Full-Figure Strapless Bra?" And guess what? ChatGPT came through like the hero in a rom-com, complete with a heavenly choir singing, "Hallelujah!"

The moment was resplendent!

It led me to the Curvy Kate Luxe Strapless Bra—a revelation! With silicone grips, memory foam cups, and support tailored for full-figure women, it ticked every box. Available in sizes from 28C to M cups (bless their ambition), it made my twins so happy they practically threw a party.

The 40C Struggle Is Real

Here’s the thing: My math might not be that great but if 40C is the average bra size for many women over 35. That means every Sheila, Kay, Karen, Carmen, Carmelita, Betty, Bobby Sue, Annie Mae, Shaquita, and Lolita is hunting for the same size.

So, when I couldn’t find it at JCPenney, I wasn’t just mad—I was mad on behalf of all of us. JCPenney, are you listening? You’ve lost sales because your buyers can’t stock enough for the real demand. And when loyal customers like me have to look elsewhere, we’re taking our friends with us. “Come along, Sheila, Kay, Karen, Carmen, Carmelita, Betty, Bobby Sue, Annie Mae, Shaquita, and Lolita. We are going elsewhere! (Say it Like you Mean it Ladies!)

A Love Letter to ChatGPT

Here’s the moral of my story: Don’t knock ChatGPT. Whether it’s helping you rediscover a lost favorite or finding new alternatives, it can be a lifesaver. AI might not fold laundry (yet), but it found me a bra when nothing else could.

If JCPenney doesn’t fix this, they’ll lose loyal customers like me. And believe me, when women find a bra that works, we’re not shy about spreading the word. ChatGPT helped me find Curvy Kate, but imagine the loss of trust JCPenney faces when we all realize we don’t need them anymore.

Conclusion: The Twins Are Happy Again.

The Curvy Kate Luxe Strapless Bra has become my new go-to. It’s supportive, comfortable, and everything the Ambrielle used to be. To my fellow 40C ladies: don’t despair. There’s hope out there, even if it’s not where you expect it. And to JCPenney, here’s my final PSA: Restock your Ambrielle line in 40C—or prepare to wave goodbye to Sheila, Kay, Karen, Carmen, Carmelita, Betty, Bobby Sue, Annie Mae, Shaquita, Lolita, and me. Closing: Share the Bra Love!

Ladies, if you’ve been burned by a discontinued product, don’t give up hope. Try ChatGPT. Whether it’s bras, jeans, or that perfect lipstick shade, AI just might save your day—and your wardrobe. Happy Holidays—and happy shopping! Black Friday is coming, and trust me, Curvy Kate is worth it.

Preston Castle: The Haunting Heartbeat of Ione, California

In the remote town of Ione, California, there stands a foreboding figure of brick and stone, whose weathered walls cradle secrets darker than the shadows that cling to its towering structure. Built in 1890, Preston Castle is no ordinary historical landmark—it’s a chilling chapter in the tale of California’s past, a haunted relic where echoes of the state’s troubled youth and paranormal activity blend into a tapestry of horror. Once a juvenile correctional facility for boys, Preston Castle has become a fixture in the folklore of paranormal investigators and thrill-seekers alike. A place where, some say, the veil between life and death grows thin and the spirits of the past reach out to remind us that history is not so easily buried.

Welcome to Preston Castle, where history is haunted and each brick bears witness to the spectral residents of this “Castle of Lost Souls.”

The Secrets That Bind: A Dark Legacy of Punishment and Prison

Nestled in the rugged hills of Amador County, Preston Castle was initially intended as a new form of rehabilitation for boys, a place to reform, instill discipline, and teach trades. But the grandeur of its architecture hid a much harsher reality—a place where discipline often took on a severe form, and tales of physical punishment still ripple through the community’s memory. Since the castle opened its doors in 1894, whispers of brutality, despair, and mistreatment have woven themselves into its walls, forming an energy that lingers like a shadow over the site. It’s this very energy that so many believe attracts the supernatural to Preston Castle, where the souls of those who suffered and perished are said to wander.

Among the tragic tales is the story of Anna Corbin, a staff member whose murder in 1950 was never fully explained. Her name haunts the lore of Preston Castle, her spirit reportedly lingering, still seeking justice that was never served. As one visitor recounts, the lingering spirits feel trapped within this fortress of forgotten hopes, where fear and sorrow continue to reverberate. Today, visitors on the castle’s paranormal tours report cold chills, whispers in empty corridors, and shadows that seem to defy the laws of light, sparking spine-chilling sensations of being watched.

Specters of the Past: Paranormal Presences and Frightening Encounters

For some, the stories of Preston Castle’s tragic history are enough to chill the soul. But for others, it’s the tantalizing promise of a ghostly encounter that draws them in, as they hope to glimpse the otherworldly residents who haunt this decaying landmark. Longtime docent and empath Chris Garbarini leads paranormal tours, guiding brave souls through the castle’s darkened hallways and abandoned rooms. Chris has seen more than he cares to recount, yet he shares just enough to make the blood run cold.

Chris tells the tale of standing alone in the decrepit staff kitchen, only to be greeted by the inexplicable aroma of freshly baked pastries, despite the ovens having been cold for decades. In another encounter, he describes a shadowy figure—a tall man in a spectral form—drifting down a hallway, silently following a woman in a flowing dress. These visions, he says, have only intensified over the years, leaving visitors questioning the thin line between the living and the dead.

The encounters don’t end there. Some visitors report hearing a faint, desperate voice of a young boy whispering, "Come down here…help!" caught on audio recordings in the castle’s annex hallway. A voice no one else heard at the time. Each experience at Preston Castle feels like peeling back layers of time, revealing a horror that transcends the physical boundaries of walls and windows.

Unearthly Residents: Faces in the Windows and Footsteps in Empty Halls

One of the eeriest aspects of Preston Castle is the frequent sightings of ghostly figures dressed in period clothing—small children in uniform and other spectral forms wearing the military-style garb once worn by the boys. These apparitions are seen roaming the corridors and gazing from the castle’s windows, their faces captured by visitors’ cameras, despite those rooms standing empty. For a structure long abandoned, Preston Castle seems unnervingly alive with the echoes of its past residents, a place where the spirits seem to drift through time, untethered and unaware of the decades that have passed since they last took their breath.

Even the castle’s skeptics have experienced unexplainable moments that chill them to the bone. Karl Knobelauch, president of The Preston Castle Foundation, initially dismissed these ghost stories as mere legend. But one day, while working alone, he heard a voice call his name—only to find the hallway empty. Such stories have left even the most rational minds grappling with the unsettling possibility that the castle’s reputation as a haunted place might hold a dark kernel of truth.

The Horrors Within: Buried Secrets and Lives Lost <

Beyond the paranormal encounters and eerie voices, the grim reality of Preston Castle’s history is impossible to ignore. Eighteen young boys lie buried in the on-site cemetery, most having succumbed to disease while attending the school. One young man was shot during an escape attempt, his life ending at the castle that had become his prison. These stories only scratch the surface of the hardships endured within Preston’s towering walls, and their spirits remain as a testament to the consequences of a broken system.

Ghost hunters claim that this tragic history imbues the very walls of Preston Castle with an energy that draws the supernatural. They describe seeing heavy doors slam shut, objects moving seemingly on their own, and hearing disembodied footsteps that echo down long-abandoned halls. Visitors often leave with a feeling of dread, as though they have stepped into a living nightmare that will follow them long after they leave.

An Unfinished Restoration, an Unfinished Story

In the years since its closure, the Preston Castle Foundation has made efforts to restore the castle, opening its doors to tourists and paranormal investigators alike. Despite this, only two of the five floors are accessible to the public, with the remainder of the castle in such a state of decay that full restoration remains a distant dream. Even as it crumbles, Preston Castle retains a magnetic allure, a haunted beacon that calls out to those fascinated by the unknown.

Perhaps it’s fitting that a place like Preston Castle—so marked by hardship and heartbreak—refuses to fade quietly into history. There’s something hauntingly beautiful about this fortress of sorrow, a beauty underscored by its brutal past. It stands as both a monument and a mausoleum, preserving the stories of those who entered its doors seeking redemption, only to find despair.

Haunted by the Past: Why Preston Castle Endures The story of Preston Castle is more than just another haunted location; it’s a testament to a dark chapter in the history of juvenile justice. In recent years, as California re-evaluates its juvenile correctional system, the castle stands as a reminder of the cost of reform. It asks questions without easy answers: What are the consequences of a system that seeks to control rather than heal? And for those souls who suffered, can peace ever truly be found?

If you dare to step into its halls, remember that Preston Castle isn’t just haunted by spirits of the dead. It’s haunted by memories of a history not so far gone, and by the lives that were forever changed within its cold stone walls. It’s a place where history refuses to die, where the past clings to the present like a ghostly hand on your shoulder. Preston Castle’s story is one of suffering and endurance, a reminder that some places—and some spirits—are not so easily laid to rest.

Check the Sacbee.com/news/local/history/article for more information on this topic.

COMING SOON! BOOK II The Deceiver’s Secret ~ The Deceiver’s Fall!