A Ripple Effect is an inspirational novel that may challenge your strength to trust or love and test your courage to forgive. Life is full of surprises when two friends plan to have a spa day. Something goes wrong. Erika, in the emergency room, has memories of her painful past. Everett knows better than to fall for his patient. Especially when his wife is a patient in the critical care unit. Sharae is confused as she wakes up in the recovery room. Her last memory was driving with her friend Erika. Michael wants to find the right woman. He worries if a woman will understand his commitment to raise a son who is not his child. These people are trying to move beyond their mistakes. Does a hurtful life experience justify the choice to go after what or who they want despite the consequences? The mind may be willing to do the right thing, for a moment, yet the flesh is weak. Life is even more complicated when a truth is revealed that may turn their world upside down.

Erika felt her knees buckle and he caught her just as her legs gave way.

"Whoa, whoa, easy does it," he said as he helped Erika to the chair. She leaned into him and appreciated that he was so appropriate as he helped her...again. Erika did not plan to fall for her doctor, especially as she recovered from the brutal treatment of a lesser man. She never understood how a man would claim to care yet raise his hand to hurt a woman. Shaking her head to forget that awful memory, Erika took a deep breath and whispered "thank you."

"No problem," he answered. "You should take it easy," he said as he sat beside her.

Erika watched him sit back and fold his arms across his strong chest. He relaxed into the chair and closed his eyes. As he rubbed his eyes she noticed the line across his finger. Erika felt her heart sink as she realized that her doctor, her hero, is married. Not again, she thought, no not again.

##

Sharae knew she was falling for him. She just could not risk another failed relationship.

“Well, perhaps I should step off and give you time for yourself. Even a friend could get in the way at times like this.” his voice was deep and soft yet his words cut through her heart. ​Sharae shot him a look and quickly pulled it back to regain her composure. She wanted to yell, “No! Don’t you go anywhere. I’ve waited a long time for someone like you!” hare

Sharae noticed that she had tightened her grip on his hand. She let go and looked away. He took her hand again and gently kissed it while he looked into her eyes. He looked almost childlike, as if hoping she would say only what he wants to hear. Sharae appreciated that he showed this vulnerability so early in their relationship. He’s such a gentle soul of a man. How could I ever play games with him? It would be wrong but I will not stand to be hurt again.
"No. No need to stress it" she said as her voice cracked. "You‘re right. We’ll take it a day at a time."

Lisa Y. Bullard is a writer and motivational speaker with a commitment to inspire readers and audiences to recognize their potential, overcome challenges, and be their personal and professional best. She speaks courageously about ways to overcome setbacks, health issues, abuse, and loss, to help others to persevere and develop the courage to influence positive change.

Lisa is the founder and principal at On Point Event Planners, LLC (On Point) and founder of Mother-Daughter Network (MDN). On Point offers personalized service to plan your event your way. Her team provides personalized service to manage innovative live and web-based meetings and events for businesses, non-profit groups, and professional associations.

MDN offers interactive programs for girls, age four to 24, and the women who care for them. The community-based organization hosts activities that encourage its members to pursue education, explore entrepreneurship, improve health and fitness, support personal growth and development, and volunteer  within the community. Lisa believes that if you encourage a girl, you empower a nation.

Lisa is originally from New York City where she attended S.U.N.Y.-FIT and studied marketing and communication. She earned her Bachelors and an MBA at the University of Phoenix. She and her family now reside in New Jersey.

Lisa Bullard, Managing Director
On Point Communications, LLC
Email: l i s a @ o n pointco.com
http://www.onpointco.com