Welcome to Character Cafe, Tempia. It’s nice to meet you, but I have to be honest…This is a hard interview for me because there are far too many real-life couples stuck with toxic relationships. How did you get trapped? How did you end up with Quince — when it seemed so obvious that Cory was the good guy?

Looking back, I can’t understand why I didn’t pay attention to the red flags I saw in Quince. Then there were my friends’ warnings, and even my family begging me to call off the wedding.  Especially my father…

Why did I believe Quince’s lies that his best friend Cory had a steady girlfriend? I guess I thought that if Cory had been interested, if he’d felt the same connection I’d felt, he would have pursued a relationship with me. I was lonely. Quince showed me attention. He put on a great act that he was in love with me. It wasn’t until our wedding night that he showed his true colors.

It’s as if your ex-husband had been setting a trap for you all along, showering you with praise and gifts, making comments that subtly pushed you away from your loved ones. Can you describe the shock you felt when he revealed his true self on your wedding night? Then when he abandoned you to party with his friends, and when he started neglecting you even during times of need?

My thoughts were, who is this person I married, and what have I gotten myself into?  Then, I had a couple of emergencies and my husband sent Cory to rescue me because he was too busy. I was embarrassed. It was humiliating to know that my friends and family had been right. And then this guy who had seemingly rejected me was feeling forced to come to my rescue because my own husband didn’t care.

What caused you to finally move back to your parents’ home?

I overheard a conversation between my husband and Cory and I realized how heartless my husband really was — his terrible motives for marrying me. That Cory knew of the situation I’d gotten myself into was even more mortifying. I was in a very dark place.

I don’t want to give too much of your story away, Tempia, but reading your novel has me wanting to beg single men and women to be careful when dating. Pray for discernment. Look for signs that the other person is grounded in Christ, has good priorities, and puts other before himself. Please don’t rush into a relationship just because you are tired of being alone. And if someone reading this today is a relationship that is harmful to you physically, and even emotionally and spiritually, there is help. Here is a website that can point you in a good direction if you feel unsafe: https://www.focusministries1.org/help/domestic-violence

I just wished I had listened to that advice. Trust me, I knew better. I really did. I guess… Well, I don’t know what to say.

The more I read of your story, the more I realized what a narcissist your ex was. His motives for marrying you were downright… evil. And I think you are carrying too much guilt over not seeing Cory clearly. It seems to me that he could have put himself out there more to let you know the character of his friend. Saved you from the pain you had to go through.

That’s not fair, though, Amy. I don’t think he knew my ex’s true nature either. — Quince is a very good actor. I know that from experience. Plus, all Cory really knew of me was that initial mortifying moment at a party when I tripped and drenched him with salad and dressing.

[Giggles.] I love how Cory responded with “That’s a neat trick.” How he handled his clothes being ruined really showed a patience and compassion, and well, I really understand how you are caught up in this unrequited love. Like you, I can’t wait to see if it works out– or, if God has something different in store for you.

Me too. And in the meantime, I’m loving spending time with my friends and family, especially my best friend Gabby. I’m also developing new ministries and hobbies.

You have a beautiful family. You brothers are adorable. Right around the age of my students. So much fun to banter with. And your friend reminds me of one of my favorite friendship quotes, “Iron sharpens iron.” She gives you some tough love. But I think you need to hear it.

She does. I just wish I had been more receptive of godly advice a year ago.

We all have room to grow, Tempia. One of your hobbies is one of my favorites as well. I’m a foodie too. And today at Character Cafe I want to share the recipe and tea I stole from your dinner with Gabby. This one is a lemon coconut bar from “Gonna Want Seconds” https://www.gonnawantseconds.com/lemon-coconut-bars/ 

And here is my favorite apple spice tea since you seem to like that flavor:  https://celestialseasonings.com/products/cinnamon-apple-spice-herbal-tea 

Thanks! I make a yummy coconut-lemon cookie. Can’t wait to have a taste of the Character Cafe version in a cookie bar.

My Review of Overflow with Hope

If you want to see two characters develop character throughout a story, then this is the book for you. You’ll see the heroine transform from foolish to wise–from carelessly naive to discerning. The hero starts off passive and judgmental and later is willing to fight and end unhealthy friendships. I won’t lie, there was a lot of drama in this book that reminded me more of high school antics than the behavior I’d expect to see from adults who have been raised in good homes. However, maybe that is me being a little too judgmental, because I’m sure there are far too many adults, even well educated, logical and professional people, in real life who deal with broken relationships and situations that escalate in dramatic ways. This wasn’t a book that I’d typically purchase, and I prefer books without such a lengthy backstory, but the author can tell a good story. I look forward to future endeavors of E. C. Jackson.

An Amazing GIVEAWAY!

To celebrate her tour, E.C. is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2adda/overflow-with-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Batya’s Bits, April 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 8

Texas Book-aholic, April 9

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 10 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 11

An Author’s Take, April 12

Artistic Nobody, April 13 (Autor Interview)

Karen Baney Reviews, April 13

Simple Harvest Reads, April 14 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Exploring The Written Word, April 15

The Lofty Pages, April 16

Guild Master, April 17 (Author Interview)

Wisdom from a Wordsmith, April 17

Holly’s Book Corner, April 18

Back Porch Reads, April 19