All titles are available for the Amazon Kindle and B&N's Nook
LOVE BYTES: VOLUME 1
Tales of Inspiration
In its many shapes and forms, love is what brings people together. Love Bytes: Volume 1 is a collection of short stories meant to entertain and encourage. They are a sampling of what love means to me—love of God, love of a child, love of family, love of a soul mate. While these stories are available separately, together they create an undeniable inspirational force. Feel the love and share in these tasty morsels of family togetherness!
This collection includes:
MISTLETOE MADNESS
*SISTER LOST, SISTER FOUND
*MIRACLE OF THE SEASON
*SHADOW OF LOVE
Sample of AS SEASONS CHANGE
*previously released
Price: $2.50
LOVE BYTES: Volume 2
Tales of Love
Love Bytes: Volume 2 is a compilation of stirring stories of love sure to captivate your soul. With heartfelt characters, engaging plots and just enough angst to keep the pages turning, these short stories will take you on an unforgettable journey. Each one draws you into the struggle many have with faith and trust as love proves victorious in the end! Bask in the feelings and enjoy these tasty bytes of romance and passion!
GET ME TO THE CHURCH ON TIME
*THE RIGHT CHOICE
*THE HEART NEVER LIES
*A KNIGHT’S ILLUSION
LET LOVE LEAD YOU
Price: $2.99
This is the place I want to share my heart with you. My heart for God, my heart for children, my heart for writing, romance and more.
These parts of my life, I pray, will move and inspire you in your life.
Thank you for stopping by--
I really hope you enjoy your visit.
--Love & Blessings
"Melissa Wathington's stories are like comfort reads that should be enjoyed
with a warm cup of hot cocoa."
- Author Rae Lori
Find Melissa on the web
Price: $2.99 AVAILABLE AT B&N!!! AVAILABLE For Kindle!!
Arise, come, my darling,
my beautiful one, come with me
-Song of Songs 2:13
Sweet Inspiration To Soothe Your Soul!
THE HEART NEVER LIES
As an unlikely couple crosses over from friendship to love, they find their true destiny…...
Monique Wright should’ve been used to the unexpected happening in her life but the unbelievably hot kiss between her and her best friend Jordan rocked her world. Could she ever steer their friendship back to where it was or was it time to trust her heart?
BUY NOW
The first six are short stories (15K words and less)
MIRACLE OF THE SEASON
During a season of great joy, one family must uncover the mystery of a child's past in order to stay together.
Getting ready for a busy holiday season with a planned family reunion, Sheryl Williams becomes concerned over daughter Brianas mood swings.
Ever since baby James was adopted into the family, Brianas been plagued with bad dreams and Sheryl is convinced it has to do with Brianas history, determined to find out what happened.
However, when the truth is finally uncovered, will it give the Williams the peace they are looking for or destroy their family for good?
Get a "behind the scenes" peek into Miracle Of The Season
only available here!
Miracle of the Season is a poignant, page turning, heart warming Christmas story about love and family, and the miracle of life. As always her stories are well-written, descriptive, filled with heartfelt characters, and truly inspirational. Ms. Wathington has done it again. I'm looking forward to reading more of her work.
-Author Rae Winters
THE RIGHT CHOICE
Coming face to face with a painful breakup gives a troubled couple the strength to move on ...
Having to stroll down memory lane was not on Jessica Allen's to do list when she attended Alexander's going away bash. Would seeing her ex once again cause her to shut down permanently or can she finally move on to a new future. He's waiting to see if she makes the right choice... .
SISTER LOST,
SISTER FOUND
A seasoned reporter encounters tragic personal loss, questioning her faith until she receives a powerful answer...
The "behind the scenes" peek for
Sister Lost, Sister Found
is available now!
The loss of a sibling is hard to take but never more so when it's your twin. After losing her sister in a tragic car accident, Krystal Johnson finds herself heartbroken and on the edge of making an impossible, irreversible decision.
Life without Karla doesnt seem to be worth living until a compassionate stranger reminds Krystal of the true importance of faith and family.
*one R Rated scene
ON SALE NOW
A KNIGHT'S ILLUSION
E-Book format
After facing the loss of her parents and her first love, Lisette Adams meets Mr. Right and finally feels as if her life is turning around. When devastating secrets come out, she must find the courage to find where her heart really belongs. (Short Story)
5 Star Review from Deltareviewer
"...Wathington is a superb storyteller. The character development and vivid emotional details are magnificent. The flashbacks, romantic drama, and love left unspoken cumulate in a page turning romance. Wathington is definitely an author to watch!"
SHADOW OF LOVE
Can a new found love withstand the test of trials found in the shadows?
Danae Collins never thought "happily ever after" would happen for her, but she couldn't deny God's saving grace and his ability to turn all her challenges into triumphs. Now, she's head over heels in love and confident in her future as an author and Gabe Lewis' wife. However, joy turns to heartbreak when someone from Gabe's past surfaces with shocking revelations. Will Danae's strong faith and Gabe's devotion to her be enough to hold them together or will their future together be destroyed?
Behind The Scenes Website
Available now!!!
PRESCRIPTION FOR LOVE
Available in E-book format this spring!
Running from a heartbreaking discovery in his life, Jarrod Kingston ends up in a car wreck that brings him roaring into the life of Stacey Greene.
Stacey is a working single mom, who has no time for romance since the betrayal and death of her husband. When Jarrod decides to stay in town, he and Stacey grow closer.
It almost feels like love but when Stacey finds out he's been hiding a secret, she faces the dilemma of a lifetime. (Novella)
PFL excerpt.doc
I was born with a very rare congenital heart and lung defect, known as Scimitar Syndrome. It got that name from a shadow that appears on x-rays across the heart in the shape of a scimitar. The Syndrome consisted of various defects that occurred simultaneously. There is a hole in between my atria, allowing a small amount of oxygenated blood to be released back into my heart and limiting circulation.
Filled with scar tissue, my right lung is non-functioning, leaving me only one lung with which to breathe. I have a serious narrowing of my trachea and my heart and circulatory system are placed off center in my chest. Only 70 people in the world had previously been diagnosed with Scimitar Syndrome when I was born and just recently, the medical community has delved deeper into research for the disease, looking for causes and preventive measures.
When I was seven, I had an accident at my cousin's birthday party. To this day, I still cant say how it exactly happened but my right foot slipped on a rock and my leg went out from under me. I fell straight down, my legs extended out on either side of me in what is known in ballet as a Russian split. The pain was immediate and overwhelming, so intense Im surprised I didnt black out. That moment is sketched into my mind forever.
It was a broken right hip and they put in pins to fuse it. Unforotuantely it didn't hold and I had to have a second surgery six months later. Recovery was extensive after this surgery. In order to hold the fusion this time, a steel plate was put in, holding the fractured parts together. It amazes me that I don't set off any alarms whenever I go through metal detectors! Luckily I dont fly much.
By the time I turned 12, my spine was curving into my right lung and because its my only functional lung, I was losing oxygen. The situation would only get worse as I grew. So I was admitted to AIDI in January 1980 for scoliosis surgery. There were many complications.
With my heart and lung problem, I wouldnt stay stabilized. I was bleeding profusely and needed several transfusions. In fact, they ended up replacing my body weight in blood! My heart stopped twice and they used electric shocks to revive me. In the end, the anesthesiologist came to my parents in tears, telling them he didnt know how I survived the surgery but there had to be greater power working in the room. When I woke, I told my mom that Jesus told me it wasn't time for me yet. Sounds unbelievable but it's the truth.
I wore a cast from neck to hip for the first six months and sat out seventh grade with a tutor to help me do my lessons.
It was confirmed by a local neurologist that I had multiple sclerosis after I lost the vision in one eye. my first year in college. Although it sounded familiar to me, I didnt really know too much about MS. Did it mean a death sentence?
Would my sight never return?
The doctors informed me that multiple sclerosis was a disease of the neurological system where plaques, small hardened areas, form on different areas of the brain, thereby affecting bodily functions such as sight, movement and even hearing. They located two plaques on my x-ray- one on my optic nerve and the other towards the back of my head. What the second one affected they had no idea of knowing at that time. So, then I asked, Am I eventually going to go blind? for which they could give me no definitive answer.
After a number of weeks, my sight came back slowly but I suffered from extreme muscle fatigue. By May of 1987, I had to use a wheelchair just to go from one room to another in my house.
I went on to graduate from college--both Brookdale Community and Rugers-Newark,--with degrees in journalism, become editor of two national magazines, self publish two books and co-own a successful e-book publishing company! Although I've faced many challenges, God has continued to bless me. My biggest desire to give more back to the world than what I've been given so my personal ministry has been trying to help kids who are facing the same kind of challenges and isolation that I was throughout my growing up and helping others learn about disabilities.
My Faith
I have been dealing with physical ailments my entire life. At three months of age, I was diagnosed with a rare heart disease and things have not slowed down since. It's been one long rollercoaster ride, with a freefall around every corner, unexpected and terrifying at times, exhilirating at others.
Many have asked me because of this, aren't I bitter? Am I angry at God for all of my disabilites and problems? Some have said they see me as courageous and a strong fighter, they "admire" me because I still stand here at the age of forty two, having outlived my life expectancy by 40 years. They look at me as if I have accomplished some great feat.
But here is the truth. I am not courageous or even much of a fighter. In fact, there are many things I am afraid of and I could do without skirmishes or clahes of any kind. I am not be looked upon in awe due to what I've been through. I have only lived my life. as anyone else would, loving my family, going to school,. making friends and existing in this place we call home right now. The truth is very simple and people just don't see it.
It is impossible for me not to believe and trust in God because God is me! There is no eartly reason I would still be drawing breath if not for Him. In all shapes and forms. God walks among us, lives in us, sustains us. For me. that is truth. Jesus died so I may live. I would never have had the relationship or experiences with Him that I've had i not been afflicted. And so I am thankful and grateful tio Him everyday for giving me a flawed heart and a challenged body. We are one and I have to say it's the best life I could've ever asked for.
My Message
I am a child of God, an instrument of His glory here to spread His message of love and salvation. That all who believeth in Him will not perish but have eternal life. My faith is me, plain and simple and I will not depart from it.
Being a writer, one would assume that I have no problem speaking what's in my heart but the hardest lessons I've had to learn are speaking aloud on my faith. I was afraid of overstepping my boundaries, insulting someone else or having people think I was pushing my beliefs on them. But it is through my ever growing relationship with Christ and the foundation of the Word that helped me (is helping me) to finally vocalize my beliefs, my thoughts, my very heart. For only through that can I reach people.
I do not expect everyone reading this to share my faith or know if they believe in Jesus Christ or who He is; you may have totally different views, and I understand that. I can only speak about what I know to be real and share it with you. Jesus is real and the Holy Spirit lives on in this world to draw us close to Him. His word illuminates our path and His grace and mercy see us through the good and the bad. Read the Bible, ask questions, seek Him. He will not fail you.
If you have any questions, thoughts or stories of your own to share , please write. Also if you have any prayer requests , I will be adding a prayer page as soon as I have enough. May God continue to bless and keep you!
My Prayer
My prayer for you is that you may hear the word of God, open your heart to His love and grow in knowledge about His plan for you. His son Jesus lived a life here on Earth so that we may all have the opportuntiy to know, love and live with God eternally and I pray that you may hear His calling in your own heart. Keep your eyes open to God's wonder around you, your ears attuned to the faint whisperings of the spirit and your mouth questiioning and learning continually.
I also pray that you find peace and joy during your time here and that even if you do not believe what I believe, you open yourself up to try to understand and hear what I have shared. I thank you for listening to my words and I am happy that you have shared some of your precious time with me.
Blessings,
Melissa
John 12:26
Click titles to read
Devotionals written by Melissa
Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
-Luke 7:50
LIVE TO GIVE
I believe in giving back to the community and the world around you. You get more out of life when you give more away! Charity is the greatest gift you can give. The truth is we can all give to charity because charity isn't just about money. The definition of charity is "generous actions to aid the poor." You don't have to give money you don't have.
You can give to charity by doing anything generous with your time. You can invite them over for a meal, you can help do chores, even spending some time with somebody less fortunate is charitable. Whenever at all possible, pay forward the good things that happen in your life.
To find out more about charities and possibly find one you'd like to give to, check out my blog: The Diva's Digs (http://thedivasdigs.blogspot.com/)
"He who gives to the needy will lack nothing...." Proverbs 28:27
And now abideth faith, hope and charity but the greatest of these is charity
-I Corinthians 13:13
LIVESTRONG Global Anti-Stigma Campaign launches with a pilot campaign in South Africa through culturally relevant and targeted messaging.
Survivorship Centers of Excellence Network five-year goals achieved establishing survivorship as a component of care at network sites.
The LIVESTRONG Cancer Navigation Center opens its doors in Austin, offering free one-on-one services to survivors, their family, friends and caregivers face-to-face. The Center is modeled in part on the patient navigation concept pioneered by board member Harold P. Freeman, MD.
More than 1,100 grassroots LIVESTRONG Day events are held in 65 countries.
LIVESTRONG and the American Cancer Society release the joint report, Global Economic Cost of Cancer, which shows that cancer has the most devas¬tating economic impact of any cause of death in the world, costing the global economy nearly a trillion dollars a year.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA expands to now reaches survivors at more than 80 YMCAs in 40 cities.
Successful advocacy actions include passage of Smoke Free San Antonio, protection of federal cancer funding through One Voice Against Cancer Coalition and more than 400 new advocates are trained on how to share their cancer stories and raise awareness for LIVESTRONG.
Parade Magazine, circulation 74 million, dedicates an issue to cancer survivorship based on the LIVESTRONG Survey for Post Treatment Cancer Survivors launched in 2006. LIVESTRONG also launches How Cancer Has Impacted Your Life: A LIVESTRONG Survey.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a driving force in creating a world free of MS. To advance this goal, the Society continues to seek ways to prevent, slow the progression or repair the effects of MS..
it was confirmed by a local neurologist that I had multiple sclerosis. when I was 18. The doctors informed me that multiple sclerosis was a disease of the neurological system where plaques, small hardened areas, form on different areas of the brain, thereby affecting bodily functions such as sight, movement and even hearing. They located two plaques on my x-ray- one on my optic nerve and the other towards the back of my head. What the second one affected they had no idea of knowing at that time.
Multiple sclerosis is still such a mysterious disease, one that can cripple and devastate the lives not only of those diagnosed with it but their entire family. Stars like Montel Williams have done a wonderful job in shining a national spotlight on the disease and have helped further the cause, looking towards finding a cure and eradicating MS permanently. But, the patients of MS are still fighting.
The mission of the Heart Gallery of Tampa Bay is to enable children living in foster care in our communities to realize their dream of finding permanent, loving adoptive families to call their own, and to raise awareness and education about the hundreds of children who desperately need and deserve the shelter and love of forever homes.
The Heart Gallery Tampa Bay, a collaborative project of the Children's Board of Hillsborough County and Hillsborough Kids, Inc., was the first in the nation to feature both a sight and sound exhibit with audio messages from waiting children.
Our mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. That single purpose drives all we do. The need for our work is beyond question. Go Red For Women celebrates the energy, passion and power we have as women to band together to wipe out heart disease and stroke.
In 2004, the American Heart Association (AHA) faced a challenge. Cardiovascular disease claimed the lives of nearly 500,000 American women each year, yet women were not paying attention. In fact, many even dismissed it as an “older man’s disease.” To dispel the myths and raise awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of women, the American Heart Association created Go Red For Women – a passionate, emotional, social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health.
B4SMA an organization devoted to sending blanket hugs to children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, also known as SMA, from around the world.
Our sole purpose is to provide love and blanket hugs to SMA children and their families. B4SMA was founded in March 2004 by MJ Purk and Brenda Hanson.
MJ has lived with SMA for twenty years and has always enjoyed supporting SMA families and their endeavors. Brenda has been MJ's caregiver and friend since 1991.
Brenda learned to quilt a few years ago and has since made MJ too many quilts. MJ and Brenda started sending them to their buddies who also have SMA, Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
Contact B4SMA for information on how YOU can help SMA kids receive a blanket hug.
Melissa Wathington has had over 20 years in the writing industry. A college graduate with both an AA and BA in Journalism, she has worked as layout editor and content editor for three college newspapers, as well as two county papers. Soap Opera Digest and Soap Opera Weekly have featured her writing and she's done numerous freelance editing jobs. She served as editor in chief for two national magazines, Street and Ultimate Black Hair, was a book reviewer for over 4 years at The Romance Readers Connection and has had numerous short stories and two books self-published under the pseudonym, Elissa Scott Kyle.
In 2007, Melissa, along with partner and fellow author Rae Lori opened up Lavender Isis Publishing, a print and e-book publisher which served over 20 authors. Some of their biggest sellers included A Wild Love by Rose Paisley, The Red Storm by Zinnia Hope and Love to Behold by Sammie Ward. Although they closed their doors in summer of 2008, the company is still well known and highly respected in the e-publishing community.
Melissa is now writing full time, seeking representation for her work. She does freelance editing, designs websites and runs Homebound Hugs , a website for homebound children Her faith also plays a big part in her life and she looks forward to doing some motivational speaking to those dealing with disabilities.
Why did you become a writer?
I have always had a love of writing and reading. Books were (and still are) my best friends! My shelves are overflowing and my family teases that I should just run a bookstore. From reading so much, I found storytelling to
be fun- I loved to see how creative I could get with my characters. Every time I write something new, I get as excited as I did when I wrote my first short story back in Jr. High.
What's your favorite kind of writing?
I LOVE fiction! Any kind- mystery, sci-fi, fantasy; although I must admit, romance holds a special place in my heart.! : ) I also like biographies. As far as what I write, I like to write about relationships- familial and romantic.
What other publications have you worked for?
