I've done many different things in my life from working as a hair stylist, claims processor, to driving a Peterbilt Truck across the United States with my husband, Bob.
I published my first book, Next Move, You're Dead in March of 2011, and after hours of arguing with the voices in my head, I now have five published books. While I never dreamed that I would be able to call myself an author, I must say that it has turned into one of the highlights of my life. I enjoy writing the stories that pulls the reader in, and holds them captive until the last page.
Writing is a passion that has filled my life with so many rewards. I love interacting with the readers, and hearing what they want in a book. They have taught me how to be a better writer, and for that, I am truly grateful.
Bob and I live in a quiet little community in southeast Texas with our two dogs, and one crazy cat. Over the years, I have learned that life is an adventure, and to appreciate all the blessings it brings.
Find Linda online at deadlyreads.com
––––––––
Cheryl Bradshaw
To Tiffany,
“It’s the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter.”
–Marlene Dietrich
I will never forget the day I answered my front door and was presented with an absolutely beautiful bouquet of flowers. When I opened the card and read it, I was shocked to learn they’d been sent from you. The flowers were your way of saying thanks for helping you get a promotion at work. At the time, I didn’t know you very well. We both worked for a virtual company where we exchanged emails and talked on the phone on a daily basis, but we hadn’t ever met in person before.
Right around the time the flowers came, you sent me an email saying how excited you were when you discovered we both had the same personality type after we were tasked with taking the Myers-Briggs test for work. You were sure the “exact match” meant we were destined to become the best of friends. And you were right, although at the time you had no idea how long it took me to let someone inside my circle of trust. The emails from you kept coming, as did the out-of-the-blue phone calls, and I remember thinking, “This chick’s persistent.”
As I look back, I realize I should be thanking you for being so patient with me. You understood I was a cautious introvert by nature and you waited, allowing our friendship to develop over time. Eventually we met, and over the years we’ve shared some pretty great experiences together. We became the kind of friends most girls aren’t lucky enough to find in their lifetime. What other friend is willing to spend half their day taking a three-hour tour of Lincoln’s birth place and childhood home just because I find him so fascinating?
I’ll never forget the night I called you in a daze as I aimlessly roamed the streets of Park City in my car, my head spinning, heart shattered. Mentally I was lost. I’d had enough. The veil had been lifted and I finally saw what I needed to see in my marriage, even though I didn’t want to believe it was true. You stayed on the phone with me for hours that night, offering compassion, comfort, advice. I could have called anyone, but I called you because I knew you would tell it to me straight. I also knew I would listen. And thankfully, I did.
We had many late-night conversations over the next few months. It never mattered what you were doing or what time I called—you were always there for me. I remember conversations that started in tears, ending in laughter. You did that. You reminded me that I mattered, that I had value. You said one day the right guy would come along instead of the wrong one. The right guy would recognize my worth, and the relationship would feel real, not like the fabricated house of lies I’d been used to.
You were right. You’re always right.
I made it through that tumultuous time in my life with a minimum amount of battle scars because of your guidance. You helped me find the woman I’d lost, the same woman who has since gone on to become a bestselling author, all because of someone who believed. Now I believe I can do anything. Scary, isn’t it?!
Little did I know back then that one day I’d have the opportunity to do for you what you’ve done for me. I’ve come to realize God has a way of giving us trials at different times in order for us to be there for each other when we need to be.
Over this past year, it’s pained me to see you struggle, to see you face challenges you never thought you ever would in life. But no matter how weak you think you are at times, you’re still the strongest, most confident person I know. That is who you are. It’s who you will always be, if only you believe.
For all the things I’ve never forgotten, there are things I never want you to forget. You are loved. You are valued. You matter—and not just to me. When you allow light to come in, your positive energy shines brighter than anything I’ve ever seen. You have so much to offer in this life, so much to give. Remember who you are, and never forget that you are capable of accomplishing great things. Find a man who makes you happy, someone who can give you what you need. You deserve it.
“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” –A.A. Milne