Kindle Edition Amazon Elizabeth Cook - Howard Category:  Women Publisher: Elizabeth Cook - Howard ISBN-10:  0615873855 Type: Fiction Pages: 304 Copyright: September 16, 2013 ISBN-13: 9780615873855 Price: $0.99 (eBook) With love comes pain but Murder and Betrayal? Book 2 in the Forever Beth Series Our Love revels what has been unresolved. ***Not your grandmother's romance novel. A book for all over the age of 18(men and Women).     * Empowering women was not the motive behind the Forever Beth Series but oddly enough the main character although fictional seems to hit home for many. A Story line that controversially begins with a brutal sexual attack at the hand of the main character’s then husband (Forever Beth Lost and Found) shines a light on a subject that is usually acknowledged when …. too late – when one of two ceases to live, life taken away tragically.      Our Love is the second installment in the Forever Beth Series. A romance novel with a hint of humor, a bit of suspense, a touch of love making and a whole lot of mystery. Our love continues following the relationship between a NYPD Detective with a secretive background and a Domestic Violence Case Worker whose past interferes with her present and future. For their relationship to work as a couple both must adhere to the words "let not man put asunder". If not, their futures even apart will be in jeopardy.      Forever Beth Our Love un-doubtable is my best work so far. A year this September of penning my work for publication I see my own growth with taking chances - writing / describing scenes – acts many will find offensive, distasteful and or down right unpleasant. Product of a Pentecostal, Holiness, Baptist and Methodist background I too probably would wince at the idea of even mentioning the subject of sex. However I hope the words I used – the diligence and effort set forth will prove an outcome of more than acceptable but rather prudent and tastefully done.          Excerpt Mrs. Walker are you going out? Paige looking at me with somewhat of a confused look… Yes to the deli across the street. Calling for the elevator I stand with Paige. I guess I should review who this person is but the elevator arrives. Whichever half he is of the double duo he motions for both Paige and I to stay put while he checks the elevator. With confirmation of being cleared Paige and I get in and ride down in complete silence. Walking to the deli with security in tow, I review with Paige who and why he is with us. You’re probably wondering who and why this person is with us? Actually no Beth… I assume an undercover police officer since that woman hasn’t been caught! Yup small white lie heavenly father! So Beth, did you have a chance to go through your mail? Yes Paige I did. February 11th huh? Yes….. Now you’re probably wondering why so soon. No, I assumed Gregory will be shipping out soon and you want to marry before he does. Yes and he’ll be aboard the SS whatever the name for eighteen months Paige seemingly holding back from tearing up and it just feels right to get married now, not waiting. When is he scheduled to report? February 22. Well I think it is wonderful. But will we be losing you? No we both agree I should stay here and finish school. May is right around the corner and finally I will have my BS. What are your plans after? You’re the first to know, other than Gregory I was accepted into NYU’s School for Social Work. Oh Paige… hugging then kissing Paige on the cheek Wow did you let Rochelle know? Not yet. I just found out yesterday. Does this mean you will be staying on, possibly taking on title of Case Worker? With a childlike smile I was going to ask if I could. Absolutely! Care House, me…. would be honored to have you taking on the role. Oh Beth thank you. And when the time comes to do the internship, don’t look anywhere else. Between here and Rochelle at the Mayor’s office, you are set. Thank you so much Beth. I was a bit worried. Paige? I know, but with all the budget cuts. At this time we are fine. So tell me about the wedding? What was supposedly to be a five minute excursion out the office turned in to about a forty-five minute break? Deep in conversation neither of us notice the time. Rushing a bit now Paige and I head back. Entering the lobby of the building the other half of the double duo is in the lobby along with the lunch crowd. Walking over to building security I inquire what is going on. Hey Harold, what’s going on? Hi Beth…… You’re back kissing me on the cheek. If you were working you would know these things. Smiling I know but I needed the vacation. So what is all this? Oddly all four elevators are out. All four? Yes… Maintenance is looking into it now. Hmmm looking over to Batman and Robin, one is on the phone with a bleak look. Beth how in shape are you? Excuse me? I have you know I am very much so in shape…. Why? Up to a challenge? Walking up to the 17th floor? Paige you say that as if I couldn’t do it! Well….. You’re an old married lady now! Come on, let me show you who is the fittest between the two of us… Turing to get Abbott and Costello’s attention, both are off to the side deep in conversation with someone on the phone. Harold when those two men are less occupied, please let them know I will meet them upstairs. Sure Beth…. And good luck laughing Very funny Mr. Brown, we will see who will be the last woman standing, let’s go Mrs. 105 pounds. Entering the stairwell I begin my incline, doing very well I must say but now reaching the 10th floor I’m losing steam. Losing steam Beth? Paige if I weighed no more than a hundred pounds wet I too would be bouncing around… Ha Ha….. Hundred and five to be exact and we both laugh. Stopping at the tenth floor, Paige and I rest sitting on the stairs. Suddenly a look of concern appears on each of our faces… We both first smell smoke, then see heavy clouds of smoke emerging. We both jump up and head to the door. It won’t open. What the fuck…. Paige let’s try the next floor. Running not walking, up two more flights, door locked. This can’t be happening. Without confirming with the other, we run to the twelfth floor. Repeat of the same, door locked. Beth crying we can’t get out, we are trapped! Calm down Paige we aren’t trapped. Come on we will try each door until we reach the roof. Moving as quickly as we can, Paige and I make it to the roof and that door too is locked. The smoke becoming more intense we feel the heat of the fire. Beth what should we do? Stay calm… Beth what are we going to do? I begin banging on the door, screaming out we are hear. Considering to go back down, the smoke intensifies and the heat getting stronger. I return to banging on the door. I look over to Paige and she looks like she is having difficulty breathing. Paige get on your knees ..…. Screaming louder Paige get on your knees now! Paige listen to me. ……. Not getting a response I go over to Paige and push her down to the ground, onto her knees. I go back to knocking on the door and just then it opens. Kevin, Erickson, Donaldson, Thomas and the Fire Department all in sight. I motion to one of the Fire Fighters to check Paige. I look up to Kevin and see a look I’ve never seen from him before. With no words spoken I am swooped up and carried outside. The EMS technician puts a mask over my face and begins pumping oxygen in. Still no words spoken Kevin sits me down and walks away from me. He begins talking to the Fire Chief. Erickson comes over to where I am. How upset is he? Beth he's pissed. Give him a few minutes to cool off. Donaldson and Thomas? It wasn't their fault.... Beth they had instructions..... I know. They were doing their job, I decided to take the stairs. Beth...... Looking over to Kevin, no eye contact made. He doesn’t even allow himself to look in my direction. How is Paige? Shaken up but ok What the fuck did I do? Kevin and the fire chief walks over to Erickson me. Mrs. Walker are you okay? Yes I am. What happened? A fire was set in the stairwell, between the 5th and 6th floor. Set? Yes clearly arson and all doors leading from the stairwell were locked! I look at Kevin and his stare, looking through me rather than at me. The fire is out and you may go back down to your office. Looking over to Paige, she is loaded onto a stretcher. I walk over to her with tears streaming Paige I am so sorry. Smiling with tears falling Beth I’m okay. Paige I will meet you at the hospital looking at the EMS Technician What hospital are you taking her to? Beth Israel Paige I will meet you and I will call your parents. No just Gregory, the number is in my phone book. Okay… Paige is taken down the stairs. Walking back to Kevin, purposely he walks away? Feeling so alone and totally responsible I go back into the building. Hearing steps behind me I turn and Kevin is in tow. Finally on the 17th floor, I go into the office where everyone is standing around. Beth what happened? Pam not sure. The elevator was out so Paige and I decided to walk up the stairs. A fire began in the stairwell. Paige is being taken to Beth Israel and I’m going to meet her now. All of you go home now. The elevators are still out and due to the damage in the stairwell it would be best to take the service elevator. Pam can you gather everyone. A fireman is in the hall waiting, he will escort everyone to the service elevator then out the building. Beth are you okay? Forcing a smile I am. You better get going. Grabbing Paige’s purse, I take out her phone book and go into my office to call Gregory. Hello Gregory Yes This is Beth Walker, I work with Paige. Hi…. Everything okay? We had a fire in the building. Paige is okay but she is being evaluated at Beth Israel. I’m on my way… The line goes dead. Throwing my hands to my face I hold back from falling apart. Sensing I’m not alone I remove my hands from my eyes and standing in front of me, Kevin with the same bleak look. Everyone has left. Grab your things and we will head to the hospital. The drive to Beth Israel - Silence. He doesn’t look in my direction nor does he say a single word. Arriving I go into the emergency room and find Paige sitting up. Hi, how are you feeling? Beth I’m okay….. I’m so very very sorry. Beth it was my idea to take the stairs… Paige…… Just then Gregory arrives. Beth Gregory, Greg Beth.. Hello…… Paige what happened? I’ll explain later Kissing Paige I’m going to give you two some privacy. Paige I will call and check in with you later. Beth I’m okay. I Will see you tomorrow.. No, even if the doctor clears you medically, take the day. Gregory nice meeting you….. The drive back to the Hamptons, tension so thick only an axe could cut it. Not once did Kevin look in my direction, not one word spoken. No music only “1010 wins” playing on the radio. “All news all the time”. I've never seen this side of him before. Did I go too far this time? A question I ask myself over and over again in my head. After a complete hour and half of silence we pull up to the front of the house. Charles waiting out on the steps. About to get out of the car Kevin motions for me to wait and I do as told. Kevin gets out and walks to the passenger side and opens the door to let me out. Charles please meet me in grandfather's study.... I give Charles a half smile and enter the house. I go directly up to our room. Taking seat on the lounger I begin to unravel. Up to this point only tears that managed to escape presented itself but now I let go. The epiphany – my “aha” moment hits. I finally come to terms with the last six months of my life. Someone is after me! And what happened today put someone else in danger. I cry even harder at the thought. Trying to silence my weeping cry I throw my hands to my face. Kevin has been right all along. What am I going to do? Crying harder I suddenly feel sick. Jumping up and running to the bathroom I begin vomiting over and over again. With one last hurl I lay my head on the toilet seat. All the energy I had is gone. Baby are you okay? Back to crying Kevin I am so very sorry. You were right..... And I put Paige in danger. Kevin takes a seat next to me on the floor and wipes my face with a wet hand cloth. Beth I can't take this. I fucking almost lost you once before. Today, taking the risk that you did, Beth you can't do shit like this! Kevin I'm sorry. I promise to follow every rule from this point on. Follow the rules? You do mean follow the rules from here because no fucking way are you going back to work. Kevin... Kevin me all you want. NO! Kevin I have to go... I can't leave them like this. Dismissing my statement Beth Mrs. Clarke has dinner waiting, let's go down. Kevin I just need a few minutes to myself.. Beth? Please! Hearing the bedroom door close I pick myself up and sit on the edge of the bed. That nausea feeling resurfacing I lay across the bed waiting for it to pass.

Amazon: Deeply Emotional Read, October 12, 2013
Forever Beth is one of the most emotional books I've ever read. There is a very deep love between Beth and Kevin, and we see this pretty much from the get go. Most books don't hit it at this level, but Elizabeth Cook-Howard wrote it in a way that we feel this nearly immediately. The book has twists that you wouldn't expect, especially something happening to a newly married couple. As much of a romance as it is, there is also a lot of mystery!

Forever Beth Our Love was a very entertaining read! It makes a wonderful weekend read, or even one to keep by your bedside. The hard part is just stopping once you start!

Amazon: There is true love out there, October 3, 2013
I received this book in exchange for an honest book review. After reading the first installment, Forever Beth Lost and Found, I couldn't wait to see how the story evolved. As with the first book, Forever Beth Our Love, is an emotional book.

The story picks up on Beth and her new husband, Kevin Walker's honeymoon. Many things have were left in the first book making you wonder what was up with Kevin. In this installment, we learn that he also has a secret that he has been keeping. Beth at first doesn't handle this well, but as the book goes on, she starts to accept how Kevin is. (I want to tell, but then that gives away a huge part of the book)

Beth also took on the role of director of the shelter. She is struggling with the fact that someone is out to kill her. She can't figure out who it is or what she has done to this person to hate her so much. When the author finally reveals who the person is, I was first thinking it was this individual. I forced myself to believe it was someone else, just because, I really didn't want to believe she could be betrayed in this fashion.
By the time the book ended, I was wishing that there was another chapter. I really need to know how things turn out. I know it's not going to be good. But also, I know that she will survive...at least she better!
I was able to whiz through this book pretty quickly, and I'm no speed reader. I started this book at 6:30pm and finished around midnight. (To me that was pretty good since I normally take a good 2-3 days to read a book) Plus it helped that the story just was that good that I didn't want to put it down.

I really hope this series does well for the author. It's actually a great story. I can't wait to get my hands on the next installment. Some will be put off by the violence that happens. But, this is the real world! This kind of stuff happens every day to many women. It's that it does, but there are just some mean and evil people that exist out there.

Good Reads Reviewer
I won this book from a contest on Goodreads.

Newlywed Elizabeth ('Beth') Cook-Walker, Domestic Violence Social Worker has been showered with expensive and extravagant gifts since her honeymoon from her husband, Kevin Walker, NYPD Detective. When she sees her husband sitting across from a white man in what appears to be a serious conversation, Beth becomes suspicious since Kevin told her he'd be elsewhere. Later when she confronted Kevin about the mysterious white man, Kevin reveals that he is his biological Grandfather on his father's side and none other than Jackson Durand of Durand Oil, an extremely wealthy man. This explains all the gifts and money Kevin has bestowed on Beth, although she is surprised to learn that her husband is biracial. But their love has no bounds. Later Kevin's biggest surprise is a gorgeous, huge, beautiful home as his wedding gift to Beth. One day, as Beth answers the door to her sister, Cynthia, she is sidetracked by the phone ringing. When Cynthia learns this phone call was a death threat towards her sister she immediately calls Kevin. Even since Kevin goes hired 2 bodyguards to be by Beth's side much to Beth's disdain, he then advises her she must resign from the job she loves to keep safe, which Beth vehemently argues. But when things become disturbingly frantic to the point that Beth is endangering her co-worker's lives, she agrees with Kevin and writes out her resignation.

Sometimes, even when we believe we have left our sordid pasts far behind us, it doesn't always stay buried as we hoped.

Author, Elizabeth Cook-Howard does a bang-up job of giving the readers a fast paced story that has you guessing from beginning, right to the end. Even when I believed I cracked who the threat is, the Author took me by surprise! Wonderfully written!