A chance encounter or a divine test?When Scotty Brian is mesmerized by Hannah Cotton after sitting behind her at a theater, he desires to meet her. He pesters one of his employees, whose aunt is Hannah’s friend, until Hannah agrees to go out with him.

One date leads to several as Scotty’s intelligence, confidence, and gift-giving beguile Hannah. The first few months are like a dream.

Scotty treats Hannah like a queen, hanging on her words, phoning to say goodnight daily, taking her to five-star restaurants, the theater, and concerts, sending flowers and presents frequently, and telling her he is always thinking about her. Desiring to remarry, after Scotty Brian enters her life, Hannah believes God has answered her prayer for a husband.

The chance meeting prompts her to think the connection is from God and that destiny chose Scotty as her husband. Several months into the relationship, Hannah notices signs of control and jealousy but shrugs it off as concern and attachment.

It is not until after an event at a bar-be-cue with former co-workers that Hannah becomes concerned that Scotty might not be the man she thinks he is. By this time, she is bewitched by Scotty’s charm and determined to make the relationship work.

Scotty accuses Hannah of having an affair with a former associate, Lenny Woodson, and his aggression toward Lenny and suspicions of Hannah increase. Believing she loves him; Hannah becomes submissive to Scotty’s requests, and stops hanging with her former friends, hoping it will soften Scotty’s aggressive behaviors.

The more Hannah works to be submissive and respectful, Scotty becomes increasingly aggressive, controlling, and mistrusting. As Hannah surrenders to Scotty’s wishes, she loses her personality and identity.

Still, after several requests, she agrees to marry him, convinced God destined her and Scotty to be soul mates. After the engagement, Hannah hopes the jealousy and mistrust will creep away.

She thinks Scotty’s hatred toward Lenny resolves after she ends the friendship until Scotty summons her to his apartment. After arriving, Hannah spots Lenny chained in the basement, and Scotty has a gun to his head.

She convinces Scotty to unchain Lenny. Lenny jumps Scotty, the two men scuffle and Lenny gets shot in the shoulder.

Bedeviled is an intense account of Hannah’s journey from an abusive relationship to finding her strength to live her purpose and discover her truth. Will Hannah end the relationship, hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit before it is too late?This story shows how even the strongest women can find themselves in an inexplicable situation and what it takes to break free from an abusive relationship.

Bedeviled is a powerfulnovel that anyone can read but packs anencouraging punch for those experiencing abuse within their relationship or struggling with breaking free of one. BEDEVILED is the gripping debut novel by author B H Carter.

***WARNING*** 18+ readers. Mature content and subject matterB H CARTER is a retired group facilitator, trainer, registered nurse, and addiction counselor.

She spent more than two decades working in the medical and mental health specialty, networking and assisting women needing domestic abuse services. Barbara volunteered at religious, community, and professional organizations as an intercessor, encourager, teacher, and planner for many years.

She enjoys spending time with her Lord, Jesus Christ; her son, Darrin; daughter-in-love, Melody; her grandchildren, Tarrin, Kameron, and Jaylen; and her extended family. .