Divine Desserts Publishing, LLC

African-American Hair!

I hope all of you are enjoying your week!

African-American Hair!

Do you like your hair? Do you struggle with taking care of it?

Like many people of color, especially African-Americans, hair has always been a struggle for me. In the late seventies through mid-eighties, I grew up in an all-white area and had extremely limited access to hairdressers specializing in Black hair. My mom used a hot comb to straighten my thick unruly hair after she’d washed and dried it. The entire ordeal took the whole weekend and she had to do this to four girls!

On a related note, I’m still writing The Blacksmith’s Bride! I’m crafting a scene about a twelve-year-old girl who gets her hair done so that she can attend a birthday party. My story takes place in 1867. The hot comb was not widely used in 1867. To care for African-American hair, wide toothed combs made of animal horns or wood were used. Stiff boar bristle brushes were also used to tame hair. Various oils and sometimes lard was used to moisturize. The hair was then braided or coiled and styled with hair pins or ribbons.

An 1867 hair style may have looked like this:

I’m enjoying researching The Blacksmith’s Bride and encourage all to order a copy!

I’m anxious to hear your thoughts about your own hair! Do you like your hair? Did you struggle with hair care when you were growing up? How about now?

Currently, I go to a Dominican salon to get my hair done! Those ladies do an awesome job with my locks! I always receive lots of compliments! They do use some hot dryers though!

Good Times!

I met up with some relatives last Sunday for lunch. Two of them were visiting from out of town. I’d not seen some of them in years! Here’s a group photo! I’m on the end wearing blue and white!

The Candy Beach Series Book Proofs

I’ve selected a winner for the set of book proofs! I’ve reached out to the person who won! Once they’ve confirmed – I will update this blog post – later this week – to let you know the results from the drawing!

The Homefront!

Our bathroom and basement walls are finally finished! Only problem? There are still a few cracked tiles on the bathroom floor. The repair people said that it was virtually impossible to repair separate tiles without replacing the entire floor. I was told that the insurance would not pay to have the floor redone – so that repair would be out of pocket. The cracked tiles are still in our bathroom.

Our finished bathroom wall!

cracked tile

cracked tiles

Christmas In July!

Want a summer treat? Check out my Christmas Holiday Romance Book Bundle for only $20 – continental US only! Grab a bunch to celebrate Christmas in July! These are paperback books that make great gifts for yourself and your friends and family!

I’m sure you’ll enjoy these wonderful stories as much as I enjoyed writing them!

Summer is Here!

Want a nice emotional treat during the summer? Check out my Candy Beach Series! These are heartwarming delicious novels and novellas that you can read all summer! All are beach themed! Perfect for reading during your summer vacation!

The Blacksmith’s Bride

As stated previously, I’m still writing The Blacksmith’s Bride – a historical novel set a few years after the Civil War. The Blacksmith’s Bride is the third book in the Romance Bride Series.

I’m enjoying writing The Blacksmith’s Bride as each character goes through an emotional journey of change and faith. Pre-order a copy for yourself and a friend!

Writing Services

As a reminder, I offer writing-related services. I work with writers who may need help with their fiction. Interested in working with me? Details here.

Butterscotch Bliss

If you’re reading this on my blog, then I can only assume that you’ve not subscribed to my newsletter! If you subscribe you will receive a FREE eBook, BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS! Subscribe today so that you can immediately enjoy this wonderful, emotional, captivating love story!

“Butterscotch Bliss” by Cecelia Dowdy is a captivating story about how Raquel and Patrick reunite and resolve their past issues. Once deeply in love, they were tragically separated. Now, Raquel discovers that her father is not dead, prompting questions about the truth behind his absence. – 5-star review – AMAZON

A beautiful written story with a lot of feels. This book will stir your emotions and keep you reading to see what’s next. Absolutely loved this book! – 5-star review – AMAZON