Bedeviled: Bedeviled

Not all wars are visible. Some begin in marriage.

A chance encounter.
A prayer seemingly answered.
A test of discernment that will change everything.

When Scotty Brian becomes captivated by Hannah Cotton after sitting behind her at a theater, he is determined to meet her. Through a carefully orchestrated connection, Hannah agrees to a date - unaware that this meeting will alter the course of her life.

One date quickly turns into many. Scotty’s intelligence, confidence, and extravagant generosity sweep Hannah off her feet. The early months feel like a dream. He showers her with attention, calls nightly to say goodnight, and treats her like royalty. For Hannah, who longs to remarry, Scotty’s arrival feels like an answer to prayer...a sign that God has finally brought her the husband she has been waiting for.

But beneath the charm, subtle warning signs begin to surface. Scotty grows increasingly jealous and controlling, disguising his behavior as love and concern. Hannah ignores her unease, determined to make the relationship work and convinced that faith, patience, and submission will bring peace.

As accusations, manipulation, and isolation intensify, Hannah finds herself surrendering pieces of her identity in the hope of preserving the relationship. The more she yields, the more dangerous Scotty becomes. What Hannah once believed was destiny begins to feel like a test of discernment...and survival.

When a shocking discovery forces Hannah to confront the truth about the man she plans to marry, she must decide whether to heed the quiet voice warning her or remain bound by fear, misunderstood faith, and misplaced devotion.

Will Hannah recognize the Holy Spirit’s voice before devotion turns into destruction?

BEDEVILED is the gripping first novel in a psychological and spiritual suspense series that explores abusive relationships, spiritual manipulation, and the unseen battle between good and evil. It sets the stage for Wormwood Marriage, where the consequences of deception deepen, and the war moves beyond the physical into the supernatural.

Perfect for readers of Psychological thrillers, Spiritual warfare fiction, Christian suspense, and Women’s empowerment stories.
WARNING: 18+ Readers Only. Graphic content and mature subject matter.

Barbara Harvey Carter is a retired registered nurse residing in Texas. She spent more than two decades as an addiction counselor, group facilitator, trainer, and healthcare professional in medical and mental health specialties.
Through both her professional work with domestic abuse survivors and her own lived experience, Barbara brings knowledge, compassion, and authenticity to the stories she tells. She is deeply committed to women’s empowerment and to supporting women as they reclaim their voices and purpose. For several years, she also promoted holistic wellness—mind, body, and soul—as co-owner of SB Fitness Health Club.

Before relocating, Barbara volunteered extensively as an intercessor, encourager, teacher, and planner within religious, community, and professional organizations. A Christian fiction author, she writes compelling stories that explore relationships, spiritual warfare, and the supernatural.

Barbara cherishes time spent with her Lord, Jesus Christ; her son, Darrin; daughter-in-love, Melody; her grandchildren, Tarrin, Kameron, and Jaylen; and her extended family.

Barbara Harvey Carter is a retired registered nurse residing in Texas.  She has spent more than two decades as an addiction counselor, group facilitator, trainer, and healthcare professional in the medical and mental health specialties.

Having worked with domestic abuse clients in her professional career and experienced the assaults of abuse, Barbara is knowledgeable and empathetic to the needs of hurting women. She believes in women's empowerment and supporting females in their endeavors. She also promoted holistic health - mind, body, soul - as co-owner of SB Fitness Health Club for several years.

Before relocating, she volunteered for many years as an intercessor, encourager, teacher, and planner at religious, community, and professional organizations. Besides being a fiction Christian author who writes about relationships, the supernatural, and the paranormal, Barbara 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.