To Love a Stallion
Deborah Fletcher Mello
Kimani Romance
ISBN-13: 9780373860548
Pub. Date: February 2008
4 Stars – Excellent
Reviewed by: Regina Hightower
I enjoyed reading this book. It had a great plot, the main character, and the supporting cast was really outstanding. I loved the family connection in the story. The 'Stallion Men' are to die for. This ought to be a great series.
Whatever Gets You Through The Night
Teri Devine
St. Martin's Griffin
February 2008
ISBN-10: 0312364296
Women's Fiction
Rating: 3 - Very Good
Reviewer: Patricia Woodside
WHATEVER GETS YOU THROUGH THE NIGHT is a poignant tale about a young woman who rises above modest beginnings yet remains tethered to the less than desirable environment she's left behind.
As with many young women, Bari Jordan's big heart, with its oversized capacity for love and compassion, blinds her to the behaviors, secrets, and petty jealousies that swirl around her and eventually threaten her very existence.
At a high school skip party, Bari meets Earl Jordan. He's completely intoxicated but something about him endears him to her. She graduates, goes on to college, and marries Earl, who doesn't go to college but has a decent job working in his father's business. Bari secures a great job, has good friends, and enjoys a supportive family. But her marriage is not quite as successful. When marital problems arise, Bari isn't sure what to do. She digs in her heels and tries her best to make a go of the toxic relationship, even turning to a spiritualist for assistance. Except Bari doesn't get the help she needs and she hides her feelings and torment from those who care the most and who best can help her.
There are some aspects about the story that I could easily describe as clichéd like the college-educated African-American woman whose income outstrips that of her undereducated husband or the uneducated man whose life spirals out of control due to the pull of illegal drugs and alcohol. I winced a bit as I read these storylines. But the writing is fresh and touching. It makes the reader want to like Earl even as his behavior and mental state deteriorate and place Bari's life in jeopardy.
The ending felt like the story stopped abruptly, and on a melancholy note at that, rather than reaching a conclusion. Bari recognizes her need to examine her choices but readers don't get to see the benefit of that examination. A sequel is in the works, perhaps?
Overall, WHATEVER GETS YOU THROUGH THE NIGHT was an enjoyable read and an impressive debut from author Teri Denine.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
REVIEWS: JANUARY 2008
Not Even If You Begged
Francis Ray
St. Martin's Griffin
January 2008
ISBN-10: 0312948174
Women's Fiction
Rating: 4 ½ - Exceptional
Reviewer: Patricia Woodside
Traci Evans is a young widow. She's had it with the notion of a happy marriage since hers was not a happy one to begin with, and to make matters worse, her husband died while cheating on her. Simply put, she believes all men cheat.
Professionally, Traci makes her living as a PR guru whose job it is sometimes to help those very cheaters to preserve their well-crafted business and personal images. Her less than honorable clients only underscore her point. So when she meets her neighbor's son, what's to make her think Dr. Ryan Gilmore will be any different?
Maureen Gilmore, Traci's neighbor and herself a widow, believes that she's already had the love of her life and love won't come knocking for her anymore, until she meets Simon Dunlap. Simon, a detective, does not see Maureen's age but the beautiful, accomplished, and sexy person that she is.
Traci and Maureen are both members of the Invincible Sisterhood, a group of savvy, sassy widows with a Three Musketeers-like mindset-one for all, all for one, and we know what's best. Out of love and friendship, they look out for, defend, and occasionally nudge one another toward success and happiness.
NOT EVEN IF YOU BEGGED puts a fresh spin on the older woman, younger man romance, while also exploring the notion that what we do for a living doesn't define who we are. What I enjoy most about Ms. Ray's stories is the fact that her heroes and heroines tend to be great people even while experiencing the conflicts that shake up their lives and threaten their happily ever after. Not perfect or one-dimensional folks, just really "good people". To be sure, they might be selfish at times, hard-headed, or unshakable in their less than informed beliefs but they're still folks I wouldn't mind having as friends and neighbors. I enjoy getting to know them and always hate when the story ends.
Sweet Georgia Brown
Cheryl Robinson
NAL Trade
January 2008
ISBN-10: 0451222288
Women's Fiction
Rating: 4 - Excellent
Reviewer: Patricia Woodside
Georgia Brown wants nothing more than a comfortable life with the love of her life, her husband and fledgling comedian, Marvin Brown. Except Marvin is unemployed and they, along with their young son, are living with his parents while she toils at a dead-end job to keep the family afloat.
When she uses company resources to help Marvin further his comedy career, Georgia loses her job, snapping their seemingly last thread. But then Marvin hits the big time, winning a million dollar prize on a reality show and things start looking up for the Browns.
Except that Georgia isn't enamored with the money or the things it can buy and never was. She wants to live comfortably, to be sure, but she craves the love and respect of her man. Most of all, Georgia wants to know that her life has purpose.
When Marvin's teenage daughter, from a previous relationship, announces her existence by showing up on the Brown's doorstep, Georgia gets her first inkling of what that purpose might be. With her marriage is crumbling alongside her self-respect, can Georgia find it within to welcome the girl into her home?
In SWEET GEORGIA BROWN, Cheryl Robinson has penned a tale that will be familiar to many a woman and particularly to mothers who lose sight of themselves and their own goals while taking care of the household, supporting their man, and raising their children. The story is both touching and feisty, not to mention funny, especially after Georgia begins to fight back against being trapped in a meaningless life.
I enjoyed the contemporary shout-outs, like radio personality Tom Joyner and the take on Last Comic Standing. Years from now these things might date the book but, right now they add to the entertainment value. Also, it was nice to add a reality show premise in which winning doesn't bring the characters what they expect, a reality check for anyone thinking that those shows might be a ticket to their dreams coming true.
Three Wishes
Janice Sims
Kimani Arabesque
January 2008
ISBN-10: 0373830114
Romance
Rating: 4 - Excellent
Reviewer: Patricia Woodside
Attorney Sunny Adams works for a prestigious Georgia law firm. A childhood friend seeks her out, enlisting Sunny to defend her against accusations of murdering her rap star husband. It's not the kind of case Sunny typically takes, or even wants at this point, but she can't turn down the daughter of the people who raised her after she was orphaned at a young age by her adoptive parents.
Sunny's relationships pale in comparison to her name. Her last serious relationship ended badly. She knows nothing of her birth parents until Audra Kane, a movie star and Sunny's birth mother, decides to contact her. It seems an author is about to write an expose on Audra and she feels it best to divulge the news of Sunny's parentage herself. Except she can't bring herself to face her daughter-and possibly be followed by the paparazzi-so she dispatches Jonas Blake, her stepson to meet and invite Sunny back to Los Angeles.
Jonas, a global business consultant, is between assignments. He's not sure Audra's idea is a good one but he loves his stepmother and decides to help her. Upon seeing Sunny, he is taken by her and wants to get to know her better, although Sunny is skeptical of both him and his mission. When it becomes apparent that her current case might be dangerous, Jonas remains in Georgia to protect Sunny, taking advantage of the opportunity to win her heart.
It took me a while to figure out the meaning behind the title but I eventually got it because, in the end, Audra, Sunny, and Jonas get their wishes. But so do a few other significant characters. This story is about secrets and lies, and about love and romance in many forms. Janice Sims never shies away from difficult topics and doesn't here. The murder trial holds an interesting twist that might cause readers to rethink preconceived notions. But overall, Three Wishes is a heartwarming romance, one in which the heroine gets to take the high road in the face of much conflict yet the story doesn't become overly sweet and risk being unbelievable as a result.
Francis Ray
St. Martin's Griffin
January 2008
ISBN-10: 0312948174
Women's Fiction
Rating: 4 ½ - Exceptional
Reviewer: Patricia Woodside
Traci Evans is a young widow. She's had it with the notion of a happy marriage since hers was not a happy one to begin with, and to make matters worse, her husband died while cheating on her. Simply put, she believes all men cheat.
Professionally, Traci makes her living as a PR guru whose job it is sometimes to help those very cheaters to preserve their well-crafted business and personal images. Her less than honorable clients only underscore her point. So when she meets her neighbor's son, what's to make her think Dr. Ryan Gilmore will be any different?
Maureen Gilmore, Traci's neighbor and herself a widow, believes that she's already had the love of her life and love won't come knocking for her anymore, until she meets Simon Dunlap. Simon, a detective, does not see Maureen's age but the beautiful, accomplished, and sexy person that she is.
Traci and Maureen are both members of the Invincible Sisterhood, a group of savvy, sassy widows with a Three Musketeers-like mindset-one for all, all for one, and we know what's best. Out of love and friendship, they look out for, defend, and occasionally nudge one another toward success and happiness.
NOT EVEN IF YOU BEGGED puts a fresh spin on the older woman, younger man romance, while also exploring the notion that what we do for a living doesn't define who we are. What I enjoy most about Ms. Ray's stories is the fact that her heroes and heroines tend to be great people even while experiencing the conflicts that shake up their lives and threaten their happily ever after. Not perfect or one-dimensional folks, just really "good people". To be sure, they might be selfish at times, hard-headed, or unshakable in their less than informed beliefs but they're still folks I wouldn't mind having as friends and neighbors. I enjoy getting to know them and always hate when the story ends.
Sweet Georgia Brown
Cheryl Robinson
NAL Trade
January 2008
ISBN-10: 0451222288
Women's Fiction
Rating: 4 - Excellent
Reviewer: Patricia Woodside
Georgia Brown wants nothing more than a comfortable life with the love of her life, her husband and fledgling comedian, Marvin Brown. Except Marvin is unemployed and they, along with their young son, are living with his parents while she toils at a dead-end job to keep the family afloat.
When she uses company resources to help Marvin further his comedy career, Georgia loses her job, snapping their seemingly last thread. But then Marvin hits the big time, winning a million dollar prize on a reality show and things start looking up for the Browns.
Except that Georgia isn't enamored with the money or the things it can buy and never was. She wants to live comfortably, to be sure, but she craves the love and respect of her man. Most of all, Georgia wants to know that her life has purpose.
When Marvin's teenage daughter, from a previous relationship, announces her existence by showing up on the Brown's doorstep, Georgia gets her first inkling of what that purpose might be. With her marriage is crumbling alongside her self-respect, can Georgia find it within to welcome the girl into her home?
In SWEET GEORGIA BROWN, Cheryl Robinson has penned a tale that will be familiar to many a woman and particularly to mothers who lose sight of themselves and their own goals while taking care of the household, supporting their man, and raising their children. The story is both touching and feisty, not to mention funny, especially after Georgia begins to fight back against being trapped in a meaningless life.
I enjoyed the contemporary shout-outs, like radio personality Tom Joyner and the take on Last Comic Standing. Years from now these things might date the book but, right now they add to the entertainment value. Also, it was nice to add a reality show premise in which winning doesn't bring the characters what they expect, a reality check for anyone thinking that those shows might be a ticket to their dreams coming true.
Three Wishes
Janice Sims
Kimani Arabesque
January 2008
ISBN-10: 0373830114
Romance
Rating: 4 - Excellent
Reviewer: Patricia Woodside
Attorney Sunny Adams works for a prestigious Georgia law firm. A childhood friend seeks her out, enlisting Sunny to defend her against accusations of murdering her rap star husband. It's not the kind of case Sunny typically takes, or even wants at this point, but she can't turn down the daughter of the people who raised her after she was orphaned at a young age by her adoptive parents.
Sunny's relationships pale in comparison to her name. Her last serious relationship ended badly. She knows nothing of her birth parents until Audra Kane, a movie star and Sunny's birth mother, decides to contact her. It seems an author is about to write an expose on Audra and she feels it best to divulge the news of Sunny's parentage herself. Except she can't bring herself to face her daughter-and possibly be followed by the paparazzi-so she dispatches Jonas Blake, her stepson to meet and invite Sunny back to Los Angeles.
Jonas, a global business consultant, is between assignments. He's not sure Audra's idea is a good one but he loves his stepmother and decides to help her. Upon seeing Sunny, he is taken by her and wants to get to know her better, although Sunny is skeptical of both him and his mission. When it becomes apparent that her current case might be dangerous, Jonas remains in Georgia to protect Sunny, taking advantage of the opportunity to win her heart.
It took me a while to figure out the meaning behind the title but I eventually got it because, in the end, Audra, Sunny, and Jonas get their wishes. But so do a few other significant characters. This story is about secrets and lies, and about love and romance in many forms. Janice Sims never shies away from difficult topics and doesn't here. The murder trial holds an interesting twist that might cause readers to rethink preconceived notions. But overall, Three Wishes is a heartwarming romance, one in which the heroine gets to take the high road in the face of much conflict yet the story doesn't become overly sweet and risk being unbelievable as a result.
REVIEWS 2007 PT2
In Between Men
San Culberson
Kensington Publishing Corp.
ISBN: 0-7582-1522-3
Publish Date: December 2007
Fiction
Rating: 4 Stars – Excellent
Reviewed by: Delores Hines
Hope Williams was a woman who had it all, the successful husband, the beautiful big house, three handsome boys, the powerful job. Yet there was something missing. Hope was feeling smothered by her husband’s desire to obtain the American dream.
Hope finds friendship in a man named Tony. Shortly after, they’re taking their lunches together and hanging out on the weekends under the guise of working. Hope tries to keep the relationship platonic but the situation gets out of control and her world falls apart. After cashing in her perfect present for greener pastures, Hope realizes that everything she ever really wanted she already had
This book had a very authentic feel to it, it made you want to reach out and touch the characters to get them straight. Their story is so typical of the American way; we climb and climb for success while ignoring the very people who are most important to us. Hope and Ray had a good marriage but lost the relationship along the way. This story reminds us to stay focused on what’s important in relationships, people. This book was very well written but could have done without Hope’s foul language in many instances.
Antony and Cleopatra
Colleen McCullough
Masters of Rome Series
Simon & Shuster
1416552944
December 2007
Historical Fiction
Rating 4 Stars-EXCELLENT
Reviewed by Michelle Alexander
Antony and Cleopatra is the seventh in the Masters of Rome Series and tells the story of ill-fated love of Marcus Antonius (Marc Antony) and Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt.
Written in extremely well-researched detail, McCollough provides the reader with all of the background of the characters and prior events that as time unfolds and the actions of Antony, Octavian, Cleopatra and the myriad other persons such as Herod, become understandable. One sees how all the players are subject to intrigue, manipulation and the failings of their own personalities. History unfolds in panoramic detail and you walk away knowing an enormous amount of information about the persons and their times.
At times this book can be a laborious read to the non-history buff. But not for the storyline, the book would almost be non-fiction. But the storyline ties all the details together skillfully. Not a light read, but a must for those interested in all the facts of this star-crossed couple and their noble demise.
From My Soul to Yours
Dywane D. Birch
Strebor Books
Simon & Shuster
1593091249
November 2007
Adult Romance
Rating 4 ½ Stars-EXCEPTIONAL
Reviewed by Michelle Alexander
In this sequel to Shattered Souls, we revisit Chyna, Britton, Damascus (Tee) and the unforgettable Indera. At this point Indera and Tee are married, with much conflict and indescribable sexual exchanges that will have readers, rereading for tips.
Britton has found himself a single parent since Lina has come to LA to be a star, and two new but troubling characters emerge in Chyna’s daughter Sarina who has descended into madness and has escaped to New York and Celeste a woman who after having one of our two male character’s child is convinced that she will win back the man of her dreams-despite his being married. Indera is in rare form in this sequel, particularly in meeting Celeste at a major sorority convention.
As the story unfolds, there are twists, turns, intrigue, and surprises around every corner.
Can’t Get Enough of Your Love
J.J. Murray
Kensington Publishing Corp.
ISBN: 0-7582-1399-9
Publish Date: November 2007
Fiction
Rating: 4 Stars – Excellent
Reviewed by: Delores Hines
Earlana Joy Cole is a single woman living life to the fullest. She enjoys the company of the three men in her life. Each man in her life brings out a different part of her personality. At any given moment she could be Earlana, Lana, or Joy.
Earlana, Lana, or Joy spends time juggling relationships with these three men, she’s not willing to choose being with just one so she makes them all fit into her schedule. Will the paths of the men intersect at some point? Will they all leave her and have Earlana completely alone? Or will one of them have a forgiving heart?
J.J. Murray takes a role that’s stereotypically male and spins it with a woman in it. Earlana is a character we love to hate, preying on the type of man most women would love to have. She makes no apology for her actions at least in the beginning but when the rubber meets the road she explores the reasons for her actions. The soul searching helps her face some tough issues but will the reasons matter in the end? Mr. Murray has put a new twist on an old story. Well done.
Hot Like Fire
Niobia Bryant
Dafina Books
Kensington Publishing Corp.
ISBN: 0758214618
Published: November 2007
Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4 Stars – Excellent
Reviewed by: Clara Sutton
When widower Kade Strong, decided that it was time for him and his seven year-old daughter Kadina to leave his parents home and move back into his own home, he started getting unwanted attention from all the single females in Holtsville. He just wanted to raise his daughter and continue to work the family ranch. Needing someone to take care of his daughter while he worked, Kade hired Garcelle Santos and things stared to change.
Garcelle Santos thought Kade was the meanest one of all the strong men. Garcelle worked for Kade's brother Kahron as his housekeeper to pay her way through college to become a nurse. She accepted Kade's job offer to be Kadina's nanny and the sparks started to fly between the two.
Garcelle respected Kade's privacy and at every opportunity she intervened between him and his unwanted admirers. In steps Zorrie Kintrell, Rema Strong's best friend since childhood who had plans to be the next Mrs. Strong.
Zorrie was so transparent that even Kadina could see that she was after her father but Kade only thought that Zorrie was just being a good friend. When Kade is injured in a horse race with his siblings, he really gets to see the true Zorrie.
When it seems that Kade and Garcelle are not going to find happiness together, a storm hits and Kade's rushing to Garcelle's home to make sure she is ok. The raging storm outside is nothing compared to the raging storm of passion taking place inside between two people who has finally found love again.
Francine Craft
Never Without You Again
Kimani Press
October 1, 2007
ISBN-10: 0373860374
Contemporary Romance
4 Stars - Excellent
Reviewer: Renee Motley
This is a heartwarming story about long lost love coming back into your life. The main characters, Theda Coles and Hunter Davis were high school sweethearts. Unfortunately they were separated in college by an illness which forced him to leave college. He never explained to Theda why he left. They went on to marry others, but still shared a love for one another. Theda husband dies and Hunter is now divorced. He returns to their hometown to enroll his son into the local high school and bumps into Theda. They rekindle their love affair and then his ex-wife decides she wants him back. She even uses their son to break up Theda and Hunter. Then a near tragedy brings them closure to the plot to separate them.
The story has a very slow start to it. However it does gain momentum as you continue on. The storyline is a good one, but there were times that I felt as if something was missing. I would have liked to have a little more detail about some of the characters and a little less of others. There were times that felt like we missed an entire stage of the story, but all in all it was a quick read and enjoyable novel. Predictable, but enjoyable. If you like a romance story with a little suspense, you will not be disappointed with this one.
A Girl’s Gotta Eat
Michelle Valentine
St. Martin’s Griffin
October 2007
ISBN-10: 0312360592
Urban Fiction
Rating: 4 - Excellent
Reviewer: Patricia Woodside
Rementa “Remmi” Broughten has a plan. She’s gonna be somebody, no matter what it takes. With only a high school education but possessing a strikingly beautiful face and body, she’s pretty sure she knows what success will require. After all, she learned this lesson early from her mother. “A girl’s gotta eat.”
With Shannelle Anderson, her best friend since grade school, now a stripper in a Harlem club by her side, Remmi schemes to transition from an extra in music videos to a star in the entertainment industry. All she needs is a break. And she’ll take one wherever and however it comes, whether by getting the best of a criminal enterprise or laying with a married mover and shaker in the entertainment industry.
Yes, both Remmi and Shannelle know what success requires—scheming and exploiting their bodies to get ahead—but do they really know what such success will cost them? When unexpected tragedy befalls Remmi and Shannelle, Remmi begins to reevaluate her choices. Too bad she has to tie up a few loose ends—and she’ll do it the only way she knows how—before she’ll be free to enjoy the success she so desperately craves.
A GIRL’S GOTTA EAT examines the choices made by young women who desire celebrity, fame, and fortune and who learn way too early through sad and difficult circumstances that their bodies are a valuable commodity. The fast-paced story draws the reader in and keeps her riveted until the last page, even when the main characters and their choices are, at times, contemptible. Michelle Valentine presents an all too real slice of urban life in excellent fashion. She paints Remmi, a bright young woman, as someone equally deserving of empathy and dislike. Because empathy wins in the end, A GIRL’S GOTTA EAT is a recommended urban fiction read.
The Way You Aren’t
Karen White-Owens
Dafina Books
Kensington Publishing Corp.
ISBN: 0758218796
Published: October 2007
Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4 Stars - Excellent
Reviewed by: Clara Sutton
Krista Hamilton was an IT Specialist at Dexter Kee. She was also the fuel that fed the office jokes because of the way she dressed. At the company picnic someone pushes Krista into the lake and everyone laughs at her but Brennan Thomas. This wasn’t the anything new to her because all through high school she had been made fun of. She was surprised that the handsome Brennan Thomas would come to her aid.
Brennan couldn't believe that the people he worked with could be so cruel to a co-worker especially one who they all depended on for computer help. After helping Krista to her car, he ripped into his co-workers but they just laughed more. Disgusted he walks away only to be stopped by rival sales director Flynn Parr.
Brennan and Flynn both are up for a promotion and the only way they will get the promotion is by competing to see who's sale team will come up with the best add for a major automaker. Flynn made a bet with Brennan that he couldn’t turn Krista into a diva in two months. To get Brennan to agree, Flynn agreed to have his sales team to leave Krista alone plus he added cash to sweeten the deal.
Brennan agreed and enlisted the help of his sister Liz. Things were going well until Krista and Brennan fell for each other and then Brennan didn't know how he was going to tell Krista about the bet but he needed to tell her before someone else did.
Brennan must convince Krista of his love for her or lose her forever. Krista isn't going to make winning her love easy for Brennan because she has a few rules of her own that he must agree to.
FIRE AND DESIRE
MONIQUE LAMONT
PARKER PUBLISHING LLC.
OCTOBER 2007
ISBN: 9787600430152
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Rating: 4+ - Exceptional
Reviewed by: Dianthia Lemons
Trevor Lewis is out for revenge and has been plotting for the past five years to get it. Christopher Manning murdered his best friend and now, Trevor has the opportunity to evoke his revenge, thanks to his aunt and an elite bachelorette party. Tiffany Hatcher is the governor's only daughter and has been by her father's side since her mother's death. She has a business outside her father's political arena and is known in Virginia as the party planner extraordinaire. She would never do anything to embarrass herself or her father. Tiffany is giving a bachelorette party for one of her friends in Las Vegas and Tiffany meets Trevor. Trevor is busy plotting the elements of his revenge and ignores his immediate attraction to Tiffany. Tiffany on the other hand wouldn't be caught dead with a male stripper, talk about embarrassment. Well, as luck would have it, Trevor and Tiffany both get drunk when they meet again in one of the casinos. In the morning, when the alcohol has worn off, Tiffany is naked and married to the stripper she knows nothing about. They part company with Tiffany thinking that the answer is a quickie divorce and that what has happened stays out of the media.
FIRE AND DESIRE is a story that teaches us not to judge the book by its cover. Tiffany assumes that Trevor is nothing more than a man who makes a living with his body. Trevor just sees Tiffany as a means to an end, getting revenge on Christopher Manning. Both fail to realize that they have feelings for each other that run deeper than the immediate attraction they first felt in Las Vegas. They never divorce outside influences help them both to see the love they have for each other. Even though they were married for all the wrong reasons and they did have to go through some pain in hearing the truth, true love comes to the fore front in the end.
Monique Lamont wrote a great one.
Deliver Me From Evil
Mary Monroe
Dafina Books (Kensington)
ISBN: 0758212178
Published: September 2007
Mainstream Fiction
Rating: 4-1/2 Stars – Exceptional
Reviewed by: Flashette Shirer
Monroe ’s novel unravels the life of Christine Thurman, a young woman who is looking for love in all the wrong places. Her once happy marriage to a millionaire businessman, JR, is now a burden and she wants to find a way out. Enter Wade, her first love and a bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Together the two of them devise a plan in order for Christine to get the money she needs in order to leave her marriage with enough left over for Wade to again pursue his failed acting career.
The title of the novel is a bit misleading because Christine’s life is full of her running to evil. From her dysfunctional home life to her promiscuous past, Christine’s life is no where near drama free. This type of drama is what follows her into adulthood and eventually into her marriage.
Mary Monroe has weaved a wonderful story full with just enough plot twists to keep the reader hooked. Monroe is also a brilliant storyteller with quirky characters that are so vivid that this reader had many laugh out loud moments.
Every Man for Herself: A Novel
Maryann Reid
St. Martin’s Griffin
ISBN: 0312369093
Published: September 2007
Mainstream Fiction
Rating: 4 Stars – Excellent
Reviewed by: Flashette Shirer
Nina Bettus is ready for a change. She leaves her husband, family and small Texas town and heads for New York City . When she arrives, she begins to live the life she’s always dreamed about. Working as a massage therapist at an exclusive salon, Nina is reinventing herself. However, she soon finds out that a change of scenery and a new career do not guarantee an escape from her past.
Only a few days after her arrival in Brooklyn, Nina meets a mysterious spoken word poet and begins a steamy, sexual relationship with him. Then, after starting her new job, she meets a handsome lawyer who dotes on her, but her company policy forbids her from dating him. Now Nina must decide which man she wants to keep in her life while unraveling the ties that each has to her past.
Although the happily ever after ending is a bit trite, “Every Man for Herself” is, overall, an engaging story. Reid incorporates just the right amount of sex, excitement and mystery to keep the reader entertained.
San Culberson
Kensington Publishing Corp.
ISBN: 0-7582-1522-3
Publish Date: December 2007
Fiction
Rating: 4 Stars – Excellent
Reviewed by: Delores Hines
Hope Williams was a woman who had it all, the successful husband, the beautiful big house, three handsome boys, the powerful job. Yet there was something missing. Hope was feeling smothered by her husband’s desire to obtain the American dream.
Hope finds friendship in a man named Tony. Shortly after, they’re taking their lunches together and hanging out on the weekends under the guise of working. Hope tries to keep the relationship platonic but the situation gets out of control and her world falls apart. After cashing in her perfect present for greener pastures, Hope realizes that everything she ever really wanted she already had
This book had a very authentic feel to it, it made you want to reach out and touch the characters to get them straight. Their story is so typical of the American way; we climb and climb for success while ignoring the very people who are most important to us. Hope and Ray had a good marriage but lost the relationship along the way. This story reminds us to stay focused on what’s important in relationships, people. This book was very well written but could have done without Hope’s foul language in many instances.
Antony and Cleopatra
Colleen McCullough
Masters of Rome Series
Simon & Shuster
1416552944
December 2007
Historical Fiction
Rating 4 Stars-EXCELLENT
Reviewed by Michelle Alexander
Antony and Cleopatra is the seventh in the Masters of Rome Series and tells the story of ill-fated love of Marcus Antonius (Marc Antony) and Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt.
Written in extremely well-researched detail, McCollough provides the reader with all of the background of the characters and prior events that as time unfolds and the actions of Antony, Octavian, Cleopatra and the myriad other persons such as Herod, become understandable. One sees how all the players are subject to intrigue, manipulation and the failings of their own personalities. History unfolds in panoramic detail and you walk away knowing an enormous amount of information about the persons and their times.
At times this book can be a laborious read to the non-history buff. But not for the storyline, the book would almost be non-fiction. But the storyline ties all the details together skillfully. Not a light read, but a must for those interested in all the facts of this star-crossed couple and their noble demise.
From My Soul to Yours
Dywane D. Birch
Strebor Books
Simon & Shuster
1593091249
November 2007
Adult Romance
Rating 4 ½ Stars-EXCEPTIONAL
Reviewed by Michelle Alexander
In this sequel to Shattered Souls, we revisit Chyna, Britton, Damascus (Tee) and the unforgettable Indera. At this point Indera and Tee are married, with much conflict and indescribable sexual exchanges that will have readers, rereading for tips.
Britton has found himself a single parent since Lina has come to LA to be a star, and two new but troubling characters emerge in Chyna’s daughter Sarina who has descended into madness and has escaped to New York and Celeste a woman who after having one of our two male character’s child is convinced that she will win back the man of her dreams-despite his being married. Indera is in rare form in this sequel, particularly in meeting Celeste at a major sorority convention.
As the story unfolds, there are twists, turns, intrigue, and surprises around every corner.
Can’t Get Enough of Your Love
J.J. Murray
Kensington Publishing Corp.
ISBN: 0-7582-1399-9
Publish Date: November 2007
Fiction
Rating: 4 Stars – Excellent
Reviewed by: Delores Hines
Earlana Joy Cole is a single woman living life to the fullest. She enjoys the company of the three men in her life. Each man in her life brings out a different part of her personality. At any given moment she could be Earlana, Lana, or Joy.
Earlana, Lana, or Joy spends time juggling relationships with these three men, she’s not willing to choose being with just one so she makes them all fit into her schedule. Will the paths of the men intersect at some point? Will they all leave her and have Earlana completely alone? Or will one of them have a forgiving heart?
J.J. Murray takes a role that’s stereotypically male and spins it with a woman in it. Earlana is a character we love to hate, preying on the type of man most women would love to have. She makes no apology for her actions at least in the beginning but when the rubber meets the road she explores the reasons for her actions. The soul searching helps her face some tough issues but will the reasons matter in the end? Mr. Murray has put a new twist on an old story. Well done.
Hot Like Fire
Niobia Bryant
Dafina Books
Kensington Publishing Corp.
ISBN: 0758214618
Published: November 2007
Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4 Stars – Excellent
Reviewed by: Clara Sutton
When widower Kade Strong, decided that it was time for him and his seven year-old daughter Kadina to leave his parents home and move back into his own home, he started getting unwanted attention from all the single females in Holtsville. He just wanted to raise his daughter and continue to work the family ranch. Needing someone to take care of his daughter while he worked, Kade hired Garcelle Santos and things stared to change.
Garcelle Santos thought Kade was the meanest one of all the strong men. Garcelle worked for Kade's brother Kahron as his housekeeper to pay her way through college to become a nurse. She accepted Kade's job offer to be Kadina's nanny and the sparks started to fly between the two.
Garcelle respected Kade's privacy and at every opportunity she intervened between him and his unwanted admirers. In steps Zorrie Kintrell, Rema Strong's best friend since childhood who had plans to be the next Mrs. Strong.
Zorrie was so transparent that even Kadina could see that she was after her father but Kade only thought that Zorrie was just being a good friend. When Kade is injured in a horse race with his siblings, he really gets to see the true Zorrie.
When it seems that Kade and Garcelle are not going to find happiness together, a storm hits and Kade's rushing to Garcelle's home to make sure she is ok. The raging storm outside is nothing compared to the raging storm of passion taking place inside between two people who has finally found love again.
Francine Craft
Never Without You Again
Kimani Press
October 1, 2007
ISBN-10: 0373860374
Contemporary Romance
4 Stars - Excellent
Reviewer: Renee Motley
This is a heartwarming story about long lost love coming back into your life. The main characters, Theda Coles and Hunter Davis were high school sweethearts. Unfortunately they were separated in college by an illness which forced him to leave college. He never explained to Theda why he left. They went on to marry others, but still shared a love for one another. Theda husband dies and Hunter is now divorced. He returns to their hometown to enroll his son into the local high school and bumps into Theda. They rekindle their love affair and then his ex-wife decides she wants him back. She even uses their son to break up Theda and Hunter. Then a near tragedy brings them closure to the plot to separate them.
The story has a very slow start to it. However it does gain momentum as you continue on. The storyline is a good one, but there were times that I felt as if something was missing. I would have liked to have a little more detail about some of the characters and a little less of others. There were times that felt like we missed an entire stage of the story, but all in all it was a quick read and enjoyable novel. Predictable, but enjoyable. If you like a romance story with a little suspense, you will not be disappointed with this one.
A Girl’s Gotta Eat
Michelle Valentine
St. Martin’s Griffin
October 2007
ISBN-10: 0312360592
Urban Fiction
Rating: 4 - Excellent
Reviewer: Patricia Woodside
Rementa “Remmi” Broughten has a plan. She’s gonna be somebody, no matter what it takes. With only a high school education but possessing a strikingly beautiful face and body, she’s pretty sure she knows what success will require. After all, she learned this lesson early from her mother. “A girl’s gotta eat.”
With Shannelle Anderson, her best friend since grade school, now a stripper in a Harlem club by her side, Remmi schemes to transition from an extra in music videos to a star in the entertainment industry. All she needs is a break. And she’ll take one wherever and however it comes, whether by getting the best of a criminal enterprise or laying with a married mover and shaker in the entertainment industry.
Yes, both Remmi and Shannelle know what success requires—scheming and exploiting their bodies to get ahead—but do they really know what such success will cost them? When unexpected tragedy befalls Remmi and Shannelle, Remmi begins to reevaluate her choices. Too bad she has to tie up a few loose ends—and she’ll do it the only way she knows how—before she’ll be free to enjoy the success she so desperately craves.
A GIRL’S GOTTA EAT examines the choices made by young women who desire celebrity, fame, and fortune and who learn way too early through sad and difficult circumstances that their bodies are a valuable commodity. The fast-paced story draws the reader in and keeps her riveted until the last page, even when the main characters and their choices are, at times, contemptible. Michelle Valentine presents an all too real slice of urban life in excellent fashion. She paints Remmi, a bright young woman, as someone equally deserving of empathy and dislike. Because empathy wins in the end, A GIRL’S GOTTA EAT is a recommended urban fiction read.
The Way You Aren’t
Karen White-Owens
Dafina Books
Kensington Publishing Corp.
ISBN: 0758218796
Published: October 2007
Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4 Stars - Excellent
Reviewed by: Clara Sutton
Krista Hamilton was an IT Specialist at Dexter Kee. She was also the fuel that fed the office jokes because of the way she dressed. At the company picnic someone pushes Krista into the lake and everyone laughs at her but Brennan Thomas. This wasn’t the anything new to her because all through high school she had been made fun of. She was surprised that the handsome Brennan Thomas would come to her aid.
Brennan couldn't believe that the people he worked with could be so cruel to a co-worker especially one who they all depended on for computer help. After helping Krista to her car, he ripped into his co-workers but they just laughed more. Disgusted he walks away only to be stopped by rival sales director Flynn Parr.
Brennan and Flynn both are up for a promotion and the only way they will get the promotion is by competing to see who's sale team will come up with the best add for a major automaker. Flynn made a bet with Brennan that he couldn’t turn Krista into a diva in two months. To get Brennan to agree, Flynn agreed to have his sales team to leave Krista alone plus he added cash to sweeten the deal.
Brennan agreed and enlisted the help of his sister Liz. Things were going well until Krista and Brennan fell for each other and then Brennan didn't know how he was going to tell Krista about the bet but he needed to tell her before someone else did.
Brennan must convince Krista of his love for her or lose her forever. Krista isn't going to make winning her love easy for Brennan because she has a few rules of her own that he must agree to.
FIRE AND DESIRE
MONIQUE LAMONT
PARKER PUBLISHING LLC.
OCTOBER 2007
ISBN: 9787600430152
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Rating: 4+ - Exceptional
Reviewed by: Dianthia Lemons
Trevor Lewis is out for revenge and has been plotting for the past five years to get it. Christopher Manning murdered his best friend and now, Trevor has the opportunity to evoke his revenge, thanks to his aunt and an elite bachelorette party. Tiffany Hatcher is the governor's only daughter and has been by her father's side since her mother's death. She has a business outside her father's political arena and is known in Virginia as the party planner extraordinaire. She would never do anything to embarrass herself or her father. Tiffany is giving a bachelorette party for one of her friends in Las Vegas and Tiffany meets Trevor. Trevor is busy plotting the elements of his revenge and ignores his immediate attraction to Tiffany. Tiffany on the other hand wouldn't be caught dead with a male stripper, talk about embarrassment. Well, as luck would have it, Trevor and Tiffany both get drunk when they meet again in one of the casinos. In the morning, when the alcohol has worn off, Tiffany is naked and married to the stripper she knows nothing about. They part company with Tiffany thinking that the answer is a quickie divorce and that what has happened stays out of the media.
FIRE AND DESIRE is a story that teaches us not to judge the book by its cover. Tiffany assumes that Trevor is nothing more than a man who makes a living with his body. Trevor just sees Tiffany as a means to an end, getting revenge on Christopher Manning. Both fail to realize that they have feelings for each other that run deeper than the immediate attraction they first felt in Las Vegas. They never divorce outside influences help them both to see the love they have for each other. Even though they were married for all the wrong reasons and they did have to go through some pain in hearing the truth, true love comes to the fore front in the end.
Monique Lamont wrote a great one.
Deliver Me From Evil
Mary Monroe
Dafina Books (Kensington)
ISBN: 0758212178
Published: September 2007
Mainstream Fiction
Rating: 4-1/2 Stars – Exceptional
Reviewed by: Flashette Shirer
Monroe ’s novel unravels the life of Christine Thurman, a young woman who is looking for love in all the wrong places. Her once happy marriage to a millionaire businessman, JR, is now a burden and she wants to find a way out. Enter Wade, her first love and a bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Together the two of them devise a plan in order for Christine to get the money she needs in order to leave her marriage with enough left over for Wade to again pursue his failed acting career.
The title of the novel is a bit misleading because Christine’s life is full of her running to evil. From her dysfunctional home life to her promiscuous past, Christine’s life is no where near drama free. This type of drama is what follows her into adulthood and eventually into her marriage.
Mary Monroe has weaved a wonderful story full with just enough plot twists to keep the reader hooked. Monroe is also a brilliant storyteller with quirky characters that are so vivid that this reader had many laugh out loud moments.
Every Man for Herself: A Novel
Maryann Reid
St. Martin’s Griffin
ISBN: 0312369093
Published: September 2007
Mainstream Fiction
Rating: 4 Stars – Excellent
Reviewed by: Flashette Shirer
Nina Bettus is ready for a change. She leaves her husband, family and small Texas town and heads for New York City . When she arrives, she begins to live the life she’s always dreamed about. Working as a massage therapist at an exclusive salon, Nina is reinventing herself. However, she soon finds out that a change of scenery and a new career do not guarantee an escape from her past.
Only a few days after her arrival in Brooklyn, Nina meets a mysterious spoken word poet and begins a steamy, sexual relationship with him. Then, after starting her new job, she meets a handsome lawyer who dotes on her, but her company policy forbids her from dating him. Now Nina must decide which man she wants to keep in her life while unraveling the ties that each has to her past.
Although the happily ever after ending is a bit trite, “Every Man for Herself” is, overall, an engaging story. Reid incorporates just the right amount of sex, excitement and mystery to keep the reader entertained.
REVIEWS - 2007 - PT1
PLAYING WITH THE HAND I WAS DEALT
Nikki Jenkins
STREBOR BOOKS
AUGUST 2007
ISBN - 13: 9787593090463
Mainstream Fiction
RATING: 2 ½ - Good
Reviewed by: Dianthia Lemons
Natalie Kelly is a stay at home mother and wife. Anderson Kelly is her handsome, business oriented spouse who owns his own personal gym. Natalie takes care of the house in every way, cleaning, cooking and caring for her twins and her man. She is the back bone of what could be considered a dysfunctional family matrix. Her mother is a spoiled diva and her sister is the family drug addict. She has a man hungry best friend Leslie and a husband who has a history of adultery prior to their marriage. She goes through her day doing the same thing but that little voice in the back of her mind, her conscious is trying to tell her something. Through all the family drama, nothing can prepare Natalie for the heartbreak and betrayal she is about to endure.
Ms. Jenkins tried hard to keep the story interesting but it wasn't. The story line was dull and lacking good character development. The Natalie character was boring and at times confusing. Natalie sounded like she needed to spend a lot of money on therapy. Most women would have been down at the gym before the first week went by if their man was staying at work long hours. It was a good effort but this book needs a lot more time and development of the characters and a definitive story line with flow.
BUTTA AND THE TOWER OF BLING
Corey A. Burkes
Skyelight Books
Skyelight Literature
ISBN: 9780979635205
July 2007
Mainstream Fiction
Rating: 4 ½ - Exceptional
Reviewed by: Dianthia R. Lemons
Gisela Thompson, aka BUTTA, has lived through devastating life events at an early age. She witnessed the murder of her entire family at the hand of Lingo Stein. She has grown into a beautiful woman with one motive in mind, REVENGE.
Lingo Stein, wealthy, powerful and the head of Stein Diamonds International. His network of friends is vast and they do whatever Stein tells them to do. Stein is about to celebrate his fifteenth anniversary of producing the world’s largest diamonds. He is set to unveil his baby, a 112 story building with a high-tech vault fitted with the deadliest security system ever designed.
Butta is well aware of the upcoming fifteenth anniversary. It will prove to be the opportunity needed for Butta to take revenge for her family’s death and to prove that Lingo Stein’s wealth was a result of a stolen process developed by her father. Butta’s quest is to break into Stein’s safe and take the life of the man who cost her a family.
This is a debut novel for Corey A. Burkes and he succeeds with high marks. He takes the time to develop his story and keep the characters different and interesting. He also leaves open to questions periods of time in his character’s lives that beg for sequels. Bravo Corey.
A BONA FIDE GOLD DIGGER
Allison Hobbs
Strebor Books International
ISBN: 139781593091194
July 2007
Erotic Fiction
Rating: 4 stars - Excellent
Reviewed by: Dianthia R. Lemons
Milan Walden, a beautiful young woman in a business that caters to making women feel and look good. She has brought Pure Paradise Spa into the spotlight with hard work and business savvy. She thinks and acts like she has it all. Milan’s world takes a serious nose dive when it’s revealed that her College Degrees are as bogus as a home spun weave. She finds herself unemployed and facing some serious criminal charges. She does what any sista in trouble would do, she runs for the safety of family. Even though she has to listen to “I told you so” from her sister, she is determined to start over.
Milan has to do something to keep out of sight, so she takes a position as a live-in companion for sickly millionaire Noah Brockington. Living in the lap of luxury starts Milan’s scheme to become the heir to the Brockington fortune. Her need for extravagance leads her to an alliance with the millionaire and a bizarre but impending wedding.
Scandal, temptation, quirky sex and greedy family members are only the tip of the iceberg. Reading this story is the only way you will put all of the puzzle pieces together.
Allison Hobbs does a great job with this tale of greed, lust, and secret passions. She keeps you reading until the end when you say “OH, THAT’S WHY”
A PRIVATE AFFAIR
Mike Warren
Life Changing Books
ISBN: 9781934230954
May 2007
Mainstream Fiction
Rating: 3 Stars – Very Good
Reviewed by: Dianthia R. Lemons
Sean, a young husband and father is in the military to support his wife Venus and their son. Sean doesn’t get the loving he used to from his wife before the baby was born and that creates a problem. Extreme sexual frustration and no outlet, leads Sean to seek release anywhere he can.
Enter Cameron, Sean’s roommate who the entire company knows from boot camp is gay.
Sean can’t get another room and through time, learns to appreciate his roommate and his quirkiness. Cameron opens Sean’s eyes to the world of gay and bisexual men and Sean begins to question his sexuality on a daily basis.
Sean soon gets caught up in an erotic, wild, triangle that has him finding his sexual peak and his alternative lifestyle. The twists and turns will keep you turning the pages
Mike Warren does okay with this story. There needed to be more development of the character’s to let us know what was really going on with them. It seems that everyone in the story, especially the men had the down low attitude and nothing was ever mentioned about safe sex or HIV. It’s okay but there is much room for improvement.
What A Woman Wants
Brenda Jackson
St. Martin's Griffin
January 2007
ISBN-10: 0451222288
Women's Fiction
Rating: 3 ½ - Great
Reviewer: Patricia Woodside
WHAT A WOMAN WANTS is actually the story of what four women want. Childhood friends Faith, Shannon, and Monique reunite in Hilton Head following the suicide of their friend Cely. Stunned by Cely's death, the women decide to spend a summer in tribute to their deceased friend-living life based on their wants and needs, with no regrets and with no expectations but their own. On the island, they meet and befriend another woman, Adrianna, who has her own tie to their late friend. In short order, the three old friends and one new discover they must face their pasts in order to embrace their present…and that the future contains a few unexpected surprises.
Ms. Jackson demonstrates why she is one of the most well-respected and prolific writers of romantic stories featuring African-American characters. She deftly weaves the stories of these four women into an intriguing and satisfying tale about finding love and happiness while making peace with one's past, all equally satisfying. No matter how you like your romance, from sweet romance to sizzling hot, there was a love story here that will appeal to you.
At times I felt as though I'd entered a movie and had missed the opening act but the story captured and held my attention and I quickly caught up. In fact, I later discovered that several of the central characters appear in previous works by Ms. Jackson. I enjoyed the story so much that I'm certain I'll find and read those preceding stories.
Nikki Jenkins
STREBOR BOOKS
AUGUST 2007
ISBN - 13: 9787593090463
Mainstream Fiction
RATING: 2 ½ - Good
Reviewed by: Dianthia Lemons
Natalie Kelly is a stay at home mother and wife. Anderson Kelly is her handsome, business oriented spouse who owns his own personal gym. Natalie takes care of the house in every way, cleaning, cooking and caring for her twins and her man. She is the back bone of what could be considered a dysfunctional family matrix. Her mother is a spoiled diva and her sister is the family drug addict. She has a man hungry best friend Leslie and a husband who has a history of adultery prior to their marriage. She goes through her day doing the same thing but that little voice in the back of her mind, her conscious is trying to tell her something. Through all the family drama, nothing can prepare Natalie for the heartbreak and betrayal she is about to endure.
Ms. Jenkins tried hard to keep the story interesting but it wasn't. The story line was dull and lacking good character development. The Natalie character was boring and at times confusing. Natalie sounded like she needed to spend a lot of money on therapy. Most women would have been down at the gym before the first week went by if their man was staying at work long hours. It was a good effort but this book needs a lot more time and development of the characters and a definitive story line with flow.
BUTTA AND THE TOWER OF BLING
Corey A. Burkes
Skyelight Books
Skyelight Literature
ISBN: 9780979635205
July 2007
Mainstream Fiction
Rating: 4 ½ - Exceptional
Reviewed by: Dianthia R. Lemons
Gisela Thompson, aka BUTTA, has lived through devastating life events at an early age. She witnessed the murder of her entire family at the hand of Lingo Stein. She has grown into a beautiful woman with one motive in mind, REVENGE.
Lingo Stein, wealthy, powerful and the head of Stein Diamonds International. His network of friends is vast and they do whatever Stein tells them to do. Stein is about to celebrate his fifteenth anniversary of producing the world’s largest diamonds. He is set to unveil his baby, a 112 story building with a high-tech vault fitted with the deadliest security system ever designed.
Butta is well aware of the upcoming fifteenth anniversary. It will prove to be the opportunity needed for Butta to take revenge for her family’s death and to prove that Lingo Stein’s wealth was a result of a stolen process developed by her father. Butta’s quest is to break into Stein’s safe and take the life of the man who cost her a family.
This is a debut novel for Corey A. Burkes and he succeeds with high marks. He takes the time to develop his story and keep the characters different and interesting. He also leaves open to questions periods of time in his character’s lives that beg for sequels. Bravo Corey.
A BONA FIDE GOLD DIGGER
Allison Hobbs
Strebor Books International
ISBN: 139781593091194
July 2007
Erotic Fiction
Rating: 4 stars - Excellent
Reviewed by: Dianthia R. Lemons
Milan Walden, a beautiful young woman in a business that caters to making women feel and look good. She has brought Pure Paradise Spa into the spotlight with hard work and business savvy. She thinks and acts like she has it all. Milan’s world takes a serious nose dive when it’s revealed that her College Degrees are as bogus as a home spun weave. She finds herself unemployed and facing some serious criminal charges. She does what any sista in trouble would do, she runs for the safety of family. Even though she has to listen to “I told you so” from her sister, she is determined to start over.
Milan has to do something to keep out of sight, so she takes a position as a live-in companion for sickly millionaire Noah Brockington. Living in the lap of luxury starts Milan’s scheme to become the heir to the Brockington fortune. Her need for extravagance leads her to an alliance with the millionaire and a bizarre but impending wedding.
Scandal, temptation, quirky sex and greedy family members are only the tip of the iceberg. Reading this story is the only way you will put all of the puzzle pieces together.
Allison Hobbs does a great job with this tale of greed, lust, and secret passions. She keeps you reading until the end when you say “OH, THAT’S WHY”
A PRIVATE AFFAIR
Mike Warren
Life Changing Books
ISBN: 9781934230954
May 2007
Mainstream Fiction
Rating: 3 Stars – Very Good
Reviewed by: Dianthia R. Lemons
Sean, a young husband and father is in the military to support his wife Venus and their son. Sean doesn’t get the loving he used to from his wife before the baby was born and that creates a problem. Extreme sexual frustration and no outlet, leads Sean to seek release anywhere he can.
Enter Cameron, Sean’s roommate who the entire company knows from boot camp is gay.
Sean can’t get another room and through time, learns to appreciate his roommate and his quirkiness. Cameron opens Sean’s eyes to the world of gay and bisexual men and Sean begins to question his sexuality on a daily basis.
Sean soon gets caught up in an erotic, wild, triangle that has him finding his sexual peak and his alternative lifestyle. The twists and turns will keep you turning the pages
Mike Warren does okay with this story. There needed to be more development of the character’s to let us know what was really going on with them. It seems that everyone in the story, especially the men had the down low attitude and nothing was ever mentioned about safe sex or HIV. It’s okay but there is much room for improvement.
What A Woman Wants
Brenda Jackson
St. Martin's Griffin
January 2007
ISBN-10: 0451222288
Women's Fiction
Rating: 3 ½ - Great
Reviewer: Patricia Woodside
WHAT A WOMAN WANTS is actually the story of what four women want. Childhood friends Faith, Shannon, and Monique reunite in Hilton Head following the suicide of their friend Cely. Stunned by Cely's death, the women decide to spend a summer in tribute to their deceased friend-living life based on their wants and needs, with no regrets and with no expectations but their own. On the island, they meet and befriend another woman, Adrianna, who has her own tie to their late friend. In short order, the three old friends and one new discover they must face their pasts in order to embrace their present…and that the future contains a few unexpected surprises.
Ms. Jackson demonstrates why she is one of the most well-respected and prolific writers of romantic stories featuring African-American characters. She deftly weaves the stories of these four women into an intriguing and satisfying tale about finding love and happiness while making peace with one's past, all equally satisfying. No matter how you like your romance, from sweet romance to sizzling hot, there was a love story here that will appeal to you.
At times I felt as though I'd entered a movie and had missed the opening act but the story captured and held my attention and I quickly caught up. In fact, I later discovered that several of the central characters appear in previous works by Ms. Jackson. I enjoyed the story so much that I'm certain I'll find and read those preceding stories.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
What's On The Net - An Urban "Street Lit" Retirement
After my little incident, I've really had to look at the books I help promote and what I wanted to be known for. What a lot of people don't realize is that books are here forever. What you put out there represents you. What you write is your legacy.
One day my legacy will be that I helped promote books. My hope is that people will say I helped promote some good books.
I read this article by Omar Tyree and I thought I'd share it with you if you haven't had a chance to read it. I would like to hear your opinion, please share.
An Urban "Street Lit" Retirement by Omar Tyree
http://thedailyvoice.com/voice/2008/06/street-lit-000748.php
One day my legacy will be that I helped promote books. My hope is that people will say I helped promote some good books.
I read this article by Omar Tyree and I thought I'd share it with you if you haven't had a chance to read it. I would like to hear your opinion, please share.
An Urban "Street Lit" Retirement by Omar Tyree
http://thedailyvoice.com/voice/2008/06/street-lit-000748.php
Monday, June 30, 2008
EXCERPT: Even Sinners Have Souls
Even Sinners Have Souls
by Noire, Chunichi, KaShamba Williams, B.L.U.N.T.
Each gritty tale is told in a raw and real voice, luring the readers in by the poignant storylines, themes, and the genuine talents of each of these prolific authors. The characters face the same struggles and tragedies that any other person growing up in the hood might endure, but what makes these stories phenomenal is that although these characters might be living a dangerous, immoral and unacceptable lifestyle according to society’s standards, they are not so far gone that they can’t acknowledge the power of a higher being and a life changing moment that could alter their lives forever.
The email address is : enjoywrites@aol.com
The website is www.enjoywrites.com
myspace: www.myspace.com/enjoywrites
Trust No Man
By
Chunichi
Chapter One
"Whatever!" Tatiana put her hand all up in Tike's
face as she walked by him with her signature strut; legs
stretched strong, behind tooted out.
"Dang, loose booty," Tike replied, uncut by Tatiana's
razor sharp tongue. "I got a G stack on dat, Goldie.
What's up?”
Tike was just some young hood who, for someone his
age that banked lots of money, still lived at home with
mama. But one couldn't tell he had paper by his appearance,
though. He pretty much wore the same dingy
white tee with worn baggy jeans. Unlike some of the
other young hustlers on the block, Tike liked to stack
his loot. He claimed that while all the other young cats
were being stupid by spending all their money on brand
names that made Sean, Jay and Russell millionaires,
instead he would save up his money until he became
one himself.
The rude group of guys that were hanging out on the
block with Tike paused their dice game long enough to
watch the word "Juicy", printed on the backside of
Tatiana's sweat pants, bounce up and down as she
passed by. With bow legs, light eyes, curly, shoulder
length hair and a coke bottle frame that barely hit five
feet, she had the attention of all the fellas in the hood.
They yelled one comment after another as she made her
way into the corner store.
With one hand on the store's door, and the other
hand on her hip, she paused, "It ain't nothing a dude
can do for me but break bread. If you ain't breaking no
bread, this convo is dead," Tatiana spat, as she rolled
her eyes and then stepped into the store.
Tatiana picked up a pack of backwoods, a bottle of
water and a lighter. She was fiendin' for a smoke so bad
that she could practically taste the weed on her tongue
as she headed to the register and placed her items on
the counter.
"That will be five dollars and ninety-seven cents," the
clerk said after ringing up Tatiana's things.
Tatiana went into her purse and pulled out the
money.
"I got that for you, Ma," a male voice said as he
grabbed her hand to prevent her from paying the clerk.
"Wow, thanks. A whole six bucks, and all for little ole
me," Tatiana said sarcastically, as she turned around
and faced the smiling, thugged out looking dude that
stood behind her.
He was a perfect six feet tall. He was rocking cornrows,
Tru Religion jeans and a fresh white tee; looking
like the average thug. All he needed was a blinged out
grill.
"Don't get it twisted, lil mama. I woulda done the
same for you if you were an old lady, lil kid, or junkie on
the street. Dat's just me, baby girl."
Tatiana eyeballed the Good Samaritan up and down
as she placed her money back in her purse. The way
this dude talked had really caught her attention. His
tone wasn't smart-alecky, but had enough spice to let
Tatiana know that his act of kindness towards her
didn't make her special.
"Oh, so it's like that? You all generous and things to
just any ol' body, huh?" She asked her first test question.
"I guess. If that's how you want to put it." The guy
grabbed the bag of items that the clerk had packaged up
and then handed them to Tatiana, who just stood there
looking at him. "You gonna say thanks?" he asked as
she accepted the bag.
"Dang! Give me a chance." She rolled her eyes and
then paused for a second before saying, "Thank you."
Tatiana emphasized the words while rolling her neck.
"Anything for you, sweetie." He winked, letting
Tatiana know that he wasn't all hardcore; that he had a
soft side buried somewhere within as well. "Can I do
more?" He proceeded to pay for the soda and bag of
chips that he was purchasing for himself while he waited
on her reply.
Little did he know, that was just what Tatiana
wanted to hear. Like she'd told many men before, there
was nothing a man could do for her but buy her things.
Other than that, no man was any use to her. So when
this gentleman offered to do more, the answer was not
just "yes," it was "Hayellll, yes," with a capitol H.
"It depends on what you are trying to do," Tatiana snapped
back, sure not to seem too eager.
"I'll let you call it, Lil Miss Attitude," the young man
calmly responded, acknowledging Tatiana's feistiness.
"And it's Goldie; Miss Goldie to you." Tatiana licked
her lips. "Miss Goldie can be reached at 328…" She gave
him her nickname and then read off her phone number.
He took out his cell phone and entered and saved it
into his electronic phonebook.
"Aight, Miss Goldie. I'll holla at you. And since you
asked," he said before telling the clerk to keep the
change, his words laced with a dose of his own sarcasm,
"the name is Jo," he winked and then headed out the
door. Jo nearly ran into Tike, who stood right outside
the exit, staring in.
Tatiana exited the store soon after. She hadn't even
gotten out of the store good before the comments from
the boys in the hood began again.
"Oh, a G stack wasn't good enough, huh?" Tike said
after witnessing Tatiana giving up the digits to Jo. "You
be playing games." Tatiana ignored him and kept on
walking. "Forget you. You'd probably rather bump monkeys
with your home girl, Kandi, anyway; homo trick,"
Tike yelled to Tatiana, knowing of one of her best
friends, Kandi's, bisexual orientation. "So what dude
offering? A spot on his trick block picking up where yo'
mommy left off?" Tike said, entertaining all the dudes on
the block like he was the hood comedian.
To Tatiana's ears, his audience's laughter was like the sound
of a microphone nearing a speaker getting too much feedback.
That comment Tike made set it off for Tatiana. She
stopped in her tracks and turned around. She looked up
at the dirty little boy that she stood toe to toe with and
said nothing. Her eyes alone said it all. Her mouth moistened
as all sorts of thoughts ran through her mind. Her
mouth filled with fluid as she prepared to empty her
wetness in Tike's face. She took a deep breath and
cleared her throat to bring up every ounce of sinus
phlegm she had in her body until her mouth was full to
the point she wanted to throw up.
"Yo!"
Tatiana heard a voice then felt a shove as Jo
forced his way between her and Tike.
"Chill out, lil man, fo' you be off dis block," Jo said as he
stood between Tatiana and the nothing little peon that had disrespected
her. His towering body was like a shadow over Tike's
five foot, six inch, thin frame.
"It's all good, homie," Tike said, raising his arms in
surrender. "We was just playing around with Miss Lady,
here. It ain't nothin'." It was obvious that Tike didn't
want no drama with Jo. He was all talk and no action.
"Just make sure nothin' never turns into somethin'
and we good." Jo held his hand out to Tike, who hesitantly
shook it and then made his way over to the game
of dice like a wounded pup.
"You alright, baby girl?" Jo asked, sincerely concerned
as he turned his attention to Tatiana.
Tatiana stood silently, trying to calm herself back
down. She then spat on the ground and looked up at Jo.
"I'm good. I can handle my own, though. I don't need a
big brother," Tatiana snapped, as she headed toward
the truck that just that afternoon she had convinced
some naive boat boy to let her hold while he was out to
sea.
"Dis you?" Jo asked, following behind her, surprised
to see her driving a 08 Cadillac Escalade.
"Nope. Another dude's whip. That's all y'all good for
anyway; just to use and abuse. All y'all the same; disrespectful,
dead beats, womanizers, and woman beaters. But I know one thing,
you can bet cha last stack this chick here will never fall victim."
Tatiana, got in the truck, shut the door, and then sped off, leaving Jo
speechless.
Once on the road, and out of sight from anyone on
the block, Tatiana's eyes filled with water. She didn't
know why she had let Tike's words get to her. She
thought she had mastered the art of tuning men out
after breaking it off with Touch, the last dude she had
called herself playing the part of wifey with. All Touch
did was belittle her with his tongue; putting her down in
an attempt to build himself up. That was something
Tatiana took note of that men often did as a twisted way
of making themselves feel like a man.
Tatiana hated all men. Even when she tried to give a
guy a chance, he would always end up being just like
the others. She knew she was bitter when it came to
men, but that's all she'd ever seen or known. Not one
man had ever done anything to even make her think
twice about the way she felt about them. And for that
fact, she always said that if God was a man, then she
hated him too.
"I look way too good to be innocent." Her phone
interrupted her thoughts as it played the lyrics of
Conceited by Remy Ma. The number that showed up on
the caller ID was unfamiliar. "Hola?" Tatiana said with a
fake Spanish accent, disguising her voice just in case
she had to play stupid to the person on the other end of
the phone.
"Miss Goldie?" a male asked from the other end.
Tatiana knew it could be only one person calling her
Miss Goldie, besides, the sound of his voice was still
fresh in her head.
"Yes, Jo?"
"You aight?"
"Yes, I am." Tatiana's tone was as if she was more so
aggravated by his concerns rather than flattered.
"Yo, ma, why you so mean? You got me confused, on
the real. I ain't been nothing but chill since I met you
and you ain't gave me nothing but grief. Why you even
give me your number if it's all like that?" Jo asked, trying
to figure out what was up with Tatiana and all her
attitude.
"For the dough." Tatiana kept it real. "Like I said,
that's all men are good for."
Jo chuckled at this girl's directness before replying,
"Okay. I'll take that risk. I'm still gonna holla at you
even with dat said. In the end, I'm sure you'll realize you
got a good man on your hands," Jo said confidently.
He could tell by the hurt look in Tatiana's eyes when Tike
was clowning on her, that she had some issues. But he
knew just who could resolve them. Tatiana's hard attitude
didn't scare him off, nor was it a threat. It was a
challenge; one that Jo was willing to take.
"Don't be so sure, boo. I don't know what a good man
looks like, acts like, talks like or walks like. I ain't never
seen one. To keep it real, I ain't know they even existed.
If you're a good man, you better breed fast, 'cause I
think you the only one left on the face of this earth."
"Just give me a chance. That's all I ask."
"You want a chance, Mister Jo? Cool, I'll give you
that. Because guess what? It's real easy to keep me
around." Tatiana began to break it down like it was part
of the Ten Commandments. "Keep the money coming
and you'll keep me. And it goes the same when it comes
to losing me. Money gone; I'm gone. They don't call me
Goldie for nothing! Got it?" Tatiana said with no shame.
This chick is really trying to play me like a sucker, Jo
thought to himself. It seemed as though Tatiana was
becoming more brazen by the minute. Maybe her wall
was too strong to be broken down. Jo contemplated on
whether or not he should just hang up and erase her
number, but he decided to play this thing out. He was
in it to win it.
"Why do they call you Goldie anyway?" he
asked in an attempt to make her believe that he was
ignoring all of her other statements.
"For a few reasons." Tatiana prepared to break it
down. "One, because the opportunity to holla at a chick
like me is golden. Two, I'm straight gold digging and I
don't keep it a secret. And three, the chances of a dude
hitting this is like the chances of him finding a leprechaun
carrying a pot of gold. Now, like I said before,
got it?"
The thought of hanging up on Tatiana popped into
Jo's head again, but something just wouldn't let him do
it. "Yeah, aight." Jo chose to swallow his pride and listen
to the angel whispering in his ear on the right rather
than follow the constant whisper of the devil on his left
telling him that this chick was unsavable; that he could
never get her to change her mind about men. "But just
one thing." Jo paused. "What's your government name?"
She hesitated, preferring that he call her Goldie like
all the other dudes, but then her real name just came
out. "Tatiana."
"Aight, Tatiana. You got my number; it showed up on
your phone, I'm sure. Just give me a shout when you
ready to get with a real man-the man." Jo ended the call
by hanging up in her ear without saying so much as
"later," giving himself a little self esteem boost.
"Whatever!" Tatiana said to herself after Jo hung up
in her ear.
She thought to herself as she continued her route
home that Jo probably had plenty of game; but not
enough to change the thoughts of Tatiana Turner. The
way she felt about guys was set in stone and there was
nothing that anyone could do, or say, to change that.
One thing that Tatiana had promised herself was
that she would never be a man's punching bag, baby
mother, ex-wife or mistress. And the world could give
thanks to her sperm donor, Silk, and that no good
mother of hers, Jan, for blessing her with the foundation
for those thoughts, and for losers like Touch that
she let into her life for confirming it. They had ruined it
for every man that crossed her path and got burned
with the golden torch.
But little did Tatiana know, if Jo was to have his
way, he just might have the water to put out that flame
of the golden torch.
Friday, June 27, 2008
FEATURED AUTHOR: Vivian Elebiyo
Vivian Elebiyo was born in 1979 in West Africa. Ms. Elebiyo’s specialties include abstinence, humor, spirituality, goal setting, and topics pertaining to self-packaging, women’s struggles, self-help on relationships, and finances.
Ms. Elebiyo is a Life Coach, Speaker, and Poet. She is a Certified Abstinence Educator for the State of Florida
She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in counseling at the Center for Biblical Studies. She currently resides in Houston, Texas where she writes about sex, dating, and the teenage experience.
My Virginity is Ruining My Sex Life
What does "virginity" really mean? Is there really any difference between sexual intercourse and making out? My Virginity is Ruining My Sex Life discusses everything about virginity, all the questions that ravage today's youth, what to do—and what "not" to do—with the opposite sex. An honest first book that is both brutally frank and firmly morally grounded, it will be instantly recognized as an invaluable addition to the literature on abstinence. What the book has to say is so forceful, so charged, so unflinching—yet, so true—it will leave readers both wincing in embarrassment and nodding in assent on recognizing its truth.
My Virginity is Ruining My Sex Life is a book geared towards young adults, it teaches the tools to saying “No” to premarital sex and it gives good dating tips and tips on setting boundaries. In today’s world young adults are bombarded with sexual innuendos on T.V., sexually perverse messages on the radio, and nude images on magazines. My Virginity is Ruining my Sex Life helps them find that inner strength to stay untouched by the gratification the world has to offer which does not last long. Whether dealing with lack of self-control, or hurt from participating in sexual activities, or with emotional and out of control relationships, My Virginity is Ruining My Sex Life encourages and challenges readers to make a choice to walk in abstinence and not to give up the fight to stay sexually pure.
What would you like your readers to take away from your book?
My Virginity is Ruining My Sex Life will teach you the art of saying ‘no’ and how to command respect for your values. You will learn that as a woman, you set the standard and any man who is not willing to follow the blueprint must find another builder. This book will nourish your mind, body and spirit.
You will trade away your weaknesses, disappointments, and failures for a more resilient, stronger, and self-assured YOU! You would learn to transmute your sexual energy in more productive ventures.
What did you learn while writing this book?
While writing this book I had to share a lot about my experiences and digging into my past mistakes wasn’t particularly exciting. I have made my share of mistakes; I have some regrets and I have gotten confused about how chaste I really am. But over the past few years, I decided to live a life that I could look back on and be proud of, by keeping my body intact, everything together, the way God intended it to be. I still have to fight temptations every day; some days I have fallen, at least in my mind. The truth is, no one is perfect. You make mistakes, you learn and you move on. I have learned that I am only human and that I am not perfect but most importantly I have learned that overcoming our mistakes and weaknesses can someday help somebody else.
What inspired this book?
The inspiration for this book came from a conversation with a friend about saving sex for marriage and getting rejected by men in the process. The conversation lasted for hours as we both recounted all the men that broke up with us because we decided not to have sex with them.
What is the hardest part about the writing business?
Writing can be very exciting but like other things in life there can be issues. The hardest part about the writing business is actually being able to sell your ideas to others and get your book published for others to read. Most writers dream of seeing their works in the hands of millions of readers around the globe but for a lot of talented writers it’s a dream that never happens because the writing business is the hardest to break into.
What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?
Our words are our weapon and writing is the greatest weapon of all, created by God and given to men.
What marketing have you found that particularly works well for you?
The word of mouth marketing has been the most effective for me and the marketing of my book. I also use the internet as a tool, most of the networking pages like myspace, and facebook,
have been really helpful.
What are three things you wish you'd known before you reached where you are now?
1. Listen more to my heart
2. Give more time to my passion instead of other things.
3. Be more aggressive about my dreams.
This month our theme is Mainstream Fiction. Can you give us five mainstream authors you read?
1. Jackie Collins
2. Nora Roberts
3. Danielle Steel
4. William Shakespeare
5. Maya Angelou
Do you have any advice for the aspiring writer?
My advice to an aspiring writer is to focus on your passion for writing put all you can into it and venture out on your own first and keep trying to submit your manuscript to publishers.
It is also important to do your research and understand the business aspect of writing it takes more than just passion to get your work into the hands of readers.
How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)
Readers can contact me through mail at:
Vivian Speaks, Inc.
P.O. Box 7018
Tallahassee, FL 32314
info@vivianspeaks.com, vivianelebiyo@yahoo.com,
http://www.vivianspeaks.com/, www.myspace.com/vivianelebiyo
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Featured Author: Cherilyn L. Azubuike
Cherilyn L. Azubuike
An avid reader since the age of 5, Cherilyn is no stranger to expressing her ideas and captivating her audiences by inspiring them to live powerfully and purposefully.
After a corporate layoff, Cherilyn started putting faith in motion by living her life to the fullest and on her own terms, armed with nothing more than a pen in hand and a will to succeed; she started her entrepreneurial journey as a transformational speaker and business coach. July, 2007 she launched her syndicated radio show: Unveiling the Mask to more than 1,000,000,000 listeners. Currently she resides in St. Louis with her three children.
Weekly Wisdom: 52 Ways to Live a More Fulfilled Life
Weekly Wisdom acts as a mirror reflecting those images that we often avoid looking at because it reveals the truth about ourselves that we often try to disguise or avoid all together. As women we are taught to be strong and never reveal our insecurities are fears and yet in trying to be everything to everyone we often loose ourselves in the process. This book serves as the foundational platform that allows you to be stress free, drama free and debt free in order for you to live your life to the fullest.
What would you like your readers to take away from your book?
Since I write non-fiction books I want readers to be able top take a deeper look into who they really are. Dropping all pretenses, other people’s perceptions, releasing the grips of their past and see the truth of who they really are, knowing that it doesn’t matter what you did, your social or economic background what matters is you and your belief in yourself and know that you alone have the ability to change sails and rewrite the script of your life.
What did you learn while writing this book?
I learned that we don’t get in life what we want; we get in life what we are. I learn that people will be people and that we are all here on our journey in life learning our lessons the best way we can. Some have excelled to different phases of life and others may not be as far along as others are but we are all where we are suppose to be at each moment. I learned that wherever you find yourself at any given time you made a divine appointment to be there.
What inspired this book?
It’s been said that when the student is ready the teacher will appear! When I finally decided that my past does not dictate my future and that I have the power to change my life just by willing to do so, then all those areas that I had the most difficulty with constantly kept resurfacing in my life. I began to see just how out of balance my life really was and as I started working on myself, changing people , places and things then I began to see excel in various aspects of my life and began attracting new experiences and new people in my life that was parallel to the direction I wanted in my life. I was inspired to help other women who are constantly finding themselves in the same vicious cycle year after year and are blaming their spouses, their finances, their parents, their past for the conditions and situations they are facing in their life. Weekly Wisdom gets down to those core principles that allow you to stand face to face with your biggest enemy which is the in-a- me!
What is the hardest part about the writing business?
Getting your name out there and establishing yourself.
What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?
I wish that non-writers would understand that this is a business and that we take our love and passion for our craft seriously.
What marketing have you found that particularly works well for you?
I am still learning the game of marketing. Right now I can say word of mouth and networking.
What are three things you wish you'd known before you reached where you are now?
I wish I had researched every aspect of the writing and publishing world; you must educate yourself on every aspect of the business not just writing your book, but also know about every phase of the writing industry.
Also I wish that I had understood that marketing is vital to your career and that everyone is not going to be supportive of your endeavors.
This month our theme is Mainstream Fiction. Can you give us five mainstream authors you read?
Lately I have been focused solely on the inspirational/self-help genre, but five of my favorite mainstream authors are Kimberla Lawson Roby, Eric Jerome Dickey, E. Lynn Harris, Donna Hill, Connie Briscoe and I must mention the late great Bebe Moore Campbell.
Do you have any advice for the aspiring writer?
Yes! The best advice I believe I could offer aspiring writers would be to study your craft. Research every aspect of your craft from A-Z, you should be informed and educated in every aspect of your writing journey from writing, to publishing to marketing. Ignorance is not bliss and know that no one is going to have your best interest at heart like you, there’s a bottom line in it for everyone so make sure you know that this is a business and not just a hobby or favorite pastime. Keep the faith in all that you do. You have to know, that you know, that you know that everything will work out for your good and that with GOD all things are possible.
How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)?
Yes, I love hearing from readers as well as aspiring writers. I look forward to connecting with you all.
I can be reached via snail mail at Unveiling The Mask Enterprises P.O. Box 5960 St Louis, MO 63134
Website: http://www.unveilingthemask.com/
Email addresses: info@unveilingthemask.com
www.myspace.com/unveilingthemask
www.shoutlife.com/cherilynspeaks
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
FEATURED AUTHOR: MaRita Teague
MaRita Teague has a Master’s in English and teaches at Northern Virginia Community College. She has publications in A Cup of Comfort Devotional for Mother, All My Good Habits I Learned From Grandma, and Living the Serenity Prayer.
MaRita writes in the Christian fiction genre because she is compelled to draw others to God through realistic and entertaining stories. Most importantly, however, she has said the stories she writes are characters faced with heart-wrenching losses and revelations who ultimately find solutions to their problems with Biblical principals. She has often said writing Christian fiction is her heartfelt passion and ministry.
She currently teaches English Composition at Northern Virginia Community College and lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, Zedric, and her three sons. The Taste of Good Fruit is her first novel.
THE TASTE OF GOOD FRUIT
Have you ever wondered why bad things happen to good people?
Sydney Ellington, her sister, Sherese Hightower, and their closest friend, Chanel Dubois, each ask this question as they encounter seemingly insurmountable challenges in The Taste of Good Fruit.
Sydney has what she’s always dreamed of—a loving husband, a thriving career, and unshakable faith—that is, until she is faced with unimaginable heartbreak. Sydney has always worked hard to live a life that’s pleasing to God, but an unimaginable tragedy causes her to question how a loving God could have a purpose in her life.
Sherese prides herself for avoiding hypocrisy at all costs, vowing that her childhood of sacrifice and neglect as a preacher’s daughter wouldn’t be continued through adulthood. Destined to be free of church drama, Sherese distances herself from church and faith, but the revelation of a devastating secret causes her to question all she thinks she knows about herself, faith, and the church.
Although Chanel has shaken nearly all of the remnants of her turbulent childhood, she can’t seem to forgive her mother for the past. Her anger and trust issues gradually seep into Chanel’s already troubled marriage making her blind to the blessings around her. Only her faith can keep her from indulging in a tantalizing affair and from destroying the family she’s always prayed for.
On a road trip to the south, the three best friends from upstate New York discover that heartache and loss can ultimately lead to The Taste of Good Fruit.
What would you like your readers to take away from your book?
I’d love for readers to be able to connect to the characters in the sense that we all go through trials and even during those hard times, God is still in control and sovereign. Sometimes things happen that we don’t understand and we simply can’t make sense of. However, even during our times of bewilderment, we can make it knowing that God has a divine purpose for allowing grief, pain and hardship. If God allows it, then ultimately He can get the glory out of it.
What did you learn while writing this book?
I’ve learned so much that I can’t tell it all! As cliché as it sounds though, I’ve learned that you have to have passion for writing. I’ve learned the value of being open to constructive criticism, especially from those who have already been where you want to go. Also, I realized how invaluable being a reader has been to my own writing process.
What inspired this book?
The major theme of The Taste of Good Fruit is inspired by questions I had during a particularly difficult time. Watching loved ones suffer and experiencing loss and grief in my life caused me to wonder why a loving God could allow such pain. However, after searching the Word of God and through praying earnestly, I discovered peace from the questions I had wrestled with for so long. Although the characters and specific experiences are fictional in the story, their pain and how they respond to it is grounded in my own quest for answers and ultimate discovery that there is hope and peace when we are anchored in Christ. Finally, my inspiration for the story has come from knowing that if the Lord allows trials and suffering, He has a purpose which can be an opportunity for us to bear fruit for Him.
What is the hardest part about the writing business?
I think it can be getting your work published--although I was really blessed in that regard. Still, I would say that when you send that manuscript off, it can be scary because as a writer, you’ve invested so much of your heart and soul. Other than that, revisions and editing can be intense and tedious.
What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would
understand?
So many people tell me that they are going to write a book one day, but I don’t think they realize the dedication and discipline it takes to really complete a novel. Overall and quite simply, non-writers should understand that writing can be a lot more than what it seems.
What marketing have you found that particularly works well for you?
Venues like Sormag are wonderful marketing tools for writers! I’m learning how to use the internet to market, but I must admit that I’m a novice. I think that when you really believe in what you have and are focused, you will sort of naturally market your “product” well. Fellow authors insist that writing a good book and having that good old-fashioned word of mouth is best though.
What are three things you wish you'd known before you reached where
you are now?
I wish I’d known how invaluable having patience is in the whole writing process, and to be honest, I wish I’d been more knowledge about the publishing industry overall. Finally, I think I would’ve really paid attention to some of the more technical aspects about writing a novel, ones that I’ve learned even since this story has been published. I teach college/university level English composition, but I found myself totally clueless about writing a novel. I never stop learning new things, which is exciting.
This month our theme is Mainstream Fiction. Can you give us five
mainstream authors you read?
Toni Morrison is one of my favorites. Other mainstream authors I’ve read recently and enjoyed are Khaled Hosseni, Delores Phillips, Pearl Cleage, and Jodi Piccoult.
Do you have any advice for the aspiring writer?
Aside from writing all you can, I think reading is just as important. Reading in the genre you are writing is important as well, but I don’t limit myself to reading just Christian fiction. In addition, it’s wise to accept constructive criticism from other writers and avid readers.
How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)
I would love to hear from readers!
e-mail: mteague307@comcast.net
website: http://www.maritateague.com/
Thursday, June 19, 2008
FEATURED AUTHOR: Stephanie Mara Dawson
Stephanie Mara Dawson has had a passion for reading since childhood. She celebrates the power and joy of reading in a spectacular way for all readers. Having taught second grade in the Houston area for several years, Ms. Dawson expertly creates a reflective view of life as a child. The strength of her work is fueled by the desire to write stories that encourage readers to share her belief that despite life’s obstacles, happiness will ultimately prevail. Another major goal of her work is to inspire a love for reading and to promote literacy. Stephanie Mara Dawson fulfills this goal through writing, storytelling, and public speaking.
In The Best Recess Ever, author Stephanie Mara Dawson has captured a young child’s desire to achieve a balance between individuality and acceptance. The main character, Stephanie, has been so preoccupied with reading that she hasn’t had time for any recess games. Unfortunately, Stephanie’s love for reading does not replace her strong desire to have friends. Join Stephanie in this colorful, page-turning journey as she discovers how to combine the joys of reading, recess activities, and friendship.
Victory, chronicles the struggles faced by the title character as she transitions from middle school obscurity to high school freshman. Victory Young is faced with balancing friendships, family, academics and athletics as she enters high school. Readers will also discover how Prince, Victory’s older brother, handles his little sister’s “crush” on his best friend, Eric. Join them as their intriguing escapades cleverly unfold in this award-winning caliber novel. Victory is a great story for pre-teen and teenage girls and boys.
What would you like your readers to take away from your book?
In both of my works, I most want readers to appreciate their traits and attributes. I aspire for readers to observe how my characters overcome adversity and to discover a way in which they can do the same in their lives.
What did you learn while writing this book?
I learned that the kid in me is still alive.
What inspired this book?
My love for young people aspired me to write my books. Young people have so many pressures and obstacles to face. I wanted my works to provide a feeling of warmth, encouragement and hope.
What is the hardest part about the writing business?
The hardest part about the writing business is finding the time to write. Writing involves a full time commitment.
What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?
I wish that non-writers would understand that writing is a craft that we writers constantly nurture and develop. People often tell me about their “great idea” not realizing that it takes time and talent to develop an idea into a great piece of literature.
What marketing have you found that particularly works well for you?
The marketing strategy that works for me is book singing appearances. I meet so many people that introduce me to many other people in the book business. You have to be visible in order to promote your work.
What are three things you wish you'd known before you reached where you are now?
I wish I would have known that just because someone has a steep price tag for their marketing package does not make them an expert, that you can have a great product but sometimes people are more interested in bling-bling than buying a book, and that we still have a long way to go to promote literacy.
Do you have any advice for the aspiring writer?
My advice to aspiring writers is to know why you want to write. Is it for the love of money or for the love of the craft? The latter will ensure you the former; however, if money is your motivator you will be in constant pursuit of it rather than the craft of writing or anything else. As an aspiring author, if you wish to get advice from other authors, the best way is to show interest in them as well as their work. Most aspiring authors bombard established authors with questions and wanting to consume their time without even showing a remote interest in the author’s work. The author community is a share and share alike community.
How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)
The best way to contact me is by email: stephiemara@aol.com, book orders, (832) 721-7655, and general info http://www.stephaniedawson.com/.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
AUTHOR INTRO: Vanessa Richardson
Vanessa enjoys reading, writing, acting, and meeting new and interesting people. She is an active member at her church. Vanessa has written several stage productions and has been blessed to perform them at various venues. Some of her stage productions are Mama Rainey, Someone to Love Me, Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People. Lord, I Don't Understand, and The Fullness of Time. Vanessa is currently at work on her second novel. A suspense Christian romance titled "Love Found Me. ”
The Certain Ones
Why do certain ones suffer more than other people do? That is the question she wanted answered. The path of life is not just a journey but also an assigned one she discovered as she witness the journey of the lives of others.
No longer a peripheral bystander she will embark on her own private journey. On this journey, she deals with personal issues that have been handicapping her life. On her path, she encounters hurt and rejection. Hurt can cause a person to do things that they normally would not do. On the heel of self-discovery, she finds that she is not alone and that she was a certain one. Chosen for purpose.
Website address
http://www.vanessarichardson.com/
Saturday, June 14, 2008
In Memory Of - Tim Russert
Yesterday we lost a great journalist. I was totally shocked to hear of his death. I admired him as a newsman and learned a lot about politics from his show, Meet The Press. I once saw him on Book TV, where I learned he was also an author. Listening to him talk, I found a humble man who loved his family.
While listening to the tributes about him last night, I found out he was also an interesting man, who many admired. He will truly be missed and Sunday mornings will never be the same.
My deepest sympathy to his family, friends and fans.
Friday, June 13, 2008
FEATURED AUTHOR: Brenda Farrar-Ejemai
Brenda Farrar-Ejemai is an author, educator, conference speaker, and business woman. She is a contributing editor for BrooWaha Newspaper, located in New York, Los Angeles, London and Paris. She writes motivational articles on various blogs. She is also a board member and the Training Director of the United Black Writers Association.
She was born and raised in New York City. There she attended elementary, junior/high school, and college. After attending the City University of New York, she graduated Magna Cum Laude, with degrees in education/sociology.
THE FAMILY IN THE CAR, A Revelation, which the author describes as “on-time”, time-lines the journey of a struggle. It shows how members of a family who were all their lives sheltered, as well as privileged, now were without. “The trauma was so unbelievable, I felt that period in my life was a dream and not actually lived,” Ejemai said. Although it was written in 2004, the author felt led to release it in 2008 and reveal the true characters in the documentary. It is impacted with trials, but ends with triumph. This documentary will not only encourage, but will inspire those who are experiencing or have experienced this trauma.
There are a number of middle class Americans living secretly homeless today.
Brenda Farrar-Ejemai has taken a leap-of-faith in the writing of this documentary. With the rise in foreclosures in the United States today, this documentary is not only timely, but relevant. The face of the homeless is changing rapidly. No longer can the homeless be viewed only as the poor, criminals or mentally ill. Homelessness is involving the middle class as well.
What would you like your readers to take away from your book?
I want readers to some how be able to, after reading this book, look beyond difficulties. The reason I want this for them, is because it’s not an easy thing to do, when one is faced with trauma. It’s hard. But I do know that hind sight gives a better sense of why things happen. When people are facing trials and tribulations, they usually can’t see things getting better, so they lose hope. I would like readers to take from this book the encouragement to hold-on when they face harsh situations.
What did you learn while writing this book?
I learned that I had a story to be told that was relevant and timely.
What inspired this book?
This book was written in 2004, but I was led to release it in 2007. The inspiration for this book came from my love of writing.
What is the hardest part about the writing business?
The hardest part about the writing business, for me, is the promoting part. Writing and editing is hard enough, but getting the word out requires more work and time.
What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?
One thing I would want non-writers to understand is the writing is not just simply putting the pen to the paper. Writing is a skill. It must be well thought through. This is especially so for non-fiction writing. The message you are trying to convey must be crafted so that it is perceived exactly the way you intended it to.
What marketing have you found that particularly works well for you?
So far, live radio interviews have worked quite well. I’ve found that it draws people to the web site and thereby increasing readership. Also, book signing works well, due to the fact that it gives me the opportunity to meet and greet readers on a personal level.
What are three things you wish you'd known before you reached where you are now?
One thing is that I wish I had known a long time ago that writing was my purpose.
Secondly, I wish I had taken a Business/Marketing class in school. I believe it would have helped with the marketing of my books.
Finally, I wish I had known what a wonderful world the writing community is. Even though it has been and still is hard work, there are a lot of great people in the writing community.
This month our theme is Mainstream Fiction. Can you give us five mainstream authors you read?
I have read books by Walter Mosley, James Baldwin, Margaret Atwood, Robert Kiyosaki, and T. D. Jakes.
Do you have any advice for the aspiring writer?
Just write!
How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)
My mailing address is: P.O. Box 765, Columbia, Maryland 21045
E-mail: favorblooms@thefamilyinthecar.com
Websites: www.TheFamilyInTheCar.com
www.ebookstand.com/books.grp/BR2191.html
Thursday, June 12, 2008
BLOG TOUR - A Promise for Tomorrow
In the mid 1950’s small town, Sugar Hill, Alabama was quiet and sleepy in every way imaginable. Fannie Lea Rockwell has few pressing concerns, save for her dreadful nickname, Flea. Few concerns that is until she crosses paths with Mr. Boyd, Sugar Hill’s resident hermit and mysterious citizen. Mr. Boyd lives across the railroad tracks deep in the woods and his anti-social tendencies only fuel the gossip fire; its rumored that he keeps his daughter, Mavis, locked in the attic all day and that he brews moonshine in the woods behind his house.
One day when Flea and her brother, Rand, trespass on Mr. Boyd’s property to get a better view of Mavis, they encounter more than they bargained for. A grip around her waist, a knife to her throat and a threat on her life are quite enough to convince Flea to never return. His breath which smelled of rotting cabbage only served to fuel her fear.
As she unravels the mystery behind Mavis Boyd, Flea uncovers secrets of other Sugar Hill residents and soon discovers how little she actually knows her neighbors. Soon Flea will find herself in a life-or-death situation where she places herself in danger to save the life of someone more helpless than herself.
About Sara DuBose
Sara DuBose is a motivational speaker and author of three other novels: Where Hearts Live, Where Love Grows, and Where Memories Linger. Sara is also author of Conquering Anxiety, published by the Presbyterian Church in America. Her other writing credits include numerous articles and stories for publications such as The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Today’s Christian Woman, Virtue, Decision, The Christian Reader, and Family Life Today. She also appears in several anthologies published by Multnomah and Barbour. Sara received a first place fiction award from Putting Your Passion into Print and a first place fiction award from the Southeastern Writer’s Association. She currently travels as a speaker for seminars, festivals, civic clubs, schools and churches and may be contacted at www.saradubose.com. Sara and her husband live in Montgomery, Alabama. She is the mother of two daughters.
Everyone seems to be affected by today's tenuous economic environment. From housing to jobs, it seems there's always bad news on the 5 o'clock news. How can you 'live expectantly' in these uncertain times?
Sometimes our children show us how to live expectantly. Years ago I lifted my sick three-year-old from her bed and plopped us both in the rocking chair. Cherie felt hot and clammy. I was hot with fatigue and anxiety, having nursed sick people for over a month. I said, “Honey, I’m so sorry you are not feeling good.”
Sensing my frustration, Cherie pushed the hair back from my eyes and replied, “Dats all right, mama. We pray about it, den you won’t haf to worry.”
Can three or four-year-old children show us the way home? They can when our home is with the heart of God who said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). So, whether it’s personal, financial, or even a global crisis, the Christian won’t find rest in another news report of the latest terrorist attack, freeway accident, or stock market slide. No, lasting peace is only found in Christ who lifts us from our sick bed of worry, pushes the hair back from our eyes, and rocks us for awhile.
Worry seems to be the opposite of 'living expectantly,' but isn't some worry necessary for day-to-day life?
Yes, some anxiety or tension is warranted. We want to be alert when we pull into a six-lane highway at rush hour, take a test, or interview for a job. Above all, we want to be anxious to please God. As we begin to recognize and appreciate a holy, sovereign, just and merciful God we begin to lose our fear and anxiety over other people, our needs, adversities, or any uncertainties of life. The closer we draw to the Lord the further we withdraw from worry and fear.
In A Promise for Tomorrow, Flea learns a lot about God's promises to His children. What can we derive from His promises for tomorrow?
Flea observes, and later interacts, with a neighbor who has become a victim of her circumstances. By applying what she has learned from her father and through her own spiritual growth she is able to offer a compassionate reprimand. Flea also learns the truth of Proverbs 17:22: “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” As the story progresses, Flea begins to understand a basic principle. Life is hard, but it can still be lived with hope.
I've heard it said that faith is the opposite of fear, but many times Christians feel afraid even though they have faith that God will deliver them from the situation at hand. How do you balance faith and fear?
Yes, Christians are sometimes afraid just as Christ’s disciples were fearful during a storm (Luke 8: 22-25). In fact, those guys panicked as the squall continued and the boat began to sink. After bailing the water with little results, they called to their sleeping Savior. Three words from Jesus and the winds and waves obeyed.
“Quiet! Be still!” Then came the questions. “Why are you so afraid? Where is your faith?”
I think we should take note of these questions. Jesus didn’t say, “You have no faith,” but he did tell them to exercise it. As you and I apply our faith, fear must leave because faith and fear don’t belong in the same mind. Alarm, fear, and worry should never rule our lives, not when Jesus is in the boat with us.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
SUMMER READING LIST
This summer I plan to tackle the big pile of books in my bedroom.
L.A. Banks
I, Robot
Howard S. Smith
Love the One You're With
Emily Giffin
Too Little, Too Late: A Novel
Victoria Christopher Murray
Sin No More
Kimberla Lawson Roby
Release Me
Farrah Rochon
Business Unusual
Dr. Linda Beed
Death, Deceit & Some Smooth Jazz (An Amanda Bell Brown Mystery)
Claudia Mair Burney
Wind Follower
Carole McDonnell
I, Robot
Howard S. Smith
Love the One You're With
Emily Giffin
Too Little, Too Late: A Novel
Victoria Christopher Murray
Sin No More
Kimberla Lawson Roby
Release Me
Farrah Rochon
Business Unusual
Dr. Linda Beed
Death, Deceit & Some Smooth Jazz (An Amanda Bell Brown Mystery)
Claudia Mair Burney
Wind Follower
Carole McDonnell
What's on your list for the summer?
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Welcome To SORMAG's Blog
About Me
- LaShaunda
- I believe in promoting authors and their books. Let me introduce you and your books to online readers.
I'm also a happily married mother of three who's trying to break into the Christian writing field. The writing road can be rocky.
I’m available for:
Online promotion coaching
Lectures
Seminars
Freelancing
Contact me at:lchwriter@gmail.com