Saving Raine by Marian L. Thomas

Raine Reynolds stands at the crossroads of despair and opportunity.

When the life you’ve built crumbles and the past refuses to release its grip, sometimes you need a fresh start and a new beginning that promises hope and redemption.

Once a celebrated author, Raine’s life unraveled, sending her fleeing to the picturesque streets of Paris to escape the tormenting heartache that threatened to consume her. Yet, no matter how far she traveled, the pain remained her unwelcome companion.

Returning to bustling Atlanta as a senior VP for an ad agency, Raine is forced to confront a city steeped in memories she’d rather forget. But as life would have it, an old friend resurfaces, offering a glimmer of healing in the midst of her turmoil. Can she summon the courage to trust once more?

In a world where everyone yearns for the saving grace of love, Raine is no exception. Her story is a testament to the enduring human spirit, a reminder that a path to love can be found even in the face of the darkest storms.

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INTIMATE CONVERSATION WITH ELLA D. CURRY

Marian is the award-winning author of The Caged Butterfly and Saving Raine–winners of the USA Best Book Awards for African-American Fiction. With a passion for creating stories that deeply resonate with women, Marian invites readers on a transformative journey through her latest work, “Saving Raine.” This captivating novel delves into the unyielding human spirit, leaving readers inspired and empowered. Through her writing, Marian sheds light on themes of resilience, love, and hope, providing a powerful perspective that uplifts and motivates women.

BPM: Marian, “Saving Raine” is a deeply emotional and compelling story. Can you tell us what inspired you to write a novel with such intricate themes of loss, betrayal, and redemption?
Marian L. Thomas: Thank you for having me on Black Pearls Magazine. “Saving Raine” was born out of a fascination with the human spirit and its capacity to endure even the most painful circumstances. I wanted to explore the heart’s resilience when faced with betrayal and tragedy and the enduring power of love to heal wounds. The story was also inspired by the idea that sometimes, we run from our problems, but ultimately, we find the strength to confront them head-on.

BPM: The book’s protagonist, Raine Reynolds, experiences profound loss and betrayal throughout the story. Can you share how Raine’s journey reflects themes of resilience and redemption?
Marian L. Thomas: Absolutely. Raine’s journey is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to rise above adversity. She faces unimaginable loss, from the tragic accident that took her child and father to the heart-wrenching betrayal of her husband’s infidelity. Despite these hardships, Raine discovers her own inner strength and resilience. It’s a journey of self-discovery and healing, ultimately leading to redemption through forgiveness and love.

BPM: The novel introduces us to a cast of complex and relatable characters. Can you tell us more about Donovan Carter, a pivotal figure in Raine’s life, and how their relationship evolves throughout the story?
Marian L. Thomas: Donovan Carter is a character who carries his own burdens from the past. He’s a friend from Raine’s past and a symbol of hope and redemption. As Raine and Donovan reconnect after years apart, their relationship evolves from a chance encounter to a deep and meaningful connection. Donovan becomes a source of support and understanding for Raine, helping her navigate her challenges.

BPM: Therapy plays a significant role in the story, benefiting Raine and Detective Tracy Thompson. Can you speak to the importance of seeking help and support when dealing with trauma and grief?
Marian L. Thomas: Therapy is a central theme in “Saving Raine” because it highlights the importance of seeking help and support when dealing with trauma and grief. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to face our pain alone and that there is strength in vulnerability. Therapy provides Raine and Tracy with the tools to heal and move forward, showing that it’s okay to ask for help when we need it.

BPM: The book also explores the theme of forgiveness. Can you elaborate on how forgiveness plays a role in Raine’s journey toward healing and redemption?
Marian L. Thomas: Forgiveness is a powerful theme in the story. Raine is faced with the challenge of forgiving her husband and herself for her perceived shortcomings. Through forgiveness, she finds the strength to let go of her pain and anger, ultimately paving the way for healing and redemption. It’s a reminder that forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves, allowing us to move forward and find peace.

BPM: The novel takes readers on a journey from Paris to Atlanta and back. How do these different settings contribute to the overall narrative?
Marian L. Thomas: The settings in “Saving Raine” are more than just locations; they are symbolic of Raine’s emotional journey. Paris represents her escape from her past, while Atlanta is a place of memories and challenges. Each setting reflects a different phase of her life and the evolving emotions she experiences. They serve as a backdrop for her transformation and growth.

BPM: Can you tell us about the role of secondary characters like Jasmine and Brianna in Raine’s life and how they influence her path to healing?
Marian L. Thomas: Jasmine and Brianna are essential to Raine’s journey. Jasmine, Raine’s friend, reveals painful truths about Raine’s past and helps her confront her husband’s betrayal. Brianna, on the other hand, represents new beginnings and offers Raine companionship and support when she needs it most. These secondary characters provide different perspectives and sources of strength in Raine’s life.

BPM: Without giving away too much, can you share what readers can expect from the ending of “Saving Raine”?
Marian L. Thomas: The ending of “Saving Raine” culminates Raine’s journey of resilience and redemption. It offers hope, healing, and the promise of a new beginning. Readers can expect closure for Raine and the other characters and a sense of fulfillment that mirrors their own emotional journey throughout the novel.

BPM: Lastly, what message or takeaway do you hope readers will find in “Saving Raine”?
Marian L. Thomas: At its core, “Saving Raine” is a story of hope and the indomitable human spirit. I hope readers will take away the message that no matter how challenging life may become, there is always a path to healing, redemption, and love. It’s a reminder that we can find strength in our vulnerabilities and that forgiveness can lead to the most profound transformations in our lives.

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR
Follow Marian L. Thomas on social media

Website: https://marianlthomas.com
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/marianlthomas01
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marianlthomas09
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marianlthomasbooks
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4024739.Marian_L_Thomas

 

Sounds Like a Plan: A Novel by Pamela Samuels Young and Dwayne Alexander Smith

Sounds Like a Plan: A Novel by Pamela Samuels Young and Dwayne Alexander Smith
Order your copy today – https://a.co/d/d4iOU9G
Pub Day July 9, 2024

Reluctantly joining forces after discovering they’ve both been hired on the same missing person case, two rival Black private investigators find their mutual dislike evolves into an undeniable attraction in this rollicking, romantic thrill ride told in alternate perspectives from award-winning authors Dwayne Alexander Smith and Pamela Samuels Young.

Jackson Jones and Mackenzie Cunningham have a lot in common. They are both hard-working private investigators with their own firms in Los Angeles. They are both Black, happily single, and very good at their jobs. But when they’re together, they are like oil and water.

When they find themselves working the same missing persons case, the idea of collaborating seems about as likely as a blizzard in Beverly Hills. But once it’s clear that they have been set up to take the fall for a murder, they have no choice but to work together.

Bickering their way from Century City to Malibu and beyond, it becomes increasingly hard for them to deny the sparks flying between them. But with a small army of killers in hot pursuit, there’s no time to sort through their complicated feelings in this witty, fast-paced, and swoon-worthy mystery.

About the Authors

Pamela Samuels Young is an attorney, an NAACP Award for Outstanding Fiction winner, and author of several books, many of which feature characters with legal backgrounds that mirror her own. Follow her on Instagram @AuthorPSY.

Dwayne Alexander Smith is a screenwriter, the coauthor of Sounds Like a Plan, and the author of Forty Acres, winner of the NAACP Image Award for Literary Work by a Debut Author. Follow him on Twitter @WrittenBySmith.

 

No Reservations: A Novel of Friendship by Sheryl Lister

No Reservations: A Novel of Friendship by Sheryl Lister

Get ready for the ultimate girls’ trip as women’s fiction author Sheryl Lister celebrates the power of friendship and living a life with no reservations.

True friendship never ends.

Best friends forever. That’s the vow Joy, Diane, Rochelle and Yvette made when they were children, and even in their mid-thirties, the friends have always been there for each other—through the highs and lows of life and love. Until forever comes up against a terminal cancer diagnosis. Nothing could have prepared them for what life would look like when four became three.

But Yvette was prepared.

Her final gift to her girls is an all-expenses-paid trip to Jamaica like they had always talked about but kept putting off as life got in the way.

The Jamaican getaway can’t come soon enough as the remaining friends deal with their grief, dashed hopes, and unexpected relationship drama. Sick of putting her dreams to open a spa on hold, not to mention her husband’s lack of support, Joy decides she’s moving forward with her new business—with or without him. The thunderous ticking of Diane’s biological clock has her wondering if her desire to have a baby will ever come true, and her husband’s bizarre behavior has her questioning if he’s still on board. And after witnessing her friends’ imploding relationships, single mother Rochelle is content to do life on her own, but her heart doesn’t seem to get the memo when a new man unexpectedly enters the picture.

Guided by Yvette’s spirit, the friends must lean on each other now more than ever before as they learn to navigate their new normal, take unexpected risks and live life with no reservations.

No Reservations on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zAP2Z0

Excerpt: No Reservations: A Novel of Friendship by Sheryl Lister

“Joy, your mama named you right because you’ve been that and more to me. You’ve sacrificed your dreams long enough, sis. It’s time for you to start that business because every woman needs a place of respite.”

Joy laughed through her tears and gave Yvette’s hand a gentle squeeze. “I know, and I promise.”

Yvette shifted her gaze to her second friend. “Diane, you’ve been the best godmother to Ebony and Ian— all three of you have— and I know you’ll be an even better mother. Jeff will come around, just keep working on him.”

Diane’s pained gaze met Yvette’s. “I’m working on him. One way or another,” she added with a wry smile.

“Rochelle,” Yvette started.

Before she could continue, Rochelle lifted a hand. “I already know what you’re going to say.”

Joy laughed. “Probably the same thing we’ve all been saying.”

Yvette chuckled, then moaned in pain. “Don’t make me laugh. Chelle, girl, I know your sorry ex is enough to make a woman stay single for the rest of this life and the next, but you’re a beautiful woman, and you can’t do that. Warren is a good man, and he really likes you.”

Rochelle raised an eyebrow. “How do you know?”

“I asked. What did you think? Let him in, sis. He can love you like you deserve to be loved.” She grasped Rochelle’s hand.

“I’ll see.” Yvette gave her a look. “Hey, it’s the best I can do.” “

Joy and Di, make sure she doesn’t mess it up.”

“We will,” they chorused.

“Watch out for Joe and my babies, okay? And if he finds somebody else, be nice to her.” She smiled at Joe. “Well, unless she’s a gold- digging heifer. Oh, one more thing. We never got around to taking that trip back to Jamaica. Don’t put it off any longer. Make those reservations, and take that trip.”

( Continued… )

Copyright 2024 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, Sheryl Lister. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author’s written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only.

About Sheryl Lister
Sheryl Lister is an award-winning author of sweet, sensual contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and women’s fiction. Her novels feature multifaceted, intelligent, strong, and slightly flawed heroes and heroines. When she is not writing, she whips up delicious meals and desserts to satisfy her inner foodie.

 

Crown Holders Interview with Denene Millner – ONE BLOOD

Crown Holders Interview with Denene Millner – ONE BLOOD
Listen to the entire BAN Radio Show interview with Ella D. Curry: http://tobtr.com/12281569

ONE BLOOD. THREE GENERATIONS OF WOMEN, LEGACY, AND SURVIVAL.

Denene Millner is a six-time New York Times bestselling author, Emmy Award–nominated TV show host and award-winning journalist who has written thirty-one books, among them Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, cowritten with Steve Harvey; Around the Way Girl, a memoir with actress Taraji P. Henson; The Vow, the novel on which the hit Lifetime movie With This Ring was based; and Fresh Princess: Style Rules, the second in a series inspired by Will Smith’s iconic character.

Millner is also the editorial director of Denene Millner Books, an award-winning imprint that has published two Caldecott Honor books, a Newbery Honor Book, the Kirkus Prize for Children’s Literature and a Southern Book Award.

A MacDowell Fellow, Millner has written essays for the New York Times, Glamour and NPR, which hosted her critically-acclaimed podcast, “Speakeasy with Denene,” a celebration of the beauty of the African American experience and more.

In 2008, Millner founded MyBrownBaby, a critically acclaimed and award-winning blog that has worked with top brands, including Disney and Target. She also cohosts Georgia Public Broadcasting’s A Seat at the Table, a talk show about Black women.

Millner is a graduate of Hofstra University. She lives in Atlanta with her two daughters and their Goldendoodle.

Join this #SoignéeWoman conversation with New York Times bestselling author Denene Millner as she explores the lives of three generations of women tied together by love, hope, dreams, ambition and family secrets in this epic novel, One Blood.

 

Donna Said: An Illustrated Self-help Journey by Donna Reid

Donna Said: An Illustrated Self-help Journey by Donna Reid
Read more: https://amzn.to/48Lnek3

Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth is an acronym for the Bible. As I thought about it, I realized that basic instructions for managing our lives from an emotional, mental, and spiritual perspective would be another valuable tool.

This book is a self-help journey of thoughts and practices to manage our lives in a manner that would bring more joy, self-worth, and love into our existence.

The ideas presented are taken directly from therapeutic clients embracing concepts learned through their therapy experiences. They often found that what they discovered through these personal discussions around growth and change was basic information they felt compelled to share with others.

When reporting what they told others, it appeared they were sharing these thoughts in various environments, at work, at dinner, working out, and several other lived encounters. Their messages were what Donna said and whatever thought they felt might benefit the listener.

This prompted “Donna Said,” an illustrated cliff note style handbook with various seeds of thought one could apply to many situations we are presented with while being human.

 

The Law of Karma by Pamela Samuels Young

The Law of Karma by Pamela Samuels Young
Order your copies today: https://amzn.to/48pr16w

WE ALL HAVE SECRETS. BUT SOMETIMES SECRETS HAVE US.

The award-winning author of Anybody’s Daughter is back with a gripping tale of passion, deceit, and murder.

Miles Slade looks every bit the successful lawyer, but his swanky office and designer suits hide some desperate truths. A flailing law practice. Massive debt. A dying sister in need of expensive care. Miles is willing to do just about anything—to cross any line—to raise the cash he urgently needs. Then he meets Nicole Paxton. Beautiful, sophisticated, and unlike any woman he’s ever known. Like Miles, Nicole has her own secrets.

Nicole ignites a passion in Miles so intense, he’s ready to give up his secret life. But before he’s able to do so, both he and Nicole become entangled in a new web of deception—one that involves murder. Amid the suspicions, lies, and overpowering desires, is there still a chance that love can conquer all?

Pamela Samuels Young is an attorney and author of multiple legal thrillers. Her novel, Anybody’s Daughter, won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Fiction. A former television news writer, Pamela is a longtime member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America. She lives in the Los Angeles area. Visit Pamela’s website at http://www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com.

Purchase The Law of Karma by Pamela Samuels Young – https://amzn.to/48pr16w

 

Only on Sundays: Mahalia Jackson’s Long Journey by Janis F. Kearney

Only on Sundays: Mahalia Jackson’s Long Journey by Janis F. Kearney
Read more: https://a.co/d/aaiVjSW
Order copies: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/only-on-sundays

Who was the young Halie Jackson, the orphan ‘taken on’ by her hard Aunt Duke after the death of her mother, the child who loved listening to Bessie Smith, playing baseball with the boys on Saturday evening, and singing grown folks’ gospels on Sunday morning. The tall girl who, at 16, stole away against Aunt Duke’s wishes, to Chicago’s Promised Land – the Promised Land that wasn’t, but would become home and allow her to nurture her dreams, sing for her supper, and stretch her boundaries as a black woman, in time acquiring unparalleled fame and wealth.

Mahalia Jackson changed the world with her voice. Yet, in spite of her wealth and fame, there was a gaping hole inside, put there when her mother Charity died. Little Halie was only six, and Charity’s leaving would forever dampen her happiness, cause her to forever look for something to take her place, spreading her love thin– among family, friends, acquaintances, admirers and sometimes lovers.

She was a woman who abhorred being alone, Mahalia avoided the mirrors that forced her to analyze the who, and why of her present and her past. Loneliness, though, was part of the package for those blessed with global fame. And, so was falling in love often… and too often, unwisely. The woman with the beautiful smile, and more charisma than any one woman should have, would know heartbreak and despair throughout her life.

Mahalia’s relentless drive, her need for material security and the desire to make her family proud eventually led to the gospel queen’s spiritual and health melt-down, proving impossible, the “happily ever-after,” story she’d dreamed of all those nights in New Orleans’ Nigger Town, as she fell asleep to the vibration of the trains traveling just feet from her home.

Mahalia Jackson’s reason for being miraculously changed after her chance meeting of the young Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1956. It was Martin who introduced her to a different kind of dream, a higher purpose. Their years-long symbiotic friendship and civil rights collaborations were powerful, life changing for both. Her voice serving as a balm for America’s hurts and deferred dreams; Martin’s words, impelling Blacks and whites to work together to change the soul of America.

Mahalia’s death in 1972 was too soon. Yet, there was so much packed into her 60 years on this earth; an astounding legacy that helps define America and the pre- and post-civil rights world she lived and moved inside. Only on Sundays: Mahalia Jackson’s Long Journey, adds an important chapter to this great American’s life story.

 

Lawful Deception (Vernetta Henderson Series Book 5) by Pamela Samuels Young

Lawful Deception (Vernetta Henderson Series Book 5) by Pamela Samuels Young
Read more: https://a.co/d/5ChcltE

“Pamela Samuels Young has crafted a page-turner that will keep you engrossed until the very last page. If you’re a fan of smart legal thrillers with brisk pacing, crackling dialogue and edgy, intriguing characters, Lawful Deception is for you.”–Dwayne Alexander Smith, Award-winning Author of Forty Acres.

Once again, award-winning author Pamela Samuels Young delivers another captivating legal thriller full of unexpected twists and jaw-dropping moments you never see coming. The beautiful Bliss Fenton won’t be winning any awards for Mother of the Year. Truth is, motherhood isn’t nearly as important to Bliss as the cottage industry she’s created: extorting wealthy men for the hefty child support she can collect.

But Bliss’ greed goes too far when she takes on Fletcher McClain. The handsome music industry mogul refuses to accept her conniving conduct lying down. He retains high-profile attorney Vernetta Henderson to sue Bliss for fraud.
Enter Bliss’ unscrupulous attorney, Girlie Cortez, who has a personal score to settle with Vernetta. As the two lawyers once again go head-to-head, their legal battle quickly escalates from merely contentious to downright deadly.

 

Secrets of the First Lady by Patricia A. Bridewell

Secrets of the First Lady by Patricia A. Bridewell
https://www.amazon.com/Patricia-A.-Bridewell/e/B003LO9X7I

Thirty-year-old Gena Pope is the First Lady of Greater Bethany Christian Church. Although she’s half his age, Gena moved from Baltimore to Los Angeles, joined the church, and created a whirlwind courtship with mega-pastor Reverend Sylvester Pope, who lost his wife after a brief illness.

When Sylvester first saw Gena step into the sanctuary, his heart flickered. He became enraptured and fell in love. But unfortunately, he doesn’t realize that his gorgeous wife will become a nightmare from his past, and she is on a mission to destroy his reputation and life.

For Gena, time heals all pain is a far stretch from the truth. Over two decades ago, Sylvester Pope ended a relationship with Gena’s mom. Then, her health spiraled downward, forcing Gena and her brother Devin to be placed into a foster care system and then moved to their uncle and aunt’s home.

Years later, Gena finally locates Sylvester who is now a prominent minister in Los Angeles. She joins his church, and eventually they get married.

Now her plot is to serve vengeance with a foolproof plan set in place to destroy his reputation. When Gena starts preparing to launch the final phase of a well-planned secret, her shady ex-boyfriend, Pierre Statton, shows up with a goal of his own to shatter her secret.

 

HOMECOMING CHAOS BY D. W. BROOKS

Homecoming Chaos by D. W. Brooks

A dead body in the parking lot of her family’s business, a killer on the loose, and a handsome detective asking a lot of questions…

Jamie Scott’s life fell apart four years ago when she broke off her engagement, turned down a dream job, and went overseas to run away from her life. Now she’s back, but the reunion is not without problems. She arrives home just in time to attend the soiree her mother planned, but she’s not prepared for what she finds—a dead employee in the parking lot.

Detective Nick Marshall is assigned to the murder case at the forensics lab owned by Jamie’s family. He meets the headstrong Jamie, but he has a job to do. And his attraction to her… well, he’s a professional.

Jamie knows the stakes are high. She has to face the past and save her parents’ business while dealing with her family drama and an uncertain future. She also has to deal with Nick, who wants her out of the way of his investigation. But fate keeps throwing them in one another’s paths… and into chaos that they both want to avoid, but neither can seem to escape.

Book Review
Homecoming Chaos is an intriguing read with a skillful mix of mystery, family drama, romance and wit. Kudos to D.W. Brooks for such a dynamic debut novel!
— Norma L. Jarrett, Author of Salt and Sky, The Sunday Brunch series, Sweet Magnolia, and other novels

 

Purposeful Living Journey by Patricia L. Gadsden

Purposeful Living Journal by Patricia L. Gadsden
Read more: https://a.co/d/cAXDQWT

Still trying to figure out your life’s purpose? Look no further. This journal provides many exercises and tools to help you discover the you you were meant to be.

Patricia L. Gadsden is the founder and President of Life Esteem, a personal and professional enrichment training/consulting firm and Founder of the Life Esteem Holistic Health Center. She is an entrepreneur and respected workshop and seminar leader who works with businesses, state agencies, colleges and schools, educations and human service organizations. Mrs. Gadsden has compiled materials that will assist you with finding your life purpose.

 

No Reservations: A Novel of Friendship by Sheryl Lister

No Reservations: A Novel of Friendship by Sheryl Lister
Read more: https://a.co/d/10PD0SA

True friendship never ends.
Best friends forever. That’s the vow Joy, Diane, Rochelle and Yvette made when they were children, and even in their mid-thirties, the friends have always been there for each other—through the highs and lows of life and love. Until forever comes up against a terminal cancer diagnosis. Nothing could have prepared them for what life would look like when four became three.

But Yvette was prepared.
Her final gift to her girls is an all-expenses-paid trip to Jamaica like they had always talked about but kept putting off as life got in the way.

The Jamaican getaway seems to come at the perfect time as the remaining friends deal with their grief, dashed hopes, and unexpected relationship drama. Sick of putting her dreams to open a spa on hold, not to mention her husband’s lack of support, Joy decides she’s moving forward with her new business—with or without him. The thunderous ticking of Diane’s biological clock has her wondering if her desire to have a baby will ever come true, and her husband’s bizarre behavior has her questioning if he’s still on board. And after witnessing her friends’ imploding relationships, single mother Rochelle is content to do life on her own, but her heart doesn’t seem to get the memo when a new man unexpectedly enters the picture.

Guided by Yvette’s spirit, the friends must lean on each other now more than ever before as they learn to navigate their new normal, take unexpected risks and live life with no reservations.

Praise for No Reservations

“At times both deeply emotional and heartwarmingly funny, No Reservations encapsulates the beauty of the unbreakable bond of enduring friendships and true sisterhood.”
—Farrah Rochon, New York Times bestselling author of The Hookup Plan

 

Intimate Conversation with Patricia Saunders

Intimate Conversation with Patricia Saunders

Patricia A. Saunders, an award-winning self-published author, has forged a remarkable literary path from her roots in Connecticut to her current residence in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area. The turning point in her life came in 2006 with the passing of her mother, a victim of Alzheimer’s. In response, Patricia decided to immortalize her thoughts and experiences through the power of words.

Fueling her ambition with a Master’s in Management from the University of Phoenix (2011), she commenced her writing journey in 2012, letting her mantra “Letting the words flow until the pen stops” guide her.

Patricia’s works have graced prestigious events such as the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Toronto Word On The Street, Sacramento Black Book Fair, and more. She is a certified motivational speaker who passionately addresses women’s issues, empowerment, and grief. Her literary contributions extend to her monthly blog, “Blessed & Curvy,” which covers contemporary topics.

The trajectory of Patricia’s writing career is marked by impactful releases. “Through the Fire” (2012) explored emotions and life lessons, followed by “Loving Me” (2013) and “Let It Rain” (2014), both self-published gems delving into love, grief, self-image, and self-esteem. “This Too Shall Pass” (2016), released by AuthorHouse Publishing, earned a stellar five-star rating from readers.

Patricia’s memoirs, “There is Sunshine After The Rain” (2018), “Four Seasons Of Love” (2020), and “Saying Goodbye” (2023) further showcase her diverse storytelling. Her seventh book, “Saying Goodbye,” stands as a poignant memoir dedicated to her late sister, Barbara Williams, who passed away from metastatic lung cancer, which led to liver cancer.

In addition to her literary pursuits, Patricia is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Beyond her writing endeavors, she enjoys traveling, spending quality time with her family, and indulging in the art of wine tasting. Patricia A. Saunders continues to inspire and uplift through her compelling words and motivational presence.

Patricia A. Saunders’ books are distributed by Ingram, and they are available at your local book retailers, http://www.patriciaasaunders.com, http://www.amazon.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com

Saying Goodbye by Patricia A. Saunders

Have you lost someone?
Have you experienced grief?
Are you trying to pick up the pieces?
Saying Goodbye is the book for you!

In the heartfelt pages of her memoir, Patricia A. Saunders, the youngest in a family of thirteen siblings, reveals the profound reverberations of losses to cancer that have left an indelible mark on her life.

Within her narrative, she sensitively explores the depths of grief accompanying the departure of a cherished family member, navigating the distinctive connection between the eldest and the youngest. Patricia eloquently traces the path toward accepting her sister’s passing, bravely sharing the intimate details of her personal journey.

In this courageous exploration, Patricia extends solace and inspiration to those grappling with the challenge of saying goodbye to their loved ones, fostering a sense of comfort and resilience in the face of loss.

 

Author Patricia A. Saunders Unveils Memoir “Saying Goodbye”

Patricia A. Saunders, acclaimed author, poet, blogger, and motivational speaker, invites readers to join her in a heartfelt exploration with her latest memoir, “Saying Goodbye.” In this compelling narrative, Patricia shares her deeply personal journey of coping with the heart-wrenching realities of her sister Barbara Williams’ metastatic lung cancer, a journey that tragically unfolded into a battle against liver cancer.

As the youngest in a family of thirteen siblings, Patricia delves into the unique dynamics of familial connections and the profound impact of losing a loved one to cancer. However, the urgency of her message is further underscored by the stark reality that Barbara Williams did not live past the six-month mark after the rapidly progressing cancer diagnosis.

Against this backdrop, “Saying Goodbye” acquires deeper significance, offering readers an intimate lens into the challenges faced by families dealing with the aggressive nature of liver cancer. The book serves as a call to action, inspiring conversations on the critical importance of liver cancer awareness.

In 2023 alone, an estimated 41,210 new cases of liver cancer are anticipated, underscoring the growing prevalence of this disease. Regrettably, about 29,380 lives are expected to be lost, highlighting the pressing need for increased awareness, early detection, and support for those affected by liver cancer.

These disconcerting trends emphasize the imperative need for proactive dialogue on liver cancer, a conversation that “Saying Goodbye” initiates with compassion, resilience, and the hope for positive change.

Patricia A. Saunders invites local news stations and radio shows to explore the profound themes within “Saying Goodbye” and join the author in sparking conversations that offer support, understanding, and increased awareness regarding the challenges faced by individuals and families dealing with liver cancer, especially during the holiday season.

For speaking engagements, interviews, and other publicity-related queries, please contact Ella D. Curry, EDC Creations Media Group via email: elladcurry@edc-creations.com

Saying Goodbye by Patricia A Saunders
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1665748265

 

SOIGNÉE MAGAZINE INTERVIEW WITH ROLLO ROBERTSON & FREDERICA P. BURDEN

Frederica Paremore Burden graduated from Barry University (Miami Shores, Florida) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from St. Thomas University (Miami Gardens, Florida). She worked for 29 years with the City of Miami Police Department in various units throughout the department, including undercover details. Frederica was also a calendar model for the Police Department. She is the current Director of Diversity and TV Drama/ Show Creator/ Head Writer and Executive Producer of Miami Beat. You can learn more about upcoming show releases at http://www.FredericaBurden.com

Rollo C. Robertson, CEO of Rollo Robertson Productions, is known for Brotherhood of Silver, BoS and BoS: Knights. His production company was founded in 2012 as a way to create original content for television. Based in the Philadelphia, PA metro area. RRP started out airing one show on a single independent station in New Jersey. Brotherhood of Silver reached viewers across PA, NJ, and DE and gained enough viewership to receive a .3 share of Nielsen ratings. RRP now has a portfolio of shows from police dramas to slice-of-life sitcoms. He has been married to Jessica Robertson since April 10, 2010. They have one child. You can learn more about RRP at http://www.rrptelevision.com

Rollo Robertson, CEO of Rollo Robertson Productions
Writer. Producer. Director.
https://www.rrptelevision.com

Miami Beat has garnered a significant following in its book form. How does it feel to finally bring these vivid characters to life on the screen? Introduce the characters!

We are so excited that Miami Beat is being peeled off the pages and coming to life. You will actually be able to see the faces that you have only imagined from my description in the book. Marcus Mystic with his body of a Greek God and his smell of fresh citrus and that island tan skin. Sidney’s beautiful and bubbly, Randy his hard core thugging but oh so ever handsome, and Garcia will take your breath away, Spencer will seduce the pants off a statue if he had the chance, and the statue would comply…that’s how much talent he has if you know what I mean. BUT Vondra….yall know where there is smoke, there is always fire. Vondra with her mocha color will continue to bring the heat.

Mystic will stop at nothing to win the love of his life, Sidney, even if it means getting rid of his ever so devious wife Vondra. But don’t think she doesn’t know, and have made plans of her own. She definitely believes in til death do us part. Spencer will be there for Sidney in her time of need, until he runs into his own brick wall, that he never saw coming. So many twist and turns that you will have to take notes from one episode to the next.

Sidney seems to be the epicenter of attraction, with characters like Mystic and Spencer gravitating towards her. Can you shed some light on what makes her character so magnetic? How are you selecting the cast?

 

MIAMI BEAT THE TV SERIES COMING 2024!

MIAMI BEAT – TV Series Written by Frederica P. Burden

Welcome to Miami! Beneath its sun-kissed beaches and clear blue skies lies a city that truly comes alive when dusk falls. As darkness envelopes the city, Miami nights pulse with tantalizing temptations, drawing even the noblest souls into its seductive depths. For Sidney, this truth is all too real.

Sidney, a young and spirited woman, is not just in Miami to chase her dreams. She has a purpose, a burning ambition, that she guards closely. The tragic loss of her father to police brutality when she was just a child became a turning point, hurling her family into a spiral she is determined to reverse. But as determined as Sidney might be, her heart remains her greatest vulnerability. Torn between two love interests, her choices could either lead to her salvation or her undoing.

Marcus Mystic, the man who has Sidney’s heart, grapples with shadows of his own. His estranged wife, Vondra, blinded by her longing for a love once shared, is relentless. Vondra will do anything, even commit the unspeakable, to reclaim Marcus and the life they once had. Marcus now stands at a crossroads, with choices that not only impact his life but that of Sidney as well. As Police Chief, Mystic is caught in a web of love, ambition, and danger, especially with Vondra posing a constant threat to Sidney’s life.

The story takes a shocking turn when Sidney’s brother, Randy Jr., unveils the dark truths about Marcus Mystic and his unfathomable crimes. Faced with this revelation, Sidney’s heart battles her mind, torn between love and a haunting reality. Can Marcus, despite his newfound authoritative position, sway Sidney before time runs out? Could he be responsible for robbing Sidney of her first love? And where does Sidney’s other suitor stand amidst this chaos? Could he be the key to avenging her father’s untimely demise?

Delve into the enigmatic world of Miami Beat. It’s a tale that meanders through the complex lives of lifelong friends, the deep-rooted corruption within the Police Department, and the devastation it wreaks on unsuspecting families. In the end, some will find redemption, while others will be left with blood on their hands.

TV Series: MIAMI BEAT
Creator: Frederica P. Burden
Genre: Action/Drama/Thriller
Format: 45-60 min per episode
Production Company: Relentless Media LLC.

MIAMI BEAT – TV Series Written by Frederica P. Burden
Watch a sample: https://youtu.be/3vpCxlHUcwE

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Director of Diversity and TV Drama/ Show Creator/ Head Writer/ Executive Producer of Miami Beat

Frederica Paremore Burden graduated from Barry University (Miami Shores, Florida) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from St. Thomas University (Miami Gardens, Florida). She worked for 29 years with the City of Miami Police Department in various units throughout the department, including undercover details. Frederica was also a calendar model for the Police Department. You can learn more about upcoming show releases at http://www.FredericaBurden.com

Rollo C. Robertson, CEO of Rollo Robertson Productions, is known for Brotherhood of Silver, BoS and BoS: Knights. His production company was founded in 2012 as a way to create original content for television. Based in the Philadelphia, PA metro area. RRP started out airing one show on a single independent station in New Jersey. Brotherhood of Silver reached viewers across PA, NJ, and DE and gained enough viewership to receive a .3 share of Nielsen ratings. RRP now has a portfolio of shows from police dramas to slice-of-life sitcoms. He has been married to Jessica Robertson since April 10, 2010. They have one child. You can learn more about RRP at http://www.rrptelevision.com

Rollo Robertson, CEO of Rollo Robertson Productions
Writer. Producer. Director.
https://www.rrptelevision.comPosted in Featured Book

 

MIAMI BEAT: THE SECRET SOCIETY BY FREDERICA BURDEN

Miami Beat: The Secret Society by Frederica Burden

Welcome to Miami! When the sun-kissed beaches and clear blue skies fade into the darkness things really heat up. Miami nights give way to tantalizing temptations that can excite and coerce the darkness out of even the best of us. Sidney is learning this the hard way.

A young, vibrant woman, Sidney is on a mission to pursue her dreams. Unbeknownst to everyone else, Sidney also has a goal that she will stop at nothing to see through.

Losing her father to police brutality at a very young age became the catalyst in Sidney’s life, setting her family on a spiral that she desperately tries to end.

Once an Explorer in the police department, she learned a great deal about law enforcement, which she intends to use to bring her father’s killers to justice. The only thing standing in her way is her heart. There are two love interests in Sidney’s life and she’s forced to choose.

Two is company…
Major Marcus Mystic is her former boss and her current love interest. Since the day she met him, she has been fixated on the handsome, intelligent, virile man. A complex man with an even more complicated home life, Mystic has secrets that could get them both killed. Will Sidney be the one to save him or will their love lead to destruction?

Three is a crowd…
Officer Arturo Garcia is her former coworker and mentor. A sexy police officer with a rough edge and muscular body, Garcia has had Sidney’s attention for years. There’s no denying the red-hot attraction between the two. There’s also no denying the secrets that threaten to explode in a fiery storm engulfing them all in flames. Everyone won’t make it out alive.

Purchase Miami Beat: The Secret Society by Frederica Burden
https://www.amazon.com/Miami-Beat-Society-Frederica-Burden/dp/198576282X

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Intimate Conversation with D.W. Brooks

Intimate Conversation with D.W. Brooks, Author, Physician, and Kidney Transplant Survivor

Dr. D. W. Brooks is a distinguished physician and editor hailing from the heart of Texas, where she shares her life with her loving family. Passionate about maintaining her fitness, Brooks occasionally delves into culinary adventures, remains an avid reader, and pens her thoughts, both as an author and on her personal blog. Her life was transformed over half a decade ago, thanks to the selfless gift of a kidney donor. This profound experience has since fueled her fervent advocacy for organ donation.

For updates on upcoming publications, events, and more, explore https://authordwbrooks.com

BPM: Have you always wanted to become a published author?
Becoming an author was an early dream of mine but was pushed aside by practical considerations. A health crisis awakened the desire to write again. And with the ability to self-publish, I could see a path to getting my stories out of my head and into books that others could enjoy.

BPM: If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
I love this question. One of the first words that I would use to describe myself would be TALL. I know it seems like an odd choice, but my height has had an enormous impact on my life. Because I grew so much so fast—about six inches in six months at age 12—my parents were acutely aware that I was at risk of being very self-conscious about my height. They sent me to modeling school—not to become a model but to gain poise and self-confidence in my new body. That bled over into other aspects of life.

Another word would be SMART. Being smart has been one of the tent poles of my life for as long as I can remember. From my parents, to teachers, to classmates, to everyone else—it was always one way that everyone described me. There were significant expectations that went along with the “smart” classification, too.

 

A Tia Taylor Mystery: The Locked Room by Dr. Shauntey James

A Tia Taylor Mystery: The Locked Room by Dr. Shauntey James

Within an old-fashioned bookstore’s mysterious embrace, the captivating Dr. Raven Johnson, affectionately known as Aunt Ray, and her spirited niece, Tia Taylor, unwittingly become prisoners of a tantalizing enigma. Their predicament unfolds within the confines of a murder mystery locked room event, where the air grows heavy with suspense, and every word exchanged seems fraught with hidden meaning.

With an eerie creak, the ancient key turns in the lock, sealing the room’s entrance behind them and leaving the guests with no option but to confront the mysterious puzzle that looms. The oppressive atmosphere inside the locked room tightens its grip as time passes. Tia must solve the mystery and figure out the truth. Every whisper of the past may hold the key to the present, and the walls seem to pulse with the secrets of those who have crossed their threshold.

In this spellbinding narrative of tension and deduction, Aunt Ray and Tia are led solely by their unwavering determination to break free and, in doing so, rescue Aunt Ray, whose fate hangs in the balance.

Meet Dr. Shauntey James
Championing the voices of the marginalized has been a central pursuit of Dr. James from her early undergraduate days. This drive fueled her aspirations for a law degree, propelling her into the realm of alternative pathways to amplify these often-overlooked perspectives. While her educational journey paved the way for numerous opportunities, she swiftly recognized the effecting substantial and enduring transformation hinges on personal initiatives to educate across diverse strata of society.

With this revelation, Dr. James has intentionally embarked on a mission to impart tangible skills that hold the potential to reshape the future landscape. This mission is realized through the strategic mentorship of the upcoming generation. Through dynamic presentations, immersive workshops, and insightful publications, she empowers the next cohort of advocates with the tolls and knowledge they need to create immediate and enduring shifts. In this deliberate endeavor, Dr. James is not merely disseminating knowledge; she’s cultivating change agents who will drive societal progress forward.

 

Praise for Poet/Author Marc Lacy and Ghost of Ace Honeycutt

Praise for Poet/Author Marc Lacy and Ghost of Ace Honeycutt

“Once in a lifetime, a gifted storyteller comes along and introduces a new way of reading by birthing a genius way of writing. Marc Lacy has masterfully raised the stakes by ushering in a new era of edge-of-your-seat mystery.”
~Elissa Gabrielle, award-winning publisher, and best-selling author

“It might be the poet in him, but Marc has an innate talent for building tension while revealing memorable characters who take hold of your imagination with no sign of letting go. This third installment of the Whiskey House Trilogy is no different, and definitely won’t disappoint. Wrap yourself in a blanket when you read this book because Ace Honeycutt will give you chills!”
~Dr. Rhonda M. Lawson

“Intriguing read by Marc Lacy. A story of revenge and injustice in current-day Alabama where the old and the new world’s collide. With corruption and crime intricately woven into the plot, this author brings to life characters that are certainly entertaining and leaves the reader wondering what happens next after each chapter.”
~Sylvia Hubbard, Award-winning Bestselling Author

 

Ghost of Ace Honeycutt – The Final Countdown: Either You Survive or You Simply Perish by Marc Lacy

The Ghost of Ace Honeycutt is the third installment of the ever-popular Whiskey House Trilogy.

The City of Lazarus, once promising and thriving, now stands as a cautionary tale in the heart of Hawthorne County, deterring travelers from venturing into Central Alabama. The repercussions of the horrors that unfolded within the infamous Hawthorne County Whiskey House have plunged Lazarus into an unending downward spiral.

In recent years, the city has struggled relentlessly. The suspicion of a curse hanging over the whiskey house led to the tragic loss of LPD Detective Brock Taylor’s life as he valiantly tried to confront it. Amidst the town’s turmoil to break free from the nightmare, the violence and chaos went viral, amplifying Lazarus’s suffering. And with the manipulative ex-mayor Samuel Justice pulling the strings, schemes, manipulation, and even eliminations became the norm.

Ace Honeycutt, a local thug who met an unfortunate end in the whiskey house years ago, never found rest, either in body or spirit. Despite witnesses to his demise, his body disappeared amidst the chaos, yet his presence continued to haunt the town.

Despite being a religious town in the heart of the Bible Belt, Lazarus found itself entangled in the paranormal. Just as in life’s challenges, letting unwelcome thoughts linger can imprison the mind. Rationality struggles, ultimately yielding to the fact that serenity might demand a hefty ransom.

Only a few courageous individuals are willing to confront the curse head-on, despite the grim outlook for Lazarus. Pierre, the brother of fallen Detective Brock Taylor; Destiny, the aunt of fallen Brooklyn Fontroy; and Braxton, the town’s scapegoat, must navigate a treacherous path through the obstacles that hinder Lazarus’s progress.

Yet, one cannot help but question whether a malevolent spirit truly orchestrates their torment, or if their personal demons cast shadows over their every effort. Regardless, an arduous journey lies ahead, with the curse remaining a persistent threat.

Enter the Spooky Prophets Motorcycle Club, harboring relatives of Ace Honeycutt within its ranks. Born from the depths of Hawthorne County’s darkness, their mission is to obliterate all linked to Ace’s demise. While ordinarily a nuisance, some favor their quest to annihilate the whiskey house.

As the Spooky Prophets seek vengeance and Pierre, Brooklyn, and Braxton strive to break the curse, all while contending with the specter of Ace Honeycutt, is a clash inevitable? Can Lazarus and Hawthorne County endure another cataclysmic upheaval? Only time holds the answers.

Ghost of Ace Honeycutt completes the Whiskey House Trilogy, following the incendiary success of its predecessors, Curse of the Whiskey House and Viral Xgressions. In this installment, the pages whirl like a propeller on an airplane, maintaining the trilogy’s mystique with unexpected twists, turns, and surprises. Buckle up – you’ve been warned!

Check out Ghost of Ace Honeycutt by Marc Lacy – https://amzn.to/47oxWx0

Download Ghost of Ace Honeycutt (Kindle Edition) by Marc Lacy – https://a.co/d/cyoMSXm

 

Viral Xgressions: Tainted Souls, Hacked Spirits, Wretched Deals, and Flatlines (Whiskey House Trilogy Book 2) by Marc Lacy

The Unraveling Saga Continues in the Heart of Lazarus, Alabama

Viral Xgressions (pronounced transgressions ) is the second book of the Whiskey House Trilogy whose first book, Curse of the Whiskey House set the tone of the trilogy with a thunderous boom. Viral Xgressions picks right up where its predecessor left off with non-stop action, front-to-back drama, and edge-of-your-seat anticipation of what’s taking place on the next page.

At what point do you say enough is enough and forget about friendships, relationships, and perceptions, especially if they are impeding the path of justice?

Welcome back to Hawthorne County!

In the riveting sequel to “Curse of the Whiskey House,” author Marc Lacy delves even deeper into the enigmatic city of Lazarus, Alabama, where darkness and turmoil seem to have taken root. “Viral Xgressions” continues the gripping narrative of the Whiskey House Trilogy, propelling readers on a rollercoaster of suspense, moral reckoning, and unyielding determination.

As the story unfolds, the once-peaceful city of Lazarus grapples with the aftermath of the cataclysmic events at the Hawthorne County Whiskey House. The community finds itself at the crossroads of despair and desperation, its wounds still fresh, its spirit battered. In the midst of this turmoil, questions arise, reverberating through the streets: Can redemption be found in a place marred by violence and tainted souls? Can the city’s wounds heal in the face of unprecedented challenges?

The Lazarus Police Department and Hawthorne County Sheriff’s Office stand as guardians of the city, burdened by the weight of their recent trials. False prophets and violent deaths have shaken the very foundation of law and order, leaving scars that run deep. The truth has been exposed: The curse surrounding the whiskey house is no mere legend. The price of entry is high – a life forever changed, a spirit irrevocably altered.

As the narrative unfurls, “Viral Xgressions” draws readers into the heart of Lazarus, where the aftermath of spring’s turmoil continues to cast a long shadow. The scars, both seen and unseen, have left an indelible mark on the community. With budget constraints, leadership vacuums, and wounds that refuse to heal, Lazarus faces an uncertain future.

In an era of viral phenomena, the city grapples not only with physical wounds but also with the insidious spread of transgressions that threaten to engulf its spirit. “Viral Xgressions” delves into the concept of transgressions as an infectious force, exploring the impact of malevolence that spreads like an incurable virus.

With relentless action and heart-stopping drama, “Viral Xgressions” takes readers on a pulse-pounding journey. The suspenseful narrative picks up seamlessly where its predecessor left off, plunging readers into a world of high-stakes choices and unwavering pursuit of justice. As Lazarus stands on the precipice of its own destiny, readers are forced to confront a challenging question: When do friendships, relationships, and perceptions become impediments to the pursuit of truth and justice?

Marc Lacy’s “Viral Xgressions” is an electrifying testament to the power of storytelling, weaving a tapestry of suspense, redemption, and resilience. As the saga continues, the boundaries between light and darkness blur, and Lazarus’s fate hangs in the balance. Welcome back to Hawthorne County, where the battle for the city’s soul wages on, and the echoes of the past reverberate through every choice made in the present.

Check out Viral Xgressions by Marc Lacy – https://a.co/d/dldK9xu

 

Curse of the Whiskey House: When Life is the Principle and Death is the Practice (Whiskey House Trilogy Book 1) by Marc Lacy

An Intriguing Tale of Heritage, Treachery, and Redemption in the Heart of Hawthorne County

In the small yet historically significant city of Lazarus, nestled within the Bible Belt of Hawthorne County, Alabama, a captivating story unfolds. Marc Lacy’s riveting novel, “Curse of the Whiskey House,” takes readers on a journey through the tangled web of heritage, history, religion, and the enigmatic allure of whiskey. As the first installment of “The Whiskey House Trilogy,” this tale weaves together intricate characters and an atmospheric backdrop to explore the profound impact of choices and the weight of curses.

At the center of this narrative stands Lazarus, a city once renowned for being a sanctuary for Buffalo Soldiers, now forever intertwined with its thriving whiskey industry. The dichotomy between the celebrated Hawthorne County Whiskey Stop and its sinister counterpart, the Hawthorne County Whiskey House, sets the stage for a gripping exploration of good and evil. Samuel Justice, the esteemed Mayor of Lazarus, holds secrets aplenty, and the whiskey house’s malevolent influence casts a shadow over the entire community.

Reverend Jackson Jones, the spiritual leader of the Central Baptist Church, finds himself paradoxically connected to the whiskey house’s disturbing legacy. Whispers of a curse haunt the city, as unease and apprehension envelop the lives of its inhabitants. An old adage rings true: “Once you enter the whiskey house, if you should ever come out, your life goes south.” A foreboding prophecy looms, yet remains shrouded in silence, waiting for a reckoning.

Detective Brock Taylor emerges as the city’s beacon of hope, tasked with unraveling the mysteries and confronting the curse head-on. Can he break the chains of darkness and restore hope to lives scarred by the whiskey house’s maleficence? Or will he, too, become ensnared by its vengeful grasp? In a place where the supernatural meets the tangible, salvation and destruction hang in the balance, challenging the very fabric of faith and courage.

“Curse of the Whiskey House” is the inception of a trilogy that promises an electrifying saga. With “Viral Xgressions” and “The Ghost of Ace Honeycutt” to follow, Marc Lacy crafts a thought-provoking narrative that delves deep into societal issues, interlacing them with a diverse cast of characters and rich backstory. The anticipation surrounding this trilogy has been building for three years, and readers can expect a series of gripping page-turners that provoke introspection.

Lacy poses a question that resonates far beyond the confines of fiction: When faced with moral dilemmas and community injustices, do we dare to intervene? In a world where victims often suffer in silence and witnesses hesitate to act, the story challenges us to reconsider our role. As events unfold in Hawthorne County, readers are prompted to examine their own capacity for courage and sacrifice, urging us to transcend fear in the face of malevolence.

Prepare to be captivated by Marc Lacy’s “Curse of the Whiskey House.” Step into a world where heritage, darkness, and redemption converge, and where the boundaries between good and evil blur. Welcome to Hawthorne County, where the spirits of the past and the choices of the present collide in a battle for the city’s very soul.

Check out Curse of the Whiskey House by Marc Lacy – https://a.co/d/bVBa9YX

 

Clairvoyance – Poetic Vault Series (7 books) by Marc Lacy

Clairvoyance – Insightful Lyrical Musings from the Poetic Vault Series. Clairvoyance is a collection of poetic works from speaker, writer, and producer, Marc Lacy. This publication is what Lacy is deeming the “ultimate discernment” of his deepest thoughts and contemplations.

Clairvoyance is comprised of over 500 previously unreleased poems from Lacy’s sacred vault. These poetic gems are contained within 5 books, plus 2 bonus books of love poetry…for a total of 7. The books are: Crescendo Ammunition Expose Requiem Geometry With 2 Bonus Love Poetry Books: Beatific Ambrosia Enraptured Felicity.

THE VAULT IS NOW EMPTY!

Books Included:
Crescendo
Ammunition
Expose’
Requiem
Geometry
Beatific Ambrosia
Enraptured Felicity

Download all 7 Books in the Clairvoyance – Poetic Vault Series
Check out the Clairvoyance – Poetic Vault Series (7 books) – https://amzn.to/3L2Cf7X

 

Beatific Ambrosia (Clairvoyance – Poetic Vault Series) by Marc Lacy

Beatific Ambrosia, Love Poetry that Baptizes You into a Paradigm of Euphoria, makes appreciating sensual writing that much easier. Just look at those beautiful models on the cover. Their essence is represented to a tee within the poetry that resides in this book.

Beatific Ambrosia talks about numerous issues surrounding the subject of love. The intended purpose of the poetry is to get the reader deep into their feelings and pull them into an introspective phase. While in this phase, the reader has the perfect opportunity to assess their own love life and situations in which the heart was prompted to make a decision.

This book contains 85 separate pieces of sensual poetic artwork that break down the good, bad, and ugly when it comes to matters of the heart.

Marc Lacy’s poetry vault was bursting at the seams with love poetry and Beatific Ambrosia gives many of those pieces a loving home. Once the cover is cracked, the reader is welcomed into the love house full of love poetry.

Check out the Clairvoyance – Poetic Vault Series (7 books) – https://amzn.to/3L2Cf7X

Download all 7 Poetic Vault Series Books Today!
https://www.amazon.com/Clairvoyance-Poetic-Vault-Series/dp/B0CC1Q89G8?ref_=ast_author_dp

 

Enraptured Felicity (Clairvoyance – Poetic Vault Series)

Enraptured Felicity, Love Poetry that Casts You into a Hypnotic Lyrical Trance, is a love poetry book that gives the reader a free pass to their heart’s amusement park so that they may get the thrill of their life on the rollercoaster of love.

Just like the sexy models on the cover, the poetry has an alluring glow that gains and maintains the reader’s attention. It’s like a foreplay session with a certain edginess to it that rubs the curiosity like a masseuse, and then the reader finds themselves right in the middle of a fantastical experience whereby literary ecstasy takes complete control.

Enraptured Felicity contains 86 private sessions in which the reader can experience lyrical love thirsts being quenched as well as poetic fixes being granted.

With so much love poetry populating Marc Lacy’s vault, Enraptured Felicity is the perfect vessel through which love messaging can be channeled. Not only will this collection of poetry seduce the reader into giving up their precious attention; but it will lure them right to the edge and bam, hit them with a serious love message.

Enraptured Felicity (Clairvoyance – Poetic Vault Series)
Check out Enraptured Felicity – https://a.co/d/ezAleDZ

Download all 7 Poetic Vault Series Books Today!
https://www.amazon.com/Clairvoyance-Poetic-Vault-Series/dp/B0CC1Q89G8?ref_=ast_author_dp

 

Create Crown Holders Sisterhood Audio Presentation

Hello,

Come on in, have a seat! I would like to invite you to create an audio presentation for the Crown Holders Sisterhood. 

We are looking for uplifting, motivating stories of overcoming obstacles or lessons that will empower women! We want to learn from women who inspire, motivate and entertain audiences with their stories…their voices!

Your presentation will be posted on the Crown Holders Transmedia website. Also, I will play your podcast on BAN Radio Show. The recordings will become part of our Crown Holders web series that will be shared on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.

There are NO fees for this service. But, this can not be used solely to promote a product or service. We are truly seeking to pour into and uplift the women in our community.

Read this entire page to answer most of your questions.  This page is long, but I want you to have all of the information to make the process seamless. This email breaks down the process of recording. 

 

 

Requesting Book Club Interviews

Interviews for the Black Pearls Magazine Book Club Edition

Hello  All Social Clubs and Readers,

Black Pearls Magazine  is celebrating the rise of  social clubs, book clubs, author circles and literary groups!   We would like to showcase all member, presidents, social club creators, and book reviewers on the front page of Black Pearls Magazine! 

Bi-Monthly, we will publish a printed version of Black Pearls Magazine!  It would be an honor to include you in the next edition.  If you do not belong to a specific group, you can still answer the questions as an avid reader!   We want to hear your story as well! We are dedicated to the promotion of quality literature. 

This email seems long, but it includes the interview questions too.  There is still time to get  you and your club on the front page.   There are no deadlines; submit the interview when  you have the time.  

Please send photos of the group AND of the president alone, so that the readers can really enjoy the organization.  Feel free to share this interview with as many readers or bookclubs that you know!

 

 

Carolina Soul: The Down Home Taste of the Carolinas by Chef Jerome Brown

Carolina Soul: The Down Home Taste of the Carolinas by Chef Jerome Brown, Personal Chef to the Stars showcases a compilation of family recipes, client favorites, and low-calorie meals featuring frog legs, oxtails, marsala meatloaf, and other Southern delicacies indigenous to North and South Carolina.

“I put everything I could into this book, and I did it with love,” said Chef Rome, who has cooked for athletes and celebrities such as Shaquille O’Neal, Byron Cage, and Cam Newton. The former Food Network Star and featured Epcot International Food & Wine Festival chef prides himself on putting a healthy spin on Southern cuisine, helping many of his clients, like former NBA great Shaquille O’Neil, lose weight.

Chef Rome has shared his passion for cuisine with a variety of A+ list entertainers, dignitaries, and elite community leaders such as President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama, the late Colin Powell, Priscilla Presley, Star Jones, Raymond Felton, Lamman Rucker, Carl Gustaf (King of Sweden), Byron Cage, Mike Bibby and more.

He was cast in the premiere season of the Food Network’s reality show “Extreme Chef,” and appeared in the United States Army series “I’ve Got Skills” that aired on ESPN. Throughout his journey, Chef Jerome Brown has always maintained a desire to help others and has given back to aspiring chefs and marginalized youth.

Chef Rome was a featured celebrity Chef for two years at the prestigious Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. He has been featured at the Taste of Chicago, the world’s largest outdoor food festival.

Purchase your copy of Carolina Soul: The Down Home Taste of the Carolinas by Chef Jerome Brown! Explore the book here – https://bit.ly/411xGQQ

 

Chef Jerome Brown partnered with iCan Dream Center

Chef Jerome Brown has partnered with Tinley Park, Illinois-based nonprofit iCan Dream Center (www.icandreamcenter.com) in the creation of Spice & Spectrum. He is donating proceeds of the book to the organization which serves students in the south suburbs of Chicago who are marginalized by neurodiversity, disabilities, trauma, and other learning challenges.

Spice & Spectrum is a collection of Chef Jerome Brown’s most recent recipes broken into five sections that align with the iCan Dream Center mission. Throughout the Dream, Restore, Empower, Amplify, and Mobilize sections of the book, Dr. Evisha Ford, the founder and executive director of iCan Dream Center, shares the mission of the organization, stories of students navigating trauma, and the healing benefit of the organization’s culinary program that is highlighted throughout the book.

Students with autism (neurodiversity) and disabilities are nearly twice as likely to be suspended or expelled from school than their non-disabled peers. What’s more, 35% of inmates in juvenile lockups have some form of neurodiversity (autism, ADHD, et. all) or other learning disability.

iCan Dream Center seeks to empower students with autism and other learning deficits with the skills needed to thrive in life and to defy the statistics. Whether it is giving students opportunities to grow as student leaders, gaining vocational skills, self-advocacy, and self-care skills like cooking, the organization works with students individually to thrive. iCan Dream Center is a 501c3 nonprofit therapeutic school endorsed by the Illinois State Board of Education and serves dozens of school districts throughout the suburbs of Chicago.

Chef Jerome Brown, who has championed the iCan Dream Center cause, has shared his passion for cuisine with a variety of A-list entertainers, dignitaries, and elite professional athletes such as President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama, Shaquille O’Neal, the late Collin Powell, Priscilla Presley, Star Jones, Raymond Felton, Lamman Rucker, Carl Gustaf (King of Sweden), Byron Cage, Mike Bibby, Cam Newton and more.

Chef Jerome Brown appeared in the United States Army series “I’ve Got Skills” that aired on ESPN. Throughout his journey, Chef Jerome Brown has always maintained a desire to help others and has given back to aspiring chefs and marginalized youth.

Dr. Evisha Ford is an experienced speaker on educational equity and is available to discuss her students’ involvement in Chef Jerome Brown’s book and the intersection of trauma, disability, and the incarceration/school-to-prison pipeline.

Dr. Evisha Ford and Chef Jerome Brown are available for joint or individual media interviews on the release of Spice & Spectrum: Recipes for Resilience.

The authors can be contacted at https://icandreamcenter.com/contact

 

Spice and Spectrum, Recipes for Resilience by iCan Dream Center and Chef Jerome Brown

Spice and Spectrum, Recipes for Resilience is an illustration of the iCan Dream Center students’ passion. This is more than a cookbook – it is an expression of creativity. Many diverse students have internalized the messages that reinforce limitations, but our dreamers are encouraged to be boundless in the kitchen. This heart-warming book is separated into sections that include original entree recipes, dessert recipes, and activities to extend learning in the kitchen.

These pages are filled with sentiments that give a little taste of the iCan Dream Center’s family culture. This is your invitation to join us in a feast of celebrating growth, innovation, and the accomplishments of our learners.

Get your copy today!
https://icandreamcenter.com/product/spice-and-spectrum-recipes-for-resilience-coming-soon

Meet Dr. Evisha Ford
Dr. Evisha Ford is the Founding Executive Director of iCan Dream Center, a therapeutic school in Illinois, that serves the needs of neurodiverse learners and their families. She began her career serving inner-city homeless youth in Chicago by providing therapeutic intervention and linkages to community resources. She worked with various community agencies to build their capacity to support the needs of vulnerable youth via training, resource development, and program evaluation.

Dr. Ford was recruited by Chicago Public Schools launching her path in education. She is a former Assistant Superintendent, Director of Special Education, and Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership.

Dr. Ford is a sought-after thought leader and consultant in schools nationally and internationally. She specializes in trauma-compassionate leadership, program design, cultural and racial equity, developing continuums of service for diverse learners, and a variety of other topics relevant to effective school and nonprofit leadership. She is the author of Benches in the Bathroom: Leading a Physically, Emotionally, and Socially Safe School Culture.

Dr. Ford has a passion for marginalized youth which began at an early age. She earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and completed her doctoral studies at Aurora University in Educational Leadership in 2010. Her research focus was students with disabilities, youth resiliency, and systemic injustice.

Additionally, Dr. Ford serves as President of the Board for the United Way Blue Island Robbins Neighborhood Network. In March 2018, Dr. Ford was awarded “Woman of the Year” by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. In July 2018, she was honored as one of the influential “100 Black Women in Chicago” for her educational contributions.

Dr. Ford was recognized by the Professional Women’s Network as a “Community Ignitor” In July 2019. In Winter 2019, she received the Paige Award for her impact within the special needs community. In July 2022, Dr. Ford received the “Dream Maker Award” from the Bronzeville Children’s Museum of Chicago.

To learn more about Dr. Ford’s work visit her website http://www.drevisha.com or follow her on LinkedIn at DrEvishaFord.

Website: https://icandreamcenter.com
IG: @spiceandspectrum
LI: /iCanDreamCenter
FB: /iCanDreamCenter

Meet Chef Jerome Brown
Chef Jerome Brown, also known as Chef Rome, is the Chef to the stars! With 35 years of professional cooking experience, he’s become the go-to chef for celebrities worldwide. You’ve seen him on the Food Network’s Extreme Chef, ESPN, IVillage live, Black Enterprise Magazine, IHeart Radio, and many publications.

Chef Rome has shared his passion for cuisine with a variety of A+ list celebrities, dignitaries, and elite professional athletes such as Colin Powell, Shaquille O’Neal, Lamman Rucker, Priscilla Presley, Star Jones, Nancy Kerrigan, Carl Gustaf (King of Sweden), Byron Cage, Mike Bibby, Cam Newton and more.

He has earned an international reputation for being trustworthy and results-driven. “Chef Rome allowed me, for the first time in my entire career, to lose weight while inactive” stated retired NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal.

Chef Rome has been a featured chef for Disney’s Epcot Food and Wine Festival. In 2016, he was ranked #8 in the world out of the top one thousand chefs in the seafood category of the World Food Championship.

His Southern roots are from North Carolina. His mother was the oldest girl out of twenty-three children. Everyone had to learn how to cook. His roots in the kitchen run deep. His father was a chef and his mother a dietician. Chef Rome truly knows his way around the kitchen. He travels around the world bringing his southern cuisine with a gourmet twist approach to soul food. Get your taste buds ready, unbuckle your belt, and hold on tight. Chef Rome is bringing the soul of the kitchen to your home now! Bon Appetit!

Purchase your copy today: https://icandreamcenter.com/product/spice-and-spectrum-recipes-for-resilience-coming-soon/

 

Afro-Bougie Blues: A Collection of Short Fiction by Lauren Wilson

Step into the world of Afro-Bougie Blues and walk in the shoes of different protagonists as they struggle to move through the world. Read how ordinary black women and men develop tenacity when they have to deal with the reality of their choices.

Alexis finally finds love after seventeen years of a lonely existence, but life throws a curveball into her life. Watch as she overcomes the challenge despite her past still looming over her head.

Walk with Rodney, a gulf war veteran who tries to drown the war memories with alcohol.

See Bessie, overweight and stuck in life, make a decision that sets her on a journey that transforms her life in ways she never imagined.

Thirteen-year-old Aisha wants answers to her complicated question about love. And this sets her father on the task of reflecting on what the word “love” really means.

Listen to Lenore and her sisters recount stories from their father’s life after he succumbs to cancer.

From depression, abortion, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), spousal abuse, addiction, and extramarital affairs to colorism. Each short story takes you on a rollercoaster of emotion as you experience different areas of life narrated from a first-person perspective.

Afro-Bougie Blues is about characters with stories that are relatable because it captures struggles people deal with in everyday life. The author’s captivating prose and incredible storytelling will plunge the reader into fascinating worlds and challenge them to take on new perspectives that in turn inspire, move and entertain.

A great read for anyone who wants to know how people with diverse problems face the toughness of the world they inhabit. How they move forward when the future is uncertain and fortunes change in the blink of an eye, challenging their reality and overcoming it. “You will find yourself not wanting this book to end.”

Purchase your copy of Afro-Bougie Blues: A Collection of Short Fiction by Lauren Wilson
Genre: African American contemporary fiction

Editorial Reviews for Afro-Bougie Blues

In a beautifully written debut collection of short stories, Lauren Wilson gives us a reflective meditation on ordinary people’s expectations and assumptions with stories that are emotionally rich whilst feeling fresh and disturbingly relevant in today’s world.

In a short story, nothing is superfluous and that’s certainly true in Afro-Bougie Blues where the focus of Wilson’s sentences is sharp and vivid but splendidly elliptical too.

Particularly skilled at compression, Wilson is not afraid to take risks, with form, content, style, and structure as is clearly evident in “Transformations” where she writes a story that doesn’t look how short stories are meant to look by presenting it as email exchanges. It’s close to faultless, ingenious, singular, and full of the echoes of real life.

The best short stories should explore ideas as well as emotions centering around an instant where intense change becomes possible or, at least, imaginable for the character and this is true in all of Wilson’s stories but perhaps no more so than in “Mourning Angela” where every sentence is as full and alive as a sentence can be while managing to stay ordinary and wholly relatable to her readers. And it’s this kind of attention to detail and richness of texture that lifts her characters from the page into some more lasting place in a reader’s mind.

With twelve stories for readers to immerse themselves in and characters that feel vulnerable and real Afro-Bougie Blues is a must-read for fans of short fiction and is an unreservedly recommended 5-star read! —BookViral

 

Book Reviews for Afro-Bougie Blues: A Collection of Short Fiction

Lauren Wilson is a safety consultant who is occasionally visited by a muse that allows her to write amazing stories. It only happens a few times a year, but it is a wondrous experience. The rest of the time, Lauren evaluates the safety of manufacturing equipment being sent to Europe. The machines are often the size of a room, so she travels frequently.

In her spare time, she is a voracious reader of sci-fi alien encounters, UK historical mysteries, and stories about vampires and werewolves. She’s an online spades player and has a 5-story apartment building dollhouse project that she figures will take her another 10 years to complete. One of their favorite things to do is to drive 4 hours into the Pocono Mountains in PA and visit the Cove Haven couples resort. It’s a long way to go in order to play air hockey, but it’s worth it.

Lauren and her husband, Howard love watching stand-up comedy videos and he has recently started finding online joke videos that they can laugh at together. They have one dog, a pit bull named Petey who is a major bed hog.

You can follow Lauren on her blog and on Facebook by visiting her website for more details, https://www.afrobougieblues.com.

Purchase Afro-Bougie Blues: A Collection of Short Fiction by Lauren Wilson
Genre: African American contemporary fiction

Editorial Reviews for Afro-Bougie Blues

In a beautifully written debut collection of short stories, Lauren Wilson gives us a reflective meditation on ordinary people’s expectations and assumptions with stories that are emotionally rich whilst feeling fresh and disturbingly relevant in today’s world.

In a short story, nothing is superfluous and that’s certainly true in Afro-Bougie Blues where the focus of Wilson’s sentences is sharp and vivid but splendidly elliptical too.

Particularly skilled at compression, Wilson is not afraid to take risks, with form, content, style, and structure as is clearly evident in “Transformations” where she writes a story that doesn’t look how short stories are meant to look by presenting it as email exchanges. It’s close to faultless, ingenious, singular, and full of the echoes of real life.

The best short stories should explore ideas as well as emotions centering around an instant where intense change becomes possible or, at least, imaginable for the character and this is true in all of Wilson’s stories but perhaps no more so than in “Mourning Angela” where every sentence is as full and alive as a sentence can be while managing to stay ordinary and wholly relatable to her readers. And it’s this kind of attention to detail and richness of texture that lifts her characters from the page into some more lasting place in a reader’s mind.

With twelve stories for readers to immerse themselves in and characters that feel vulnerable and real Afro-Bougie Blues is a must-read for fans of short fiction and is an unreservedly recommended 5-star read! —BookViral

Afro-Bougie Blues by Lauren Wilson is a short story collection that basically requires all the content warnings: domestic violence, rape, addiction, abortion, and abuse. But there’s never anything gratuitous in this moving collection. Instead, each story looks at how well-developed characters are coping with what they’ve experienced.

In one story, a woman struggling to conceive a much-wanted baby looks back on an abortion she chose to have when she was a teenager. In this thoughtful and thought-provoking story, she considers who she was as a teenager, and how that choice is both a tragedy and another step along the path that led to who she is now: married, successful, and ready on all levels for motherhood. This is what I mean by the content warning. There’s nothing gratuitous or thrown into the book in order to shock readers, but readers, especially readers with similar traumas or similar experiences, may want to go into this book forewarned.

These twelve stories in Afro-Bougie Blues are fresh and original looks at universal questions of love and loss. Every day families face tragedies or readers meet individuals at a personal crossroads. Characters are often tested by heartbreak, loss, or the smaller disappointments of our lives, and some characters face dark, tragic events, but the overall feeling of this book isn’t depressing. These blues are relatable experiences, and through their setbacks, many characters are shown gaining strength from loved ones and making interesting personal discoveries. Warm, supportive friendships and quiet inner strength connect some of the short stories.

The challenge in any short story is developing full, human characters in such a limited space. Wilson succeeds here and brings complicated families and warm friendships to life in just a few pages. In a few cases, readers will see a conflict but still find themselves nodding along with characters on opposite sides. In one story, a married woman begins a queer affair that changes her outlook on love and life. Discovering this new side of herself brings light and joy into her everyday life, even deepening the understanding in her marriage and with her children.

In another story, a habitual cheater faces the horrible consequences of his actions, forever. His irresponsibility catches up with him in a meaningful, dark way that can still never make it right for his children. The author never shies away from showing a character’s raw emotions. She shows our likable characters making mistakes, sometimes at great cost, and she brings out a sympathetic hint in the more unlikable characters, too.

There are no recurring characters in this collection and the setting and mood change in each story. It’s suitable for reading with breaks between the stories since each one stands alone. I found one story, Transformations, slightly flat. I was unsure what the epistolary format or even the secondary character Cecilia added to the story of BeBe’s reinvention. But in a collection of a dozen short stories, eleven unique and moving stories is a pretty great ratio.

Overall, Afro-Bougie Blues is a solid short story collection of memorable characters facing love and loss. —ManyBooks

 

Black Pearls Magazine Intimate Conversation with Lauren Wilson

Lauren Wilson is a safety consultant who is occasionally visited by a muse that allows her to write amazing stories. It only happens a few times a year, but it is a wondrous experience. The rest of the time, Lauren evaluates the safety of manufacturing equipment being sent to Europe. The machines are often the size of a room, so she travels frequently.

In her spare time, she is a voracious reader of sci-fi alien encounters, UK historical mysteries, and stories about vampires and werewolves. She’s an online spades player and has a 5-story apartment building dollhouse project that she figures will take her another 10 years to complete. One of their favorite things to do is to drive 4 hours into the Pocono Mountains in PA and visit the Cove Haven couples resort. It’s a long way to go in order to play air hockey, but it’s worth it.

Lauren and her husband, Howard love watching stand-up comedy videos and he has recently started finding online joke videos that they can laugh at together. They have one dog, a pit bull named Petey who is a major bed hog.

You can follow Lauren on her blog and on Facebook by visiting her website for more details, https://www.afrobougieblues.com.

BPM: Please share something our readers wouldn’t know about you.

Many years ago, I learned something very special about myself. I am comfortable around old people and people who are dying. I have no problem visiting people in the hospital. I can talk to them honestly and often enjoy making them smile and laugh.

Back in 2003, my father moved in with me before losing a battle to lung cancer. He only lived for 6 more weeks, and it was a truly meaningful moment in time. Two years later, I moved from North Carolina to Maryland to spend more time with my mother when she was in her 80s. My husband and I cared for his brother and daughter for 5 months until he died. And I worked as a hospice volunteer for a year, visiting people in nursing homes and providing respite care. When I retire, I plan to go back to being a hospice volunteer. It’s not something that everyone can do.

BPM: If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Intelligent, empathetic, and sensitive.

BPM: Tell us about writing your first book. What was the journey like?

Mourning Angela was my first short story. I have very strong views about abortion, and I wanted to tell a story that bridged the pro-choice/pro-life gap, because, although I am pro-choice, I understand both sides.

One day, I found myself having an overwhelming desire to write the story, so I sat down at my computer and let it pour out of me. It took about 4-5 hours to get it down on paper. I didn’t know what it would be until I wrote it down. That is usually how I write – I don’t know the end until I write it. And then, I went back and filled in the setting. I am very bad at setting a scene, and it’s something I have to work at.

BPM: Introduce us to your most recent work, Afro-Bougie Blues. Available on Amazon Kindle?

Afro-Bougie Blues is available on Amazon in ebook, hardcover, and paperback formats.

I usually only write 1-2 stories per year. I write when I am inspired, for the most part, and when I try to write at any other time, it doesn’t come out well. But there were some things I felt I needed to write about, so I made an effort.

I wrote about campaigning for former President Obama, which I did extensively in both 2008 and 2012, I wrote about COVID, and then I wrote a story that was inspired by a tragedy. One of my work colleagues lost her son. She talks about her grief process quite publicly, in fact, she has turned it into a social media opportunity. But she doesn’t talk about how he died.

She is from Baltimore, and the murder rate in Baltimore is horrific, so that is a possibility. I wanted to capture a mother’s grief. So, I wrote a story about a woman whose son is killed in a freak car accident. I shared the story with a few people, and they sent condolences. I think the story is good enough to submit for prizes – we shall see what happens. If I ever write “More Bougie Blues”, this will be the first story.

 

Leadership in Action: 5 Key Principles of Effective Racial Justice Work by Kofi Annan

As painful and upsetting as George Floyd’s murder was, it was encouraging to witness not just the intense condemnation–and ultimate prosecution–of the officers involved, but the almost universal recognition that that incident was a mere symptom of a greater problem, systemic racism.

In the subsequent months, more resources and energy were invested into efforts to fight systemic racism than ever before. America experienced the largest and longest-running protests in its history, and corporate America pledged over $200 billion to racial justice initiatives.

Unfortunately, according to research conducted by Forbs Magazine, as of late 2022 the majority of that money either went unspent while the rest was spent on efforts that had little systemic impact. The problem is that even individuals and organizations that have the best of intentions are clueless about how to craft an effective strategy to conduct racial justice activism. This work can be daunting, and even seasoned veterans can become overwhelmed or burned out.

In this book, Kofi Annan, a nationally recognized racial justice activist, and award-winning author lays out his five key guiding principles for conducting efficient and effective racial justice work. The guide serves as a tool for individuals, corporations, or non-profit organizations whose heart is in the right place but could use help crafting a strategy.

Leadership in Action: 5 Key Principles of Effective Racial Justice Work by Kofi Annan is available on Amazon.

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Bull in a China Shop: Evolution of a Racial Justice Activist by Kofi Annan

Black Pearls Magazine features books by author and award-winning racial justice activist Kofi Annan. The following books explore various aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion and the fight for racial justice. Read the interview and find out more about Kofi here: https://bit.ly/3YOF6pY

Bull in a China Shop is a memoir by Kofi Annan, an immigrant from the Caribbean who despite having little foreknowledge of the inner workings of American politics, successfully challenged the inertia of the established political systems to generate positive changes for his community. His relative ignorance about how things “should” be done was a double-edged sword.

Kofi quickly became president of a local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and sketched out an approach that led the branch to be recognized as the best in the nation. But on the path to doing so, he created enemies within the established Democratic Party and fellow NAACP members and learned some difficult lessons.

This memoir chronicles how Kofi’s life experiences growing up in the Caribbean, coming of age in Washington, DC during the crack cocaine epidemic, and professional experience in the United States Army and Intelligence Community shaped his perspective and approach to the civil rights fight.

The memoir can serve as an educational tool for seasoned civil rights activists who wish to become more effective, and a motivational tool for those not yet involved in the fight but have the desire to engage.

Bull in a China Shop: Evolution of a Racial Justice Activist by Kofi Annan is available on Amazon.

Connect with Kofi Annan

Kofi Annan is the author of the award-winning book, Bull in a China Shop: Evolution of a Racial Justice Activist, and Leadership in Action: 5 Key Principles of Effective Racial Justice Work. He and his wife founded Fighting Words LLC, a racial justice and DEI Consulting Company in 2023. He is the former president of The Activated People (TAP), an independent activist organization dedicated to promoting racial equity.

Kofi previously served two terms as the president of the Fairfax County, Virginia National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which was awarded the NAACP’s Thalheimer Award for being the best branch in the country in 2018.

Kofi is also the owner of Soul Rebel, a food truck based in northern Virginia that serves a unique blend of Caribbean-American fusion cuisine.

Kofi Annan served eight years in the U.S. Army and holds a Master’s of Science in International Relations from Troy University, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from Tennessee State University.

Website: https://42fightingwords.com/books-1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1942fightingwords/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084925573429
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fighting-words-llc/?viewAsMember=true

 

Ignore The Voices In Your Head by Julius Kane

Genre: Sci-Fi Suspense. Survival Fiction.

After leaving his favorite bar, a wild, womanizing advertising executive takes a woman back to his place and immediately regrets it.

Jack begins to hear a strange voice telling him to do horrible things. Initially thinking his house may be haunted, he becomes extremely paranoid after finding out he is being watched by other world beings.

In order to get to the bottom of the aliens’ fascination with him, Jack joins up with a group of misfits who’ve had a few bizarre encounters of their own. After receiving a reliable tip, the group goes into the notorious Dark Entry Forest looking for answers; despite the disappearance of dozens of people who entered before them.

Along the way, they find out their ruined lives are connected by tragedy. Jack and his new friends then get caught in a life-and-death struggle against many powerful forces.

Chapter Excerpt – Ignore The Voices In Your Head

A clear, masculine voice responded. It was the same voice from last night I heard laughing. The same pitch. The same tone. A nervous pain shot through my abdomen. Who the hell was in my house? I stared anxiously down the hall towards my bedroom. The door was partially cracked. I couldn’t remember if that was how I left it. The bathroom door was shut. Did I close it this morning?

I grabbed the biggest knife I saw from my kitchen cutlery set and went to investigate. I intentionally left the front door cracked; just in case I needed to run out fast. I didn’t want to fidget with the doorknob. Cautiously, I searched my bedroom; prepared for some fiending drug addict to jump out at me. The closets and hideaways were clear. I opened the bathroom door; nothing.

“Great!” I was relieved. But I was hearing things. I chalked it up to an overactive imagination. That was my reasoning. That was how I would be able to get through the next hour…the next day…the next week without checking myself into Bellevue.

I hurried to close my front door. I shut and locked my window as well. I didn’t want that giant fur ball sneaking back in. I was hoping nobody got off the elevator and saw Mrs. Toombs’ cat Flandy dead on my living room floor. That would be a huge headache I didn’t need. I grabbed about five trash bags and a pair of work gloves I sometimes used whenever my trash can became extra nasty.

I didn’t know how pet owners disposed of their dead pets in New York, but I was going to throw Flandy into the dumpster out back. She wasn’t my cat. She wasn’t my problem. And that oversized fur ball that killed her didn’t belong to me either. But here I was in the middle of this weird God-knows-what-shit.

( Continued… )

Connect with Julius Kane
Your words can hurt, help or heal. Choose your words wisely. That said, if you love words that paint pictures, implant ideas and whisk you away from the monotony and stress of everyday life, you’re in the right place. If you’re ready to use your imagination, take a journey with me!

Website: https://juliuskane.org
Audible: https://adbl.co/3zHMTuQ
Twitter: https://twitter.com/juliuskane7
Ingram: https://www.instagram.com/realjuliuskane
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@writerjuliuskane

Purchase Ignore The Voices In Your Head by Julius Kane on Amazon.
Explore a new Genre, Survival Fiction blended with Sci-Fi Suspense.

 

Innocence Denied: Forced Into The Game by Julius Kane

A young, expecting couple leaves a poverty-stricken town for new opportunities and a fresh start in a big city. But after their terminally ill son is born the guilt and frustration takes its toll. As the financial rope tightens around them, Drake coerces his naive wife into entering the sex industry to make ends meet.

Forced to use her body to help get her husband’s business off the ground, Amber becomes exposed to all types of unsavory characters. Meanwhile, her husband Drake has a secret job she knows nothing about. Soon sex and greed begin to erode their unbreakable bond.

By the time Drakes’s overbearing mother shows up with a dark secret and a hatred for Amber, he’s doing everything he can to keep his little family from self-destruction. Amber and Drake are fighting for their lives, sanity, freedom, and most of all their child.

Innocence Denied: Forced Into The Game by Julius Kane is available on Amazon and Audible Audiobooks.

Meet Julius Kane
Julius Kane is the author of dozens of titles. His resume boasts an eclectic array of genres and categories including, fiction, non-fiction, stageplays, essays, poetry, and most recently, sci-fi. Julius Kane is a community activist and social reform advocate who currently resides in the DMV area.

Website: https://juliuskane.org
Audible: https://adbl.co/3zHMTuQ
Twitter: https://twitter.com/juliuskane7
Ingram: https://www.instagram.com/realjuliuskane
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@writerjuliuskane

 

Alternative to Divorce by Julius Kane

An obsessed husband ignores a restraining order and is determined to get his young, beautiful wife back into his arms. His jealousy quickly turns into rage when he catches a new man at his house. He then decides to hatch one last plan in hopes to deter his impending divorce.

Alternative to Divorce by Julius Kane is available on Amazon and Audible Audiobooks.

Meet Julius Kane
Julius Kane is the author of dozens of titles. His resume boasts an eclectic array of genres and categories including, fiction, non-fiction, stageplays, essays, poetry, and most recently, sci-fi. Julius Kane is a community activist and social reform advocate who currently resides in the DMV area.

Website: https://juliuskane.org
Audible: https://adbl.co/3zHMTuQ
Twitter: https://twitter.com/juliuskane7
Ingram: https://www.instagram.com/realjuliuskane
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@writerjuliuskane

 

Write for Crown Holders

Crown Holders Transmedia Submission Guidelines
Join our team of writers, see details here:
http://crownholderstransmedia.com/write-for-crown-holders


The Crown Holders Transmedia team of contributors are a network of writers who are strong, intelligent and driven! Their mission is to uplift, support, and encourage the Morning Tea and Sankofa Lit community.

They are Believers! With their combined wisdom, they give a perspective on life from all ages and from all walks of life.

If you would like to submit your story or inspiration for the online magazine, monthly newsletter and our blog, please read the entire page and submit your material to Ella D. Curry, the editor.

Crown Holders is now a verified Amazon Influencer! I’m loving the new stores. Check out our new book shelves: www.amazon.com/shop/edc1creations

Check out our influencer store for Kids Lit: https://amzn.to/2OMnHMQ

I’m always looking for beautiful ways to showcase my clients and their amazing books! Have fun exploring our talented writers and poets.