She Touched My Soul by Naleighna Kai

 

She Touched My Soul by Naleighna Kai

Inspiration will always come when you need it most…

Michael “Magic” Arrington’s sudden fame and startling climb up the music charts skyrocketed him into the world of Hollywood glitz and glamour. While all was exciting and wonderful at the beginning, the shady undertakings of the music business caused his life to take a downward spiral, ultimately separating him from his family and his hold on reality. Then he met Maya.

Maya Gervais has completely distanced herself from her past, even going as far as changing her identity to protect her from the one man who wants her dead. She is a civic-minded lawyer who champions for clients who are victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. So trusting someone enough to fall in love was never a consideration, especially since it could cost her much more than she was willing to give.

After the two have a chance meeting at a concert, a daring escape leads to an exploration of pain and pleasure that sets them both on the path to healing and an into an unlikely romance. However, the path to blissful happiness is never an easy one, as they both have their own demons to confront, including Michael’s jealous manager and Maya’s reluctance to deal with things she would rather forget.

She Touched My Soul is a gripping, engaging novel of loss, love, and everything in between.

 

From the Author
It is my hope that readers will enjoy taking this journey with Mykal and Maya. It was a healing time for me as well. I hope that something in She Touched My Soul will make you laugh, cry, and feel moments of peace, joy or triumph. If there is something within these pages that will start you on your own personal journey toward healing, peace and love, then my work here is done.

 

Reviews: She Touched My Soul

 

Crystal Baltimore . . .
This book touched my soul!!! OMG!!! This was such a good book!!! I absolutely loved It! The show of faith and redemption in the midst of adversity really hit home. Thank you so very much for this book of clarity and a wonderful story of faith and love.

 

Edwina Putney of Cilla’s Book Maniacs . . .
This book touched my soul, just as it touched those of the main characters. It is, in my opinion, the best book that author Naleighna Kai has written to date. I was gifted a print copy of She Touched My Soul and it was one of the best book choices that could have been made for me, and I highly recommend it to all.

What can I say about an amazing book that is about the journey two people take to finding a true relationship through sacrificial love and giving, spirit-based counseling, and the help of true friends. It is the story of Michael “Magic” Arrington, a successful singer, and Maya Gervais, a successful lawyer. Both have succeeded in spite of tortured pasts at the hands of the very people who should have protected them. They’ve also loved and lost those true loves, have moved on in life in two different ways: Michael through a series of highly-visible, yet meaningless hookups; and Maya through a recreated life dedicated to being a good parent and providing legal representation and refuge for women who are victims of abuse. They have so much in common in their past childhood experiences, and so much love, focus, and purpose to give each other. I was especially impressed by Michael, because of his gentle, compassionate handling of Maya, which was counter to his usual behavior towards women. But it showed that when two individuals are meant for each other, even the manipulations of evil-doers won’t prevail in the end.

 

Excerpt of She Touched My Soul

Michael banged on the keyboard, the sour chord bringing everyone to an abrupt halt. “Come on, people. Get it together. What’s wrong with y’all today?”

Three background singers huffed and folded their arms across their buxom chests. One by one, the band laid down their instruments, shooting furious glares his way.

Hairs on the back of Michael’s neck stood at military attention. The air crackled with anger. Something was off. Way off. “Break time, people. Let’s take five.”

“How about ten?” Monique shot back. “Somebody here”—she cocked her head at Michael—“needs it more than others.”

A grumble of consent followed.

“All right, ten it is,” Michael conceded on a weary note.

No one moved an inch. He scanned the range of expressions. His band, his singers, his concert—but they were waiting for him to leave? He grumbled to no one and to everyone, “Ain’t that a—”

“I thought you didn’t use that word,” Monique challenged. Tracy nudged her to a reluctant silence.

Michael slid off of the leather stool and escaped the stage. Fuming and annoyed, he made quick work of the stairs. With a stiff nod to the engineers, he passed the sound booth and kept it moving. The glass lobby doors leading to the street couldn’t open fast enough.

Outside, Michael turned his face up to the sun gracing the clear sky. Rain seemed likely earlier, but the clouds had passed, leaving the promise of a beautiful summer night to come. Eyes closed, he let the warm rays flow over him like a tropical waterfall, pushing all thoughts of unhappiness to the back of his mind.

“Back to work,” he grumbled. That signaled his feet to move but didn’t necessarily get his mind in gear. Michael trudged toward the lobby of the Park West and came to a sudden stop. A woman stood near the entrance with her eyes closed. He watched the gentle swaying of her body—the rhythm, the flow. She moved in time to the music. Actually the mystery lady did a better job of staying on beat than his band. That thought split his face with a smile.

Something made him walk in her direction. “Hey, what’s up?” When he didn’t get an answer, he touched her and she flinched. Soft brown eyes opened, narrowing as she peered up at him. He repeated his greeting.

“Nothing much,” she said before closing her eyes again.

Navy stilettos made her stand about three inches shy of his height. Straight hair fell sensually past her shoulders. Simple makeup highlighted her honey crème skin. The casual navy pantsuit and form-fitting white blouse shouted corporate woman instead of groupie. Michael’s eagle eyes detected killer curves beneath the outfit. She was sexy and voluptuous—all woman. A man holding her would know that he was wrapped around a package of dynamite.

 

Turning Trials into Triumphs by Members of Victorious Ladies Reading Book Club

Turning Trials Into Triumphs by Michelle Chavis, Nichole Page, Shavonna Futrell, Venita Alderman Sadler, Patricia Alston-Tapp, Asha Jones-Wade and Tracey Burwell Deshazo

Trials are an inevitable aspect of life and come upon us in many different ways. Ways which may include the death of a loved one, an illness, disappointments, betrayal, or parental abandonment. GOD has allowed us to endure many trials, situations and tribulations. When planting a tree you have to consider the soil. Not all trees can grow or thrive in the same dirt. Certain soils produce different fruit. Therefore, the various types of trials we go through yield different results as well.

Turning Trials into Triumphs is an anthology of events that could have left the contributors bitter, but instead their circumstances evolved for the better. The ladies of VLR believe that the attitude we display through trials , will determine whether an individual will emerge victorious. Out of our greatest trials, comes the defining moments of life that lay the foundation for building the strength of our character.

 

About the Authors

Turning Trials into Triumphs was written by seven members of Victorious Ladies Reading (VLR) Book Club who wanted to encourage others to conquer every problem or situation that may arise by trusting GOD even when you can’t trace GOD. Watch him turn your TRIAL into a TRIUMPH! To learn more about each author visit our website WWW.VLRBOOKCLUB.COM

 

Purchase Turning Trials Into Triumphs by Michelle Chavis, Venita Alderman Sadler and Co-Authors
https://www.amazon.com/Turning-Trials-Triumphs-Michelle-Chavis-ebook/dp/B01M017I6J

Category – Non-Fiction/ Self Help
Online Book Sellers Amazon.Com and BarnesandNoble.com

 

A Calm Heart Effect: Minding My Heart Business by Lola C Booker

A Calm Heart Effect: Minding My Heart Business by Lola C Booker

 

“A Calm Heart Effect” is a book of poetry and prayers about life’s relationships of love and friendship. The poems are earthy with emotions exposed, and they hit at the heart of relationships with friends and family. The author’s wit and wisdom come through the verses which evoke an emotional response that is delightful and satisfying to the reader. The author’s premise is “a heart needs to be whole to hold love”. She also believes that “minding your heart business” will help to turn your life and love right side up. This book is for adult readers who are seeking answers with a spiritual basis to help them cope and heal from relationship issues.

“A Calm Heart Effect” was written to bring true feelings to the light in order that peace of mind can be achieved. The author’s hope is that the readers can also experience a calmness of heart as they engage their minds into something other than the BIGness of life’s problems.

 

Purchase A Calm Heart Effect: Minding My Heart Business by Lola C. Booker
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1548024317
Poetry > Inspirational > Transformational literature

 

About the Author
Lola C. Booker is the mother of two grown children and a retiree from the Talladega County School System in Alabama. She has been a full-time writer for most of her life. Nothing has separated her from the pen and paper, and she hopes it never will. “A Calm Heart Effect” is her first published book of poems and prayers. She is a prolific writer, having written hundreds of poems and prayers over a span of years. Her poems are earthy with emotions exposed and they hit at the heart of relationships with friends and family.

She is a skilled wordsmith, weaving her wit and wisdom through the verses which evoke an emotional response that is delightful and satisfying to the reader. Her belief is that “when life and love are turned upside down, minding your heart business ll help to turn your life and love right side up”. Her hope is that the reader will be able to relax with her book and relate at a heart level. Her premise is that “a heart needs to be whole to hold love”. Her book of poems and prayers is designed to help the reader with their own “heart business”.

 

You’re Invited to Pamela Samuels Young’s Book Release Party!

You’re Invited to Pamela Samuels Young’s Book Release Party!  Meet the Actor Who Brings Pamela Samuels Young’s Award-Winning Novels to Life and Receive a Copy of Her New Book, Abuse of Discretion!

Sunday, August 6th, 2017 at 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Best Western Golden Sails Hotel, Crystal Ballroom
6285 East Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA 90803

To celebrate the release of her eighth mystery, she’s teaming up with the narrator of her audiobooks, R.C. Bray—the man who does a mean Dre and can also transform into female characters like Angela and Special. He literally brings my characters to life! If you’ve listened to any of Pamela’s books on audio, then you’re familiar with the great work of R.C.

The Audie-winning actor will perform a few scenes from Abuse of Discretion and explain how he manages to make the characters sound so real. Author Rickey Teems will be our M.C. for the afternoon.

 

The ticket price includes R.C.’s performance and a copy of Abuse of Discretion, which goes on sale September 26th, so you’ll be getting a copy early.

Click Here to Get Your Ticket Now!
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2929230

Admission includes light refreshments and a signed copy of Abuse of Discretion.

 

Behold the Dreamers (Oprah’s Book Club): A Novel by Imbolo Mbue

A compulsively readable debut novel about marriage, immigration, class, race, and the trapdoors in the American Dream—the unforgettable story of a young Cameroonian couple making a new life in New York just as the Great Recession upends the economy

 

Jende Jonga, a Cameroonian immigrant living in Harlem, has come to the United States to provide a better life for himself, his wife, Neni, and their six-year-old son. In the fall of 2007, Jende can hardly believe his luck when he lands a job as a chauffeur for Clark Edwards, a senior executive at Lehman Brothers. Clark demands punctuality, discretion, and loyalty—and Jende is eager to please. Clark’s wife, Cindy, even offers Neni temporary work at the Edwardses’ summer home in the Hamptons. With these opportunities, Jende and Neni can at last gain a foothold in America and imagine a brighter future.

However, the world of great power and privilege conceals troubling secrets, and soon Jende and Neni notice cracks in their employers’ façades.

When the financial world is rocked by the collapse of Lehman Brothers, the Jongas are desperate to keep Jende’s job—even as their marriage threatens to fall apart. As all four lives are dramatically upended, Jende and Neni are forced to make an impossible choice.

 

Winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award • A New York Times Notable Book • Longlisted for the PEN/Open Book Award • An ALA Notable Book

 

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY
NPR • The New York Times Book Review • San Francisco Chronicle • The Guardian • St. Louis Post-Dispatch • Chicago Public Library • BookPage • Refinery29 • Kirkus Reviews

 

Pamela Samuels Young’s Tips for Pursuing Your Passion

Pamela Samuels Young’s Tips for Pursuing Your Passion

1. Put in the Time
I meet people all the time who have a dream, but expect that dream to come to fruition at the snap of their fingers. The reality is, it takes time. I completed my first novel by getting up at four in the morning to write for a couple of hours before work. It took me three years to finish my first book, and then I couldn’t find an agent. I didn’t give up. I wrote a second novel, Every Reasonable Doubt, which kicked off my writing career. Anything worth having is worth working for.

 
2. Master Your Craft
Concentrate on learning your craft. When I finished my first book, I just knew it was going to be a bestseller. I still have that manuscript and it sucks! It took time and study to learn how to properly craft and plot a mystery novel. Take courses, research your passion online and practice, practice, practice. Make sure you’re really as good as you think you are.

 

3. Join Professional Organizations
Surround yourself with others who share your passion. There are hundreds of professional organizations whose sole function is to help their members develop their creative talents and realize their business goals. I belong to Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America and Romance Writers of America. These groups have been very instrumental in my success as a writer. No matter what your passion is, there’s bound to be a networking group you can join.

 
4. Ignore the Naysayers
People who don’t have the motivation to pursue their own dreams will often try to derail yours. People repeatedly discouraged me when I told them I planned to give up my law career to write mystery novels. I also received over a dozen rejection letters before finally landing my first agent.

Once I finally landed a book deal, there was still more rejection. After Harlequin published Every Reasonable Doubt and In Firm Pursuit, which were both Essence magazine bestsellers, nine publishing houses rejected my third book, Murder on the Down Low. That left me no option but to self-publish, which was the best decision I ever made for my writing career.

My novel Anybody’s Daughter won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Fiction against four bestselling authors at major publishing houses (Walter Mosley, Terry McMillan, Sistah Soljah and Victoria Christopher Murray).

Later, two publishing houses who’d previously rejected my work, were now interested in publishing me. Their outreach was a major validating moment. All the rejection I experienced taught me to take charge of my own writing career. I’m now happily self-published and writing full time.

About Pamela Samuels Young
Pamela is an attorney, anti-trafficking advocate and award-winning author of multiple legal thrillers. Her mystery Anybody’s Daughter won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Fiction and was a Top Ten pick by In the Margins, the best books for at-risk teens. The former journalist and retired lawyer is also a natural hair enthusiast and the author of Kinky Coily: A Natural Hair Resource Guide. Pamela received her bachelor’s degree from USC and also earned graduate degrees from Northwestern University and UC Berkeley School of Law. The Compton native is a frequent speaker on the topics of sex trafficking, online safety, fiction writing, self-empowerment, and pursuing your passion.

To invite Pamela to a book club meeting or speaking engagement or to read an excerpt of Abuse of Discretion and Pamela’s other books, visit her website at http://www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com.

 

Read book excerpts at: http://www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com
Follow me on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/pamsamuelsyoung
Follow me on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pamelasamuelsyoung

 

 

Broken Spirit by Rose Jackson-Beavers

What do you do when your meticulous plans are irrevocably changed? Did you ever have control over your life? What actions can lead you to your destiny or to disaster, and can we ever truly see the big picture?

 

Stephanie Whitmore had it all together. A young, wealthy businesswoman, with a sexy, and positive attitude, engaged to a man women salivated to spend time in his company. Donnie Johnson, an all-American, successful computer analyst with a passion for mentoring troubled youth, loved women. After a long business trip, Stephanie arrived a day early to Donnie’s home to find her fiancé in a compromising position. With thoughts of suicide dancing in her head, and an evil voice encouraging her to kill herself, nothing could satisfy the pain in her heart but death. But God had other plans for her life, and once she listened to His voice, her life would be forever changed.

Pastor Daniel Winston served as the pastor of a large church in an urban community. A single man who longed to find a wife stayed in prayer asking God to bless him. When Stephanie rushed into his church covered in blood, he wanted to help her. When their hands touched, he experienced a spark that would ignite a fire in his heart so deep, he almost became blind to her issues and couldn’t determine if he was trying to help her or himself. But when God is involved, nothing is as it seems and with His plans, the road to redemption may be rough, but the results so fulfilling.

 

Purchase Broken Spirit by Rose Jackson-Beavers
African American > Women’s Fiction > Romance
https://www.amazon.com.au/Broken-Spirit-Rose-Jackson-Beavers-ebook/dp/B072JD28JP

 

About the Author
Rose Jackson-Beavers, Chief Executive Officer of Prioritybooks Publications grew up in East St. Louis, Illinois and received her Bachelor and Master degrees from Illinois State and Southern Illinois Universities.

Rose is an inspirational speaker who is frequently asked to talk to youths and young adults about life issues. She has worked with many teens throughout her community and has received numerous awards and recognition for her work in youth empowerment and publishing.

She has worked as a freelance writer for A-Magazine, a St. Louis Publication, and The Spanish Lake Word Newspaper and as an Opinion Shaper for the North County Journal Newspaper. Married for thirty-two years to Cedric, they have one daughter, Adeesha.

Rose is the author of ten books. Her 2012 book, A Sinner’s Cry was a finalist in the Religious Fiction category in, The Next Generation Indie Book Awards 2012. Her newest release through Urban Books is Full Figured 5 with Brenda Hampton remained in the top ten on Black Expressions Bookclub for several months. Rose is an Amazon bestselling author. She has published over thirty authors and more than 100 books with many of the books becoming best sellers and receiving award winning recognition.

Visit her website at http://www.prioritybooks.com  or from http://www.amazon.com/ or http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. She can be reached at rosbeav03@yahoo.com. You can also visit her on her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/rose.jacksonbeavers

 

 

Rose Jackson-Beavers Books:

Broken Spirit- Summer 2017
Beneath the Surface Fall 2017
Full-Figured 5
A Sinner’s Cry
Caught in the Net of Deception
A Hole in My Heart (pt. 1)
A Holiday Wish (pt. 2)
Inhibitions
Between Me and You
Backroom Confessions
Sumthin’ T’ Say

 

Rose Jackson-Beavers Social Media Contacts:
instagram.com/rosejacksonbeavers
https://www.facebook.com/rose.jacksonbeavers
https://www.facebook.com/prioritybookspublications
http://www.rosejacksonbeavers.com
http://www.prioritybooks.com
http://www.prioritybooks.blogspot.com

 

Atlanta Chocolate Social Updates

Subject: Important Updates for 2017 Chocolate Social

 

Hello!

We are about 30 days away from the annual Chocolate Social and Excellence Awards. This is the 10th anniversary for Black Pearls Magazine! I’m excited about meeting you all in Atlanta on Thursday Night, July 27, 2017.  I’m coming to you today with a few updates and to share some important news.

 

YOU ARE INVITED TO THE BLACK PEARLS MAGAZINE MEET & GREET
There is a free, private Meet & Greet on Wednesday, July 26, night for readers, authors and book clubs in the Atlanta area. Tell your friends! Just email Ella and let her know who will be attending. RSVP here: edc_dg@yahoo.com. We will all meet in the front lobby at exactly 7pm. Details on the main website. See the information: http://www.edc-creations.com/chocolatesocial16.htm

MEET & GREET LOCATION
HYATT Atlanta Midtown Hotel at 7-11:30pm
125 10th Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30309
Meet Ella in the front lobby at exactly 7pm
Across the parking lot from the Loews Atlanta Hotel

AWARD WINNERS:
If you can not attend the event and would like your award, 2 of the featured books and a copy of the printed keepsake book shipped to you on Monday, August 17, 2017, the fee is $50.00. Email Ella Curry your address immediately after paying. Pay here for printed souvenir book AND your award shipping cost today: https://www.paypal.me/edc1creations/50

 

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HOW TO ORDER KEEPSAKE BOOK
Order your copy of the official Black Pearls Magazine souvenir book from the Excellence Awards

Preview here: https://issuu.com/edccreationsmedia/docs/2017_bpm_excellence_awards

Pay here for Black Pearls Magazine souvenir book and 1 featured book:  https://www.paypal.me/edc1creations/35

Important Note: After paying the $35.00 for the full color magazine and shipping, email Ella Curry at: edc_dg@yahoo.com with your mailing address and full name. Printed keepsake magazines will be mailed out on Monday, August 17, 2017 via priority mail. Check your address twice before emailing to Ella. Deadline to order keepsake book: Monday, July 31, 2017

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 See the keepsake book here: https://issuu.com/edccreationsmedia/docs/2017_bpm_excellence_awards

 

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1. Our event has been moved to the Atlantis Room on the lower level. When you arrive at the event, come directly to the lower level. I will have the DJ waiting on you. There will be a 7ft banner in place so that you can take photos and stream live to social media.

2. Please know that people will be taking photos, live-streaming and videotaping this event. I plan on having a professional photographer join us, so that he can take photos of all the guests. All of my event photos will be posted across social media and in printed material for EDC Creations.

3. We want to feature all of the book clubs and book bloggers attending in the Souvenir Book, that will be given out at the event. If you have interviewed with us and want to send updated photos, do so immediately. If you have not been interviewed for Black Pearls, let me know and I can send over the questions immediately. The hardcover of Black Pearls Magazine will be on sale too.

4. This year all of our guests will have assigned seating. I want to get people in the room and seated as fast as possible. I will email the seating chart on July 15, 2017. You will be seated with people you should get to know!  The idea behind this event is to introduce readers and authors so that you can support each other. Email all information to: edc_dg@yahoo.com.

5. If you are an author attending the event, we have great packages to showcase your books during the event. The Chocolate Social Bundle is ideal for new books, backlist titles and for books coming out later in 2017. See the Black Pearls advertising opportunities and packages: http://www.edc-creations.com/chocolatesocial16.htm

6. I need to know the names of all the guests attending with you. If you purchased tickets for a group, email Ella all of the names of the attendees. If you want to sit together, now is the time to send me all seating requests. I need to know all of the names before June 17, 2017.

7. There is a private Meet & Greet on Wednesday night for readers, authors and book clubs in the Atlanta area. Tell your friends! Just email Ella and let her know who will be attending. We will all meet in the front lobby at exactly 7pm. Details on the main website.

See the information: http://www.edc-creations.com/chocolatesocial16.htm

8. We have 10 authors with tables to selling their books. Please prepare to support our event sponsors with a purchase. They will sign books and autograph the printed Black Pearls Magazine. Their books will not be included in the swag bags given out at 10pm. I will also have my Crown Holder Treasure Boxes on sale for $35.00.

 

9. We are looking for business owners and authors to help sponsor the event, so please feel free to share all of my social media posts and the link to the EDC Creations website. Thank you in advance!

10. You can call or email me at any time with questions about the event. Call (301) 892-6573 and leave your name, number and a detailed message.

2017 Chocolate Social Location and Details
HYATT Atlanta Midtown Hotel
Party in the Atlantis Room, Lower Level
125 10th Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30309
Across the parking lot from the Loews Atlanta Hotel
Parking is $5.00. Attire: Semi-formal white clothing. Adults Only

 

Warmest regards,

Ella Curry, President of  EDC Creations
About Me:  http://about.me/elladcurry
Black Pearls Magazine Online-Founder
Black Authors Network Radio-Founder
Social Media Expert – Internet Publicist – Brand Strategist

 

EyeCU Reading & Social Network Book Club

A Detroit native, Ebony Evans has always had a knack for creating and implementing exciting out-of-the-box ideas. Quite the event planner, she has embarked upon many different endeavors; be it a shopping trip to the Big Apple, photo shoots of all kinds, pole parties or giving her time to charities near and dear, Ebony was and is doing it!

EyeCU Reading & Social Network, is a combination of yet another creative idea, fused with one of her dynamic passions…reading. She and a host of friends together developed this idea into a reality. In addition to reading, being a devoted wife and mother, Ebony enjoys cooking, traveling, karaoke and spending time with family. Life has taught Ebony the value of surrounding herself with a close-knit circle of like-minded supportive friends, with whom she reciprocates compassion and that same support.

Ebony Evans, EyeCU Reading & Social Network book club founder is an enthusiastic reader and self-proclaimed “book nerd” at heart! Ebony has been married to her soul mate, Michael for sixteen years and together they have one high energy and very talented 10-year-old daughter, Essence. Essence’s “bigger than life” personality and sleuth of extracurricular activities keep Ebony and Michael very busy and very proud as they watch her grow!

EyeCU Reading & Social Network is made up President Ebony, Secretary Samara, Treasurer Bayyinah and members Chineda, Monique, Rhena, Satanya, Stacye, Tamara & Tina.

BPM: Please tell us about your book club. Where are you located?
EyeCU Reading & Social Network is in the Metro Detroit area with satellite members in both California & Arizona.

BPM: How did your book club get started? When did your group begin, what year?
Some of our members have known each other dating back to high school. In 2010 a small group of us, most of whom are avid readers got together for dinner one evening to hear Ebony’s thoughts on creating a book club. Her ideas were embraced, the details were discussed and the first group of EyeCU Reading Officers was in place. From there Ebony hosted a meet and greet/tattoo party to introduce EyeCU Reading to other women that she thought would like to join. And just like that… EyeCU Reading and Social Network hit the scene!

BPM: How many members do you have?
EyeCU Reading & Social Network currently has 10 fabulous members!

BPM: What is the purpose for your organization?
The purpose of EyeCU Reading & Social Network is to promote literacy in the African American community with an emphasis on African American women. To support primarily, but not exclusively, the works of African American authors. To encourage community involvement through charitable endeavors, support and motivation. Our club was born from the vision of providing an avenue for women to fellowship with a primary focus on reading thought provoking books, networking with other book clubs, attending literary events and meeting fascinating authors. We also want to show our beauty and boldness in all that we do!

BPM: Tell us about your bookclub and any contributing members. What is the demographic of your group?
EyeCU Reading & Social Network consist of a diverse group of women with a wide range of professional backgrounds and varied interest. We look forward to seeing each other at our monthly meetings to not only discuss that month’s read but to get caught up on each other’s lives, offer advice or sometimes just an ear and have some of the absolute best laughs.

BPM: How do you make your book selections for the month?
Each member is responsible for hosting a monthly meeting. As the host, you also select the book for that month. Regardless of the genre all are required to read the book and write a corresponding review. This process really empowers the group with the opportunity to embark upon all sorts of stories and topics, as we have a diverse range of interests amongst us.

BPM: Do you read and discuss books outside of the book of the month?
Certainly! As we are all avid readers, we read, discuss, share excerpts, links and review many books outside of the monthly selection.

BPM: Do you use social media to share your featured books with other readers?
Most definitely! EyeCU Reading & Social Network’s social media is used to share our featured books and connect with authors and other readers. Recently we have even had a few scheduled “live” interactions with authors on social media as well.

BPM: Do you prefer to read books by authors of color?
While our goal is to support African American authors, we are open to reading and have read authors of all ethnicities.

BPM: Do you support self-published authors?
Yes! We absolutely support self-published authors. Book club member Stacye Lewis aka Kaylynn Hunt is a talented self-published author of several books. Ebony is on the cover of two of her books, “Love With A Vengeance” and “Catching Dreams. Not all talented authors have a big house book deal so we definitely support and acknowledge authors both small and large.

BPM: Do you borrow books from the library?
We do! We do! We do! We feel it’s important to support our community libraries. So many people don’t realize or take advantage of the local libraries. And we super love FREE!

BPM: What genre/types of books do you prefer to read?
We pretty much read it all! From Christian based to the most erotic and everything in between. The diversity of our group and our variety of interests leads us to open our minds to literature of all kinds.

BPM: Have the types of books changed over time?
As our group, matures, it seems that yes, the types of books have changed over time. While we started out reading lots of urban fiction, we’ve evolved to reading pretty much everything! We’ve even indulged in and enjoyed Sci-Fi; a genre that wasn’t even on our radar at first.

 

College Life 202: Core Principles (The College Life Series, Vol 4) by J.B. Vample

College Life 202: Core Principles (The College Life Series, Vol 4) by J.B. Vample

After a tense winter recess, Chasity Parker, Malajia Simmons, Sidra Howard, Emily Harris, and Alexandra Chisolm return to Paradise Valley University to finish out their sophomore year. It doesn’t take long for their problems from last semester to spill into the new one.

Malajia throws caution to the wind and gives a questionable love interest another chance. The promising new relationship soon becomes filled with jealousy and disrespect. Refusing to give up and ignoring all voices of reason, Malajia winds up losing more than she bargained for. After finally coming to terms with her true feelings for Jason Adams, Chasity realizes that she must face her fears and tell him the truth, or risk losing him. If that weren’t hard enough, Chasity unexpectedly comes face to face with her birth mother. Learning the shocking truth about who her parents are, Chasity is forced on an emotional roller coaster she is unsure she will ever get off of.

Sidra is desperately trying to keep her stress-induced temper in check. But when problems with her messy neighbors intensify, Sidra is forced to reveal her angry side as she takes matters into her own hands. Emily’s growing need for alcohol to cope with stress is pushing her further into a state of depression. When her grades continue to take a nosedive, her mother’s threat of a school transfer becomes imminent. Defeated, Emily fears that if things don’t change, she will lose both her independence and sanity.

The new semester brings forth rising tensions. Hurtful words are taken in and harsh truths are dished out. However, the girls learn that no matter how bad things get between them—when it matters—they have each other’s back. If they hope to survive this next phase of college life, they’ll have to.

 

The College Life Series follows the lives of five young black women as they make their journey through their four years of college at Paradise Valley University. Chasity Parker, the troubled beauty, Malajia Simmons, the party girl, Sidra Howard, the prim princess, Alex Chisolm, the self proclaimed “know-it-all”, and Emily Harris, the shy mommy’s girl are five main protagonists, thrown together by chance. Bringing to college different voices, vastly different backgrounds, and different ways of confronting challenges.

This series touches on different issues that affect college aged people; such as class pressure, family drama, personal drama, relationship issues, peer confrontations, discovery and friendship. This ill-assorted group discover in this new environment and through unlikely friendships who they are.

More About The College Life Series by J.B. Vample

College Life 101: Freshman Orientation (The College Life Series, Vol. 1)

College Life 102: Social Learning (The College Life Series, Vol. 2)

College Life 201: Sophomore Studies (The College Life Series, Vol. 3)

College Life 202: Core Principles (The College Life Series, Vol 4)

Order the series here: http://www.jbvample.com/books.html

 

About the Author
J.B. Vample resides in Philadelphia, PA. Although she majored in Computer Science at UMES, her first love has always been writing. The concept of her current book series came to her at the age of seventeen. Since then, she has dreamed that readers would fall in love with her characters and their stories. In 2015, after years of writing for only herself, she decided to share her work with the world. “College Life 101: Freshman Orientation” is her first published book and book one of “The College Life Series.” Aside from writing, J.B enjoys reading and listening to music.

Website: http://www.jbvample.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jbvample
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbvample
Facebook profile: http://www.facebook.com/JessycaVample
Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/thecollegelifeseries

#TheCollegeLifeSeries #Characters #characterdriven #NewAdultfiction #YAfiction #reader #serieswriter #bookseries #blackcharactersrock #blackauthorsrock #drama #humor #Gethooked #chooseyourteam #teamMalajia #teamChasity #teamSidra #teamAlex #teamEmily

 

 

A Bee on My Bike by Vera Harris

A Bee on My Bike by Vera Harris
While visiting his grandmother on a summer school break, a young boy’ discovers the wonders of being young and the wisdom that life can bring.

Zach and His Cat by Vera Harris
When a young boy’s family adopts a cat to add to their family, Zach learns a valuable lesson on responsibility.

Testimonials for Books by Vera Harris

I purchased “A Bee on My Bike” and “Zach and His Cat” for my GG Daughter several weeks ago. She was delighted! Both books are pleasing to the eye for young children, the illustrations are outstanding and the concepts are just what KG students and early elementary students need! Thank you Ms. Harris for these outstanding books!
– Review Written By Lynda Mubarak

“This is very clever read for children. There are great sight words to help with spelling tests. The beautiful illustrations make it a great nighttime story for the kiddos.”
– Felicia M. (5.0 out of 5 stars)

“A must purchase for those that have children, grands, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and mentees. Reading this book will not only teach them a lesson but it will be one that they will never forget.”
-Review Written By Amazon Customer (5.0 out of 5 Stars)

“This was such a great book. My granddaughter enjoyed it so much”
– Tujuana Walker (5.0 out of 5 Stars)

“I have 6 nieces and nephews and they each enjoyed this book! Great for kid reading.”
– Amazon Customer (5.0 out of 5 Stars)

“This was a great read for children. Absolutely loved it!!!”
– Amazon Customer (5.0 out of 5 stars)

“Great book for beginning readers!”
– Nitia L. Harris (5.0 out of 5 stars)

“Good book with bright colored illustrations!!”
– Carolyn Elkins (5.0 out of 5 stars)

“I am so proud of you. When reading these two verses below you came to mind. Way to go Ms. Vera. May prayers that God continues to bless you!!!  Psalm 20:4 – “May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”

Matthew 17:20 – “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'”
– Cassandra (5.0 out of 5 Stars)

Order Zach and His Cat by Vera Harris  and  A Bee on My Bike by Vera Harris
#YA Reader,  #Juvenile, #Fiction, #Children  #Action,  #Adventure
Available on OutskirtsPress.com, Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and wherever books are sold.

MEET THE AUTHOR
Even before I started Happy Reading Self Published by Vera in 2014, I’ve always had an interest in becoming a book author. I love creating fun stories that captivate the hearts of little kids, and so I worked hard to make my dream into a reality.

My grandson inspired me to write my first book! My first books, A Bee on My Bike and Zach and His Cat both appeared in Storymonster.com, Storytime Pup, North Texas Book Festival, the African America Book Expo, featured on the Author Lounge Radio Show, DFW Literacy Fest, Writers Showcase’, Authors and Small Business Owners’, Children’s Books Read Aloud on YouTube and numerous booking signing at Half Price Book Stores throughout the Dallas Forth Worth Metroplex.

Readers can take a look at my books at the Dallas Public Library, Ellen Brooks West Memorial Library Forney, TX, Houston, TX Public Library, and Savannah, Georgia Public Library.

I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time with my family, most of whom fondly call me “Sister.” Aside from these hobbies, I also love working in the church and being a volunteer reading partner for the Dallas Independent School District.

As a Retired Combat Army Veteran, I served the U.S. Army with honor and distinction for 30 years and earned two Bronze Star Medals in combat, and various commendations, certificates, and other medals and honors.

Please visit my website at: veraharris.vpweb to learn more about my work and future events.

Vera Harris books are available online, in libraries, and in numerous School Districts.
https://www.amazon.com/Vera-Harris/e/B00WCAID14
https://outskirtspress.com/webPage/isbn/9781478728436#author

 

 

A View from Harlem by Tracey Fagan Danzey

A View from Harlem by Tracey Fagan Danzey takes a look at our friends from Jasper’s Cafe On The Boulevard five years later.

Life makes the distinction between lasting or lust and forever or not. Nearly five years ago, the contrasting lives of these unlikely friends became cemented. Through all their differences, they toiled through the grit of building friendships and finding love. Now it truly begins. Perry and Robert Nichols have finally transitioned from living a lie into living that life. Despite her once-pretentious facade, Perry now touts a coveted life—one she never apologizes for. What matters is her marriage, her two children, and the success of her upscale business, Lux Body & Soul. Perry’s wrath abruptly becomes unleashed once being betrayed, causing her life to quickly unravel. When everything she holds dear is put at risk, Perry must call on Harlem Brooks.

Harlem Brooks, the good boy gone bad, has returned to the city. He has cleaned up his act and is no longer the judge’s prodigal son. Harlem is back at the firm, committed and living a more suitable life. As his determination increases to spare Perry from ending up behind bars and keeping her family intact, he is unknowingly blind-sided by what is awaiting his own. When he returns to the office late one night seeking any crucial evidence to turn around a plummeting trial, Harlem makes a shattering discovery. Now more than ever he longs for what his brother has . . . his own family. Like many men, Harlem hasn’t quenched his insatiable needs. What he desires most is the one thing he can’t have. Erika Townsend’s beauty is alluring to Harlem, but what intrigues him most is her resilience. That unshakable strength is what Harlem needs now more than ever.

Torie Matthews is finally settled and happy after marrying Quinn, her best friend and kindred spirit. In the face of their marital bliss, there has been immense heartbreak. When their marriage receives yet another devastating blow, Torie questions whether their bond is strong enough to endure.

EXCERPT:  View from Harlem by Tracey Fagan Danzey

“Sooo, are you coming?”

“Are you going to let me smoke my weed?” she asks in a lowered voice as if there’s a tap on our phone. Simone starts laughing at her request. “I know ya’ll hussies got me on speaker. Who is that—Simone?”

“Yes, yes, yes! I don’t even care, just get here! Auntie, are you really still smoking?” I laugh at the visual of her pulling from a roach at her age, while catching me up on her always so eventful relationships.

“You still freak’n on that fine husband of yours? Uh-huh, let’s not forget that I found your big girl box of tricks, toy chest or whatever you call it. Yep, I saw it tucked in the back of the guest room closet on my last visit.” Her laughter quickly transforms into gasps and no longer audible words other than, “Oh Jesus, I can’t breathe . . . ha, ha, ha . . . oh Jesus! Ree, what you call those silver balls in that box again? Wait . . . and you put them in where?” Aunt Dot’s now laughing and probably pissing all over herself, or at least I hope so, for laughing at me and reminding me of how humiliated I was.

“Anyway Ree, it’s not like Quinn’s still the mayor . . . Hasn’t he completed his four-year term?”

“Yes, but seriously Auntie, when are you gonna give that up? You can’t have grown-up diapers and still smoke blunts,” I giggle along with Simone as I chastise her.

“I can do whatever I want! Besides, they’re panty liners and when I do get to the point of needing grown up diapers, you better be pulling that damn plug!”

“Oh, here we go!” I roll my eyes at the phone while looking over at Simone.

“Oh no, hussy, we had a deal! Have you forgotten? It’s a deal that you negotiated. I got you that mangy little kitten that Nana and your mommy frowned on in exchange for you pulling the plug the day that my body commits treason. Remember that?”

“I was SIX!” I defend as I take her off speaker.

 

A Life Not My Own by TM Brown

A Life Not My Own by TM Brown. Non-fiction. Memoir.

In A Life Not My Own, Tina Brown shares her personal experiences of child abuse and neglect, her struggles as a teenager and in her young adult life.

The book started as a journal and was her attempt to address many of the secrets she had pushed to the back in her mind. As the memories continued to resurface, she was forced to address the issues that ultimately led to her sharing her past with readers around the world as a powerful force of inspiration.

You can purchase this memoir on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2jDKsna

More books by TM Brown
https://www.amazon.com/TM-Brown/e/B00BTFCLAW/

 

 

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Struggles of the Women Folk (Tethered Angel) by TM Brown
This is the story of Georgie. She is a young black girl growing up in the 1940s in a small, rural town in Virginia. Life is hard and she dreams of better life. She experiences great loss and heartache. She loses friends and family, as well as the love of her life. And still, she remains strong. This emotional and inspiring story has a gritty dialogue. TM Brown’s signature writing style is captivating. You will find it difficult to stop reading once you begin… You can purchase on Amazon here:

2016 Florida Authors & Publishers Association (FAPA) President’s Book Award WINNER for Struggles of the Women Folk

Reviewed by Ray Simmons for Readers’ Favorite

If Oprah Winfrey reads Struggles of the Womenfolk by T.M. Brown, it will probably be made into a movie one day. I say this because I know Oprah feels strongly about a lot of things, and two of the things she feels most strongly about are the struggles of women and the struggles of black people who grew up in the particular time and era of the South after slavery and before the civil rights movement. I was ten years old in 1968 so I missed the worst of the post-civil war life depicted by T.M. Brown in Struggles of the Womenfolk, but I remember the atmosphere of hate and oppression. Struggles of the Womenfolk opens in 1944 and the author captures the tone of the time and era brilliantly.

I’m going to go out on a limb here and compare Struggles of the Womenfolk to The Color Purple. Struggles of the Womenfolk worked better for me personally because it is less poetic and more realistic in my own humble opinion. T.M. Brown lets the characters tell their story and many of them are not poets, though their lives are the stuff that poetry is carved from. The dialect and dialogue are accurate. The depictions of black life at that time are accurate and direct. Struggles of the Womenfolk may be fated to become an American classic and for me it confirmed something I have always suspected: no matter how bad it is for the men, it is worse for the women. A great American novel.

Download Struggles of the Women Folk (Tethered Angel) by TM Brown – http://amzn.to/2jCWqO0

 

 

Into The Mist: A LaShaun Rousselle Mystery by Lynn Emery

Into The Mist: A LaShaun Rousselle Mystery by Lynn Emery

LaShaun Rousselle is on the hunt again!

A six-year-old girl vanishes. The main suspect is found brutally murdered. What’s the connection? Psychic LaShaun Rousselle is on the case, because these are far from ordinary crimes.

 

Excerpt: Into The Mist

“To recap your story, you went out to party when you didn’t even know where your six- year-old kid was, left your three youngest here alone, got back drunk after one in the morning, woke up, saw the writing and decided something was wrong.” Det. Anderson pressed his lips together.

Sherry flinched. “I didn’t leave until almost ten, so really it wasn’t all that long.”

“Uh-huh.” Anderson put on his sunglasses and looked away from her.

Sherry faced LaShaun. “They say you’ll know. Tell me what this says. Where’s my girl?”

“I don’t recognize these letters, Sherry,” LaShaun replied. She read regret in the woman’s eyes.

“We’ll have to do some more research,” Chase added. “Det. Anderson, take a set of pictures for the department. Work with Deputy Wilcox to scrape samples of the ink off. We’ll send it to the state police lab for analysis.”

Det. Anderson hissed low. “Right. We’ll track down who decided to be an artist in the middle of the night.”

“It wasn’t me. Tante Alice and grandmamma says it’s evil. If that’s true, then they got my Dina and no tellin’ what they done to her by now.” Sherry’s voice rose to a hysterical whine. “It don’t take long to hurt a little girl.”

At Chase’s signal, the female deputy stepped forward and took her by the arm. Their voices faded as Sherry allowed the deputy to lead her away. “C’mon, ma’am. I’ll take you over to your mama’s house like you said. Let’s pack a few things.”

LaShaun turned to Chase. “Where are the other children?”

 

STATIONS: Changing Your Life – Changing Your Career by Dr. Lynda Mubarak

STATIONS: Changing Your Life – Changing Your Career by Dr. Lynda Mubarak

The current global workforce has changed tremendously during the past decade and your workplace is part of that change. Labor trends, increased use of technology for goods and services, and the reduction of workers at all levels has generated a need to view employment and self-sufficiency in a new light. If you have children, they will need to be able to work in a 21st century work environment with a diverse workforce which will entail jobs which are being developed as they enter elementary grades or high school. STATIONS is the quick resource guide that offers suggestions and time-proven strategies to parents and professionals who interact with children and young adult workers.

STATIONS is a collection of essays that provides food for thought as we make our way through the different situations, events, stages, circumstances and parental decisions that will ultimately affect personal lifestyles and career options.

STATIONS examines childhood academic and social skills, and addresses the challenging task of teaching children to be healthy and financially sound while preparing them to thrive and survive in a global workforce driven by cutting edge technology and ongoing competition. STATIONS is concise, amusing, informative and frank in its discussion of life’s everyday circumstances including social media and proactive workplace practices that affect all of us from the first job through career changes during an employment history.

 

STATIONS EXCERPT: Are Your Kids Competing in STEM?

You spent too much money and time in Lost Wages,Nevada, purchased the latest versions of Kindle and the iPhone, and shared your summer vacation report with anyone who cared to listen on the back lot or front office at work. Now what? You have used up your bragging rights for the summer season. How about something new, exciting and educational for the kids?

Do you know that the fields of science, technology,engineering, and math (STEM) are begging for sharp young minds with fresh ideas and innovative thinking? Your child represents one of those young minds. You don’t need to be reminded that your children are highly intelligent. They can name every space-related cartoon character, identify their mutant friends or foes and describe the planets they inhabit. Do you notice how their eyes light up when an enemy craft is landing? Their toy boxes are filled with action figures that represent long, hard battles and conquests. In other words, your children are already playing games containing futuristic models and know which channels to surf on Saturday morning to find the leaping, flying creatures!

So, instead of the usual Disney World, SeaWorld, Six Flags, or the expensive, tropical island family trip, consider enrolling your child in a NASA Summer Day Camp next year, and make it a family affair. This unique hands-on experience will put your child in touch with several categories of STEM and open another world for career investigation. The NASA online interactive activities will also teach them to appreciate the world of internet technology on a different level. At NASA your children can actually explore the many occupations connected with space exploration and meet the people behind the scenes who plan and execute the missions.

It’s also important for children to know that behind every highly visible occupation there are hundreds of people in the background who work very hard to make the overall project successful. Just think, after this trip your daughter (yes, daughter) might announce that she will be designing space suits for future astronauts instead of fashions for movie stars. Likewise, your son may decide to create the next generation of transformers or robots used for planet exploration or spaceship repair. It’s even possible that the little cook in your family may consider a career as a nutritionist for space travelers. Who knows? Your youngsters may even develop a new interest in astronomy.

When your coworker brags about his trip to the islands, smile and tell him about your five-year-old daughter’s NASA Camp Kennedy experience and her new aerospace vocabulary. If your coworker is still standing, tell him your sixth grade son loves basketball and soccer, but is also involved in the U.S. Army’s eCybermission Competition. His team has a chance to win $5,000 in cash if the members can identify and resolve an issue in the community using the classic scientific method. Checkmate! Blast off!

 

Order STATIONS: Changing Your Life – Changing Your Career by Dr. Lynda Mubarak
GENRE: Young Adult – Parenting, First Generation College Students, College Student Affairs Programs, Urban Education, Elementary – HS Student Success Programs, Workplace Readiness, At-Risk Youth Programs, Displaced Worker Programs
STATIONS is available for purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Lynda-Mubarak/e/B01ELLYYGO

 

About the Author
Dr. Lynda Mubarak is a native Texan and Army veteran. She is a retired teacher and special education facilitator with 37 years of experience in special needs instruction, adult ESL education at Tarrant County College, and developmental writing at Strayer University. Her love for books began when she was a child and could not attend the Waco Public Library. Dr. Mubarak is an active volunteer with several Ft. Worth organizations. She loves crossword puzzle competitions, live theater, contemporary music history and traveling with her husband. She loves spending time with her two rescue dogs, Ebony Joyce and Shorty Junior. Dr. Lynda is also a co-host on The Author’s Lounge Radio Show, Fish Bowl Radio Network, Grey Stream, Tuesdays, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Central Time, #fbrnus.

 

 

Hollywood Skye by Suzetta Perkins

Hollywood Skye by Suzetta Perkins

Skye Taylor-Culbertson is a naïve, attractive 19-year old who coerces a soldier from a nearby army base to marry her to get as far away from her small Kansas hometown. But she comes to realize that she’s in a marriage from hell and with very little money, she leaves her husband for the bright lights of Los Angeles, a city that she’s ill-equipped to navigate, to pursue an acting career. The budding actress puts her life and livelihood into the hands of a man, who becomes her manager, and just as her minimal success as an actress begins to soar, she is arrested by the feds for participating in her manager’s illegal business, of which she is unaware. And one wrong turn and several bad decisions may not only cost her a blossoming acting career but also her life.

Excerpt: Hollywood Skye by Suzetta Perkins

A sudden shadow loomed over her and she looked up into the face of a tall, mocha-colored brother. He had a thin mustache that sat neatly above his lip. A well-lined, close-cropped haircut framed his face. At a glance, he reminded Skye of the actor Leon that she had the pleasure of meeting during a brief encounter at a movie shoot. The gentleman was dressed in a crisp pair of Calvin Klein jeans that were creased so well that it looked as if it could cut somebody; a long-sleeved, white, starched dress shirt; and a black linen jacket. If Skye were to guess, the gentleman looked to be in his thirties—middle to late thirties. And he was handsome. But when he lowered his head to get her attention, not that he already hadn’t, it was his cologne that seduced Skye.

“Are you eating alone or should I ask if this seat is free?” The gentleman’s smile was inviting.

“One Oscar,” the waitress said, placing a plate of three wings, grits, egg, and a fluffy biscuit on the table in front of Skye.

“Well…yes, it’s free, although I was studying.”

The gentleman sat, not waiting for an official welcome. “What are you studying?”

“A script for a part I recently landed.”

“So, you’re an actress.”

“Yes. I have a small recurring role in a television sitcom.”

The gentleman cocked his head and gave Skye a true once over. “This may be your lucky day.”

( Continued… )

© 2016 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, Suzetta Perkins. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author’s written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only.

 

Hollywood Skye Customer Review

Author Suzetta Perkins rises to the top again with her newest offering HOLLYWOOD SKYE

All that glitters is not gold. We’ve all heard that saying, but sometimes it’s not until we see it manifest in our lives do we realize the significance of it. In beloved author Suzetta Perkins’ new book HOLLYWOOD SKYE she allows us to see beyond the goals and ambitions of Skye Taylor and the road she travels to get what she wants.

Along the way Skye’s hopes seemed to be dashed when her associations led her down a difficult path. She was betrayed and made to feel less than she is, but her saving grace comes in Henderson, a man who understand the costs of life in the fast lane and who sees Skye for who she really is and can be.

Hollywood Skye is one of those books that reminds us all that sometimes we have to lose everything in order to discover what really matters. It also reminds us that life can happen to any of us. What matters, however, is what we choose to do next.  Full of the kind of twists and turns and life lessons we have come to expect from Ms. Perkins, this is one of those books that is sure to rise to the top for readers. – Written by Cyrus Webb TOP 500 REVIEWER VINE VOICE

About the Author
Suzetta Perkins has penned and published Behind the Veil, A Love So Deep, Ex-Terminator, Déjà vu, Nothing Stays the Same, Betrayed, At the End of the Day, In My Rearview Mirror, Silver Bullets, and Hollywood Skye. She co-authored The Adventures of Grammy and Sammy with her granddaughter. Suzetta is a contributing author of My Soul to His Spirit, which received the 2006 Fresh Voices Award and featured in Ebony magazine. Suzetta is President of the Sistahs Book Club.

Purchase Hollywood Skye by Suzetta Perkins
Category: Women’s Fiction. Suspense
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Skye-Suzetta-Perkins/dp/1593095562

 

 

 

 

Books by Lutishia Lovely

First Husband by Lutishia Lovely
(Coming Soon) The Hallelujah Series Book 10

Raleigh Anderson was a child prodigy. He read adult books at the age of five, mastered five instruments by the time he was twelve, graduated with a Master’s Degree at twenty-one and by the time he was twenty-five had received a doctorate in divinity and the position of Associate Pastor at one of the most prestigious and conservative ministries in Washington D. C. Now, five years later and with the head minister nearing seventy, there’s talk of Dr. Anderson taking the reins. He’s being pressured to marry his longtime girlfriend. Everyone believes she will be a good partner and a great first lady. Everyone but Raleigh. And the woman keeping his secret.

Malachi Clark IV was born into ministerial royalty. His great-grandfather was a founding board member of an influential religious organization boasting thousands of churches and almost two million members. No one doubts that Malachi IV would not only eventually replace his father in the pulpit, but will also marry and produce Malachi V to continue the legacy. No one except Malachi. He’s doubted his ability to fulfill this obligation since the age of seven, when he learned the word for why he felt different from other boys. When he met an openly homosexual man, and knew that he was gay.

When these two men meet, their lives change in a way that affects everything they know and everyone they love. In gaining each other they have a lot to lose…maybe even their lives.

Read a Sneak Peek Chapter: http://www.lutishialovely.com/ bookshelf

 

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R.A.R.E (Reading And Rapping Experience) Book Club

Patricia Turner Smith is the presiding president of RARE Book Club. Patricia resides in Memphis, TN and lives each day enjoying retirement. She is the mother of two daughters and one granddaughter. Patricia is an active member of the Orange Mound Energizer Line Dancers, Family and Friends a group of members from various churches that meet to share ideas to improve the community and provide assistance to the less fortunate. Patricia volunteers her time by reading books to elementary school students at various schools and assisting the teachers when administering tests. She bowls monthly with a group of retired coworkers and of course, she enjoys reading. Patricia’s motto is Dream Big, Be Strong and Don’t Worry About Tomorrow Because God Is Already There.

BPM: Please tell us about your book club! What is the name?  How many members do you have?
The ladies of RARE Book Club is located in Memphis, TN. R.A.R.E (Reading And Rapping Experience) was founded September 7, 1997. We will celebrate the twentieth anniversary of RARE this year. There are twelve active, unique and energetic members of RARE. The ladies enjoy reading and rapping about various book selections. They are imaginative, and don’t hesitate to put their twist about a story line.

RARE Book Club Officers:
President, Patricia T. Smith
Secretary, Debora Williams
Chaplain, Charlene Hill
Treasurer, Sarita Baker
Asst. Treasurer, Yolanda Marshall
Web Masters, Lisa Puckett and LaTrecia Dyson
Members: Tawanda Hardy and Angela Dickerson
Event Coordinators, Katrina Burns, Barbara Spann and Sandra Brown

BPM: What is the purpose of your organization? Does the name of the club have a special meaning?
The ultimate goal of RARE is to read and have book discussions, network with other book clubs, coordinate and host author’s book signing events and all other literary influences as we promote the importance of literacy. The ladies of RARE have a “Reading And Rapping Experience” during our book discussions. They have shown enthusiasm and dedication for literacy by collectively reading 801 books from September 15, 2015 thru August 26, 2016. It is their goal to read books, have intelligent discussions and promote the importance of literacy. RARE was presented the 2016 award by BWABC (Black Writers and Book Clubs) Literacy Rocks Association. for “Reading the Most Books”.

BPM: What has the main focus become over the years? What legacy will your club leave for those watching in the community?
RARE’s goal is to infuse intellectual minds, strengthen sisterhood, offer their time and service within the community and build lasting relationships thru literacy genre. The ladies of RARE collectively volunteered approximately one hundred twenty-four (124) hours of community service from September 15, 2015 thru August 26, 2016. RARE was presented the 2016 award by BWABC, Literacy Rocks Book Club Community Service Award for their commitment to serve others in the community. We rise by lifting others. The community hours included volunteering at Hope House, RARE’s adopted organization. Hope House of Memphis provides preschool and social services for families affected with HIV/AIDS. Our investment in Hope House is an investment in the community. The ladies of RARE support Hope House by helping to provide a healthy and clean environment. They clean the facilities that the students and staff use on a daily basis.

Each year we donate and deliver out door toys such as hoopla hoops, bubbles, balls and other toys for the children based on the request of the staff. The volunteers took the time to interact with the children during play time. They adopt a family of at least four each year at Christmas and purchase everything on their wish lists including toys, clothes, cook ware, bake ware and gift cards for the mother. Their other volunteer opportunities include participating during Black History events, walking for Breast Cancer Awareness and participating in the 5k one and a half mile marathons that raise money for various organizations including St. Jude and Heroes in Recovery.

RARE also works with and supports the efforts of YLT (Young Ladies Today Making A Difference Tomorrow), a nonprofit organization in Southaven, MS. The organization helps to enrich the lives of young ladies ages 5 thru 18. The mission is to impact their lives and make a difference through mentoring, community service, tutoring, arts, reading and building self-esteem. RARE will definitely leave a lasting legacy in the community.

 

Circle of Sisters Book Club of Columbus

Circle of Sisters of Columbus Interview with Helen Gibson and Georgette Martin

Helen Gibson, Circle of Sisters Book Club is a straight country girl from Alabama who currently resides in Columbus Georgia. She is a lifelong reader who honestly cannot remember a time that she did not have a book in her hand. She’s told that even as a toddler she was reading magazines upside down!

BPM: Please tell us about your book club, store or blog! 
Our Book Club started after many years of me and a fellow reader saying “We should start a book club in our church when we finish….”. There was always another program, another event, another ‘something’ that made us hold back starting the club. In 2009, when we both got our first Nooks we again talked about starting a book club, but held off. It wasn’t until 2016 that we finally realized there will always be SOMETHING going on so let’s just do it. We decided to have an interest meeting to see how many were interested but rather than invite only members of our church, we also invited other friends and coworkers. We were truly astonished about how many readers were members of our own congregation and had no idea we all shared a love of books. That was amazing for us! We now have 23 members to include 6 out-of-state members who join us via Skype orWhatsApp Messenger.

BPM: Tell us about your members. How would you describe the personality of your group as a whole?
Since we are located near a military base, our group is diverse: single, married, young, older. We are a lively bunch!

BPM: How do you make your book selections for the month? When do you select the books?
The first few months of the club, it was difficult selecting books. No one wanted to actually nominate a book; we got a lot of “whatever the group decides…”. After talking it over, my co-president and I decided to just make the selections ourselves since everyone wasn’t participatory in nominating and voting. For 2017, we made book marks for the year’s selections with no problems. Every other month we read an AA book; we decided early on that we would not limit ourselves to a particular genre of books. This has worked well for us during our first year. We read one book a month for discussion, but if we read a particularly good book in between we make sure we tell the others to get it.

BPM: What are you reading now? How did you find out about this book? What books are on your reading schedule?
Right now we are reading Destiny Lingers by Rolonda Watts. Georgette and I met Rolonda at the NBCC last year and purchased her book; from the buzz we have received so far everyone is enjoying it. A few other books that we will be reading this year are Glass Houses by Brian W. Smith, Private Sins by Brenda Barrett, and Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult. We just finished The Perfect Affair by Lutishia Lovely and whew what a ride that was!!

BPM: Do you primarily purchase books online or in a bookstore? Do you prefer to read digital books?
Early on we made it clear that it did not matter how you read the book. We just encouraged reading; that was our main goal. We do, however, stress the importance of supporting AA authors, buying their books instead of sharing their books, and leaving reviews for the books we enjoy. So far, the price of e-books has not been questioned and has not hindered our reading selections. Although most everyone in the group has an electronic reading device, I don’t think we will ever stop buying DTB. I visit our local B&N store at least once a week.

BPM: Do you host special events during the year or do you work for any charities? Do you get together as a group to socialize outside of your book club meetings?
Since our club is still relatively new, we have not had the opportunity to host any special events or participate in any type of charity work. Hopefully, as we enter into our second year we will be able to help spread the joy of reading! We are also thinking of ways to annually celebrate our club of sisterhood reading so maybe an annual get-a-way is on the horizon for us. We’ll see.

BPM: Do you have any words of wisdom for other readers who are in or who might want to start a book club?
If you want to start a book club…JUST DO IT…don’t wait for ‘whatever’ to happen or not happen. Just send out the invites and start your club. If only two people show up, meet and keep it moving. If you’re already in a book club, enjoy the experience and don’t stress about the rest.

 

 

Lines that Bind Book Club

Lines that Bind Book Club, based in Atlanta, GA, was established in February 2017. The group is comprised of 5 Grown Women who have chosen to remain small for the purpose of having deep, intellectually stimulating conversations that thoroughly dissect their monthly reads on various levels. Each member is an avid reader with a strong passion for a great read. For them, the best works are those that leave them hungry for the next book.

BPM: Please tell us about your book club! 
Lines that Bind Book Club originated with 3 young ladies who would discuss books in such detail during their leisure time that the idea for a book club was inevitable. Joined with an additional 3 members, Lines that Bind was formed to bond and interact on a Grown Woman’s level with a maturity that leaves the meeting refreshed and not drained. The interactions with these ladies is enlightening, they draw strength one from another from the wisdom that is embodied in them individually and collectively.

BPM: What is the purpose for your organization? Does the name of the club/blog or store have a special meaning?
The purpose of our group is to come together and share not only opinions, but experiences, failures, skills, joy, pain and laughter. Lines That Bind, while a social outlet, is also a group that hopes to make a difference in each other’s lives, their family and community. What really makes us unique is the personality that each member brings to the group; to include the realist, inspiration, pessimist, optimist and the visionary. These temperaments bring about hearty discussions and passionate dialogue that we all enjoy and look forward to.

BPM: What has the main focus become over the years?
The focus of the group has been to gain understanding from the author’s writing that can be applicable to everyday life – some of which has brought forth an enriched knowledge and some has given delightful entertainment.

BPM: Tell us about your members. How would you describe the personality of your group as a whole?
Our president, Melesia Tillman brings a thirst of reading with the perspective of reality, Ziyesha Kehinde is filled with an understanding approach of reason, Shy Armstrong is our no holds barred, abrupt and to the point perspective, Antanya Chung is not only inspirational but highly intelligent in her thought process of how and why things occur in the manner that they do and Norlita Brown enlightens the group with interesting perspectives from that of an author who is also an avid reader. With each meeting we evolve, we grow, we bond.

BPM: In your opinion, what makes a good book club conversation?
The availability of a reading guide helps with the organization and fleshing out of the topics to discuss. Our book club conversations stay on topic, but cover every nook and cranny as it relates to the book, the characters, the development and underdevelopment, the author’s writing style, the climaxes of the story, the highs and lows, the disappointments and satisfactions. In essence, LTB gets to the heart of the book and have even created story lines that would have also worked or that they would have loved to see transpire in the book. The conversations are topics that the authors themselves would love to be privy to before and after publication as LTB leaves no page untouched in their thought process.

BPM: How do you make your book selections for the month? When do you select the books?
The selections are made by the group for the next month during the current month’s reading selection.

BPM: Do you read and discuss books outside of the book of the month?
Yes, many of the members are avid readers and as the group has bonded through books, they continue to discuss other reads that are not included as the selection of the month.

BPM: Do you use social media to share your featured books with other readers?
LTB is currently in the embryo-tic stage, but plans to have a Facebook page in the near future where they will openly discuss the books they have read and give unbiased opinions of the author’s work from their perspective.

BPM: Do you prefer to read books by authors of color? Do you support self-published authors?
Lines That Bind loves reading books by authors of color, self-published authors and they do borrow books from the library, however, they are not limited to any of these categories. They are open to all genres and all races.

BPM: What are key factors that help a book remain on your mind long after the last page?
If the book provokes an emotion, whether sadness, joy or anger; we tend to dwell on that book and look at reading more from that author.

BPM: Do you write and post book reviews to online retailers? How do you handle bad reviews or books that flopped?
LTB has written online reviews to retailers and plans to do more. We handle bad reviews or books that flopped, the only way we know how – honestly. We understand that an author will never know where their work can be strengthened if we sugarcoat or mislead them, so what we say is our honest feedback of how we felt the book read for us.

BPM: What are you reading now? How did you find out about this book? What books are on your reading schedule?
LTB is currently reading The Long Fall by Walter Mosley. We wanted to read a mystery and thought that Walter Mosley’s past work has proven to be excellent.

BPM: Do you host special events during the year or do you work for any charities? Do you get together as a group to socialize outside of your book club meetings?
Lines That Bind is very interested in hosting a few special events that would incorporate socializing and meeting of the minds with other book clubs in the metro Atlanta area. Additionally, we would like to look at working with local charity groups that encourage, promote and foster literacy. We hope to help support the value of reading in both children and adults…to assist in exploring the world through reading!

BPM: Do you primarily purchase books online or in a bookstore? Would you ever stop buying printed books?
We purchase our books both online and the bookstore. Some of us prefer to read a digital book for the convenience and some of us are traditionalist and prefer to have the actual book in their hands. Sometimes it is nothing like holding a book in your hands and turning the page because you are anxious to find out what comes next.

 

 

 

 

Qiana Drennen -Don’t Read Me, Read A Book (DRMRAB)

Interview with Don’t Read Me, Read A Book (DRMRAB)

Qiana Drennen is the founder and president of Don’t Read Me, Read A Book (DRMRAB), the fastest-growing book club in the United States. In a little over 2 years, DRMRAB has expanded from its humble beginnings as a Facebook Group, to chapters in 27 cities nationwide and 1 in the United Kingdom. In that short time, they were awarded the 2016 AAMBC Literary Award for Book Club of the Year, and were also recipients of a 2017 Black Excellence Award. Our members are not only avid readers, but they are also actively involved in their communities. Initiatives have included sending water to residents of Flint, Michigan, and helping underprivileged families with their back-to-school and Christmas needs.

DRMRAB members have earned the nickname, “The Paperback Gang,” due to their high level of participation at the many book festivals held throughout the year, and their voracious appetite for purchasing paperback books. Members are proud of their expansive bookshelves, many of which hold books with personal, handwritten notes and signatures from their favorite authors. Their motto is: “We are not just a book club, we are a movement.”

BPM: Please tell us about your book club, store, or blog! What is the name? Where are you located?
QIANA: Don’t Read Me, Read A Book is based out of Columbus, Ohio, with chapters located throughout the United States and on Facebook. DRMRAB started online as a Facebook group in January 2015. I started the book club because I wanted my own group, instead of administering someone else’s. Fast forward to April of the same year, when I became acquainted with a couple of local readers and decided to start an in-person club that would meet once a month here in Columbus. A very good friend of mine, author Fabiola Joseph, suggested that I start offering readers in other cities a chance to organize under the DRMRAB umbrella. So, in February 2016, the first chapters began. Our Facebook membership has grown to over 2,000 members and our chapter members now total over 200 and growing! Our board consists of Vice President Terria Miller, Head Administrator Taheerah Brown, and Director of Charity and Volunteering Monica Redman.

BPM: What is the purpose for your organization? Does the name of the club/blog or store have a special meaning?
QIANA: DRMRAB promotes literacy in the African-American community, while supporting authors in a positive, judgement-free environment. We stand out from other groups for a few reasons. First, our members support the authors we read by purchasing thousands of paperback books. With the popularity of eBooks, common thought was that paperbacks were dead until we came along and showed everyone how false that assumption was. Second, we host and participate in face-to-face discussions with authors, and you really don’t see that anymore. The name of our organization has a very special meaning to me. My favorite cousin (who passed away last year) helped me come up with the concept during a battle for my attention, while I was trying to read. That memory is so dear to my heart, that I give out a yearly award in his honor.

BPM: Tell us about your members. What is the demographic of your group?
QIANA: Amazing! That’s the best way to describe the ladies and gentlemen of DRMRAB. We are more like a family, helping one another and staying in touch through all of the ups and downs of life. The main reason we’re amazing, is because we are already killing three Afro-American stereotypes.

1) “If you want to hide knowledge from a black person, put it in a book.” We’re a book club.
2) “Men surely don’t read.” We have a male chairman, as well as male chapter members.
3) “You can’t successfully put a large group of black women together in one place, at one time.” We have an all-chapter meetup at least twice each year.

We are open to anyone. DRMRAB has members from their early 20’s to late 70’s, male members, LGBT members, couples, Caucasians, lawyers, nurses, teachers, IT professionals, etc. With DRMRAB, the only demographic that matters is reading. We have a wide range of personalities who all mesh well together. Mostly everyone starts out shy, but quickly become comfortable when they join our DRMRAB family.

BPM: Can you share a few 5-star books that have expanded your horizons?
QIANA: Yes, I’d love to. Pricey: Playing in Traffic because it’s really well written and shines line on a subject matter that really isn’t talked about which is human trafficking. Niya: Rainbow Dreams because it’s so much more than just a story about a lesbian rapper. It’s one of the most touching love and coming of a age stories about two young girls coming into their own. Both novels were written by Fabiola Joseph, and are must reads.

BPM: Do you have any words of wisdom for other readers who are in or who might want to start a book club?
QIANA: When I decided to do this, I didn’t ask for guidance or advice. I had my own original ideas and didn’t want to water them down with someoneelse’s opinions or judgments. So, just like I would with any other business, I sat down and did my research and put my ideas into action. My advice is to thoroughly research the landscape and don’t just conform to what other clubs are doing. Hold onto your creative and original ideas, and strive to find that special “something” that will set your organization apart from others.

BPM: Do you primarily purchase books online or in a bookstore? Does the price of eBooks play a big part in the purchase? Would you ever stop buying printed books?
QIANA: I love my paperbacks. I mean LOVE them. And I’m proud to say that 95% of DRMRAB members feel the same. Hence, our nickname The Paperback Gang. Most of our purchases are made directly from the author. We are also huge supporters of African American owned book stores Like Hood Book Headquarters (2407 E 7 mile, Detroit,Michigan). Michele Moore who is an Essence bestselling author owns this store. It’s the hottest store around and they host the best book signing that we have ever attended. You will never see a Hood Book event without a member of DRMRAB in attendance.

The price of an eBook doesn’t really matter, because we want that paperback. If the book is only available on eBook, then we don’t care about the price. If we want to read it, we’re going to read it. The day DRMRAB stops buying paperbacks will be the day that the world runs out of paper and ink.

 

Dangerous Consequences by Lisa Renee Johnson

Dangerous Consequences by Lisa Renee Johnson

Lisa Renee Johnson

“Hold on for the ride of your life…with unimaginable consequences.” ‑‑Mary B. Morrison

 

Debut author Lisa Renee Johnson delivers an edgy, sexy novel about a man who has it all—until one night changes everything…

Dubbed the “  Sex Doctor”   on his local radio show, psychologist Donathan James advises callers on their sexual issues. With his gorgeous and brilliant neurosurgeon wife, Sydney, at home and women flirting with the hot doctor everywhere he goes, Donathan is living the high life. But when he wakes up naked and drugged in a hotel room, with no memory of the evening before, the doctor suddenly has problems of his own.

Soon, Donathan’s sexy stalker is sending him photographic evidence of what they did that night, turning up in his office to rant about her unstable past, and demanding they meet again and again. All Donathan wants is his life back—and for his wife not to find out. But when the relentless stranger goes too far, it leads him to discover his beloved wife has secrets of her own. Now, to save their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. James will have to hold on tight to survive the bumpiest ride of their lives.

 

Praise for Dangerous Consequences

“Dangerous Consequences by Lisa Renee Johnson, Waiting to Exhale meets Fatal Attraction!  Johnson makes a stunning debut with a well-written, fast-paced, suspenseful novel full of engaging, realistic characters and dramatic twists at every turn.  Readers will be engaged until the shocking end, but not to worry – book two is in the works.” —RTBookReviews, 4 Stars

 

“Hold on for the ride of your life . . . with unimaginable consequences.” —Mary B. Morrison

 

“An edgy tale eager to be told. The pace is blazing hot!” —Victor McGlothin

 

“A fast-paced, suspense-filled, dramatic curve ball that will keep you turning the pages.” —Sistah Friend Book Club

 

Purchase Dangerous Consequences by Lisa Renee Johnson
https://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Consequences-Lisa-Renee-Johnson/dp/149670794X

 

 

Seducing Abby Rhodes by J.D. Mason

Seducing Abby Rhodes by J.D. Mason
Coming July 18, 2017

“Chock full of unexpected twists, turns, secrets, and spirits plus a healthy dose of redemptive love.” – Kirkus

When Abigail Rhodes bought that old house she fell in love with in Blink, Texas, she got more than she bargained for. After being told by the local psychic that it is filled with a passionate energy from the previous owners, who died years ago, Abby decides to fix up her beloved house and reluctantly moves in. But ever since then, strange things have been happening in her newly renovated home, and Abby has been plagued with dreams that wake her up and leave her breathless.

After a tumultuous life these last few years, Jordan Gatewood is following what amounts to a trail of breadcrumbs in an effort to find a renewed sense of purpose. Searching for the truth about the man his adoptive father really was, Jordan makes his way to the old house where his father was murdered, in Blink–and right to the petite, understated beauty that answers the door. It’s not long before Jordan realizes, quite unexpectedly, that Abby is the perfect woman for him. Jordan doesn’t believe in ghosts or fate, but he does know that the powerful connection he feels for this woman started the day he met her in that house and he is determined to make her his.

Robin is a successful Corporate Attorney and was proud to be the lover of the most sought after bachelor in the state of Texas–until he abruptly breaks off their relationship, leaving her confused, heartbroken and bitter. When she discovers that he’s left her for another woman, a woman she considers beneath her, Robin is determined to teach him a brutal lesson.

A man like Jordan has too many secrets, secrets that, if found out, could not only destroy his relationship with this other woman, but that could also cost him the biggest business deal of his life, and possibly, his freedom. Robin is the last person he wants to go up against, and she will stop at nothing to get him back or to make him pay for his betrayal, even if that means unleashing those secrets. The question is, will Jordan let her? Or will his all-consuming obsession with Abby win out, in Seducing Abby Rhodes by J.D. Mason?

 

Seducing Abby Rhodes by J.D. Mason
The propulsive second novel in a new contemporary trilogy about unforgettable love, scorching desire, and dangerous secrets.
https://www.amazon.com/Seducing-Abby-Rhodes-J-Mason/dp/1250052262/

 

Praise for J.D. Mason Books

“Chock full of unexpected twists, turns, secrets, and spirits plus a healthy dose of redemptive love.”
– Kirkus on Seducing Abby Rhodes

“A heart-pounding and terrifyingly awesome story!”
– RT Book Reviews Top Pick on The Real Mrs. Price

“Readers are taken on a phenomenal journey that elicits gasps when the bombshell hits. Mason pens another astounding work.”
-RT Book Reviews on Crazy, Sexy, Revenge

“Taut, suspenseful and unforgettable. Run, do not walk, and get this book!”
-Zane, New York Times bestselling author on Beautiful, Dirty, Rich

“Mason’s characters create an addictive drama with universal themes of laying claim to family–and to the truth.”
-Publishers Weekly on Beautiful, Dirty, Rich

“Effortlessly leaves no stone unturned in the lives of these tormented characters. Mason will take your breathe away.”
-Romantic Times Book Reviews on You Gotta Sin to Get Saved

 

Stacy Johnson-Leonard, Mo’Red Production Founder

Stacy Johnson-Leonard, Mo’Red Production Founder

Stacy Johnson-Leonard is a wife, mother and entrepreneur. Stacy started Mo Red Production in 2006 because she was Momager to her young daughter and music artist Young Star. Stacy’s greatest strengths are her creativity, drive and leadership. She thrives on challenges, and looks forward to prevailing over them.

Before deciding to her work full-time at Mo Red Production, Johnson-Leonard was an avid reader and supporter/friend of several authors. With encouragement from friends, Stacy incorporated author promotions under the umbrella of Mo Red Production. Stacy is a Blog Radio Co-Host at Jones Vlog Spot.

Fast forward to the present; Mo Red Production,is a now a positioning and branding firm that helps authors and business owners increase their sales volume. Stacy Johnson-Leonard is a content marketing professional who is responsible for, increasing client Brand by converting readers, consumers, attracting visitors to website and closing them as customers. In other words, Stacy sees herself as an Industry Liaison because Stacy connects authors to their readers and readers to their authors. Stacy loves promoting author brands and events. Stacy often refers to her books as babies and the autographs of the authors as their birth certificates.

Mo Red Production clients include Amazon and National Best Selling authors:

Blessed Selling Author E.N. Joy (Joylynn Ross), Amaleka McCall, Akil Victor and JL King

 

Mo ‘Red Production – “Where Creativity and Originality meet Promotion”

Mo Red Production has worked with music artists, Marcus Devine, Tiffany Bryant, Dorrell Mays,Young Star, Dion Black, Branu, and Music and Film executive, Tanya Robinson.

Stacy attends Greater Works Christian Center and lends an ear and voice in ministry, to those in her community, family and friends. Stacy enjoys helping others through life’s journeys of peaks and valleys.

In 2017 Stacy was recognized with the Community Leader Award by Black Pearl Magazine and Tour Coordinator for JL King

http://www.facebook.com/moredproduction
http://www.instagram.com/moredproduction
http://www.twitter.com/MoRedProduction
http://www.youtube.com/Mo’Red Production
http://www.periscope.com/Mo’Red Production

 

 

Crossed Expectations by Lonz Cook

Rodney and Lorenz continue their struggle after – Good Guys Finish Last and When Love Evolves.

Simone and Sabrina Willingham pursue their quest with twisting daggers of affection. Simone’s vile act aids her objective of Rodney, while Sabrina attempts to rekindle with Lorenz; the man she once tormented.

Rodney Witherspoon, the marketing genius, faces turmoil in business and relationship. He becomes illusional holding the midst of love. A secret can end his engagement and blackmail may crumble his upstanding firm.

Dr. Lorenz Maynard has an unworldly experience in Angola. He’s on edge, fighting needless advances and striving for medical proficiency. Saving lives turn to dancing with demons and battling suppositions of his profession.

Will Rodney and Lorenz journey with redemption?

 

Excerpt: Crossed Expectations by Lonz Cook

I can’t save him. Damn it! Don’t they get it? They destroy their future each time a child dies, and for a cause I still don’t understand. The kid didn’t have a chance. Why did Carlito fight the militia? What’s happening to this country? Damn, thought Lorenz after he stopped applying pressure to Carlito’s gunshot wound. “He isn’t older than fifteen,” whispered Lorenz.

Bang! Bang! Bang! Rounds zipped through the brush, volleyed from one group to the other. Breno tapped Lorenz’s shoulder and pointed west in the direction of a muzzle flash. Lorenz strapped Carlito’s bloody body on his back and followed Breno. Both men crawled once they heard shots in their direction. They kept their heads close to the ground. At the right chance, they rose to their feet and quickly ran towards the clinic to bring the kid to safety.

Lorenz slowed from running and fell under the cover of some nearby brush. Breno fell right in front of him, looking back and making sure Lorenz wasn’t hit. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m good,” Lorenz replied.

Lorenz repositioned Carlito and moved bush to bush, pulling with his arms and pushing with his legs. Five minutes of pressing forward, beads of sweat rolled from his forehead into his eyes causing them to burn. The heat of the jungle increased the stench of Carlito’s blood.

His knees burned from scraping surface roots and crossing the same broken ground shrubs. Breno also kept moving, carefully avoiding the same cropped brush, as he tried not to shake the surrounding vegetation. He was cautious not to give his position away.

Lorenz crawled with the body, holding the child’s arms as he pressed along. Plant after plant, they traveled with fear, dodging hot rounds flying overhead. Zip! A bullet crossed Lorenz’ path, lodging into a tree right above his head. The round of shots motivated him to crawl faster. Breno didn’t stop, and being load free, he increased the distance between them. Whiz! Another round passed, and Lorenz kept repositioning to avoid stray bullets. After thirty minutes of crawling, both Breno and Lorenz gained ground, increasing their distance from the gunfire. When Breno turned to check on Lorenz, he realized Lorenz still carried the boy’s body on his back. Without a second thought, he wasted no time assisting Lorenz with the body. “Why didn’t you leave him?” he whispered.

 

Morning Motivation: 31 Daily Devotions for Everyday Life by Ashley Sauls

Morning Motivation: 31 Daily Devotions for Everyday Life by Ashley Sauls

Our morning thoughts set the tone for our entire day. These thoughts intermingle subconsciously, influencing conversations and actions-whether good or bad. We are encouraged in Philippians 4:8 to think thoughts that are true, honest, pure and lovely. Our minds can only be open to these thoughts if we apply the Word of God to our thought life. Depending on the season we walk, it can sometimes be challenging to find the good and positive. And yet, when we take a moment to invite morning motivation into our lives, those challenges become an easier path to walk. Allow the wisdom of this devotional to remind you of your value in Christ and thus provide a pure foundation to face daily challenges with strength and love.

Genre: Religion/Devotion
Target Audience: Readers from all walks of life willing to take action in improving their daily lives by partnering with God.
Subject Matter: We set the temperature of our day by the thoughts we engage in. If we do not like the temperature, we have been given tools through God’s word to make proper adjustments.

 

Ashley Sauls, Author of Morning Motivation
Ashley Sauls is an author and professional speaker adept in using her words to inspire people toward successful living. Focused on incorporating a healthy balance between the spiritual, mental and physical aspects of life, Ashley’s down to earth delivery makes difficult concepts less stressful to grasp for her audience.

Website: http://www.ashleysauls.com
Book Link: http://ashleysauls.com/products

 

 

 

Soul Movement on BAN Radio Show

Soul Movement on BAN Radio Show:  This was a powerful show with Black men and women sharing wisdom, encouragement and their message with the masses. Please share with your friends, children and family.  Listen to the authors of the Soul Movement on BAN Radio Show: http://tobtr.com/s/10049809

Soul Talk: Twenty Soul-Stirring Stories of Women Who Let Go and Let God
• Cheryl Polote Williamson
• Tammy Woodard

 

Soul Bearer: 9 Soul-Hearted Conversations from Men Sharing Their Unspoken Truths
• Matthew “Showbiz” Jackson
• Russell M. Williamson Sr.
• Dr. Marvin E. Smith
• Leroy Kearney Jr.

 

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Soul Talk: Twenty Soul-Stirring Stories of Women Who Let Go and Let God
Selected and introduced by award-winning motivational speaker Cheryl Polote-Williamson, the twenty women in this bold and holy anthology are living testaments to the glory that God’s will, purpose, and plan will bring transformation to your life, if only you would let go and let God.

In each chapter of Soul Talk, the authors share their unique story, along with scriptures and reflections that will teach women how to develop trust, surrender and communicate with God. Most, if not all, of these authors are flawed and imperfect, having suffered through sexual and domestic abuse, toxic relationships, financial strife, loss of a loved one, and other adversities that are no strangers to many of us. Still, no matter how far they strayed from faith or how overwhelming their circumstances, these stories share one truth: In God, there is always restoration and a life renewed.

Purchase:
https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Talk-Twenty-Soul-Stirring-Stories/dp/1945558911

 

Soul Bearer: 9 Soul-Hearted Conversations from Men Sharing Their Unspoken Truths
In yet another bold anthology, bestselling author and compiler Cheryl Polote-Williamson brings us the Godly and redemptive testimonies of nine men who, having overcome their own trials, now share their valuable lessons with you. These pages offer a rarity that is often neglected by society: A safe and welcoming space where men can openly express their emotions, share their fears and failures, and join hands with other men in celebrating God’s purpose for them, all without judgment or ridicule. Topics here are varied and relatable, discussing experiences that are both common and rare, from sports careers and military life to family and health.

Soul Bearer, being not only a book of personal essays but one of encouragement and faith, invites men everywhere to hide their pain or concerns no longer and to allow others to grow from their journeys. Furthermore, it asks all readers to lend your ear to those who speak, to always listen, embrace, and honor every story, no matter whom they may be from.

Purchase:

 

 

 

Permission To Win: A Daughter’s Guide To Winning From The Inside Out by Kimberly D. Hart

Permission To Win: A Daughter’s Guide To Winning From The Inside Out by Kimberly D. Hart (Author)
Candice Camille (Author), Susan L. Kee (Author), Cassandra Dickerson (Author), Veronica Wilson (Author)
Tawanda Prince (Author), Pamela Williams (Author), and Maria Stanfield (Author)

It’s been said that the most critical time of a young girl’s journey takes place between the ages of 11 and 14. She’s growing out of the gentle nest of elementary school but is not quite ready for the wonders of high school. Where exactly does she fit? Who is she becoming during her search for significance? This period of transition has proven to be detrimental for so many beautiful young girls when they are not carefully guided by positive insight, inspiration, and affirmation.

Permission To Win seeks to provide the insight, inspiration, and affirmation we all needs as “Daughters”.

It is a collection of defining moments that helped us, the Daughters of Legacy, become the women we are today. Through our stories and the winning strategies shared by our 30+ Power Players you will be inspired to

• Discover the Winner Within
• Position Yourself to Succeed
• Make Decisions that Count
• Press into Your Promise
• Uncover Hidden Treasures

 

Kimberly D. Hart, The Winning Strategist, brought together this team of extraordinary “Daughters” to help bridge the gap between our success and the potential success of the next generation. Our message is simple: You have Permission To Win! You were born to win and situations only come into your life to prove it.

So, give yourself Permission to Win by winning from the inside out!

Permission To Win: A Daughter’s Guide To Winning From The Inside Out by Kimberly D. Hart
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N2ZZKPI/

 

 

 

 

Do What You Gotta Do by Christine Young-Robinson

In this sizzling story of family drama, money, and seduction, one woman’s desire for a luxurious lifestyle leads her to prey on a vulnerable man—until his father’s suspicions threaten to undo everything.

Aniyah Sanchez is a wild, sexy, and seductive woman—and has just been released from prison for crimes of fraud, kidnapping, and embezzlement.

Without parents to turn to, she’s surprised when her aunt Tessa comes to her rescue and sets her up in an apartment until she can find work. But Aniyah is determined to move out and start a new life her own way—by finding a wealthy man who can provide the extravagant lifestyle she longs for.

That man turns out to be Jarvis Powell, Jr., who finds Aniyah very attractive and gives her a job at one of the banks owned by his father. There’s just one problem: Jarvis’s father is suspicious of Aniyah and will do everything in his power to protect the family legacy…especially from a woman he suspects is trying to ensnare his son to get to the family fortune.

Now, with Jarvis, Sr. watching her like a hawk, Aniyah is more determined than ever to win over his son. Will the bond of a father and son undo her plan, or will she finally get her chance at a new beginning?

 

Excerpt: Do What You Gotta Do by Christine Young-Robinson

At last, Aniyah Sanchez would no longer be like a lion locked up in a cage. After spending four years in a South Carolina prison for fraud and kidnapping, she was being released.

As she stepped out of her cell, a male prison guard whispered in her ear, “Fruitcake, I’ll see you when you get back.”

Sniffing the fish odor that escaped from his breath, Aniyah turned up her nose. Didn’t he know after lunch to eat a peppermint?

“Goodbye, Slut,” an inmate yelled from another cell to her.

“You better get your last feel, Officer Mann,” another inmate added.

The inmates laughed throughout the ward, including the guard who sported a broken front tooth. He cupped Aniyah’s left breast with his right hand. Then he took the club he held in his other hand and placed it between her legs.

“I don’t think so!” Aniyah snapped her head, brushing him away. “Your time has expired.”

During her prison term, she had fulfilled the guard’s sexual needs in exchange for protection from conflicts that she had endured with other female inmates.

Aniyah, almost jogging, hurried ahead until she came to a point where she met up with another guard and other inmates that were being released.

Once the official documents were finalized, the guard let Aniyah out of the last door that gave her back her freedom. A chill ran through her body, but it quickly disappeared once the doors were slammed shut behind her.

Turning around, she took one last look at the place of residence she had called home. The fourth inmate in line wearing loafers donated by church volunteers, her feet made contact with the concrete ground.

Aniyah adjusted her eyes to the sunlight that blinded her. She pulled down on her red spandex dress that had risen up to her hips. It was the same dress she had worn before she became a part of the prison system.

Her once slender hips stretched the dress to its limits, but Aniyah strutted as if the garment was brand-new. She faulted her excessive weight gain from her no longer being able to shake her hips in the nightclubs. In prison, she mostly sat on her rear in her cell or in ongoing therapy sessions.

Under her armpit, she carried a plastic bag of her belongings and a pair of pumps. Her hands free, she twisted her flowing black hair up in a bun.

Other released inmates stopped to say farewell to each other, but Aniyah kept walking, too afraid that she might be called back by one of the guards.

Two female inmates ran past her, once they saw familiar faces of loved ones waiting to take them home. Aniyah was not looking for any family to come to her rescue. She would not know her father from any other black man on the streets. He was her mother’s one-night stand with no name.

 

( Continued… )

© 2016 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, Christine Young-Robinson. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author’s written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only.

Purchase Do What You Gotta Do by Christine Young-Robinson
Fiction – Suspense. We Didn’t See it Coming (Book 1)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1593096275

 

Overcoming Bias and Racism in Your Workspace A Primer for Minorities in the Business Community by Gregory L. Harris

500 Treasure Points

Imagine a world where prejudice and past discrimination’s impact in the workplace don’t exist. Not reality, but this book, Overcoming Bias and Racism in Your Workspace: A Primer for Minorities in the Business Community, helps minorities deal with the real business world as it is.

Bias and racism won’t just slip away in our country. It takes a combined effort to change patterns of beliefs and practices fostered and entrenched for some centuries. Each person deals with these realities every day in their work space to one degree or another.

Individuals can take a stand and make a way—converting one person at a time—if necessary, while thriving in their environment, job, and career. We can accomplish that goal while being successful in our day to day work responsibilities. Not as a new burden, but in ways that make all of us better.

Overcoming Bias and Racism in Your Workspace by Gregory L. Harris
https://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Bias-Racism-Your-Workplace-ebook/dp/B01NGYK676

Non-fiction > Self-help > Management & Leadership > Discrimination & Racism > Motivation & Career Development

About the Author
An author, a public speaker, and businessman, Gregory pens his new book Overcoming Bias and Racism in Your Workspace. Using his experiences with racism as a child raised in a military family in the poor coal and steel region/area /country of eastern Ohio, as well as his professional experiences at IBM and Wang Computers, Gregory shares tips and tools to effectively deal with the challenges of racism and bias head on.

A proud graduate of Morgan State University with over 20 years career experience as an executive, Gregory knows what it takes to survive and thrive in the world of business. A former Global Vice President of Business Development and Marketing in the corporate realm, he continues to work as a consultant and coach encouraging success for all in the high tech arena.

With a passion for writing and reading, Gregory hopes to inspire and motivate others toward change. A youth sports coach in his spare time, Gregory always encourages others to be the best image of themselves and to stay true to one’s beliefs.  Contact Gregory online at http://www.gregharrisauthors.com.

 

Christine Young-Robinson

Intimate Conversation with Christine Young-Robinson

Christine Young-Robinson is the author of two novels: We Didn’t See It Coming and Do What You Gotta Do. Her short story: Miss Amy’s Last Ride, featured in the anthology: Proverbs for the People. She is presently working on her third novel.

A wife, mother, and grandmother, Christine resides in South Carolina. She is the co-chairperson of the Eleuthera Book Club.

 

BPM: Who or what motivated you?
First and foremost, God. I’m blessed with great parents, family and friends. I got to where I am by having faith and trusting in God.

BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
My work speaks to lovers of stories about family suspense. I personally don’t consider myself a role model but I’m grateful if someone can draw from the goodness in me.

BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven?
My ideas come from my imagination, dreams, and things I observe in my surroundings. My books are plot driven but at times, it can be a mixture of both. I enjoyed writing the craziness of my characters and great storyline.

BPM: Could you tell us something about your most recent books?
We Didn’t See It Coming is a compelling story about three sisters who come from a family of wealth—and whose lives are shattered by tragedy, scandal, secrets, and betrayal.

Do What You Gotta Do is the sequel to We Didn’t See It Coming. Here is the official synopsis:
A compelling story about three Houston sisters, Milandra, Noelle, and Kenley who come from a family of wealth—and whose lives are shattered by tragedy, scandal, secrets, and betrayal.

In this sizzling story of family drama, money, and seduction, one woman’s desire for a luxurious lifestyle leads her to prey on a vulnerable man—until his father’s suspicions threaten to undo everything.

Aniyah Sanchez is a wild, sexy, and seductive woman—and has just been released from prison for crimes of fraud, kidnapping, and embezzlement. Without parents to turn to, she’s surprised when her aunt Tessa comes to her rescue and sets her up in an apartment until she can find work. But Aniyah is determined to move out and start a new life her own way—by finding a wealthy man who can provide the extravagant lifestyle she longs for.

That man turns out to be Jarvis Powell, Jr., who finds Aniyah very attractive and gives her a job at one of the banks owned by his father. There’s just one problem: Jarvis’s father is suspicious of Aniyah and will do everything in his power to protect the family legacy…especially from a woman he suspects is trying to ensnare his son to get to the family fortune. Now, with Jarvis, Sr. watching her like a hawk, Aniyah is more determined than ever to win over his son. Will the bond of a father and son undo her plan, or will she finally get her chance at a new beginning?

BPM: Are your books available on Nook and Kindle?
We Didn’t See It Coming and Do What You Gotta Do are available is available on Nook and Kindle.

BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers.
In my upcoming novel, Do What You Gotta Do, Aniyah Sanchez is a wild, sexy, and seductive woman. She yearns for a wealthy man so that she can live a luxurious lifestyle. Jarvis Powell, Jr., a kind-hearted man becomes Aniyah’s target but his father, Jarvis Powell, Sr., a banker is suspicious of her and he’ll do everything in his power to protect his family legacy.

BPM: How does your book relate to your present situation or journey?
The title of the book is sentimental to me. Do What You Gotta Do are the words of my deceased brother’s voicemail. I can still hear his voice saying these words.

BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing your book?
I learned that people do crazy things to suit their own needs. My goal is to give the reader a novel to enjoy and escape from their busy lives.

BPM: What projects are you working on at the present?
I am working on another novel, Now I See.

BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Readers are welcome to visit my website at: http://www.christineyoungrobinson.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/christineyr
Website: http://www.christineyoungrobinson.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christineyr
Instagram: https://instagram.com/christineyoungrobinson

 

Purchase Do What You Gotta Do
Genre: Fiction. Suspense
Link: http://amzn.com/1593096275

Connect with Christine Young-Robinson
http://www.christineyoungrobinson.com
Novel, Zane Presents We Didn’t See It Coming
Novel, Zane Presents Do What You Gotta Do
Strebor Books/Simon & Schuster