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Hello, my name is Debra Owsley and my company is Simply Said Reading Accessories. I custom design and hand make reading accessories such as “Gift Marks” also known as Bookmarks, Book Thongs, Book Plates and note cards that I call Love Notes; for Authors Book Stores Book Clubs and Book Lovers. Visit my website at: http://www.simply-said.net. If you are looking for great books to read, visit my blog for author interviews and book previews, here. Check out the articles below. Please rate each article and share it with a friend. I would love to have you on the blog too! |
Simply Said Reading Accessories - 25 new articles
WELCOME BACK!
Aja’s New Release Good Old Soul
Aja’s
New Release Good Old Soul
Blurb:
If I were
to tell you I wrote a story about a May/December love affair between music and
a saxophone named Her, would you believe me? I didn’t think you would but it’s
true. Music has been here since the dawn of time. It’s been the melody of life,
unfettered, free, and always waiting for us to-dare I say-tame it and guide it
with our voices and with our instruments. The musician may have picked up the
sax and breathed air into Her, but it was from the music, the jazz that was
created, that love was found and where it grew.
Amina Perrin isn’t looking for love. In fact, she isn’t looking for anything. She’s got her yoga, her massage therapy and the community she serves, keeping her plenty busy. That is until she bumps into a stranger who may change her free-spirited mind. Gabriel Slade is living the good life. Financially secure, nice condo overlooking the city, and the occasional “drink” with a beautiful woman—he has no intention on getting caught up, especially not with one so much younger than him, but here he is… getting all caught up and picking up a long forgotten saxophone he calls Her. If you’re opposed to sweltering love scenes between two passionate adults, this book isn’t for you.
To purchase Good Old Soul, click
here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0791L7NVX
Excerpt:
I sat there
sipping my drink, listening to the music, and tried to clear my head. Maybe it
was the music, maybe it was the whiskey, I don’t know, but the longer I sat
there, the easier it became for me to find my peace. It had been a few days
since I played the sax for Amina, a few days since my heart clenched in my
chest as she walked toward me with her softness and her smile of appreciation.
It was then
that I realized that I had seriously fallen for Amina and not just in a way
that meant I just wanted to have more sex with her. I had gotten comfortable
with having her around all the time. That, in itself, is gargantuan because I
love my lifestyle. I don’t particularly like people in my space. Oh, it’s all
good for a while, a day or two at the most, but then it’s time for you to go.
And don’t try to make yourself comfortable on the low, you know, conveniently
leaving things around the house. That is not cool. I took another sip and
laughed as I remembered the days when I would check the house after my company
would leave and if they left anything, I would have it for them next time I saw
them.
But it
wasn’t like that with Amina and I wondered why?
Why was
everything different with her? Why had I allowed her to take up so much space
in my world? And why am I so happy about it?
“What’s up,
Gabe?”
I looked to
see Russell Harper, the band’s saxophone player, sliding onto the stool beside
me and that was when I realized that the band had finished and were taking a
short break before their next set.
“What’s up,
Harp?”
“Question
is, what’s up with you?”
“Nothing
much.”
Harp shook
his head and said with a chuckle, “We both know that’s a lie.”
I chose not
to comment; mainly because it made no sense and two, I had Amina on my mind.
Instead, I looked toward the door where a beautiful woman was waiting for
Valerie to greet and then seat her. She was wearing an elegant black
one-shoulder, sleeveless dress with an asymmetrical neckline that showed off
her fit body. Bottom line, the woman was fine. She was the type of woman that I
would have stepped to not too long ago.
Without
bothering to ask, Reggie, the bartender took the liberty of freshening up my
drink and putting one in front of Harp.
“Thanks,
Reggie.”
I picked up
my glass and watched as she looked around for Valerie and then her gaze settled
at the bar. We exchanged glances and then she looked around again and then back
to me. She smiled and I nodded my head to acknowledge her beauty before turning
my attention back to my drink. I picked it up and took a sip.
“Wow, who
is she, man?” Harp asked.
“How would
I know? She just walked in.”
Harp looked
at the door. “Not her. She’s in here all the time, a real man-eater, that one.
I’m talking about the one that got you sitting there looking like someone in
love,” he said cleverly including the title of the jazz classic.
I turned
and looked at Harp for a moment before looking away. And again, I remained
silent, drained my glass and signaled for Reggie to pour me another drink.
“What is
that? Is Like Someone in Love the
next song you’re going to play?”
Harp sipped
his drink. “You know, that ain’t a bad idea. Maybe an up-tempo cut of the
Blakey version,” he said nodding his head.
“The Blakey
version is the up-tempo version,” I said, all the while knowing that Harp liked
to go hard on every cut.
“You call
that up-tempo?” Harp laughed. “And stop trying to change the subject.”
“What
subject was that?” I asked, knowing full well what he was talking about.
“I asked
you what woman got you sitting here looking like someone in love. You tried to
avoid my question, unsuccessfully I might add, by referencing the Blakey
classic.”
“Everything
by Blakey is classic.”
“Stop
trying to change the subject.”
I drained
my glass and looked at Harp. “Why it got to be about a woman?”
“Because
everything is about a woman.”
I laughed.
“So, it really is all about them, huh?”
“Yes. When
a man loves a woman, yes. If he loves her, I mean, if he really loves her,”
Harp said with enthusiasm while motioning with his hands. “And he’s smart, he
makes it all about her. You wanna know why?”
“I got a
feeling that you’re about to tell me whether I want you to or not.”
“You’ve got
that right. But here is why; because when she loves her man, the right woman
makes it all about him.”
I stared at
Harp and wondered when he became the voice of experience in the arena of love?
Maybe it was because he was so scarred from the many years of battle. He and
his wife, Lisa have been in a state of war, practically from the day they met,
but he married her anyway. Before he joined the Navy, Harp had been involved
with a woman that he was so in love with. He wanted her to go with him when he
enlisted. But Carol, that was her name, refused to follow him. He left without
her and that is when he met and married Lisa. When he got out and returned to
Pittsburgh, he and Carol resumed their passionate affair and as a result, Carol
ended up pregnant with his daughter, Amara. Their love child.
Needless to
say, when lunatic Lisa found out about it, she lived up to her name and went
ballistic. She terrorized that woman unmercifully, Harp too, for that matter.
She put him on lockdown and forbade him to see the woman or their child. But I
guess it all worked out in the end. After years of being unhappy, but staying
for the sake of his children with Lisa, Harp finally left her and is getting a
divorce. I understand that he’s even developing a relationship with Amara.
But all
that history aside, my question still stood. What made Harp the guy I should
take relationship advice from?
Nothing.
But the
more I thought about his words, the more it made sense. The time that I was
spending with Amina, whether I had done it consciously or not, I had made it
all about her. And you know what? Amina made me feel that. For her, it was all
about me, and that was a great feeling. The best feeling in the world.
“I see your
point, Harp,” I said and noticed that the man-eater had taken a seat at the bar
directly across from me. She smiled and raised her glass when I made eye
contact with her.
“Looks like
you’re her prey tonight,” Harp said and finished his drink. “Be careful, I hear
her claws are sharp, but she’s worth the price of admission.” He stood up.
“Good to see you, Gabe. Maybe you should stop by and jump in on a set or two.
Bring the one who has you all in knots when you come.”
“I just
might do that,” I said, eyeing the woman across from me. She was beautiful, and
I couldn’t seem to take my eyes off of her but I soon realized it was because
her eyes reminded me of Amina’s. Exotic and intense.
I looked at
my watch. It was just after eight and Amina should be through with her client
and on her way home by now. It wasn’t like we had made any arrangement to get
together later or that it was something that was expected of me. It was just
that I wanted nothing more than to be with her. Not just having sex with her,
but just being with her.
And that
was a great feeling. The best feeling in the world.
© Aja 2018
Author Bio:
Aja is the
writer of sensually erotic women’s fiction. Her stories allow readers to
experience realistic, inspiring and soulful interactions between her characters
and intense passion between couples overcoming life’s challenges.
Raised as an only child, using her imagination to create stories came naturally to her. Writing her first book in the first grade encouraged her doting and supportive mother to enter her into writing contests to help her hone her craft. Inspired by soulful music and sensual art, she crafts her stories on a whim, using the snatches of time her characters grace her with and stringing them together for completion. She loves prose but has been known to be poetic which can be found, if looking, in some of her published work. With two published series of books already, including the Unexpected series penned with Roy Glenn, she is working on several projects including Love’s Required and Good Old Soul, a soulful May/December romance. Author Links:     • View comments • Track comments •
Hello 2017! Please forgive my neglig...Hello 2017!    • View comments • Track comments •
Second House From The Corner By Sadeqa Johnson
Second House From The Corner By Sadeqa Johnson
Praise for Second House from the Corner
"Johnson is a skilled storyteller with a breezy style, and the journey of Felicia, a strong African American woman, will have particular appeal for Terry McMillan fans." -Booklist
Felicia Lyons, a stressed out stay-at-home mom struggles to sprint ahead of the demands of motherhood while her husband spends long days at the office. Felicia taps, utters mantra, and breathes her way through most situations but on some days, like when the children won’t stop screaming her name or arguing over toy trucks and pretzel sticks, she wonders what it would be like to get in her car and drive away.
Then one evening the telephone rings, and in a split second the harried mother’s innocent fantasy becomes a hellish reality. The call pulls her back into a life she’d rather forget. Felicia hasn’t been completely honest about her upbringing, and her deception forces her return to the Philadelphia of her childhood, where she must confront the family demons and long buried secrets she thought she had left behind.
From a phenomenal fresh voice in fiction, comes the compelling story of what happens when the dream falls apart. It’s the unforgettable tale of love, loss, rediscovery, and the growing pains of marriage.
Author Bio
SADEQA JOHNSON is a former public relations manager who spent years working with well-known authors such as J.K. Rowling, Bebe Moore Campbell, Amy Tan and Bishop T.D. Jakes before becoming an author herself. Her debut novel, Love in a Carry-On Bag was hailed by Ebony.com as “this summer’s hottest read.” It was the recipient of the 2013 Phillis Wheatley award for Best Fiction and the 2012 USA Best Book award for African-American fiction .Originally from Philadelphia, Sadeqa Johnson currently resides in Virginia with her husband and three children.Second House from the Corner is her second novel.
Website: www.sadeqajohnson.net
  
Want to WIN a hardback copy?
Comment below in the comment section and tell Sadeqa and I, is your "picture perfect' life, Picture Perfect?
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Happy Holidays!
I just decided to bring you my favorite holiday tunes from over the years.
I hope you love them as much as I do,
Happy Holidays
You're All I Want For Christmas Brook Benton
The Christmas Song Nat King Cole
This Christmas Donny Hathaway
Soul Holidays Sounds of Blackness
Baby it's Cold Outside Vanessa Williams and Bobby Caldwell
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas Lou Rawls
Every year Every Christmas Luther Vandross
Please Come Home For Christmas Charles Brown
Gee Wiz it's Christmas, Carla Thomas
Santa Claus, Go Straight To The Ghetto, James Brown
Little Drummer Boy, Lou Rawls
 
Boyz II Men- Let It Snow
Let's Make Every Day A Christmas Day
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Ready for October releases!!!!!I'm TOOOOO excited about the books releasing this month. I'm about to blow up my debit card. First off...  Wake Up Happy: The Dream Big, Win Big Guide to Transforming Your Life... releases October 13th and I'm really ready to #WakeUpHappy.
Y'all do know how much I adore Donna Hill right? Well she's my person and has 2 YESSSS 2 releases this month!
My at Last Love (Sag Harbor Village)releases TA-Day!!Y'all click that link and support her 25th year in the business. She is also releasing Murder in the Aisles under her alter ego name, Olivia Hill, Pre-order on November 8th.   
Also I will be at Sharon Lucas' event in Bowie Maryland for The Reading Divas event, October 16 and 17th. I LOVEEEEE this event and The Reading Divas and I will be HONORING Donna Hill's 25th Anniversary, I hope to see you there! Sharon always give a FANTASTIC event and has recently become an AUTHOR!!!! Her book, Plan It will be released at her event as well! I am so excited and proud of my Brown Girl!! She is published under Brown Girls Publications, withe ReShonda Tate Billingsley and Victoria Christopher Murray.
Eric Jerome Dickey is my favorite male author is releasing the sequel to Naughty or Nice
Naughtier than Nice... OMG I LOVED THIS BOOK, on October 27th. I've ONLY waited since 2004 for the sequel....
Last but not least, my new fiend and supporter Latoya Murchison, has a great book out named, A Praying Heart. It will really touch your heart and your soul. Please leave her a review to inspire her to Keep Going.
And.... In LitVersations news....,
The game is doing well and I am so happy!! Have you gotten your Game On Yet???
$21.99 includes free shipping!
       • View comments • Track comments •
LitVersations©® The Book Conversation Game
LitVersations©® The Book Conversation Game
is a project I’ve been working VERY hard to bring to life for over two years.
This idea came to me while listening to people discuss books and being
interviewed asking the same questions over and over again. It was like the same
questions, different book and same questions different author.
Boring
I wanted meatier
questions; questions that were open ended and lead into a deeper conversation,
a real LitVersation! So I created the questions I wanted. 70 questions to get
the LitVersation started!
These questions open up refreshing dialogue with new
and interesting perspectives.
A fun
interactive ice breaker
Helps
others understand other interpretations of the story
Promotes
richer exchanges and inspires thought
Great
for authors to take along to gatherings
Great
gift for book lovers and book clubs
Helps discussions stay on
track and active
Great for ages
Book Lovers
Even if you don't belong to a book club or discussion group, you will still enjoy these questions, in analyzing your thoughts and feelings about the books you read! They also help in outlining your book reviews and comments you'd like to share in your social media circles or comments to the author.
Take your book club discussions to a
whole new level with this fun and interactive game that lets everyone come away
satisfied about truly discussing a book.
Authors
These cards are great to take along when visiting book clubs, just in
case the conversation get a little slow, and they make a wonderful gift to the
book club. Also I know some authors say how hard it is to write discussion
questions about your books, these questions can aide you in creating some
thought provoking questions.
 
Teachers
In researching I chose two teachers to test these game cards. Each teacher (Middle and High School) used the cards to either have a discussion in class about a book they read or they were used as homework questions and the feedback I got back was inspiring! The students really got into a great discussion and a much better concept of the story and structure of creative writing.
Parents
You can use these cards with your book club and your children!!
Online Chat Facilitators
These questions are helpful in keeping the chat going
How to play Litversations©®
Each person
in the group picks 5 cards from the freshly shuffled deck.
The moderator
asks the first question from the card chosen, and
lets the
person next to them answer.
The question
goes around until everyone has answered.
The next person asks the next question and
repeats the above steps.
The game
continues until all questions are answered.
The
conversation may spin off into another direction,
but that’s
ok, it’s part of the fun!
You can also divide
up into 2 teams!
Pick an
opposing side from the story.
The team, who
makes their points, wins that round.
If no one
liked the book, discuss why and how it could have been better.
You can pick a card as you go to keep the
element of surprise.
You can have
your LitVersation©® members’ act out the characters or answers
for even more fun!
Allow the
LitVersation©® to flow freely, letting everyone to express their views.
There is no
right or wrong way to play, just have a
Sample questions
 
You didn't really think I would put up all the good ones did
you???
NOT!
Order Yours NOW
The #LitVersationalist tee shirts are also now
available
(Yeah I made that name up!!!)
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Shaka Senghor
I couldn't be happier for this brother on so many levels.
First
heard about him doing the TedX Talks and followed him since.
Oprah heard about him too and this is what happened next!!!
   
There are moments and then there are these
moments.
Pick up your copy of O magazine August 13th… 
@ShakaSenghor We are excited to see you on
#SuperSoulSunday this fall. Your journey is changing lives.
In September 2015    • View comments • Track comments •
Let The Church Say AMEN!!! Let The Church Say Amen (Click Link to see preview)   • View comments • Track comments •
Wouldn't Change a Thing (Zane Presents) by Stacy Campbell (Jul 14, 2015)
Wouldn't Change a Thing
by
Stacy Campbell
When skeletons fall out of
the closet, on the day of your engagement party, and on the front page of the
newspaper, things can only get worse. Toni has been hiding and lying about
her mother who is a paranoid schizophrenic and
regularly speaks to Clark Gable, Mahalia Jackson and Jesus. “Bill Withers was her Thorazine, Marvin Gaye
was her Prolixin and Natalie Cole was her Haldol.” She has been institutionalized
for over 20 years and Toni and her sister has been raised with different family
members, Toni by her 2 gay uncles which helped her to become a successful architect
and cultured. The man of her dreams dumps her in the most unfortunate way
leaving her no choice but to go home and deal with the demons.
This is an awesome story about love, family,
true friendship and how to bloom where you are planted.
You
make plans and God laughs. Mental illness is real and you can’t just hide them
away and pretend they don’t exist. The universe has a way of making you deal
with things left undone.
This story was beautifully told by a wonderful
author who has quickly risen to be one of my top 10 consistent favorite authors
and one to watch, This girl is gooood!!
Pleases visit her www.facebook.com/georgiapeach2814
Or her website www.stacyloveswriting.com
Stacy Campbell
Stacy Campbell is the author of Dream Girl Awakened, Forgive Me, and Wouldn’t Change a Thing. She was born and raised in Sparta, Georgia, where she spent summers on the front porch listening to the animated tales of her older relatives. She lives with her family in Indianapolis, Indiana.
And check out her previous great reads
Dream Girl Awakened and Forgive Me, you won’t be disappointed
-
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One Delicate Night by Joy Avery
Enter to win One Delicate Night Goodie Bag Book Title: One Delicate Night Publication Date: 7-11-2015 Genre: Contemporary romance Author: Joy Avery 
Can one night lead to forever?
Kassidy Monroe has spent far too many nights alone. But could she actually go through with a one-night stand? No! At least, that’s her answer until her eyes settle on him—tall, dark, and ultra-mysterious behind a black and platinum mask that makes him even more appealing. It’s lust at first sight, but how far is she willing to go with a man she’s just met?
Jaxon Prescott has always gone after what he wants. And he wants her—the sexy vixen in the feather mask. Something about her calls to him, and he’s all too willing to answer. An invitation to his hotel suite was supposed to be for a night she wouldn’t soon forget, but somehow the tables turn. He never imagines he’d be the one constantly reliving their time together.
One need. One night. One unforeseen outcome.
Joy Avery is a contemporary romance author who loves watching her imaginary friends fall in love. When not crafting her next love story, she enjoys reading, spending time with the family, playing with her two dogs, and cake decorating.
She’s the author of the novels Smoke in the Citi, His Until Sunrise (book 1 in the Indigo Falls series), Cupid’s Error-a Valentine’s novella, and His Ultimate Desire (book 2 in the Indigo Falls series).
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Weed and Water by Ian Palmer
Book Title: Weed and Water Author: Ian Palmer Genre: Teenage Redemption story; Christian faith Paperback: 266 pages ISBN-10: 1506188451 ISBN-13: 978-1506188454 
Originally from Australia, Ian lives in the high desert in his beloved Southwest USA. As a petroleum engineer, recently retired, he consulted all over the world. When he hikes with them or watches them play sports, Ian’s grandchildren are a particular source of happiness. His main interests are hiking, dancing, writing, and stimulating conversation. Ian regularly writes a new blog on various topics relating to Christian faith, and has also written a book called Hiking Toward Heaven.
A mysterious stranger helps a teenage boy called Ethan rescue his mentor, an elderly father-figure, from drowning when their canoe capsizes in a flooding river. A star athlete, Ethan later gets involved in unsafe sex, which leads to drugs, and gets him blackballed by jealous and gossiping team-mates. The boy is going down, and at times hates himself for it and for hurting his mom who is a caring, loving, and beautiful woman.
After another disastrous episode, where Ethan might have died, the river-stranger turns up again to confront him about his life choices. However, even after rehab, the boy’s condition is marked by a yo-yo attitude which causes massive emotional heartache for his mom.
The river-stranger, after sharing his own amazing history, suggests taking the fight to another level which draws on the resources of God. This begins a new and fascinating sequence of events, including a tornado, which get Ethan’s attention.
The book is a captivating story, packed with adventure in the desert Southwest and in the rivers and lakes of the Midwest USA. But it is also a goldmine of spiritual wisdom for teenagers. The mystery that permeates the story is compelling, and the thrilling ending may call for a tissue or two.
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I Am Charlie Wilson is Outstanding! Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
I Am Charlie Wilson
PrologueOur house was very musical, but we weren’t allowed to play the blues. That’s what my mother would call any music that wasn’t gospel—the blues. Irma Delores Wilson was saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost, and in her mind, if you couldn’t sing a particular song loudly from the front pews of the Church of God in Christ, then, like cigarettes, alcohol, and cursing, it was a sin against the good Lord. Something that would land you on the wrong side of heaven’s gates. Mind you, there wasn’t any such thing as black radio in Tulsa. You had one radio station back in the fifties and sixties, and that station played Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, the Everly Brothers, and the like, which we could listen to occasionally when we rode in the car. But if we wanted to hear R & B music—Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, the Rolling Stones, the Temptations, the Supremes—we had to go next door for that. Miss Hanna, our neighbor, had all that music in spades, sitting right there next to one of the best-sounding stereos and speaker systems in our neighborhood. Her records were shiny, too—she kept them clean and scratch-free. My brothers, my friends, and I would sneak over there and listen to Sam Cooke’s “You Send Me” and everything by Harry Belafonte. Our favorite was James Brown, a god in and of himself. He brought a whole other level of energy and soul that we could detect even at a young age. With him, you wouldn’t be satisfied sitting in your chair and tapping on the counter; he was doing something completely different from that Motown romanticism—not just lyrically but musically. Motown had a heavy backbeat on the two and the four, with a tambourine attached to it. When James punched the two and the four and the horns would hit and the snap of the snare drum pounced—it was bam! Like gunshots. It was so powerful and monstrous you couldn’t help but dance. He straightened everybody out with that funk, like, “Here I come, here I go, and here I’m going to stay.” He was the leader. I was only about eight or nine when James Brown was leaving that indelible artistic mark, and every last one of my friends and I loved him with abandon. We all tried to do the “James Brown.” His feet were so fast and the splits so badass. He had a hold on every young kid and teenager who ever dreamed of making music. That none of that was allowed in my house, where my father was a preacher and my mother a choir director, just made me love “the blues” even more. Still, from the youngest age, I was so moved by this soul music, I wanted to share it with my parents. There was one artist whom I thought even they, especially my mother, could appreciate: Stevie Wonder. He moved something deep inside me. I’ll never forget the first time I heard Stevie Wonder at Miss Hanna’s house. He sounded like a twelve-year-old version of my mama. In fact, I thought he was a girl—rolling his voice with that same sound quality Mama had when she sang and played piano at my father’s church—until somebody told me otherwise. One day when I heard “Fingertips” on the radio, I nearly lost my mind. I ran over to Miss Hanna’s window and yelled out to my mother to listen, and then I turned the stereo up really high. She smiled, I snapped my fingers to the beat, and Stevie, well, he worked those licks and riffs that became part of his repertoire. Nobody was making those runs on the radio. Nobody. Stevie was the first, and he was incredible. That he was a young boy, just a bit older than me, encouraged my already intense desire to sing. Prior to hearing Stevie, I didn’t believe that anybody could touch the performance ability I’d displayed in church and at home and had already been getting accolades for. But there he was. “I can get him, Mama! I can get him! I can sing like that!” I yelled. My mother laughed. And then she got serious: “Boy, you ain’t playing no blues.” Call it what you want, a sixth sense, a gut instinct, a premonition, or simply a mother’s intuition, but Mama understood the trouble that could come with being a secular celebrity. The drinking. The drugs. The women. The jealousy and envy. The danger. The incredible rise and the dizzying plummets. The stakes were high. And she wanted to protect her son—a naïve, impressionable church boy—at any cost. She did the best she could. I didn’t listen. My talent, this God-given gift of vocal, performance, and musical production skills, was too strong a pull. As soon as I could, I ran toward the fire. And I got burned. In part because that is the way of the music industry: it sucks you in and, if you are not careful, chews you up into bitty pieces and spits you back out into the wind. But also because, like my mother probably knew deep down in her gut, I was not naturally endowed with all the bravado you need to navigate stardom. Not in the earliest of my days in the spotlight, anyway. My friend Rick James, whom I’d meet after my family band, The GAP Band, started making it, knew this, too. He used to tell me that I was much too quiet. Rick was boisterously charismatic, the way he walked, the way he commanded a room. When I met him in 1978 or 1979, he was already a bona fide rock star and was covering some of The GAP Band’s music in his shows. He was on the Motown label, so he had a machine in his corner. He also had the Stone City Band up there onstage with him and a fan base that got downright rabid from the moment he’d come out, shirtless, into the spotlight, the tails of his long leather coat flying behind him, his man tights and leg warmers sitting funky in his cowboy boots, and all that hair swinging past his shoulders. When his fingers got to prancing across the strings of his guitar and the audience made out the notes for the intro to “You and I” or caught wind of the opening licks to “Mary Jane,” the entire arena would combust into all kinds of screaming and shouting and frenetic energy. Rick James was electric, and he was drawn to me because I was his complement onstage—wild and full of bravado. Active. He liked that. He liked me. And pretty quickly after we met, we were fast friends, running the streets and hitting the clubs and getting into all kinds of debauchery together. But it was hard for me to keep up with Rick. One night he had me ride in the limo with him and an entourage of about ten people as we headed for the China Club in Los Angeles. Rick was practically talking in tongues—“All you gappers and finger snappers and toe tappers and you love rappers,” that line from The GAP Band’s “I Don’t Believe You Want to Get Up and Dance (Oops!),” was just one of the jewels Rick dropped that night in the limo—and to say he was amped when it came time to walk past the velvet rope and into the doors of the China Club would be an understatement. I was by his side in the car, but by the time all the people piled out of that limo and the bodyguards started jumping out of their cars and the swag level of Rick James and his entourage was turned up to one thousand, I was all the way in the back of the line, having been shoved out of the way by Rick’s various groupies and clingers-on as they jockeyed for space in his orbit. That’s the way I was: Vibrant onstage but quiet and unassuming off. Too afraid to speak up. Rick was a superstar. Me, I was just the lead singer in a band. “You’re too humble,” Rick said to me when we finally found each other in the VIP room after twenty minutes. I didn’t want to cause a scene or be a problem to anybody, and he wanted me to be the opposite. “You should have been right here next to me the whole time.” “How could I do that?” I asked. “I had people pushing me out the way.” “You gotta act like a star,” he said, tossing in a few curse words to put an exclamation mark on his point. “Watch me. I’ll show you how.” The next day, he dressed me up in all this stuff—all that Rick James accouterment that made him bigger than life: boots and tights, leather, and leg warmers. And he had me walking around with him like that—trying to give me a different swagger. “Who are you?” he kept asking me. “I know who I am. The name is Rick James, bitch.” That was not a saying made up by Charlie Murphy and Dave Chappelle for a TV skit. Rick was really like that. That was his thing: “This is rock and roll, bitch.” He insisted I say it, but I couldn’t do it. Having been raised in a preacher’s house, I couldn’t see myself responding to someone who asked me my name with a “My name is Charlie Wilson, bitch!” So I didn’t say it, I didn’t think it, I didn’t act on it. I didn’t run through the women and call them bitches. I just let Rick act on it. And that was okay for a minute, but after a while, I started feeling less than—as if I were the clinger-on and everyone else was the superstar. I felt little. Belittled. Rick, Sly, Stevie Wonder, all the superstars I hung with had everything, and there I was with so little self-esteem. I felt as if I were a nothing, had nothing. Then soon enough, that nothing manifested for real. Low self-esteem was the bitch. And ultimately, the catalyst for my spectacular downfall. Singing the blues didn’t kill me after all. Music, my gift, helped me to soar, dropped me to my lowest of lows, and resurrected me in ways immeasurable. In fact, it, along with God’s goodness and mercy, imprinted on me as a child raised by the hand of a woman who loved and revered the Lord, saved my life.
Simply Said Says...
I’ve loved his distinct voice since the Gap Band days, but I’m really loving this man’s voice telling his story, and he is still Outstanding!  About the Author
Charlie Wilson is an American R&B/soul music legend who has been nominated for seven Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Album for “Uncle Charlie” and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for “There Goes My Baby.” Sober for nineteen years, Wilson signed with Jive in 2004 after landing his first No. 1 Billboard Urban AC hit in 2000, “Without You.” Wilson averages seventy-five to one hundred shows a year between concert tours, festivals, and private events, while also devoting his time to charity work as a spokesperson for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife.
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Heat Wave of Desire Yahrah St.JohnWelcome to day three of the virtual celebration of Yahrah St. John's latest release, Heat Wave of Desire.
Yahrah St. John Fun Facts
What songs best describes your work ethic?
This will require much thought. No easy answer on this.
If you could tell your younger self anything, what would it be?
Don’t get in debt. Run from those credit card tables at the student union that offer you a free t-shirt when you sign up and a credit limit that you can’t afford making minimum wage.
Would you rather be well liked or well respected?
Well-respected. I’m a leader, always have been and that’s important to me.
Would you rather be in love with the person of your dreams or have every dream you wished of accomplished?
Have every dream you wished of accomplished. I accomplished becoming a published author via traditional publishing. Someone actually bought my book 10 years. Would I love to have wealth (but not fame), yes, but overall I’m pretty satisfied with my life.
So what would you rather? Share your thoughts below. I would love to hear from you!
Author Bio
Yahrah St. John is the author of eighteen books, fourteen of which were part of Kimani’s Romance line. St. John is the recipient of RT BookReviews 2013 Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Kimani Romance for A Chance With You. A graduate of Hyde Park Career Academy, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Northwestern University. St. John is a member of Romance Writers of America, but is an avid reader of all genres. She enjoys the arts, cooking, traveling, basketball and adventure sports, but her true passion remains writing. St. John lives in sunny Orlando, the City Beautiful. For more information, please visit: www.yahrahstjohn.com
About the Book
As Belleza Resort's general manager, Kimberly Parker is living her dream of transforming her family's decades-old property into California's most exclusive A-list retreat. Her 24–7 dedication leaves the driven executive no time for romance, especially as rumors of sabotage and Belleza's haunted history vie for her attention. But the hotel's enigmatic, überelegant new guest arouses more than her curiosity, sweeping Kimberly into a taboo affair that jeopardizes all she wishes to achieve.
Heir to a powerful financial dynasty, Jaxon Dunham knows he can't hide out at the luxurious desert resort forever. Even if his passionate nights with Kimberly are the closest thing to paradise he's ever known. Then Jaxon finds himself the focus of scandalous headlines. Risking exposure, he has to make the decision to trust his heart or walk away from a promising love…
Purchase links
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QXL3LQA?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00QXL3LQA&linkCode=xm2&tag=httpallthebuz-20
Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heat-wave-of-desire-yahrah-st-john/1120384851?ean=9780373864058
Enter Yahrah's contest for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift. One winner will be chosen at the end of the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
http://www.yahrahstjohn.net
https://twitter.com/yahrahstjohn
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Yahrah-St-John/55015186054
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Locked in Purgatory by Nakia Laushaul
Locked in Purgatory
A wise man leads his family by example.
AFTER TEN LONG YEARS LEFT TO ROT IN A NURSING HOME, LUTHER BENNETT is plum sick of this life. Paralyzed from the waist down after suffering a series of strokes, the man who once held power, wealth and prestige in the palm of his hands, now has nothing at all except for a disturbing memory bank full of dreams and hopes from his past. Luther’s son, SAMUEL BENNETT, heir to the misfortune of his father’s wealth has grown weary of slipping into Luther’s shoes and desperately desires an identity of his own. Trapped in a relationship that doesn’t exist and a mounting mistrust of all men, Luther’s only daughter, LYNNE BENNETT just can’t seem to find the love and validation that should have come from her father. As their lives begin to unravel, the Bennett family must finally make a decision. Live the way they’ve always lived—rooted in secrets, denial and festering anger or change. Can Luther, a mere shell of his former self, save his shattered family from the devastating purgatory he’s created?
Simply Said, says
This is one of the best, well written books I've read in a long time.
Luther is stuck in his own purgatory due to his own selfish ways.
He's only able to grunt, curse, listen to his conscience, his guilt and his roommate.
He now lives in hell because he's had many strokes and is unable to
speak, apologize, plead, or make amends with the family he left,
to marry one of his tricks...
"The honorary member of the family"...
He can see and hear everything from his luxury nursing home suite,
but it's hell on earth.
This story was absolutely heart wrenching, told from each family member,
and the long term effects it had on each.
They also were Locked in Purgatory, because of how he lived his life.
Nakia Laushaul is an OUTSTANDING writer and has a way of pulling
you into the story as if you were right there, like a fly on the wall
 Biography   • View comments • Track comments •
The Garden of Unfortunate Souls by Eddie Mark
Simply said, says.....
The Garden of Unfortunate Souls
This was a tragic story about 2 families whose lives meet on a rainy night by accident, by chance and then six degrees of separation. One family of means and one family with little means and a home that joins them. This very well told story, tells both of their stories with compassion and a heart wrenching view of what was the unfortunate cause and effect of these families. The characters were unforgettable and flawed, but human. Eddie Mark is a brilliant writer and storyteller.
5*****
Biography Eddie Mark is a writer, researcher, educator, and former city chess champion of Buffalo, New York. His prize-winning short stories have appeared in the Hart House Review and the anthology Bloodlines: Tales from the African Diaspora. The Garden of Unfortunate Souls is his first published novel. He is currently a doctoral candidate in Educational Administration at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. His peer-reviewed academic articles have been published in the Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management and the College Student Journal.   • View comments • Track comments •
SECRETS UNCOVERED “21” Secrets Uncovered by Shelia M. Goss
In honor of her 21st book being released
today, Shelia decided to reveal 21 secrets or things you may not know about her.
1. When I was a
teenager, me and one of my best friends had aspirations on being the next rapping duo like Salt N Pepa.
2. When in high
school, me and one of my best friends performed a Mary Jane Girls song in a
talent show.
3. Me and my best
friend once snuck into an LL Cool J after party by pretending to be the
relatives of someone attending the party.
4. I've always wanted
my own radio show, "Quiet Storm with Oh Shelia."
5.. I once wrote for a
few confessional magazines.
6. I used to have a crush
on actor Don Johnson. I've watched every Miami Vice & Nash Bridges episode.
7. My bank account is like a roller coaster...it
goes up and down and sometimes it flatlines.
To see Shelia’s full
21 secrets uncovered list, please visit:
http://sheliagoss.com/2015/06/16/secrets-uncovered-by-shelia-m-goss-release-day-book-21/
ABOUT SECRETS UNCOVERED
 A hot one-night stand could lead to a once-in-a-lifetime
chance at love.
As the producer of one of TV’s highest-rated shows, Kem
Phillips has a knack for creating the perfect leading man. But love in real
life? No thanks. She has no interest in repeating her mother’s mistakes.
Thank goodness the star of her newest project is
discreet. No one knows about the one-night stand they indulged in at her best friend’s
wedding. He’s also a gentleman who always seems to be there when she’s in a
jam.
Brent McKenzie has had his share of memorable moments,
but that night with Kem is as fresh and hot in his mind as if it was yesterday.
He’d love to be the man who comes to her rescue in all possible
ways—if she’d let him.
When an emergency call sends Kem racing home to
Louisiana, she goes against her better judgment and accepts Brent’s offer to go
with her. Yet as everything she thought was true about her past crumbles, is
his emotional support something solid to lean on…or a crutch she dare not
trust?
Secrets Uncovered
is available online. Order your copy directly from the publisher https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5470/secrets-uncovered
or purchase from
other online retailers such as:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Uncovered-Women-Hollywood-Shelia-ebook/dp/B00YE2032U/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1433962151&sr=1-3&pebp=1433962155857&perid=BEB5DDBC4BEA40628E0D
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/secrets-uncovered-shelia-m-goss/1122017812?ean=9781619227392
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shelia M. Goss is a screenwriter
and national bestselling author of twenty-one books. Secrets Uncovered is her
twenty-first book in print. She writes in multiple genres. She's received
many accolades in her career, including being nominated
for a 2015 AAMBC Literary Awards in
the Romance Author of the Year category. USA Today says, “Goss has an easy, flowing style
with her prose…” Shelia loves to hear from readers so feel free to contact her
via her website: www.sheliagoss.com or
follow
her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sheliagoss or Twitter
@sheliamgoss.   • View comments • Track comments •
Empty Womb Empty Tomb Author: Quiana E. Johnson
Empty Womb, Empty Tomb is a thought provoking memoir recapping the dramatic events surrounding the premature birth and death of Quiana's baby boy, Nehemiah Johnson, and the restoring work of the Holy Spirit in the aftermath. March 10, 2014 was undeniably marked as one of the most life altering days of her life as her and her husband delivered their firstborn child at home in the bathroom, only to bury him five days later. Through this tragedy, Quiana learned many truths that allowed her to overcome her trauma and receive one of the most riveting revelations of her life. Empty Womb, Empty Tomb provokes every emotion imaginable as the reader tags along as one woman finds hope and wholeness through venturing to an empty tomb once occupied by Jesus Christ.
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Perfectly Loved by Rhana Gittens
Perfectly
Loved
Author: Rhana a. Gittens
Paperback: 212 pages
Publisher: NyreePress Publishing (October 22, 2014)
ISBN-10: 0990666239
ISBN-13: 978-0990666233
Genre: Inspirational/Christian Living 
Rhana A. Gittens has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and
Masters of Business Administration from the University of Florida. She has a
minor certificate in African-American studies and is an accomplished writing
tutor. She was born in Queens, NY, raised in Lauderdale Lakes, FL and currently
resides in Atlanta, GA.
Love is one of the most consumed terms in the human
language. It’s probably the most wrongly used word, but the word that is most
necessary when used correctly. With an inaccurate definition of love we find
ourselves searching for something to fulfill us, but in all of our searching we
miss it. We miss it because unfortunately we don’t recognize that we are
already perfectly loved. The problem is not the overuse of the word love. If it
were up to God, we would use it at all times. The problem is, we say the word
but don’t do any of the actions that come with its meaning. The problem is that
we don’t know what God wanted it to mean, because we don’t give God the credit
for the most amazing thing He ever created—LOVE!
Perfectly Loved will bring us back to the understanding of
love from the creator and embodiment of love Himself. Each chapter includes
“Think About It” questions and a study verse that are perfect for individual
study, Bible Study, and small group lessons. As you explore how God loves you,
you will also build love in your relationships with other people, and God. When
you discover “perfect love” you will be able to relinquish your fears, push
through your adversity, and serve others with love.
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His Ultimate Desire Book Blast and Contest
Author Joy Avery is giving away One His
Ultimate Desire Goodie Bag. Enter content below.
Book Title: His Ultimate Desire, Book 2 in
the Indigo Falls series
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women’s
Fiction
ASIN: B00W8MUYRC
Publication Date: April 17,
2015 
A past packed with memories…
When Marisol Chesapeake returns to Indigo Falls, North
Carolina, her ex is the last person she expects to see. The second their paths
cross, sparks fly out of control. There’s no denying the attraction that still
lingers, but there’s no way she can allow herself to act on it. No matter how
badly she needs his strong, protective arms around her.
A future filled with possibilities…
Kincaid Tinsdale has spent the last few years away from
Indigo Falls, and the hurtful memories there. But now he’s back, and so is the
woman he’s dreamt about for the past ten years. The second his eyes settle on
his ex, it awakens a hunger only she can satisfy. There’s just one problem. By
the looks of it, Marisol wants nothing to do with him. But looks can be
deceiving.
A present that will determine everything…
She’s not searching for love—especially his. He’s not giving
up. Will the flame that once blazed between them be reignited? Or will she simply
remain his ultimate desire?
Joy Avery is a contemporary romance author who loves
watching her imaginary friends fall in love. In addition to HIS ULTIMATE
DESIRE, she's the author of SMOKE IN THE CITI, HIS UNTIL SUNRISE, and CUPID'S
ERROR: a novella. Joy is a member of Romance Writers of America and Heart of
Carolina Romance Writers. When not crafting her next love story, she enjoys
reading, spending time with the family, playing with her two dogs, and cake
decorating.
 
Contest Giveaway: Author is giving away One (1)
His Ultimate Desire Goodie Bag.
Contest Code~~~ Enter to Win. Content open to
USA only
Terms and
Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY
LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will
be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will
then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours,
a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending
on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way
sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This
giveaway is sponsored by the author Joy Avery and is hosted and managed by
Paulette from Write Now Literary Book Tours. If you have any additional
questions – feel free to send an email to Paulette @
pharperjohnson@gmail.com
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LitVersations
Hello!!!
I want to tell you about my passion project that I've been working on for
over two years--
LitVersations
The Book Conversation Game  
I’m an avid reader and love talking about
books with my
friends and book club
members. When discussing books with other readers, I
realized we were having
the same dialog, different book. So I wanted to change
the conversation to a
LitVersation!
I created
LitVersations
The Book Conversation Card Game
to really get into a deeper conversation and
comprehension of the
story, it's characters and also to delve into what may have been on the
author’s mind when they were writing the story.
These 70 thought
provoking questions tend to spin off into
spontaneous conversation
more in depth book discussion. They also
help promote
richer exchanges and interpretations
and pull everyone into the LitVersation,
even the quietest book
club members. Instead of allowing the discussion to lull or die out, the
moderator or club members need to only pull another card to keep the discussion active. My test users have
reported that their discussions were more fun, lasted longer and challenged
members to probe for a deeper understanding when they used the LitVersations game
cards.
I want to make reading
and discussing books even more fun with this game.
This game was created by
a book lover, for book lovers.
These questions are also
great for bloggers and interviewers, when interviewing authors.
I am absolutely
passionate about
The LitVersations
project I've created, and want to introduce it to the world but...
I need your help to
produce this game.
I want to be able to
produce and purchase
these game cards in bulk
to keep the prices affordable and made in the USA.
In order to keep the
price affordable, however,
mass-production is
recommended because small print runs are not cost efficient.
Starting today, May 1 2015,
All monies raised will
be used to cover production costs.
I will not be able to go
further without your
support,word of mouth and pre-orders.
Please help me bring
this to you and readers
across the world!!
Please donate whatever you can. No donation is too
small because any amount will help me to reach my goal.
There are rewards at
certain donation levels, for your
generosity.
Thank you for letting me
share my passion project with you, and
any assistance you are
able to offer is deeply appreciated.
Debra Owsley
LitVersations The Book Conversation Game owner and creator
LitVersations.com will up and running soon
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His Grace, His Blood, His Mercy! by Chizellé T. Archie #hisgracebloodmercy
NEW RELEASE | His Grace, His Blood, His Mercy! by Chizellé T. Archie
 #hisgracebloodmercy
About the Book
Victoria Diamond
Bouviér is back!
Now living in Atlanta, Georgia, as CEO of Diamond
Investments, wife to husband, Marcel, and mother; this time she gets way more
than she bargains for. Life for Victoria has become a never-ending cycle, and
on top of it all she has the arduous task of being the mother to Gabrielle
Grace Cartiér, a thirteen-year old trapped in the body of a twenty-one year
old, who just happens to be a child prodigy! Can you say thermodynamics by age
5? OMG...
In this modern day epic, Gabrielle deals with the
daily woes of teenage-hood, but like most girls her age, her mind isn't all
focused on the books. Hers is set on other things like being the flyest girl at
Benetton Prep Academy, along with getting her one true love, Andrew Harrison,
23-year old owner of Club Etcetera.
When Gabrielle gets a Facebook "friend
request" from Rishard "Big Pimpin'" McCants, her life takes a
new direction. Following the "Rule Book" her best friend, Quinn,
authors, Gabrielle grows up faster than she can imagine. Once she discovers
love, sex, drugs, and money doesn't equal to three, she suddenly has help
remembering what does, but is it too late?
As Victoria tries to balance life, love, and health,
she once again gets caught in a web of past treachery and deceit. It's said,
what's done in the dark, comes to light, so be careful who you sleep with.
Generational curses can be lethal! With her ride or die bestie, Lucy, by her
side, will Victoria learn that even in motherhood with God anything is
possible? IJS...
About the Author
Chizellé T.
Archie hails from Atlanta,
Georgia by way of the sunny Gulf Coast of Mobile, Alabama. She is a Registered
Nurse for the Infectious Disease Program with Grady Health Systems.
Several years ago, after noticing the alarming
statistics of the HIV rate of African American women, Chizellé became fed up
with the way her African American brothers and sisters (young alike), were
beginning to settle for any and everything, in that having safe sex was not an
option anymore. Lastly, what disturbed her most was there are so many people
sitting in the church pews each Sunday masking their hurt, because of the
stigma associated with this epidemic, and yet the one place they feel most
comfortable is the one place that leaves them feeling so alone.
In 2010, Chizellé landed on the literary scene with
authority, and it was with great fortitude that she penned her debut novel, The Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Diamond,
in which her life experiences have allowed her to grab hold and take nothing
less, realizing she is a Diamond! She continues the story in the sequel, His Grace, His Blood, His Mercy!
Book Trailer
Embed Video Trailer Code (preferred)
● Amazon.com
- http://www.amazon.com/His-Grace-Blood-Mercy/dp/0986184004/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1428086861&sr=8-2&keywords=chizelle+archie
● BarnesandNoble.com - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/his-grace-his-blood-his-mercy-chizelle-t-archie/1121330648?ean=9780986184000
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Angelia Vernon Menchan  http://angeliavernonmenchanserials.blogspot.com/2015/04/trinidad-and-aprils-amelie-coming-april.htmlAngelia Vernon Menchan SERIALS by Angelia Vernon Menchan: Trinidad and April's Amelie: Coming April 10th... Excerpt: After his meeting, Smith looked up to see Amelie standing in his doorway. He was no longer startled by her resemblance to April. Having a baby and getting sober had added pounds to her and these days her hair was shorter and curly unlike her sister's long waves. Strolling in, she took a seat and Smith sighed. "Hello Amelie. How are you Amelie? I'll get you a check Amelie." Since the courts had given Jamie back to his mom, Smith gave her money to help raise him, normally he mailed it but had been too busy the past week. She was working for barely above minimum wage and he loved Jamie as his own. He knew April wouldn't approve but he had been unable to deny Amelie's request or Jamie’s needs. "Thank you!" She said smugly, crossing her legs. Smith quickly took out his personal checkbook, writing Amelie a check. He slid it across the table and she quickly picked it up, placing it in her oversized bag. "Is that all Amelie and how is Jamie?" "He's fine. Are you going by the daycare to see him?" "I plan to. But today I'm going home to my wife." Her brow arched at his words. "Will she even know you're there? Last I heard from daddy she was looking zombie-like and crying." Rage filled him but he sucked it down. Amelie might be clean and sober but she was not a good person. "Anyway, thanks for the stipend." She muttered. Standing, she adjusted her snug dress, staring at her brother in law. He refused to make eye contact with her. She made her way from the office and he could hear her laughter trail behind her. Shaking his head, he put away his checkbook and prepared to go home to his wife   • View comments • Track comments •
Teardrops Know My Name, Dalia Florea
One winner will receive a $10.00 Amazon Gift Card. Enter contest below Book Title: Teardrops Know My Name Author: Dalia Florea Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Romance Recommended age group? 18 and up Publisher: Dalia Florea (March 27, 2015) ASIN: B00TWQJGQC
Dalia Florea is a novelist and native New Yorker. Her debut book “Mirrored” recently reached the top 100 Best Sellers list in Women’s Detective Fiction and rated favorably on both Amazon and Goodreads. When she isn’t crafting suspenseful romance, Dalia enjoys solving Sudoku and cryptogram quotes, attending jazz concerts and visiting wineries. Dalia currently lives in Northern Virginia and is hard at work on her next two novels.
Someone is stalking, fashion photographer, Linda McNair and turning her world upside down. She has no idea who it could be. Is it an old boyfriend? Someone in the industry? A complete stranger? The only thing Linda knows for sure is her stalker has to be stopped. Her life may depend on it.
When Linda meets Detective Sean Gregory, one of New York’s finest in more ways than one, stories unravel, revealing secrets, lies and betrayal that nearly destroy her, breaking her heart into a million tiny pieces.
Linda tries to resist Sean’s affection, but she can’t help wondering if he’s the right man who can put the shattered pieces of her heart back to together.
Enter to Win a Rafflecopter giveaway
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author Dalia Florea and is hosted and managed by Paulette from Write Now Literary Book Tours. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Paulette @ pharperjohnson@gmail.com
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Love, Hope Faith Anthology
Title: Love. Hope. Faith Anthology Produced by: Vanessa Miller Genre: Christian Inspirational, Non-Fiction Paperback: 166 pages Publisher: Praise Unlimited Enterprises, LLC (February 18, 2015) ISBN-10: 1508505330 ISBN-13: 978-1508505334
From Trust-less to Trustworthy - By: Yvette Wilson Bentley
"When I looked at my friendships with women and why I didn’t trust them, I realized that I had lots to unpack and examine. I was okay not trusting women, but I knew that living as a Christian meant that my attitude and mindset had to change. Was it something that I wanted to do? At first, absolutely not! But I knew that to be of service to God and His people, a change had to be made, so I became willing to be willing. "
Back At One - By: Kendy Ward
“God, You promised that if I served You, followed You with every fiber of my being, then You would restore my family. It’s been five years. I don’t doubt that You can do anything. You specialize in the impossible, but my faith is faltering.” Jason then prayed in his heavenly language.
I am not a man that I should lie. I will complete the good work I have begun.
Jason released a sigh of relief. “Thank You for hearing me. I’ll wait. However long it takes, I will wait.”
No Greater Love - By: Rita Moore
“A few weeks into my pregnancy the doctor told us, the medications I had been taking caused harm to our child, test showed abnormal fluid. He suggested we terminate the pregnancy, or prepare for a child with birth defects! I was devastated, but my husband reminded me of the God we serve! Abortion was not an option! We found a new doctor, a believer, a doctor who trusted the miracle working love of God! Nine months later we had a perfectly healthy baby girl!”
"On the day of my surgery, prior to being wheeled into surgery, the doctor took my hand and said, “It is my custom to pray with my patients prior to conducting surgery”. I have never known a doctor to do that! Everything happens for a reason. His prayer spoke of his faith and trust in God to guide his hands, and he prayed for my complete healing. I felt confident he was definitely the doctor I needed to perform the surgery. God said He perfects those things that concern us!”
Leap Into Your Destiny- By: Sherae Bell
One morning in late December, as I posted what I expected to be my last prayer to Facebook, my seven-year-old granddaughter, Anashija, ran into the room.
She stood beside me, put her arm around my neck and politely, but in a matter-of-fact manner, said, “Grandma, are you writing your God Notes?”
I did not realize that she had been paying attention. Surprised, I looked at her and said, “My God Notes?”
“Yes, Grandma, your God Notes!”
“Why did you call them my ‘God Notes’?”
She took a deep breathe, sighed and then said, “Grandma, because you write your notes to God every day.” She ran out of the room as if she had completed her mission to confirm that my postings had nothing to do with me and everything to do with God.
God’s timing is always perfect. Not until we acknowledge that it is just that, His timing, will we be able to live as He has designed. Every time I wanted to give up, He stopped me from waving the flag. I realized that God ordained my words. I knew that He had more work for me. God is faithful. He brings to fruition what He has ordained to be accomplished, no matter the package used to deliver it.
Courage To Stand- By Paulette Harper
Have you ever took a step of faith in what you believed you heard from God and got mid-way through and wanted to turn back, put the brakes on, put the car in reverse and start all over? You knew this was not the way you had envisioned your current situation. Everything you see before you tells you that somehow you’ve missed God. Fear settles in, doubt and anxiety comes knocking at your heart.
Prior to taking that step of faith, confidence in what you were doing was strong and un-quenching, yet all alone God knew exactly what trouble awaited you, what problems were in the making and He knew you would be in that place of doubt and disbelief.
In your mind, you began to question if God told you to do this, did you really hear God? For sure if God told you then there shouldn’t be any problems, no challenges, no regrets, right? On the contrary, it’s in those places that we can be assured that God has us right where He wants us. In places of trouble, in that wilderness, in that place where even His still quiet voice is not speaking. This place is where your faith will be stretched, the promises of God will be challenged or questioned. It’s in this place that going back seems like the better solution, at least that’s what your flesh wants you to believe. Clearly what’s in front is more difficult than what is behind.
First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage - By: Valerie J. Lewis-Coleman
All eyes were on Jeanine as she took slow orchestrated steps toward the altar. The beaded embellishments on her tailored gown glistened in the sunrays that beamed through the cathedral windows. Every strand of her short bob was in place, Mac makeup flawless. The elegant bouquet of fresh-cut flowers bombarded her senses. For a brief moment, she stopped, closed her eyes, inhaled. The pianist seemed to strike the keys in sync with her racing heart. She opened her eyes and gazed down the aisle to see the groom poised, ready to meet his bride. A full smile washed across her face, she steadied her breathing. As she walked toward him, acknowledging each friend and family member with a glance, slight grin and head nod, she whispered a prayer.
“Father, I thank You for this beautiful day. Everything is coming together as planned; even the weather is perfect. I ask Your grace upon this union. Let it flourish. Keep away the naysayers. Divorce is not an option as this marriage will represent Your unconditional love. I count my request as done. I just have one question: When will it be my turn as bride? I’m happy for my girl, but…I’m tired of being alone, crying myself to sleep. Smiling at every man I meet, hoping, praying that he’s the one. I love my nieces and nephews, but I’m ready to be a mother. The official has shot the gun to start the foot race and I’m stuck in the blocks watching my girlfriends run ahead with husbands in tow. Why am I still single? What is it about me that keeps me on this side of matrimony?”
As the tears flowed, Jeanine took her place, two bridesmaids from the bride. She dabbed at the tears with a monogrammed handkerchief provided by the groomsman who escorted her.
As I Look Back - by: LaDawn Michelle
When I first got clean from drugs I learned in order to positively deal with any feelings I must first identify them. Today there is a popular saying going around “I felt some type of way.” That phrase doesn’t do anything to promote healing. “I feel some type of way” does not identify a feeling. You cannot heal emotionally by identifying with “feeling some type of way.” The only thing the statement does is give a voice to the fact that there is a dysfunction in your emotions. We must be careful that we do not allow our spirits to latch onto the commonalities society gives us that do not promote good emotional health by handicapping us with catchy phrases that mean absolutely nothing once they are dissected. One of the first tools I was given when I got clean from drugs was a feeling words list. In order to embark on a journey of emotional healing, one of your first steps may be to get a feeling word list and use it.
Triumphant Victory - by: Kyna Williams
My mind had been tainted to believe that all the good things in life only happened for the pretty girls with long hair or the children with both parents in the home. I believed the world was filled with two categories of people. One category consisted of “THOSE OTHER PEOPLE” who seemingly have no problems, no hidden secrets, or shameful pasts that stripped them of the freedom to live the “Good Life.” The second category consisted of the broken souls, filled with hopelessness, like me. I was void of even the faintest perception that I would one day have the opportunity to be one of “THOSE OTHER PEOPLE.” I had decided within myself that I was damaged goods. I carried with me the weight of emotional baggage my secretive fragile past had attached to me, limiting my ability to dream of a future where I would be free to live the “Good Life” or any type of life that did not require me to mask who I felt I really was beneath the surface of my glamorous facade. If anyone were to find out who I really was beneath it all, it would certainly result in the complete ruin of the flawless public façade I had mastered displaying.
The Visionary - by: Loureva Slade
“I need you all to trust me,” Pastor Gaines said as he tensely tapped his fingers on the table, unamused by Deacon Clemmons’ humor. “And if that is too difficult, trust that God has put me over this congregation and trust that He won’t allow me to do anything that doesn’t align with His will. Can you all just do that?”
Tour hosted by Write Now Literary
Calling Authors, Motivational Speakers and Ministers of the Gospel… With Volume 1 of the Love. Hope. Faith. Anthology complete, I am now in search of inspirational testimonies for Volume 2. *Is your life a living testimony? *Are you a new author looking for a way to break into the industry? *Can you take a motivational speech and write something that will inspire readers? *Has God put a burning desire to minister to His people in your heart? Contact Vanessa Miller for submission guidelines: vanessa.praiseunlimited@gmail.com   • View comments • Track comments •
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