Friday Night Love, Author Tia McCollors

VR: When did you know that you were chosen not just to write, but to become an author?

TM: A job lay off in 1999 prompted me to begin to pursue purpose for my life.  I was journalism major so of course I was always writing throughout my career track – whether I was working in marketing, public relations, etc. But during that time when I didn’t have to wake up for my 9-to-5, God really spoke to me and told me that he was going to “marry” my love of reading and writing.

VR: What has your literary journey been like for you?

TM: Ups and downs. Sometime it isn’t what I thought it would be, and at other times it’s been more than what I expected. I just hold on for the ride. Overall it’s still been such a blessing. I’ve learned that with publishing, it’s sometimes about finding the trends and changing with the times.

VR: What is your writing process like?

TM: I’m more productive in the mornings. I find that I do best at the library so I can turn off all of the distractions and not get pulled into things like washing clothes, reorganizing my daughter’s closet, or deciding it’s the perfect time to clean the carpet! LOL! I usually start off free-flowing the first five chapters or so to get my writing muse started, then I begin to outline scenes and chapters.

VR: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in any of your books?

TM: No. I think all of my books were the best that I could do at that particular stage of my writing. I learned a new skill from writing each book.

VR: What were the challenges you faced in bringing forth any of your books?

TM: Time management. Just recently I had to ask my publisher for an additional month past my deadline. I have three children – ages 8, 5 and 9 months. I think I underestimated how much time and attention go into having an infant at home. However, my baby boy quickly reminded me!

VR: What advice would you give aspiring authors

TM: Write! Write!  Read! And write some more. Many aspiring authors become consumed with the publishing process, but they don’t have anything to publish in the first place. Finish what you start.

 VRAre you working on any new projects?

TM: Yes, always.  Sunday Morning Love, the second book in my Days of Grace series, is scheduled for release in October 2014.

 VR: What is something that your readers would find interesting about you?

TM: 1. I like peanuts and cashews, but can’t stand the taste of almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and all those other nuts!

2. I’m great at organizing papers and filing systems.

3. I can’t swim, even though I wish I could! When I graduated from college in 1996, one of the requirements was that you had to pass the swim test. I took a beginning swimming the last semester of my senior year and subsequently passed the required test. But my fear of the water stole my skills away. One day, however, I’m going to swim like a fish!

- See more at: http://thecertainonesmagazine.com/friday-night-love-author-tia-mccollors/#sthash.URnPzi6I.dpuf

 

About the Author

Tia McCollors used to dream of being a television news anchor, but her destiny led her behind the pages instead of in front of the cameras. After earning a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from UNC-Chapel Hill, she went on to build a successful career in the public relations industry. In 1999, a job layoff prompted Tia to discover and pursue a writing career as an author. Following the birth of her son in 2006, she left the corporate arena to focus on her family and her expanding writing and speaking business.
Tia’s first novel, A Heart of Devotion, was an Essence Magazine bestseller. She followed her popular debut with four other inspirational novels including Zora’s Cry, The Truth About Love, The Last Woman Standing, and Steppin’ Into The Good Life. In 2012, she released If These Shoes Could Talk, her first devotion book of The Prissy Purse Devotions series. Friday Night Love is Tia’s sixth novel.

Author Interview with Editor-In-Chief, The Certain Ones Magazine 

Vanessa Richardson

VR: Hello Tia!  It's great to interview you. I have been an fan of your literary works for years. So it's an honor to finally chat with you. First question: when did you know that you were chosen not just to write, but to become an author?

TM: A job lay off in 1999 prompted me to begin to pursue purpose for my life.  I was a journalism major so of course I was always writing throughout my career track – whether I was working in marketing, public relations, etc. But during that time when I didn’t have to wake up for my 9-to-5, God really spoke to me and told me that he was going to “marry” my love of reading and writing.

VR:What has your literary journey been like for you?

TM:Ups and downs. Sometime it isn’t what I thought it would be, and at other times it’s been more than what I expected. I just hold on for the ride. Overall it’s still been such a blessing. I’ve learned that with publishing, it’s sometimes about finding the trends and changing with the times.

VR:What is your writing process like?

TM:I’m more productive in the mornings. I find that I do best at the library so I can turn off all of the distractions and not get pulled into things like washing clothes, reorganizing my daughter’s closet, or deciding it’s the perfect time to clean the carpet! LOL!

I usually start off free-flowing the first five chapters or so to get my writing muse started, then I begin to outline scenes and chapters.

VR:If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in any of your books?

TM:No. I think all of my books were the best that I could do at that particular stage of my writing. I learned a new skill from writing each book.

VR:What were the challenges you faced in bringing forth any of your books?

TM:Time management. Just recently I had to ask my publisher for an additional month past my deadline. I have three children – ages 8, 5 and 9 months. I think I underestimated how much time and attention go into having an infant at home. However, my baby boy quickly reminded me!

VR:What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Write! Write!  Read! And write some more. Many aspiring authors become consumed with the publishing process, but they don’t have anything to publish in the first place. Finish what you start.

VR:Are you working on any new projects?

TM:Yes, always. Sunday Morning Love, the second book in my Days of Grace series, is scheduled for release in October 2014.

VR:What is something that your readers would find interesting about you?

TM:

1. I like peanuts and cashews, but can’t stand the taste of almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and all those other nuts!

2. I’m great at organizing papers and filing systems.

3. I can’t swim, even though I wish I could! When I graduated from college in 1996, one of the requirements was that you had to pass the swim test. I took a beginning swimming the last semester of my Senior  year and subsequently passed the required test. But my fear of the water stole my skills away. One day, however, I’m going to swim like a fish!

VR: When did you know that you were chosen not just to write, but to become an author?

TM: A job lay off in 1999 prompted me to begin to pursue purpose for my life.  I was journalism major so of course I was always writing throughout my career track – whether I was working in marketing, public relations, etc. But during that time when I didn’t have to wake up for my 9-to-5, God really spoke to me and told me that he was going to “marry” my love of reading and writing.

VR: What has your literary journey been like for you?

TM: Ups and downs. Sometime it isn’t what I thought it would be, and at other times it’s been more than what I expected. I just hold on for the ride. Overall it’s still been such a blessing. I’ve learned that with publishing, it’s sometimes about finding the trends and changing with the times.

VR: What is your writing process like?

TM: I’m more productive in the mornings. I find that I do best at the library so I can turn off all of the distractions and not get pulled into things like washing clothes, reorganizing my daughter’s closet, or deciding it’s the perfect time to clean the carpet! LOL! I usually start off free-flowing the first five chapters or so to get my writing muse started, then I begin to outline scenes and chapters.

VR: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in any of your books?

TM: No. I think all of my books were the best that I could do at that particular stage of my writing. I learned a new skill from writing each book.

VR: What were the challenges you faced in bringing forth any of your books?

TM: Time management. Just recently I had to ask my publisher for an additional month past my deadline. I have three children – ages 8, 5 and 9 months. I think I underestimated how much time and attention go into having an infant at home. However, my baby boy quickly reminded me!

VR: What advice would you give aspiring authors

TM: Write! Write!  Read! And write some more. Many aspiring authors become consumed with the publishing process, but they don’t have anything to publish in the first place. Finish what you start.

 VRAre you working on any new projects?

TM: Yes, always.  Sunday Morning Love, the second book in my Days of Grace series, is scheduled for release in October 2014.

 VR: What is something that your readers would find interesting about you?

TM: 1. I like peanuts and cashews, but can’t stand the taste of almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and all those other nuts!

2. I’m great at organizing papers and filing systems.

3. I can’t swim, even though I wish I could! When I graduated from college in 1996, one of the requirements was that you had to pass the swim test. I took a beginning swimming the last semester of my senior year and subsequently passed the required test. But my fear of the water stole my skills away. One day, however, I’m going to swim like a fish!

- See more at: http://thecertainonesmagazine.com/friday-night-love-author-tia-mccollors/#sthash.URnPzi6I.dpuf

 

About the Book

CAN LOVE HEAL WHAT INFIDELITY TRIED TO DESTROY?
Zenja Maxwell was widowed in her twenties; she never thought she’d be a divorcée, too. Yet that’s the destiny she resigns herself to after learning of her husband’s dalliance with infidelity and kicking him out of the house. She plans a cruise with her best friend, Caprice, to take her mind off Roman and celebrate moving on with her life.

But Caprice won’t let her give up that easily, especially when Roman seems committed to reconciling. She and her husband invite Zenja and Roman to Friday Night Love, a weekly event for couples. Zenja hesitates, but the promise of food and fellowship prevails. She figures she can put up with Roman for one night.
At the events, the women are issued a series of Bible-based challenges designed to help them cultivate respect for their husband. Zenja struggles at first; she isn’t even sure she wants to rekindle the relationship. But Roman is persistent in his pursuit of her, even when he finds out that she nearly cheated on him. Through tragedies, triumphs, and trusted friends, the couple learns never to underestimate the Author of marriage when husbands and wives surrender to Him.

Purchase the Book Online at:
Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble.com

Visit the author online at:
http://www.TiaMcCollors.com
View the blog tour schedule at:
Friday Night Love New Release Tour with Tia McCollors
http://tywebbinpublicity.com/?p=10808

Tia McCollors

 http://www.TiaMcCollors.com

 

Inspirational Author of If These Shoes Could Talk,

Steppin' Into The Good Life & other faith-filled books!

 

www.facebook.com/TiaMcCollors

www.facebook.com/FansOfTia

Twitter: @TiaMcCollors

VR: When did you know that you were chosen not just to write, but to become an author?

TM: A job lay off in 1999 prompted me to begin to pursue purpose for my life.  I was journalism major so of course I was always writing throughout my career track – whether I was working in marketing, public relations, etc. But during that time when I didn’t have to wake up for my 9-to-5, God really spoke to me and told me that he was going to “marry” my love of reading and writing.

VR: What has your literary journey been like for you?

TM: Ups and downs. Sometime it isn’t what I thought it would be, and at other times it’s been more than what I expected. I just hold on for the ride. Overall it’s still been such a blessing. I’ve learned that with publishing, it’s sometimes about finding the trends and changing with the times.

VR: What is your writing process like?

TM: I’m more productive in the mornings. I find that I do best at the library so I can turn off all of the distractions and not get pulled into things like washing clothes, reorganizing my daughter’s closet, or deciding it’s the perfect time to clean the carpet! LOL! I usually start off free-flowing the first five chapters or so to get my writing muse started, then I begin to outline scenes and chapters.

VR: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in any of your books?

TM: No. I think all of my books were the best that I could do at that particular stage of my writing. I learned a new skill from writing each book.

VR: What were the challenges you faced in bringing forth any of your books?

TM: Time management. Just recently I had to ask my publisher for an additional month past my deadline. I have three children – ages 8, 5 and 9 months. I think I underestimated how much time and attention go into having an infant at home. However, my baby boy quickly reminded me!

VR: What advice would you give aspiring authors

TM: Write! Write!  Read! And write some more. Many aspiring authors become consumed with the publishing process, but they don’t have anything to publish in the first place. Finish what you start.

 VRAre you working on any new projects?

TM: Yes, always.  Sunday Morning Love, the second book in my Days of Grace series, is scheduled for release in October 2014.

 VR: What is something that your readers would find interesting about you?

TM: 1. I like peanuts and cashews, but can’t stand the taste of almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and all those other nuts!

2. I’m great at organizing papers and filing systems.

3. I can’t swim, even though I wish I could! When I graduated from college in 1996, one of the requirements was that you had to pass the swim test. I took a beginning swimming the last semester of my senior year and subsequently passed the required test. But my fear of the water stole my skills away. One day, however, I’m going to swim like a fish!

- See more at: http://thecertainonesmagazine.com/friday-night-love-author-tia-mccollors/#sthash.URnPzi6I.dpuf

The Unlikely Remnant, Author Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts

 

 About the Author 

Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts is a writer, editor, and educator. The author of six books including The Integrated Church: Authentic Multicultural Ministry and Interruption: The Gospel According to Crystal Justine, Lewis-Giggetts explores in her work both the personal and collective impact of the intersection of identity and faith.

 About the Book 

Faye is a mother in the AME church. She has spent 40 years of her life working for the Lord. Chad is a white, conservative Christian radio talk show host. He enjoys riling up the masses about issues related to race, gender, class, and politics. Jeremiah is a popular, Christian tele-evangelist. The charismatic, African American pastor of a popular mega-church, he is celebrated for his knowledge of scripture.


Rosa is a Hispanic, single mom. An English teacher in the Catholic school she grew up in, she is a survivor of domestic abuse. So what happens when these four very different people find themselves trapped in a historical church in North Philadelphia AFTER THE RAPTURE? More than left behind, the characters in THE UNLIKELY REMNANT are left to deal with the personal truths and tragic secrets that led to them missing God; all while wrestling with the prejudices that inevitably surface in their relationships with each other. Who will press in and who will give up their soul forever?


Purchase the Book Online at: Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble.com


Book Trailer

Brian L. Thompson, Great Nation Publishing’s President/Owner and author of The Lost Testament, is a licensed educator, and former professional journalist.

He showed an early interest in classical literature and the arts, particularly after his poem, “Black Sunday,” received an honorable mention in Gwynedd-Mercy College’s literary contest for high school students in 1993.

A 1994 North Penn High School graduate, he continued his education at Morehouse College in Atlanta. While there, Thompson wrote for the Maroon Tiger newspaper; moving up the ranks from staff writer, to Sports Editor, and finally to Editor-in Chief.

After earning his Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in English in 1998, he transitioned to a staff writer position at Montgomery Newspapers.

In 2000, his second as a professional journalist, he returned to the field of academics at Temple University, earning a Master’s Degree in secondary education in 2001.

Thompson then turned to education at West Charlotte High and Newton High schools respectively while simultaneously researching and writing his first Christian fiction novel, The Lost Testament – a project self-described as a “faith-based tale with every day characters engaged in a thrilling plot.”

During this time, he also helped edit author Sabra Robinson’s anthology of inspirational stories entitled The Lost Sheep: How I Got (And AM Still Getting) Over the Hump – A Personal Account of God’s Restoration After Doubting His Purpose, the Church, and Human Existence.

About the Book

After 800 years of oppression, the Uché abandon all hope of liberation – until a boy with unbreakable bones emerges from the wilderness. . .

For centuries, Uché seers foretold the birth of a deliverer called Mkombozi – one fated to enter The Revelation Gate and lead them to freedom.

Knowing this, the king of the barbarous Otī does his best to eliminate the lone threat to his dominion. When his best efforts fail, he allies himself with a self-proclaimed emperor who reveals the true natures of The Revelation Gate and the Uché hero.

Meanwhile, as Mkombozi’s mother wavers between feelings of abandonment and crises of faith, her people ready themselves to wage an unwinnable war – minus faith in their deliverer, whose fate ushers him to an uncertain destination.

Merging elements of political intrigue and social class relations together in an allegorical, character-driven plot, The Revelation Gate confronts issues of doubt, star-crossed love, and the power of the individual.

Brain and his family reside in Georgia. Visit Brian at http://www.brianlthompson.co/

Purchase the Book Online at:

http://www.brianlthompson.co/Books.html

For More Information

Visit the author at http://www.greatnationpublishing.com

Visit blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/TheRevelationGate

Life is What You Make It Blog Tour with Carl Mathis

Christian author, preacher and motivational speaker Carl Mathis began his work for the ministry in 2005 after a life-altering experience. At that time, the death of Mathis’ wife was the reason behind the dramatic turn of events that soon led him to his life’s purpose and calling.

Dealing with the loss of his wife and raising three children as a single father while struggling to make ends meet, Mathis had to contend with unbearable feelings of hopelessness and despair. It was during those moments that Mathis cried out for a strategy to overcome his situation. This experience soon pushed him to channel is grief and use its transforming power to change his own life and others as well.

Immediately after getting back on track, Mathis was moved to act on his burning desire to encourage and motivate people, especially those who have shared the same fate as him. It was then Mathis saw the need to reach out to the distressed and the depressed.

In 2010, he came out with his debut work entitled Life is What You Make It – seven steps to moving forward, a 104 page inspirational book drawn from his own personal life experiences and challenges. Filled with messages on how to deal with sorrow and ultimately survive the process of moving on, the book provides readers with the much-needed encouragement and motivation in order to strive better.

A man after God’s own heart, Mathis continues his passion today of reaching out to people using his God-given abilities, particularly speaking and writing, and becoming a blessing to others in return.


About the Book
Carl Mathis wasn’t prepared for the devastation the loss of his wife would bring to his life. He soon found himself grieving, struggling to make ends meet, and trying to raise his sons, who were also dealing with personal turmoil from the loss of their mother. After months of waiting for someone to rescue him, Carl had to face the inevitable truth–no one was coming. He realized that if he wanted out of the mess his life was becoming, he was going to have to do it himself.

Join new author Carl Mathis in this motivational story about one man’s struggle to put his life back together. Life Is What You Make It will teach you how to overcome any crippling situation you find yourself in and stimulate personal and spiritual growth by accepting the situation, taking responsibility, conditioning your mind, choosing to make right decisions, building a team, believing, and defining the new normal.

Book Trailer

PODCAST 1 - About Life is What You Make It



PODCAST 2 – Carl talks about what he wants readers to learn from Life is What You Make It



Purchase the Book Online at:
Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble.com
BooksaMillion.com

Visit the author at CarlMathis.com
Visit the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/LifeisWhatYouMakeIt

About the Author

Marian L. Thomas graduated Magna Cum Laude, receiving her Bachelor degree in Business Communication. She began her writing debut as a Sports Editor and as a News Editor for a local Atlanta college paper.

It took over twenty-years for Marian to see her first piece of published fiction in Print─Color Me Jazzmyne, in early 2009. Color Me Jazzmyne went on to become a Amazon Best-selling novel for Marian, reaching #1 in the Rhythm & Blue category, #2 in Inner-Child and #7 in Performance/Voice for her character Naya Moná’s, amazing melodious tones that are developed throughout the book.


Color Me Jazzmyne was awarded as one of the “Top 100 Books” for 2010 by the Sankofa Literary Society Review.


While Marian’s books are a work of fiction, they touch on the struggles of women, abuse, relationships and friendships, giving each one a hint of reality that readers are looking for in a good, clean and emotional story.


Visit the author online at http://www.marianlthomas.com/

About the Book

Four people will travel on a journey that will lead to one destination.

How do you find a daughter you never knew you gave birth to? That is the question that Naya must answer as she once again finds herself on a journey filled with betrayal, lies and shocking secrets of her past.
How far would one go for love? That is the question that Chris wastes no time answering. He will do whatever it takes to remove his wife’s pain, even if it means being the one to cause her the most.

Fame and Fortune have been the determining factor for Misty ever since her father passed away. How far will she go, this time to achieve it?

Carl Thompson has found the love of his life, only she doesn’t know it. Green eyes and hazel brown hair fill his dreams for the future. Does he have enough love for the both of them?

Join best-selling author Marian L. Thomas as she takes you through the pages of My Father’s Colors. This book is guaranteed to make you laugh, cry and get caught in the drama-filled story of a woman’s journey to find her voice, again!

Purchase the Book Online at:

Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble.com

For More Information

Visit the author online at:
http://www.marianlthomas.com/

View the blog tour schedule at:
http://bit.ly/MyFathersColors

Jazz. Java, and Jesus Author Aleysha R. Proctor

About the Book

Twenty-four Christian devotions and puzzles about jazz, java and Jesus. The perfect book to take to a coffee or tea house, or anywhere, and meditate on the promises of God.

Jazz, Java & Jesus:
Christian Devotions to Soothe Your Soul
Author: Aleysha R. Proctor
Publisher: Xlibris
ISBN: 9781441574350
Genre: Christian, nonfiction, devotional, studies

About the Author:

Aleysha Proctor is an award winning Christian inspirational author & entrepreneur. She’s the author of three books; “With Style & Amazing Grace”, “He’s the Keeper of My Soul” and “Jazz, Java & Jesus”. Her passion in life is helping to inspire people to use their potential now. To learn more about Aleysha, you can visit her online at http://www.aleyshaproctor.com/.

Purchase the Book Online at:

• Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Jazz-Java-Jesus-Aleysha-Proctor/dp/1441574352/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1281223302&sr=8-2

• BarnesandNoble – http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Jazz-Java-Jesus/Aleysha-R-Proctor/e/9781441574350/?itm=2&USRI=aleysha+proctor

• Books A Million – http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9781441574350?id=4715246323067

For More Information

View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/JazzJavaandJesusTour

Book Trailer for Jazz Java and Jesus Tour

Vanessa Richardson’s review of Jazz, Java, and Jesus

Jazz, Java, Jesus:Christian Devotions to Soothe Your Soul
Author: Aleysha R. Proctor has certainly made my sharing is caring list. It is a wonderful read, which makes you want to do as the title claims. Listen to some comfy (for my soothing Christian jazz) as I sip my cappuccino; as I read this devotional. Ahh, my soul is soothed. Jazz, Java, and Jesus is an inspirational read; reminding of God’s promises to YOU, ME, and US….God’s people. I was truly impressed and delighted by the cross word puzzles that Aleysha added in the back of the book. 4 stars read for me! Enjoy!

The Only Way Up Blog Tour with Folake Taylor, MD

Folake Taylor will be giving away autographed copies of her book, The Only Way is Up – 3 winners will be chosen on Friday. Leave a comment below.

This book features the author’s experiences and views on pertinent life issues as an immigrant to the United States of America. The objective is to empower women. However, the greater part of the message is of relevance to a general audience. Some of the issues that are the focus of this book are:

* Identity
* Health & Preventive medicine
* Finding a mate
* Relationships & Family
* Single parenthood
* Teenage pregnancies
* Gender roles
* Diet & Nutrition
* Global exposure
* Positivity & Loving yourself
* Spirituality
* Life outside the United States

And much more…

About the Book

This book features the author’s experiences and views on pertinent life issues as an immigrant to the United States of America. The objective is to empower women. However, the greater part of the message is of relevance to a general audience.

Some of the issues that are the focus of this book are:

* Identity
* Health & Preventive medicine
* Finding a mate
* Relationships & Family
* Single parenthood
* Teenage pregnancies
* Gender roles
* Diet & Nutrition
* Global exposure
* Positivity & Loving yourself
* Spirituality
* Life outside the United States
And much more…

Purchase this Book Online:
* Amazon
* Barnes and Noble
* Books A Million
* Indiebound

About the Author

Folake Taylor is an outpatient Internal Medicine Physician in the suburbs of Atlanta Georgia. She is married with a little girl. She obtained her residency training at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta after her initial medical education in Nigeria. She was born in the United Kingdom to Nigerian born parents.


Where can visitors find you online?

FT@theonlywayisup.net

http://www.theonlywayisup.net

http://theonlywayisupblog.blogspot.com

http://folaketaylor.blogspot.com

F. Taylor of facebook

@folaketaylor on twitter

I write for Afrikan Goddess online.

Book trailer of The Only Way is Up

Vanessa Richardson's Review of "The Only Way is Up" by Folake Taylor

I was utterly delighted with this book. It was written as I thought it would be. Author Folake Taylor, also an Internal Medical Doctor; takes readers on a private journey, hailing her experiences as a Nigerian/English transplant. Folake expounds on controversial social, racial, and economical differences, in a diplomatic and informative matter.
Never let it be said that only pain can bring forth wonderful inspirational writings. Happiness is just as powerful, if not motivational!

Soon After Blog Tour Sherryle Kiser Jackson

Multi-published author, teacher, wife and mother, Sherryle seeks to be a fresh voice in Christian Fiction. Her triumphant debut novel, Soon and Very Soon (2007) was followed up by her sophomore release, The Manual (2009).

Soon After marks the return of her franchise characters, Pastors WIllie and Vanessa Green and the Harvest Baptist church saga. Sherrryle is currently working on her fourth novel for Urban Christian (Urban/Kensington) titled Taylor-Made. She currently lives in Maryland with her husband and two children.


Sherryle, tell us about Soon After.


Soon After picks up where my debut novel, Soon and Very Soon left off. In the first installment two pastors marry and decide to combine their churches. In this second installment the ministry birthed by one over at Harvest Baptist church is likely to be exploited by the minister left to run the church. With more than one who had an interest in the deed in the property and even more with an emotional investment in the church itself, it’s up to reporter, Alexis Montgomery and Chief Herbert Rich to solve the crime.

About the Book

The Ministry birthed by one will be exploited by another. Can Willie Green stand idly by and let that happen?

When Pastors Willie Green and Vanessa Morton got married and moved to merge their churches, they never expected so much resistance. Now it seems someone is sending a strong message by setting fire to the Harvest Baptist Church building.


The newly unified Pleasant Harvest Baptist Church is no more than four months into business as usual before Co-Pastor Willie Green is drawn into the middle of an arson investigation. Alexis Montgomery, an overzealous reporter, sees the experienced pastor as a great source to latch onto as she tries to unearth the stories that might solve the crime. Instead of being bothered by the presence of this woman, Co-Pastor Vanessa uses it as a distraction to help conceal her own secrets.


Orchestrating the unification rift makes Deacon Charley Thompson a prime suspect. His unexpected silence only fuels the accusations of guilt, and his meek wife becomes his unlikely spokesperson. Meanwhile, his nephew, Abe Townsend, couldn’t care less about family allegiances. Led by an anonymous publicist, Abe and the remaining displaced members of Harvest Baptist Church gain notoriety when news reports garner an outcry of sympathy and support.


What should have been a simple unification of two churches has turned into something much more complicated, and it will take plenty of faith to hold it all.

Purchase the Book Online at:


• Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Soon-After-Sherryle-Kiser-Jackson/dp/1601628676/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1281221062&sr=8-1



• BarnesandNoble – http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Soon-After/Sherryle-Kiser-Jackson/e/9781601628671/?itm=1&USRI=soon+after



• Borders – http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=1601628676



• Books A Million – http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9781601628671?id=4715246323067

• Indiebound - http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781601628671


For More Information

• Visit the author online at http://www.sherrylejackson.com/

• View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/SoonAfterTour.

ReShonda Tate Billingsley is a national bestselling author of 19 books, all published by Simon and Schuster/Pocket Books. In 2000, after numerous rejections from publishers, ReShonda stepped out on faith, established her own publishing company, and self published her debut novel, My Brother’s Keeper. The book caught the attention of one of the country’s top literary agents, who secured a deal for ReShonda with megahouse publisher, Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books.

The rest, as they say, is history.

ReShonda went on to sign one deal after another with Simon & Schuster and to date, is considered one of the country’s top inspirational authors. Her sophomore novel, Let the Church Say Amen, is being made into a movie of which she is Executive Producer and actress Regina King is the director. ReShonda’s literary career is such a success that in 2007, she was able to leave her job as a reporter with Fox 26 News in Houston to write full time.

ReShonda has appeared on the Essence Bestseller’s list more than 20 times, as well as The Washington Post, Dallas Morning News and Ebony Magazine Bestseller’s lists. Her books include The Devil is a Lie, Can I Get a Witness, The Pastor’s Wife, Let the Church Say Amen, Everybody Say Amen, I Know I’ve Been Changed and My Brother’s Keeper. Her inspirational teen novels include Nothing But Drama, Blessings in Disguise,With Friends Like These, Getting Even, Fairweather Friends, Friends ‘Til the End, and Caught up in the Drama. She has one non-fiction title, Help! I’ve Turned into my Mother. ReShonda has won numerous awards for her journalism, fiction and poetry writing skills. She is a five-time winner of the National Association of Black Journalists Spirit in the Words competition, one of Rolling Out Magazine’s Top 25 Women in Houston and H-Texas Magazine’s Top Professional.

ReShonda’s upcoming projects include Holy Rollers (July 2010), Say Amen, Again (July, 2011), the teen novel Drama Queens (Fall 2010), and two travel suspense novels. The Houston native also serves as a freelance editorial and marketing consultant. She has ghostwritten four fiction projects and five non-fiction projects. She is married with three small children and does not hide her addiction to Reality TV and Facebook.

She welcomes readers to her websites at www.reshondatatebillingsley.com.

About the Book

Looking for Love...

Lifelong friends Coco, Nita, and Audra have spent years looking for love in the arms of flashy pro athletes, hoping to land a baller but ending up with a stream of failed relationships. The beautiful and demure Coco has endured years of physical abuse from her boyfriend, Sonny, while Audra, a single mother, has dated her fair share of cheaters and yearns for a stable companion who will be a father figure to her son. And feisty, seductive Nita is tired of being the million-dollar mistress and wants to settle down—if she can find someone worth coming home to.

Changing the Game . . .

Now that the women are approaching thirty, they’re finding it harder than ever to compete with the pro groupies. Determined to change the game and find some worthwhile men, Audra hatches an outrageous plan. Soon the trio is “holy rolling,” masquerading as God-fearing churchgoers at a local conference for young ministers in the hopes of snagging a prominent pastor. But will their big gamble pay off? Men of the cloth are still just men, after all. As the three friends meet their potential life partners, they will have to decide how far they want to take their holy rollers scheme—each risking heartbreak while taking a chance on finding a reliable, responsible man to love and cherish, flaws and all.

View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/HolyRollersBlogTour

Sins of the Mother by Victory Christopher Murray

Victoria Christopher Murray originally self published Temptation. “I wanted to write a book as entertaining as any book on the market, put God in the middle, and have the book still be a page-turner. I wasn’t writing to any particular genre – I didn’t even know Christian fiction existed. I just wanted to write about people I knew and characters I could relate to.”

Since Temptation, Victoria has written seven other novels and was a contributor to the first Christian fiction anthology, Blessed Assurance. She was also the Contributing Editor for the Aspire Women of Color Bible published by Zondervan in 2007. All of her novels have continued to be Essence bestsellers.

In 2008, Victoria’s first novels in her Christian fiction teen series – The Divine Divas – were published. “I was concerned with what our young ladies were reading. I decided to do something about that – give them stories full of drama, but with a message.” The Divine Divas has already been optioned to become a television series.

Victoria splits her time between Los Angeles and Washington D.C. In Los Angeles, she attends Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church under the spiritual tutelage of Dr. Beverly “BAM” Crawford and in Washington, D.C., she fellowships at Metropolitan Baptist Church under Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr. She is also a member of the Long Beach Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.


About the Book

Have the sins of the mother come upon the daughter?

Jasmine Larson Bush is finally living a drama-free life. She’s left her lying, cheating, stealing stripper days behind and is standing by her husband’s side as the first lady of one of the largest churches in New York City. The Bushes have been blessed with the best of everything—including two lovely children.

But just when Jasmine has committed her life completely to God, her daughter Jacqueline is kidnapped from a mall the day after Thanksgiving. The police and the church community join in the frantic search to find the four-year-old. As the days pass without any sign of her daughter, Jasmine begins to crack under the strain and turns to Brian Lewis, Jacqueline’s biological father, for solace.

Has Jasmine’s past finally caught up to her? Will her daughter be found or will Jasmine pay the ultimate price?

View the blog tour schedule and read an excerpt at http://bit.ly/SinsoftheMother.

Visit Victoria online at http://www.victoriachristophermurray.com/

Celebrating Women in Ministry Blog Tour with author Vanessa Miller

We invite you this week to highlight your favorite FEMALE MINISTER in the comment section below. Participants will be placed in a drawing for an autographed copy of Yesterday’s Promise by Vanessa Miller and a $25 Gift Card.

About the Book
Melinda Johnson has always felt called to ministry. So, when her father, Bishop Langston Johnson, decides to step down after thirty years of leadership at Omega Christian Center, it seems only natural for her to take his place. But Bishop Johnson feels led by a God who has other things in mind, and to succeed him, he appoints Steven Marks-a man who is opposed to female pastors, not to mention the fact that he is Melinda’s ex-fiancé.

Feeling defeated, Melinda nevertheless maintains her position as the church’s Missions and Community Outreach Director. Frequent interaction with the new bishop incites bitter sparring-and rekindles long-suppressed attraction, which grows only stronger when Melinda develops a relationship with Steven’s precious daughter, Brianna, who’s still struggling with the death of her mother.

Can Steven and Melinda set aside past pains, forgive each other, and learn to love again? Or will their opposing positions regarding women preachers keep them forever at odds?

About the Author
Vanessa Miller of Dayton , Ohio is an Essence best-selling author, playwright, and motivational speaker. Her stage productions include: Get You Some Business, Don’t Turn Your Back on God, and Can’t You Hear Them Crying and Abundant Rain. To date, Vanessa has written the Rain Series and the Storm Series. The books in the Rain Series are: Former Rain , Abundant Rain, and Latter Rain. The books in the Storm Series are: Rain Storm and Through The Storm . These books have received rave reviews, winning Best Christian Fiction Awards and topping numerous Bestseller’s lists.

Yesterday’s Promise is the first book of a series entitled, Second Chance of Love. Whitaker House plans to release the next two books in October 2010 and January 2011. Visit her online at www.VanessaMiller.com.

Tell Us About Your Favorite Female Minister
View the blog tour schedule and read an excerpt at http://bit.ly/WomeninMinistry.

Yesterday's Promise by Vanessa Miller (Excerpt)


Yesterday's Promise Book Trailer



Tell Us About Your Favorite Female Minister

My Favorite Female Preacher:
Rosa Meredith, of Deliverance Victory Temple Ministries in NC, has been called the revelator because God has gifted her with revelation involving powerful analogies as she expound the word of God. She teaches life impacting sermons such as “What make you do what you do?” she is pastor, preacher and teacher. Pastor Meredith’s belief’s are based on the sound doctrine of Jesus Christ. Pastor Meredith preaches toward resurrecting the lost and instructing them how to be free in Christ and how to stay free and how to obtain victory in diverse circumstances.

My Mother's Child Blog Tour Dawn Abrams

Dwan Abrams is a full-time novelist, freelance editor, and publisher. She’s the best-selling author of My Mother’s Child (the sequel to Divorcing the Devil), Married Strangers, Divorcing the Devil, Only True Love Waits, and The Scream Within. She’s the founder, publisher, and editorial director of Nevaeh Publishing, LLC a small press independent publishing house. She’s currently signed to Urban Christian, an imprint of Urban Books/Kensington. Her sixth novel, the second book in the Married Series, is set to hit national bookshelves in 2011.

About the Book
Lyric Stokes lives, by most standards, a charmed life. Married to Michael Stokes, a prominent heart surgeon, she has financial security and lives in the lap of luxury. All is not perfect, though. Lyric feels inadequate because she gave birth to a daughter, rather than the son that her husband so desperately wanted.

After an unexpected turn of events, Lyric discovers that she’s pregnant again, but now she has to decide whether she even wants to keep the child she has longed for. She seeks solace in her church, where her daughter also feels at home; but they can’t get Michael to join them. Disagreeing with organized religion, he has put his job before all else, including God. The distance between the couple grows further every day.
Nigel Fredericks has a history of stalking women. He’s been accused, but never convicted. Now he’s set his sights on Lyric. She’s at a low point in her life, and Nigel knows just how to take advantage of that vulnerability. Lyric’s life is turned upside down; Nigel is like a cancer eating away at her mental stability, her marriage, and ultimately, her life. Will Michael reevaluate his priorities and his faith in time to save his family?

Listen to an excerpt from My Mother’s Child by Dwan Abrams




Visit Dwan online at http://dwanabrams.com.

View the blog tour schedule and read an excerpt at http://bit.ly/MyMothersChild

Fifteen Years Blog Tour With Kendra Norman Bellamy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
KENDRA NORMAN-BELLAMY is a national best-selling author and the founder of KNB Publications LLC. She is the organizer of Visions in Print, an Atlanta-based national organization for faith-based writers, and The Writer’s Hut, an online fellowship for African American Writers. She is the founder of Cruisin’ For Christ, a groundbreaking at-sea ministry that celebrates writing, gospel music and other God-glorifying arts, and also serves as a motivational speaker.

A native of West Palm Beach, Florida, Kendra currently resides in Stone Mountain, George with her family. For more information, visit http://www.knb-publications.com/.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Josiah Tucker, the son of a substance dependent and neglectful mother, spent most of his childhood years in the custody of the State, living in foster homes throughout Atlanta, Georgia. At the age of fourteen, he was taken from the foster family that he had grown to love, the Smiths, and returned to his negligent birth mother. Enduring the hardships faced while living with his birth mother JT manages to makes something of his life. However, fifteen years after being taken from the Smiths and at the peak of success, he finds himself feeling empty and at his lowest. When he decides to reconnect with the Smiths, JT finds his faith in God renewed and discovers his attraction to his foster sister.


Book Review
It has been awhile since; I've felt such a literary-spiritual connection! There are talents and then there are gifts. God has blessed Kendra with both! Kendra penned a powerfully detailed, thought provoking, and soul searching, novel.

In Fifteen Years, we are introduced to Josiah (JT) Tucker. On the surface, he appears to have it all. E.g., a wonderful job and great friends! But, there is no peace within him. At a young age, a personal tragedy alters the way, JT feels, and view things in life. Over the years, JT goes through life; almost existing and not living. In a unique way, JT will find himself dealing with his past trauma, thus allowing healing to take place. I love the healing process, Kendra illustrates through JT. I too, loved JT’s, staid faith and how he stayed committed to his morals, despite negative influences that surrounded him--such as an drug addict mother, and no father figure. In the end, it is about the decisions that we make in life.

5 stars!

View the blog tour schedule and read an excerpt at http://bit.ly/FifteenYearsBlogTour.

Dreams That Won't Let Go Blog Tour & Giveaway

Dreams That Won’t Let Go GIVEAWAY!

WIN a set of signed books from the Jubilant Soul Series AND a free one-hour session with Helena Nyman, an executive coach. Answer the following question in the comment section to be eligible for the giveaway. What dreams are simmering in your heart and waiting to be birthed?

About the Book

Indigo Burns is excited. Her wedding preparations to the man of her dreams are underway, her photography career is a success, and her family seems to be doing better than ever—all except her brother Reuben, who nobody has seen in years. But that’s about to change. When Reuben decides to move back home to Jubilant, Texas, he hopes to find healing with his sisters. But Indigo isn’t so sure their relationship can be mended. And when younger sister Yasmin makes a life-altering choice, it seems like only a miracle can put the Burns family back together. Will these siblings – and the rest of their family - ever be able to love unconditionally and release each other to live their dreams?


Meet Reuben Burns
Reuben stood in the center of the dining room, squirming like an awkward teenager put on display for his parents’ friends. Mama’s effusive praise made him want to hitchhike to Washington State.

She had been chattering nonstop about his new job in the Jubilant mayor’s office since Aunt Melba arrived an hour ago. When Rachelle and Gabe walked in, she shared the details again.

Mama had insisted on the last-minute gathering after deciding that Reuben’s news was worth celebrating.

“Mayor Henning met Reuben at Melba’s Christmas party last December and was really impressed,” Mama said. This time she was telling the story to Indigo’s fiancé, Max. He had arrived separately from Indigo a few minutes earlier, after wrapping up a photo shoot at a downtown business function.

Reuben fixed his smile. Didn’t Mama remember that Max had attended that party too and had witnessed the connection between the two men?

“Reuben told the mayor that he might want to move back to Jubilant, and they began talking privately about Reuben joining his team,” she said. “Mayor Henning created this new position based on Reuben’s skill set. Basically, Reuben will be getting all of the city’s computer systems updated, right, son?”

Mama raised a questioning eyebrow while everyone turned to listen. If he weren’t so tense, Reuben would have laughed at her attempts to describe his new job in layman’s terms.

“That’s about right. I’ll be overseeing an upgrade of the computers in City Hall and then getting the system there to ‘talk’ to the computer systems in other city agencies, so that there’s more efficient functioning across the board. It’s almost like building a new bridge but still using the old bridge until the new one is ready.

For a while, you have two bridges standing side by side. When the new one is sturdy enough, you have to build an off ramp from the old one onto the new one, without people noticing much difference in their efforts to cross from one side to the other.

“After that project’s finished, I’ll draft a strategic plan for revamping internal communications for city employees and improving citizens’ access to online services and products.”

Aunt Melba leaned toward Reuben and hugged his neck.

“Congratulations, nephew,” she said. “Sounds like an important job, but it’s not quite as exciting as working for Amazon.com is it? You sure you’re ready for small-town life again?”

Mama glared at her sister. “Of course he is, Melba. Besides, what’s more important than being with your family?”

Mama approached Reuben and steered him to a chair on the left side of the long, cherry table. “Sit here, between your sisters.”

She motioned for Indigo and Yasmin to fill the seats that flanked him. Yasmin rolled her eyes and trudged to her designated spot.

Indigo leaned against the cherrywood buffet and folded her arms. She remained expressionless, but Reuben knew an attitude when he saw one. Max pulled Indigo toward the table and led her to the chair on Reuben’s right. He sat on the other side of Indigo and continued to hold her hand under the table.

Now that Mama had everyone positioned where she wished—her three children and Max on one side of the table and her sister Melba, niece Rachelle, and Rachelle’s husband Gabe on the other—she beamed.

“Wait until I tell your uncle Herbert.” Mama glanced at Rachelle.

“You haven’t called your father, have you? I want to be the first to let my brother know that my baby’s moving back home.”

Reuben saw Gabe nudge Rachelle with his elbow.

“I wouldn’t dare steal your thunder, Aunt Irene,” Rachelle said, struggling to keep from laughing. “I know how excited you are.”

“Everybody does!” Indigo said in a lighthearted tone accompanied by a wide, plastic smileReuben hadn’t spent much time with her during his return trips over the past four years, despite his efforts, but he knew Indigo well enough now to recognize the frustration that had reared its head earlier in the day, during lunch.

He leaned toward her, prepared to call her on it. But Aunt Melba chimed in first, with a raised eyebrow.

About the Author
Stacy Hawkins Adams is a nationally-published, award-winning author and speaker. Her contemporary women’s fiction novels are filled with social themes and spiritual quests that take readers on journeys into their own souls.

She holds a degree in journalism and served as a newspaper reporter for more than a decade before turning her full attention to penning books, speaking professionally and writing freelance articles. Stacy lives in a suburb of Richmond, Virginia with her husband and two young children.

Visit Stacy online at
http://www.stacyhawkinsadams.com/.
http://bit.ly/DreamsThatWontLetGo.