Monday, November 22, 2010

CFBA: The Lightkeeper's Bride by Colleen Coble



This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Lightkeeper's Bride
Thomas Nelson (October 19, 2010)
by
Colleen Coble




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:





Author Colleen Coble’s thirty-five novels and novellas have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA, the Holt Medallion, the ACFW Book of the Year, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, the Booksellers Best, and the 2009 Best Books of Indiana-Fiction award. She writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail and love begin with a happy ending.



A word from Colleen: God has been faithful, though the path has not been easy. Nothing worth doing is ever easy. God wouldn’t let me give up, and I like to think the struggle made me stronger. God has given me so much in my life, most importantly my great family, a loving church family at New Life Baptist Church, and my wonderful publishing family at Nelson Books.



ABOUT THE BOOK



A thrilling romantic mystery set in the lush Victorian age.



Central Operator Katie Russell's inquisitive ways have just uncovered her parents' plan for her marriage to wealthy bachelor Bartholomew Foster. Her heart is unmoved, but she knows the match will bring her family status and respectability.



Then Katie overhears a phone conversation that makes her uneasy and asks authorities to investigate. But the caller is nowhere to be found. Mysterious connections arise between the caller and a ship lost at sea.



Against propriety, Katie questions the new lighthouse keeper, Will Jesperson. Then a smallpox epidemic forces their quarantine in his lighthouse. Though of low social status, Will's bravery and kindness remove Katie's suspicion and win her love. Katie and Will together work to solve the mystery of the missing girl and the lost ship as God gives the couple the desire of their hearts.



If you would like to read the first chapter of The Lightkeeper's Bride, go HERE.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

CFBA: The Silent Order

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Silent Order
Summerside Press (November 1, 2010)
by
Melanie Dobson




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of The Black Cloister; Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana; and Together for Good.



Prior to launching Dobson Media Group in 1999, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family where she was responsible for the publicity of events, products, films, and TV specials. Melanie received her undergraduate degree in journalism from Liberty University and her master's degree in communication from Regent University. She has worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for fifteen years including two years as a publicist for The Family Channel.



Melanie and her husband, Jon, met in Colorado Springs in 1997 at Vanguard Church. Jon works in the field of computer animation. Since they've been married, the Dobsons have relocated numerous times including stints in Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Colorado, Berlin, and Southern California. These days they are enjoying their new home in the Pacific Northwest.



Jon and Melanie have adopted their two daughters —Karly (6) and Kinzel (5). When Melanie isn't writing or entertaining their girls, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, traveling, hiking, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction.





ABOUT THE BOOK



Rural America - 1928. After the murder of his partner, Detective Rollin Wells hides away in an Amish home near Sugarcreek, Ohio, to find out who in the police force is

collaborating with Cleveland’s notorious mob. While Rollin searches for answers to his partner’s death, he befriends an elusive young Amish woman named Katie and her young son. As Rollin learns about Katie’s past, he’s shocked at the secret Katie is hiding - a secret that has haunted Rollin for eight years.



If you would like to read the first chapter of The Silent Order, go HERE.

Monday, November 15, 2010

CFBA: Long Time Coming


This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Long Time Coming
Abingdon Press (November 1, 2010)
by
Vanessa Miller






ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Vanessa Miller of Dayton, Ohio, is a 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. Vanessa is currently in the process of turning the novels in the Rain Series into stage productions.



Vanessa has been writing since she was a young child. When she wasn’t writing poetry, short stories, stage plays and novels, reading great books consumed her free time. However, it wasn’t until she committed her life to the Lord in 1994 that she realized all gifts and anointing come from God. She then set out to write redemption stories that glorify God.



To date, Vanessa has completed the Rain and Storm Series. She is currently working on the Forsaken series, Second Chance at Love series and a single title, Long Time Coming. Vanessa believes that each book will touch readers across the country in a special way. It is, after all, her God-given destiny to write and produce plays and novels that bring deliverance to God’s people. These books have received rave reviews, winning Best Christian Fiction Awards and topping numerous Bestseller’s lists.





ABOUT THE BOOK



Two women from different worlds find hope together.



Faithful Christian Deidre Clark-Morris is a professional career-minded woman with a loving husband, but no children. Kenisha Smalls has lived in poverty all her life. She has three children by three different men and has just been diagnosed with inoperable cervical cancer.



While the meeting between these two women appears accidental, it becomes their catalyst of hope. Neither woman expects the blessing that God has in store for her. While Deidre will guide Kenisha on the path to eternal life with Jesus Christ, Kenisha will teach Deidre how to stand strong against the hard-knocks of life.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Long Time Coming, go HERE





Watch the book video:



Tuesday, November 9, 2010

AAMBC Fall Tours with JB Burrage

Author JB Burrage is definitely a power to be reckoned with.  An extremely talented writer, JB Burrage has written Caught Up, a street thriller that is comparable to the juicy story that you might hear going on in the neighborhood; and the sci-fi thriller Secrets Revealed, a story that adds a lot of realism to science fiction.  But he is not done showing the world his talent.  Author JB is also working on The Forbidden Lounge, the sequel to Caught Up, and a novel that will be better and juicier than Caught Up itself and is due to be released in 2011.  He is also working on other projects that he chooses to keep secret, for now.

Jacob “JB” Burrage was born in Jackson, Mississippi and raised in Meridian, Mississippi.  After leaving Mississippi, JB Burrage served in the US Army from 1999 until 2010.  During his time in the Army, he has been to Hawaii, Egypt, Israel, New York State, Maryland, and Texas; as well many other states.  While in the Army, he discovered himself and his true talents, and decided to pursue that by founding J. Burrage Publications.
Normally a science fiction writer, Caught Up was written in an attempt to express himself through other genres. With the release of Caught Up, JB Burrage is now focused on the publication of Secrets Revealed by the beginning of 2011 and the development of The Forbidden Lounge.  He also has a blog series, The Chronicles, at The JBP Chronicles blog at www.jbpublications.com/blog.

Caught Up

Jeremiah Blackwood is a young, dark and very eligible bachelor who is trying to defy the odds of the stereotypical black man in the dirty south and overcome the small town mentality that constantly threatens his success. Through hard work and determination, he honed his craft as a writer and began making his mark in the community when he met a caramel complexioned girl who could make Buffy the Body look like Miss Celie in The Color Purple. She seemed so innocent the first time they met. Her beautiful brown eyes beckoned him into her lonely soul. Her smile was enticing, yet friendly. He knew she was the woman of his dreams. Much to his surprise, he found that not only was she far from perfect, but soon realized that she was involved in some things bigger than he could wrap his small mind around. Find out what happens when a man gets caught up in a tangled web of lust, lies, and unadulterated drama.

We just laid there in the bed. I was holding her, and she was resting her head on my chest the way she always did after we made love. Tonight was no different. We were quiet. I think we wore each other out. Sex with Shirley was always good, but I didn’t want to get into it too much because I didn’t want to get sprung. I’ll be damned if I had a girl make me go crazy over some p****.

We must have been quiet for about fifteen minutes. I was dozing off, but I didn’t want her to spend the night. She was here almost every night this week, and I didn’t want to see her too much. I was about to sit up so I could hint to her somehow that I wanted her to leave. Then, she started kissing my chest. Damn, her kisses felt good. I couldn’t stop her, so I just let her continue what she was doing.

After a few minutes of her kissing on and arousing me, she stopped and laid her head on my chest. She took a deep breath. It seemed like she had something on her mind.

“What’s wrong?” I asked her.

“Nothing,” she said.

“Are you sure?” I asked, concerned.

She said, “I’m fine, baby.” She was silent for a minute. Then, she spoke up. “Jay, do you love me?”

I coughed because my spit went down the wrong pipe. “Do I what?”

“Do you love me?”

What was wrong with her, I thought. What the hell was she sipping on tonight?

“Uh, Shirley, why are you asking me that?” I asked
nervously.

“I want to know,” she answered. “Do you: yes or no?”

Now, I was silent.

“Oh, I see,” she said. “You want to hit it, but that’s it. Never thought about how this shit would affect a girl.”



What is the mission of your publishing company?
My overall mission/goal for J. Burrage Publications, LLC (JBP) is to publish, distribute, and promote quality books, as well as establish a foothold in the publishing world as a company to be respected and reckoned with.  This is especially the case for novels that could really make an impact but haven't been given the chance by other publishing houses.  Once JBP is ready to publish other writers, the selection for novels will be very difficult due to the fact that we do not want to just put any type of work out there.  Our two mottos basically say it all, “Read into my Dimension, 3-B”, and “Taking over the industry, one book at a time”.

What year was J. Burrage Publications founded?
 In the spring of 2007.

What is the website address for J. Burrage Publications?
www.jbpublications.com, currently has hundreds of unique visitors that view the site on a monthly basis.

What inspired you to start a publishing company for self-publishers/new authors?
I am the type of person who likes to have control over his own work, goals, etc.  I started JBP after my first attempt with going with a publisher.  When I realized I rushed into the project (a sci-fi novel called The Journal of John Baker, (which is what Secrets Revealed is based off of) and wrote Caught Up, I decided it would be best if I handled my own projects.  I have made attempts to reach out to a few publishers and agents, which I can't even remember who they are now, but were rejected or didn't get replies back.  This further helped me decide that I should just publish my own work.  Plus I felt like a mainstream publisher would not understand my work and take away most of its effects.  So, instead of dealing with that, I just simply did my research on the industry and started JBP.

What other publications are on the horizon for J. Burrage Publications?
Secrets Revealed is in the pre-publishing phase with an anticipated release date of on or about January 2, 2011.  The Forbidden Lounge is currently being written.

Are there any other services offered by J. Burrage Publications?
Currently, there is J. Burrage Creative Services, which will be a network of writers and graphic designers.  JBCS will provide affordable editing and designing services to self-publishers, businesses, and individuals just requiring certain projects.  Website is for JBCS is www.jbcreativeservices.com.  Also, JBP is launching its own online bookstore, called The Book Store.  The Book Store will carry JBP titles and will be another outreach to our reader base in addition to Amazon, whom we work closely with.  Also, JBP will start publishing other authors within a year to a year and a half.

What’s the future of J. Burrage Publications?
I have a very ambitious goal for JBP within the next 5 years.  I want JBP to eventually become a full media entertainment business, publishing books, magazines, stage play productions, and even screenplay productions.
Jacob L. Burrage (JB) can be reached by:
Telephone: (800) 940-5604

Social Networks:

Twitter: JBBurrage


Monday, November 8, 2010

Prey for the Wicked Blog tour with Sheila Peele-Miller

Prey for the Wicked


Sheila Peele-Miller


Where innocent sleeps . . . Evil lurks! Twenty-year old Janeen Cooper wasn't born with the best of anything. But one thing she knew for sure, her mother loved her and wanted nothing but the best for her only child. When Janeen's mother dies unexpectedly, her life takes a drastic turn and she winds up in the one place she was warned to never go, Williamston , NC . Convinced there's no chance for happiness, Janeen meets Sheriff Sergeant Adam Sinclair. Adam has money. He has power. And he has the charm to win her trust. She quickly learns, however, that he is not the saint he appears to be and is forced to leave the state with just the clothes on her back. In a new city , Janeen tries to start over again. Yet, she is still haunted by the events that transpired prior to her untimely departure: the mysterious disappearance of someone she loves dearly and a possible murder plot involving her former lover. Longing for the truth, Janeen makes a bold decision to return to Williamston. There she faces the biggest challenge of her life. She must confront Adam. Ultimately, she makes a shocking discovery that could destroy his family's name. It could also mean her death.


http://www.sheilapmiller.com/

From short stories to poetry to novels, Sheila Peele-Miller is not afraid to follow her passion. Although an art major in college, she was drawn to creative writing. Using life around her as a foundation, she began to create what would later become her first novel, Painted Picture, released in 2004 and self-published under ADIRA Books, a company she founded. Miller’s sophomore novel, Daylight Coming was released in 2006. Her most recent book, Prey for the Wicked, was released September 2010.


In addition to her small collection of novels, Miller has created and designed a Memoir Writing Journal. She has contributed a short story, titled, The Devil’s Poison to The Shattered Glass Effect, an anthology depicting the effects of HIV/AIDS in the African American community and has written articles for Style-ology magazine. Her credited works are: Obama: A Time for Change and Child Maid Trafficking.


Miller hones her craft by teaching creative writing and publishing workshops anywhere possible. She has co-hosted an African American Read-In in Chicago and Detroit, and is the co-founder of the annual New Bern Literary Festival and Book Fair in New Bern, North Carolina. Miller lives in Chicago with her husband. She is the mother of four and the grandmother of two.


Prey for the Wicked blog tour....


November 7


Off the Wall OEBooks Blog http://oebooks.blogspot.com/



November 8


Todays Book on the Train http://books.capeinhand.net/



The POV Lounge Authors Chat http://authorswritersmeeting.webs.com 8pm EST


November 9


The Sharvette Mitchell Show http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Mitchell-Productions at 6:40pm EST (347) 945-5907


Sol Searching Radio Show http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Sol-Searching at 8pm CST (347) 989-1786


November 10


Sol Searching Blog http://solsearching.wordpress.com/



November 11


Shades of Romance Blog: Are You Reading This http://sormag.blogspot.com/



November 12


Notorious Spinks Talks http://www.notoriousspinkstalks.com/

Thursday, November 4, 2010

CFBA: Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Head in the Clouds
Bethany House; Original edition (October 1, 2010)
by






ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Karen Witemeyer is a deacon's wife and mother of three who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft historical romance novels that lift the spirit and nurture the soul.



After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid-to-late 1800s.



Karen is living her dream by writing Christian historical romance novels for Bethany House. When she visited her publisher back in January of 2010, she was interviewed by the staff. If you'd like a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how she develops her story ideas and a description of her bumpy journey to publication, go to her website to listen to a podcast of that interview.





ABOUT THE BOOK



Adelaide Proctor is a young woman with her head in the clouds, longing for a real-life storybook hero to claim as her own. But when a husband-hunting debacle leaves her humiliated, she interviews for a staid governess position on a central Texas sheep ranch and vows to leave her romantic yearnings behind.



When Gideon Westcott left his privileged life in England to make a name for himself in America's wool industry, he never expected to become a father overnight. And five-year-old Isabella hasn't uttered a word since she lost her mother. The unconventionality of the new governess concerns Gideon--and intrigues him at the same time. But he can't afford distractions. He has a ranch to run, a shearing to oversee, and a suspicious fence-cutting to investigate.



When Isabella's uncle comes to claim the child--and her inheritance--Gideon and Adelaide must work together to protect Isabella from the man's evil schemes. And soon neither can deny their growing attraction. But after so many heartbreaks, will Adelaide be willing to get her head out of the clouds and put her heart on the line?



If you would like to read the first chapter of Head in the Clouds, go HERE.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Home Again Blog Tour

About The Book


Home Again is a compelling journey into the relationships that matter most: family, friends and self. Each story is founded on natural love, but will require the Father’s love to heal the brokenness.

Travel with husbands and wives, brothers, sisters, friends and families as they maneuver through life’s hurts and betrayals while leaning on a power greater than themselves.


About Maurice Gray

Maurice M. Gray, Jr. is the author of two novels, To Whom Much Is Given and All Things Work Together and the owner of Write The Vision, Inc. His short story “Long Term” appears in The Soul Of A Man anthology.


Maurice is an HIV Prevention Counselor for Beautiful Gate Outreach Center, where he educates people about HIV/AIDS.


Maurice worships at Bethel AME Church in Wilmington, DE. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc and of Toastmasters International. He lives in New Castle, DE with his family.


Maurice talks about his story, Family Matters






Purchase the anthology online at:

• Amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/Home-Again-Stories-Restored-Relationships/dp/0979045819/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1287861077&sr=8-1

• BarnesandNoble.com - http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Home-Again/Wanda-B-Campbell/e/9780979045813/



View the Blog Tour Schedule at http://bit.ly/HomeAgainBlogTour.

Part 1


Part 2

Monday, November 1, 2010

CFBA TOUR: The Preacher's Bride

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Preacher's Bride
Bethany House; Original edition (October 1, 2010)
by
Jody Hedlund






ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Jody has written novels for the last 16 years (with a hiatus when her children were young. In May of 2009 she double-finaled in the Genesis contest, a national fiction-writing contest for unpublished writers, sponsored by American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW.Shortly after the final, Jody acquired an agent, Rachelle Gardner of Word Serve Literary. Her agent spent the summer of 2009 working on selling her books. In September of that year, Jody signed a three-book deal with Bethany House Publishers. Jody’s debut novel, The Preacher’s Bride, releases in Oct. 2010. Her next book will release in 2011 and a third in 2012.







ABOUT THE BOOK



In 1650s England, a young Puritan maiden is on a mission to save the baby of her newly widowed preacher--whether her assistance is wanted or not. Always ready to help those in need, Elizabeth ignores John's protests of her aid. She's even willing to risk her lone marriage prospect to help the little family. Yet Elizabeth's new role as nanny takes a dangerous turn when John's boldness from the pulpit makes him a target of political and religious leaders. As the preacher's enemies become desperate to silence him, they draw Elizabeth into a deadly web of deception. Finding herself in more danger than she ever bargained for, she's more determined than ever to save the child--and man--she's come to love.



If you would like to read the first chapter of The Preacher's Bride, go HERE.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Right Package, Wrong Baggage Blog Tour

Wanda B. Campbell is an extraordinary and talented writer who brings creativity, a new sense of hope, and restoration through the healing power of God to the Kingdom, by way of Christian fiction. She uses real life everyday issues to exhort, motivate, and give comfort.


Wanda B. Campbell’s literary achievements include: Mommy’s Present, a short story appearing in the anthology The Midnight Clear (KNB Publications, November 2006) ISBN 0-9742207-0-1, First Sunday in October (W.B. Campbell Publications, January 2007) ISBN 978-0-9790458-0-6 and the Crusin for Christ I Short Story Contest winner with Illusions by Urban Christian, February 2009, ISBN 978-1601629432. Right Package, Wrong Baggage is her third novel.


Wanda currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband of twenty years and two sons. She also has the unique position of being the oldest of five siblings and also the youngest of twelve. Her hobbies include writing and reading of course, traveling, and collecting magnets from around the world. Wanda is the self-proclaimed biggest Oakland A’s fan.


Wanda, tell us about Right Package, Wrong Baggage.


My current book is Right Package, Wrong Baggage. I love this story. It has romance, comedy and drama. It’s the sequel to my first published short story, Mommy’s Present in The Midnight Clear. Readers will remember little six-year-old Matthew Roberts who went on a mission to find his mother the perfect Christmas present-a husband. Right Package, Wrong Baggage picks up from there.


Micah Stevenson turns out be the perfect package for Pamela Roberts. He loves God, is a great role model for her son, and has good credit plus, he’s handsome.


As Micah and Pamela build a solid relationship, everything appears perfect. That is until Micah trusts Pamela with his heart and shares his tainted past with her. Will the man he used to be prevent Pamela from loving Micah for the man he is now?


How did you come up with ideas for this book?


Basically, I let my character dictate the story.


Who are your main character(s)?


Pamela Roberts, a widowed single mother and Micah Stevenson, a dedicated Christian with an interesting past.


Did you have a favorite character(s)? Who and why?


My favorite character in Right Package, Wrong Baggage is Micah. I love his honesty and sensitivity. He is a man of integrity and he places the needs of others above his own. Most of all, his courage is something to be admired.


What do you hope readers will learn/discover from reading Right Package, Wrong, Baggage?


First, there is a reason behind every action a person does. Second, don’t judge a person by their actions. Third, don’t hold ones past against them; we all have one. And last, but most important, always extend love and forgiveness.


Okay, a not-so-fun question. How important are reviews to you as a writer?

I’ve had both good and not so good reviews and I enjoy the feedback. Some of the comments have helped me grow as a writer.


About the Book


For five years, Pamela Roberts, has balanced the demands of being a single mother and a devoted Christian. She unselfishly places the needs of her son, Matthew, above her own. Although she tries to convince everyone that she’s happy with Jesus alone, Matthew handpicks the perfect present for her—a husband. Everything about the man her son chooses is perfect, except for his past.


Micah Stevenson is excited when he learns the son of the woman he has been praying about wants him to join their family permanently. Believing Pamela Roberts is his soul mate sent from God, Micah pursues her. Once he is certain of her love for him, Micah reveals his dark history, shaking the foundation of the once loving and stable relationship. Trust is broken as judgments and prejudices threaten to deny the couple’s destiny.

Will the man he used to be prevent Pamela from loving Micah for the man he is now?


Podcast






MP3 File








Purchase the Book Online at:


• AMAZON.COM - http://www.amazon.com/Right-Package-Wrong-Baggage-Campbell/dp/1601628617/ref=sr_1_1?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1285720732&sr=8-1

• BARNES & NOBLE - http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Right-Package-Wrong-Baggage/Wanda-B-Campbell/e/9781601628619/?itm=1&USRI=right+package+wrong+baggage

• BOOKS A MILLION - http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9781601628619?id=4715246323067

• BORDERS - http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=1601628617

• INDIEBOUND - http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781601628619



For More Information


• Visit the authors at http://www.wandabcampbell.net/.
• View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/RightPackageWrongBaggage


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Wednesday, September 22, 2010

The Only Way is Up Blog Tour

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.


The Only Way is Up


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


PODCAST




MP3 File

MP3 File




Book Trailer



Purchase the Book Online at:


• Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Only-Way-Up-Journey-Immigrant/dp/0982667205/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

• BarnesandNoble – http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/e/9780982667200/?itm=1

 
• Books A Million – http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9781448618019?id=4715246323067



• Indiebound - http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780982667200


For More Information


• Visit the author online at http://www.theonlywayisup.net/.

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



Monday, September 20, 2010

A Hope Undaunted Blog Tour

The 1920s are drawing to a close, and feisty Katie O'Connor is the epitome of the new woman--smart and sassy with goals for her future that include the perfect husband and a challenging career in law. Her boyfriend Jack fits all of her criteria for a husband--good-looking, well-connected, wealthy, and head-over-heels in love with her. But when she is forced to spend the summer of 1929 with Cluny McGee, the bane of her childhood existence, Katie comes face to face with a choice. Will she follow her well-laid plans to marry Jack? Or will she fall for the man she swore to despise forever? A Hope Undaunted is the engrossing first book in the WINDS OF CHANGE series from popular author Julie Lessman. Readers will thrill at the highly charged romance in this passionate story.

“Available September 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”


MY REVIEW:


As a fan of Julie Lessman, I look forward to the continuing saga of the O’Connor family. She never disappoints as she spins the next tale. Katie is the baby girl of the family and probably the most headstrong. She doesn’t like her father running her life and wants her freedom to do as she pleases.


One night she misses curfew and her father decides her punishment will be a summer without her sweetheart, Jack and her volunteering at the local orphanage, a decision that would change her life forever.


Katie is not thrilled at the idea of volunteering or working for her worse enemy, child hood friend, Luke McGee. The man she loves to hate. Their child hood rivalry has grown into an attraction that Katie refuses to acknowledge.


I enjoy Ms. Lessman’s style of writing. She introduces history into the story without overwhelming you. It was fun learning about the roaring twenties and different historical figures during this time. Katie keeps you on your toes as you read about her different antics. Will she choose the man who fits all her criterias or will she choose the man who flips her heart?

This book was provided for review by Revell.


Monday, August 16, 2010

BOOK INTRO: Crossing Color Lines

Crossing Color Lines focuses on racial relations, comes at a good time, as people around the country have a renewed sense of hope regarding this issue since President Obama s election. Now that he has taken office, people are beginning to talk about the need for equality based on opportunity, and about how his winning the election has changed things, explains d. E. Rogers, author of the book, which is being published by REGI Books and is available online and in bookstores. Race in America is an issue that we may finally be able to start addressing. Crossing Color Lines follows the story of Chase Cain, someone who as a child witnessed the brutal hanging of his father. Since he has lighter skin, he is able to use in a way that he believes will be his advantage, and pass as a white man. He sets out to gain all the things he desires friends, love, and wealth but ultimately the way he has chosen to live his life ends up causing his demise. The novel asks a candid question that many of us have pondered: If you had the opportunity to choose your race, would you remain true to your birthright, or would you opt for the race that you believe can provide you with the greatest benefit? That is a question that the main character must answer, live and experience. We always think that other people have it so much better, adds Rogers. But would you want to make such a fundamental change, or would you choose to stick with the race into which you were born? It s a hypothetical question, but one that we should all consider. This latest book focuses on real-life drama. By taking this approach, Rogers shows that he has the ability to look race issues in the eye, bringing them to the forefront in a compelling and riveting manner.


d. E. Rogers is a dynamic, charismatic, magnetic, powerful and intelligent person who has been successful in all facets of his life. Coming from humble beginning, he has accomplished a lot in his short time on earth. Rogers has a bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications Management and Production from Purdue University and an MBA from Bethel College. He has also attended Stanford University for Project Management, the University of Notre Dame for Executive Leadership and Management, and the New York Film Academy for filmmaking.

d. E. Rogers has written five great novels (White Lie, Color Line, Just Like Your Daddy, I Know She Didn’t, and Counterfeit Friends). His books have had increasing and incredible sales records. On every project, Rogers has taken his writing skills to the next level where few have gone. His stories are rich in reality and tell of real life love and drama that all can relate to. The characters jump from the pages and into your life as though they were long time friends. After reading one of his books, you will want to read another.

His short film titled, The Aftermath has been screened at several film festival across the country. The Aftermath was a finalist at the Motor City Film Festival in Detroit. He is now in preproduction of a film project and documentary that he plans to shoot during 2010.

The intangibles that he brings to the table are an outstanding background in the entertainment industry, exemplary expertise in screenwriting, and solid experience in directing and producing films. To complement these qualifications, he has strong problem solving talents, and exceptional organizational abilities which should prove instrumental in producing this film.



Tuesday, August 3, 2010

FEATURED AUTHOR FOR AUGUST


Jennifer Coissiere – August 4
Debut Author


Francine Craft – August 5 BT



Deborah Hall Branch – August 6


Laurie Alice Eakes – August 9


Lorraine Eliza – August 13


D. E. Rodgers – August 16


Liz Johnson – August 19 BT




Lawanna Campbell – August 20



Brook Blander – August 23



Chicki Brown – August 27
Debut Author



Elaine Cantrell – August 30


Thursday, January 14, 2010

BLOG TOUR: Victorious Living for Women

It Is the Right Time for You!



Joann Smith, a contributing writer for Victorious Living for Women, stops by SORMAG to leave some words of encouragement.

About the Book

Victorious Living for Women is filled with the inspiration, wisdom and pathways to victory of 42 incredible women who share stories of their life experiences, from their heart to yours. They have endured personal pain and have come through empowered, encouraged and victorious.

As they take you on their personal journeys you will find inspiration, encouragement and blueprints for victory embedded in each chapter. You will discover principles for transforming your life. You can learn how to overcome fear, find you purpose, define your destiny, recover from divorce, heal your heart, physical healing, dealing with the loss of loved ones and so much more.

This stellar assembly of women with inspiring true-life stories will captivate you throughout each page as you read how their lives were transformed from anger to joy, disappointment to destiny and trial to victory. Their candor, wisdom and inspiration can help you to pursue your path of becoming a victorious woman.
Read an excerpt and check the tour schedule at
Victorious Living for Women

Contributors

1. Althea Marscene Williams
2. Angela Brown
3. Evangelist Brenda Dennis
4. Apostle Caroll Pollard Lopez
5. Cherri Waltson
6. Cheryl A. Pullins
7. Cheryl Donovan
8. Christine Pembleton
9. Deana Murphy
10. Debbie Magee
11. Deborah Billingsley
12. Donna Saunders
13. Eleanor Pat Miller
14. Gail Dudley
15. Jacqueline Lewis-Kemp
16. Jewell Powell
17. Joan Gosier
18. Joann Smith
19. Johnese Stewart
20. Joy Turner
21. Dr. Joyce McNeal
22. Kathleen Moon
23. Katrina Norfleet
24. Kimberly F. Jackson
25. L. Denise Simpson
26. Dr. LaWanna Harrod
27. Lea Marie Lucas
28. Letetia Liggins
29. Linda Evans
30. Lorraine Williams
31. Lucretia Daniel
32. Martha Lake
33. Melissa Hoffman
34. Michele Mills
35. Paulette Harper
36. Rhonda White
37. Tiesha Johnson
38. Tiffany Easley
39. Tina Gwynn
40. Tresmaine Grimes
41. Valarie D. Bloom