My True Essence by Shawneda Marks

Coming soon from Author, Shawneda Marks...

My True Essence

An Excerpt

Chapter One

“I’m not sure I understand exactly what it is you mean?” Rebecca’s demeanor fell as she held the phone. Dani released Rebecca’s long tresses from the flat iron and placed the instrument back in the oven.
Rebecca placed one finger in the air. She pointed to the frosted glass doors and rose from the salon chair. Dani’s Diva Den was her place of refuge. Whenever she had a hard week or an unbearable client, she made an appointment with the on-site masseuse. If she wanted to get spruced up for a night on the town with Colby she would let Dani tame her exotic curls to complement her heart shaped face.
The modern colors and bright salon chairs lost their luster a bit as she stepped out onto the hot Houston sidewalk. Oblivious to the odd stares of the pedestrians who shook their heads at her half curly, wet hair and half thick, pressed hair, her focus stayed on the call. She pressed the cell phone so close to her ear it pinched the back of her ear.
“You can’t think this is funny, Mama. You’ve never been one to play practical jokes. I know I haven’t come to see you like I promised but this is unnecessary. I’ll fly home next week. Let me clear my calendar.”Rebecca’s voice caught in her throat. “I don’t believe you. That’s impossible. Aunt Marisol can’t have breast cancer. It doesn’t even run in our family. I need to call you back.”
Dani opened the doors and waved for Rebecca to come back inside. Rebecca knew her legs were moving but didn’t know how. Breast cancer was something that happened to other people’s families.
Not hers. The people in her family were healthy eaters and active. It didn’t make sense. She had to figure out a way to fix this.
“Is everything all right?” Dani sat Rebecca back down in her chair, picking up the hair she released before Rebecca walked out of the salon. She blew on the irons before she passed them over the strands of her hair. Click here to read more.

Crowing Glory by Pat Simmons

About the Book

Cinderella had a prince; Karyn Wallace has a King.


While Karyn served four years in prison for an unthinkable crime, she embraced salvation through Crowns for Christ outreach ministry. After her release, Karyn stays strong and confident, despite the stigma society places on ex-offenders. Since Christ strengthens the underdog, Karyn refuses to sway away from the scripture, "He who the Son has set free is free indeed."

Levi Tolliver, for the most part, is a practicing Christian. One contradiction is he doesn't believe in turning the other cheek. He's steadfast there is a price to pay for every sin committed, especially after the untimely death of his wife during a robbery. Then Karyn enters Levi's life. He is enthralled not only with her beauty, but her sweet spirit until he learns about her incarceration. If Levi can accept that Christ paid Karyn's debt in full, then a treasure awaits him.

Award-winning author Pat Simmons delivers another powerful tale and reminds readers of the permanency of redemption.

From the Author

Cinderella not only had a prince, but lost a crystal slipper. I found it!

What perfect way to kick off the release of my fifth title than a 19" Crystal Shoe Table Lamp?

Be one of 50 readers to post a review about Crowning Glory during April 1-April 30, 2011, and enter into a drawing to win this keepsake as a thank you from me.

Once you've posted your review, email me at pat@patsimmons.net.

Also learn more about the story at my blog. Click here.

Thanks for your support!

Crowing Glory is available at Amazon, B&N and other fine retailers.

Losing It by Zaria Garrison

About the book

Grammy award–winning gospel singer and Christian actress Sharmaine Cleveland is having a bad year. She has been arrested and charged with the attempted murder of her husband, Leon. This follows on the heels of another scandal involving sex tapes allegedly starring Sharmaine that have been distributed to news stations across the country. Her latest CD release is a flop, while her newest movie release has been placed on hold indefinitely. Believing she wants him dead, her husband Leon abandons her, and her mother-in-law forcibly takes her children. Sharmaine’s life is sinking fast. Will she go under, or will God be able to pick her up and put the pieces back together?

Losing It is available on Amazon.com, B&N and other fine retailers. It's also available in Kindle and Nook format.

Find out more about Zaria Garrison at her website at http://www.zariagarrision.com/

Crossroads by Nikita Nichols

About the Book

Can all sins be erased by faith? Now saved, former bad-girl Amaryllis Price is about to find out…whether she’s ready for it or not. Once a professional husband stealer, Amaryllis has now taken a personal vow to walk the straight and narrow. You can take the diva out of the drama…but can you ever truly take the drama out of the diva? Especially now that the irresistible Charles Walker is back in her life. Can she really remain celibate when he’s trying so hard to woo her back to the bedroom? And Amaryllis’s friend Bridgette has drama to spare. Her boss’s nephew seems to be standing in the way of the promotion she’s worked so hard to earn. But will her burning, uncontrollable rage end up burning her in the end?

Crossroads is available at Amazon.com, B&N and other fine retailers. It is also available in Kindle and Nook format.

A Chapter A Month...coming April 4th

A Piece of Revenge by Rhonda McKnight (E- book)

I've joined the ranks of authors published in e-book format. Yay! I'm so excited.

Last summer "A Woman's Revenge" (a collection of novellas by Tiffany L. Warren, Sherri Lewis and myself) was published through our independent publishing company 3 Sisters Books. We have decided to independently publish our stories as e-book titles.

Short Description

A newlywed discovers she's married the wrong man when the funds for her non-profit organization are missing and so is he. She employs a private detective to help. Will he save all including her heart?

Extended Description

Where do broken hearts go? If you’re Tamera Watson…to the pawn shop to buy a gun. Tamera Watson’s husband is gone and so is her life savings and all the corporate grant funds for a non-profit program for underprivileged kids. With the last of her pennies she pays a private detective to hunt him down, so she can gun him down. When she finds him will she be able to pull the trigger? Or will the God of her heart stop her before she lets her desire for revenge take her too far.

A Piece of Revenge is availabe at Amazon.com, Barnes and Nobles and Smashwords. The price is $2.99

Delilah by Shelia Goss--TashaEdits.mov

Tasha Martin's review of Delilah by Shelia Goss. Learn more about Shelia at http://www.sheliagoss.com/

AN INCONVENIENT FRIEND - Have you read this book?

It may be 2011, but it's not too late to read the best of 2010!

AN INCONVENIENT FRIEND by yours truly, Rhonda McKnight was voted the best of the best for 2010!

It's always nice for your work to be acknowledged as the best. An Inconvenient Friend is #14 on the list of best Christian/Faith Based Books by the Sankoka Literary Society. Click the link Black Pearls Magazine.  to see the entire list.

Here's what others are saving about the book (content below is an excerpt from the original review. Please click on the website for the review to read the full review):

AALBC - Reviewed by Idrissa Uqdah
Is This What Friends Are For?

This novel is a great follow-up to McKnight's debut novel, Secrets and Lies. The protagonist, Samaria Jacobs returns as a nurse set on seducing still another rich but married doctor. But this time, she's the star of the show and the author has completely developed this character as more than a heathen and a home-wrecker. Drama, Drama, Drama; this story is full of it and I loved it!

APOOO BookClub - Reviewed by Jennifer Coissiere


I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. For a moment, I had a look into the mind and life of “the other woman.” Even though I do not condone another person coming between a husband and wife, I understood the reason Samaria did what she was doing. I recommend An Inconvenient Friend to readers of Christian fiction or inspirational fiction.


Amazon.com - Reviewed by Cheryl Francis

I loved this book!! Rhonda McKnight is a great author and I look forward to reading more books by her! I found this book at the Black Expressions website. I looked at the cover and thought it looked like a great book. The woman on the front looked to me like a nice church going woman--boy was I ever wrong!


Samaria Jacobs has a married lover named Gregory Preston who is a doctor. She said she understood how the cheating thing worked and there were two categories (P.7) "The first was what I called "something different." .... "The second category, and the one I preferred to be, was the new model". She met Gregory at a sports bar. She didn't think he would be interested but she pushed him because he was upset over a patient. She got him and had him for six months. She wanted to be more than just the woman on the side. (p.25). He did help her with her bills, but of course she wanted more.


Gregory's wife Angelina had a feeling that something was up. He was getting a lot of phone calls at odd times and worked more hours. She would also find lipstick stains on his collar and smell fresh woman's perfume on him. Samaria got to be good friends with Gregory's wife because she joined a church group and got involved in a big project. She even made up a fake name-Rae Burns.


No good can come out of getting so close to your lover's wife. She wanted to find out more about her so she could do everything she could to get Gregory closer to her, but then she started to really like Angelina. Samaria is a cold hearted woman. I can't believe the lengths she went to in order to try to tear Gregory and his wife apart.

You need to read this book to see how it ends.

And so do you! Please get your copy today. You won't regret it. Visit me at my website to read an excerpt and for links to order the book. http://www.rhondamcknight.net/

The Retreat by Dijorn Moss

Exciting new read... The Retreat by Dijorn Moss

Dijorn, introduce yourself to my readers. I am a proud husband and father. My wife Trinea and I are going on our sixth year in marriage and my son Caleb is 7 months old. My life has changed dramatically since becomin g a father. I use to spend my days off writing for anywhere between 12-14 hours. Now I have to work within a reasonable time frame so that I do not shortchange my family. I love to read, I love to write and I love to spend time with my family and friends. I know that I plenty of material to draw from with my family.


Tell us about The Retreat and the inspiration behind it. The retreat was inspired by my first men's retreat. I was blown away by how real Christian men get when there are no women around and it is just God and your brother next to you. So my story focuses on four men from different walks of life who attend a weekend Men's retreat and what they discover about themselves and about each other. Better yet, i like to summarize the Retreat like a movie: A vengeful business man, a single father, a religious nut and a car thief all met at a weekend retreat.

What message would you like readers to take away from the story? I want for men to be inspired and for them to reexamine their relationship with God. I want for them to start living their lives according to the principles of the Bible and strive to be a Man of God and not a Man of the world. I also want for women to have a better understanding of what Christian men struggle with and how they can help the men of their lives become all that God wants them to be!

What came first the characters or the story? Share a little about your writing process. The story came first, but I consider the Retreat to be a character driven story. I think in the end great stories have memorable characters. People may not be able to tell you what the Color Purple was about, but they do remember the characters and their famous lines. Also when I begin the process of rewriting I start first with a character draft. I devote a whole draft to the main characters of the story. i make sure that their journey makes sense and that their motivations for their actions are logical.

Advice for aspiring writers? Overcome rejection. A lot of times the different from the aspiring and the achieved is that one took rejection as a milstone tied around their neck while the other saw rejection as a stepping stone to where they want to be!

What’s next for Dijorn Moss? I am blessed to be apart of the Home Again anthology so right now I am promoting both Home Again and The Retreat while finishing my next novel. I am also working on my next play as well as my first real screenplay. I am all about growth and expansion. God willing you will see another novel from me in 2012.

How can my readers find you on the Internet? http://www.dijornmoss.webs.com/ and if facebook had a refrigerator stocked with food, Facebook would be my second home.

About the Book

For those who have ever wondered what goes on at a men's retreat, The Retreat is an in-depth look into the lives of four men who have looked for answers in all the wrong places . . . until now.


Quincy is in the final stages of his divorce, but he still wants to know which church member had an affair with his wife. Jamal is on the verge of the promotion of a lifetime, but unresolved issues with his son, Jamir, threaten everything. Chauncey is a man who will go to great lengths for his church, but not for his terminally ill brother. Will is a young hustler who has been given a rare opportunity to make a choice that will change his life forever.

These four men are all at a crossroads in their lives. Will they lay their burdens down at the cross, or will they choose paths that will cause more harm than good? It will all be revealed at the men's retreat, where they learn that they need God and his wisdom more than ever.

Available wherever fine books are sold and in online bookstores such as Amazon.com

A CHAPTER A MONTH - Great stories all the time!

Donna Hill Online: A CHAPTER A MONTH: "Authors you love...all the time. Introducing A Chapter a Month. The first of its kind website where a team of today's top-selling au..."

I'm excited about this venture. I look forward to joining the site with a story this summer.

Never Without Hope by Michelle Sutton

I had the pleasure of reading this novel prior to publication, when the author, Michelle Sutton, was patiently waiting for it to find a home with a publisher. It was one of the best books I had ever read and dare I say a super-edgy departure from the stories that had been published in Christian Fiction. (Hence, the issue with it finding a home.) This story is not about African-American characters and I know that's the focus for this blog, but it's much to relevant for me not to share with my readers. Trust me, you will not be disappointed with this awesome book!

About the Book

Hope believes she is above sexual temptation; that she would never break that commandment like her husband's previous wives had done. After all, she is a good Christian and a loving mother. She has no reason to stray . . . until her husband starts neglecting her needs and things begin to look hopeless. Though she clearly communicates her pain to her husband, he refuses to get help. She starts to wonder...Will she never have sex with her husband again? She soon learns that she, too, is capable of such betrayal when she succumbs to the unthinkable. But things that first seemed sweet and reasonable given her painful situation soon produce a bitter taste when combined with the overwhelming guilt. No substitute will ever replace her love and desire for her husband. If only he would touch her like he used to. If only they could make love again. She misses him so much and wants to tell him the truth hoping it will propel him to do something to fix their problem, but she fears his rejection. Yet, she can't continue living such a hypocritical life. She knows it's wrong even though she continues to crave physical intimacy. Steeped in the quagmire of adultery, Hope must find her way back to solid ground to save her marriage. But will she lose everyone she loves in the process?

Available for purchase at Amazon.com and wherever fine books are sold. Also available in e-book for all readers at Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and Smashwords.com

Visit Michelle's blog for the novel to learn more about the characters and story.
http://neverwithouthopethenovel.blogspot.com/

Learn more about Michelle and her novels at http://www.michellesutton.net/

Man Enough For Me - Blog Tour

About the Author

Rhonda Bowen is a writer and event planner living in Toronto. When not stressing over her job, she can be found at church stressing over the kids she teaches in youth class. She enjoys spending time with her family, trying on shoes she can’t afford, and enjoying life’s unexpected twists and turns.

Visit her online at http://www.rhondabowen.com/

List your published books.

Man Enough For Me is my first published novel. It was released February 22, 2011 from Kensington Books.

Which book did you find the hardest to birth?

I am finding my second novel harder to write. With the first novel, I had all the time in the world to lovingly craft it into what I wanted it to be. With the second novel, I am under the time constraints of a contract and have to be more disciplined and deliberate in meeting my own personal writing deadlines and those of my editor!

How would you describe your writing style?

I think my writing style is still evolving. Probably unlike most writers and most likely to the horror of my editor I never outline a story before I write it. In fact, I tried that once and the story never got finished. I usually mull an idea around in my head until I have a first chapter. Only then do I start writing, and from there, I let the story write itself.

Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what kind?

I love listening to music while I write! I feel like the music sets my mood and helps me feel what I want my characters to feel in a particular scene. I listen to some 90s R&B but mostly gospel. Fred Hammond and Kirk Franklin are favorites.

Tell us anything about you as a writer that you think might be interesting or unusual.

I’m an undercover writer. When I told my family and friends that I had a novel that was being published most of them went into shock. Very few people know how much I write. In fact outside of my immediate family and a few writer friends, not many people know.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

I feel like I’m still too new to be giving advice, but I do encourage aspiring writers to just write. Write everyday and write about things that interest you. Don’t worry too much about being published at first. Just make sure you’re having fun. I think when you are enjoying yourself writing, the sentiment will be transferred into your work.

Writers are often encouraged to write what they know. Have you found that to be the case with your writing?

It is definitely easier to write what you know and I think your story ends up being more credible when you do. I have read stories by other fiction writers where they write about the industry that I am a part of and I can tell almost immediately when they have no firsthand experience. I am not saying that you should never write about unfamiliar topics, but if you do you should definitely do your research and, if possible, have someone who knows look over your story for you.

About the Book

Twenty-something public relations gem Jules Jackson has everything in her life under control, and that’s exactly the way she likes it. She’s got no problem handling two jobs, her crazy friends, and her difficult mother. But she’s just about given up on men—until she meets fine Germaine Williams …

Straight-up catch Germaine is eager to prove his worth to Jules, and she falls hard. But it’s soon clear Germaine’s keeping at least one big secret. And the deeper Jules digs, the more her balancing act, and her romance, begins to crumble. Now Jules can either turn to her faith and open her heart to love—or risk getting it broken…

Purchase the Book Online at:

Amazon.com , BooksaMillion.com, BarnesandNoble.com




For More Information


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

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

Book Review

by

Janette Malcolm

Man Enough for Me written by Rhonda Bowen is an awe inspiring book that shows that no matter what you do if you trust in God He will take care of you.


Jules Jackson has a good job, good friends, a burgeoning career that she loves but she hasn't met that one person she connects with who she could truly love. Jules is just a little jaded by the prospects of men out there. She constantly finds flaws with every man she meets and does not expect to give her heart away anytime soon.

Germaine Williams is an entrepreneur and a man of faith who also harbors a secret. When the two meet, sparks fly. You know that they are perfect together but wonder if they can trust each other enough to be the person that they need each other to be.

Rhonda Bowen is a talented writer and a great story teller. She showed all aspects of the Christian experience from those deeply rooted in their faith to those who are new to the faith.

I really enjoyed this book. Although it started out slow, it soon picked up the momentum as it makes you wonder what secret is Germaine hiding, how would Jules handle it all, could she, would she trust God in all aspects of her life. I was drawn into all the twists and turns of the relationships within this story. I found myself turning several pages ahead just to see what was coming up next.

This was a very good book and I can’t wait for Rhonda Bowen's next one.

Who Said It Would Be Easy? by Cheryl Faye

About the Book

Who Said It Would Be Easy? is the story of a man and woman who rely on their faith in God to live and love, despite formidable trials and tragedy.


Charisse Ellison is a beautiful twenty-nine-year-old single woman who is new to her faith, but convinced that her relationship with God is the only way to have the truly fulfilling life she desires—one that includes a husband and children.

Stefàn Cooper is a thirty-three-year-old bachelor who has no desire to change his ways. Tall, muscular, and strikingly handsome, Stefàn is used to getting what he wants from the opposite sex but is intrigued by Charisse’s seeming indifference to his charms. The couple’s intense romance leads them on a journey that challenges the bravado Stefàn has held on to for most of his adult life and forces Charisse to see that God’s answered prayers don’t always come packaged the way we expect.

Who Said It Would Be Easy? is a story that offers hope in situations that, at first seem hopeless, and shows that through faith in an all-powerful God, even the most painful experiences can culminate in true joy and peace.

Book Review

Who Said It Would Be Easy is Cheryl Faye's first foray in to Christian Fiction. Cheryl Faye introduces you a true Christian Romance novel without the usual steamy scenes and explicit language.

Stefan Cooper is a man with many flaws and hang-ups. He experiences heartbreak at a young age which colors all relationships afterwards. His heartbreak drives him from finding the love of his life and from God. Charrise Ellison is new to her Christian walk. She longs to be married but is willing to wait until God gives her the one. Charrise and Stefan meet and find an instant attraction but they are in different places in their Christian faith. Together they learn a lot about each other, first impressions and they grow in their Christian belief.

This book takes you through their journey of love, faith, trials and tribulations. Cheryl Faye also introduces you to minor characters who go through their own transformations to become all that God has planned for them to become.

I enjoyed this book, it gives you everything you would want from a romance novel but it also gives you more. It is a true love story, the love between two people and their love for God. Who Said It Would Be Easy? shows that when you are walking in your faith even when it seem hard and hopeless your love for and faith in God will prevail. I would recommend this book to all that enjoys romance novels and Christian fiction. It is a perfect blend between the two.

Reviewed by Janette Malcolm

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purposes of review.

This novel is available wherever books are sold and online at Amazon.com and other online retailers.

Book Reviews: Spotlighting Miranda Parker

Book Reviews: Spotlighting Miranda Parker: "Today's spotlight is on Miranda Parker. She is busy being a mother, daughter and now author. I was honored that Miranda was able to sit dow..."

Book Reviews: Spotlighting Rhonda McKnight

Book Reviews: Spotlighting Rhonda McKnight: "Do you know this author? If not, you need to get to know her and quick. This is the lovely Rhonda McKnight. She has already made a name for..."

Love and Forgiveness Blog Tour - Day One

About the Author

LaShawnda Jones is currently living and thriving in New York City. Her prior work includes an autobiographical devotional, My God and Me: Listening, Learning and Growing on My Journey and an autobiographical volume of poetry, Cliches: A Life in Verse. LaShawnda’s writing and publishing work ranges from poetry, to blogging, to designing an annual full-figured fashion calendar. She was a contributor to a daily political blog during the last presidential election and an anthology of letters addressed to First Lady Michelle Obama.

LaShawnda’s current work is a series of short books, focusing on foundational Biblical principles. The series is called the MeatyWord series. The first volume, The Process of Asking for, Receiving and Giving Love & Forgiveness, will be available January 2011.

LaShawnda’s life is an illustration of transition – constant movement and growth from one point to another. She is ecstatic about moving forward on her journey with the LORD. She continues to grow stronger in her faith, wiser in her knowledge and more loving to people as she seeks to mirror exactly the Christ in her.

To keep up with LaShawnda’s journey, subscribe to her blog at www.mygodandme.info/blog.

About the Book

Love & Forgiveness is the first of a six volume pocket book series called the MeatyWord Series. Each volume of the series will focus on a very essential Biblical principle and its application in our daily lives.

In Love & Forgiveness, love and forgiveness are defined Biblically and then contrasted with worldly use. The book explores what love is, what love does, how love feels, the importance of repentance and forgiveness and the benefits of both.

Purchase the Book Online at:  Ms. Jones' books are available for purchase on her website and blog as well as Amazon.com and http://www.bn.com/. The Process of Asking for, Receiving and Giving Love & Forgiveness is priced at $12.00 plus S/H.


PODCAST 1 - About the Book

PODCAST 2 - For Readers

PODCAST 3 - Excerpt

For More Information


Visit the author online at:

Website: http://www.mygodandme.info/
Blog: www.mygodandme.info/blog
Page: www.facebook.com/mygodandme
Excerpts: www.scribd.com/LaShawnda
Updates: www.twitter.com/ldjonsey

View the blog tour schedule at : http://www.tywebbin.com/blog-tours/2010/11/love-forgiveness-blog-tour-january-10-14-2011/

Steppin' Into The Good Life Blog Tour - Day One

About the Author

TIA MCCOLLORS is a national bestselling author who secured her spot in the publishing industry with the release of her debut novel, Zora’s Cry. She received her B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina. After ten years as a public relations professional, Tia emerged as an inspirational speaker and author of faith-based novels. Her other titles include The Truth About Love and A Heart of Devotion. She continues to pen inspirational works and is currently writing a series of children’s early reader chapter books targeted towards girls, ages 7-9.

In addition to being a novelist, Tia is a motivational speaker and instructor for writing workshops. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers organization, and serves as the vice president of Visions In Print. Tia was voted as the Breakout Author of the Year by the Open Book Awards of the African American Literary Awards Show.

Tia lives in the Atlanta, Georgia area with her husband and son. For more information, visit her online at http://www.tiamccollors.com/.

List your published books:

Steppin’ Into The Good Life, The Last Woman Standing, The Truth About Love, Zora’s Cry, A Heart of Devotion, A Million Blessings (An Anthology)

Which book did you find the hardest to birth?

My first novel, A Heart of Devotion. I questioned whether I was a good writer, if I had an interesting story to tell, and I wondered if anyone would actually read it. At the time, I didn’t have the confidence in my writing, my calling, and my purpose that I do now. Once I completed my first novel it gave me an extra boost of confidence. After I wrote the first book, the others were easier (not easy, just easier!). When you start at page one, you know that if you keep writing, you CAN get to the end.

Which book is your current favorite?

I wouldn’t say Steppin’ Into The Good Life is my favorite, but it’s definitely the one that’s getting the most attention and love right now. It’s the newborn in the family. I always compare my books to babies when people ask which is my favorite one. I love all of my books equally, but differently, based on the joys and blessings they bring to my life.

How would you describe your writing style?

I think I write books that are like watching or talking to some of your close girlfriends. My books touch the hearts of women – because they touch my heart. I can also tell by the emails I receive from readers when they share a testimony or personal story that somehow relates to one of my novels. My books are about real situations and have characters whose faith is being challenged. That’s why I often describe my books as a sweet blend of faith and fiction.

Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what kind?

So this is the thing. I can’t sing a lick, but I wish I could! With that being said, I don’t listen to music that much when I’m writing because I end up doing more singing than writing. Lately when I listen to music, it’s mostly instrumental if I’m in a writing flow. If it’s not instrumental, it’s Israel Houghton or my all-time favorite, Fred Hammond.

Tell us anything about you as a writer that you think might be interesting or unusual.

I’ve been asked that question before, and I didn’t have an answer. This time I thought quite a bit about it, and the only thing I could think of was that when I’m planning to do have some serious writing time, I always do a “spring cleaning” to my house. I think it has to do with “cleaning clutter” in my mind.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Keep writing until the end, even if it’s not your best. In fact, your first draft WON’T be your best. But you can’t edit or revise blank pages.

Writers are often encouraged to write what they know. Have you found that to be the case with your writing?

Somewhat. There’s a small part of “me” in each of my books, but unless you’re one of my close girlfriends, you wouldn’t know what it was.

About the Book

Shelia Rushmore thought she’d be the last woman standing when it was time to fight for her man. Instead Ace, her boyfriend of two years, chose to reunite with his ex-wife, leaving Shelia emotionally devastated. It’s a year later when Sheila is convinced that sneaking into their wedding ceremony will put closure on the gaping hole in her heart.

But it’s on the back pew of the church where a new relationship begins for Shelia. She can’t explain the touch she received from God on that day, but she’s determined to be a better woman-a woman of faith. Since high school, Shelia has been chasing her definition of the good life – it’s left her with no home, no man, and no money. But now that’s she’s living life for God, things should get better, right? Shelia learns that living a faith-filled life isn’t always easy.

With faith, tough love, and some tough decisions, Shelia realizes that the life she’d been praying for she could have for herself is actually attainable. Being wrapped in God’s arms, she decided, was by far the safest place she’d ever been.

Book Review

Steppin’ Into the Good Life by Tia McCollors is a very good book and an interesting read. It is the follow up book to The Last Woman Standing. I did not read the first book and I thought that I would be lost and have a difficult time knowing all of the characters; however Steppin’ Into the Good Life can carry its own.

Shelia Rushmore is trying to get over and move on from a previous relationship that she thought was going to be her happily ever after. When she finally gets closure with one relationship she starts another one with God. Shelia soon realizes that all of the things that she was chasing were not going to truly give her the good life that she desired.

She thought that what she really needed was a man in her life a high paying job and nice home to make her happy. Shelia slowly understands that there is only one thing and one relationship that will truly make her happy and that was her relationship with God.

Shelia has always chased after the good life but it always seemed to be just out of her grasp. With her new found faith, she begins to step into a new season and realizes that with God she is truly stepping into her best life.

Tia McCollors wrote a thought provoking book that challenges you to let go of your baggage and be open to what God has for you. Don’t let unresolved issues keep you from stepping into the Good Life.

Reviewed by Janette Malcolm

Purchase the Book Online at:

Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, BooksaMillion.com, Christianbooks.com

For More Information

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

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

Rhythm of Secrets Blog Tour - Day One

About the Author


Patti Lacy graduated from Baylor University in 1977 with a BS in education. She taught at Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois, until she retired in 2006 to pursue writing full time. She and her husband, Alan, have two grown children. Visit Patti’s Web site at http://www.pattilacy.com/.

Patti, list your published books.
An Irishwoman’s Tale, What the Bayou Saw, The Rhythm of Secrets

Which book did you find the hardest to birth?
Definitely my first baby, An Irishwoman’s Tale, the story of my BEST FRIEND! If that isn’t enough cause for drama, An Irishwoman’s Tale went from memoir to first person novel to third person novel.

I KNOW that Irish child had at least forty rewrites. My brother, a fellow writer, threw up his hands and asked his wife, “What should I tell her?” when Draft 1 zipped into his mailbox. Thank the LORD my brother offered compassion, patience…and a copy of Self-Editing for Fiction Writers!!!!

Which book is your current favorite?
Now you know better than to make a mama choose a favorite child. Once I heard this quote: “My favorite child’s the one who’s needing me the most.” As The Rhythm of Secrets needs a good reception now that she’s out of the birthing room, I’ll give the nod to baby three!

How would you describe your writing style?
Ooh, I ADORE music and always listen to selections from my eclectic collection when writing, so I sure HOPE my style’s eclectic and lyrical. I’ve been told there’s a literary edge to my work, though I’m not sure what that means.

Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what kind?
Ooh, y’all, can you BELIEVE I did NOT look ahead and read this question while I was answering the previous one? I LOVE jazz, especially the oldies, like Louis Armstrong and the New Orleans era stars. Some recent additions to my collection include The Fray, Corinne Bailey Rae, Augustana, David Crowder Band. http://www.pandora.com/ is a great tool for music lovers to discover new artists!

Tell us anything about you as a writer that you think might be interesting or unusual.
Hmmm. The Rhythm of Secrets has musical literature to enhance your reading experience. Are you getting that music theme????

Visit http://www.pattilacy.com/rhythm-of-secrets-music.php and link to YouTube songs that express each chapter.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
Write for the Audience of One and listen to that Still, Small Voice, the best writing coach I’ve yet found!

Writers are often encouraged to write what they know. Have you found that to be the case with your writing?  Kinda yes and kinda no. How’s THAT for an answer? I’ve relied on real-life incidents to inspire all MY books. Sometimes they’re way out of my range of experience, like the life of a Thai woman enslaved by human trafficking in the Vietnam War era. Truly every person I know is fodder for fiction! Watch out if you don’t want to be in print!

Thanks ever so much for having me here today. I loved it!

About the Book


Sheila Franklin has lived three separate lives. Now a conservative pastor’s wife in Chicago, she is skilled at hiding secrets—a talent birthed during childhood romps through the music-filled streets of New Orleans. But when the son she bore at the age of eighteen comes back looking for answers and desperate for help, her greatest secret—and greatest regret—is revealed.

Eager to right past wrongs, Sheila’s heart floods with memories of lyrical jazz music and a worn-out Bible. But when her husband learns of her shady history, Sheila is suddenly faced with an impossible decision: embrace the dream—and son—she abandoned against her will or give in to the demands of her safe but stifled life. As she struggles to reclaim both her son and her identity, Sheila soon realizes that God’s grace spans both seas and secrets and that He is all she really needs. With dynamic writing that makes the reader feel the heartache of a teenage mother, struggle with the disillusionment of an abandoned boy, and revel in the idea of grace despite flaws, rising star Patti Lacy takes her fans on a journey they won’t want to end—and won’t soon forget.

Purchase the Book Online at:
• Available Now on Amazon.com
• Available on BooksaMillion.com
• Available on BarnesandNoble.com
• Christianbooks.com

For More Information
• Visit the author online at http://www.pattilacy.com/.
• View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/TheRhythmofSecrets

Delilah by Shelia Goss - Book Review

Book Review

(This review was originally published on 12/15/2010)

Shelia M. Goss’ Delilah is a riveting story about secrets, lies and betrayal. The characters are well written and practically come to life on the page.

Delilah Baker was a changed woman or so she thought. She lived a hard life and survived abuse from those who were supposed to take care of her. But past indiscretions were catching up with her. Her boss blackmailed her into doing things that she initially didn’t want to do. Delilah felt that she could stall her boss long enough until she have everything that she wanted, enough money so that she could be comfortable, a man that she loved and thought she would marry and a church home. There was just one huge obstacle, his fiancé.

Samson Judges is the young Pastor of Peaceful Rest. Samson had for the most part avoided temptations in his young life and was arrogant enough to think that he was above reproach. He has lived a charmed life. He has great parents, a job for which he was predestine and a woman that he loved and was engaged to marry. He also had Delilah, his Achilles’ heel.

Samson and Delilah had a tumultuous relationship that causes them both to lose things that that they worked so hard for.

Delilah deals with morals, temptations and judgment. I would definitely recommend this book. It is a fast easy read and it will keep you glued to the pages until the very end. How far would you go when temptations are calling your name? Delilah leaves you wanting more.

Reviewed Janet Malcolm

About Shelia M Goss:


Shelia M. Goss is the Essence Magazine & Black Expressions Book Club Best-Selling author of My Invisible Husband, Roses are Thorns, Paige’s Web, Double Platinum, His Invisible Wife, Hollywood Deception and the teen series The Lip Gloss Chronicles. Delilah is her tenth novel and first Christian fiction novel. To learn more, visit her website: http://www.sheliagoss.com/, www.twitter.com/sheliamgoss or www.facebook.com/sheliagoss.

Delilah - When Love Deceives - Blog Tour

5 Questions with Author Shelia M Goss

Shelia Goss has stopped here on my blog for her Delilah When Love Deceives tour. She's celebrating the release of her tenth novel. Delilah is her first Christian fiction novel and is in stores now.

Where do you get the inspiration for your stories?
Inspiration comes from life. I can be dreaming, on the phone, watching TV, at the store...etc. Ideas will pop into my head at odd times. I wrote Delilah because I kept hearing people trying to blame others for their transgressions instead of taking responsibilities for their own actions. I decided to take a tragic love story from the Bible and give it a modern day twist.

What is Delilah about?
Delilah is an entertaining novel with a Christian message that is not preachy but allows the readers to see how our choices can affect our lives. The characters face many temptations but there is room for redemption. I think even if you don't normally read Christian fiction, you will be able to enjoy Delilah.

Are any of your characters based on real people?
The characters in my book are only figments of my imagination. I may take personality traits from a variety of people (whether it be someone I know or a stranger) but for the most part, if a character resembles someone you know, it's strictly coincidental (smile).

What would you like readers to learn from your novels?
Each one of my stories have at least one message. The messages vary. I hope readers of my books are able to not only be entertained, but think and learn something from the characters.

No one is perfect and we all fall short, but even with our imperfections, God gives us grace and shows us mercy.

What advice would you give aspiring writers?
If you feel that you have a God given talent, then practice your craft and be the best you can be. Despite the rejections you may get, do not give up. Believe in yourself. Take a chance on yourself and do not accept no. Also, it is very important if you want to be a writer to WRITE. Get at least the first draft done and you'll have something to work with.

DELILAH is Shelia Goss' tenth book. It's available in hardcover and paperback.

Amazon , Barnes and Noble , Borders, BlackExpressions.com (HARD COVER ONLY)

About Delilah:

Behind every successful man is a good woman. The downfall of a good man is a woman up to no good.

Thirty and fine, Samson Judges is preacher of the Peaceful Rest Missionary Baptist Church . He’s beloved by his congregation, but temptation is about to strike in the form of divalicious beauty Delilah, and only the Good Lord knows if Samson will be able to keep his head on straight with her. Especially considering he’s about to be married to Julia Rivers. Julia helped shape Samson into the man he is, but Delilah wants to knock him down. He doesn’t know she’s been hired to distract him by real estate developer William Trusts, who wants to acquire the land where Samson’s church stands.... Samson feels like his relationship with God puts him above it all, but his weakness for Delilah may just cause him to lose everything. ~ Black Expressions Book Club

About Shelia M Goss:

Shelia M. Goss is the Essence Magazine & Black Expressions Book Club Best-Selling author of My Invisible Husband, Roses are Thorns, Paige’s Web, Double Platinum, His Invisible Wife, Hollywood Deception and the teen series The Lip Gloss Chronicles. Delilah is her tenth novel and first Christian fiction novel. To learn more, visit her website: http://www.sheliagoss.com/, www.twitter.com/sheliamgoss or www.facebook.com/sheliagoss.