Nadine Robinson was a plus-sized girl with a heart of gold. So golden, in fact, that her best friend, Angelique, was able to swoop in and steal the only man she’d ever loved, Jamal Bennett. Now, thanks to a gastric bypass surgery, Nadine is one hundred fifty pounds lighter, and revenge is on the menu. She uses every underhanded trick in the book to snatch Jamal back, and success is eminent. But will her heart turn cold in the process?
The Sweet Taste of Revenge
By Sherri Lewis
Sharon Blake is devastated when she finds out that the man of her dreams has another woman. She’s mortified when she discovers it’s her mother! At odds for years, mother and daughter finally settle their differences to join forces against Gerald Henderson. Revenge never tasted so sweet as they team up to put this player of out commission for good. But after the dirty deed is done, is forgiveness and faith enough to keep their relationship together?
A Piece of Revenge
By Rhonda McKnight
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.
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?
My Review – Murray’s Most Ambitious Work Yet.
Has Jasmine’s past finally caught up with her? Readers of the prior books in the series almost can’t help but hope so. Jasmine has been so horrible and so conniving for so many years that even the most forgiving reader would certainly expect the seeds Jasmine has planted to produce a bitter harvest. But just when you think it’s time for her to pay, Victoria Christopher Murray delivers a story that leaves no room for anything but compassion; even for an anti-hero like Jasmine Larson Bush. Why are we going to have to relent? Because we meet Jasmine the mother when we lose Jacqueline, the helpless four-year-old; the combination of which make for a gripping, gut wrenching story that will literally have readers praying as they turn the pages. There’s no room for anything else.
This novel is without question Victoria Christopher Murray’s best work. A departure from what we’ve seen in the last few years, Sins of the Mother, is what I would almost call a psychological drama. Murray weaves conflict upon conflict into a mind bending story that emotionally draws the reader in beyond what you expect from a woman’s fiction tale. The difference in delivery makes it an absolute stand alone read for those who haven’t met this cast of characters before.
I have to admit, I have a four-year-old child myself and I had a hard time with this novel. Child abductions are tough stuff. But please don’t let the subject matter scare you. There are scenes that are so spiritually uplifting that they will literally raise chill bumps; this too was a deeper layer for Ms. Murray. While true to her brand of edgy, inspirational fiction, Sins of the Mother is a character study and journey of faith. As a lover of Christian fiction, I was pleased. Fans be not deceived, Murray’s ability to satisfy all is not mocked. This book is sexy with a capital “S”. Brian Lewis is back and when Brian is on the scene, we can expect nothing less than heat between the sheets. Murray fans will have to read the story to find out whose fire he’s putting out. My reviewer lips are sealed.
I’ll close by saying I highly recommend this novel. What I appreciated most about Sins of theMother was Ms. Murray’s ability to deliver realism without abandoning hope. The characters covered the full spectrum of believable reaction. Some kept their feet planted firmly in the reality of faith, others struggled with their faith amidst the reality of humanness, but in the end, Murray reconciles all; most brilliantly.
Reviewed by Rhonda McKnight
An Advance Copy of this book was provided by the publisher.
National bestselling author Jacquelin Thomas has hit it again with Samson, putting a modern spin on the biblical story of Samson and Delilah. It has all of the elements of the biblical tale—love, betrayal and redemption.
Despite major lifestyle differences, and against the wishes of his family, fifth generation pastor Samson Taylor marries beautiful Savannah Keys, the former girlfriend of his best friend. The union of Samson and Savannan brings 2 Corinthians 6:14 to modern times (“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers”). Samson feels that Savannah is going through a phase, and will eventually come around to his way of thinking. Savannah, on the other hand, has made it clear from the beginning that she has no intentions of changing. Samson tries to make his marriage work, but the lifestyle differences are too much, and eventually the marriage succumbs.
Samson loves God, but is fighting his lust for beautiful women, a trait he inherited from his father. He fights hard not be like his father, because his father’s love of women ultimately took the lives of both his parents, leaving Samson in the very capable hands of his aunt and uncle. The more Samson fights to be different from his father, the more like him he really is.
Ms. Thomas is featuring everyday people, facing everyday problems. Samson was very engaging and I was eager to see what was going to happen next. The book was very easy to read and the characters and situations were believable, especially Aunt Hazel. I would highly recommend that you add Samson at the top of your summer reading list.
Reviewed by Deniece C. Shelman
About the Reviewer
Deniece Shelman is a member of SistahFriend Book Club and the Site Leader for the Greenwood, SC branch of the club. She is married and has three children. To learn more about SistahFriends visit their site at http://sistahfriends.com
I’ll admit I’m not one who consistently uses a devotional in my private time with God, but that will no longer be the case. God has clearly anointed some of His people to bless us with accompaniments that stretch our spiritual muscles. Stacy Hawkins Adams is one of the anointed.
I have always enjoyed Stacy’s fiction, and most of her novels have bought me to the brink of tears at one point or another, but Who Speaks To Your Heart had me reaching for my tissue box as I saw myself in every chapter, on every page, in every word. I felt like this book was written for me.
Ms. Hawkins Adams’ writing is simple and honest, yet powerful and vivid. Often times I felt like I was having a conversation with her and the Holy Spirit about my human weaknesses and fragilities. I felt Ms. Hawkins Adam’s desire for reader’s transformation literally leap off the pages. Her words, the learning to listen lessons and prayers were passionate and commanding, but the messages felt like whispers in your spirit that only the Holy Spirit could temper so gently.
My heart was captured in the Introduction where the author used one of the scriptures that guides my very life. “In all things God works for the good of those who love HIM, who have been called according to HIS purpose.” Romans 8:28. She stated “Our role is to discipline ourselves to be real with God”; from there the tears and the soul searching learning continued, until I closed the back cover.
Who Speaks To Your Heart is proof that big things really can come in small packages. Like the author herself, Who Speaks To Your Heart, is a small wonder that packs a big punch. Please don’t pass this book by and do remember to gift it to those you love.
I am a mother to three children, a wife, a believer and a woman who loves to write. When I am not writing, I am studying and/or working on assignments for school. My other love is psychology, so I'm pursuing a degree in counseling. For those who are not familiar with my work, I have written over 30 books in the romance, young adult and Christian fiction genres.
Tell us about your newest release, Samson.
Samson Taylor is a man of God, but most definitely no saint. He is controlled by his lust for beautiful women, a weakness that stirs up trouble, heartache, betrayal, and damaging rumors. Samson loves God and tries harder than ever to keep his temptations in check. Then he meets Delinda. . . .Beautiful, irresistibly sexy, and married to a famous NBA star, Delinda has Samson head-over-heels in love . . . in a dangerous affair that leads to a physical confrontation with Delinda’s husband. Samson begins a journey he could never have anticipated, where his heart is now his guide—not a heart of lust, but of new wisdom and a new kind of seeing.
What was the inspiration by this story?
Samson was inspired by the Biblical tale of Samson and Delilah. I've always been interested in this particular story, and often wondered why Samson couldn't see what Delilah was up to--how could he not know that she would be his ruin? It was these questions that prompted me to write this story.
What do you hope the reader will takeaway from this story?
Despite Samson's earthly desires and the tragedy that befell him--I want readers to understand that it was his faith and his love for the Lord that made him whole. We are nothing without God and sometimes it takes something terrible to happen to come to this realization.
Are you planning to tour? Where can readers see you?
I am doing a Blog Tour and will be posting the schedule on my Facebook page. I will be visiting several churches this time around, signing at local events, but not doing a lot of travel--I am recovering from knee surgery.
Whether you are a new Christian or someone who has a committed relationship to the Lord, you will find this book helpful. Although Carol MacKey is the author listed on the book cover, she is only God's messenger, because these words and prayers were truly inspired by Him.
The book is well written, easy to read, and full of practical ways to live your faith from nine to five and beyond. Best of all, each installment is based on a different Scripture from God's word and the “Power Moves”, were an absolute actionable blessing. It doesn't take long to read each day's devotional but what you read sticks with you throughout the day. I don’t believe anyone could read from this devotional and not be changed.
I was really blessed by the entire book from the introduction to the end, but one of my favorite-favorites was Number 31 – Signs and Wonders – Believing miracles for yourself and your coworkers. In a time when we are challenged to do more with less on our jobs, this mediation truly reminded me that God is in complete control at all times and in every way and that we should be mindful to pray and care for our community at work. Can I tell you there are 90 of them? And all are power-packed with a word that will stir your heart.
I recommend it for all the “Sistergirls” who really want to keep Jesus in the Mix on the Job. You will be blessed.
Reviewed by Rhonda McKnight
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher.
It seems like just yesterday Secrets and Lies was released and suddenly I was plunged into the world of being a published author. Exciting, exhilarating, exhausting ...all rewarding.
The first time I saw my novel in finished form it arrived at my house in a box with two others that I'd ordered from Barnes and Nobles.com. I knew what the cover looked like, but I didn't know what the final book would look like, feel like, the page count, all those details. So when it came and I held it, I had the answers to all those questions. I got on my knees and said, "I'm published." I cried. I thanked God. A life long dream had been fulfilled.
Well now I embark to cross over yet another threshold. The published get more published. My sophomore novel, An Inconvenient Friend will be released on August 1st. It's about one of the characters from Secrets and Lies and while it's not a sequel, I think the readers of Secrets and Lies will be very interested to find out where Samaria Jacobs turns up next. Here's a little about An Inconvenient Friend:
Samaria Jacobs has her sights set on Gregory Preston. A successful surgeon, he has just the bankroll she needs to keep her in the lifestyle that her credit card debt has helped her grow accustomed to. Samaria joins New Mercies Christian Church to get close to Gregory’s wife. If she gets to know Angelina Preston, she can become like her in more than just looks, and really work her way into Greg’s heart.
Angelina Preston’s life is filled with a successful career and busy ministry work, but something’s just not right with her marriage. Late nights, early meetings, lipstick- and perfume-stained shirts have her suspicious that Greg is doing a little more operating than she’d like. But does she have the strength to confront the only man she’s ever loved and risk losing him to the other woman?
Just when Samaria thinks she’s got it all figured out, she finds herself drawn to Angelina’s kindness. Will she be able to carry out her plan after she finds herself yearning for the one thing she’s never had . . . the friendship of a woman?
C. M. Jones is well on her way to becoming a household name. She has just completed her second publication, Nothing Is Too Hard for God, and launched a publishing company with her family, HortonJonesInc., that also mentors young writers. In addition she has begun to offer writing seminars and motivational speaking services. When asked about her endeavors, C. M. Jones has said that writing and mentoring is her ministry and she does it all to the glory of God.
Her debut novella, I Still Do, which was published through Author House but is now apart of the HortonJones, Inc. portfolio, sold thousands of copies in the United States and abroad. This Christian ficton writer indeed is no stranger to writing creative and inspiring stories. She began writing at the young age of eight years old while acting in her elementary school drama club. C. M. Jones has written countless poems, musicals and short stories that include themes of redemption, forgiveness and a real picture of the things that can happen in life, when you have faith in Jesus Christ.
My first book was a novella, I Still Do, and my second book is a novel, Nothing Is Too Hard For God, and I am currently working on my third book, also a novel entitled, He Left Me.
Which book did you find the hardest to birth?
The hardest book to birth was my first book but I think it’s just because it was my first and I had so many questions about how to do certain things with the characters and the story itself.
Which book is your current favorite?
I don’t really have a favorite because I love them all but if I had to recommend one it would be, Nothing Is Too Hard For God. In that book I see my growth as a writer and my spiritual growth in the story line. My growth both spiritually and as a writer is very important to me.
How would you describe your writing style?
In my opinion, my writing style is spiritually-realistic, understandable, hearting, funny, suspenseful, and dramatic. However, I am more interested in knowing how the readers would describe my writing because feedback is the nourishment that writers live on.
Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what kind?
Yes, I do actually; I don’t work too well without my music. I listen to gospel and R &B. Usually any kind gospel soothes my soul but especially Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin and old school hymns. When it comes to R&B, Beyonce really inspires me and not because of her music although I think she’s a great musician, but it’s because she seems so business-minded and determined. I wish more people in the Kingdom of God had that attitude.
Tell us anything about you as a writer that you think might be interesting or unusual.
Although I’ve always liked to write. I never thought about being a professional author. Every since I was three years old I have always wanted to be a lawyer and sometimes I still consider going to law school. What advice do you have for aspiring writers? The advice that I have for aspiring writers is to never give up on your dreams and don’t be discouraged by the long wait times from publishers to respond to your manuscripts. Most of all keep writing; write every day. Writers are often encouraged to write what they know. Have you found that to be the case with your writing? Although one or two of the plots in my stories may be about the things that I know the entire story is never completely about things that I know because, as a writer if I only write about the things that I know without ever venturing out to a subject that I have to do at least some research on, my writing could become redundant. So even if I wanted to keep the plot of my stories limited to things that I know about, which I do not, I would change the way I told my stories, such as the kinds of characters that I use, the location of the story and point of view. To accomplish this many times research is necessary.
About the Book
Nothing Is Too Hard for God is the sequel to the novella I Still Do. These three best friends are back to take you on a journey through their past and into their future. This book is full of truth, faith and testaments to what God can do when we submit our lives to Him. Do you want to know how God brought Deborah through her haunted past and into His saving grace? Would you like to know why Damien was disloyal to Karen and if their marriage can really survive after his affair? Last, but not least, if you want to know how Leslie’s heart went from being as cold as stone to being full of love, then you must read Nothing is too hard for God. Just when you think you have it all figured out, this novel will take another turn.
C.M. Jones Shares an Excerpt from Nothing is Too Hard For God
The first 1,000 words of your manuscript can make your career!Some acquisition editors and agents know after reading the first 1,000 words of your work if theyÂ’d want to represent you or sign you to a book deal.The first 1,000 words can either draw the reader in, or make them put the book down, never to be retrieved again.
Can you get an editor's attention with YOUR first 1,000 words?Enter the Faith and Fiction Retreat Writing Contest and find out.
If you've heard about the Faith and Fiction Retreat, Pitch Session and would LOVE to participate, but the recession has hindered your travel plans, we've got an option for you!There's nothing like having a face to face with editors, where they can see, feel and hear the passion you have for your story, but a virtual pitch might be the next best thing!
Faith and Fiction Retreat - Virtual Pitch
Price $149
How it works:After paying your Virtual Pitch Registration fee, you can submit your work via email to info@faithandfictionretreat.com.At the retreat, you will have a scheduled five-minute pitch with the acquisition editors via Skype or phone.
Pitch Session Editors
Mercedes Fernandez, Dafina/Kensington
Latoya Smith, Grand Central
JoylynnJossel, Urban Christian
Dwan Abrams, Nevaeh Publishing
All fiction and non-fiction works will be accepted.At this time, no screenplays, stage plays or poetry will be accepted for the virtual pitch session.
To register for the Virtual Pitch Session, please submit:
Fiction: Synopsis, Query Letter, 100 word bio, First Three Chapters
Non-Fiction: Synopsis, Outline, First Three Chapters, 100 word bio, Marketing Plan
There are VERY limited slots available for the Virtual Pitch Session, because many authors have signed up to pitch in person!Don’t wait!These slots will fill up quickly.If you don’t have an agent, you NEED the pitch session.
Full Registration - $229 – includes all retreat sessions (excluding Pitch Session), luncheon on Saturday, Semi-Formal Faith & Fiction Gala (dinner)
Pitch Session - $159 – Pitch your work to agents and editors! Doesn’t have to be faith-based fiction.
Registration + Pitch Session $239 – If you want to register for the retreat & Pitch your work.
Vendors - $199 – Does not include meals or sessions
Hotel – Omni at CNN Center room rate of $139 1-800-524-0500 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-524-0500end_of_the_skype_highlighting Use code “Faith and Fiction” when making reservations
Itinerary Highlights
Pajama Party Book Discussions
Industry insider panels
Faith and Fiction Gala and Awards – Semi Formal
Scavenger Hunt – You’ve got to read the books to win!
Pitch Session with Agents + Editors
Guess the Villain – Your favorite Faith Fiction villains are showing up at the retreat, guess who they are and win prizes!
"When a man’s ways please the LORD, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." (Proverbs 16:7)
Vanessa Richardson is an author, poet, and playwright. Vanessa has written several stage productions and have been blessed to perform them at various venues. Her stage productions includes: Someone To Love Me, Why Do Bad Things Happens To Good People?,Lord, I Don’t Understand, and The Fullness Of Time.
Vanessa wrote her freshman nonfiction inspirational novel titled, The Certain Ones. A spiritual impacting novel that inspires her readers to know that not everyone are called into greatness. Fact: Many can not handle the process that goes along with becoming great. Only the certain ones, who endures; can obtain destined greatness. She is currently working on the second installment of her, Inspirational Suspense Love Series titled, Love Lifted Me. Visit Vanessa online at vanessarichardson.net.
List your published books.
The Certain Ones: You’re not Forsaken.You’re Chosen for Purpose and Love Found Me.
Which book did you find the hardest to birth?
My labor pains were strong for both of my babies for different reasons obviously. The Certain Ones is based on true events in my life. I share my hurt and healing of dealing with Catamenial Pneumothorax. This is when a woman has her menses or period and in the span of twenty-four to seventy-four hours. This is a women’s health issue affecting only 1% of women here in America. It made for a lonely journey because it’s so rare.
Love Found Me, was difficult because of character development and writing consistency. Fiction is totally different from non-fiction. Authors and artists should forever-- study to show themselves approved. I am ever studying and learning. It is a delight and treasure in doing so!
Which book is your current favorite?
I love them both. But, I have to say-- I am currently loving Love Found Me, it is delicious story of loving finding my characters, at the appointed time. Tested Love of family, friends, self, relationships, and God over coming hidden forces.
How would you describe your writing style?
My writing style in inspirational. I want readers to see what others don’t see. To paraphrase a quote: “Every dark cloud doesn’t mean it is going to rain. It only looks like it.” The pain can often times makes us blind to our realities. When the reality is that through the pain, we often time gain “something.” Only you know what that “something is.” This is difficult for many to accept perhaps. But it is true.
Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what kind?
I sometimes listen to music. Mainly because I forget to do so. It depends on the mood I am wearing. Sometimes I am meditative. So, I will put on the King of worship. Fred Hammond. Right now I am loving; Monique Walker’s “Crazy Praise’, and Myron Butler’s “I Live.” I am also a lover of classical music and soft jazz.
Tell us anything about you as a writer that you think might be interesting or unusual.
What some people don’t know about me is that every year I like to dress up as Sally the Clown, do my silly dance and paint kids faces at our annual community parade. As Sally-I am able to observe people from a different stand point. Capturing their joyful emotions and often time scribing about them in my poetry, stage productions, or books.
What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
Study and believe in yourself. Make sure it is what you are called to do. Develop a thick skin. Connect with those who can help you get to where you want to go. EDITING, is important. Have a marketing plan. Research your publishing house, and have fun with it!
Writers are often encouraged to write what they know.
Have you found that to be the case with your writing? Yes for me it was so. Especially with Catamenial Pnuemothorax. I find there is a deeper level or connection when a person has actually experienced certain events. There is a difference between explaining and living what you write and for me acting. I am not saying to limit your writings. Read research, interview, and produce quality work. But the empathy of connecting with someone who’s been through what you’ve gone through and/or going through is an experience of wonderment and relief.
Mike Montgomery once lived the American dream. Gainfully employed, beautiful home, and a wonderful loving wife. Growing up in a loving family whose faith was unbreakable was his source of strength. Mike’s faith would one day be shaken after losing the love of his life in an unexpected tragedy. Mike thought he would never love again until he meets Sheila Lawson. Everything about Sheila made him want to love again. Could he risk his heart again?
Sheila Lawson, a woman’s health advocate was strong and independent, yet something was missing in her life. Immersing herself in her work, she vowed off any relationships. Sheila would find her self-made decree shaken when she meets tall, dark, and handsome Mike Montgomery. There is an evil lurking in the shadows. Mike and Sheila will have to unite to overcome evil forces trying to keep them apart. Will their love be enough to see them through the testing of their faith?
