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.