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.

Sweeter Than Honey Blog Tour - Book Review

Sweeter than the Honey is a well written story that follows Kamilah Wright on her journey through self discovery. LaShanda Michelle wrote a gritty tale of love, faith and acceptance. Her novel takes you right into the lives of her characters.


Kamilah Wright is a seventeen year old high school senior who spends most of her free time taking care of her seven brothers and sisters, cleaning the house, cooking and making sure all homework is completed while her mother works two jobs and her father is never home. Kamilah never goes out or have fun like most teens. Kamilah had one boyfriend who violated her and contributed to her wavering faith. Her only true friend is Eric a friend she has known for almost all of her life. Eric is the love of Kamilah’s life but he only sees her as a friend, when Summer enters the picture everything changes.

Summer Freeman is a free spirit who takes Kamilah on a wild ride. With Summer’s help, Kamilah learns to relax, have fun and love herself. Kamilah also finds the love that she desperately seeks. This newfound love takes Kamilah away from her family, best friend and her faith. She has to learn how to stand on her own and discover what is important to her.

In the end Kamilah must decide what she wants most from her life, a relationship that goes against her beliefs or her faith.

There were many moments in this book that made me question if this was truly a Christian Fiction novel. As I continued to read I stopped many times and checked my own attitudes and prejudices. I had to realize that just because I hate the sin, I still like the person. This book, though parts may be difficult to read, places a mirror in front of society and asks; where do you stand? What truths do you choose to believe?

Reviewed by Janette Malcolm

Click HERE to purchase. Visit the author at http://www.lashandamichelle.com/

Joy Comes In The Mourning by Korika Johnson - A Book Review

Korika L. Johnson’s debut novel, Joy Comes in the Mourning, is very appropriately titled. Ms. Johnson takes us into the lives of Tonya Monroe, who lost her mother in a alcohol related accident at the age of 14. Tonya was left in the care of her alcoholic father. Most of her care was relegated to her “aunt,” Carolyn Wright. Carolyn also happens to be the person driving the night Tonya’s mother was killed. Joy Comes in the Mourning takes us through the lives of Tonya and Carolyn, who is now a devout Christian, and a self declared “woman of integrity.” Carolyn is quick to judge others and hold them accountable, but refuses to be held accountable for her actions, especially the one that took the life of Tonya’s mother. When Carolyn is involved in a scandal at her church, Straighter Way Baptist Church , she starts to see herself the way others have seen her for years. The wedge that has come between Tonya and Carolyn begins to lessen when Tonya is diagnosed with a life threatening illness.


I am a lover of Christian fiction, and Ms. Johnson weaves a wonderful story that includes all of elements of a great story. By reading this book, we do learn that Joy Comes in the Mourning. I would encourage you to add this book to your list of summer reads.

Readers may learn more about Korika Johnson at her website http://www.korikajohnson.com/

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/

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

Destined by Pat Haley - Book Review

Destined is the second in Patricia Haley’s Chosen series. Inspired by the biblical kings David and Solomon. The battle for power was started in Chosen. In Destined, brothers Joel and Don Mitchell battle for control of their late father’s multimillion dollar ministry, DMI. Don is the eldest son on Madeline and the late Dave Mitchell. Dave and Madeline built their forty year old ministry together, and Madeline continues to work for the ministry. Don, Dave and Madeline’s eldest son, was groomed by his father to one day run the family business. Joel, Dave’s son with second wife, Sherry, also worked for the company. As Dave’s health quickly falters, he appoints Joel as CEO of this ministry. This comes as a surprise to everyone, but Dave contends that God spoke to him and instructed him to appoint Joel. Don, feeling robbed, hurt and betrayed, flees to South Africa and starts his own business, which quickly thrives.

Joel, driven by power and wealth, quickly puts the ministry at risk. Don returns from South Africa to help his mom save the ministry from Joel’s path of destruction. Along the way, there is romance, broken hearts, and a marriage of convenience or in better terms a business marriage.

Destined is a must read. This was my first time reading Ms. Haley’s work, but it will not be my last time. However, before you read Destined, I would strongly suggest reading Chosen, so that you will have the background information on the characters, their relationships, etc. I am anxiously awaiting Broken, the third book in the series. I highly recommend this book, and I promise you will not be disappointed.

Purchase Destined by clicking HERE.

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/

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

Sins of the Mother by Victoria Christopher Murray

Synopsis

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 the Mother 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.

To read an excerpt and learn more about the author, visit her website at www.victoriachristophermurray.com  

A Review of Samson by Jacquelin Thomas

 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

Tiffany Warren's In The Midst of It All

About the Book

All her life, Zenovia has struggled with the burden of caring for her schizophrenic mother, Audrey, alone. Until one day, God seems to offer support in the form of two members of a church called the Brethren of the Sacrifice, who knock at the women's door preaching an unconventional version of the Gospel. Despite having questions, Zenovia agrees to join the church along with her mother. Soon afterward, Audrey stops taking her medication when fellow churchgoers deem her illness a demonic possession. Unable to watch her mother's mental deterioration, Zenovia flees town, only to receive a fateful phone call several years later telling her of her mother's suicide. Heartbroken, Zenovia must now make a soul-altering choice: accept "God's will," or return home to confront the demons she's worked so hard to leave behind....

My Review: 5 of 5 Stars

Tiffany Warren’s expertly drawn characters climb into your heart and take hold of your spirit.

We meet Zenovia Batiste, a fifteen year old whose life has been burdened with the load of caring for her schizophrenic mother, and whose spirit has been pillaged by a church that has distorted the essential doctrines of Christianity. Readers follow Zenovia from high school, to college and into her late twenties as she finds and loses love and faith over and over again in her quest for a little happiness and a lot of peace.

Warren does not handle the problem of false teaching with kid's gloves in this novel, or the complex issues around mental illness. Zenovia’s life is no cakewalk. She’s forced to deal with a lot of bad stuff, thus her very cynical outlook on life and the church. The beauty of the book is that through various subplots the reader watches the underworld of a cult-nous religion unfold in front of them. The story is filled with page after page of the poison that infects the minds of those who earnestly want to serve in the Christian church, but are enslaved by a gospel twisted by men. There was also a healthy dose of romance, which had me on the edge of my seat. I found myself dying to know will they, or won't they; I really didn't know which way it would go. Great writing.

In the Midst of It All is a timely novel, a worthwhile journey and an amorous read. Warren touches the reader’s emotions on all levels and had me thinking about the characters way past the ending. It will easily be one of my favorites for 2010.

More about Tiffany at her website www.tiffanylwarren.com

Book Review - The Devil Is A Lie by ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Valuable Lessons About Love and Money...

Nina Lawson's dream comes true when she wins the lottery, or so she thinks. What she quickly finds out is that her nightmares are just beginning. Although she no longer has money problems she's got man problems, family drama, an ex-husband who's not an ex problems and a greedy chic named, Pam wants to get her paws on her money. I mean as if it wasn't bad enough Pam already has her ex-husband. (Dare I say had him while Nina and Todd were still living as man and wife.) Oh yes, Ms. Billingsley went there.

This was a great story. Best lottery story I've ever read. There were lots of thoughtful lessons for all, but mostly the main message is "Money can't buy happiness". Great characters, snappy dialogue and description make for a page turner that was a pleasure to read. The story also had a real twist near the end which was a pleasant surprise. Don't let the devil lie to you and you pass this one by!

Review by Rhonda McKnight

To learn move about ReShonda visit her website at www.reshondatatebillingsley.com

Book Review - Worth A Thousand Words by Stacy Hawkins Adamas

Life at a crossroads?

Indigo just graduated from college with honors and has been accepted into grad school in the Fall. She has big dreams and a bright future ahead of her. Her handsome fiancé has dreams of his own; he’s working to be a Navy fighter pilot.

Can they both pursue their personal dreams hundreds of miles apart and still be together? They find the road to fulfilling one’s goals is not always a straight one, even when love should seem to carve a path. Unexpected things happen and decisions have to be made by all the characters.

I enjoyed this book because I think we live in uncertain times. Many of us know people who are wrestling with decisions they never thought they’d have to make about their finances, families and careers, so it’s timely. Stacy Hawkins Adams has done a wonderful job at bringing that reality home. The lessons of hope and faith are not wasted in this beautifully written, inspiring novel.

Like Book 1 in the Jubilant Soul Series, The Someday List, Worth A Thousand Words is an absolute must read. Although readers would love The Someday List, it is not necessary to read it before reading Worth A Thousand Words. Please visit author, Stacy Hawkins Adams at her website www.stacyhawkinsadams.com

Review by Rhonda McKnight

Review of Unsigned Hype

Debut Author from World of Hip-Hop
Delivers Story that Brings the Urban Young-Adult Experience to Life

Synopsis of the novel -

Tory Tyson may only be in high school, but he knows what he wants out of life--a successful music career. And he's not going to learn about all that at school. So when school lets out next month he's not going back. He's finally ready to stop spinning old records at parties and start laying down his own beats--and the Unsigned Hype music contest is the perfect place to launch his career. But will he be able to handle the fame and fortune he seeks?

A review of the novel -

I had my 17 year old son, Aaron, read and review this book. Here's what he had to say:

"This is a great story about a young man taking the right steps in life to become successful. This kid named Tory Tyson, "Terror Tory", has an incredible, God-given talent to create and produce music that inspires everyone to come together and enjoy life. While on his journey to stardom he goes through the good and bad things that come with being popular and famous. He still strives to do things the right way through the good and bad. Author, Booker T. Mattison's plot was great. Everything flowed smoothly and transistioned well. The characters were well thought out and perfect for this story. This story will inspire all young people. It shows that even though you grew up in a bad neighborhood and around negative people, that you can still overcome the overwhelming odds and obstacles in life and be successful and do good things with your life." ...Aaron McKnight

I'm going to make him a writer out of him yet. :o)

Aaron enjoyed the book. He read it in two days which is always a good sign, so this is a highly recommended one for the young set.

About the author -

Booker T. Mattison is a writer and filmmaker who wrote the screenplay for and directed the film adaptation of Zora Neale Hurston’s “The Gilded Six Bits,” which aired on Showtime. His films have been screened at the Smithsonian Institute, the Library of Congress, the Directors Guild of America, and Harvard University. He has also written and directed music videos for Grammy-nominated the Cross Movement, as well as other Christian rap and R&B artists. His music videos have aired on BET, MTV Europe, the Gospel Music Channel, and TBN. Mattison lives in Newburg, New York, with his wife and four children. This is his first novel.

Visit him at http://bookertmattison.com/ and Facebook

Janice Said...Book Review of Up At The College

A Review of the Novel: Up at the College

By J.L. Ingle, Reviewer

Novelist Michele Andrea Bowen really took me waaayyy back with her new novel Up at the College. I attended an HBCU for four years and anyone who has had that experience along with me can tell you that there is always some serious politics and high drama happening on campus.

Michele’s heroine, Yvonne Fountain Copeland, is thrust right into the thick of both the politics and the drama when her scandalous, adulterous husband decides he doesn’t like being married anymore and forces her and their two daughters, to move out of her beautifully decorated home in Richmond, and Yvonne back into the world of employment.

Yvonne moves back to her hometown of Durham and lands a job at HBCU Evangeline T. Marshall University, or Eva T., as it is affectionately called by the local residents. She is back among her loving family, who feels it is time for Yvonne to get out there and find herself a new man. Enter Curtis Parker, the Head Basketball Coach for Eva T. and the finest man Yvonne has seen in a long time.

Now Eva T. has drama, not confined to the Drama department, in the shape of a shapely Femme Fatale, that beautiful new Gym with the huge parking lot and those two assistant basketball coaches who are exhibiting what can definitely be call ‘questionable character’. Add in the drop dead gorgeous, attorney who also has her eye on Coach Parker and you have enough drama and excitement to keep you turning those pages to see just what happens next!

Now Yvonne knows from experience that the Lord has her back, and when there is trouble with her new job at Eva T. she has plenty of backup and prayers coming from family, friends and the members of Jubilee Temple. With a combination like that you have got to be looking at a win/win situation.

Up at the College will touch all of your emotions and you will fall in love with Yvonne and her friends and family. You will see the power of prayer and how it can be a catalyst for the workings of the Lord.

What more can you ask when you are blessed to curl up on the weekend with a truly good book like Up at the College.

Welcome - APOOO

As you know, we live in a time when you can just about anything virtually. Email, chat rooms, wireless technology...all make it possible for you to connect with people with mere tap on a keyboard or keypad. In recognition of that, this month's book club feature introduces a "virtual" book club: APOOO Books. I interviewed the clubs' founder and president, Yasmin Coleman, and she shared how they get things done virtually.

Welcome to Urban Christian Fiction Today, Yasmin. Tell us about APOOO. APOOO (A Place of Our Own) is an online book club and author and reader community dedicated to advancing African American literature. Our mission is to expose readers of all ages to a good book in any genre; to support African American authors, books, literary events and book clubs; to provide marketing resources, tools and tips to authors; and, to promote literacy within the African American community.

With the encouragement of fellow amazon.com review friends, APOOO Books was founded in 2000 by Yasmin Coleman as a book club for friends and fellow reviewers who wanted ‘A Place of Our Own’ to release, relate, relax and fellowship in a comfortable environment while discussing a good book. Because we enjoy discussing books openly and honestly with like-minded individuals, the book club is by invitation only and limited to 30 members.

Since inception, APOOO Books has grown from a book club to include a review team, bookstore and promotional/publicity arm. APOOO is an authority on book recommendations for all African American genres and is known for our ability to read, discuss, and critically dissect a book. Need the 411 regarding a good book? Look no further than APOOO. We can offer recommendations for a good book in any genre.

I have always loved the name of your book club. Tell me why you selected the name and what it means to you. APOOO stands for A Place of Our Own. Over 10 years ago, I had the vision to open a book store and I needed a name. I went to my sorority sisters and asked them to help me come up with one. I told them that I wanted something that would represent us—African Americans and that the book store I had in mind would be an old, Victorian styled home with various rooms (i.e. kids place, meeting room, reading room overlooking the river). Hence, APOOO/A Place of Our Own was born.

Are you exclusively online or are there local chapters? We are exclusively online…and this is a lot of work. Not sure I could handle overseeing local chapters. LOL.

How does your club have its “virtual” book club discussions?
The Book-of-the-Month (BOM) discussion begins the fourth Sunday of the month. The facilitator for that month starts the discussion with a question or list of questions and for a week or so members chime in with feedback/comments via the e-mails. Occasionally, we’ve discussed books via online chats as well as with authors via phone and online conversations.

How do you make your book selections, and how can an author get your club’s attention? Each member has a chance to nominate one book that they would like to read for a given month. Books nominated are entered into a poll. Book with the highest number of votes becomes the BOM. If an author is interested in having us consider their book as a BOM, we ask them to follow the link below to have their book reviewed by the review team. Books that we’re partial to reading as a group include literary fiction, contemporary fiction, historical fiction, fantasy/sci-fi, mysteries and a few non-fiction books.

Tell me a Christian Fiction book your club enjoyed last year? What made it standout? One of my favorites that I read and reviewed at the end of last year, but it’s actually a 2009 release, is The Someday List by Stacy Hawkins Adams. It stood out because it was well-written, creativity crafted, possessed strong character development, steady pacing, realistic without being preaching and the ending didn’t wrap everything up in a pretty, little neat package. And, it make me think about what I would include on my own ‘Someday List.’

APOOO does book reviews, a valuable resource for authors and the African-American reading community. Tell us about your review service. We have a team of 15 reviewers and review all genres including poetry, non-fiction, street-lit, erotica, Christian fiction as well as all the other genres. And our services are still FREE. If an author is interested having their book reviewed by APOOO, they can click on the link below for more details.
http://www.apooobooks.com/authors-lounge/book-submissions/

We ask author’s to note the disclaimer below:
Please note that at APOOO, we do not believe that reviewers can serve two masters–authors and readers. We honestly have to choose and decide who we want to direct our reviews to as well as whom we want to influence with our reviews. While we respect authors, and it is not our intent to flame any author, APOOO’s first priority is to readers. With that in mind, we aim to continue to write reviews that will help readers decide which book is best for them. We look forward to providing reviews for authors who are looking for open and honest feedback.

Yasmin, you obviously have a passion for reading, please share anything else you’d like us to know about APOOO and its commitment to African-American literacy. Rhonda, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to discuss APOOO. Our motto is ‘promoting our voices, showcasing our stories’ and APOOO is always willing to give authors a platform…many times at no charge other than a couple of books for giveaways. I invite readers and authors to visit us at http://www.apooobooks.com/ to get to know us better, to keep abreast of what’s going on in the African Literature Diaspora and to find out APOOO can better serve you.

Book Review - The Someday List

“Someday” I'm going to give Stacy Hawkins Adams a big hug for writing this awesome story. While I acknowledge the Lord inspires Christian Fiction authors, the artist is one who actually toils to bring the work to the pages of a book. Stacy Hawkins Adams efforts were not in vain. The characters of Rachelle and Gabe Covington, Aunt Irene and Melba, Uncle Charles and Troy reminded me of people in my own life. They were real family and friends that I loved, and rooted for as I turned each and every page. The quaint city of Jubilant was a refreshing change, as so many African-American novels are set in urban cities. I can see why Rachelle made the journey there. It made me want to sell my house and move to place where life felt simpler. That’s good writing.

As the symbol of purpose and destiny, the “someday list” itself, served the story well. I have a list of goals and I have timelines to complete them. I check my schedule a few times a year to see if I’m on task. Sometimes I am, sometimes I’m not, but I am the quintessential list person. However, there was something different about the “someday list” in this novel, even for a planner like myself. Something I describe as the spiritual fiber that may not always exist in our list of to do’s and to accomplish.

The Someday List made me think about myself and my life. The life lessons were hard to miss. I’m hard pressed to believe anyone would close its pages and not feel the same way. So I give this book the highest review I can assign, because not only did I enjoy it, I was challenged. In my opinion that’s the role of literature, to shape our conscious thinking and inspire our actions in a way that also entertains us. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who feels the same.

Visit Stacy at http://www.stacyhawkinsadams.com/

How Do You Compare A Book to McDonalds?

I read alot of book reviews. They often sway my decision on a purchase by an author I haven't read before. I respect reviewers a great deal, because like this blog, reviewing books is a community service. It's something you enjoy doing, but largely it's of benefit to others. Amen.

I've seen some reviewers (not professionals mind you, like my friends at APOOO and Urban Reviews, DeltaReviewers, etc. etc. I hope I'm not getting myself into trouble leaving folks out) who have been really hard on authors and I think this is largely because they don't like the genre or the author. What I love about professional reviewers is that they have the ability to classify the work, and look at it objectively. Cecelia Dowdy posted a review of one of her books that did exactly that in a very creative way.


Reposted from This and That Other Thing


Sometimes I've wished for a restaurant review that, instead of judging all restaurants by a single standard, judged them according to what the restaurant was trying to do. The "best" restaurant in New Orleans, at least according to the average restaurant critic is Commander's Palace. I've been there a couple of times, and it is wonderful. The chairs are padded and some have arms. It is a white tablecloth place. The food is inventive, and very good. The atmosphere is lovely--it is in an old mansion. It goes without saying that it is very expensive. Given a choice between it and our local McDonalds, my four year old would pick McD in a heartbeat. It its own way though, McD's is a great restaurant. It is clean (well as clean as anyplace that has that many people in and out all day can be). The food is hot, it tastes good, it is the same every time you go, no matter which store you patronize. The staff is generally friendly and some of the restaurants even have playrooms attached. The price is reasonable too. If my little one spills something, it isn't a problem (and if the manager sees her spill it, s/he will probably replace it). Why am I writing a review of two very different restaurants in a post headed by a book link and titled My Review: John's Quest? Well, I was about to right a not-so-flattering review of the book when I realized that what I was doing was basically criticising McD's because it didn't have white tablecloths (or criticising Commanders because they did). Basically, John's Quest is the Christan version of a Harlequin Romance.


Click here for more of this very interesting review.



Learn more about John's Quest at Cecelia's Blog http://ceceliadowdy.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by!

Best of 2008

I love New Year's Day. It's one of those fresh slate things in life like a new car that you'll keep clean; a new checking account, that you'll keep balanced, or a new house that you'll decorate with your own unique touch (I wasn't going to go for the keep clean again). We begin a new year with plans and thoughts of what we WILL do for the next 365 days. That's why all day New Year's Eve everybody's counting down the best of, the worst of and such. One of the new year's rules is not to bring the baggage from last year into the new. But we all know, books are never baggage. They're timeless. That's why I feel okay about sharing the best of 2008 on January 1, 2009.

Okay, so that's a bunch of malarkey. I'm just plain late. I had so much content for December that I just didn't get it done. And the only resolution that I have for 2009 (other than the standing one to lose weight) is to not stress myself over small things. So here goes the UCF Today's countdown for 2008.

I asked three professional book reviewers to share their favorite 5 African American Christian Fiction books that were released in 2008.

Tyora Moody's List


I did my list like a countdown.


5. Too Little, Too Late: A Novel by Victoria Christopher Murray
4. Wounded: A Love Story by Claudia Mair Burney
3. Up Pops the Devil by Angela Benson
2. Rhythms of Grace by Marilyn Griffith
1. The Exorsistah by Claudia Mair Burney

Ty is a book reviewer, aspiring writer, and book marketing guru. You may learn about her by visiting her column on this blog (I’m Not Published Yet) and by visiting her sites at http://www.writtenvoicesblog.com/, http://www.tyoramoody.com/, and http://www.cookieaisle.com/

Dee Stewart's List

Dee added commentary. She always does. :o)

1. Claudia Mair Burney, Zora & Nicky. Romeo & Juliette set in megachurches. Very romantic, good read for young adults, well written.
2. Uwem Akpa, Say You're One of Them. This book gives African children a voice. Very well written, heart breaking, soul stirring. incredible.
3. Claudia Mair Burney, Wounded . Burney can take an interesting character and turn her on her head, spin her around, yet still give her grace.
4. A Mercy, Toni Morrison. Lovely poetic prose sweeps over this pastoral. Christianity is seen through a glass darkly. Wow.
5. Walter Mosley, The Tempest Tales. A homage to Langston Hughes and a classic discussion about what happens and don't happen at Judgement. This story reminds me of The Preacher's Wife and Easy Rawlins combined.

Dee is a reviewer for Romantic Times, a Christy Book Award Judge (you know the gold seal people), a dynamite publicist, and an aspiring novelist. You may learn more about her at http://www.christianfiction.blogspot.com/, http://www.deestewart.com/

Jennifer Coissiere's List

Jennifer just gave it to us straight:

1. Dance Into Destiny by Sherri L. Lewis
2. Braided In My Hair by Tiffany Alexander
3. The Legacies by Michelle Larks
4. Rhythms of Grace by Marilynn Griffith
5. The Pledge by Chandra Sparks Taylor

Jennifer is a reviewer for APOOO Book Club, and an aspiring writer. You can learn more about her at http://bizarrejcmartin.blogspot.com/


If you haven't read these great reads yet they can still go on your shopping list. Books have the luxury of being timeless.

Happy New Year!

Reader's Paradise Book Club

Today I welcome Reader’s Paradise for my monthly book club feature. Laverne Brown aka Missy to avid readers and writers all over the Internet graciously agreed to answer my questions.

When I asked for the name of the president of Reader’s Paradise, she said “All members take ownership of the group, but my our co-founders is Melody Vernor.” I thought that was a particularly cool statement. So let’s find out more about this tight knit group of sisters.

Welcome Missy. Tell us about Reader’s Paradise Book Club. Reader’s Paradise is not only a book club but a sister circle. We take pride in nurturing our circle and being autonomous. We actually started with two and no more for a long time.

After church Mel and I would sit around and just talk about everything. But our conversations were always centered on books; the ones we read those we wanted to buy and some we’ve collected. After several chats we realized we enjoyed many of the same authors and genre, except Mel is a huge fan of mystery while I have an affinity for inspirational reads. One Sunday after church Mel said she was starting a book club and I told her to count me in. We had our first official meeting October 8th, 2006, and at that time we were called “Fat Gurrl Book Club” affectionately named after Mel’s business.

After a few months I told a few friends and I told more friends and so on and so on. Then in August as a book club we went to the “Soul Expression Tour “and met someone who practically joined that day. Rewind just a little bit; in April 2007 we were four strong and decided to change the name to reflect all members of the book club and we took a vote and came up with “Reader’s Paradise”. The name came from us truly escaping into that book and it becoming our paradise until the last page. Fast forward beyond August 2008 currently Reader’s Paradise has 7 members; 4 of which are active.

Each member take turns hosting our BOM discussions; the host plans the food, theme, discussion and location, and as a group we vote on the book of the month. We meet on a monthly basis preferably the last Saturday of the month. During the holidays we prefer to meet the week before.

When I invited you on the blog, part of your response included, “…we are small but we’re here.” Chicago is a big city, tell me why you remain small? Every year I create a survey and ask all active members to complete it. Each year when the results are returned the majority says “I rather keep it 10 and no more”. We enjoy the intimacy of a small group and blessing other book clubs with our presence. In October this year we had our second year celebration at a café in the Hype Park section of Chicago and invited another book club to join us named Kreative Readers and we had a blast! We also invited 2 Chicago authors D.J. McLaurin and Phylydia Hudson. We shared a meal, our thoughts, and some personal things about us. One of the benefits of keeping it small is space, all of us have small homes so trying to host a BOM at home works. (smile) We recently opened our membership to serious readers in the Chicagoland area. But we will keep the number under 10. Prior to joining the member will have to attend 4 meetings and be able to meet on Saturdays for 2-3 hours for the discussions. The prospective member must also have email, and check it daily much of our communications are done online.

Tell me about a Christian or inspirational book your group recently read and enjoyed and what you liked about it. I would have to say “Conversations with God”: a true story by Neale Walsch. We watched the DVD and was truly inspired by it. Sometimes many of us walk around wondering is God speaking to us if He is why can’t I hear Him, How is it that she can hear Him and I can’t. Mr. Walsch believes that communicating with God could be a feeling, or those voices you hear while asleep, and that in fact it is audible. We just have to fine tune our receivers, absolutely a spiritual reawakening.

Anything you’d like to see more of in Christian Fiction? Less of? I’d like to see fewer stories about characters losing faith and more of Christians dealing with life and the struggles. How we call on the Lord and journey with one another while trying to live righteous.

You’re an avid reader and book reviewer, tell us about your process for reviewing books. I love to read and will read a cereal box or label because of my affinity for reading. I began reviewing with RAW SISTAZ in 2000 and APOOO shortly after that. I really didn’t know I had anything to say about a book I thought I just enjoyed books. But once you get started you find yourself with a unique opportunity; the chance to revisit the characters and the plot all over again and share that with others. (simply outstanding!)

While reading I keep a note pad with me at all times. I jot down things I think I might want to add to my review, locations, events, characters words and my feelings. I also look within the book to find out if the author tells us what he or she is attempting to do with the book. If it is listed I will mention whether I felt the author succeeded or not.

Does Reader’s Paradise have any special plans or goals for 2009? 2009 we’ll be planning our annual retreat for 2010; also we are partnering with a ministry in the Chicagoland area to do some Outreach and mentoring. I’m very excited about this because I have always wanted us to be more than a book club. In the last 2 years we have grown and our circle continues to grown closer and I am grateful to God for each and every member and what they add to Reader’s Paradise.

Anything else you want to share about your book club? I would like to say Reader’s Paradise is a fantastic book club and the nucleus of our group is our Lord & Saviour. I don’t think a business can flourish unless you go through some things and it is then that you know what you KNOW! Stay in His grip ladies of Reader’s Paradise!

How can readers and authors find out more about Reader’s Paradise? If you are interested in more information about Reader’s Paradise you can stop by my inbox anytime at readersparadise4u@yahoo.com or visit use 24/7 at www.myspace.com/readersparadise

We also have a presence on Shelfari c’mon stop by and stay current on the book we are reading, we you can spot us and what authors will be blessing us.

Great Interview, Missy. Thanks for stopping by!