From the #1 Essence bestselling and award-winning author
Victoria Christopher Murray comes Stand Your Ground, a new novel about two
women who are faced with the same tragedy.
A black teenage boy is dead. A white man shot him. Was he
standing his ground or was it murder?
Janice Johnson is living every black mother’s nightmare. Her
seventeen-year-old son was murdered and the shooter has not been arrested. Can
the D.A. and the police be trusted to investigate and do the right thing?
Should Janice take advantage of the public outcry and join her husband
alongside the angry protestors who are out for revenge?
Meredith Spencer is married to the man accused of the
killing and she sees her husband and the situation with far more clarity than
anyone realizes. What she knows could blow the case wide open, but what will
that mean for her life and that of her son? Will she have the courage to come
forward in time so that justice can be done?
Review
Powerful storytelling…
In the first few pages of Victoria Christopher Murray’s new
novel, Stand Your Ground, I was thinking, “This is it -- one of those rare
novels that will change me forever.” I was right.
A black teenage boy is
dead. A white man shot him.
From there, the story is set in motion and two women…the
mother of the dead boy and the wife of the shooter take center stage. One
searching for truth and the other being certain of it, their lives and hopes
intersect through public shame and private pain. There are two sides to every
story and Victoria Christopher Murray challenges the reader to see both. The recurring theme of
standing your ground, taking a position, making a decision based on what you
believe was not just the title, but persistent and thought-provoking words that
echoed throughout the book.
The plot twist caused my heart to constrict. But while, I as
the reader (a mother of two black sons) was only gripped with fear, Janice
Johnson was living the nightmare. During this story I felt so
many emotions: anger, sadness, helplessness and at times, empathy and relief. In
the end I was forced to ask myself: What
is right and what is wrong? What do I really believe? In the same way a
character was forced to with these words:
I didn’t care if the
attorneys knew or if the judge knew—they could have thrown me into jail for
contempt or for perjury; it didn’t matter. When I told that lie, I didn’t even
care that God knew—I would pray for forgiveness later.
Who said that? You’ll have to read it to find out. As always
with Victoria Christopher Murray, there are layers and there are secrets and there is… the past. Detailed
characterization is this writer’s gift. Memories shown through flashbacks added
to the intensity as I turned page after page after page into the wee hours of
the morning.
This was a brilliantly written book that I would recommend
to all readers. I also hope to see it take its place alongside other great
critical works of Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Zora Neele Hurston and the like
who have written stories that climbed into our hearts, made inroads through our
souls and changed our consciousness.
Reviewed by Rhonda McKnight
Stand Your Ground will be available where ever books are sold on June 30, 2015 and in e-Book format. Pre-order your copy today by clicking on Amazon or BarnesandNobles today!
A galley of this book was provided by the author for a review.
In Quiet As It’s Kept, Will Tracy has been praying about and patiently waiting for the perfect woman and wife. He’s found her in Morgan. She has a beautiful body, no children, and best of all, she’s saved. Will couldn’t have asked for a better blessing—or so he thinks, until he starts noticing an abundance of unexplainable accidents that all seem to center around him. After one near-fatal accident, Will realizes that when it comes to his wife, Morgan, things are not always as they appear.
Morgan Tracy is living the life she’s always wanted. She’s found a handsome man who makes six figures and is kind, loving, and faithful. What woman could ask for more? Well, Morgan can.
Will starts to wonder if the good thing he has was really sent by God, or if the devil had a hand in putting their union together.
Book Review
Quiet As It’s Kept by Monique Miller is an exceptionally well written book. It touches on a taboo topic that is often over looked and under reported. Monique Miller did a wonderful job keeping the reader turning the pages.
Will Tracy and his wife Morgan appears to be a typical family who has hit a rough patch. With the downsizing of his job and a new baby to take care of Will steps up and do what he has to do by taking care of the household and the baby until he is able to find a new job. Will is a praying man and believes that God will provide what his family needs to survive. There is nothing that Will would not do for his son. Things start to get complicated when several ‘accidents’ start happing and Will must decide who he can trust.
Monique Miller wrote this story from a male’s perspective giving the readers an insight on what goes through a man’s mind when there is abuse involved in a relationship. If you were in an abusive situation would you know what to do? Could you recognize psychological or mental abuse? This is a must read for all, males and females.
I thoroughly enjoyed Quiet As It’s Kept and will recommend it to all my friends. This book was a true page turner. I found myself talking back to the characters of the book telling them what to do and what not to do. I can’t wait to see what Monique Miller writes next.
Reviewed by Janette Malcolm for Urban Christian Fiction Today
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
Most couples reminisce about how the person they ultimately married actively pursued them for their time, attention, or love when they were dating. The pursuit to gain the affection of another person is known as courting. This active pursuit should not end just because you are now married. Women have been most noted to complain about their spouse’s lack of time and attention once they were married. All of the special things he once did (romantic dates, flowers, candy, thoughtful cards and gifts) have disappeared into the sea of forgetfulness.
Now, your husband sexually approaches you without even stroking your hair or kissing your neck. If this becomes the norm and you are frustrated by it, be sure to lovingly let your hubby know that you would like to include more romance into your sex life instead of just diving right into the act!
Remind him of all of the wonderful things that he did to get your attention and how this really made you fall in love with him. Married couples should continue to court one another and offer tokens of love and appreciation. You don’t have to spend a lot of money. Even little signs of gratitude and courtship can go a long way in having a great marriage. Ladies, this cuts both ways. Be prepared to be reminded of some things that you may have done or let slip during your time of dating or early in your marriage when things were fresh, new and exciting. Both men and women need to remember how hard they once worked to impress each other. Why not do it now?
Another point that many couples will remember is that while courting and dating, it was difficult for them to keep their hands off one another and resist the sexual attraction they felt toward each other. Although the Scriptures clearly tell us that it is God’s desire that we abstain from sex until marriage, sex inside of marriage is His perfect plan for couples. Sex outside of marriage is fornication. Fornication is a sin against God. It is just like the enemy to entice and put pressure on couples to have sex before marriage. Then once they are married, couples may not find sex pleasurable anymore or they become disinterested. It is also a tactic of the enemy to make sexual intimacy that is sanctioned and blessed by God into something that couples want to avoid. Couples must be vigilant to submit themselves to God (His will) and resist the devil in every area of their lives, including their sexual relationship with their spouse, and he will flee (James 4:7). It is the will of God and His desire for married couples to have sex.
Most couples listened carefully to one another when they were dating. Once married, it may be more difficult to find interest in some of the same stories your spouse shares. However, it is important to put the time and energy into listening to them talk about work, concerns about friends, and their outside interests. No matter how boring this may seem to you now, and how you may tire of hearing them rambling on about things that don’t interest you, this is an important part of making them feel important.
Think back. Remember how glad you were to be allowed into their inner-most thoughts, emotions, and dreams when you first started dating. Well, you got what you were looking for! Now, you are their friend and lover forever! Intently listen to what your spouse has to say and share your feelings and thoughts with them, as well. This verbal intimacy between couples is the preliminary step toward physical intimacy.
The courting process is very different for each couple. If your husband loves a good evening meal, you can court him with his favorite dinner. If your wife loves flowers, buy her flowers for no reason. There are countless ways to “court” each other. Wear the perfume that makes his toes curl. Bring her a small box of her favorite chocolates. Men, washing the dishes for your wife after she has an exhausting day at work or at home with the kids could be the sexiest thing you’ve done in weeks because it demonstrates your care and concern to meet her needs. All of these examples are simple ways of communicating that your spouse is still the most important person to you and that you don’t take them for granted.
If you have realized that you have become lazy in your pursuit of the one you love, pick up the wonderful little things that you use to do for them to communicate your love and affection. If you have forgotten, ask them! By expressing your love and appreciation through small tokens, you set the stage for intimacy and open the door for lovemaking.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR In July of 1992, Jewell met her Prince Charming at a Roy Rogers restaurant. When the couple decided to marry four years later, both were aware of the latest marriage statistics and the legacy of divorce that lay between them. Her parents divorced when she was four, after moving the family to Maryland, leaving her to be raised by a single mother. To circumvent the odds, they went through pre-marital counseling, attended church regularly and felt a strong love for one another. They believed they were ready for marriage. While desiring to have a happily ever after, Jewell found life after marriage anything but a fairy tale. In 2001, she and her husband, Lewis, had been married for five years but were growing apart, after experiencing problems with infertility, sleeping in separate bedrooms and Lewis’s increasing disinterest in going to church. As she searched for answers to her marital troubles, Jewell found herself on a journey, seeking answers to save her marriage. Despite a shaky beginning, the Powells now have a relationship with a strong foundation. After successfully resolving their marital problems, they started the Happily Ever After Marriage Ministry to help others do the same. Her new book,Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith (Revell Books February 2009, ISBN 978-0-8007-3332-2, $13.99), offers hope and guidance to help transform broken relationships through the use of biblical wisdom in a simple workbook format. Jewell serves as co-owner of Antiok Holdings, an emerging full-service management consulting firm, which she owns with her husband. She earned a Bachelor of Science in business from the University of Maryland and is pursuing a Master of Divinity. The Powells reside in southern Maryland with their two daughters. ABOUT THE BOOK Your marriage can be strong, healthy, happy, and blessed. Marriage coach Jewell Powell shows you how in this 8-week plan for marital success. She reveals how God’s truths can transform two individuals into the union he desires. Laying a spiritual foundation is crucial to your marriage. In Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith, you will discover God’s purpose for marriage, how to develop godly character, how to communicate effectively, and much more. With biblical examples, study questions, and Scripture meditations perfect for individuals or couples, you will be challenged to examine areas in your life that may need change so that your marriage can thrive.
“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.
First Comes Love was a great read. Tell us a little about it. It's about two best friends who wake up married after a night of broken hearts, drinking, and partying in Vegas. They face the difficult challenge of trying to transition from "homeboy/homegirl" to husband and wife. Ultimately, they have to decide if loving someone means holding on to that person at all costs or being willing to let that person go.
Shana, where you got the idea for this story? One of my best friends is a guy I met in college named Demetrius. We always seem to go through drama with our spouses around the same time. One day, we were both venting about something, and he mentioned that if people married their friends instead of people they were in love with, they would have a stronger marriage. His theory is that love and emotions cloud judgment, but when people marry based on logic (like friends would do), you avoid problems. My argument was that a marriage without chemistry would be dull, and that friends who are like brothers and sisters would not make good spouses. As we went back and forth with that argument, I thought that this topic would be fun to explore as a book.
London had some real issues. Without giving too much away, what do you want women to learn from her character? They should learn not to carry baggage from past relationships into a new one. Also, they should recognize a good man when they see one, even if he doesn't line up with the ideal "wish list."
If you had to use a scripture to describe Rayne’s role in the story, what would it be? I'm paraphrasing, but it is from Proverbs 5:3 about a woman whose words are like honey but who can lead a man down a dangerous path.
Share your tour schedule. I have signings all through December all over Georgia in Barnes and Nobles and Books-a-Million stores. I am also meeting a lot of book clubs and some independent stores. I am putting together a virtual book tour right now. Hopefully, that will get underway in January.
Thanks for stopping by, Shana and sharing a little about your new book. First Comes Love (Urban Christian)is available at Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Books-a-Million and wherever books are sold.
For more about Shana, visit archived interviews for September 2008 and also visit her website http://www.shanaburton.com/
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is available at Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Books-a-Million and wherever books are sold.