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Our Most Highly Anticipated Books
My Father's Colors: The Drama-Filled Journey
of Naya Mona Continues
by Marian L. Thomas, L. B. Publishing
My Father's Colors-The Drama-Filled Journey of Naya Monà Continues
, takes you on the journey of four individuals that lead to one destination filled with betrayal, lies and shocking secrets.
Naya Monà is back on another emotional and drama-filled roller coaster as she finds herself fighting to find her voice, discover her father's past and search for her daughter. How do you find a daughter you never knew you gave birth to?
Then there's Chris—her husband. How far would one go for love? That is the question that Chris wastes no time answering. He will do whatever it takes to remove his wife’s pain, even if it means being the one to cause her the most.
Let's not forget Misty. Fame and Fortune have been the determining factor for Misty ever sense her father passed away. How far will she go, this time, to achieve it?
Introducing, Carl Thompson. Carl has found the love of his life, only she doesn’t know it. Green eyes and hazel brown hair fill his dreams for the future. Does he have enough love for the both of them?
Join best-selling author Marian L. Thomas as she takes you through the captivating pages of My Father’s Colors. This book is guaranteed to make you laugh, cry and get caught in the drama-filled story of a woman’s journey!
Author Website: http://www.marianlthomas.com
Sometimes it's the unexpected that makes life interesting. . .
Smart, sexy Victoria Small has come to the end of her year off—from men, that is. She's enjoyed her hiatus, the peace, quiet—and no unexpected interruptions. But now she's ready to have someone to come home to. And her timing is perfect, as not one, but two, handsome possibilities enter her life. . .
Ted, a powerful, blue-eyed CEO sends a thrill of excitement through her that shocks Victoria out of her comfort zone. Meanwhile, Parker, a talented surgeon, melts her defenses with his warmth and ebony good looks.
The men are as different as can be—inside and out—but they have one thing in common: they both want Victoria. And as she struggles to decide what—and who—she really wants, Victoria will have to face her deepest fears, secrets, and desires—and decide if she's brave enough for true love, no matter what color it comes in.
Her answer just may surprise everyone, including herself. . .
Excerpt from Unexpected Interruptions
The Nerve…
Victoria sat at her desk and checked her email as she filled Denise in on the details of her horrifying lunch date.
“Girlfriend, tell me you’re lyin’!” Denise said, shaking her head.
“I lie to you not.”
“Humph, that’s a damn shame for anyone to act that way. His attitude was loud and wrong. My grandmother always said to stay clear of people with two first names…can’t be trusted.”
Victoria nodded, but then frowned as she read her most recent message. “I just got an email from Patricia. This woman is so obnoxious.”
“What does it say?”
“Brace yourself for this,” Victoria said as she read the email aloud.
Date: Friday, October 1, 1:02 pm
From: patricia.clark@ViaTech.net
To: victoria.small@ViaTech.net
Subject: URGENT: SME Report
I want to make sure you have the SME report on my desk before the Wed. Oct. 6, deadline. I need to get started on this project ASAP, as my workload will increase once the EMP nominations are announced. Naturally, my nomination will dictate that I spend the majority of my time on program related issues. Make sure you get this to me on time.
PC
Patricia Clark had always considered herself a perfect ten. She loved her creamy porcelain complexion, super thin body, and Angelina Jolie-like lips. She thought her only shortcomings were her small eyes, outlined with crow’s feet, and her slightly wrinkled neck, announcing her membership in the forty and over club. That notwithstanding, her crowning glory was her platinum blonde hair, compliments of L’Oréal, and her big boobs, compliments of Dr. Jerry Steiner & Associates Surgical Center. What more could you ask for? was her attitude. She didn’t have a college degree, but she’d managed to work her way up the corporate ladder with what she called “friendly ingenuity,” or sleeping her way to the top, as everyone else accurately pinned her tools for success.
Patricia had it in for Victoria from the first day they met. When Victoria turned in her reports, her work was error-free, which made Patricia suspicious. She believed that Victoria was getting other people to do the work for her. How else could she do such a good job? she often thought, discounting the fact that Victoria held an MBA from one of the top business schools in the country. And she didn’t understand how Victoria could work twelve-hour days and still find time to bake homemade treats to bring to the office. Everyone loved Victoria, and Patricia couldn’t stand it.
“The nerve,” Denise fumed. “Like she’s even being considered for EMP. I wish you would accept Mr. Thornton’s offer just so I could see her shit a brick. She’s more fake than those flotation devices she masquerades as breasts. She’s one sneaky bitch. I’m telling you right now, you gotta watch her.”
Victoria knew Denise was right. That’s why she decided she would come in this weekend and work on the SME report to make sure it was ready in time for the Wednesday deadline.
She’s
a savvy, successful real-estate agent with a quick wit, a low tolerance for BS,
and a gorgeous size-14 body. Despite her dream house, luxury car, and appetite
for life’s best—like fine dining and hot men—she seems to have her own
special talent for attracting players. Why do all of her ex-lovers belong in the
Losers Hall of Fame?
There was Lamar, the hazel-eyed Adonis who sowed more wild oats than Quaker. . .
Sean, an expert at juggling relationships . . . Marcus, whose lips wandered as
often as his eyes . . . and others, too. But just as Rissey swears off sex and
vows to dump her emotional baggage, she meets house-hunting client Dwayne
Gibson. There’s no way she can resist his seductive smile and rock-hard body.
. . .
Will Dwayne turn out to be the biggest bum of them all? Or
will this time be different? On the road to love and happiness,
sometimes we've got to get out of our own way.
Book excerpt - The Bum
Magnet
Bed, Bath, and Way Beyond
“I didn’t mean to come on so strong,” he said. “I hope I didn’t make
you uncomfortable. I’m not shy, and I was really feelin’ you. You are so . .
. irresistible, couldn’t keep my hands to myself.”
Oh, that’s not all you couldn’t keep to yourself.
“I’ve never done anything like that before,” I said, covering my face with
the sheet.
He laughed. “It’s okay. I don’t think either of us is going to burn in
hell. It just happened; it was just one of those things.”
I rolled out of bed and asked him if I could take a quick shower—didn’t want
to walk around smelling like booty all day. I emerged from the bathroom dressed
and ready to go about twenty minutes later.
“So, uhhh, we should get going. We’ve got properties to see, papers to sign
. . .”
“Dinner to eat?” he interrupted as he stood up and walked toward the bedroom
door.
“Dinner to eat?” I responded in shock. “You mean, with me?”
The moment felt almost surreal. He went from jackass to booty call to dinner
date in Olympic speed. How did that happen? Must’ve been his naked,
Hershey’s ass; they get me every time. But all of a sudden—and at a most
inconvenient time—I remembered my quest: discipline, determination,
self-control. Oh, hell, my willpower arrived like an hour past late.
About
the Author
K. L. Brady is a D.C. native but spent a number of her formative years in
the Ohio Valley. She’s an alumnus of the University of the District of
Columbia and University of Maryland University College, earning a B.A. in
Economics and M.B.A., respectively.
She works as an analyst for a major government contracting
firm and is an active real estate agent with Exit Realty by day—and writes by
night (often into the wee hours of the morning). She lives just outside of D.C.
in Cheltenham, Maryland, with her son and lives to eat chocolate, shop, read,
and write.
Originally self-published, her adult novel, THE BUM MAGNET, was published by
Simon & Schuster's Pocket Books in March 2011. THE BUM MAGNET was the winner
of the 2010 Next Generation Indie Book Awards for Multicultural Fiction, as well
as the Third Place Grand Prize Winner for Best Fiction of 2010. To read more
about the book and to view her tour schedule, visit the author's website at: www.authorklbrady.com.
THE GOOD DAUGHTER
A Memoir of My Mother’s Hidden Life by Jasmin Darznik
One day when
Jasmin Darznik is helping her mother pack up to move, a photograph falls from a stack of old letters. The girl in it is her mother. She is wearing a wedding veil, and at her side stands a man whom Jasmin has never seen before.
So begins Darznik’s stirring memoir THE GOOD DAUGHTER: A Memoir of My Mother’s Hidden Life (Grand Central Publishing Hardcover; January 27, 2011; $24.99), which details an Iranian-American woman’s discovery of her mother’s secret past.
Advance Praise for THE GOOD DAUGHTER:
“Startling and moving…I’m betting on this one.” - Library Journal
“Darznik’s memoir is a beautifully recounted homage to her mother’s life and struggles.” - Booklist
“Richly detailed memoir…an engaging account of life in Iran in the 20th century, full of memorable characters whose lives take unexpected turns. The author’s portrayal of Iranian society and male-female relations are revealing, and her descriptions of clothing, food and drink are especially engrossing…An eye-opening account that disturbs with its depiction of the place of women in Iranian society, but warms the heart in its portrayal of their gritty endurance.” - Kirkus
THE GOOD DAUGHTER: Introduction
Darznik’s family moved to America from Iran when she was only three years old, and her knowledge of her family history is limited. At first discovery of the photograph, Jasmin's mother, Lili, refuses to share any information. Months later, Jasmin receives the first of ten cassette tapes in which her mother reveals a wrenching hidden story of her family's true origins in Iran: her mother's troubled history of abuse and neglect, and a daughter she was forced to abandon in order to escape that life. The final tape reveals that her sister, Sara, is still living in Iran.
Darznik skillfully weaves the stories of three generations of Iranian women's battles with husbands and poverty into a unique tale of one family's twisted path to freedom.
Anita Amirrezvani, author of Blood of Flowers, says that THE GOOD DAUGHTER “illuminates the complexity of Iranian women's lives as few books have ever done… Once you read this book, you will see Iran and Iranians with new eyes. A brilliant debut.” The New York Times requested Darznik write an op-ed piece based on THE GOOD DAUGHTER, which ran on Mother’s Day 2010.
THE GOOD DAUGHTER is an enchanting and unforgettable story of secrets, betrayal, and the unbreakable mother-daughter bond.
About the Author
Jasmin Darznik was born in Tehran, Iran. A former attorney, she received her Ph.D. from Princeton University. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and other publications.
She is a professor of English at Washington and Lee University and has also been a visiting professor of Iranian literature at the University of Virginia. THE GOOD DAUGHTER is her first book and will be published in twelve countries.
THE GOOD DAUGHTER: A Memoir of My Mother’s Hidden Life by Jasmin Darznik
Two best friends test the limits of loyalty in a stirring new novel of friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness.
Mia and Danielle had vowed to stay best friends for life-- until one indiscretion destroyed that bond forever. Twenty years later, tragedy reunites them in an unexpected way. Now they must confront the past, discover its untold truths, and rebuild a friendship destined to endure.
Fun facts about my two main characters:
Mia Marks is a high school teacher and a member of one of the largest book clubs in the greater Detroit area. In the opening scene, she is hosting a book club dinner with an author she selected that the other members aren’t too thrilled over.
Danielle King is a New York Times Bestselling author of twenty novels including a series featuring the ever so popular U.S Marshal Wyatt Rockwell. Many of her novels have been featured on the big screen. But at the start of the novel, she’s experiencing writer’s block.
About the Author
Cheryl Robinson was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in Marketing, and worked in an automotive-related industry for eleven years. Her passion for writing was sparked while taking a fiction writing course as an elective during her junior year in college.
Twelve years later, she began writing novel length fiction and self-published two books before finally acquiring a literary agent who soon after sold the rights to her first self-published book and five other books that followed.
She has also lived in Syracuse, New York; Overland Park, Kansas; Keller, Texas; and Orlando, Florida. She currently resides in Central Florida where she is working on her next novel.
Career? Check.
Amazing best friends? Check.
Fast-paced exciting second career? Check.
Love life? Double uncheck.
Functional mother-daughter relationship? Uncheck.
Jules Jackson is more or less satisfied with her life. Sure, her job as a Toronto based publicist can get pretty hectic, and her relationship with her mom is less than perfect. But her relationship with God is enough to get her through those minor patches. Yes she is pretty content.
That is until the night she meets Germaine Williams, while promoting a client who is performing at Germaine’s lounge.
Before she knows it, she is throwing caution to the wind, and falling hard for a man she has just met.
But Germaine isn't all that he seems, and when Jules start asking questions, things start getting more complicated than she planned
for. With everything in her life up in the air, she must decide whether she is willing to give up what is sure for something and someone that is more than she could ever ask for.
About Author Rhonda
Rhonda Bowen is a writer and event planner living in Toronto. She enjoys spending time with her family, trying on shoes she can’t afford, and enjoying life’s unexpected twists and turns. You can reach her by dropping a note in the comment box below or emailing her directly at:
rhonda.bowen@yahoo.com
You can also connect with her on Facebook at facebook.com/MsRhondie or
twitter.com/MsRhondie. Follow her musings on Wordpress at
learningtheropes.worpress.com.
Peer Book Review
“Christian fiction fans will love this book! Man Enough For Me has heaping helpings of faith, prayer and redemption. I expect that readers will be clamoring for more from Rhonda Bowen.”
--Tiffany L. Warren, Essence® bestselling author
Whispers from the Mirror by Minnie Estelle Miller
Minnie E. Miller is a seasoned writer by age, not by the number of books written. She’s 74 years old and has written three books. Two more are pending. She retired in 1999 from the Office of the Mayor of San Francisco, California. She traveled to U.S. cities and abroad returning to her native home in Chicago’s Hyde Park community.
“Whispers from the Mirror” is her latest novel.
Whispers from the Mirror Introduction
Belle Deville is a Civil Rights lawyer, news commentator and single mother. She preaches courage, independence, and distrust of men into Brianna, her only child. She doesn't know her father and Belle never explained his absence when she was alive. These issues take their toll on Brianna's heart and mind. She becomes celibate to avoid close relationships with men that pass through her life and hides behind a mask of feminism well into her forties. Rape adds to her anguish and reinforces her mistrust of men.
Mirror-Lady appears in Brianna's bathroom mirror at will. She is an apparition and guardian angel sent by Belle to protect her daughter after her death. Mirror-Lady warns that if she doesn't open her heart she will have a loveless existence and die like her mother--alone.
"Whispers from the Mirror" is provocative, yet mitigating; mature, yet sensual.
Excerpt from Whispers from the Mirror
Mother Belle’s casket glistened, poised over the pit, a blur. Brianna rubbed tears from her eyes, blinking the awful sight into focus. She whimpered in a low tone. The edges of the funeral canvas cried ceaselessly at its edges, assuming the chore that pat wet as her sorrow. Before her, the life that had brought her into the world: Belle Deville.
Her Mother whispered, “Be strong.”
Others had come to offer sympathy; friends, lawyers from her firm and ever-faithful Lanie Ross, who stood to the side under an umbrella that refused sight of her aged face.
Daughter, astounded by the finality, watched her Mother finish lowering into the mouth of earth. She knew she ’d remember this for the balance of her life, but today she threw a white rose on top of the coffin no longer able to bear the gloss; wanting both gone.
Lanie Ross, Brianna’s godmother, steered her away from the gravesite and toward the limousine. Most everyone else had already left without Brianna having sensed the time.
Lanie hugged her. “I love you, Brianna”; and she did, Brianna knew, perhaps as if she’d given her birth. Lanie worked in Belle’s office, but today it was hard to take her presence for granted.
As they neared the car, an older man took both of Brianna’s hands, offered condolence with his eyes and kissed her forehead. She didn’t know him. He locked in her vision until she felt him anyway.
“Thank you,” she managed. When he let go, she slid into the waiting car.
The field of stones cleared one car at a time until only a truck remained. Two workmen took-up shovels near Mother’s grave. They uncovered the tarp hiding the soil and went to work before the dirt turned to mud.
Another of the faithful remained watching: Mirror-Lady. The men, as everyone before them, worked oblivious to the Lady’s presence.
Lorene Cary
the critically acclaimed author of Black Ice, Pride, and The Price of a Child
offers this deeply moving story of a family’s challenge to reunite, understand the truth about its past, and secure its legacy.
If Sons, Then Heirs sheds light on a uniquely American, largely untold story of African American land ownership, the outmigration from the South, racial violence, and the consequences of past decisions on present realities.
After World War II, Needham family members migrated north to Philadelphia from South Carolina, leaving behind the tragic injustice surrounding the violent death of their patriarch, King. His devoted widow, Selma, remains on the old home place. Over the years, she raises King’s children, including his great-grandson, Rayne, on whom falls the responsibility to bring the family together to save the family land and mend the rift between him and his mother.
Rayne and the other vividly drawn characters face challenges big and small that mirror the experiences of families everywhere. But in the masterful storytelling of Lorene Cary, so distinct and unique are their voices that they will live in the minds of readers long after the last page is read. If Sons, Then Heirs is a tour de force that explores the power of family secrets, bonds, and love. This gripping novel is certain to be on the must-read lists of all who enjoy brilliantly rendered stories of family, love, and American history.
About the Author
Lorene Cary is the author of Black Ice, The Price of a Child, Pride, and a book for young readers, Free! Great Escapes on the Underground Railroad. She is the founder and director of Art Sanctuary
(www.artsanctuary.org), a nonprofit lecture and performance series in Philadelphia. Cary is also a senior lecturer in creative writing at the University of Pennsylvania. She’s a past recipient of the Philadelphia Award, the city's highest civic honor. Cary lives in Philadelphia. She and her husband, the Reverend Robert C. Smith, have two daughters, Laura and ZoË.
For more information visit her website at: www.lorenecary.org.
Let us show you some hidden literary gems that you may have missed or forgotten about. Remember, the more you read and support our authors, the more Gifts of Knowledge you can share!
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Savannah’s Curse by Shelia M. Goss
Straight-laced Savannah Blake’s world is turned upside down when she finds her dad, Major Blake, shot on his lawn. Before he dies, he gives her a few clues to the identity of his killer. His dying request is “Protect your sisters.” Montana and Asia are the only family Savannah has left, and she will fight to the end to save them. The pain of losing their father has Savannah obsessed with finding his killer.
Savannah suspects someone from “The Agency,” a secret government security operation where her father once worked, is behind his death. She enlists the help of Troy Bridges, the owner of a private security firm in Dallas. She doesn’t necessarily trust him, but Savannah needs Troy because of his inside knowledge of The Agency.
The chemistry between Savannah and Troy is electric, and only intensifies as the stakes get higher. They have no time to deal with their unresolved feelings, though, because the closer they get to the killer, the more dangerous things become.
Savannah’s Curse will take you on a roller-coaster ride of suspense as Savannah channels her grief into an unrelenting search for her father’s murderer.
About the Author
Shelia M. Goss
is the Dallas Morning News and Essence Magazine Best-Selling author of Delilah (2011), Savannah's Curse (2011), My Invisible Husband, Roses are Thorns, Paige's Web, Double Platinum, His Invisible Wife, and Hollywood Deception.
Shelia not only writes fiction for adults, she writes young adult books. The Lip Gloss Chronicles series consists of three books: The Ultimate Test (available now), Splitsville (September 29, 2009) and Paper Thin (2010).
She's also the recipient of three Shades of Romance Magazine Readers Choice Multi-Cultural Awards, EDC Creations' Author of the Year 2009 award, and honored as a Literary Diva: The Top 100 Most Admired African American Women in Literature.
Alone (Kindle Edition) by Lisa Gardner
Alone . . . Massachusetts State Trooper Bobby Dodge watches a tense hostage standoff unfold through the scope of his sniper rifle. Just across the street, in wealthy Back Bay, Boston, an armed man has barricaded himself with his wife and child. The man's finger tightens on the trigger and Dodge has only a split second to react . . . and forever pay the consequences.
Alone . . . that's where the nightmare began for cool, beautiful, and dangerously sexy Catherine Rose Gagnon. Twenty-five years ago, she was buried underground during a month-long nightmare of abduction and abuse. Now her husband has just been killed. Her father-in-law, the powerful Judge Gagnon, blames Catherine for his son's death . . . and for the series of unexplained illnesses that have sent her own young son repeatedly to the hospital.
Alone . . . a madman survived solitary confinement in a maximum security prison where he'd done hard time for the most sadistic of crimes. Now he walks the streets a free man, invisible, anonymous
and filled with an unquenchable rage for vengeance. What brings them together is a moment of violence—but what connects them is a passion far deeper and much more dangerous. For a killer is loose who's woven such an intricate web of evil that no one is above suspicion, no one is beyond harm, and no one will see death coming until it has them cornered, helpless, and alone. Read an excerpt from Alone,
Go.
About the Author
LISA GARDNER is the New York Times bestselling author of The Killing Hour, The Survivors Club, The Next Accident, The Other Daughter, The Third Victim, and The Perfect Husband. She lives with her husband, Anthony, in New England, where she is at work on her next novel of suspense.
New York Times bestselling crime novelist Lisa Gardner began her career in food service, but after catching her hair on fire numerous times, she took the hint and focused on writing instead. A self-described research junkie, she has parlayed her interest in police procedure, cutting edge forensics and twisted plots into a streak of eleven bestselling suspense novels, including her most recent release, The Neighbor.
Readers are invited to get in on the fun by entering the annual "Kill a Friend, Maim a Mate" Sweepstakes, where they can nominate the person of their choice to die in Lisa's latest novel. Every year, one Lucky Stiff is selected for Literary Immortality. It's cheaper than therapy, and you get a great book besides. For more details, simply visit Lisa's website.
Lisa lives in New England with her family, as well as two highly spoiled dogs and one extremely neurotic three-legged cat.
Genova delivers a poignant novel about a busy, vibrant woman in her 30s who has a car accident, leaving her to deal with a crippling disorder called left
neglect. Sarah Nickerson is like any other career-driven supermom in
Welmont, the affluent Boston suburb where she leads a hectic but charmed life with her husband Bob, faithful nanny, and three children—Lucy, Charlie, and nine-month-old
Linus.
Between recruiting the best and brightest minds as the vice president of human resources at Berkley Consulting; shuttling the kids to soccer, day care, and piano lessons; convincing her son’s teacher that he may not, in fact, have ADD; and making it home in time for dinner, it’s a wonder this over-scheduled, over-achieving Harvard graduate has time to breathe.
A self-confessed balloon about to burst, Sarah miraculously manages every minute of her life like an air traffic controller. Until one fateful day, while driving to work and trying to make a phone call, she looks away from the road for one second too long. In the blink of an eye, all the rapidly moving parts of her jam-packed life come to a screeching halt.
A traumatic brain injury completely erases the left side of her world, and for once, Sarah relinquishes control to those around her, including her formerly absent mother. Without the ability to even floss her own teeth, she struggles to find answers about her past and her uncertain future.
Now, as she wills herself to regain her independence and heal, Sarah must learn that her real destiny—her new, true life—may in fact lie far from the world of conference calls and spreadsheets. And that a happiness and peace greater than all the success in the world is close within reach, if only she slows down long enough to notice.
About the Author
Lisa Genova, Ph. D graduated valedictorian from Bates College with a degree in Biopsychology and has a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Harvard University. She is the author of the New York Times Bestselling novel STILL ALICE. LEFT NEGLECTED is her second novel. She lives with her family on Cape Cod.
Awards for Left Neglected by Lisa Genova, Ph. D
The #1 Indie Next List pick for January 2011
Borders “Book You’ll Love” for January 2011
Bookreporter.com ‘Bets On’ Pick for January 2011
Tithe of Blood by Esther Slade
Set in Washington, DC and the US island territory of St. Croix, Tithe of Blood is the coming of age story of Hope Taylor. Growing up in Contentment, a small, close-knit community in St. Croix, Hope is a feisty, energetic, beauty who develops an early interest in public service. In high school, she is valedictorian and president of her senior class and voted most likely to succeed by her peers.
One thing is clear--her political aspirations have no limits. When Hope arrives on the Howard University campus in Washington, DC her freshman year, she meets and falls in love with
Wes Carter, a former Army Sergeant. Hope's ambition is equaled only to Wes' and the relationship is doomed.
Later, when she gets the coveted White House intern position, she meets the political insider Trent Williams.
After a brief courtship, Hope marries Trent in a lavish ceremony in St. Croix. All of Contentment attend the wedding and cheer their beloved daughter. Hope is not aware that on the surface Trent appears to be a successful attorney
and political advisor to Washington's elite, but underneath he is a functional manic depressive with dark secrets from his childhood. It is not long
before Trent's deteriorating mental condition endangers her life and she becomes a victim of his psychotic, violent episodes.
Hope has a choice to make. She
can choose to seek help or continue the charade in order to prevent a public relations nightmare and jeopardize her political career. Her choice
will forever change her life and the lives of the people around her. Tithe of Blood is written with bluntness as it follows the timely political and emotional journey of Hope Caryn Taylor.
About the Author
Esther Slade-St Hilaire nee Luke was born on the island of St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.
Her formative years were spent on the islands of St. Croix and Antigua.
At age 16, she migrated to the US Mainland to attend college. Esther has an undergraduate degree in English from Temple University and a graduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT.
Esther Slade is the author of Ayla's Paradise, Jouvert Morning and Tithe of Blood.
She currently resides on the US Mainland with her husband, Reynald and her two precious daughters, Bella and Brielle.
A Second Helping by Beverly Jenkins
Everyone deserves a second chance, right?
With the millions she received after divorcing her faithless tycoon husband, Bernadine Brown saved the historic town of Henry Adams, Kansas, from financial ruin and found loving homes for five needy children. Now there are other "projects" crying out for rescue.
If ever a town institution needed rescuing, it's the beloved Dog and Cow diner. Once it was Henry Adams's social center—or gossip central!—now it's in danger of becoming duct-tape central.
But there are other distractions pulling Bernadine from the task at hand: a plethora of romantic entanglements, including her own with a disturbingly attractive Malachi July; a bitter young boy newly arrived in town with his widowed father; and a fugitive on the run with a six-hundred-pound pet pig that's wanted for murder (the pig, that is).
And when Bernadine's philandering, trouble-making ex-husband rolls into town looking for a second chance, life in Henry Adams gets very interesting indeed.
About the Author
Beverly Jenkins
grew up in Detroit and majored in journalism and English literature at Michigan tate University. She has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, People, the Dallas Morning News, Vibe, and many other national publications.
The Neighbor: A Detective D. D. Warren Novel
[Kindle Edition]
by Lisa Gardner
From a master of suspense comes a chilling new novel that explores the dangers lurking closer than you think. Because even in the perfect family, you never know what is going on behind closed doors...
This is what happened...
It was a case guaranteed to spark a media feeding frenzy--a young mother, blond and pretty, disappears without a trace from her South Boston home, leaving behind her four-year-old daughter as the only witness and her handsome, secretive husband as the prime suspect.
In the last six hours...
But from the moment Detective Sergeant D. D. Warren arrives at the Joneses’ snug little bungalow, she senses something off about the picture of wholesome normality the couple worked so hard to create. On the surface, Jason and Sandra Jones are like any other hardworking young couple raising a four-year-old child. But it is just under the surface that things grew murky.
Of the world as I knew it...
With the clock ticking on the life of a missing woman and the media firestorm building, Jason Jones seems more intent on destroying evidence and isolating his daughter than on searching for his “beloved” wife. Is the perfect husband trying to hide his guilt--or just trying to hide? And will the only witness to the crime be the killer’s next victim?
"She passed a hard candy over her shoulder as though whatever was in the tiny wrapper was supposed to make it all better. I clutched the peppermint in my hand and buried my face in the hard leather seat while she explained what was going to happen to me. She promised that I'd be safe from then on."
And so begins the journey of Naomi, whose amazing story picks up where the past and future intersect. As Naomi struggles to hide the ugly physical and emotional reminders of her childhood that insist on haunting her dreams, she crosses paths with a young boy, Xavier and his bad-tempered mother, Mona, who share an interesting story much like her own.
Excerpt from Running from Solace, Chapter One: Naomi
Once, she flung a heavy ashtray at my head and blood spewed onto my new pink summer dress like red polka dots because I didn't respond to her calling me, "Naomi! Naomi!" I was trying frantically to reach her special ashtray with the real stinky cigarettes in it from underneath the bed, so I barely heard her the first time. From the tone of her voice I could tell she was getting mad, but I almost had the golden colored ashtray in my hand when I heard her say, "If I call you one more time!" That did it for me; I knew I was getting a whooping. I took my time walking back into the living room.
"Don't make me call you again, Naomi!" Mama said just as I approached her.
I left a small distance between us as I presented her with what she had been impatiently waiting for. She went crazy. Mama hit me right on top of my head over and over again with the ashtray.
"You ungrateful little bitch!" she yelled repeatedly in my face.
I tried to cover my head with my arms, until they grew tired and I gave up. Fury danced in her eyes and spit sprinkled over me like morning mist. My eyes burned from the tiny flecks of ashes that fell from the ashtray. I tried closing them tightly. Warm blood trickled slowly down my forehead and penetrated my eyelids and cooled the burning sensation.
"Yeah, you must like gettin' hit!" Mama screamed so loud I wanted my ears to close. I preferred the times when she whooped me and she was silent. Out of sheer luck at some point during the beating, I passed out. I usually did. Thank God.
About the Author
Nakia R. Laushaul was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and now resides in Houston, Texas with her son. She is employed as a Finance Administrator for a furniture retailer.
She is an inspirational poet, novelist, and entrepreneur. In her free time she enjoys performing and listening to spoken word poetry.
Nakia has always loved to read and early on in life guessed that writing would play a major role in her future.
Nakia's career pursuits in writing did not come without obstacles. Finally, all the bottled-up imagination and thoughts that needed to be expressed on paper came pouring out.
Inspired and fueled by attempts to be molded into the norm, she began to write her first collection of poetry and essays titled
The Truth As I See It which is set to be released in early 2010 by Serendipity Bound Books.
Nakia remains determined to present the truth as she sees it in all facets of her writing, and hopes that her writing will inspire and serve a meaningful purpose for her readers. She is committed to challenging everyone in her reach to find compassion and empathy in the differences that exist among us all. She is currently working on a
novel titled Running from Solace.
Nakia R. Laushaul truly believes that by doing what you love, you become happy! Go find your happiness.
From New York Times bestselling author
Francis Ray comes a novel about a woman who's unlucky in love-until she decides to take matters into her own hands.
Dominique Falcon, little sister of Daniel Falcon, once a gorgeous model, is an intelligent, wealthy socialite—and a total failure when it comes to love. After falling for a charmer who was after her money, she’s decided to set some ground rules for romance, starting
with: Don’t be richer than your man. But that was before she met Trent Masters, a ruggedly sexy truck driver who drives her crazy…
He might be rough around the edges, but Trent is a hardworking man who built his successful trucking firm from humble beginnings. Dominique can’t ignore the sparks between them—but dating is definitely not in her plans.
Starting her business as a photographer has to be her only focus. Even so, things are heating up fast and—even though she might get burned—Dominique is ready to risk it all. In the game of love, rules are made to be broken…
Praise for Francis Ray
“Francis Ray is a literary chanteuse, crooning the most sensual romantic fiction melodies in a compelling performance of skill and talent that culminates in another solid gold hit!”
—Romantic Times
Excerpt from Break Every Rule: A Falcon Novel
by Francis Ray
The celebration dinner was a two-inch thick porterhouse grilled to perfection, and butter pound cake topped with freshly made whipped cream and lush, ripe strawberries. Deciding they were too stuffed to tackle the kitchen, they had taken their glasses of chardonnay and gone outside to relax by the pool. The backyard was awash with flowering begonias and petunias.
Placing their drinks on the umbrella table that separated them, both women settled into chaise lounges several feet from the edge of the sparkling blue water.
“Evening, ladies.”
At the unexpected deep male voice, Dominique sprang upright and almost fell out of the lounge chair. Regaining her balance if not her dignity, she whipped off her sunglasses and jerked her head toward the sound.
Her gaze traveled up taut, muscular thighs encased in tight denim jeans, past a narrow waist, over an impressive chest to a sinfully handsome face sculpted in bronzed mahogany that an angel would have wept over. Her hand lifted and closed around thin air. She almost groaned over the loss. The photograph would have been sensational.
Unexpectedly, as she gazed into rich, chocolate brown eyes, she experienced the sense of being knocked off balance. Her hand clutched the edge of the chaise lounge. The irrefutable awareness annoyed her almost as much as her idiotic impulse to slip her shades back on to shield herself from his hot gaze, which prowled over her as if it had every right to do so.
The belated greeting that she had been about to utter died in her throat. She detested men who openly ogled her.
Her hard glare elicited a deepening smile that made her think of how a cat must look just before licking his chops and pouncing on his prey. As that thought raced through her mind an unfamiliar something stirred deep inside her. His impact on her senses was totally unexpected and totally unacceptable. She felt … restless.
In the past she’d had no trouble dismissing such ill-mannered men. Yet, this particular man with his deep, molasses voice flowing like a lazy, sun-kissed river and too handsome face made it difficult for her to do so.
“Hello, Trent,” Janice greeted warmly. “You’re off early today. It’s only a little past seven.”
He chuckled, a deep baritone sound that did strange things to Dominique’s stomach. Maybe it was the second helping of pound cake overflowing with whipped cream and strawberries.
“Don’t remind me,” he answered, but his gaze never left Dominique.
Janice saw his attention on Dominique, frowned, and swung her legs over the side of the lounge chair. “Forgive me. Dominique Everette, Trent Masters—my friend and next door neighbor.”
“Hello.” His grin widening, he extended his hand.
Uncharacteristically, Dominique ignored the gesture. She didn’t let herself think her refusal to take his hand was anything more than a firm rebuttal against his earlier rudeness. “Do you usually come over unannounced?”
The welcoming smile on Trent’s handsome face froze. His outstretched hand dug in the front pocket of his tight jeans. Dominique considered the accomplishment a minor miracle. “It hasn’t been a problem in the past.”
“Trent has been a lifesaver to me since I’ve moved here, Dominique,” Janice said, her gaze whipping back and forth between the two tense people.
Dominique caught the placating note in her godmother’s voice and heeded it. If the man had helped her godmother, he must not be as rude and crude as he appeared. That didn’t mean she wanted to be best buddies with him.
“If you’ll excuse me, I have some things inside I need to take care of.” She stood. “Good-bye, Mr. Masters.” Her voice was cool and final.
Trent had never been in a blizzard, but he now had a pretty good idea how it must feel to step from the warm confines of the indoors into a blast of frigid air. Nonplussed, he watched the stunning woman brush by him as if he were the lowest kind of life-form. Noting her head held high and her regal bearing, he had the irrational urge to either bow or laugh.
Looking at her sleek, golden brown body moving away from him, the wind whipping her wild mane of midnight-black hair as it skimmed the top of her swaying hips in the white shorts, another thought struck—how much he enjoyed eating chocolate swirl ice cream in a cone. Licking from the top to the bottom, then taking a good bite.
BREAK EVERY RULE by Francis Ray
ISBN-10: 0312365098
ISBN-13: 978-0312365097
About Francis Ray
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Francis Ray, is a native Texan. A graduate of Texas Woman's University, she was nominated twice for Texas Woman's University Distinguished Alumni Award.
Mrs. Ray's titles consistently make national bestseller's lists. INCOGNITO, her sixth title, was the first made-for-TV movie for Black Entertainment Television.
She has written forty-three books to date. Awards include Romantic Times Career Achievement, EMMA, The Golden Pen, Atlantic Choice. WBI Book Award, WRITTEN and Borders 2008 Romance Award for Bestselling Multicultural Romance.
THE TURNING POINT, her first mainstream, was a finalist for the prestigious HOLT Medallion Award. At the release event for THE TURNING POINT in May 2001,
Mrs. Ray established The Turning Point Legal Fund to assist women of domestic violence to help restructure their lives.
The fund is administered by The Family Place. February 2005 heralded a personal triumph with the release of her first Christian fiction anthology, HOW SWEET THE SOUND.
Mrs. Ray has five books scheduled for 2011: BREAK EVERY RULE, TWICE THE TEMPTATION 06/10, UNDENIABLE 06/01, and TROUBLE DON'T LAST ALWAYS 11/01.
She enjoys writing fiction, where intelligent women through hard work and perseverance triumph over adversity, just as they do in real life. Mrs. Ray is hard at work on her next book. She would love to 'meet' you on her Yahoo group at:
readersoffrancisray@yahoogroups.com.
Unforgiven
When wealthy Texas heiress Rachel Malone defied her powerful father to elope with Logan Prescott, Logan truly believed that their marriage was forever. But that was before a trumped-up assault charge set the whole town—and the woman he loved—against him. With a heart full of pain, Logan fled Stanton—and the bittersweet memories of the passion he and Rachel had shared.
Unforgettable
When Rachel met Logan, she thought she'd found the perfect love—until he betrayed her and her family. Now, eight years later, he was back—more arrogant and dangerously seductive than ever. And this time the stakes were higher. For Logan clearly wanted revenge. He also wanted Rachel.
Undeniable by Francis Ray
ISBN-10: 0373534485
ISBN-13: 978-0373534487 Order your copy
today!
In this first ever short story collection, New York Times bestselling author Francis Ray takes us on five steamy, sexy adventures.
From a timid, dowdy duckling who turns into a confident, sexy swan which sends her into the arms of a handsome artist to a bridesmaid’s explosive encounter with the best man to an unproven actress who is being wooed to the stage by a handsome Broadway director.
From a journalist’s very steamy night with an old flame to a woman who pretends that she is dating a wealthy businessman but never imagines he would show up to collect on that claim. Experience just how much Francis Ray can turn up the heat!
Twice the Temptation by Francis Ray
ISBN - 10:0312614306
ISBN - 13:9780312614300 Order your copy
today!
Trouble Don't Last Always
by Francis Ray Coming Fall 2011
Formerly titled The Turning Point (SMP mass market; 4/01), this is the stunning prequel to Somebody's Knocking at My Door. A passionate and emotional story about love, healing and redemption from Essence and Blackboard bestselling author, Francis Ray.
Desperate to escape her abusive marriage, Lilly Crawford files for divorce, then slips away from her small east Texas hometown with little more than the clothes on her back. She points her twelve-year-old car east, hoping to find a new beginning.
When her car breaks down in Louisiana, Lilly finds unexpected employment as the caregiver for a wealthy neurosurgeon named Adam Wakefield, who lost his sight in a recent carjacking. At first, this handsome, brooding man reminds her too much of the angry husband she left behind and she reminds him of how far he has fallen from the self-assured man he once was. But as the two spend long days together, an unexpected bond develops---one that will be deeply tested. For Lilly must confront her violent husband before she can ever hope to move on and truly discover a second chance at life and love.
This stunning story is gripping and unforgettable tale told with Francis Ray's trademark emotion and passion.
Trouble Don't Last Always by Francis Ray
ISBN: 10:1250000343
ISBN-13: 9781250000347
The Available Wife
by Carla S. Pennington
Niquole Wright seems to have it all; a loyal and devoted husband, two children and a rising record label that she dedicates more time to than her family. Everything is perfect except for one thing...her husband Germaine. She has run her course with him and he needs to be replaced.
When the handsome and seductive Kingston enters her life, he becomes the perfect substitute. Clueless to his wife's plan, Germaine continues to be a loving naive husband while Niquole's full blown affair quickly becomes her obsession.
Desperate to start a new life with her new man, Niquole does everything in her power to push Germaine out of the picture. However, little does she know Kingston plans are different from hers. Sit back and see what happens when a wife learns that the price of betrayal can have a shattering toll.
The Available Wife Excerpt
by Carla S. Pennington
I sighed when the cab driver drove through the gates of my neatly manicured Houston subdivision nearly four hours after I was expected to arrive home. As I coasted through the neighborhood, I stared at each brick single family home and the families that were outside horsing around or tending to their yards. I wondered why I couldn’t be that happy or why my mouth could never form a smile. The only time that it did was when I was with him; Kingston. In the seven months that we’d known each other, he’d swept me off my feet and filled my world with nothing but excitement.
I wasn’t ready to return to reality, but as the cabbie drove closer to my home, I knew that I had no other choice. I took a deep breath and reached inside my leather, Alma Louis Vuitton bag and pulled out a twenty dollar bill to pay the fare. Seconds later, we pulled into my yard. I instantly frowned when I saw my mama’s car in the driveway.
What the hell is she doing here, I thought. I certainly wasn’t in the mood to deal with her ass at the moment.
However, my scowl instantly faded when I watched the enjoyment on my four-year-old son’s face as he did cartwheels on the front lawn. When he spotted me, he made a mad dash toward the yellow cab. I gave him a huge smile as he patted on the window for me to hurry up and get out. I had to get myself together. I desperately had to jump back into my role as mother and wife. Even though I couldn’t get Kingston off or out of my mind, I had to regroup for my boys’ sake.
“Hey, Mommy!” Jonathan yelled as he jumped all over me when I stepped out of the cab.
I didn’t show any painful emotion when he excitedly stepped on my foot.
“Whew, you smell like a wet dog,” I playfully frowned as I gave him several kisses and hugs. “I see you got your hair cut.” I rubbed my hand over his nearly bald head.
“Unhuh,” he smiled with those perfect, beautiful, white teeth that I hoped would look the same once they fell out and the permanent ones came.
“Where’s your daddy?” I asked nonchalantly.
Before he could answer, I heard the front door open. I looked up and saw my husband, Germaine, standing in the threshold of the door holding our five-month-old son, Nathan in his arms. I took a deep breath as I stared at him wishing, for a brief moment, he was Kingston, but I knew that he could never amount up to my lover.
“Why are you so late?” he asked as soon as I made it to the steps.
“Because I am,” I replied in an irritable and defensive tone.
“Why didn’t you call and tell me that you’d be late?”
“Because I didn’t need to,” I snarled. “Why all of the fucking questions? Damn!”
“I thought something may have happened to you Nikki...that’s all. Besides, I left you four messages.”
“I know,” I replied nonchalantly.
“Well, why didn’t you return any of them?”
“Germaine are we really gonna do this now?” I huffed and pouted. I placed my right hand on my hip and shifted my weight to let him know that I wasn’t in the mood. “I just got off the freaking plane.”
When Germaine realized that he wasn’t going to get any straight answers out of me, he dropped the whole interrogation.
“So, how was the trip?” he asked.
“Tiring.”
If only he knew just how tiring it was. As my husband leaned down to kiss me, I turned my head slightly so that his kiss landed on my cheek. I, in turn, planted my lips on my bundle of joys chubby cheeks. Germaine said nothing as I walked past him and into my 4,800 square foot house which, to my surprise, was still clean. Normally when I went out of town I came back to complete chaos…a bachelor’s pad, but nothing could’ve upset me at that moment. I was still on cloud nine.
“You smell nice,” Germaine complimented as he and Nathan joined me inside the house.
“Thanks,” I replied dryly. “Where’s my mother?”
He pointed toward the kitchen before continuing. “Is it new?”
“Why?” I asked then sucked my teeth.
“Because it doesn’t smell like any of the other perfumes you wear.”
Damn, does he pay that much attention to me? I thought. Kingston often told me that he loved the perfumes I wore, so I normally poured it on a little thick when we were together. “It’s the new perfume by Beyonce’,” I replied.
“Well, it smells nice.”
I made a mental note to put it in the drawer until I was with Kingston again. I didn’t want Germaine enjoying it. It was for Kingston’s enjoyment only.
“I made reservations at seven o’clock at that hibachi restaurant that you and John John love so much,” Germaine spoke as he rested his hands on my bare shoulders.
Using Jonathan was his way of getting me to say yes, but I wasn’t in the mood to go out. I wanted to escape into my tub filled with hot, bubbly water to dream and reminisce about my time with Kingston.
“Let me ask you a question?” I addressed him. “How in the hell can you make reservations to a restaurant when you don’t have any money?”
He gave me an uncomfortable look. “I thought maybe you wouldn’t mind…”
“Spending my damn money?” I finished his statement. “You have a lot of freaking nerve. Isn’t there something boxed in the freezer that you can throw in the microwave? Better yet, since you’re Mr. Mom, can’t you just throw some stuff together like you’ve been doing?”
He gave me another uncomfortable look, cradled Nathan in his arms a little tighter and walked toward the door. “I’m happy you’re home, Nikki,” he replied before moping back outside.
Meet Author Carla S. Pennington
Carla S. Pennington was born and raised in Prichard, Alabama where she continues to reside with her family.
In 1996, Carla was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Over the years, the disease has halted her, but she refuses to let it stop her. She is currently working on a number of other projects that she plans to have published in the near future.
In 2002, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in journalism from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. After graduation, Carla decided not to pursue her career in journalism. Her heart and mind were elsewhere. She wanted to write fiction novels and short stories, something that she had been doing since she was a young girl.
In 2005, Carla published her first novel, Fling and from there several short stories which appeared in anthologies across the country.
Finally, she landed a book deal with Life Changing Books which released the wildly anticipated novel, the Available Wife in January 2011.
Readers can reach Carla S. Pennington on FaceBook and Twitter as:
carlapennington. Email address: carlapennington@hotmail.com
OAK BLUFFS
by Joan Early
Lacey leaves her high paying job, the New York social scene, and breaks her engagement to a successful but snobbish attorney to reclaim ancestral land on Martha’s Vineyard and build an equestrian camp to honor her Native American and African American heritage. She learns the property was sold to a local rancher for unpaid taxes. Using her savings, she purchases oceanfront property and livestock, hires a riding instructor from Texas, sight unseen, and prepares to win back her land by competing with the rancher in an equestrian contest at the end of the season.
Three weeks after his scheduled arrival date, the riding instructor, Monroe Faulkner, appears out of nowhere. Lacey doubts the ruggedly handsome stranger is the same man she interviewed on the phone but his skills are vital to her success. Lacey’s grandmother, Pearl, assures her the tension she feels is purely sexual, and predicts certain love between them. Tension grows as Lacey prepares for the camp’s grand opening and eases after the campers arrive and she observes Monroe’s skills.
Just as Lacey accepts Monroe into her heart, her former fiancé arrives and identifies Monroe as wealthy Texas rancher John Tobias. Pearl suffers a fatal heart attach, Camp Noepe wins the contest in Pearl’s memory, and Lacey prepares to leave for New York. John apologizes for his deception and tries to win back the woman he loves in a battle that rages from New York to Denham Wells, Texas. As Pearl had predicted, love prevails.
BOOK REVIEW
5.0 out of 5 stars by R. A Rippy; This review is from: Oak Bluffs
This story was amazing! Not only was it a great romance and relationship story but there was history in the mix about black cowboys and Native Americans. This mix made this story even more amazing. Love it! The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers
Oak Bluffs (Indigo Love Stories) by Joan Early
CHAPTER 1
Lacey Daigle had driven the mile-long road along Aquinnah Cliffs many times, but still marveled at the colorful diagrams of history in the rows of clay, sand, and fossil-filled gravel. Streams that had formed from melting glaciers cut through the low hills and valleys along South Road. The red brick lighthouse that overlooked Vineyard Sound had guided many sailors around the treacherously rocky shore. She found the beauty and the history of Martha’sVineyard equally fascinating. She loved Aquinnah, the rolling hills of Chilmark, and the up-island area of Oak
Bluffs, where her family had owned land since the 1800s. Her ancestral home, Powan House, was built around 1907, when Cottage City was renamed Oak Bluffs. It was that piece of family history that had brought Lacey back to the island.
Looking in the rearview mirror, she caught a glimpse of her image and smiled at the pairing of bloodlines that defined her heritage. Her skin was black. Her features were delicate. High cheekbones were half-hidden behind sheets of raven hair. Dark eyes were heavily hooded with
lashes that fanned out like butterfly wings. Her mouth was wide and full, her lips artfully defined. Her father’s African American and Native American roots were visible, as were the Caribbean influences from her mother’s family. She was tall and willowy. The strength of her heredity was hidden, but easily called upon.
She drove quietly past farms and grazing lands on Middle Road, admiring the backdrop of sparkling water until they reached the vibrant cottages at Oak Bluffs. “Maybe I’m being unreasonable,” she said to the woman sitting next to her. “I just have to try, Mother Pearl.”
“You’re not unreasonable.” The older woman’s eyes clouded with memories. “Powan House is very special to his family. It’s certainly special to me,” she confided. “That’s where your grandfather first kissed me and held me in his arms.”
“Your love for Papa rivals all of the love stories ever written. He must have been blind not to notice your feelings sooner. I want that kind of love.”
“And you shall have it very soon. Your future is clear in my head.”
Pearl, like Lacey’s grandfather, was born on the island. Her cooking skills were well recognized, but Lacey was the only one in the family who believed in her predictions.
Because of that, Lacey’s heartbeat quickened when Pearl declared she would soon find love.
“You mean I haven’t found love with Mason?”
“I can’t say for sure. The faces are not visible. I just see white lace and a big halo of happiness.”
Lacey parked at the county square, but sat behind the wheel, unmoving. Her heart quivered in her chest. So much was riding on the decision of strangers. She removed her wet palms from the steering wheel and placed her forehead where they had been.
“Come on, honey,” Pearl said. “Let’s go in and face the music.”
Committed Detective Dwayne Booker is the go to guy when it’s time to solve the hardest cases. Son of a fallen decorated officer, he followed his father’s footsteps, despite his mother’s suicide after his father’s passing. When he’s assigned to a highly controversial case that happens to be the first murder of the New Year, it causes him to reevaluate his workaholic lifestyle and appreciate life more.
Amore is loved by many but obviously hated by at least one. When her body is found dangling from the rafters of trap doors in the ceiling of her night club all types of mayhem ensues.
Three different lovers, a jealous former employee and a not so secret past makes this case hard to crack and the trail to the killer covered well.
Detective Booker and his new partner have to fight through the truth and lies told by those who knew Amore best.
The Misery of Amore's Demise Book Video Trailer By Nikkea Smithers
Book Review for The Misery of Amore's Demise by Nikkea Smithers
“An intriguing beginning to a New Year. Amore’s Demise is a suspenseful journey into a world, most of us would rather pretend doesn’t exist.”
~Emma Award-Winning Author, Iris Bolling~
Excerpt from Prologue The Misery of Amore's Demise
The night air was crisp, cold even, but ignored by those who embraced it walking briskly in furs lavish enough to be envied by passersby. Amore’s was the home to the elite Queens who flamboyantly paraded throughout the city with blatant disregard for everyone else’s contempt for their existence. They pranced in stilettos that were hard to find on even a good day.
It was easy to explain how anyone could be taken by these queens if they started their admiration from the ground floor up. The stilettos were no less than three inches and came to a cascading conclave when they met the harsh street. The legs that extended beyond the shoes going up were always well defined, toned and enclosed within the restraints of the finest hosiery. Berkshire name brand stockings had to be the selection, something jet black with a shimmering tint that sparkled against the streetlights. Oh and beneath the fur coat that exhibited just how serious they took themselves was always a fabulous behind that would keep lingering eyes right there when they looked from the rear. They stayed in the gym making sure their bodies remained intact and their doctor assisted breasts remained pointed in the air.
If someone made it past all of that, it would be easy to understand why they missed something. They would be too focused on all the glitter that they would mistake it for gold. Yes there was gold there, but not quite the gold that the common man would be looking for, unless he was already aware.
Still, the group of carefully put together queens made their way to the ball that was the talk of their community. It was New Year’s night and anyone who was anyone would be at Amore’s.
The music could be heard well down the street; everyone was having a good old time. The real show would take place once the party was good and packed. In the interim, the party goers would suffice with showing off the time they took to look flawless while twirling with the melody.
“Where’s Amore?” someone asked in the midst of the celebration. It was almost midnight and it was unlike the owner of the club to be missing in action.
Amore absorbed the attention she received like a sponge, how on a night like this could she be missing? And with all the work that had been put into that night? The environment was past festive and everyone anticipated what would drop from the ceiling this year. Each year Amore’s did something that even Times Square couldn’t compete with. One year it had been fresh rose petals that dropped from the sky. Another year it had been faux diamonds and pearls. This year it was rumored that money would actually fall from down to the floor which was a minor reason as to why the event was as packed as it was. With Amore, who knew!
The question of the night had been “Where’s Amore?” That mystery had yet to be answered. Everyone just assumed that she would make a grand entrance the way that only she could, ready to absorb all of her love. In the mean time the countdown had begun. …ten…nine…eight…seven…six…five…four…three…two…one…Happy New Year!
Everyone sung in unison, and as expected the trap doors to the ceiling opened up and sure enough dollar bills dropped from the sky. As everyone rushed to collect the money that was falling fast to the floor, it took a minute before anyone noticed what had also dropped from above.
It was Amore, but the entrance was far from glamorous. A shriek came from somewhere in the crowd and then utter chaos broke out. Amore was hanging from the ceiling, in a silk scarf noose.
About The Author
Nikkea Smithers is a dynamic award winning and Essence Magazine bestselling writer and spoken word artist, originally from Connecticut , currently residing in Richmond , VA. She has released several novels, poetry compilations and has contributed to several anthologies. Her writing style is unique as she uses her ability to play on words throughout each project. Her novels flair with the explicit details of life told through her characters’ eyes. Visit the author's website at: www.nikkeasmithers.com for more book excerpts and event details.
One Night Stand by Kendall Banks
Have you ever been played? Most will say, yes, and just take the defeat on the chin, but not Zaria Hopkins. Life had already dealt her a bad hand landing her in a two-bedroom apartment with a roommate who thought she was a nut-case, and who desperately tried to get away from both her odd behavior and controlling ways. As luck would have it Zaria hooked up with Hardy, a sexy, suave piece of eye candy who laughed her out of her panties the first night then tried to tell her to forget it ever happened the next day.
Unfortunately, Hardy wasn’ t aware of her past and that the woman he’d slept with wasn’t the forgiving type. Before long, his wife is in danger and Hardy s secrets are exposed . Zaria wants revenge and decides she deserves everything she's always been missing; money, power, and respect.
With Zaria’s over the top personality and tricks up her sleeve this book is a cross between the modern day fatal attraction and single black female…but with an incredible twist. Beware!
One Night Stand by Kendall Banks
Interview Discussion Topics:
1. One Night Stand Rule Book
2. Effects of dating someone you don't know
3. Signs that he DOESN’T want you anymore
Excerpt from One Night Stand by Kendall Banks
Clubs were never really my thing. The act of being in an overcrowded room smooched between hundreds of people like sardines as germs hover over both myself and my drink has never really got me off. But tonight I chose to make an exception. I refused to allow my roommate, Milan to
out-do me.
Some kind of new age retro music poured from the club's speakers as skinny model types and preppy looking men, black and white pranced around, danced , and talked loudly over every song the DJ threw on the turntable. Not one single true hip hop song would get any airplay up in here as far as I could tell. There was no way in hell I could ever see myself getting used to this futuristic sounding crap.
My eyes scoured the entire club from the dance floor to the bar repeatedly as I made my way throughout hundreds of people for nearly half an hour until I finally saw Milan standing at the bar with her friends. I walked up behind her and tapped her on the back. As she turned I could see Jazmine choke on her drink when she got a look at the dress I was wearing while Mia only eyed me silently from head to toe.
"Zaria," Milan said, with surprise. Her eyes quickly ran from my weave to my heels.
Jazmine whispered something to Mia and they both begin to laugh. It was probably something slick, but I was a hard-core girl and would beat them both at the same time if needed. I ignored their ignorance with everything inside me, though I just wanna spaz out on both of their prissy asses. Undoubtedly I looked fabulous. And they hated me for it. That's all.
"What are you doing here?" Milan asked, still surprised.
"A girl can't go out sometimes?" I countered, smiling.
"Of course. I just didn't know you were coming."
"Yeah, cause you left me, purposely" I spat, then took a step back and placed my hands on my thick rounded hips.
Both Jazmine and Mia began laughing again.
Milan smiled and hit me with phony talk, "You...You look great."
Suddenly a handsome guy walked over. “Milan, I didn't know you had a sister," he said out of the blue. Milan introduced me to her date.
"Marcus, this is Zaria."
Marcus extended his hand and shook mine. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Zaria."
"You too," I returned with a smile.
"So you guys are sisters?" he asked, assuming we were because I’d decided to wear the same dress that Milan wore. She was obviously irked by it. Her girls thought it was super funny.
Jazmine and Mia laughed again in my face trying to clown me.
Inside, I pondered ways to torture and kill them both.
"No," Milan said quickly. "We're just roommates."
Why couldn't she lie? Was she trying to say I wasn’t cute enough to be her sister? I had to admit, my feelings were a little hurt. My brown skin had always made me feel ugly no matter how hard I tried to front. Some folks considered me to be light-skinned, and just a little bronzed but not me. I wanted that skin like Milan, almost white. "Are you here with someone, Zaria?" Marcus asked me.
"No. I'm not," I spat, obviously heated.
"I think I can fix that."
I watched Marcus wave someone over to the bar. Within a few seconds a man even more handsome than him walks over.
"Damon, this is Zaria… Zaria, Damon."
"Hey, Zaria," Damon greeted with a bright smile and extended hand. "How are you?"
"I'm good now" I returned with major sex appeal. With the heavy flirting, my anger at Milan disappeared for a moment.
He chuckled. "Can I get you something to drink?"
"A Corona would be nice. I'm not a heavy drinker."
"That's no problem." Damon softly placed his left hand on my arm. He waved for the bartender and ordered my drink.
I couldn’t help but give him a few sly once-over. He was gorgeous: Goatee, pearly white teeth, well dressed, well spoken, muscular, and chocolate like a Hershey bar.
"Do you mind if we sit at a table?" Damon asked after I got my drink. "I've been on my feet at the office all day."
He has a job. Shit! That's always a plus.
"Sure," I responded softly.
Before I knew it the two of us were bunned up at a booth in the corner of the club trapped in conversation like we were the only two people in the club. I loved the feeling even though I hadn’t planned on meeting a man tonight. I simply didn’t want to be at home alone just in case there was another break-in in our apartment.
Within just a few hours I felt his body wanting me. And I wanted everything about him to be mine: his smile, the soft touch of his hand when it brushed against my own, and the smell of his cologne. I could feel it. And I didn’t need months or years to realize it like most women.
I was so deep into Damon that I didn’t notice him wave to a passing waitress. "Could you please bring her another Corona, please?"
My eyes caught her give him a lightning fast inspection, thinking that I hadn't seen her. “I can't believe this bitch.” I said in disbelief. Letting her get away with that shit was not an option.
"I don't appreciate that," I stood and said sharply.
"Excuse me?" she responded sassily, like I was some fool.
"Zaria, what's wrong?" Damon asked me with creases in his forehead.
"She knows what's wrong," I said lunging forward. I looked the big breast waitress directly in her eyes. "That was very disrespectful, hoe!"
"Miss, what are you talking about?"
Damon stepped between us just as Milan rushed over.
"What's going on?" Milan asked, followed by Jazmine, Mia, and their dates.
"This hussy right here!" I shouted, pointing my finger in the waitress' face. "She just tried to make a pass at my man!"
Several club goers turned to see what had kicked off.
“Trick, do you think I’m a freakin' joke?” I asked, anxious to show her I was not the broad to test. Before I knew it, I’d kicked my heels off.
The waitress was still trying to lie, “I never said…”
Before she could say another word I grabbed Damon’s glass from the table and slung Vodka in her face.
Just like that, the DJ cut the music and shouted for security, turning the entire Club’s attention in my direction.
The waitress lunged at me attempting to retaliate.
I ducked her lousy punch. Little did she know I had a past where I always had to fight. “Don’t lie about it!” I screamed. “Be a woman, not a mouse! Admit what you did!”
"Zaria, Calm down," Damon said, with his eyes beyond wide.
I got even more pissed. Why was he protecting her? Were they fooling around before I got to the club? I’ll bet she sucked his dick in the bathroom stall just before he came and talked to me.
I'm nobody's fool. I grab the empty Corona bottle by the neck, intending to tear his
head off. But before I could swing, security had me by my arms and drug me outside while I kicked and screamed like a lunatic.
Dumped onto the street, I see people outside pointing fingers and wondering why I got thrown out, but then reality disappears in an instant. The club is gone. The bouncers are no longer carrying me. Everyone around me is gone.
I found myself standing outside on a very dark night holding a bag full of my clothes with rain pouring from the sky, drenching my body, lightning and thunder nearly deafening me. Why am I here? Where is everyone?
Footsteps come quickly from the distance, splashing water underneath them. They’re getting closer and closer quickly with each step. Something inside me knows they’re coming for me. Something inside me knows they’re coming to hurt me. I look into the night to see a tall shadowy figure dashing up the street towards me, the sight of him scaring me more than the site of the devil himself.
I run to the nearest house and begin to beat on the door, feeling that I belong there. I’ve been there before hundreds of times. I can feel it. It feels like home. Someone here will protect me for sure.
“Please let me in!” I scream, turning to see the stranger quickly getting closer. “Please help me! I have no place else to go and I need help!”
Tears fall from my eyes. Why won’t they help me? Even over the rattling of thunder and lightning their voices can be heard inside. Why are they ignoring me? Why don’t they love me anymore? What did I do to make them leave me out here to die?
The stranger’s hand grab’s my shoulder.
"Zaria!" Milan shouted, snapping me from my daze.
Current reality surrounds me again just as quickly as it disappeared before. I’m outside the club with the bouncer standing in front of me.
“Sweetheart, you might’ve had a little too much to drink,” he said. “You really need to go home before I call the police.”
“Hit him!” Hit him now.” That voice was back and he wouldn’t stop. “You’re such a punk, Zaria. Either hit him or go home.”
“Zaria!” Milan called out again. She got close enough to touch me and offered some encouraging words.
I turned away from her and the bouncer and hopefully that annoying voice. With the quickness, I stormed to my car, with one shoe in my hand , and the other lost. I hurried into my car and slammed the door, hard.
“Zaria!” Milan yelled again, hoping to catch me before I started my Honda.
It was too late… nothing left for her to see now but my tail lights and the invisible horns on my head.
About the Author
Kendall Banks, author of bestselling author of Rich Girls (2009) and the soon to be released One Night Stand (February 2011), is offering the reader a glimpse at the consequences of cheating. In addition, after reading One Night Stand you’ll realize that sleeping with someone you don’t really know can have a life changing effect. Check out excerpts from her books on the publisher's website at:
www.lifechangingbooks.net.
SNITCH by VegasClarke
Snitch is a sexy urban tale that will make you think twice about who you can trust. It all begins with Ces’ar Lopez aka Drape, a savvy street hustler who thinks he’s on top of the world. He has no plans of relinquishing his crown as King Pen of the Streets; but the love of his life Diona has a different agenda.
The drug game becomes a gamble when fast money, sex, and violence all collide and the chips fall hard. In comes Shorty, a gangsta chick with a bodacious body ready to betray anyone who threatens her livelihood. Love, trust, and loyalty are tested in this wild tale of sex and deception.
Eventually, Drape’s back is against the wall and classified information gets exposed. Soon, no one know what side they’re on …but best believe they’ll pay a hefty price; jail time or death. Who will be this hustler’s downfall?
Praise for New Release Snitch
“If you’re looking for the ultimate betrayal, this is the one. When it comes to real life snitches…this is as true as it gets. Newcomers, VegasClarke really brought the heat in this one!”
--- Tiphani- best selling author of The Millionaire Mistress Series
Chapter Excerpt: SNITCH by VegasClarke WARNING: this excerpt is geared toward adult readers. The content is provocative and leads to a very mature discussion.
7:30 am, Drape’s Motorola vibrated on the nightstand loudly.
“What’s the business?” he answered groggily.
“Drape, I have some bad news,” Mr. Goldstein, his lawyer uttered.
He instantly hopped out of bed, lowered the volume on his phone and then walked into the bathroom, caressing himself through his boxers. He didn’t want Diona to hear what was about to be said. Little did he know, she’d opened one eye as he walked away from the bed.
“What’s da bad news?” Drape asked as butterflies filled his stomach.
“The Feds picked up your case.”
“Don’t tell me dat. Mannnnn, I just got out. How dat happen so fast?”
“They’re here at my office right now.”
“What! Who you workin’ for, ‘dem or me? I can’t believe dis shit is happenin’!”
Mr. Goldstein assured him that he wouldn’t be arrested if he came to his office, but if he didn’t, a federal arrest warrant would be issued. Drape took a deep breath as he pondered the thought of what could happen when he got there.
“Fuck it, I’m on my way,” he said hanging up.
He came out of the bathroom and got dressed quietly as Diona laid in the bed with her eyes closed pretending to be sleep. Once he was dressed, he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek and left. She was barely speaking to him and he was trying his hardest not to upset her anymore.
Drape drove his low-key Honda Accord to his lawyer’s office playing out different scenarios in his head the entire ride. Once he arrived, he drove a block away from Mr. Goldstein’s and parked. He thought it was best to walk the rest of the way just in case they tried to arrest him; knowing he would make a run for it. As soon as he walked into Mr. Goldstein’s plush office, his secretary was in the foyer area sitting at her desk. She escorted Drape to the conference room where Mr. Goldstein was expecting him.
“How are you Ce’sar?” he greeted. “This is Detective Burns from the Second District Police Department. I think you two met before,” Mr. Goldstein announced.
Drape’s thick eyebrows crinkled. Detective Burns looked like the young detective who’d jumped out of the ambulance on him days before. Drape looked at the ugly keloid scar on Detective Burns’ cheek and thought how demented it made his face look. Burns was a frail looking guy appearing to be in his early twenties. He wondered what could’ve happened to someone so young to make their appearance so abnormal. Drape chuckled inside at the thought of Burns, a rookie, who was way too inexperienced to be dealing with him.
“And I’m Agent Lewis from the F.B.I,” another man said, introducing himself. Agent Lewis looked like a hillbilly with blonde hair and blue eyes. “I’m gonna be working with Detective Burns on this case. Mr. Lopez, can I call you Drape?” Lewis asked with a toothpick lodged in between his teeth.
“Yeah, it’s cool.” Drape anxiously waited to hear what the agent had to say.
“By the way, why do they call you Drape?”
Drape smiled. “Because I stay draped in some fly shyt. Now what can I help you with?”
“That’s funny,” Lewis chuckled, then looked at Burns hoping to get a laugh out of him. He got nothing but a straight face.
“I’m going to get straight to the point. Help us help you. We got wire taps and surveillance of you at Malik Howard’s house selling him 500 grams of cocaine base crack,” he said.
Agent Lewis exposed Malik to Drape at ease because he knew there was nothing he could do about it. There was no way he could hurt or intimidate him because he was currently in protective custody. They’d taken extra precautions to keep him safe. Without Malik, the dope and the wiretaps weren’t enough to convict Drape. Agent Lewis informed him that he and three of his best friends AKA the Scrilla Boys had been under investigation for the past three months, and they intended on getting them all.
Drape cursed under his breath, then focused back on his situation. Even though he was sure he could pay off some people to say it wasn’t him, the Feds were good in coercing witnesses.
Drape crossed his arms on the table and let out a sigh as he laid his head down on his muscular arms. He thought silently to himself for a second then raised his head. “What da f*** do y’all want me to do?” he asked as if he’d lost the war.
“We want the Scrilla Boys off the streets and we want you to make control buys from them on wire. I don’t care who the drugs get sold to as long as it’s on wire,” Agent Lewis said firmly, and then took a sip of water from the cup in front of him.
Drape’s heart sank. He couldn’t believe they wanted him to rat on his own friends; his boys that he’d known since childhood. The crew who always had his back. He sighed then let out a sign of disgust.
“Naw! I’on think I’ma be able to do dat.’ I can’t be a Snitch!” He gazed off to the side and fell into a frenzied daze.
Lewis played around with his toothpick again. “Call me after you’ve thought for a couple of days. Your lawyer will inform you on how much time you’re facing.” Agent Lewis handed Drape his card, and then headed for the door with Detective Burns in tow. “You know it’s you or them,” he added.
Instead of responding, Drape turned away.
Mr. Goldstein escorted them to the door as Drape sat defeated, in deep thought. He came back into his office within seconds, and pulled a chair next to him. “Drape, these charges carry a mandatory minimum of twenty years and a maximum of life in prison. The Feds have a ninety-eight percent conviction rate and with your record, we don’t stand a chance in trial. A plea would still get you at least twenty years or more. It’s your choice. The balls in your court,” Mr. Goldstein said in a matter of fact tone.
Drape half-listened as he day-dreamed. Finally, he turned his head to his attorney and said, “I’ll call and let you know what I’m gonna do.”
Mr. Goldstein sighed “Fine with me. It’s your life.”
About VegasClarke
Authors, VegasClarke demonstrate that opposites attract. Vegas entered a life of crime beginning at the age of
thirteen. Selling drugs was all he came to know which finally landed him a 78-month sentence in the Federal Prison System. During his incarceration, he was able to cope with his time and mature through writing. He put his heart into manifesting urban tales, poetry, and songs. He is currently pursuing his degree in Business Administration and working on the sequel to Snitch. Vegas believes that it is never too late to change his life. On the other hand, in order to change, one has to be willing to change he often tells his fan base.
Clarke developed a passion for writing while becoming an avid reader of all kinds of fiction. Once Vegas and Clarke were reunited, they were able to combine Vegas' street smarts and Clarke's school smarts, creating literary magic while focusing on real-life realities. Clarke graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Communications Studies with a minor in Pan-African Studies. Since then she has changed fields and works in Corporate America, where she is working on a Masters in Business Administration.
VegasClarke spends their time working on future novels while residing in Cleveland, Ohio with their two children.
Readers can contact VegasClarke at: facebook/vegasclarkeauthors,
twitter/vegsclarke, website: www.vegasclarke.com
and email: vegasclarke@vegasclarke.com
or vegasclarke@rocketmail.com.
The Reality Check
A Short Story by Marian L. Thomas
Jenna walked into the room with a frown on her face. Her countenance was full of worry and her eyes began to push forward the tears that had been building up within her for the past few days. She sat down on the worn-out brown sofa and let out a sigh that the whole house (if the walls were listening) could hear.
Chris didn’t look up from his morning paper. He kept his eyes focused on the words of a reporter’s column although he honestly knew he cared less about the actual content. He needed something other than the obvious gloom in the air to keep his attention.
Jenna looked across the room at her husband; she noticed his obvious attempt to ignore the situation and that fueled the anger that was just at the stage of boiling over. He kept nodding his head slowly, pretending as if he were really engaged in the story. She wanted to scream at him but she sat there in silence. Silence had become part of the family it seemed for the past month. She remembered when she opened the door and found it on her door-step with packed bags, ready to move in for what appeared to be longer than she cared for. She hated silence. It was like a bug that no matter how many times one hit at it, it always managed to get away and annoy the mess out of you. She sighed again. Louder.
Chris turned to the next page and immersed himself into another story.
Jenna stood up and walked over to the window and pulled back the curtain to allow the sun to ease the anger inside of her. It was raining outside. The corners of her eyes began to shake uncontrollably and tiny tear drops began to slide down the center of her cheeks. She turned and looked at him, wanting him to see the pain he was trying so hard to ignore.
Chris raised the paper slightly higher than before. He knew this might be taking the moment to another level, pushing the envelope too far. He could feel her stare and knew that at this moment the tears were streaming down her face. What could he say to her to ease the pain? There was nothing.
They both had known this moment would be upon them. They had fought hard to avoid it, even tried to avoid each other.
He heard her footsteps getting closer to him. His body began to tense.
She reached out, hands shaking. Emotions uncontrolled and grabbed the paper.
The ripping sound was astonishing. The effects lay upon the floor, pieces here and there.
She walked out of their living room and headed up the stairs. He knew what was coming next.
The slamming sound the door made caused him to shift his position in his chair.
He put down the paper and leaned back. He found himself staring at the ceiling fighting off his own tears. Men don’t cry, he told himself.
He knew it was time to break the cords of silence that had been choking their relationship for the past month. If she only knew how her pain cut to the core of his heart, she would understand why he just couldn’t look at her.
He eased himself out of the chair and as he stood up he looked at the stairs that led to the upper level of their home. He knew she would be a mess. He knew she had every right to be. The situation was neither of their faults.
He wiped the tears away making sure there were no traces and began what would be even a more painful moment for them. He had to tell her that it was time to face reality, together.
As he reached the top of the stairs he stopped and stood there for a moment, listening for any sounds that she might have calmed down. Nothing.
Placing his hand upon the knob of their bedroom door, he turned it ever slowly until he knew that in a moment he would be standing in their room and she would be waiting for him to do what he should have done a month ago. Be a man.
He saw her lying across the bed with her face buried in a pillow. He didn’t hear the slight hint of tears still flowing so he went over and slipped into the bed next to her. He reached out and slowly placed his arm around her waist and pulled himself close. His voice a whisper but he knew she was listening.
“We might lose the house, but we still have each other. We will get through this together. I know it hurts, I understand it’s painful but the reality of the situation calls for us to look at other options. Know that I love you and that I will always be here, house, furniture or not.”
Jenna took a deep breath, finally she felt like the sun was shining.
About the Author:
Marian L. Thomas, reared in Chicago but lives with her biggest-supporter—her husband and their spoiled but playful dog, Winston in Atlanta, Georgia. Her debut title, Color Me Jazzmyne, went on to become an Amazon Best-Seller and was ranked as one of the " Top 100 Books"
- 1st Qtr 2010 by the Sankofa Literary Society Review.
Marian welcomes the release of her second book, My Father's Colors-The Drama-Filled Journey of Naya Monà Continues on March 1, 2011 to online retailers, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, Kindle and Nook. Be sure to get your copy today! It is sure to be another Best-Seller for the author as it takes you on the journey of four individuals that lead to one destination filled with betrayal, lies and shocking secrets.
The most anticipated sequel...has readers drooling from the mouth!
In The Dirty Divorce-Part 1...the Sanchez family ended with a bang. Lisa, Rich, and Denie all fought treacherously to escape a harsh death sentence.
Only time will tell who had the heart to survive.
The Dirty Divorce 2 starts off with drama and violence as Rich learns of his son, Juan dominating an industry where he used to be top dog. After grinding all his life, the fast money and numerous women land Rich in a place where his only son has turned against him. For the first time in Rich's life, money can't solve the problem....and it certainly can't keep the ruthless, Renzo off his ass. Just when Rich thinks Lisa will take all in their final Divorce proceeding, his life may soon be ending too...Beware!!
Excerpt: The Dirty Divorce by Miss KP
WARNING: this excerpt is geared toward adult readers. The content is provocative and leads to a very mature discussion.
My husband was the finest thing in the city. His father was Columbian and his mother was Black, but with more of his father’s features, he was just the right mix. His tall stature and his lean but muscular build gave him power when he entered any room. His warm, brown complexion and thick, curly hair had many people mistaking him for a Dominican, and women were definitely weak for his dimples. He was definitely the type of man that you had to keep interested. Rich was “The Man” in D.C., with plenty of money and clout in the eighties and nineties.
An entrepreneur at heart, Rich owned
T-shirt stores, Laundromats, a few small car lots, but where most of his legal money came from was his bar, Bottom’s Up. Rich had old money, but his swagger still gave the young dudes a run for their money. We were definitely financially stable. He was the most wanted man in the streets by both the Feds and the chicks. That was just how it had always been. Many had tried, but none had succeeded.
After finally getting out of the tub, I wrapped myself in a towel, then waltzed to my dresser and pulled out my red lace La Perla bra and thong set. Our wedding photo on the dresser always made me smile anytime I started to feel insecure. With naughty thoughts on my mind, I figured I would give Rich a night cap after the birthday festivities. That’s if he didn’t reject me. He was known for doing that from time to time. His excuse, which sounded like a broken record, was that he was tired or had a stressful day. I wasn’t sure why he thought I believed that mess. Every woman knows that men never turned down a trip to the honey pot, not unless they were gay of course. Rich definitely wasn’t gay, but he was a cheater. Someone who’d been caught a countless number of times; so many times that I’d lost count.
Feeling refreshed, I put on my white terry cloth Juicy Couture robe and went back in the bathroom to do my hair. I’d been debating on cutting my hair forever because it was so long, falling past my breasts. However, the thought of how Rich would feel about me with a bob or a short pixie cut made me erase that thought immediately. He’d told me on countless occasions how women with short hair weren’t attractive. The last thing I needed right now was for him to think I wasn’t sexy. Pulling my hair up into a sleek ponytail with my custom-made, Tiffany diamond barrette Rich bought me years ago, I played with a few loose strands before I was finally satisfied.
Looking at myself in the mirror, my hazel eyes stared back at me. My high cheek bones and honey brown skin used to give me confidence, but now my self-esteem was low. I thought my beauty and innocence was enough that Rich would never cheat on me. Boy, did I have myself fooled.
I leaned over the sink then began washing my face with my Dr. Perricone facial cleanser when suddenly I heard a strange noise. I quickly stood up even though I couldn’t see anything, trying to figure out what it was. Maybe Denie and Rich came back, I thought.
“Rich!” I yelled out. When he didn’t respond, I called out his name again. “Rich!” There was complete silence. “Maybe I’m tripping,” I told myself.
Bending back down, I began rinsing my face with water then stood back up to grab a hand towel off the rack. After patting my face in several different areas, I finally looked in the mirror, and gasped at what I saw. My heart thumped. Chest pounded. Immediately, my brain told me it was really an extra set of eyes staring back at me. A shock of terror shot through my body. Who was this man with these big eyes filled with lust and what was he doing in my home? I didn’t even have time to scream before he put his left hand over my mouth and shoved a knife toward my throat.
“I always wondered how it would feel to hump Rich’s girl. Ummm, you smell so damn good,” he whispered in my ear in a seductive yet powerful tone. He smelled like a pack of Newports mixed with Armani cologne.
“What do you want from me?” I muffled through his black glove.
“Bitch, I want to destroy your husband’s life like he destroyed mine, and you’re gonna help me do it,” the intruder replied in a forceful, yet calm tone. “Now, cooperate with me and I’ll make this as easy for you as possible.”
Tears immediately streamed from my face. I was paralyzed with fear and couldn’t move. He pressed his body against me, squeezing my stomach against the porcelain sink. It felt as if he wanted to cut off my circulation. I began squirming, trying to get loose when he flung my body around to face him and then…he struck me...hard. So hard, I instantly fell to the floor. Hitting my head on the black and white ceramic tile was all I remembered, until...
SWIMMING THE GARDA is an irresistible murder mystery with a cultural twist. Audley Haffenden is a fresh new voice in the world of literary fiction whose writing has the ability to delightfully transport readers. He writes proudly and vividly of his homeland and its’ rich history and tradition in a way that makes you feel the cool breeze and smell the coconut cakes and calaloo. It will make you want to strongly consider Jamaica as your next travel destination.
Detective Oscar Calwell was at once a well-respected and highly-touted detective who was the envy of his peers. However, when a well publicized riot, that he had assumed command of, took a horrific turn and the ensuing internal investigation questioned his handling of the matter, Detective Calwell’s image was tarnished as was his standing in the department. So when redemption came in the form of being called on to investigate the high-profile murder of the daughter of a prominent judge, Calwell relished the opportunity to once again prove himself to his detractors and get in the good graces of his commanding officer.
As Calwell, and his partner Tenn Sang, begin their investigation, they interview local townspeople with connections to the dead girl and her father. We also learn more about the complicated life of Calwell through a series of flashbacks which reveal a difficult past that have left him with more questions than answers over the years. While trying to close his case, Calwell is learning that he may be up against far more than a murder, and that solving this case may in fact allow him to get clarity on his own past.
Set in the various cities and towns that make up the country of Jamaica, SWIMMING THE GARDA
introduces readers to a colorful and diverse cast of complex characters whose lives intersect in this riveting mystery. Exciting playwright and novelist Audley Haffenden’s distinctive writing style tells a story within a story with twists and turns to be found on every page.
Read an Excerpt
The phone rang an hour before daybreak. Before the call, Detective Calwell had his day all planned. It was his first day off in weeks. It was to be a whole day at the Hope Botanical Gardens. His plan was to catch the No. 6 bus at the main downtown terminal and make it a slow, easy ride north, via Hope Road to the Gardens. But the phone rang. It was his boss, the superintendent of detectives. "I'm sorry about this Calwell," the super began.
Superintendent, Jonathan Mitchell's confidential tone told Calwell the call was important. It had been some time since the super had spoken to him using that confidential tone.
Everyone in the department knew the meaning of that tone. It meant he had confidence in you, and was relying on you.... "We need you on this one, Calwell."
His words carried a message of reprieve. For almost three years he had waited to hear those words.
Three years earlier he had a well-earned reputation as Mitchell's golden boy.... All that changed after the York Street Affair, as Pinky Lindo's column in the Daily Gleaner called it; or, the York Street Mango War, as the people in Jamaica called it. Everything Calwell worked so hard to achieve went out the window after Pinky's column came out. However, that was in the past. The phone call told Calwell he was about to be given a second chance. It was the chance he'd been waiting for; his opportunity to come out of the wilderness and regain the super's bright light.
###
About the Author:
Audley Haffenden is a playwright and novelist born in Jamaica, West Indies. His works include Touissant: Angelwarrior of Haiti, Pushkin: A Poet’s Search for Honor and A Hedgehog Jumps the Moon. Audley lives and works in New York City.
Life's daily struggles can often leave us perplexed and bewildered on how to cope with hard issues. In
COMPLETELY WHOLE, Paulette Harper offers keys to help those who are searching for answers that can lead to a life of complete wholeness:
Spirit, Soul and Body.
COMPLETELY WHOLE focuses on how to overcome suffering caused by alcoholism, substance abuse, poverty, and other obstacles blocking the path to a life of wholeness.
Praise for Completely Whole by Paulette Harper
Completely Whole was written with a hint of personal experiences, meant to create a lasting touch on the hearts of those who read the pages. As I read through the book, I got the sense that Ms. Harper wanted everyone to know that there is a process to becoming whole, and there should be a desire to becoming & Completely Whole Never in time as such as we live, will the need arise for us to check in with ourselves, and see what level of authenticity we are operating from. Ms. Harper weaves these types of questions and answers throughout the entire book giving you a way to see yourself as you are and to appreciate the press to do something different. It is a great read, and it's truths will follow for days and months to come. As it is Ms. Harpers desire for you to reach your place of wholeness, I too say that wholeness is a great place for change to begin. --Dr. Lakita Long, Author
Excerpt Completely Whole - Chapter 1
Lord, I Am Made Whole by My Experiences
Wouldn’t life be so much better if we could tell God how to do His job? Or maybe we could assist Him or give Him some advice on how to deal with our issues? Wouldn’t we simply make sure we avoided much of the pain, sorrow and disappointment life brought? The answer is a resounding yes! Avoiding hardship, pain and heartache would be our primary solution in dealing with everything that life brought our way. If we could just sit back and live in complete harmony and joy, wouldn’t that be wonderful? Who wouldn’t want this kind of life?
Unfortunately, the world in which we live doesn’t allow this type of ease. We call this kind of world imaginary—make believe—a fairy tale. Fairy tales are fables created for children with the illusion that the world is an ideal and wonderful place—a place where there are no cares?a place which is free and exempt from outside influences. The truth of the matter is the world in which we live can be disappointing and cruel, with plenty of let downs. Yet, depending on our attitude, the world can also be a place of limitless successes, great achievements, abundant blessings and untold happiness. Each day that God blesses us to experience is a day in which some type of lesson is going to be taught. The question is: are we willing to learn?
Many times we ask God, “Why ?why must we endure the things we do?” By nature, we do not embrace new experiences because most experiences require us to give something of ourselves. The truth is, we don’t want to give anything without a guarantee of a return. We are not willing to surrender, submit and give God what He asks for in the midst of our circumstances.
We must remember that when we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we placed ourselves under His authority, His care and His direction. Laying down our will and yielding to God must come from a heart that has complete trust and confidence in His ability to sustain every situation, and resolve every conflict
When we face a trying dilemma, our question should be, “What is God trying to say to me and teach me?” In life’s experiences, if we learn the lessons that God is trying to teach and convey to us, we will gain valuable understanding, which in turn makes us comprehend more clearly what is happening and why.
Often times, we do not like how God picks those experiences for us. There are some experiences in life that I can’t go through, because God knows my makeup, temperament and personality—same with you. Some experiences are more difficult to handle than others, yet God in His infinite wisdom knows exactly what experiences each of us can bear.
Ashanti, Kenisha, and Raheem are siblings who have always shared a special bond and love each other dearly. Ashanti owns one of the most prominent marketing firms in Marietta, Georgia. Yet the pain of her past relationship and personal tragedy has her heart flaming with rage. Kenisha has the life that every woman would dream about and more. She’s a successful accountant in Roswell, Georgia.
Her husband is a double platinum recording artist and her son is the joy of her life. Yet hidden secrets from within the four walls of her home are on course to destroy the image of her perfect family. Raheem stands firm as the protector of the family and will stop at nothing to keep his family safe.
This family has endured their share of personal tragedy, but will they be ready for the tragedy that awaits them? Will the bond of love that they share be enough to help them stand? Or will the tragedy be too strong for their love to survive?
Excerpt from Yesterday's Pain, Tomorrow's Joy
Kenisha walks into her office and flops down in the burgundy executive chair. Resting her head against the back of the chair she takes a deep sigh before picking up the phone to call Jermaine. She picks up the receiver and dials Jermaine cellphone. The phone rings several times before Jermaine answers.
Jermaine notices Kenisha’s office phone number on the caller id and hesitantly answers the call. He has a strong desire to let the call go to voicemail but decides at the last minute to answer.
“Hello!” Jermaine answers with a short tone.
“Jermaine?” Kenisha questions
“Yeah, what’s up?”
“Hey Sweetie, is everything okay?”
“Yes! I just got off the phone with the record company and I have to go out of town this weekend for a few days.”
“When will you be leaving?”
“Sometime Saturday afternoon, I have a meeting in New York Saturday evening with the record company about the next album release.”
“Okay.”
“Is everything okay with you?”
“Yes, I’m fine. I was calling to ask you if it will be okay for Lil J to stay with Marcus this weekend. He wants to pick him up Saturday morning to take him to Sport-A-Rama. He will drop him off Sunday evening.”
“Is that okay?”
“Yes, that’s fine with me. What are you going to do since I’m leaving to go to New York?”
“Ashanti and I will be having a girl’s day out. We are planning to go to the Spa and to pick up Mama’s birthday gift.”
“That all worked out, do you need any money?”
Kenisha goes silent as she tries to figure out who is this man she’s talking too. This was the man she fell in love with back in college. Her eyes start to water when she flashes back on happier times.
“No, I’m good but you can pick up a gift for Mama while you’re in New York.”
“Okay, I can do that. Sweetie, I have to schedule my flight for Saturday. I’ll see you tonight when you get home.”
“Okay, baby. I love you!”
“Me too!” Jermaine replies clicking the off button.
Kenisha sits wishing all her conversations with her husband was that pleasant. She loves her husband with all her heart even when Jermaine doesn’t act like he loves her back. This is a side of Jermaine that she hasn’t seen in a long time and it is her prayer that this side of him wouldn’t fade away.
“Jay, who was that Kenisha?” CJ asks chillin' in the passenger seat.
“Yeah, lil bro!” Jermaine replies with a sneaky grin.
“Dude, you’re one crazy cat. How you gonna play your wife like that. You know that you’re not meeting with the record company.” CJ says laughing
“I know right but what wifey don’t know won’t hurt her. You got me? I need to handle my business.”
###
Yesterday's Pain, Tomorrow's Joy
by Shonta Smith
ISBN: 978-0-9794466-1-0
The book can be purchased at: www.shontasmith.com
True Confessions by Electa Rome Parks
Twenty-eight year old Kennedy Logan is gorgeous, educated, talented, and in love. Unfortunately, Drake Collins has other ideas about the true state of their relationship. Kennedy hopes to turn him around; Drake just wants to turn her out sexually. Kennedy is also searching for her biological mother, who gave her up at birth. She wants answers and she has tons of questions. The enormous weight of these predicaments leads to a failed suicide attempt.
Her overprotective and overbearing mother, Dorothy Logan, moves in with Kennedy and makes it her mission to get her daughter's life back in order. The first step is getting rid of Drake Collins once and for all, but that's easier said than done. Drake has no intentions of going anywhere. Kennedy's ever loyal and fun-loving best friend, Taylor, and her absentee father join forces to help support Kennedy in her time of need.
At her psychiatrist's advice, Kennedy uses writing as her therapy. She starts to keep a daily journal detailing the erotic circumstances and family drama that led up to her despair. Through very personal, funny, and graphic entries, readers will share her confessions. Brace yourselves for a very steamy journey!
Prologue True Confessions by Electa Rome Parks
(Erotic Fiction)
My reality is surreal and happens in super, slow motion. A nervous giggle escapes my chapped, dry and parched lips. I lick them to restore moisture. Then, there is utter, deadly silence. If I listen closely, I can hear my heartbeat beating away at an accelerated pace. My senses are heightened and I marvel over the brilliant, bold colors of my bedroom as I inhale my favorite fragrances, from their spot on my antique dresser, colliding into one another with their potent allure. Even my sense of touch is different somehow. Everything is magnified to the nth degree. It’s like I’m looking down at myself from a huge movie screen with surround sound as I ready myself for the big finale---the final shot and then fade to black.
I’ve never been good at saying goodbye, even on short, weekend trips. I keep the handwritten note short and sweet and pray to God that mother will understand, and hopefully, one day, forgive me.
I don’t mean to hurt her or cause her any fresh pain. I sincerely don't. I hope she understands that this isn't her fault, that I love her with all my heart and being. No matter what, that fact will never change. I’m so thankful and forever grateful that she chose me to be her daughter out of all the orphaned babies in the world. She chose me. I told myself over and over again that that made me special. I needed to feel special instead of unwanted and discarded.
I’ll miss mother the most, but the hurt I feel inside is too unbearable and indescribable. It is too painful for me to continue, day in and day out, with just a hollow emptiness that erodes and corrupts any happiness that briefly surfaces. The dawn of each new day only brings me more heartache and renewed memories. Some memories are like leeches. They latch on for dear life and slowly, ever so slowly, suck and drain all the blood, all the living out of you. You are left with just a shell of the old you and that's no way to survive. Not for me, anyway.
When they find me, I want it to look like I’m sleeping, peacefully. Just like Sleeping Beauty who only needed a handsome prince to kiss her and awaken her from the darkness that engulfed her. However, for me, there won't be a handsome, charming prince to wake me, save me, and ride off into eternity. All my so-called princes were monsters in disguise with their own hidden agendas that attempted to crush and stamp out my self-esteem. Yes, just blessed sleep awaits me.
I chose pills. I couldn’t subject mother to a messy, bloody scene that comes with slitting one’s wrists or shooting one's self. I refuse to take my final breath with that heavy on my heart. I don't think my heart could handle anything else weighing against it. As it is, I feel like I have three hundred pounds weighing me down. Crushing the life out of me.
As I settle myself comfortably on my queen-size bed, slowly pull the red, satin comforter up to my chin and stare at the full bottle of prescription pills carefully nestled in my right hand, I can’t imagine not waking up in the morning.
What will it be like to not see the rising sun? To not hear my alarm clock going off announcing it’s time to get ready for another day of work? Not hitting snooze to give myself another fifteen minutes? Not rushing to finish my morning rituals before I dash out the door and into rush-hour traffic? What will that feel like?
More important to me now, though, is will it hurt? I hope not. I have never been able to tolerate too much pain, physical, mental or emotional. Yet, that’s what Drake has caused me for the last year of my life. Pain. Intolerable suffering.
I only wanted to love him and for him to love me in return. Simple enough. Was that asking too much? My part of the equation was accomplished, effortless. Drake claimed he loved me, but he really didn’t. Probably never could. Didn't know how to love or receive it. After what happened last week, I know he didn’t. Yet, I gave him everything: my heart, my body, my soul. Now, I have nothing left to give myself. I'm empty inside.
As tears slowly flood my weary eyes and blur my vision, I look around my cozy bedroom for the last time. Ever. It used to be one of my favorite rooms in my small two bedroom, one bath apartment. There was nothing better than lighting several fragrant candles, drinking a little white wine and cozying up with a good romance novel. Yes, that was heaven. Simple things excite me. Always have. Watching a sunrise or sunset, waking up to birds chirping in the treetops, walking hand in hand through the park with the one I love, all these things brought me great joy.
Mother will have to understand. I left her a note, propped up on the nightstand, in full view, that explains how much I love her and daddy. What will she think when she can’t reach me tonight? I would love to hear her soothing, loving voice one last time. Yet, I know I wouldn’t be able to go through with my plan if I did. I’d give away my intentions over the phone or mother would pick up on my foul mood and that would be that. I’d wake up another day with this aching, dull pain inside, tearing me apart, bit-by-bit. Pain that dulls and diminishes every ounce of my strength, all the way down to my pores.
Drake Collins. His name leaves a bitter taste on my tongue. Just the thought of him brings bile to the back of my throat. I will forever regret the day I met that man. If I could turn back the hands of time, do it all over again, I would have called in sick that day or run for the hills. I was just fine with my life the way it was. Sure, it wasn’t exciting or glamorous, but it was enough for me. Drake came with the charm, movie star looks, glitz and high drama and reeled me right in like a bass caught at sea. I gladly jumped into his net.
I say a silent prayer of forgiveness as I place one, then two colorful pills on my tongue and swallow dry. I didn't think of getting a glass of water. I can't think. The lump in my throat quickly diminishes. There’s no turning back now. Just like there was no turning back when Drake turned me out. The countdown begins. Ten, nine, eight. . . I've lived a happy life. I have tons of good memories. I've treated others the way I wanted to be treated.
I hope this happens quickly. I steadfastly place three, four pills on my tongue and swallow again. Hot tears start to spill forth and stream down my cheeks as I realize the final result of my actions. Seven, six, five. . . It’s for the best. I need to stop the pain. Will he even miss me? Or will he just move on to his next victim? Will all this be in vain?
I guess I’ll never have that family now. The one I used to daydream and write about in my journal. The family with the almost perfect mommy and daddy and two kids, a boy and girl. The boy would be the oldest, and he'd look out for and protect his younger sister. They'd have cute, adorable names and they'd know they were wanted and loved and cherished by their parents. They'd never feel unwanted.
Four, three. . . I swallow a handful of pills this time. I've lost count as to how many I've digested. As spittle escapes from my mouth, I gag. I wipe the overflow away with the back of my hand and keep right on shoving pills in my mouth until the orange-brown medicine bottle is empty. I look inside, in awe, shake the bottle, and can’t believe the pills are gone so quickly. Just like the illusion of love. If you blink, you'll miss it.
I wonder if Drake even realizes how much I loved him? Now, I wait for blessed relief and peace to take away my hurt and pain. I’m so tired. Tired of loving the wrong men. Tired of giving my all, coming up empty, and getting absolutely nothing back in return. Good sex isn’t the end all to everything. Drake taught me that lesson.
Two, one. . . It won’t be long now. I faintly smile and lay back against my down pillow.
I welcome peace. In my mind, I start silently repeating Psalms 23. I shall walk through the valley of death; I shall fear no evil, for thou art with me. I’m so sleepy. I can barely keep my eyes open. I can feel myself giving in to the fog that slowly invades my mind. Maybe if I close my eyes for a few moments. Yeah, just rest them for a few minutes without seeing Drake’s face behind my heavy eyelids.
Suddenly, I feel lightheaded, like I’m floating on a big, fluffy white cloud, bouncing up and down, giddy with not a care in the world. This is a different sensation that I literally reach out my right hand to embrace and never let go of. Not a care in the world. Nothing matters but blessed, uneventful sleep. I close my tired, weary eyes as the countdown ends. Fade to black.
About the Author
Electa Rome Parks lives outside Atlanta, Georgia and is the best-selling author of six acclaimed novels, The Ties That Bind, Loose Ends, Almost Doesn't Count, Ladies' Night Out, These Are My Confessions (anthology) and Diary of a Stalker. Dubbed a "book club favorite," avid readers have embraced Electa's true to life characters that tackle prevalent and heavy hitting issues that take them on an emotional roller
coaster.
The self-proclaimed Queen of Real, Electa has been a frequent guest on radio shows, nominated for many industry awards and interviewed by numerous newspapers and national magazines. Electa is currently following her passion and working on her next novel and first screenplay.
Determined to prove herself to her siblings and her boss, Darlene Cunningham has made a name in the exciting, sometimes dangerous world of criminal law. When Darlene travels to Memphis in pursuit of a witness, the Maryland attorney doesn't expect to be under the surveillance of the rugged Tennessee cop who sets off sensual sparks from the moment they meet.
It's a one-two punch straight to his heart when the sultry beauty walks into the house Mike Raines is staking out. He can't let Darlene compromise his investigation. And he can't let her go. His desire is tempting the detective to break a few laws of his own—like the one that says never mix business with pleasure.
But how can he resist the passionate woman who has changed his life? And whose love he'll risk any danger to claim?
Featured Book Passion's Price - Read an Excerpt
When attorney Darlene Cunningham made up her mind, she rarely ever changed it. And that had created some problems for her and her family. As the youngest partner at Myrtle, Coppersmith & Cunningham LLP, Darlene usually got the least promising and least interesting cases assigned in the three-person law firm.
But her job as a defense attorney meant everything to her. Even the smallest detail of the most mundane case got her professional juices flowing. Take for instance her current case. She had to force herself not to get too excited about it. There was something suspicious about her client. Something wasn't right about the burglary case, and it was driving her crazy.
And then a witness had come forward and volunteered to testify on her client's behalf. It all seemed too convenient, she thought. It just didn't add up, and Darlene was determined to find out why.
That's why Darlene had decided to fly down to Memphis and re-interview the witness. Though her partners didn't think it was worthwhile for Darlene to travel all that way just to nail down the facts in the case, Darlene disagreed.
And so here she was in Memphis, trying to locate the alibi witness, the only witness who could testify that her client, Albert Frank, was somewhere else at the time the crime took place. A very convenient witness who had very inconveniently vanished without a trace.
Darlene landed at Memphis International Airport, exhausted after having transferred twice on the trip from Baltimore. Having refused the peanuts and pretzels offered on the plane, she was hungry and a bit on edge. She'd never been to Memphis before, and the intensity of the heat and humidity surprised her, adding to her discomfort.
She checked into the famous Peabody Hotel—known for its duck march through the lobby—and called room service for a pulled-pork sandwich and iced tea. She unpacked while she waited for her food to arrive. After she'd eaten, Darlene once again tried to contact Frank's alibi witness at the number she'd been given. To her disappointment, she got no answer, not even voice mail.
With no word from her witness, she struck out the next morning to check on her client's story about where the witness lived. She took a cab to the address he'd given her in an upscale neighborhood in a cul-de-sac bordering Memphis and Collerville. She would have expected just about any neighborhood other than the quiet, pristine homes that screamed old-money wealth and power. Less sure of herself now, she knocked on the door, since she had not seen a doorbell.
"Come in," a slender gray-haired man in a black suit, white shirt and black tie said with a gracious smile. "Not many people come here these days." He spoke haltingly, and she decided that he was part of the household staff, a fair assumption given the neighborhood. "Have a seat," the man said as he gestured toward what she discovered was an elegant living room.
"Thank you. This heat is almost unbearable," Darlene said to fill the awkward silence. She used a tissue to wipe her forehead.
"Yes, it is," the man said. "Would you care for some sweetened iced tea? I made it a few minutes ago. If you're uncomfortable, I can turn up the air conditioner."
She leaned against the back of a tufted velvet chair and looked at the man. "Thank you, but I don't care for tea, and the air-conditioning is fine. This is a beautiful house, but it must be very old. No one seems to build these kinds of houses anymore." Small talk was something she hated, but she had to engage the man in conversation if she was to learn anything about her client.
"Yes, it's old, all right. My grandfather built it. But I renovated it from roof to cellar about twenty-five years ago. Sure you wouldn't like some tea or iced coffee?"
"No thank you. I was given this address and was told a young man, an alibi witness, lived here. But I see I was wrong, so I'd better be going," Darlene said, somewhat surprised that the old man lived in the home. "Thanks for your hospitality."
"I wish you wouldn't go," he said as she reached for the doorknob. "I've enjoyed your company. I don't get much company anymore."
"I'm sorry," she said as she opened the door. She turned to leave, only to find her exit blocked. She looked up into the eyes of a six-foot-three-inch boulder.
"Excuse me. I was j-just leaving," she stammered, taken aback by her sudden encounter with this immovable object.
"You aren't going anywhere," he said.
"Would you please get out of my way," Darlene said, letting him know that she was not easily intimidated.
The man put his hand in the inside pocket of his jacket, took out his badge and flashed it. "I'm Detective Michael Raines of the Memphis Police, and you don't leave this house until I say so."
Darlene looked him in the eye. "Really? I thought all the bullies in uniform were in Baltimore. Apparently Tennessee has some, too. How interesting! Now, would you please move aside? I have business to take care of."
He raised an eyebrow. "Go right ahead. Maybe you can walk through me."
She stared at him, seeing him as if for the first time. Something flickered in his light brown eyes, and she responded, unable to do otherwise. She told herself to get out of there. But she stood rooted to the spot. His eyes said he would never release her. She shook her head as if to break the spell he had cast over her.
"I'm Attorney Darlene Cunningham, and you have no reason to keep me here. If you don't let me pass, I'll sue you, the city of Memphis and the state of Tennessee," she said, her mild manner dissolving into anger.
His facial expression didn't change one bit. Realizing that belligerence would get her nowhere with Detective Raines, she decided to switch tactics.
"You haven't read me my rights, and you have to do that if I'm under arrest." Her voice took on a taunting tone.
"You are not under arrest, Ms. Cunningham. You are being detained."
She leaned her head to the side in what she knew he'd take as a challenge. "What's the difference?" she said, clearly losing patience.
"Very funny, Ms. Cunningham, but you may as well have a seat, because you cannot leave this house until I say so."
Darlene turned to the old man. "You didn't tell me your name."
"My name is Boyd Farmer. Have a seat. At least it's comfortable in here."
"Is this guy your son? Oh, sorry," she said before Boyd could respond. "You're too nice to have such an arrogant, obnoxious son. I really need to go."
"I'm sorry," Boyd said. "He isn't going to let you go."
She whirled around and glared at Michael Raines, and for her trouble she felt a peculiar thudding in the region of her heart. "At least I deserve to know why I'm being detained," she said. "What did I do?" Realizing that her tone would only make him more adamant, she switched tactics again. "You're unlike any detective I've ever met."
"What do you mean by that?" His tone was definitely not friendly.
"Oh," she said, tossing her hair to the side. "I mean, aren't police officers supposed to protect and serve?"
Boyd's laughter filled the room, but she avoided looking in his direction. Instead she focused on Michael Raines.
"Yeah," he said. "Now, sit down and let's cut the comedy."
Darlene did not like taking orders from a stranger, even one with a badge. She didn't move. "You don't look stupid," she told him. "You have to tell me why you're holding me here. It's the law. Tell me why I'm being detained, or I'm leaving." She tried to move past him.
He grabbed her shoulders and glared at her. "What are you doing here?"
She twisted her shoulders and moved away from him. "I'm trying to get information that I hope will help my client's case."
"You'll have to prove that to me. This house has been under surveillance, and neither you nor anyone else can leave here. Get it?"
She'd have to come up with a different excuse. Getting back to her office in Maryland was paramount. The other partners already considered her trip to Memphis little more than a wild-goose chase, and if they discovered her present predicament… She didn't want to think of their reaction.
"I have to get back to my hotel," she said.
He folded his arms across his broad chest and smiled, giving evidence that he could be charming when it suited him. "Oh, so I gather you plan to leave Memphis."
"No, as a matter of fact I'm staying at the Peabody," she said.
"Really?" he said. "I'm sure it won't be a problem for you to stay here."
"Now, look here, you," she said, with all the softness of a wildcat about to pounce. "You're going to." She stopped. His beautiful eyes twinkled like flashing lights, and she could see his difficulty in restraining his laughter.
"You're not one bit funny, and I'll have the last laugh."
At that point, Boyd brought the tea along with a brioche and jam. "This should make you comfortable." She thanked him. "Detective Raines doesn't like tea, and I don't have any more coffee," he said.
"How long has he been here?" Darlene asked Boyd, pointing to Michael.
"He's been here two weeks. That's why I don't have any more coffee. He's practically a coffee addict."
She took a few sips of tea and looked at Michael. "Coffee addict, eh? I'm glad to have at least some evidence that you're human."
Something akin to pain flickered in his eyes, and she wished she could retract her words. It wasn't his fault that she'd stumbled into a house that was under surveillance. He was doing his job. Maybe if she appealed to his decency, he'd let her go.
"If I'm stuck here for any length of time, I'll lose my case." She told herself that she wouldn't beg, but that had sounded very much like a plea. She observed him carefully to see his response.
"But how do I know you've told me the truth? You could be the person I've spent the last few weeks looking for."
"Oh, come on," she said, her attitude inching toward aggressiveness again. "Anybody can look at me and see that I'm not a burglar."
He looked toward the ceiling as if begging for mercy. "Another statement like that and I'll have proof that you're not a lawyer."
"I am, and I have to be in court Monday morning. If I don't show up, I'll be in contempt."
"I can take care of that. Give me your client's name and the case number. I'll take care of the problem right now."
"No, thank you. I don't want any help from you."
His quick shrug let her know what he thought of her response.
"You're a heartless man." "If you say so."
Darlene was already mad with herself. She decided to switch gears one more time, hoping that a different tactic might soften him up. "You ought to be ashamed of yourself for doing this to an innocent person," she chided. "You could ruin my life."
Boyd walked over to where Darlene and Michael stood at loggerheads. "Darlene… I hope you don't mind if I call you Darlene. Wouldn't you like to freshen up a bit? There's a lovely guest room and bath upstairs, and if you're going to be here for a while, you're welcome to use it."
She could see that Boyd wanted to lower the tension between them, so she smiled and patted his arm. "Thanks. That would be lovely."
"Leave your pocketbook and that briefcase down here," Michael said. "And don't think you can use the phone up there. It's been disconnected. On second thought, I'll show you where the guest room is. Who knows what you'll try to do?"
Darlene whirled around and headed for the stairs, intent upon finding the room herself, but he managed to move slightly ahead of her. "This way," he said, turning left at the top of the stairs.
At the bedroom door, she tossed her head back, sending her hair flying around her face.
A grin spread over his face. "Don't even think about it. That's a thirty-foot drop. You're clever enough to know that if you jumped, you'd hurt yourself. Besides, every window in this house is locked."
Slouched against the doorjamb, Michael stared down at her. Then his gaze shifted from her eyes down to her lips and stayed there. His light brown eyes darkened. His nostrils flared, and he sucked in his breath.
"I don't need you to chaperone me while I go to the bathroom," she challenged.
Not a muscle in his face moved. "Why don't you say what you really mean? Darlene, I could have you thrashing with passion one minute and handcuff you the next."
"I don't believe you," she said, moving toward him.
He folded his arms across his chest. "You're reckless, but I'm not. You're ready to do something stupid right now, and you haven't given a second thought to the consequences."
How many times had she heard those very words from her family? As usual, she ignored the advice. "What consequences?" she asked. "You're a cop, and you're obligated to behave like one."
His laugh was barely more than a groan. "I'm also a man. And since I'm a cop, when it's your word against mine, mine carries more weight. Get in there, wash your face or whatever else you plan to do and stop testing me. If I decide to take you up on your flirtations, you'll remember it for a long time."
Hang on to your seat as Christian Fiction author Pat G’Orge-Walker spins a hilarious, inspiring novel of mistakes and second chances, heartache and love, sin and salvation…
Appearances mean everything to Delilah Dupree Jewel. So after hearing of her daughter-in-law’s sudden death, Delilah decides that coming to the rescue of her long estranged son Jesse and her granddaughter Tamara would be a good look . . . though Lord knows she’ll have to dig hard to find her maternal instincts.
But Delilah quickly discovers Jesse wants nothing to do with her. And Tamara, who’s following in Delilah’s musical footsteps, isn’t interested in her career advice, especially since Delilah got ahead using the singing couch. And Delilah’s old flame Deacon Pillar, an ex-convict who’s traded in his gangster ways for a Bible, is stirring up a past that’s sure to shock. Now, all Delilah knows is that she’d better hold on to her faith, ’cause she needs God now more than ever. .
“Okay, that’s enough!” Tamara said finally. “I think I want a DNA test done before I believe that I’m carrying any genes from you two. Damn!”
“Hold up young lady, didn’t I tell you before that you can’t cuss. You got too much class for such language.” The deacon rose from his seat to put emphasis on what he’d said. Pointing to Delilah, he continued, “Now Dee Dee only pretends to have a lot of class. That’s why she has the potty mouth.”
And then Delilah and the deacon went for round two. They were scrapping like two old champions and several times, they each laid a verbal T.K.O. One acted as if they knew more than the other did when it came to God’s word.
“Stop acting like this Dee Dee. Baby Girl knows Christians don’t fight like cats and dogs.”
Well stop acting like God didn’t have a mafia in the Bible, Delilah barked.
Delilah turned to her granddaughter and smiled. “Tamara sweetheart, I know you’ve gone to church probably a lot more and longer than me.”
“I know I sure have.” Deacon Pillar muttered.
“I don’t care if I’ve only passed by a church or only seen a picture of it,” Delilah snapped, “I still know about God. So you two can’t tell me that you don’t know that God gave permission to some of his folks to kill or maim other folks.”
Delilah’s supposed words of wisdom hung in the air like a mushroom cloud. “Y’all need to read up a bit more from your Bible. Try reading the Old Testament. There was a lot of retribution going on. I don’t know how y’all call yourselves a deacon and a church girl and don’t know about God’s mafia. God had a hit list too. In fact, if I recall Moses was one of God’s biggest enforcer’s just like that Mafioso Tony Soprano on television.”
Delilah grabbed a nearby broom and threw it to the floor. “You know Moses took a broomstick and turned it into a snake and then he sure turned that Pharaoh into a punk. He did all that after God gave him the go-ahead. And you think David would’ve killed Goliath if God hadn’t wanted it to happen?”
Both the deacon’s and Tamara’s jaws dropped.
Tamara leaned over and whispered to Deacon Pillar.” She’s not kidding is she?”
“She’s as serious as Obama was about becoming President.”
Don’t Blame the Devil by Pat G’Orge Walker
ISBN-10: 0758235429
ISBN-13: 978-0758235428
Genre: Urban Christian Fiction
Target audience: Adult and young adults primary
Primary Topic: A God-given second chance at happiness is available
About the Author
Pat G'Orge-Walker, The First Lady of Gospel Comedy. Pat G'Orge (pronounced Gee-or-jay)-Walker is a former record industry veteran who has worked for several major labels including Epic, Def Jam, and Columbia. She has also performed with the legendary 60's girl group, Arlene Smith and the Chantels ("Maybe") as well as with gospel groups. In between writing books and spending time with her husband Rob in their Long Island, New York, home, Pat is busy touring the country performing her sold-out One Woman Sister Betty comedy show. Visit her online at
www.patgorgewalker.com
Captured Hearts by Sherlyn Powell
Sylvia Masters is a hot fifty-two year old widow and CEO of The Masters Investment Group. After her husband passed, her focus turned to raising their three children and getting the company her husband started ranked among the Fortune 500.
Lieutenant Julian Reynolds is on the scene to inform her of the murder of her former fiancée, Addison Lockwood. When the Lieutenant goes to the Masters’ home to question Sylvia he is blown away by her beauty.
Her looks and strong personality inspire Lieutenant Reynolds to solve the case and pursue the woman of his dreams.
When Sylvia offers the Lieutenant a cup of coffee their hands touch and their eyes lock. After a tumultuous beginning, Julian summons up the courage to ask Sylvia to dinner. Problem: Julian is ten years younger and Sylvia isn’t interested in being labeled a Cougar.
Refusing the Lieutenant’s invitation, Sylvia is flattered that this much younger man who is also fine is obviously interested in her. The undeniable chemistry is hard to resist. What would her family say?
Can Sylvia have a future with Julian?
Excerpt from Chapter 1 Captured Hearts
“Where is she?” The young woman looked at her watch and sighed. “She should have been here by now. Where is she?”
“Lacy!”
“What!”
“You need to give the carpet a rest. You’re going to take unnecessary pounds off that five foot ten inch model thin body.”
“Ha ha—funny. I can’t help it.” She frowned and folded her arms. “Where is she?”
“I don’t know. She’ll be here.”
“How can you be so calm Alexis? A man has been murdered and our mother is no where to be found.”
“A man?” The dark haired beauty shrugged her shoulders as she turned up her glass.
“You know what I mean.” Lacy looked out the window, “Mother could at least call us. Why hasn’t she called?”
“You know Mother; she answers to no one.”
“I can’t stand not knowing if she’s all right. Did she say anything to you at work?”
“The only thing she said was she had an appointment, she would be leaving early and she’d see me at home tonight.”
Lacy spoke softly. “She’s not even answering her phone.”
“Maybe she hasn’t heard.”
“I hope not. I don’t know if she was really over Addison.”
“She’ll be fine. Mother always lands on her feet.”
Lacy frowned as she stopped pacing long enough to turn and look at Alexis. “You say that with such malice.”
“No—just stating the simple truth. You forget we’re talking about Sylvia Masters. She’s one of the most powerful and most admired women in Northern Virginia. She didn’t get to the top by being timid.” Alexis smiled as she poured another glass of wine and drank until her glass was empty.
Lacy stared when she picked up a bottle of chardonnay and refilled her glass. “Alexis, that’s your third glass of wine.”
“And ….”
“You’re not a drinker. It’s obvious you’re worried too.”
“Don’t be ridiculous Lacy.” Alexis stretched out her arms as she slid back on the sofa and crossed her long shapely legs. She felt the turbulent movement in the pit of her stomach as she thought of where her mother was. What if she had found out about Addison? Would she really be okay?
“All that wine couldn’t be good for that curvy figure,” Lacy said. “It will go to your middle and you’ll lose that tiny waistline you’re so proud of.”
“Alright Dr. Masters, I thought you were studying to be a Psychologist. Are you turning to internal medicine too?” Alexis turned up her glass and stared at her baby sister.
“Alexis—really.”
Alexis laughed. “Lacy you’re shivering are you cold?”
“No, I’m fine.” She rubbed her arms and tilted her head back.
Alexis looked at her glass and sat it down. Lacy sat down but a minute later she bounced from her seat and paced the floor again. The only other sound in the room was a slight ticking sound that came from the clock that sat on the intricately carved mahogany mantle nearby. The two young women were determined to wait for Sylvia to come home. They wanted reassurance that she was okay.
Lacy looked at her watch. “It’s after six. If she left work early for her meeting how long do you think it would last?”
“I don’t know, she didn’t say much. Maybe she just decided to go have dinner or go shopping.”
“I doubt it.”
“Well at least the weather has cooled down. The humidity was a killer.”
“Alexis.”
“Sorry, poor choice of words. I still can’t believe someone would kill Addison”
“I know. They didn’t say very much on the news. Oh this is so sad.” Lacy held out her trembling hands.
“Lacy, you’ve got to calm down.”
“I’m trying.” She sat down and let out a long deep breath.
The doorbell rang and they looked at each other. Lacy stretched her eyes. They both walked to the door. Alexis opened it and smiled.
“Oh Marcus,” Lacy breathed a sigh of relief.
“I’m sorry if I startled you ladies. I take it your mother isn’t home yet.”
“No,” Lacy said, “and we haven’t heard from her either.”
“I’m glad you stopped by. You’re always here when our family needs you. How are you Marcus?”
“Fine Lacy, how are you doing?”
“Very well thank you.”
“Come on in let’s talk,” said Alexis. “We need to catch up,”
“You’re looking very beautiful Alexis. Your hair is getting long.” Marcus tried to distract them. “Are you going to cut it again?”
“No, I think I’ll let it keep growing.”
“You’re looking more and more like Sylvia every day—long hair or not.” He turned to Lacy, “you are still the beautiful female version of your father,” he smiled. “Are you stressing?”
“Alexis thinks I’m worrying for nothing.”
“I’m sure she’s right. Sylvia will be okay,” Marcus said. “I’ve known your mother for many years and there is one thing I know for sure. Sylvia Masters is a strong woman capable of handling herself in any situation. Just try to think positive and relax.”
“I know Marcus but if you really felt that way why are you here?” Lacy asked.
“Lacy; that’s cold,” said Alexis.
The three of them walked into the library, Marcus poured himself a drink and they sat passing the time. Marcus was able to distract them as they waited on Sylvia.
Thirty minutes later Marcus sprang to his feet and stood at attention. He adjusted the jacket of his dark gray Armani suit as he watched a shapely dark haired woman stroll into the room.
Alexis and Lacy turned around.
Sylvia Masters stopped just inside the door way; she raised her brows when she looked at the concerned tightlipped faces in the room. All three pairs of eyes stared back at her.
“Mother! Thank goodness.” Lacy exhaled a long sigh of relief. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine Lacy. Why do you ask? Why is everybody looking so glum?” She frowned when she locked eyes with her devoted friend. “And why are you here Marcus?”
He sat his drink down and walked toward Sylvia. “Where have you been?”
“Out.” Sylvia snapped as her brows drew closer together.
Marcus knew that response was typical of Sylvia. She didn’t owe him an explanation, friend or not.
“Did you hear?” Marcus looked at Sylvia. “Addison Lockwood was found dead earlier this evening.”
Sylvia’s eyes popped, “Addison? Dead?” She froze, chills ran through her body as her Louis Vuitton pursed dropped to the floor.
“Yes Mother, it’s true.” Alexis pushed back her long dark hair out of her face. We were concerned about you because we didn’t want you to hear about Addison from some stranger on the street.”
“We were both concerned you may find out before you got home and how you’d take it if you did,” Lacy said.
Sylvia’s limp body nearly collapsed as Marcus caught her by her waist and held her up; he walked her to her favorite chair. She took a deep breath as she slumped in her cushy oversized throne that sat in a corner of the library positioned so she could see everything that went on around her.
She placed her hand over her forehead. “That can’t be,” she frowned. “I don’t believe it. What happened?”
“We don’t have the details,” Marcus answered, “but it’s all over the news.” A Lieutenant Reynolds gave a brief interview to the media. According to his statement, Addison was found lying on his living room floor. Apparently he was struck in the back of his head.”
Lacy sat on the ottoman by her mother’s chair and squeezed Sylvia’s trembling hand as she looked at her. “Mother, I was so worried about you. You should have phoned. We tried to call you.”
Sylvia let out a deep breath as she released her hand from Lacy’s grasp; she stroked Lacy’s cheek as she looked into her gentle brown eyes. “I’m not accustomed to phoning in my whereabouts and I won’t start.” She sighed and sat up straight to regain her composure.
The sheer curtains that hung from the tall windows filtered the sun that peered through a small opening as it slowly slipped away.
###
About Sherlyn Powell Sherlyn Powell is an Author, Speaker and Publisher. She majored in Business Management at Northern Virginia Community College. Although Powell has a business background she has always loved writing. Her vivid imagination led her to creative writing classes to craft her highly praised debut novel, Something Desirable, released in May 2008. Sherlyn has been called an extraordinary writer. Her second novel, Captured Hearts is now available and has already gotten her one of the most rewarding five star reviews from one reviewer.
Sherlyn loves family and has strong faith in God. She writes about strong independent women, family loyalty and friendships. Creating believable characters and positive images her readers can identify with while maintaining a page turner is her ultimate goal when she writes.
A native of Virginia, Sherlyn always dreamed of being an author and a playwright. She dreams of seeing her characters come to life one day. She remembers a reading library her grandmother bought her when she was a child. Growing up she spent a lot time reading stories ranging from nursery rhymes, to Tom Sawyer to great literature like To Kill a Mockingbird. She also enjoys non-fiction, loves true stories and documentaries.
Though writing is her passion since childhood, she enjoys traveling, networking and photography.
Powell is the mother of two and resides in Virginia with her husband. She is a member of James River Writers, National Association of Professional Women, The Riverside Writers and The Virginia Writer's Club.
Contact Sherlyn via her website www.sherlynpowell.com.
Excerpt: Justice Older than the Law by Katie McCabe
Justice Older than the Law: The Life of Dovey Johnson Roundtree
by Katie McCabe and Dovey Johnson Roundtree
Winner of the Association of Black Women Historians’ 2009 Letitia Woods Brown Memorial Book Prize for best publication on an African American woman
» AUDIO SNEAK PEEK FROM THE BOOK
Katie McCabe reading from Chapter One, "Walking Unafraid," about Dovey Roundtree's courageous Grandma Rachel, the woman Dovey calls "the greatest warrior I ever knew." Listen here now:
http://www.audioacrobat.com/sa/WC3S5tj4
Justice Older than the Law by Katie McCabe and Dovey Johnson
Roundtree is the story of pioneering Army veteran, attorney and minister Dovey Johnson Roundtree, co-authored by Katie McCabe. This is a love song to the black family and a celebration of the eternal values that make it possible to transcend our pain and limitations. Dovey Roundtree is an icon, and her story is an inspiration to all families.
Dovey Johnson Roundtree is a retired lawyer, an Army veteran, and an A.M.E. minister. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Katie McCabe is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in the Washingtonian Magazine, Baltimore Magazine, and Reader's Digest, among others. Her National Magazine Award-winning article on black medical legend Vivien Thomas was the basis for the HBO film Something the Lord Made, winner of three Emmys and a 2005 Peabody Award.
Chapter One, "Walking Unafraid," about Dovey Roundtree's courageous Grandma Rachel, the woman Dovey calls "the greatest warrior I ever knew."
Excerpt: Chapter One: Walking Unafraid
Every evening, in the tiny kitchen of the old frame shotgun house where I grew up in Charlotte, my Grandma Rachel marked the day’s end by a ritual etched in my memory with a clarity that belies the eighty years since then.
She ceased to rush, as she did endlessly in the hours between dawn and darkness, and she commenced to draw water and lay out clean towels and mix an ointment she made of turpentine and mutton tallow. I would stand, quiet, watching her heat the water on the wood stove, pour it into a metal pan, then remove her stockings and hoist her skirts as she lifted her feet into the steaming bath.
Her feet were broken. They were gnarled and twisted and horribly misshapen, with the bones sticking out in strange ways. As she lifted them into the steaming water, she winced. And I would know, though she had spoken no word and given no sign, that all day long her feet had been paining her.
How frightened I was the first time I saw those poor broken feet. I was five years old, and my mother and my three sisters and I had just moved to my grandparents’ home after the death of my father, James Eliot Johnson, in the influenza epidemic of 1919. My grandmother had scooped us up and taken us under her wing, whisking us from my parents’ house to the little parsonage where she lived with my Grandpa. All day long, she hovered over us…Like a tiny whirling dervish she moved, and so, when I first saw her grow quiet, I was startled.
Then I saw her feet, so large and misshapen they seemed to belong to another woman entirely, and I drew back, frightened. Every night after that, I’d look at her scarred, twisted feet, at the skin stretched taut over the jutting bones, and I’d want to ask her what had made them that way. But something in her silence warned me not to.
The day came, finally, as I was just beginning to mature into womanhood, when Grandma took me to her in private and spoke to me of what had happened to her feet.
A white man had broken them.
It had happened a very long time ago, Grandma said, when she was a young girl, just coming into womanhood herself…and she had seen the man watching her with a look that told her he meant to do her harm.
“The slave master,” she called him. He was the overseer on the farm near Henrietta, North Carolina, where her father worked, and when she spoke of what he had tried to do to her, a look of anguish crossed her face unlike any I had seen before or would see after.
“He was meanin’ to bother me, Dovey Mae,” she told me, in the delicate way she had of speaking about things sexual. “I ran and fought every way I knew how. And I hurt him. Then he grabbed hold o’ me and he stomped, hard as he could, on my feet – to keep me from runnin’ for good, he told me. But I kept on runnin.’”
“Wasn’t nothing to do but fight him, hard as I could,” she said. “He wasn’t goin’ to have his way with me.”
Grandma’s mother had wrapped her smashed, bleeding feet in cloth and rubbed them with the mutton tallow and turpentine ointment Grandma would use for the rest of her days. But the bones had been so crushed that her feet were forever misshapen, and so twisted that for a while she could not walk at all. When she did, it was with a swaying awkwardness that late at night became a limp.
And yet, for all of that, she had won. He had not, as she said, had “his way” with her.
I saw my Grandma Rachel fight everything with that same fierceness – poverty, sickness, injustice, and even despair. Like a mighty stream, her courage flowed through my childhood, shaping me as rushing water shapes the pebbles in its path.
Note: Excerpt used for promotional purposes. Permission given by University Press of Mississippi, Jackson, MS)
» Justice Older than the Law by Katie McCabe Purchase your copy today!
Hardcover: 288 pages
ISBN-10: 160473132X
Tahitian Pearl by Esauren Phyer From The Gritty Dune To An Oasis In The Sun
Explore the pages of this wonderful, witty, sometimes gritty novel.
Follow Naiyah Harland and her family through life's many challenges
(Infidelity, Deception and Much More... ) and see where they end up. If you know God is always around and will show up on our behalf - good, you won't be surprised.
If you don't - good, you'll be blessed. This story is one of redemption.
We find at times, Life to be a real messy mess. It is, has been or will be. There’s no escaping it.
We all experience on one level or another, the untidiness, disorder and dirt of life - Life’s Messes!
Some of us don’t mind the drama, trauma and maladjustment of the mess, but many of us recognize the need to be
“set free” therefore, realizing that in doing so, love wins.
Tahitian Pearl (from the gritty dune to an oasis in the Sun) is a compelling story of family drama, where the messes of life (infidelity, drugs and more) demonstrate how we judge, misjudge and drift.
However, grace and mercy can set us free and let love win. This book, because of its
multi-dimensional and complex characters is ideal for book clubs as it provides endless discussion possibilities.
About Esauren Phyer, author of Tahitian Pearl
Meet Long Island, New York native Esauren Phyer. She's a prolific writer of fiction, short, stories, newsletter bylines and personal journaling. She graduated from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and holds a degree in sociology and a certification in Christian counseling. By day she's an information technology specialist and a creative writer by night.
Ms. Phyer, an avid reader for most of her life, dreamed of becoming a published and well read author long before her Humanities
Professor at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania suggested she do something with her writing over thirty years ago.
Ms. Phyer is committed to living free, free from other people’s opinions, free from drama, free from sickness, free from her own prejudices and hang-ups and has written a novel that is replete with messages of
“setting oneself free,” particularly when we find ourselves immersed in the grit and messes of life.
Her book, Tahitian Pearl, focuses on a young woman named Naiyah, whose life is fraught with personal traumas designed to keep her from the joy and blessings God has for her. The moment Naiyah is born, her grandmother knows that God is going to work in her life in a special way, but the enemy of God has other plans.
Tahitian Pearl 5 Star
Amazon Reader Review
I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Naiyah. Your book gave me reason to pause and evaluate my life
experiences and my reactions to them. After reading the book I had dinner with a friend who was having a personal crisis.
She expressed how she was trying to put her faith in the Lord and then the words from your book just started to spew from my mouth.
I told her to quit trying to give up the issue and just do it. Let the Lord take control of the situation and accept the direction that was presented to her.
After much discussion, she realized the error of her way of processing her situation and decided then and there that she would follow the Lord's lead.
Funny how there is this trickle effect in life, you affect readers who affect those around them.
You are the embodiment of following the direction the Lord has presented and for that I thank you.
-- Reviewed by Nancy - The Blonde One (Catonsville MD)
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About
the Author
My Father's Colors-The Drama-Filled Journey of Naya Monà Continues
, takes you on the journey of four individuals that lead to one destination filled with betrayal, lies and shocking secrets. 
Smart, sexy Victoria Small has come to the end of her year off—from men, that is. She's enjoyed her hiatus, the peace, quiet—and no unexpected interruptions. But now she's ready to have someone to come home to. And her timing is perfect, as not one, but two, handsome possibilities enter her life. . .
She’s
a savvy, successful real-estate agent with a quick wit, a low tolerance for BS,
and a gorgeous size-14 body. Despite her dream house, luxury car, and appetite
for life’s best—like fine dining and hot men—she seems to have her own
special talent for attracting players. Why do all of her ex-lovers belong in the
Losers Hall of Fame? 
One day when
Jasmin Darznik is helping her mother pack up to move, a photograph falls from a stack of old letters. The girl in it is her mother. She is wearing a wedding veil, and at her side stands a man whom Jasmin has never seen before. 
About the Author
Two best friends test the limits of loyalty in a stirring new novel of friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness.
Mia and Danielle had vowed to stay best friends for life-- until one indiscretion destroyed that bond forever. Twenty years later, tragedy reunites them in an unexpected way. Now they must confront the past, discover its untold truths, and rebuild a friendship destined to endure.
About the Author
Minnie E. Miller is a seasoned writer by age, not by the number of books written. She’s 74 years old and has written three books. Two more are pending. She retired in 1999 from the Office of the Mayor of San Francisco, California. She traveled to U.S. cities and abroad returning to her native home in Chicago’s Hyde Park community.
“Whispers from the Mirror” is her latest novel.
Lorene Cary
the critically acclaimed author of Black Ice, Pride, and The Price of a Child
offers this deeply moving story of a family’s challenge to reunite, understand the truth about its past, and secure its legacy.
Straight-laced Savannah Blake’s world is turned upside down when she finds her dad, Major Blake, shot on his lawn. Before he dies, he gives her a few clues to the identity of his killer. His dying request is “Protect your sisters.” Montana and Asia are the only family Savannah has left, and she will fight to the end to save them. The pain of losing their father has Savannah obsessed with finding his killer.
Alone . . . Massachusetts State Trooper Bobby Dodge watches a tense hostage standoff unfold through the scope of his sniper rifle. Just across the street, in wealthy Back Bay, Boston, an armed man has barricaded himself with his wife and child. The man's finger tightens on the trigger and Dodge has only a split second to react . . . and forever pay the consequences.
Genova delivers a poignant novel about a busy, vibrant woman in her 30s who has a car accident, leaving her to deal with a crippling disorder called left
neglect. Sarah Nickerson is like any other career-driven supermom in
Welmont, the affluent Boston suburb where she leads a hectic but charmed life with her husband Bob, faithful nanny, and three children—Lucy, Charlie, and nine-month-old
Linus. 
Set in Washington, DC and the US island territory of St. Croix, Tithe of Blood is the coming of age story of Hope Taylor. Growing up in Contentment, a small, close-knit community in St. Croix, Hope is a feisty, energetic, beauty who develops an early interest in public service. In high school, she is valedictorian and president of her senior class and voted most likely to succeed by her peers. 
With the millions she received after divorcing her faithless tycoon husband, Bernadine Brown saved the historic town of Henry Adams, Kansas, from financial ruin and found loving homes for five needy children. Now there are other "projects" crying out for rescue.
From a master of suspense comes a chilling new novel that explores the dangers lurking closer than you think. Because even in the perfect family, you never know what is going on behind closed doors...
"She passed a hard candy over her shoulder as though whatever was in the tiny wrapper was supposed to make it all better. I clutched the peppermint in my hand and buried my face in the hard leather seat while she explained what was going to happen to me. She promised that I'd be safe from then on." 
Dominique Falcon, little sister of Daniel Falcon, once a gorgeous model, is an intelligent, wealthy socialite—and a total failure when it comes to love. After falling for a charmer who was after her money, she’s decided to set some ground rules for romance, starting
with: Don’t be richer than your man. But that was before she met Trent Masters, a ruggedly sexy truck driver who drives her crazy…
About Francis Ray
Undeniable by Francis Ray
Twice the Temptation
by Francis Ray 
Niquole Wright seems to have it all; a loyal and devoted husband, two children and a rising record label that she dedicates more time to than her family. Everything is perfect except for one thing...her husband Germaine. She has run her course with him and he needs to be replaced. 
Meet Author Carla S. Pennington
Lacey leaves her high paying job, the New York social scene, and breaks her engagement to a successful but snobbish attorney to reclaim ancestral land on Martha’s Vineyard and build an equestrian camp to honor her Native American and African American heritage. She learns the property was sold to a local rancher for unpaid taxes. Using her savings, she purchases oceanfront property and livestock, hires a riding instructor from Texas, sight unseen, and prepares to win back her land by competing with the rancher in an equestrian contest at the end of the season.
Committed Detective Dwayne Booker is the go to guy when it’s time to solve the hardest cases. Son of a fallen decorated officer, he followed his father’s footsteps, despite his mother’s suicide after his father’s passing. When he’s assigned to a highly controversial case that happens to be the first murder of the New Year, it causes him to reevaluate his workaholic lifestyle and appreciate life more. 
Have you ever been played? Most will say, yes, and just take the defeat on the chin, but not Zaria Hopkins. Life had already dealt her a bad hand landing her in a two-bedroom apartment with a roommate who thought she was a nut-case, and who desperately tried to get away from both her odd behavior and controlling ways. As luck would have it Zaria hooked up with Hardy, a sexy, suave piece of eye candy who laughed her out of her panties the first night then tried to tell her to forget it ever happened the next day. 
Snitch is a sexy urban tale that will make you think twice about who you can trust. It all begins with Ces’ar Lopez aka Drape, a savvy street hustler who thinks he’s on top of the world. He has no plans of relinquishing his crown as King Pen of the Streets; but the love of his life Diona has a different agenda. 
About VegasClarke 
Jenna walked into the room with a frown on her face. Her countenance was full of worry and her eyes began to push forward the tears that had been building up within her for the past few days. She sat down on the worn-out brown sofa and let out a sigh that the whole house (if the walls were listening) could hear. 
About the Author:
SWIMMING THE GARDA is an irresistible murder mystery with a cultural twist. Audley Haffenden is a fresh new voice in the world of literary fiction whose writing has the ability to delightfully transport readers. He writes proudly and vividly of his homeland and its’ rich history and tradition in a way that makes you feel the cool breeze and smell the coconut cakes and calaloo. It will make you want to strongly consider Jamaica as your next travel destination.
Life's daily struggles can often leave us perplexed and bewildered on how to cope with hard issues. In
COMPLETELY WHOLE, Paulette Harper offers keys to help those who are searching for answers that can lead to a life of complete wholeness:
Spirit, Soul and Body.
Ashanti, Kenisha, and Raheem are siblings who have always shared a special bond and love each other dearly. Ashanti owns one of the most prominent marketing firms in Marietta, Georgia. Yet the pain of her past relationship and personal tragedy has her heart flaming with rage. Kenisha has the life that every woman would dream about and more. She’s a successful accountant in Roswell, Georgia.
Twenty-eight year old Kennedy Logan is gorgeous, educated, talented, and in love. Unfortunately, Drake Collins has other ideas about the true state of their relationship. Kennedy hopes to turn him around; Drake just wants to turn her out sexually. Kennedy is also searching for her biological mother, who gave her up at birth. She wants answers and she has tons of questions. The enormous weight of these predicaments leads to a failed suicide attempt.
Determined to prove herself to her siblings and her boss, Darlene Cunningham has made a name in the exciting, sometimes dangerous world of criminal law. When Darlene travels to Memphis in pursuit of a witness, the Maryland attorney doesn't expect to be under the surveillance of the rugged Tennessee cop who sets off sensual sparks from the moment they meet.
Hang on to your seat as Christian Fiction author Pat G’Orge-Walker spins a hilarious, inspiring novel of mistakes and second chances, heartache and love, sin and salvation… 
Sylvia Masters is a hot fifty-two year old widow and CEO of The Masters Investment Group. After her husband passed, her focus turned to raising their three children and getting the company her husband started ranked among the Fortune 500. 
Justice Older than the Law: The Life of Dovey Johnson Roundtree 
Explore the pages of this wonderful, witty, sometimes gritty novel.
Follow Naiyah Harland and her family through life's many challenges 
About Esauren Phyer, author of Tahitian Pearl 