Tag Archives: forgiveness

January 12, 2016 · 2:04 am

Tell Me Lies Author: Michelle Lindo-Rice

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New Book Release: Tell Me Lies

Kindle: ASIN: B018EXNO70

Author: Michelle Lindo-Rice

Publication Date: Jan 12, 2016

tell_me_lies_coverGenre: Christian Fiction

About The Book

A broken heart…When Sydney Richardson meets Pastor Noah Charleston it was practically love at first sight. Sydney has battled so much deception in her personal life and in her work as an attorney, she is glad to have a perfect man she can depend on. But her Prince Charming has some secrets that are worse than Sydney could have ever imagined. What will she do when Noah’s past life come to light?

A broken truth… Pastor Noah Charleston has come a long way since his troubled youth. A respected Man-of-God, Noah’s long buried past emerges in the form of blackmail and threats. Noah not only fears for his safety but also for his newfound love. Will he take a chance on the truth before it’s too late?

A broken trust…Newly converted Christian, Belinda Santiago, harbors a secret that could end her friendship with Sydney. She’s in love with Lance Forbes, Sydney’s ex-fiancé. When Belinda and Lance’s relationship is exposed she may have to choose between her man and her best friend.

A broken man…Lance Forbes returns to Port Charlotte to make things right with Sydney, but his feelings for Belinda are in his way. Lance knows for him to become a do-right man, he must face his childhood pain. Will Lance get his act together and take a chance on love or run again?

Michelle Lindo-Rice

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About The Author

Michelle Lindo-Rice is an award winning, bestselling author of “Able to Love” and “On the Right Path” series. She enjoys crafting women’s fiction with themes centered around the four “F” words: Faith, Friendship, Family and Forgiveness. She is the 2015 winner of the Black Writers And Book Clubs Rocks Author of the Year Award. www.michellelindorice.com

Connect Socially

Website: http://www.michellelindorice.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.lindorice

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mlindorice

Purchase Links:

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1kj24B7

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B018EXNO70

 

Prologue

“The rumor is three black boys killed your parents. Is it true?”

Perched on the edge of his cot, Noah Charleston lifted his eyes to look at the four half-men standing before him. The leader of the pack, Mitch, was sixteen with a baby face, braces and bad acne around his chin. His two muscles, twins Roger and Wylie, were about a year older at seventeen. Both were built like linebackers. Finally, the Whiz, or Matthew a slender fifteen year old with glasses that took up half of his face was the brain of the group.

“Answer him,” Roger prodded, stepping into the small cell.

Noah shrugged. “That was a year ago.”

“We can do something about that.” Mitch popped his gum. “Join us.”

Noah had heard about the “Avengers” as they dubbed themselves. They ruled the juvenile detention hall and dressed in their version of combat gear: khaki pants, boots and camouflage shirts. Even the counselors were afraid of them.

Noah kept to himself. Everyone pretty much left him alone. Except for today.

He looked up at them. “Do I have a choice?”

Wylie stepped forward. “Do you want me to help you make up your mind?”

“How about I help fix that ugly face of yours?” Noah threw back.

Wylie sprung at Noah. Noah jumped to his feet and sidestepped the much bigger guy. Then he bashed Wylie in the back of the head. Roger lunged at him.

“Quit it,” Mitch bellowed. “Leave him alone.”

Roger’s chest heaved but he backed off. His eyes held a threat. Noah met his gaze, daring him to bring it.

“I like your heart,” Mitch said. “We need you.”

“I like my own company,” Noah said.

“We have something you want,” the Whiz said. His voice was barely above a whisper. He wheezed his words as if he was always in need of an asthma pump.

“You don’t have—”

Noah’s eyes widened. The Whiz held a crumpled 3×5 photograph in his hand. Noah snatched it, “Where did you find this?”

“We have our ways,” Mitch bragged.

Noah squinted.

“I hacked into the computer system,” the Whiz said. This time he coughed at the end of his words. “I know who took your picture.”

“We’ve handled him.” Mitch’s tone was solemn.

“That’s why you should be thanking us,” Wyle said, rubbing the back of his head.

Noah looked at the photograph of his parents and closed his eyes to keep the tears from falling. It was his most prized possession. When he had been sent here to the juvenile home two months ago, Noah had placed it under his pillow before lunch. When he checked for it later that night, it had been gone. He searched everywhere but couldn’t find it. That was the first time since his parents’ funeral Noah had cried himself to sleep.

“Thank you,” he grounded out.

“Thank us by joining us,” Mitch said.

The Whiz held up a picture. It was an African-American by the name of Tony Billows who had taken it.

Noah clenched his fists. “Where is he?”

“In the hospital with some missing teeth,” Roger said.

“And a missing pinky,” Wylie added.

Noah blinked. He would have settled it with a well-deserved punch or two. Not doing Tony serious injury. “That was vicious.”

“It was a message. You mess with one of us you mess with us all. We’re a family,” Mitch said.

“The Avengers,” Wylie and Roger said in unison. They held out their fists. Noah had reservations but Mitch had used the magic word. Family. Noah wanted family. He made a fist and the boys all did a fist bump.

“The Avengers,” he said.

“Welcome,” Mitch said.

“Glad to have you,” The Whiz whispered. “Now, let’s get you some proper clothes and a haircut.”

Noah swallowed his reservations. He had a family again. Nothing else mattered.

 

To Read the first three chapters, click here:

http://michellelindorice.blogspot.com/2015/09/tell-me-lies-prologue-and-first-three.html

Follow the tour http://wnlbooktours.com/michelle-lindo-rice/

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May 17, 2013 · 1:03 am

Christians with Pervasive Issues Virtual Book Tour with Annie Brown

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Book Title: Christians with Pervasive Issues
Genre Christian Non-Fiction

About The Book

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Even as a faithful Christian, there may be times when you feel that there is no hope of escaping issues and themes in your life that ensnare and trip you up time and time again. When a certain pattern of behavior or type of suffering has been following you all your life, it’s hard to believe that you can ever escape from it. Christians with Pervasive Issues shows us that every child of God can be delivered from issues that cause them to be a victim, rather than walking in victory. In compassionate, no-nonsense language, Annie Brown demonstrates that with genuine repentance, using God’s principles, and the right counseling/support, you can overcome anything. Christians with Pervasive Issues gives you the ray of hope you need in order to heal your life, and get closer to God.

About The Author

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Annie Brown is the mother of four adult children, five grandchildren, and one great grandchild. She is a licensed minister and social worker. As a social worker, Annie works the terminally ill, providing emotional support at the most critical time in an individual’s life. It is Annie’s desire that Christians work through their pervasive issues before the end of life, so that the transition between death and eternity can be smooth, and not cluttered with unresolved conflicts.

Annie Brown challenges us to face our issues. One cannot be healed and delivered from hurt, pain , and bitterness without facing the issues and forgiving our selves and those who hurt us. This small book is packed with love and compassion for the hurting , yet frank advice as to how to work through your issues to be free from the bondage of the past. Read what Annie Brown shares about her life and why she wrote the book.

Describe yourself for our visitors.

I am a God-fearing Christian who believes that a balanced life is important. I am a person who believes in helping others.
How do you find time to connect with God?
I make time for prayer, meditations, and studying the Word of God. I understand the importance of a dedicated prayer life and spending quality time meditating, studying, and having a dialogue with God. Since I am on the road everyday going to visit my patients, I utilize some of that travel time to commune with God.

Describe the importance of prayer and intercession in one’s life?

To me prayer and intercession is part of the essence of who I am…I realize that outside of God I am nothing and to be in fellowship with God it takes communing with Him daily. Prayer changes things is not just a saying but a truth I have learned to embrace in every part of my life…Also to be successful in life I understand that we are required to stand in the gap for others…I really believe that to pray for others I will be healed whether it is physically, mentally, emotionally, and etc…

Tell us about your current book?

Christians with Pervasive Issues is self-help book. The main focus is forgiveness. We have a need to present ourselves to God in humble submission and ask God to forgive us and deliver us. With God forgiving us in mind we need to understand that God forgives us when we come clean and not try to hide behind our issues and use excuses for unholy behaviors.
How did you come up with ideas for this book?
This book was inspired by God. I had never given any serious thought to writing a book because I felt inadequate to do so. However, when one learns the voice of God then we will know when God is speaking and when God spoke those words about Pervasive Issues, I definitely knew it was God, and not me. I share in the book that I did not even know the meaning of pervasive. And believe me, I tried to ignore the command to write, but when God has something for us to do, He will allow us to wander around in the wilderness and when we finish wandering God’s instructions will not have changed.
What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book?
I want readers to learn that forgiveness brings freedom. If we need to forgive others or ask others to forgive us, we need to get whatever the issue resolved before the end of life. As a hospice social worker, I have witnessed so many people being agitated and restless. These persons cannot get comfortable and they continue to say they are in pain but no amount of medication can reduce emotional pain. It is as though, those issues that have been unresolved rear up and say “you thought I was gone but I am not so peep-a-boo”. The sad thing is that sometimes a person’s cognitive abilities to process matters are gone and it takes spiritual discernment and special skills to be able to dig under all that rubberish to find what the issue is so that person can find peace.

What did you learn while writing this book?

I learned much more about patience and the need to wait on God.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

My greatest desire is that people will take care of their unresolved issues before the end of life so that the transition will not be cluttered with emotional pain and agitation because there is no inner peace.

When you’re not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?

Spare time….I could ask, what is that ?…..but on a serious note…I love to spend quality time with my family and friends. I enjoy cooking and I like quiet time. There is nothing like taking “me” days when I stay in my pajamas and do nothing of importance which I have learned to do in my senior years.

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The Meaning of Pervasive Issues

I WAS GETTING ready for work and suddenly the words “Pervasive Issues” were dropped into my spirit. Can you imagine someone who is not normally a morning person having something so important to deal with? I could not even think of the meaning of “pervasive,” so I could not comprehend what was being said to me. I went on to work, but it did not leave me. I shared what had been dropped into my spirit with my co-worker who is an encourager. He gave me a push to pursue the message the Spirit was conveying, and to understand what God wanted me to write. I could not begin until I did some preliminary homework. I had to figure out what part of speech that “pervasive” was. “Pervasive” is an adjective, which served as a modifier to the noun (issue). Merriam-Webster Dictionary defined it as “spreading through every part.” If an issue is pervasive, it permeates the whole of something. Pervasive issues need to be dealt with within the Body of Christ.

Book Excerpt

A Remedy to Get to the Root of the Problem
WHAT IS NEEDED is that the people of God “must” clean out their secret compartments and confess that they need the Lord to deliver them. Confession is made unto salvation (deliverance). If we confess our faults, the Lord is faithful in forgiving us. You may ask, “Why do I have to confess if I was not responsible for what happened to me?”
The issue then becomes whether you have forgiven the person that caused me this harm. If there is no forgiveness, then you become a victim twice: a victim of circumstance, and a victim of bondage. This can be in some ways more dangerous than cancer. This will always be eating away at you. With cancer, at least you know what is going on in your body. Being a victim of circumstance and having an unforgiving heart bring torment. This torment becomes a part of you in such a way that it eats through your mind, destroys your inner peace, and puts your soul in jeopardy because it becomes a heart matter of sin.

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February 28, 2013 · 3:09 am

Liberation Virtual Book Tour

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Skin color. Abuse. Rejection. Low self esteem. Rejection. Negative Behavior. Salvation. Acceptance. Respect. Love. Encouraged. Loved. Renewed Mind. Liberation. These words described the various issues and scenarios that arise in the touching story of Liberation by Wanda B. Campbell. I encouraged a younger woman to read the book becasue it addressed issues that exist but many do not like to frankly address and “call out” even in 2013. This engaging novel of learning to love one’s self and restoration will encourage women to believe that they can overcome negative situations and perhaps challenge others to look into the mirror.

In response to the inteview questions by Linda Fegins author Wanda B. Campbell shares insight about the author, what inspired her to write this engrossing story and what she hoped to accomplish by sharing this novel.

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Describe yourself for our visitors.

I am a wife, mother and youth leader. I love reading, writing and music from the 70s and 80s. I am a baseball and football fan. I enjoy meeting new people and traveling. I am shy and consider myself an introvert. My ideal evening would be spent snuggled up with a good book and a tall, decaf, nonfat, extra hot peppermint mocha from Starbucks.

What inspired you to write this book?

Liberation is inspired by my childhood and young adult life. Telling Shannon’s story was cathartic for me. Hopefully Liberation will catapult readers who find themselves in a place of low-self-worth to a place of freedom.

Who are your favorite authors and why?? Favorite books?

My favorite fiction authors are DeBerry & Grant for their engaging storytelling ability. My favorite book is Tryin’ to Sleep in the Bed You Made.

My favorite romance writer is Gwynne Forster. I love how she creates strong, confident and sensitive men.

In my opinion, Beverly Jenkins is the best Historical Fiction writer ever.

Tell us about your journey to publication.

My journey began when I self-published my first book in January 2007. Later that year I won Kendra Norman Bellamy’s Cruisin’ for Christ I short story contest, which landed me a multi-book deal with Urban Christian. Currently, I write for two publishing houses and mentor new and aspiring authors.

Describe the importance of intercession and prayer in your life? In writing the book?

Prayer is primary in my life and in my writing. I live Proverbs 3:5-6 before every decision. Before I begin a novel, I pray for a theme and a plot. As much as possible, I write while listening to worship music.

Tell us about your current book?

Shannon Yates grew up in the hood and is a true product of her environment. Family life and experiences have depleted Shannon’s self-esteem. As a new convert, Shannon embarks on a journey of self-discovery and freedom. She reads her Bible faithfully, but doesn’t quite believe the love found within its pages is something she can obtain.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

As an individual who has struggled with and overcome traumatic experiences and abandonment issues, I pulled from my own history.

What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book?

1. No matter the circumstances of our birth, we were created for a reason. We are not some freak
accident.

2. Our environment and people do not define us.

3. Self-love is a prerequisite to loving others .

What’s next for you?

My next novel will, Doin’ Me will be released May 2013.

About the Book

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Wanda B. Campbell is an extraordinary and talented writer who brings creativity, a new sense of hope, and restoration through the healing power of God to the Kingdom, by way of Christian fiction. Wanda uses real life everyday issues to exhort, motivate, and give comfort to all.

A romantic at heart, Wanda uses relationships to demonstrate how the power of forgiveness and reconciliation can restore us back to God and one another. Wanda currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband of twenty-two years, and two sons. She holds the unique position of being the oldest of five siblings and the youngest of twelve. Her hobbies include writing and reading of course, traveling, and collecting magnets from around the world. Her favorite hobby is spoiling her grandson.
Tired of living a life of manipulation and abuse, Shannon Yates trades in her mini-skirts, colored contacts, and twelve-inch weave for a Bible. Although she accepts the liberation found within its pages, walking in her newfound freedom proves easier said than done. Just when the thing Shannon longs for the most is within reach, insecurities and old emotional wounds resurface, causing her to reject the blessing the Father has for her. Will love cast out all fear and liberate Shannon before it’s too late? Or will she settle for the familiar?

Book Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c95M3JCkZDg

About the Author

Wanda B. Campbell is an extraordinary and talented writer who brings creativity, a new sense of hope, and restoration through the healing power of God to the Kingdom, by way of Christian fiction. Wanda uses real life everyday issues to exhort, motivate, and give comfort to all.

A romantic at heart, Wanda uses relationships to demonstrate how the power of forgiveness and reconciliation can restore us back to God and one another. Wanda currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband of twenty-two years, and two sons. She holds the unique position of being the oldest of five siblings and the youngest of twelve. Her hobbies include writing and reading of course, traveling, and collecting magnets from around the world. Her favorite hobby is spoiling her grandson.
Visit the author online at:
www.wandabcampbell.com/

View the blog tour schedule at:
http://tywebbinvirtualevents.com/kwIvD

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February 14, 2013 · 5:44 am

Reasons for Hatred with Author Hadassah Thomas Martin (J.E.Thomas)

 

About The Book

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About The Book 

This a story based on true events. It’s about two best friends who were separated during their childhood. The spotlight then zooms in on Hadassah; during their adult reunion, she divulges the painful moments of the sexual abuse, murder and death that occurred in her life during her adolescence. It is a story about an ordinary person faced with extraordinary trauma and how she came to forgive and learned to embrace wholeness. 

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About The Author

 

 Hadassah Thomas Martin is a high-spirited woman of faith who was born in Los Angeles and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area.  She trained with Precept Ministries and became a certified trainer in “How to study the Bible”. She is also an active member of the Fellowship of International Christian Word Of Faith Ministries (FICWFM).  She is the founder of “Keep It Real Ministries” which is a non-profit organization whose mission is to conduct local bible studies which teach people how to continuously live in the reality of God’s Word; regardless of their experience. 
Being an “at risk youth” herself, Hadassah has overcome insurmountable obstacles. She is a bright light to women who have suffered abuse and a vital assistant in producing overcomers.
She has a passion for people and teaches youth, men and woman how to fight to win!  
As a true worshipper and Intercessor, she boldly believes that NOTHING is too hard for God! 
In spite of the multiple challenges we face, she believes the greatness which is inside us all, can be extracted, developed and targeted to reach its designed purpose.  
Her Focus: to express qualities that bring inspiration to others. Her motto is “We Always Triumph!”
Her inspiring influence, and her down to earth, “Keep It Real” style are certain to leave an indelible impression.

 Interview with Author Hadassah Thomas Martin (J.E. Thomas) by Linda Fegins

What do you do when the you are betrayed by the one who is supposed to  protect you from harm’s way? Author Hadassah Thomas Martin’s book Reasons for Hatred shares  a story of  how one can overcome great pain and obstacles to walk in peace and  in love  by the power of the Holy  Spirit. The book has a a message of forgiveness for others and forgiveness towards ourselves. Forgiveness has the power to close painful chapters of our lives. It also has the power to  allow one to be free of the past and to find a life of  healing and destiny.

 1) Describe yourself for our visitors.
I am recently married (2 Years). I am the mother of two amazing adults. I have three
spectacular granddaughters. I love reading, studying and teaching God’s word. I enjoy serving God’s people. I enjoy spending time in prayer and worship. Although I am not a gifted singer, I love to sing. I love to dance and I love to laugh and play. I enjoy learning. I have worked for Social Services for the past 26 years. I am excited about God and lastly what most people don’t know and probably would not believe about me is that I am really an introvert by nature.

2) How do you find time to connect with God?
When I get up, I start my day with prayer, the Word, intercession and worship. I have a place where I meet with God regularly. There have been times I have missed my appointment with God, but I always acknowledge Him first thing in the morning before I get out of bed and give Him praise. I play worship music and the Word on CD in my car and worship God while driving to work. I also talk with my heavenly Father throughout the day about any and everything.

3) What inspired you to write this book?
In ministry, I have met hundreds who have been abused or deeply hurt; they either cannot forgive or they refuse to forgive. While privately praying on their behalf, I would ask God to please deliver them as He has delivered me. Through prayer and through the encouragement of others who had heard bits and pieces of my story, I felt led to pen my experiences with the struggle of un-forgiveness.

4) Who are your favorite authors and why?? Favorite books?
I don’t feel I have favorite authors, I like so many. I do have multiple books by Smith
Wigglesworth, Kay Arthur, Dutch Sheets, Myles Munroe, John Maxwell, Watchman Nee and so many others. I also love Jane Austen.
As for favorite books; three books that immediately come to mind are: This Present Darkness (Frank Peretti), the Screwtape Letters (C.S. Lewis) and The Shack (William Paul Young). I predominately read spiritual and self-improvement books.

5) Tell us about your journey to publication.
I self-published and it was my first journey ever with publishing of any kind. So, being unfamiliar, it was a good learning process. There were many steps in the process, instructions to be followed and much going back and forth until things were just right. The people I worked with were very patient with my naïveté and I had to exercise patience during the process. The result was product that I created and am quite satisfied with.

6) Tell us about your current book?
My current book is a story about one woman’s personal struggle with hatred and her journey to forgiveness. The story is set around the relationship between two best friends who were separated during childhood. Upon their adult reunion, Hadassah, who is the main character, reopens the tragedies of her adolescence, divulging every painful moment and her journey to forgiveness. It is a story about how she triumphed against tremendous odds.

7) How did you come up with ideas for this book?
The ideas came from my own life experiences.

8) What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book?
I want readers who have been abused or mistreated to learn that they don’t have to let the pain of  their past keep them stuck in time. There is a way to healthily move beyond their injuries so that they can live a wholesome life and live it to the full. I want them to witness the experiences of a person who went through hell, but who overcame; and to know they can overcome also.

9) What’s next for you?
Currently, I am working on my second book. It will be the sequel to my current book. It will also incorporate another story about how God used Hadassah in the life of her father’s murderer, which will also be based on true events. I also plan to write a book about loss and grief, and a book about how God answers prayers.

10) Where can visitors find you online?
Visitors can email me at: hadassah@hadassahinspires.com; they can visit my website at:
www.hadassahinspires.com; connect with me on Facebook at: Hadassah Inspires or Twitter
@HDASAHinspires.

11) When did you begin to realize you wanted to write?
To be truthful, it was not a realization that I wanted to write. I have always written; in journals, poetry, term papers and essays. I even wrote a screen play once. Writing was just something I did as a form of expression.

Order your copy

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Reasons-Hatred-Story-Based-Events/dp/1432793772/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354406976&sr=1-1&keywords=reasons+for+hatred+by+j.e.+thomas

 E-Book: http://www.amazon.com/Reasons-For-Hatred-Events-ebook/dp/B00A443WAW/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1354406976&sr=1-1

 Barnes and Noble link:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/reasons-for-hatred-j-e-thomas/1113752391?ean=9781432793777

Link to purchase book on my website:
http://www.hadassahinspires.com/Reasons-For-Hatred.html 

 Email Address: hadassah@hadassahinspires.com

Author Website www.hadassahinspires.com

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January 17, 2013 · 4:20 am

Shenette Jones Virtual Book Tour January 7-25, 2013

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Interview with Shenette Jones the author of  “Uncovered”.

Describe yourself for our visitors.

Whenever I have to share about who Shenette Jones is, I have to first say that I’m a creative collaboration of the arts. I teach hip hop dance; I write poetry and perform spoken word, and I’m a recording artist performing jazz blues and even hip hop locally throughout my great city of Raleigh NC . I love doing speaking engagements. I used to speak only within churches ,but I always hoped to motivate people beyond the church. I became certified as personal training specialist years ago and it allowed me to travel and share practical fitness tips with others. I’m a community activist in Raleigh and I do speaking events for InterAct raising awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault. Finally, I’m an author! I share everything I do with my husband of 13 years and my two sons!

How do you find time to connect with God?

I love to pull out my journal in the morning or at the end of the day to write to him or for him. sometimes it may be as simple as a poem of gratitude. Other times it may be a few pages of pouring out my soul to him…depends on the circumstances, request, or intimate moments of praise.

Who is your favorite character in the book and why?

My favorite character in the book is William. William is the voice of wisdom in this story and his advice and words often add a touch of healing throughout the  entire story. Uncovered would not be a success without William Hall.

What inspired you to write this book?

Uncovered is a story birthed from some of the various realistic struggles and triumphs I personally faced within my own marriage and the similar complaints and struggles I witnessed in several other Christian relationships. It’s a fictional storyline but each scenario has been pulled from realistic events that other Christian women have painfully confessed to. I thought that the common story of infidelity within the Christian home deserved to be told, especially with the powerful message of redemption attached at the end!

Who are your favorite authors and why?? Favorite books?

Wanda B. Campbell, because it was her book, Illusions, that inspired me to go forth with my writing aspirations, and it is she who has personally mentored me and encouraged me as a new author.

Francine Rivers because she has laced the story of God’s love so magnificently within her books, especially Redeeming Love.

Stormie Omartian, because no one teaches you how to pray like the queen of Power of a Praying Wife, Power of a Praying Parent, Power of a Praying Woman etc.

The Shack, written by William Paul Young. This book left me utterly speechless and grateful for love, life, and The Lord.

 

Tell us about your journey to publication.

After reading an incredible Christian Fiction novel entitled Illusions by Wanda B. Campbell, I simply emailed her personally to share with her what an impact her story had made upon my heart. I thought it was brilliantly written and I quickly identified with her writing because it was realistic and not a watered down christian fiction story. This was the way I vowed to myself to always keep my writing. To my surprise she returned an email rather quickly and I expressed  my desire to publish one day. After sharing my written work with her she encouraged me to continue with the words, “your work should be in Print!” I was chosen to be one of her 8 writers in the Anthology, HOME AGAIN; STORIES OF RESTORED RELATIONSHIPS. I met incredible other authors from across the United States, and the experience was phenomenal. Today I celebrate the release of Uncovered which is the full novel to the work that was written as a short story in the anthology. I give credit to Wanda B. Campbell for giving the gift of time to mentor me and encourage me as an author.

Tell us about your current book?

Markus Hall, a quiet and rather passive husband loves his wife, but struggles to connect with her intimately because of his past hurts that haunt him daily. He tries desperately to ignore his own issues but Stephanie grows impatient forcing matters to explode out of control. Stephanie is a woman of faith, a minister, and a praying wife, until her desires for sexual intimacy surpass her desire for God. They, both Stephanie and Markus are desperately seeking after something but until they finally find it, they cause great pain in the meanwhile.
I personally believe that Uncovered is a story that reaches all walks of life. Instantly this novel connects with readers, neither because of its scandalous storyline nor because of its powerful spiritual message, rather because of its simplicity. Everyone has experienced something similar to what my characters are experiencing whether it’s the longing for a father never known or the loneliness Stephanie feels in her marriage. We’ve all faced the war of temptation when we sincerely wanted to choose wisely.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

As I write, the character become incredibly life like.  It often feels as though they guide me through each turn and detail.
However I do often begin with a realistic person I know or have seen and I continue to fictionalize the character until he or she has taken on a whole new personality and style.

 

What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book?

Uncovered was written to deliver one strong message to people from all different walks of life and various backgrounds. That message is simple. It’s a message of forgiveness for others and forgiveness towards ourselves. Forgiveness has the power to close painful chapters of our lives. it also has the power to bloom new beautiful opportunities of love and healing.

 

What’s next for you?

I’m currently writing a spin off from Uncovered based on one of the characters that appears to be one of the favorites in the book. Torrey Thompson.

I’d also love to let readers know that I’m also a professional singer/performer with a musical background ranging from hip hop, jazz, blues, gospel and even classical. When I’m not writing, I’m performing or creating and writing music. I’d love for them to check out my music at www.shenettejones.com or my

Reverb Nation page. Under Shenette Jones to comment, like or share.

 

Where can visitors find you online?

www.shenettejones.com
The froggybloggy.wordpress.com (parenting blog)
ReverbNation.com   Shenette Jones
Facebook-Shenette Jones
Twitter (authorshenettej)

 Interview Questions by Linda Fegins

About the Bookuncovered[1]

After 5 years of marriage, Minister Stephanie Hall’s patience wears thin with her husband’s disinterest in sexual intimacy. With her desire for closeness and attention causing her faith to plummet, Stephanie fights an inner struggle of beauty and self-acceptance as her desperate need to be adored grows out of control…

Markus Hall wishes his past would go away, but the haunting events of his childhood years keep him distant from his wife Stephanie, and her constant requests for sex only push him away and remind him of the very things he’d rather forget. When his boss calls upon Markus to tutor his stunningly gorgeous daughter for her college classes, he can’t resist such a tempting offer, feeling needed and important each time the beautiful tutorial student looks into his eyes…

Suspecting that the relationship between her husband and the Indian beauty is more intimate than it seems, Stephanie decides to take matters into her own hands: weary with prayer, she abandons her faith and finds gratification in the arms of Matthew King, a church member’s husband…

With Markus and Stephanie’s healing seemingly too far to reach, they both find themselves searching for anything that resembles true love; however, in the pursuit of their new passion, the troubled spouses soon find themselves uncovered in a bitter storm of infidelity. Will this God fearing couple return to their faith and mend their brokenness…?

About the Author

Shenette Swann Jones is a native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, but will always claim Memphis, Tennessee, as her second home. Coming from a family of talented singers and musicians, music has always played a first role in Shenette’s life, but writing would always remain her most treasured gift among her other talents. When Shenette wasn’t singing or choreographing a dance routine, she would escape to her many journals or poetry clubs, and eventually even a newspaper staff or two. From music to writing, her passion for life shines in every multifaceted direction she takes.

Today, Shenette is a motivational speaker, a community activist, an incredibly diverse vocalist, and a new novelist. The year 2010 saw Shenette’s first published work in “Home Again; Stories of Restored Relationships”, a heartwarming anthology by award winning author Wanda B. Campbell. Since then, Shenette has perfected her craft as a writer in order to produce her first novel, Uncovered. When she isn’t blogging, journaling, or creating another story, Shenette enjoys taking an aggressive stand in the community against domestic violence and sexual assault. She also advocates strongly for youth education rights and racial relations within her community.

After 13 years of marriage and two wonderful sons, Shenette is thoroughly excited to return to writing full-time and hopes to use her imagination as a tool of inner healing, self-reflection, and a great source of entertainment for others.

View the blog tour schedule at: 

 

http://tywebbinvirtualevents.com/

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May 24, 2012 · 2:04 am

Mylow Young Virtual Book Tour-Against the Gates of Hell

Interview with author Mylow Young  by Linda Fegins

What inspired you to write Against the Gates of Hell book?

I was inspired to write this book because in the beginning I thought there was no hope for me. After going through rehab and discovering who I am in Christ and how God didn’t condemn me, that He loved me through and in an in spite of my addiction, I began to see that there was in fact hope! The Lord spoke to my heart about the hopelessness I had experienced and that there are countless, precious people that Jesus died for who are still living in that hopelessness. I wanted them to see, experience and live the same hope and freedom I have found! “That” was my inspiration!

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Believe it or not I am not an avid reader… not at all. But over the years there is one who really speaks to my heart and I see him as someone who really got to know the heart of the Father and that is Watchman Nee. He speaks always of the spirit in man/woman and how God wants so much to break through our outer man to get to the “innermost” man… our spirit… where we can really hear God speak!

As a black Christian male author do you believe you added a different perspective for your readers than other authors? Tell us why you were able to do that?

Yes, I think I bring to the table a sense of raw deal, the “real” deal… no sugar added! There are others who have a whole lot to say also, but I feel that with the gift that God has given me, I bring you “into” the story where you can live in it as I share it with you. I want to bring the story of addiction… particularly… to the forefront from the perspective of the addict. Not in a feel “sorry for me” way but in a way that would give the reader, the family members and friend an up close look at what their loved one is or has been dealing with as well as getting the addict/former addict to see what he has or is putting his loved ones through.  

About the Author

MYLOW YOUNG is a native of Philadelphia and has struggled with drug addiction for more than half of his life. After several stays at Bethel Colony of Mercy and even serving in that same ministry, consistency in his life was not to be found. After totally surrendering his life to Jesus Christ and discovering his identity in Christ, he has found newness of life. Mylow and his wife Sondra attend The Connection of Statesville Church where Mylow serves as a Deacon. Mylow is available for speaking engagements at your church, youth group, Sunday school service or recovery group and can be contacted at gaitsofhell1@gmail.com.

MYLOW YOUNG is a graduate of University City High School in Philadelphia and attended the Basic Bible Institute of Pennsylvania. He is a licensed minister and deacon at the Connection Church in Statesville, N.C. where he currently resides with his wife Sondra. For more information visit: mylowyoung.com.

 

About the Book

He had always looked down on those who partook and pedaled drugs which claimed the lives of many in the streets.  Now Kerby Wilson finds himself held captive by his own pride and going down a very desperate path of his own.  Distraught over the death of his parents and, the murder of a fellow police officer, Kerby alienates those closest to him, pushing them away—his wife, brother, police force buddies and old friends. As the bottom falls out of his life and darkness consumes his soul, his life is spent seeking an elusive state of peace.

Junior, Kerby’s identical twin brother is angry with Kerby for turning on his family, friends, and the police force and for going down this destructive path. As his heart hardens and he is caught up in his own battle of resentment and bitterness, he tries to shut Kerby out. But Rene, his God-fearing wife won’t allow that to happen. Instead she continually appeals to his conscience, reminding him of God’s unfailing love and Kerby’s need for his help.

After Kerby’s latest antics, Junior and the rest of their family and friends are challenged to push past their struggles with Kerby’s addiction to help him.  Will Kerby accept the help of his family and friends? Will he stop running and turn to the only one who can save him and give him the power to stand against the gates of hell?

 

Purchase the Book Online at:

Amazon.com

BarnesandNoble.com

 

BOOK TRAILER

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40d_A4dJv_o 

 

View the blog tour schedule at: 

http://www.tywebbin.com/blog-tours/authors-on-tour/2012-tours/

 

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February 16, 2012 · 8:43 am

Marlene Banks Virtual Book Tour- Ruth’s Redemption

How did you start out your writing   career?

I’ve written for fun since childhood; very early before I could even write cursive. I printed out little stories. I only took writing serious about fifteen years ago. That’s when I started pursuing it as something I wanted to do professionally. So I wrote and wrote and wrote some more. Stories spilled out of me like water. I knew then it’s was GOD’s will for me to write. After I got saved it became something I did more often. Then after I got Baptized it really took off. I was not formally trained so I learned as I went and am still learning.

What inspired you to write a   historical piece?

I love writing romance and I’m a very lightweight history buff. As I get older I find my interest in past events growing. A marriage of the two genres seemed like a perfect match and a new area for me too stretch my writing ability. This is my first Historical Romance.

What was your most difficult scene to   write?

With a slave era story there are many difficult scenes emotionally but two difficult scenes to craft technically and emotionally were Ruth’s first encounter with Jasper in the barn and Mara’s attack by the slave catcher. As an African American female those kind of scenarios assaulted my sensibilities on all fronts. It was taxing and draining just to write so I can only imagine what it would be like to actually experience it. Much of the raw emotion and description in the original manuscript was edited out. I tried to do it tastefully but keep the real horror of the situation out front. It was a tough job to balance the trauma and vulgar violence with delicate wording.

Can you give us one do and one don’t   for those aspiring to be a writer?  

Do keep writing because practice makes perfect…or at the least you get a whole lot better. Write, write and write some more. 

Don’t give up because  you get rejected over and over. Hang in there.

Which character did you have the most   fun writing about? 

Naomi, she was a lot of older sisters I knew and loved in my own life rolled up into one character. She was full of love, wisdom and common sense. She was Godly and strong. She was also outspoken, meddlesome and sassy.

Have you had a “Wow” moment since you have   been an author? What made it a “Wow” moment for you?  

My “Wow” moment was getting my first contract from Lift Every Voice Books/Moody. I was stunned and thrilled and “Wow was just the feeling I had. I couldn’t believe it that after years of trying it had actually happened. All I could think and say was “Wow! Thank you, Jesus!”

What did you hope to accomplish with   this book?

Tell an engaging and thought provoking story that showed the power of GOD in everyday living and the desperation that fueled slave revolts. Show the human side of events that historical accounts my not consider and give a good romantic fix to romance lovers.

What’s playing on your CD while you’re writing?

Nothing, I write in total quiet so the story come alive in my head without distraction as much s possible. Occasionally I play some music relevant to a story if I need it to help me get into the mood.

If you had the opportunity to talk with three writers, who would you choose and why?

Alex Haley because I thought Roots was Phenomenal. It’s one of my favorite stories and movie. I actually met him in college after he wrote the book but a few years prior to the movie release. If he were alive I’d like a redo. 

Francine Rivers because she is one of my favorite Christian writers.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle because I absolutely adore Sherlock Holmes stories. He created a timeless character that still fascinates. 

What was the best advice you’d ever gotten about the publishing industry? The worst?

Get thick skinned if you want to be a writer is the best advice. Everybody’s a critic. 

Don’t write Christian fiction and African American relevant novels was the worst.

What is something readers would be surprised you do?

Once I get into a story I can write twelve to sixteen hours a day non stop if given the time.

What are your favorite resources on  the net.

I have no favorites. I goggle and whatever comes up I check it out. There are so many out there now and new ones popping up all the time.

About the Book       

Set in the 1800s, Ruth’s Redemption, depicts slave life in the south.  Bo, the main character who was educated while a slave is a freedman who now owns a farm and  buys slaves for the purpose of giving them their freedom. Bo is also a widower whose life is destined to changed when he meets the stubborn, proud and hard-hearted 20 year old slave girl, Ruth.

Ruth has known nothing but harshness and brutality since being seperated from her mother at age thirteen. Purchased and sold primarily for breeding and the enlargemnt of her master’s slave stock, Ruth struggles to understand the way of her new master. Bo is unlike any master she has known and what she experiences in his care will leave her forever changed. A gripping pre-Civil War slave era novel, Ruth’s Redemption is a story of forgiveness, acceptance and redemption. Set against the backdrop of the Nat Turner Rebellion in Tidewater, Virginia, this novel shines the light of God’s unconditional love in the darkness of the evils of hatred and acts of inhumanity.

 

About the Author 

Marlene Banks is a Philadelphia, PA native.  She attended Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA and has an Associate’s Degree in Theology from the Rhema Bible Institute in Keysville, VA.  She is the director of ministry at Lifeline Mission of the Gospel.  Through her writing ministry, Marlene’s desire is to promote the gospel and serve the needs of her community.

Book Review by Linda Fegins

 RUTH’S REDEMPTION is a compelling historical love story set in 1830s Virginia that grabbed me from the beginning until the very end despite the fact it’s a slave era story. A lover of history, yet I did not want to read about slavery at this time. But Ruth’s Redemption is not just another story of the evils of slavery, but is one of forgiveness, redemption and wholeness. It is a well crafted story about Ruth, a young female slave who is defiant and bitter from the abuses of her slave existence. Ruth’s strong, yet poignant character, arrested me as I saw the development of her character when her liberator, Bo who later becomes her husband, helps free her from the physical and emotional bondages of her past. Her life becomes entangled when she’s purchased by a free black man named Bo. Bo is an educated man of strong faith in Christ. Ruth wants no part of Bo’s faith and yearns to be free from slavery and men who have misused her. Ruth learns to love Bo, but still cannot trust a God who allowed blacks to be treated with such degradation as she cannot see that God is the one who made it possible for her freedom through Bo. Banks does a great  job of portraying the conflict Ruth has about believing in Jesus and putting her faith in God and loving a saved man of God Bo. However, she discovers and embraces freedom from sin, slavery and her past and learns to trust God for her redemption. My only concern is that as the reader I would have seen a clearer demarcation of when Ruth accepted Bo’s God as her God and Savior.

 Book Trailer
 

Visit the author online at:

www.marlenebanks.com

http://www.ruthsredemption.com

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November 12, 2011 · 10:49 am

Broken by Patricia Haley (Author)

#1 Essence bestselling author Patricia Haley takes sibling rivalry to a shocking new level as one man tries to heal his broken family in this compelling series based on popular biblical stories.

Don Mitchell is certain the Lord has a plan for him to reconcile his family, when his younger half brother, Joel, suddenly resigns as CEO of their father’s company. The gesture comes after Joel has nearly sent the enterprise into bankruptcy. Don’s first order of business as newly appointed head of DMI is to bring his estranged older sister home. It isn’t easy. Tamara has been running from the past for years. But once she is home, she plans to claim her rightful place in the multimillion-dollar family ministry—no matter what it takes or who gets hurt. Joel, meanwhile, is regretting his decision to step down and is doing everything in his power to resume his path to greatness. As Don finds himself waist-deep in the corporate mess Joel left behind, his love life is also in flux. He must balance a complicated friendship with Abigail, his right-hand woman at DMI, with a budding romance involving his beautiful business partner in South Africa. Just as Don begins to realize that forgiving and forgetting may be his greatest weapon, a terrifying ordeal rocks the family to its core, and they must turn to God and to one another for the answers.

BROKEN – Patricia Haley
Chosen Series, Book 3
Gallery Books
ISBN: 978-1-4165-8064-5
August 2011
Inspirational Fiction

About the Author 

 PATRICIA HALEY is the award-winning, Essence bestselling author of Nobody’s Perfect, Blind Faith, Still Waters, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie, and No Regrets. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and a graduate of Stanford University and the University of Chicago.  She lives is in Pennsylvania with her husband and daughter.With an engineering degree from Stanford Univ. and an M.B.A. in marketing and finance from the Univ. of Chicago, readers are often surprised to hear that Patricia is writing novels, given her technical and business background.  She welcomes readers to visit her online at http://www.patriciahaley.com/ or join her Facebook fan page.

Find this author online @: www.patriciahaley.com or on Facebook: Patricia Haley -Glass

Book Review by Linda Fegins

 In this third installment of the Chosen series, Broken by Patricia Haley, readers are re-introduced to the Mitchell family, an African American family living in Detroit, Michigan, who own a multimillion business and ministry. However this powerful family is plagued with issues of family strife, anger, sibling rivalry, infidelity, impact of divorce on everyone, difficulty in forgiving transgressions, and learning to  let go of the past and to forgive .

I loved the characters created as Haley’s savvy craftsmanship and the real life issues lead me to become so engaged that I disliked a few as though they were real persons I knew. After reading Destined  prior to Broken, I read with expectancy to see how Don Mitchell would attempt the task of mending this broken family and put the family business together again  in light of the  challenges of conflicting plans and attitudes of the siblings and complicated relationships and loyalties. So engaging was this inspirational novel in which, Patricia Haley has based the story on King David  and the family drama that surrounded him, I recommended that my Christian book ministry club read the book. While a few disliked some characters such as Tamara ( me too) and could not grasp how a training ministry could do  the level of billion dollar business mentioned ( not me), they found the novel intriguing and suspenseful, filled with real life biblical issues, which kept them glued to the last page. Many decided that they just had to read the prior novels of the series.

 Patricia Haley has penned not just a great story, but one that subtly, yet profoundly if that makes sense, addresses how we struggle and respond to issues of betrayal and rejection and the scriptural importance of forgiveness and walking in faith and love without preaching to us. There was indeed so much truth in the book to make the fiction feel real.

  November 11,2011 by L.Fegins

Having read Let Sleeping Dogs Lie, Destined, Broken and thereafter, lastly  Chosen, I needed to ask this inspirational and thought provoking writer a few questions.

 Why did you select Detroit for the home of the family?

Ans. All my novels are based in areas where I’ve lived and/or traveled. It adds an extra piece to the story when I can incorporate elements of the city.  My books are primarily based in Detroit, Chicago, and Philadelphia.

 What lead you to create this series?

Ans. Inspiration for the Chosen series came from one of my all time favorite characters in the Bible, King David. He is an imperfect man plagued with family tragedy, personal failures, and constant battles. Yet, he is remembered as someone highly favored by God.  I’m equally intrigued by his son, Solomon. I’m equally intrigued by King David’s son Solomon who managed to squander away his noteworthy position of power, wealth, and godly favor after succumbing to his weakness for women. Joel plays the role of Solomon in Chosen and Destined as the son of Dave Mitchell. At the conclusion of Chosen, readers weren’t satisfied with only an epilogue ending. They wanted more. So, Destined was born. Then, I couldn’t stop with just tales of the Mitchell men. In Broken, the women have something to say as well, particularly the high-spirited estranged daughter, Tamara. 

  What suggestions do you have for writers on the business side and the creative write side?

Ans. My suggestion to writers is that writing is the creative side. and publishing is all about business. You have to understand the difference and recognize that having talent on one side might not carry over the other. You may be a great writer and lousy businessperson. Fear not, that’s why you’d want to get an agent and shop a deal for as long as it takes to get published. If you’re confortable with conducting the business component, then you have the options of self-puslishing or seeking a mainstream publisher. How much time, support, investment capital, and patience will dictate the path best suited for you. No matter whether you publish or get published, do your homework. Understand how costs, royalties, contracts, and other key elements work. You are your most trusted advocate.

 Do you have any writing courses?

Ans. Periodically I teach writing workshops at conferences. I tend to focus on getting writer’s started. Although I don’t do courses on a regular basis, I highly recommend venues such as the Iowa Writer’s weekend summer courses. I went a couple of times early in my writing career and it was very instrumental in helping me begin learning the craft.

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November 12, 2009 · 11:59 am

“The Lovechild” by Ashea S. Goldson

DSC00713[1]Lovechild[1]
What can separate us from the love of God? The Word of God tells us nothing. However, sometimes a person may have a hard time believing this and feel unlovable, unloved, rejected and bitter. It doesn’t matter that on the outside people see you as successful, physically beautiful and from a great family that seemed like a pillar of the community. Yet , it was a family with secrets.

In The Lovechild, Makaeli Hunt, a successful fashion designer, has been driven far away from home by her family’s dysfunction. While living in Italy, trying to heal the wounds of yesterday, ambition becomes her comforter. When a family emergency forces her to return to her home, in seven life altering days, amidst memories of a tumultuous past,will one revealed secret drive her away from her family and God forever? Or will she discover what it means to be God’s lovechild?

The Lovechild gracefully and beautifully shows us, without being preachy, how the love of God can work through and in our lives to overcome the pain and ugliness of the past. It reminds us that we must forgive or else unforgiveness can kill your soul. Nothing can separate us from the love of God if we seek Him. My favorite character was Mrs. Pearl – someone God sent into Makaeli’s life as a child to encourage, love and that told her about Jesus, even though she turned her back on Him for a long time. Mrs. Pearl indeed was a pearl full of wisdom and love. She’s was a source of escape for Makaeli as a youth, who loved her when she felt abandoned, and made God’s love and wisdom real.

Dealing with issues of racism, depression, self-esteem, drug addiction, mental illness, verbal and physical abuse,The Lovechild is a story of redemption and re-dedication, confirming our victory in Jesus Christ.

Meet Ashea Goldson, author of The Lovechild
Ashea Goldson, originally born in Brooklyn, NewYork is a wife of twenty three years, a mother of two daughters, a grandmother of one, a graduate of Fordham University, a writer, a poet, a publisher, a reviewer, an internet radio host, an educator, and a co-founder of a Christian preparatory school. Active in the ministry, she is a dedicated member of World Changers Church International for many years. She has a lifetime of experience with writing which ranges from being published in local newspapers, magazines, and online publications to full length books.
Her first Christian fiction novel is The Lovechild, published by Urban Christian Publishers in 2008. Ashea’s short story entitled “The Kit Cat Trial” will be released in an anthology named Pets Across America in September 2009. Her second Christian fiction novel, Joy Comes In The Morning, will be released in July 2010, also by Urban Christian Publishers. She has recently released a non-fiction title, Resurrecting Vision: 45 steps To Digging Up Your Destiny And Seeing It Through God’s Eyes through her own publishing company.
Calling herself a kingdom writer, and passionate about this calling, she is currently working on her third novel, random poems, several short stories, a children’s book, and is organizing a literacy group for youth in her community. During her relaxation time she can be found hanging out with her family, snuggled up to a good book, or listening to gospel music.

Book Review by Linda Fegins

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