Tag Archives: urban christian fiction

August 29, 2013 · 11:50 pm

Stepping Down Virtual Book Tour with Michelle Stimpson

Book_cover

About The Book Mark has been pastoring New Vision church for six years now, and all his hard work is about to pay off as the church approaches mega-church status. But while Mark has been busy building the church, his own household has been crumbling to pieces. After ignoring divine guidance, Mark finds himself caught up in the appearance of a scandal that threatens to tear the church apart. And his wife’s secrets only add insult to near-fatal injury.

Sharla would have done just about anything to be a mother…and, actually, she did. She was willing to pay the price for her mistakes, but she never dreamed someone else might have to suffer instead. How close can she come to confessing her past without jeopardizing her future?

Stepping Down is the eighth full-length novel from National Bestselling Author Michelle Stimpson. As the granddaughter of a pastor and the great-granddaughter of a bishop, she explores a conflict many spiritual leaders still encounter today. Readers will enjoy this fast-paced, hard-hitting novel that addresses the ageless question: How can a man run the church if he can’t run his own household?

About The Author

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Michelle Stimpson is an author, a speaker, and an educator who received her Bachelor of Science degree from Jarvis Christian College in 1994. She earned a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2002. She has had the pleasure of teaching elementary, middle, and high school as well as training adults.

In addition to her work in the field of education, Michelle ministers through writing and public speaking. Her works include the highly acclaimed Boaz Brown, Divas of Damascus Road (National Bestseller), and Falling Into Grace, which has been optioned by Paulist Productions for a movie of the week. She has published several short stories for high school students through her educational publishing company, Right Track Academic Support Services, at www.wegottaread.com.

Michelle serves in women’s ministry at her home church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. She also ministers to women and writers through her blog. Michelle regularly speaks at special events and writing workshops sponsored by churches, schools, book clubs, and educational organizations.

The Stimpsons are proud parents of two young adults and one crazy dog.

Interview Questions for Michelle Stimpson by Linda Fegins

First of all I loved Boaz Brown and Divas of Damascus Road . My book club had a great discussion about both of the books. The book club is in for an exciting and twisting read in Stepping Down I am sure. The diaglogue ,for which you are masterful at, and the infusion of spiritual wisdom throughout, will keep the readers engaged as well as give them spiritual food to think about how this story could apply to their life.

Describe yourself for our visitors.

I’m a wife, a mom, and a writer who is loved by the Lord Jesus!

How do you find time to connect with God?

One of the greatest realizations that I’ve come to love is that the indwelling Christ is always in us, connected with us from the inside out. More and more, I’m finding that the constant commune with Him means fellowship throughout the day. I usually have a set aside time in the mornings, but even when I don’t, His presence is constant.

What inspired you to write this book?

This book was the product of prayer and reading two other books (52 Lies Heard in Churches Every Sunday and Pagan Christianity) that really challenged me to think about what it means to be in ministry and in leadership. The main character struggles to balance his commitment to family and to his calling, which is something that I think many people struggle to maintain.

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

My favorite author (lately!) is the late Andrew Murray. I thoroughly enjoy the purity of his work in the books Humility and Abide in Christ.

Tell us about your journey to publication.

In retrospect, this whole journey has been so blessed. I wrote my first novel, Boaz Brown, in about 3 months, then sent if off to two publishers. The first publisher turned it down. The second publisher (Denise Stinson) said she liked it, but it needed a lot of work. She made some recommendations. I made those recommendations, sent it back to her, and from that point, I was signed. I started out with Walk Worthy Press/Warner Books in 2004. I really didn’t even know what a “big deal” that was—and it’s a good thing, too. I probably would have been beside myself. Actually, that’s pretty much the story of my writing career. Great things happen and I have no idea how great they are until after-the-fact. As far as I know, I’m just writing and doing something I know I was created to do.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

I asked several of my writing group friends for input, since they’d been married to pastors/ministers. I also researched several things in the media about what it’s like to be a pastor, why pastors leave their churches, and why minister burn-out is so common.

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

One thing I want readers to realize is that “the church” is the body of Christ, not necessarily a group of people who gather at a building. I also want those who are in leadership positions in ministry to recognize that Christ is the Great Shepherd. Yes, we have roles and responsibilities. But, ultimately, He is responsible for shepherding His people, and He has promised to do so faithfully.

What’s next for you?

I’m co-authoring a book with one of my mentees, grateful to be a part of her budding career. I’m also planning to write a follow-up to a fun Christian novella entitled I Met Him in the Ladies’ Room.

Where can visitors find you online?
www.MichelleStimpson.com

When did you begin to realize you wanted to write?

My mom says she almost had to punish me for staying up late reading and writing, so I’m pretty sure it’s always been in me. Honestly, I can’t think of a time when writing wasn’t on my agenda. I don’t think I chose to write—it chose me. Bless God!

Thanks so much for the opportunity!

Find Michelle online at:
Twitter link www.twitter.com/stimpsontweets
Facebook link www.facebook.com/michelle.stimpson2

WEBSITE, EMAIL
Email: stimpson.michelle@gmail.com
Website: www.MichelleStimpson.com
BLOG:
WE GOTTAREAD
www.wegottaread.com

Order a copy
Amazon ebook: http://tinyurl.com/kbfeuexAmazon book: http://tinyurl.com/kt5f3fh

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October 18, 2012 · 3:01 am

Losing Hope Virtual Book Tour

About the Author

 

Leslie J. Sherrod is a wife, mom, writer, and a therapist in Baltimore, Maryland, where she lives with her husband and three children. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Maryland at College Park with a B.S. in Family Studies. She also studied writing at Johns Hopkins University before completing her Masters in Clinical Social Work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, where she specialized in Child, Adolescent, and Family Health.

Leslie is the author of three novels, Losing Hope (coming September 2012); Secret Place (Urban Christian, 2011); and Like Sheep Gone Astray (Grand Central Publishing, 2006), which earned a Starred Review from Booklist and was featured on AOL’s Black Voices. She is also a contributor to a couple of women’s devotionals in the bestselling A Cup of Comfort series (Adams Media). A short story, “The Jericho Band,” is available on Kindle.

Through suspenseful and thought-provoking stories, Leslie offers readers hope and encouragement to live out their God-given dreams and purposes. One of her favorite Bible verses is Ephesians 3:20, which states that “[God] is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” It is this message she carries to book signings, bookstores, workshops, and church events both in her neighborhood and across the nation.

 

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12

About the Book

From the acclaimed author of Like Sheep Gone Astray and Secret Place comes a riveting new series with twists and turns to the end.

Social worker Sienna St. James is a woman with a complicated past and a confusing Tuesday morning.

In one single day, every advance Sienna has made in getting over her long lost globe-trotting husband unravels in unexplainable fashion. From a mysterious package that hails from another continent to a new teen client who claims to have a missing sister, Sienna finds herself in the middle of a city-wide scandal, all while sorting out the painful details of her personal life. At the center are two suspicious foster parents, a mega-church ministry leader, and Sienna’s own fragile emotions over a man who changed the direction of her life. It’s a race against time as Sienna seeks closure from a love she never understood and answers about whether a little girl named Hope ever existed. And if she did, where is she now?

In this first installment of the suspenseful Sienna St. James Series, finding hope in the midst of questions and chaos becomes essential when life takes an unexpected turn.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

I want to establish Sienna St. James as a memorable character with a story to tell. I am hopeful that readers will be intrigued enough about her past to care about her future so that the series can continue… at least until I feel like her story has been fully told. I want to establish her adventures as both suspenseful and meaningful as it addresses such issues as hope, identity, and purpose; relationships, life-changing choices, and disappointment.

What came first with this story, the characters or the plot? Why?

Sienna St. James came to me with her story intact, i.e. I could not separate the character from the plot. She was a package deal. The premise of the series greeted me one day while I was finishing my Masters degree in Social Work. I’ve always loved a good suspense novel, and the idea of a social worker, who works with the whole gamut of humanity, playing a mock detective with her caseload, immediately appealed to me. Her personal story line – the mystery surrounding her estranged husband – made sense as it gave her character depth and an opportunity to share life lessons beyond the novel’s central plot.

 

 

Purchase the Book Online at:

Amazon.com

BarnesandNoble.com

 

Book Trailer:

 Link

http://youtu.be/JZEgbHmJkQw

 Book Review

Leslie J. Sherrod artfully crafted a suspenseful story  with memorable characters that will keep you intrigued, while it addresses issues of life changing choices, disappointment due to deferred dreams, purpose and hope.

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June 28, 2012 · 3:19 am

The Guilt Trip Blog Tour

 

Book Trailer

http://youtu.be/Lz9rhR9qj0o 

 

About the Author

 

Pat Simmons is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth. She is passionate about digging up the dirt on her ancestors, then casting them in starring roles in her novels. She has been a genealogy enthusiast since her great-grandmother died at the young age of ninety-seven years old. Pat has won numerous awards for her novels which include: Talk to Me, Grace and Humility and Still Guilty, which was voted the Best Inspirational Romance for 2010.

 

Pat is best known for her Guilty series: Guilty of Love, Not Guilty of Love, and Still Guilty. She is continuing the series through the Jamieson Family Legacy trilogy: Guilty by Association, The Guilt Trip, and Free From Guilt. Pat has recently been nominated for the best Christian fiction award by the African American Literary Awards for her latest release, Crowning Glory.

 

Pat and her husband live in Missouri and have two children. Find out more about the series at TheJamiesonLegacy.com or visit the author online at patsimmons.net.

About the Book

Aaron Jamieson is living a carefree life. He’s good-looking, respectable when he’s in the mood, but his weakness is women. When a woman tries to ambush him with a pregnancy, he takes off in the other direction. Responsibility as an option is something he learned from his absentee father.

Talise Rogers has a bright future ahead of her. She’s pretty and has no problem catching a man’s eye, which is exactly what she does with Ace. Their chemistry is undeniable and their passion explosive. Trapping Ace is the furthest thing from Talise’s mind, when she learns she is pregnant.  She is determined to be a good parent.

When Ace rejects her she lets him know, ” I want nothing from you Ace, not even your name,” and she means it.  But Ace’s big brother and cousins don’t plan to let the child who represents the twelfth generation descendant of a royal African tribe leave the fold. Whether Ace decides to accept his responsibility or not, his family embraces Talise and baby.  As for Ace, they turn him over to the LORD.  How long will he be able to endure the guilt trip he’s experiencing because of his choices?  What will it take for him to accept responsibility and turn from following in his father’s footsteps?

About the Series

The Jamieson Family Legacy series follows the lives of the two Jamieson brothers in Boston, Kidd and Ace and their cousin Cameron from St. Louis.  Kidd, the older brother, is struggling with anger and resentment issues toward his absentee father who never married his mother, but had the audacity to demand his illegitimate sons carry his last name Jamieson. Ace, on the other hand, is on a collision course with disaster as he shows how much a “chip off the old block” he is when it comes to women. Their highly educated MIT graduate cousin, Cameron Jamieson, is all about saving his family from self-destruction. Through genealogy research, Cameron’s mission is to show his cousins their worth as eleventh generation descendants of a royal African tribe and give them a choice: to be angry black men or accept the challenge to become strong successful black men.

The Jamieson men in this three book series are challenged with accepting that the past and the present are both in God’s hand.  Without Him they can’t move forward toward their future blessings. The bonus storyline is one that progresses the story of the much-loved Grandma B.B. character from the author’s previous Guilt books and her new sidekick, Mrs. Valentine.

Purchase the Book Online at:

Amazon.com

BarnesandNoble.com

 For More Information

Visit the author online at:

 www.patsimmons.net

twitter.com@patsimmons

facebook.com/patsimmonsauthor.

View the blog tour schedule at : 

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

 Please enter Pat’s Book giveaway contest!

To enter, leave your name and address in the comment section AND answer the following question

 List the titles of Pat Simmons books you have read.

 

Winners will be chosen June 30, 2012.

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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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August 13, 2010 · 3:23 am

An Inconvenient Friend AUTHOR: Rhonda McKnight

Book Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF0QwyVY8Lo

ABOUT THE BOOK

In Secrets and Lies, Samaria Jacobs tried to seduce Dr. Jonah Morgan. Now she’s back in An Inconvenient Friend. Her creed is “If at first you don’t succeed, try…try…again.” 

Samaria Jacobs has her sights set on Gregory Preston. A successful surgeon, he has just the bankroll she needs to keep her in the lifestyle that her credit card debt has helped her grow accustomed to. Samaria joins New Mercies Christian Church to get close to Gregory’s wife. If she gets to know Angelina Preston, she can become like her in more than just looks, and really work her way into Greg’s heart. 

Angelina Preston’s life is filled with a successful career and busy ministry work, but something’s just not right with her marriage. Late nights, early meetings, lipstick- and perfume-stained shirts have her suspicious that Greg is doing a little more operating than she’d like. But does she have the strength to confront the only man she’s ever loved and risk losing him to the other woman

 Just when Samaria thinks she’s got it all figured out, she finds herself drawn to Angelina’s kindness. Will she be able to carry out her plan after she finds herself yearning for the one thing she’s never had . . . the friendship of a woman?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rhonda McKnight is the owner of Legacy Editing, a free-lance editing service for fiction writers and Urban Christian Fiction Today, a popular Internet site that highlights African-American Christian fiction. She’s the vice-president of Faith Based Fiction Writers of Atlanta. When she’s not editing projects, teaching workshops about writing or penning her next novel, she spends time with her family. Originally from a small, coastal town in New Jersey, she’s called Atlanta, Georgia home for twelve years. Visit the author online at http://www.RhondaMcKnight.net.

 Book Review by Linda Fegins

       First I must confess that I was not  excited about reading this book. Oh , another cheating husband and a women fighting for her husband. Same oh song.

       Not so. OMG! From the first  two pages (really first) ,Rhonda McKnight and her character Samaria and the Women’s Bible Study group  had me.  I read the first page and the half of the second page again.  I wrote on the page great opening.   Throughout the book  you see McKnight’s writing skill and grace with a jazzy style. This story  was  more than just about a  cheating husband and a scheming un-churched  woman who dared to go to the same church as the wife, sit in the wife’s  Women’s Bible Study  class and befriend her  so that she could become her clone and steal her husband. Scandalous!  This is a fresh creative story by Rhonda McKnight.

 The heart of the story is about women friendships, trust,  redemption and  how even in the midst of mess God can use it to make a change in a heart for His Glory. You walk with the characters as they address issues of disappointment ,  betrayal ,forgiveness, low self-esteem  and overcoming patterns of  living a negative lifestyle and mindset. The characters were  memorable , real and well-developed. 

 I can’t wait for the sequel.   How will Samaria change her life around and can she help her mother?  Will she find love and peace?  Will successful Angelina leave her handsome surgeon husband?    Can Angelina find a way to forgive Samaria who has come to admire and respect her and truly think of her  as a beautiful virtuous women who was the first woman to every truly show her love and real friendship?

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July 15, 2010 · 3:44 am

Destined Blog Tour

PATRICIA HALEY is the trailblazing, #1 Essence bestselling author of seven faith-based, novels, including Let Sleeping Dogs Lie, No Regrets, and Chosen. She’s a  project manager with degrees from Stanford University and the University of Chicago. She is a born again believer and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Patricia lives with her husband and daughter in Philadelphia.

 Visit her on www.patriciahaley.com or become a fan of Author Patricia Haley on Facebook. 

 What inspired you to write this book bringing in another country and conflict in the family?

Of all my seven novels and two short stories, Destined and Chosen most reflect a blend of my background and interests. I’m a businesswoman with a deep and unconditional love for family, coupled with a passion for traveling. My husband and I plan to visit all seven continents and the fifty states. We’ve done five so far (S. America, Asia, Africa, Europe, and of course N. America) and 35 states. Traveling abroad has been such an integral part of my life and experiences, yet, I’d never really brought any of those international perspectives to my stories. So, my Chosen series seemed like the natural place to combine corporate intrigue, family drama, and snippets of South Africa, a place where tolerance and forgiveness is exemplified through the life of Nelson Mandela (one of my modern day heroes) along with the South of France, a memorable spot for me and my husband.

Of your books what is your favorite character and why?

My favorite character, who happens to show up in all my stories, is a little old lady named Emma Walker or Big Mama as she is affectionately labeled.  I love her presence because Big Mama always brings words of wisdom and spiritual guidance with dashes of humor and sincerity.

What suggestions or advice would you give writers about the process of writing?

Read, Write, and Relax.  The ability to tell a story is a God-given talent –either you have it or you don’t. However, the ability to tell a story better comes from mastering the craft.  That’s the part that comes from discipline, practice, teachings, mentoring, and attending workshops.  The more you read, the more you learn about different styles as well as what works and what doesn’t.  In order to get better at writing, like most other areas in life, you have to practice —write, write, write.  Some say you need to write every day.  I believe you have to figure out what works for you whether it’s every day, every other day, or whatever schedule you establish, be committed and stick to your routine.  People often ask, “How do I get started?”  That’s such an easy answer, “Just start.  Sit down and write the first word. Doesn’t matter how good it is getting started, just push aside distractions and procrastination obstacles and get started.” Lastly, take a deep breath and relax, enjoy the literary journey.  Being an author is about more than just cranking out a manuscript.  It’s about the process of taking an idea and forming it into something tangible that others can read and ideally be blessed, inspired, enlightened, or encouraged as a result.

 About the Book

Destined by Patricia Haley is the second novel in the Chosen series, inspired by the popular biblical kings David and Solomon. 

Don, the eldest son and rightful heir to the ministry, returns from South Africa after three years of self-imposed exile. With a renewed zeal to reclaim the leadership of his late father’s multi-million dollar ministry, his plans are short-lived when a stock transfer agreement goes wrong, rendering Don powerless. Don’s little brother Joel continues as CEO, careening down the path of personal, professional, and spiritual demise, as he drags the ministry down with him. The only hope to save their father’s legacy is Don’s intervention, and so clinging to his self-worth and faith, Don is torn between fighting for a company he wasn’t chosen to run and fleeing back to his South African refuge, a place where his peace, his growing relationship with Naledi, and his dignity aren’t in question. After much soul searching, Don comes to realize that his destiny is inescapable and that his future lies in his family’s legacy.

Combining spiritual themes with family tension, corporate intrigue, and romance, this series is an exciting addition to the faith-based fiction market.

 Book Review  by Linda Fegins

Destined combines spiritual themes such as unforgiveness and taking steps of faith to pursue one’s destiny with  issues of family conflict, corporate intrigue , lust and romance. Don, the rightful heir of a multi-million dollar ministry was overlooked by his father who left the business to his younger brother, Joel, who is the son of a second wife. Joel’s leadership has caused the ministry to spiral downward.  After experiencing the pain of rejection, Don flees to South Africa to nurse his hurt and to rebuild his life with a thriving new business. Don is faced with a decision to either stay away, or to intervene and save the ministry.

Watching how God worked in this corporate and family drama to allow Don to recognize his destiny was exciting and inspiring.  It reminds one that God “can work all things together” for one to pursue their destiny.  

This riveting storyline stretched my imagination, as it embraced other cultures, although some might question the plausibility of some aspects of the book.  Not I.  Destined is an intriguing read with a subtle inspirational message woven into the story. The manner of how the book ended was a surprise to me. Not the result, but the twist in how the result was achieved. Haley engages one with subtle intrigue and touches of comedy, just as in Let Sleeping Dogs Lie. I am awaiting Broken; the third book in the series because I need to know more about the self-exiled sister Tamara.

View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/DestinedBlogTour.

 

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July 8, 2010 · 10:51 am

Holy Rollers Blog Tour with ReShonda Tate Billingsley

ReShonda Tate Billingsley is a national bestselling author of 19 books, all published by Simon and Schuster/Pocket Books. In 2000, after numerous rejections from publishers, ReShonda stepped out on faith, established her own publishing company, and self published her debut novel, My Brother’s Keeper. The book caught the attention of one of the country’s top literary agents, who secured a deal for ReShonda with megahouse publisher, Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books. 

The rest, as they say, is history.

 

ReShonda went on to sign one deal after another with Simon & Schuster and to date, is considered one of the country’s top inspirational authors. Her sophomore novel, Let the Church Say Amen, is being made into a movie of which she is Executive Producer and actress Regina King is the director. ReShonda’s literary career is such a success that in 2007, she was able to leave her job as a reporter with Fox 26 News in Houston to write full time. 

ReShonda has appeared on the Essence Bestseller’s list more than 20 times, as well as The Washington Post, Dallas Morning News and Ebony Magazine Bestseller’s lists. Her books include The Devil is a Lie, Can I Get a Witness, The Pastor’s Wife, Let the Church Say Amen, Everybody Say Amen, I Know I’ve Been Changed and My Brother’s Keeper. Her inspirational teen novels include Nothing But Drama, Blessings in Disguise,With Friends Like These, Getting Even, Fairweather Friends, Friends ‘Til the End, and Caught up in the Drama. She has one non-fiction title, Help! I’ve Turned into my Mother. ReShonda has won numerous awards for her journalism, fiction and poetry writing skills. She is a five-time winner of the National Association of Black Journalists Spirit in the Words competition, one of Rolling Out Magazine’s Top 25 Women in Houston and H-Texas Magazine’s Top Professional.

 ReShonda’s upcoming projects include Holy Rollers (July 2010), Say Amen, Again (July, 2011), the teen novel Drama Queens (Fall 2010), and two travel suspense novels. The Houston native also serves as a freelance editorial and marketing consultant. She has ghostwritten four fiction projects and five non-fiction projects. She is married with three small children and does not hide her addiction to Reality TV and Facebook. 

She welcomes readers to her websites at www.reshondatatebillingsley.com. 

About the Book

Looking for Love . . . 

Lifelong friends Coco, Nita, and Audra have spent years looking for love in the arms of flashy pro athletes, hoping to land a baller but ending up with a stream of failed relationships. The beautiful and demure Coco has endured years of physical abuse from her boyfriend, Sonny, while Audra, a single mother, has dated her fair share of cheaters and yearns for a stable companion who will be a father figure to her son. And feisty, seductive Nita is tired of being the million-dollar mistress and wants to settle down—if she can find someone worth coming home to. 

Changing the Game . . . 

Now that the women are approaching thirty, they’re finding it harder than ever to compete with the pro groupies. Determined to change the game and find some worthwhile men, Audra hatches an outrageous plan. Soon the trio is “holy rolling,” masquerading as God-fearing churchgoers at a local conference for young ministers in the hopes of snagging a prominent pastor. But will their big gamble pay off? Men of the cloth are still just men, after all. As the three friends meet their potential life partners, they will have to decide how far they want to take their holy rollers scheme—each risking heartbreak while taking a chance on finding a reliable, responsible man to love and cherish, flaws and all. 

Book Review by Linda Fegins

We all know too well about groupies pursuing professional athletes. Now we are introduced to a real and growing trend, groupies trying to catch prominent pastors and ministers. In Reshonda Tate Billingsley’s Holy Rollers ,three lifelong friends are facing thirty, without a committed or wholesome relationship with a pro- athlete. Tired of failed relationships, they decide to attend a ministers’ conference masquerading as “holy and devout” churchgoers with the intention of capturing the heart or desire of a prominent pastor.

This fresh and fast paced story about the encounters of Coca, Nita and Audra with men of the cloth will keep you turning pages to determine whether they will make the right decisions to accomplish their quest.  Sweet and humble Coca, short- sighted and needy Audra, and smart, sophisticated bad girl Nita were realistic and represent women you and I know or may have known.  

Clothed in humor and wit, that makes you laugh, this original story strategically addresses several real issues for women.  Without being preachy, but leaving that to my favorite character the outspoken babysitter, Ms Bea,  Holly Rollers  addresses such issues as looking for “love” for the wrong reasons and in the wrong places and smart good- looking sisters making poor choices in men and in life, due to a lack of self-esteem or due to the “issues” of their past.  The prevalent issue of domestic violence is carefully woven in the story.

This is a great story and would be a good book club selection. I would dare to suggest it as teaching tool for a women’s ministry as an interesting way to teach about pre-marital sex, selecting mates, faith, friendships, self-esteem and righteous conduct.

 In the past I have over-looked Billingsley’s books. Today, I am going to start reading Can I Get a Witness?

 

View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/HolyRollersBlogTour.

http://www.amazon.com/Holy-Rollers-ReShonda-Tate-Billingsley/dp/1416578056/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1278202233&sr=8-2

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