From the New York Times bestselling author of Big Girls Do Cry comes
a deliciously provocative new page-turner starring plus-sized diva Loraine
Farrow, and the two men in her life. . .
One of Richmond, Virginia's
hottest, most successful women, Loraine Farrow is finally putting the
relationship drama behind her. There's nothing she wants more than to
settle down with her husband, Leon, and focus on her marriage. Trouble
is, her ex-lover, Michael, isn't about to let her go so easily.
But things aren't so simple with Leon either. He's dealing with
painful issues from his childhood--and some of them are starting to surface
in the bedroom. Leon's seeing a therapist, but what he's uncovering
could destroy their marriage for good--unless Michael does it first.
The short time Michael spent with Loraine was the happiest he's
ever known, and he's fired up about winning her back. The question is,
if he does win her back, how long will he be willing to deal with being
Loraine's second string?
When times were hard, Jerome could
always count on his best friend Loraine, but now that their friendship
is strained, he's left alone to deal with Peter, a psychopathic stalker
who will stop at nothing to destroy Jerome.
Taking us on a passion-filled
wild ride, here is a gripping novel of four indomitable people torn
between love and lust, secrets and lies--and the momentous decisions
they must ultimately make. . .
CARL WEBER is the New York Times
bestselling author of over a dozen novels and short stories. A life-long
reader, Weber wanted to write stories about ordinary people who have
crazy things happen in their lives. Now, when he's not connecting with
readers through his books and his two book store chains, Urban Knowledge
and Beach Reads, Weber is finding new talent for his publishing company,
Urban Books.
In the acclaimed
A Life for a Life, Ernest Hill created an unforgettably candid story
of violence, love, and redemption with teenaged D'Ray Reid at its center.
Now, with his jail time behind him, D'Ray has returned home to find
that the real fight for survival is only beginning…
Everyone
was shocked when Mr. Henry took D'Ray Reid under his wing. After all,
Mr. Henry's real son, Stanley, was murdered by D'Ray--a crime D'Ray committed
to save his brother, Little Man. Yet in the years since, Mr. Henry has
tried to show D'Ray how to become the man Stanley would never be.
After Mr. Henry's death, D'Ray seeks out his own mother, Mira, hoping
to rebuild their broken relationship. But D'Ray's homecoming is more
tumultuous than expected. Arrested for a crime he didn't commit, Little
Man has escaped and is in hiding. Mira blames D'Ray for Little Man's
troubled history, but she has her own secrets to hide. And putting
things right will mean uncovering a legacy of lies and hidden
agendas, and realizing the only way to be free of the past is to
stand tall and confront it at last. . .
Praise for the novels of Ernest Hill
"If novels offer us a way of seeing the world that we could not
imagine before, A Life for a Life does just that." --The Times-Picayune
"An exceptional
literary piece that some readers will compare to Richard Wright's
Native Son." --Booklist on Satisfied with Nothin'
"As the
story unfolds these unforgettable characters come to full,
sympathetic life." --Publishers
Weekly on A Person of Interest
Hang on to your seat as Pat G'Orge-Walker spins a hilarious, inspiring
novel of mistakes and second chances, heartache and love, sin and salvation.
. .
Appearances mean everything to Delilah Dupree Jewel. So after
hearing of her daughter-in-law's sudden death, Delilah decides that
coming to the rescue of her long estranged son, Jessie, and her granddaughter,
Tamara, would be a good look . . . though Lord knows she'll have to
dig hard to find her maternal instincts.
But Delilah quickly
discovers Jessie wants nothing to do with her. And Tamara, who's following
in Delilah's musical footsteps, isn't interested in her career advice,
especially since Delilah got ahead using the singing couch. And Delilah's
old flame Deacon Pillar, an ex-convict who's traded in his gangster
ways for a Bible, is stirring up a past that's sure to shock. Now, all
Delilah knows is that she'd better hold on to her faith, 'cause she
needs God now more than ever. . . .
PRAISE FOR PAT G'ORGE-WALKER
"Ms. Walker pens a tale so funny that you'll fall out of your chair
laughing, and so poignantly realistic that you'll wipe tears from
your eyes. . . a must-read." --Angela Benson on Cruisin' on Desperation
"Christian comedy fiction at its best." --Library Journal
New York Times bestselling author Mary
B. Morrison hooks readers with this compelling novel featuring
basketball star Darius Jones. He has it all—but when a tragic accident
turns his world upside down, he’ll have to fight to get back on top of
his game…
Darius Jones is living the good life. He’s got a chance to become the
league’s most valuable player, he’s crazy in love with his wife, and his
relationship with his
mom has never been better. But just when Darius thinks
everything’s going right, a drunk driver slams into his car, leaving his
wife, Fancy, in a coma with a slim chance of surviving.
Ashlee Anderson, the mother of Darius’ son,
immediately files for custody, claiming his demanding schedule and
emotional tragedy make him an unfit father. When Ashlee is granted
temporary custody, a heartbroken Darius struggles to balance keeping his
head in the game, sitting by his wife’s side, and winning back his son.
But a stalker groupie convinces him to escape his sorrows for just one
night. . . . He doesn’t realize his sexiest fanhas much more in
store for her obsession—and she’ll do whatever it takes to ensure Darius
becomes her man and Fancy doesn’t leave the hospital
alive.
With his life quickly unraveling, Darius must
gamble all he’s worked for to save his wife, reclaim his son, and stop
one night of pleasure with a madwoman from becoming a lifetime of pain .
. . .
New York Times bestselling author Mary B. Morrison believes that
women should shape their own destiny. Born in Aurora, IL, and raised in
New Orleans, LA, she took a chance and quit her near six-figure
government job to self-publish her first book, Soulmates Dissipate,
in 2000 and begin her literary career. Mary’s books have appeared on
numerous bestseller lists, and she’s a frequent contributor to The
Michael Baisden Show. Mary is also actively involved in a variety of
philanthropic endeavors, and in 2006 she sponsored the publishing of an
anthology written by 33 sixth-graders. Mary currently resides in
Oakland, CA, not far from her wonderful son Jesse, who is following in
his mother’s creative footsteps and pursuing a career in TV/film. Visit
Mary online at www.marymorrison.com.
In Lutishia
Lovely’s page-turning new novel, a scandalized church congregation
enlists a new leader to heal the fallout of their fallen pastor—but they
may be out of the frying pan and into the fire…
Still reeling from the disgrace their former
pastor left in his wake, members of Gospel Truth Church need
someone who can restore order. Enter Reverend
Doctor Pastor Bishop Overseer Mister Stanley Obadiah Meshach Brook, Jr.,
who quickly sets up a code of ethics so strict even Jesus might not pass
muster! When the new rules send much of the flock fleeing, Reverend
Doctor O turns to Reverend Stanley Lee and his wife, Passion, to lead a
revival.
But the church isn't the only thing that
needs reviving—so does Stanley’s libido. Passion was celibate for five
years before marrying, and is not happy that her husband’s lackluster
wedding night performance has become the rule, not the exception.
Desperate to make her marriage work, Passion turns to Reverend Doctor
O’s wife, Maxine, for advice. But Maxine is busy trying to clean out the
skeletons in her own marital closet—because even the holiest have
secrets…
“The scintillating brew of sex, faith and sharp humor will have
Lovely’s fans breathless for more.” —Publishers Weekly on A
Preacher’s Passion
"Vibrant characters, artful storytelling, and an original voice make Lutishia Lovely worth every moment.” —Donna Hill
Children everywhere have a favorite stuffed animal. And children
everywhere have colorful dreams. Me and Bear, Bear and Me is an
unconventional children’s picture book that portrays one boy’s adventure
in a vivid dream inspired by life in the city with his beloved teddy
bear.
In their Brooklyn neighborhood, a boy and his constant companion - a
teddy bear named Bear - do everything together: play, eat, and even
dream. One morning, after dreaming about a special playground reserved
especially for himself and Bear, the boy finds Bear is missing. Has Bear
simply been misplaced or is he lost in the dream playground from which
only the boy can bring him back?
Told from the boy’s point of view, the story is written in poetic prose,
a voice that suggests the rhythm of the city. Digital photography
artwork presents real urban images through a colorful and playful
filter, reinforcing the blurred line between the real and the imagined.
Pages are available for preview at
www.meandbearonline.com.
Me and Bear, Bear and Me is written and photographed by Lisa Preston.
Formerly a television executive, she is currently a Co-Editor of /One/
art and literature journal and working on her first novel and a second
picture book. Ms. Preston resides in Brooklyn, NY.
Gorgeous, sophisticated, and successful, Tamia is a sister that can’t be
stopped. With her career as an attorney on the rise, and her millionaire
boyfriend about to propose—Tamia has it all. But then she meets Malik, a
sexy Harlem brother who pushes all her buttons, and makes Tamia
second-guess everything in her life. Love struck for this bad boy with a
cause, Tamia’s on a mission to convince Malik to stop playing hard to
get and come along for the ride.
Meanwhile, since she married a pastor, Troy has gone from smokin’ hottie
to Bible-quoting church lady. Everyone thinks Troy is happy until some
dirty secrets turn Troy’s life—and marriage—upside down.
As the wife of a pro basketball player and mother of three, Tasha has
traded her fabulous big city life for the suburbs. Bored and starving
for some action, Tasha’s desires spin out of control, and she finds that
being the new “It Girl” has its drawbacks.
Funny and soulful, Playing Hard to Get is a novel of passion,
friendship, and finding yourself without losing everything you love.
Praise for Grace Octavia
“Funny and sexy.” —Essence® on Take Her Man
“Octavia weaves an extraordinary tale.” --Romantic Times on
His First Wife
Honey Thomas once made her living as a tough-talking prostitute and
madam, but those days are long gone. Now, Honey runs a counseling center
that helps women get off the streets. The best part is her new life is
being bankrolled by money stolen from her ex-pimp, Valentino James. But
Valentino wants his money back, and he’s willing to kill Honey to get
it. Now Honey has to figure out what’s important, what she can do
without, and who she needs in her life to discover the happiness she
deserves.
“Hot times in Atlanta keep Morrison’s erotic Honey Diaries blazing.” —Publishers
Weekly
“Mix dirty red drama, relationship scandals, suspense, love and you get
my girl Mary B. Morrison.” —Vickie Stringer
Friends since escaping an illegal gambling house outside Newberry,
Louisiana, Ivory “Bones” and Hampton Bynote indulge themselves in
all the finer things—women, good food, and wild nights—they can
handle. All seems good in N’awlins, especially when Hampton meets
the girl of his dreams. But love may not be enough to save him when
Bones murders a white city councilman during a robbery gone wrong.
With the local police and FBI hot on their trails, Hampton and Bones
must decide whether their friendship is worth losing their
freedom—and possibly their lives.
“McGlothin’s rugged prose captures the sultry local, and the
suspenseful edge is a nice complement to the story’s social
conscience.” —Publishers Weekly
“A talented storyteller.” —QBR
Essence bestselling author Victor McGlothin is
a former bank vice-president who nearly forfeited an athletic
scholarship due to poor reading skills. Ultimately, he overcame that
obstacle and completed a Masters degree in Human Relations &
Business. He has published seven novels, including, Sinful Too, Miss
Etta’s Fast House, Sinful, and Down of My Knees. He currently lives
in the Dallas area with his wife and two sons.
From saints to sinners... It's been twelve months since Sweetwater Powerhouse of God Pastor
Ethan Goodlove was able to get his sinning congregation under control.
But now that the Good Reverend has fallen ill, all hell is breaking
loose.
There's the hot-to-trot Theola, who is doing things a First Lady should
never, ever do. Then, Rev. Goodlove's oldest son, Damien, is scheming to
make sure his pending divorce is his next big come-up. But Damien's
estranged wife, Michelle, isn't going out without a fight. She already
tried to kill once, this time she's determined to get it right. Just
when it seems things couldn't get any worse, Damien's ex, Jazzlyn pops
up and she's ready to go toe-to-toe with Michelle to reclaim "the one
that got away."
Like father, like sons... Add to that, Rev. Goodlove's other two sons Reginald and Barry, and
there is no shortage of drama in the church! Now, the good Reverend must
try to fight through his illness to keep his sons from following in his
less-than-holy footsteps. Can anyone save these sinners before its too
late?
Born in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, Mr. Dean Jéan-Pierre has been writing
poetry and short stories since he was a young boy in elementary school.
His passions were cultivated from beyond the beach into a culturally
diverse family of artists and poets. He inherited his love for writing
with depth and keen observances.
Mr. Jéan-Pierre continued developing and writing fiction, poetry through
his maturation process. Today, his collections equate well into the
thousands of different stories to reach a vastly cultural audience.
As a gifted writer, Mr. Jéan-Pierre offers a sensual collection of
erotically and beautifully balanced carnal imagery that goes beyond
basic lust filled needs. There is an intimate tenderness that he brings
in his character portrayals not often expressed by men. Particularly
geared towards a female audience, he eloquently provides a thorough
understanding of feelings, wants, and desires that are meant to be
shared.
In association with CalmWaters Entertainment, this is his first venture
at publishing a new novel The Pussy Whispers. A sensual
compilation of erotic short stories skillfully designed to seduce the
reader into a whirlwind of creatively erotic moments that delve beyond
the facade of just sex to connect with the reader.
Released in the spring of 2010, this is his first of many full length
works of fiction that you will see from him.
Mr. Jéan-Pierre brings a fresh new outlook and perspective on
relationships from all gender perspectives in several urban markets.
Independently well versed and traveled, Mr. Jéan-Pierre currently
resides in Maryland.
His next novel is scheduled for release in late 2010. For additional
information please visit:
www.deanjeanpierre.com
Author Clarence M. Allen steps out from the darkness and brings
inspiration to others with his new book. Released through Xlibris,
Regulate!: The Manual dares readers to face the reality of the cruelness
of life and muster the courage to face and overcome it.
The world itself is filled with problems. While every waking day is a
sign of new hope, it is also a fact that facing life each day means
facing different dilemmas along the way. Most of these problems revolve
inside inner city streets and frenzied neighborhoods. Intrigues,
scandals, and adventures come about in neighborhood and cities all
across America and the world. Regulate! provides a bird’s eye view of
the many things that go around in these places every day that ultimately
create problems in individuals. Both instructional and interactive, it
offers tricks and traps—which the author learned though personal
experiences—that allow one to deal with these predicaments.
Eye-opening and downright frank, this book touches on the gangs, the
gang members, the gang bangers, the gangsters, racism, gays and
lesbians, and even the status quo. Regulate!: The Manual is a
provocative and entertaining look at how social issues should be dealt
with in order to find peace in one’s personal life. For more information
on this book, log on to www.Xlibris.com.
About the Author
Clarence M. Allen was inspired to write this manual when he personally
hit the rock bottom of his life. After a work injury and depression that
started back in 2001, after three to four years of constant back pain,
anxieties and depression, he was tired of living in depression and in a
lot of pain. Along with all the troubles and events happening everyday
and everywhere around him, he got tired of seeing young children, women
and men making the worst choices today. Thus, he pondered on how to get
back to setting these things straight, which he now shares in this book.
Regulate!
From New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe comes a
poignant and passionate new novel featuring lifelong friends Annette
Goode Davis and Rhoda O’Toole–two women whose best intentions don’t
always yield the best results. This time around, Annette is devastated
when one of her greatest fears comes true—and there may be nothing she
can do about it. . .
Even though her life has its ups and downs, Annette Goode Davis feels
lucky to have a family who loves her and friends she can count on. Most
of all, Annette is grateful that her husband Pee Wee took her back after
he discovered she was having an affair. Now, she’s determined to do
whatever it takes to make her marriage work. The trouble is, while Pee
Wee agreed to give Annette another chance, she’s not sure his heart is
really in it.
Annette goes out of her way to keep Pee Wee as happy as pie, but it
never seems to be enough. Rhoda is quick to point out that Annette got
herself into this mess; now she has to be patient until Pee Wee forgives
her. But time may be running out.
Her suspicions are confirmed when Pee Wee moves out—and in with his new
lady. Annette takes the news hard and so does her daughter Charlotte,
who seems hell-bent on keeping her mother on edge by hanging out with a
wild new crowd.
Annette isn’t going to let her family go without a fight. But she also
knows she must prepare for the worst—because one lesson she’s learned
all too well is that when life kicks you in the teeth, you have to come
out swinging.
“Monroe is a masterful storyteller.” —Philadelphia Inquirer
Bestselling author and literary icon E. Lynn Harris captivated millions
of readers with his powerful, groundbreaking stories of black men
searching for love in a taboo world. Now three outstanding writers and
friends honor the late author with this trio of original novellas in the
genre E. Lynn helped create—each accompanied by a special personal
tribute remembering the important role he played in their lives. Evoking
the hope, romance, and complexity of this gifted writer, this unique
collection will serve as a living legacy for fans old and new.
“A creative way to pay homage to a writer who paved the way for so many
other authors…something I’m sure E. Lynn would have appreciated.” –ZANE,
New York Times Bestselling Author
Terrance Dean is the author of the Essence® bestselling memoir
Hiding in Hip Hop as well as Reclaim Your Power! He has
worked in the entertainment industry for many years as a producer and is
the founder/creator of Men’s Empowerment, Inc.
James Earl Hardy was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and is an
honors graduate of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.
He is the author of the bestselling B-Boy Blues series, including
Love the One You’re With, A House is Not a Home, and a short
story collection, The Freak Filez: An Erotic Anthology
Stanley Bennett Clay is the author of three novels: Diva, In
Search of Pretty Young Black Men, and Looker. A former editor
for both Black Beat and SBC Magazine, he is also an
award-winning playwright and actor.
The Chases are rich, powerful, and used to getting everything they want.
But this privileged African-American dynasty is about to discover that
even billions can’t buy happiness—or keep trouble outside their gilded
gates. . .
Carter Chase is engaged to be married, but he’s still not over his
ex-fiancée, Avery. And while Avery can’t seem to resist Carter’s charm
in the bedroom, she’s terrified by his threats to take their daughter
away from her. After all, Avery knows she can’t win a fight against the
influential Chase family. . .
In the meantime, Carter’s brother, Michael, is embroiled in his own
drama, consumed with guilt over the pain he caused his now ex-wife
Kimberly. Six months after granting her a divorce, Michael wants her
back. But it may take a tragedy to reunite them. . .
The Chase men aren’t the only ones struggling with matters of the heart.
Oldest daughter Leigh thinks she’s done with dating—until she meets
black Republican senator Max Cody. The last thing Leigh wants is another
high-profile affair, but she finds herself falling for Max anyway. Leigh
vowed to avoid another scandal for her family—but when you’re a Chase,
that kind of promise is impossible to keep. . .
Praise for Angela Winters
“Winters has created a family of nasty, horrid manipulators with few
morals and lots of power. It’s a guilty pleasure to watch them squirm.”—The
Tennessee Tribune on View Park
“Entertaining. . . The pacing is fast and the drama unrelenting.” —Publishers
Weekly on Never Enough
The newest member of Followers of Jesus Faith Worship Center stirs up
more troubles than blessings when he decides to rededicate his life to
God. . .
As the son of a well-known minister, Clarence Walker knows his decision
to leave his father’s flock and join Pastor George Landris’s mega-church
ministry is a controversial one. But little does he suspect it will
ignite a firestorm of revelations that will shake the heart of the
congregation—and his very own family. . .
From a long-buried secret that will bring the paternity of not one, but
two women, to light, to a parishioner whose long awaited love match may
be thwarted by resistance from an unexpected source, hidden truths are
coming to the surface. But most shocking of all is that Clarence’s own
father, Reverend Marshall Walker, may not be the pious figure he claims
to be. And since evidence of his transgressions lies in the hands of his
arch nemesis, it’s only a matter of time before Reverend Walker’s
life—and his church—falls like a house of cards.
Perceptive, moving, and emotional, Vanessa Davis Griggs once again
celebrates church life with its triumphs, tragedies, and all-too-human
mistakes—proving that without truth, there can be no light. . .
Drugs turn out to be a way of life for Rich, a powerful, sexy Drug Lord
hailing from Washington, D.C. His desire for fast money and the
extravagant things that it brings puts his family in harm’s way. Soon,
his ego forces him to leave his castle and empire to expand business on
the West Coast. His decision to leave his love ones behind at the mercy
of his enemies turns out to be catastrophic. One by one, each of Rich's
children spiral out of control. Pregnancy, rape, and abduction all hit
the family structure one day after another. With Rich putting his focus
on money, sex, and insignificant things in life his wife Lisa, throws
some new drama into the relationship as well; a side-piece and divorce
papers. This creates an even bigger wedge between Rich and Lisa. The
hate that Rich and Lisa develop for each other causes the divorce to get
down-right-dirty. Can their love out way their hate to save their
family, or is it too late?
Bio
Miss KP began writing in high school as an outlet to express her
emotions as a teenager. She would write poetry for funeral obituaries
and has even written unpublished songs as well. One day she decided to
purchase a laptop and write a story because she felt like she had a lot
to say. She was always good at making a story come to life. Her main
motivation was to touch the youth through literature. She felt if only
they could read and learn through cause and effect they would make
better choices in life. She began to write her first novel Promises
Daddy Made that transformed into Dirty Divorce after a good friend
introduced her to someone that could help make her dreams come true of
being an author. Miss KP currently works in the fashion industry as a
Merchandise Manager. She is a native Washingtonian and resides in
Maryland with her daughter Kameron.
Detective Zack Townes is just getting over the sudden death of his
former partner when he's assigned a new one. Sgt. Kim Patterson, an
Alicia Keys look-alike, seems more like a model than a police officer.
But while on the clock, she's all business.
When she isn't at work, however, it's a different story. She's single
and ready to find Mr. Right, or at least Mr. Right Now. And she thinks
that her partner, Zack, who is married, might be just the man to satisfy
her desires.
She lures him over to her place under false pretenses. And when he
arrives and open the door to her apartment, his heart nearly leaps out
of his chest; she's standing there with a smirk, clad in nothing but a
red negligee. Within seconds, Kim is all over him on the couch, sitting
in his lap as she kisses him. Zack tried to go with the flow, as the
well-endowed six foot eight detective was quickly getting aroused. But
images of his wife and baby kept flashing across his mind, so with all
his might he managed to resist her sexual advances.
But Kim didn't give up on love. So she decided to visit a local bar to
let off some steam and find a man-but there's someone there that's doing
some hunting of his own. Unwittingly now, she finds herself kidnapped by
a sadistic serial killer who has been preying on women throughout the
city.
Kim must rely on all her cunning if she's to outsmart her kidnapper and
manage to survive in Thrill Kill.
Maxine Shaw is headed for trouble when she finds herself caught between
lust and the law.
Sexy, straight shooter Maxine Shaw is a federal parole officer, but she
strays from the rules when she hooks up with seriously fine parolee Seth
Richardson. Maxine’s even willing to look the other way on Seth’s drug
dealing ’cause he’s letting her use some of his money to start her
business. But when Seth’s former ride-or-die chick Samantha returns home
after doing time, Maxine discovers that two women fighting over one man
is a real sticky situation.
“Kiki captures the heat of the streets.” —Wahida Clark
Two women who’ve been through just about everything together are about
to find out if there are some things forever friends can’t fix.
Annette Goode Davis is a survivor. Life’s obstacles have often knocked
her down, but she’s never stayed there for long. To Annette, it’s all
about family and old friends like Rhoda O’Toole. And right now, Annette
needs all the friends she can get because her marriage is in big
trouble, and she has no idea why.
Lately, Annette’s husband Pee Wee barely has the time of day for her.
Desperate to regain his affections, Annette goes on a crash diet, gets a
makeover, and looks hotter than she has in a long, long time. Everyone
notices—except Pee Wee. So when handsome Louis Baines showers her with
attention, Annette finds herself embroiled in a full-blown affair and
spending money on Louis like there’s no tomorrow. But when she learns a
terrible secret about her new lover, she realizes she’s in way over her
head. Soon Annette must face the fact that she may have destroyed the
life she loved—and this time, not even Rhoda can help her make things
right.
“Monroe is a masterful storyteller.” —Philadelphia Inquirer
From the author of The People Next Door comes a smart, sexy new
novel that peeks behind the curtains of one very complicated Florida
cul-de-sac, where the neighbors are a little too close for comfort.
Suzanne and Brad Betancourt have a lot to
be grateful for—their home, their children, and each other. They’ve even
survived the fact that Brad’s ex-wife lives next door and Suzanne’s
intrusive mother and siblings are just down the road. But Suzanne’s
confidence unravels at Brad’s fiftieth birthday blowout, when young,
voluptuous, neighbor Micheline brings a specially wrapped gift: herself.
Suddenly, Suzanne feels like she’s the one having the midlife crisis.
Hoping to impress Brad, and ease family
troubles that are already straining their relationship, Suzanne goes
into business with a friend. But the endeavor stretches her too thin,
leaving Brad hurt and alienated. Soon he begins to distance himself from
her—moving right into the waiting arms of Micheline, who is all too
ready to ditch her own husband.
Now, with marriages on the line across the
neighborhood, Suzanne and Brad will have to question their notion of
loyalty to one another—and to themselves.
Praise
For The Novels Of Bettye Griffin “Fear and joy practically leap off the pages. A well-written story
you will hate to see end.” —Romantic Times on Once Upon a Project
“A compelling drama about three families striving for the American
dream.”—Booklist on If These Walls Could Talk
Glorious is set against the backdrops of the Jim Crow South, the
Harlem Renaissance, and the Civil Rights era. Blending fact and
fiction, Glorious is the story of Easter Venetta Bartlett, a
fictional Harlem Renaissance writer whose tumultuous path to
success, ruin, and ultimately revival offers a candid and true
portrait of the American experience in all its beauty and
cruelty.
It is a novel informed by the question that is the title of
Langston Hughes's famous poem: What happens to a dream deferred?
Based on years of research, this heart-wrenching fictional
account is given added resonance by factual events coupled with
real and imagined larger-than-life characters. Glorious is an
audacious exploration into the nature of self-hatred, love,
possession, ego, betrayal, and, finally, redemption.
BERNICE L. McFADDEN is the author of six critically acclaimed
novels including the classic Sugar and Nowhere Is a Place, which
was a Washington Post Best Fiction title for 2006. She is a two
time Hurston/Wright Legacy Award finalist for fiction, as well
as the recipient of two fiction honor awards from the BCALA. Her
sophomore novel, The Warmest December, was praised by Nobel
Prize-winning author Toni Morrison as "searing and expertly
imagined." McFadden lives in Brooklyn, New York, where she is
working on her next novel.
Come Take A Risk With RO – The First Cyber Police!
The author believes that everyone has various stories in them - wrapped
in valuable teaching and learning situations – all of which can take
different directions.
Consider our personal histories, male and female dilemmas, sexual
temptations, marriage, divorce, living with someone, living alone, the
support of family members, disappointments from family members, daily
challenges, grudges, forgiveness, peer pressures, individualism,
rewards, life, death, love, hate, worry - with or without proactive
solutions, aches, pains, diseases, health, decisions to lead and/or to
follow, seeking peace, avoiding stress, positive goals, the temptations
of the devil, and the final statement of our lives when we conceive,
believe and love ourselves enough to achieve the blessings of the
Almighty.
My direction for one of my stories includes tributes to my
great-grandfather, memories of the blessings of historical wisdom from
my great-grandmother, sacrifices from both my loving grandmother and
mother, and various family members, who were either here or there at the
time I began to weave this series.
Hopefully, my descendants will always be proud to share these works, and
readers will find them entertaining through the myriad of twist and
turns which are designed to encourage us to engage in dialogue as we
explore the worlds of equal opportunity ethnic heroes, sheroes, and
crooks.
I sincerely hope this portrait of a sensitive, smart, sexy, and street
smart African-American male lead - with a sexy female lead matching him
brain cell to brain cell - will entertain and delight you.
* BY THE WAY *
There’s an “edutaining” children’s book that also honors my ancestors
while
imagining a world of peace and harmony where music, musical terms, and
instruments making up the universal language of the land!
Part Terry McMillan, part Candice Dow,
Deidre Berry dazzles with this witty and
down-to-earth novel brimming with eccentric
characters and the hijinks that ensue when a
pampered woman’s lifestyle is dramatically
changed.
For the past two years, Eva Cantrell has
been living the high life. The pampered
girlfriend of a wealthy businessman, Eva has
become so accustomed to exotic vacations and
shopping sprees that she can scarcely
remember what it’s like to struggle or want
for anything. However, her world comes
crashing down around her when her sugar
daddy is busted for shady business
practices, and faces a long stint in prison.
With the gravy train permanently derailed,
Eva is forced to reinvent herself. In the
process, she goes on a soul-searching
journey where she crosses paths with an
array of eccentric characters, and
ultimately finds love where she least
expects it.
PRAISE FOR THE NEXT BEST THING
“Berry’s debut chronicles the life of sassy
Tori Carter, a jilted bride who is somewhat
bitter and hard on men. Sure, she has
issues, but readers will be able to relate
to them—and they'll look forward to her next
novel.” —RT Book Reviews
“Delightful...a clever mix of zany
characters, humor, and heart.” —Lutishia
Lovely, author of A Preacher’s Passion
Deidre Berry grew up in a picture-book town
in Kansas where she began writing stories of
her own. With a lifelong dream to share the
power of words, she also writes short
stories, screenplays, and poetry. Away from
the computer, Deidre zealously pursues her
passions for fine dining, reading, cooking,
and shopping, and is also a die-hard Kansas
City Chiefs fan who enjoys hosting game day
parties for her family and friends. She
lives in Kansas City with her husband,
Richard.
In this dazzling and bold debut that cuts to
the heart of modern relationships, Paula T.
Renfroe introduces two thirty-something best
friends, each dealing with a different side
of infidelity.
Aminah and Langston are best friends who
have found themselves in a dilemma. When
Aminah learns that Langston is having a
sexless but very emotional affair, she’s
forced to look at her own relationship and
examine whether she’s confused loyalty and
forgiveness with simply tolerating
unfaithfulness.
Convinced it’s only cheating if she gets
caught, Langston is sure she can balance her
good marriage with an emotional tryst. When
the affair becomes dangerously physical,
Langston must weigh stability against the
thrills and risks of passion. And Aminah
must finally choose between keeping her
family and friendship intact, and
maintaining her self-respect.
Thought provoking, steamy, and insightful,
The Cheating Curve explores issues of sex,
family, parenting, and infidelity in a story
that is at once vividly realistic and
thoroughly entertaining.
ADVANCE PRAISE FOR PAULA T. RENFROE
"A fearless depiction of female sexuality,
The Cheating Curve, careens at break-neck
speeds while maintaining deft insight into
its characters. Paula T. Renfroe cannily
layers her heroines with fierce loyalty,
unbridled consumerism, occasional hubris and
a great deal of heart. This is a thoroughly
addictive read." —Mary H.K. Choi, features
editor of Giant magazine
"Hot and steamy but stirred with subtle
nuance, Paula T. Renfroe's novel debut
explores the dangers of desire and the
complexity of infidelity with care, candor
and captivating prose." —Elliott Wilson
co-author of Ego Trip's Rap List and Ego
Trip's Big Book Of Racism
Paula Renfroe has been a lifestyle editor
for XXL magazine, the managing editor for
The Source magazine and a journalist who has
written for Vibe, Vixen, King, Rides, Hip
Hop Soul, and TimeOut New York. She is also
the co-author of Textured Tresses: The
Ultimate Guide to Maintaining and Styling
Natural Hair (Touchstone/ Fireside 2004).
She is currently the project manager at BET
News.
From the tremendously talented New York
Times and Essence® bestselling author Mary
Monroe comes the powerful story of two
lifelong friends, their secrets and lies,
and the new challenge that may divide them
once and for all!
With a lovely home and family, Annette Goode
finally has it all. Heaven knows she paid
her dues—from an abusive childhood to a
rocky start as an adult. Annette’s friend
Rhoda knows too, for Rhoda has been both her
savior and her greatest fear. Their
relationship has survived some serious
shake-ups. But now that things are good,
someone apparently thinks they’re a little
too good.
When Annette receives an anonymous—and
menacing—birthday gift, it’s just the
beginning of a slew of hostile letters,
vicious phone calls, and vile packages from
a female who is obviously disguising her
voice. Comforted by Rhoda and Rhoda’s
teenage daughter, Jade, Annette hopes the
problem will somehow disappear. But when the
threats extend to her child, Annette
realizes the situation is dire. For soon her
tormentor reveals exactly what she wants—and
how it could destroy everything Annette has
built…
PRAISE FOR MARY MONROE “Monroe is a masterful storyteller.”
—Philadelphia Inquirer
“Reminiscent of Zora Neale Hurston.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Watch out Toni Morrison, there is a new
sister in town.” —Rapport
Mary Monroe is the New York Times
bestselling author of God Ain’t Blind, The
Company We Keep, She Had It Coming, Deliver
Me From Evil, God Don’t Play, In Sheep’s
Clothing, Red Light Wives, God Still Don’t
Like Ugly, Gonna Lay Down My Burdens, God
Don’t Like Ugly, The Upper Room, and the
novella “Nightmare in Paradise” in Borrow
Trouble. An avid traveler, Mary currently
lives in Oakland, California.
In this unforgettable collection of
interconnected novellas from four of today’s
hottest African-American authors, four
young, hip, beautiful women in a Harlem
brownstone discover they have more in common
than their address.
Dior is a woman with a taste for the finer
things in life. So far she’s got the job and
the apartment. Now she needs the man, and
she hopes she’s met him on the Internet.
She’ll find out on Valentine’s Day. Party
promoter Tamara is opening a hot new
club—and hoping to break her family’s
tradition of failed marriages. But is dating
three different men the best strategy? Cloe
is a BAP on the career track. But just as
she’s up for a big promotion, her boyfriend
gives her an ultimatum. And casting director
Mona-Lisa avoids relationships.
But when a tragedy changes her attitude,
she’s compelled to spend a special day with
a man from her past. Yet she’s overlooked
some crucial details.
As these women come together at a local club
on Valentine’s Day, secrets are revealed
that will forever change their lives.
“Four talented authors create one story with
four parts that flow effortlessly
together...quite memorable, and there’s a
lot of laughter.” —RT Book Reviews on
Diamond Playgirls
“The voice of a new generation.” —Karen
Quinones Miller on Daaimah S. Poole
Daaimah S. Poole was born and raised in
Philadelphia and graduated from Temple
University with a degree in journalism. She
wrote her first novel, Yo Yo Love which
became an Essence® bestseller, at the age of
19.
Miasha worked as a fashion model before
graduating from Temple University with a
degree in Communications.
Deja King is the author of the highly
successful Bitch series and also writes
under the name Joy King.
T. Styles was raised in Houston, Texas. She
learned about street life the hard way—she
lived it—and now pours her experience into
her writing. She now lives in Maryland.
Niobia Bryant will have readers on the
edge of their seats with this sexy and
provocative novel about a group of women who
have one thing in common—their husbands’
betrayal.
Jaime, Renee, and Aria reside with their
spouses in the affluent gated community of
Richmond Hills, New Jersey, where they are
best friends with their sexy, single
neighbor Jessa. Trouble is, Jessa has just
sent them a text message telling them that
she has run away with one of their husbands.
That message opens the door to each of the
women’s unspoken insecurities about their
marriages, as they recall incidents that
hint that their husband is the one.
Loosely based on the classic movie A Letter
to Three Wives, but with plenty of sass and
surprises, Message From a Mistress will keep
readers hooked to the very last page.
PRAISE FOR NIOBIA BRYANT
“The dialogue is credible, the struggles are
emotional and empowering, and the storyline
is memorable and entertaining. Niobia Bryant
has enthralled her readers with another
fast-paced poignant tale…” —Urban Reviews on
Show and Tell
“Live and Learn is a drama-filled,
action-packed, page-turning novel…” —The
RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
Niobia Bryant is the national bestselling
and award-winning author of a dozen “Sexy,
Funny & Oh So Real” novels. Currently she
writes full time, splitting her time between
New Jersey and South Carolina.
Kira’s quiet life in the islands is
interrupted when she’s called back to
Virginia to attend her cousin Nikki’s
funeral. Reluctantly, Kira plans a short,
incognito trip to do just that. However, her
plans are derailed when news of her arrival
spreads.
Now there’s a bounty on her head, and
several snakes are ready to cash in. Behind
enemy lines in her own hometown, Kira is
faced with yet another battle to stay alive
as she finds out once again, that she’s
living on borrowed time. Will she be able to
cheat death again, or will death snatch her
from behind in part five of the Wifey
series?
Kiki Swinson was born and raised in
Portsmouth, Virginia. She discovered her
flair for writing after completing her first
novel, Mad Shambles, while serving a
five-year sentence at a federal prison.
After being released, Kiki self-published
Mad Shambles. Her passion for writing didn’t
stop there. Writing feverishly into the wee
hours of the night, she completed her second
novel, Wifey, which was published by
Melodrama Publishing. After the success of
Wifey, Kiki penned the sequels I’m Still
Wifey, Life After Wifey, and Still Wifey
Material. Taking a break from the series,
Kiki also wrote A Sticky Situation, The
Candy Shop, Playing Dirty, and Notorious, as
well as the novella “Keeping My Enemies
Close” alongside a novella by Wahida Clark
in the collection Sleeping with the Enemy.
Staying true to the Wifey brand that made
her readers love her, Ms. Swinson has
returned to pen Wifey 4 Life, part 5 in the
highly acclaimed Wifey series.
Dante Weston finds the love of his life, but
his reality falls just a tad short of his
dreams.
His friends warn him against opening his
home to an unfamiliar woman. But the trouble
and pain they predict, instead, become love
and passion. He has no intention of falling
in love. It wasn’t even close to being on
his list of things to do. But when Leslie
waltzes into his life, her grace, beauty and
intelligence hold him captive, leaving him
no desire to be set free. After wooing her
with his sensuous charm, they spend their
nights embracing the fiery, sultry, erotic
romance that would become their life.
Cruising their newly found love is
effortless until the emotional baggage they
each bring to the party interrupts their
passion and tranquility. Seductive intimacy
is forced to bow to pain and heartache as
the unthinkable happens and each pay a price
too great to endure.
Kelly Zimmerman-Green is a native of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who attended
Temple University. She graduated with a BA
in psychology and used her degree to work in
the social service field for fifteen years.
In the summer of 2005, Kelly moved to the
Atlanta area with her husband and two
children. Since that time, she was a staff
writer for a nationally televised sitcom.
Currently, Kelly continues writing for
television on a freelance basis and is a
member of the Writer’s Guild of America. She
is also crafting her next manuscript.
The first book in the new series of
children's early-reader chapter books. Tales
from the Mapmaker: Imagia and the Magic
Pearls is about a place called Trillow, a
world of color. This captivating story
teaches children about one of their most
powerful gifts--imagination (their pearl).
In this fun adventure, experienced
storyteller, author, and illustrator, Monroe
S Tarver, brings the most adorable creatures
to life. There are also several full-page
color illustrations in the back, which show
the true beauty of his fantasy world.
Through this series, parents and teachers
can encourage kids to use their own gift of
imagination to realize their dreams and
achieve whatever they want to be. The easy
vocabulary and sentences make it fun reading
for school-aged children. Pre-schoolers will
also enjoy it for storytime.
“A child’s imagination is much like a pearl.
At first it is small and not powerful at
all. Most children don't even realize they
have this pearl. But with parents',
teachers' and others' help, a child's pearl
can be shaped and made to become powerful
and magical.” —Monroe S Tarver
The Divas takes you behind the scenes into the exciting world of four
beautiful friends, all married to music industry heavy-hitters.
Deena: The twenty-four year old wife of JaySmooth, The best
selling rapper on the East Coast. She put her life and dreams on
hold to be his ride-or-die chick, only to be discarded when he falls in
love with a gorgeous, blonde, singer.
Chrystal: Thirty-two year old wife of Corey Banks, legendary
hip-hop mogul and entrepreneur. She has endured hardship and pain during
her twelve year marriage, as she watched her husband chase one woman
after the other. Although she enjoys her lavish lifestyle, she vows to
never be betrayed by him again.
Nicole: Twenty-one year old wife of Julian Jackson and the former
lead singer of the R&B group Miracle. As time goes by she
discovers that he is not the man that she thought she married. She
discovers his secret that could not only shatter their marriage, but
ruin his career.
Renee: The twenty-four year-old wife of Atlanta based rapper
Armani (Twist) Stokes. Renee used street intellect to transform a chance
meeting into marriage and hits pay-dirt when she marries her young
ambitious and multi-talented husband. She will stop at nothing to help
him achieve the superstar status that he so rightfully deserves. Renee
is fighting to keep her marriage intact when scandalous secrets from her
past come back to haunt her. Not only could she lose her man, but she
could face jail time for the sins she has committed.
From lavish lunches, fabulous parties, extravagant shopping sprees, and
soothing spa dates, The Divas takes you through the heartache, betrayal
and broken marriages of four women whose quest for love, money, and
status nearly destroys them all.
Imagine a mother leaving her two year old daughter in the front yard,
frightened and alone, only to return years later. In the interim, the
child’s Dad, notorious in his own way, becomes the responsible parent.
This was the beginning of life for Sharon D. Johnson. Needless to say,
she grew up on the fast track, dropped out of school and became a mother
at age thirteen.
Fast forward ten years to Sharon as the single mother three little
girls. With limited resources and no place to live, she ended up at the
home of the mother that left her in the yard. One day she went to work
and left her daughters with her Mother only to return home and find the
girls on the front porch because she had locked them out of the house.
From there Sharon found her way to the local Family Shelter.
Time spent at the shelter had a profound impact on Sharon Johnson’s
life. She learned how to survive and appreciated the safe haven provided
to women and children in need.
Fast forward again, twenty years, to a mature, successful Sharon D.
Johnson; published author, business owner and friend to women in
transition. She is now founder of YOU TOO, a support group for abused
women in shelters. Determined to convince women in despair change is
possible for YOU TOO; new life is possible for YOU TOO; GOD loves YOU
TOO and the future belongs to YOU TOO. She meets weekly at the local
shelter and leads discussions on various topics such as surviving abuse;
moving forward after a breakup and she also provides them with valuable
resource information. She can relate. She understands their problems and
their need to be heard.
The future is bright for Sharon D. Johnson. Her first book has taken her
to unbelievable heights and experiences. Once you read this incredible
story – you will understand and respect the impact of this achievement.
Wretched Saints is a jarring collection of fiction
short stories authored by Poet/Author Marc Lacy and Assuanta Fay Howard.
This unique book forces readers to choose sides and to escape the
lukewarm lifestyle.
Between these covers may be your spark to eternal life or a ticket to
everlasting confusion...depending on how you look at it. For we all have
the greatest intentions at heart regardless of whatever we may desire to
accomplish. Our faith provides energy and focus during the lifelong
scamper down the path of righteousness. However, one thing that poses
the greatest challenge is the fact that no human being can escape being
human...’til death do us part. Temptation lies behind each exit off of
Heaven’s highways. Detours become more alluring as construction takes
place within the most crucial times of our lives -- in turn, potentially
providing a next day delivery service to hell’s doorstep.
Wretched Saints provides a literary window through which we may possibly
see traits of ourselves within one or more of the characters as they
learn the hard way to listen when God is talking. Thus His signal, when
digested properly allows suppression of sinful urges opening up the
door, for spiritual growth.
Are you a Wretched Saint? Open the covers...and see.
Of course our desire is to walk within The Kingdom’s Neighborhood, but
it can be very difficult leaving the alluring amenities of home. We have
the protocol down pat; especially when others can witness us
“witnessing.” However, when backs are turned and the sun has set, the
righteous hotness of the self-proclaimed saint can suddenly turn
lukewarm. Although the tongue can no longer house rationalizations, we
still find a way to verbally cover spiritual deficits...thus casting us
further into a pit of unrighteous debt surrounded by several unused
shovels.
The Inspiring Story of One Man's Service to His Country--and How It
Saved His Life
Growing up
poor and black in the segregated South, Robert knew he had to do
something with his life if he was to avoid an eternal prison of poverty.
Like so many others, he found an escape hatch in the United States Army.
But then he got a whole lot more than he bargained for. Robbobell
chronicles Robert's remarkable journey from messed-up kid to GI, drill
instructor and finally, educator. This candid and often humorous memoir
takes readers behind the scenes of black life in the 1950s South, when
saying the wrong thing to the wrong person could earn a potentially
dangerous rebuke. From there, the narrative moves to Robert's Army
experiences as he yearns for a better life. Through boot camp, jump
school and service in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Robert
learns the core values in wartime; staying alive and looking out for
your buddies; don't include anything about race. What follows is an
edge-of-your-seat narrative of survival spiced with the realities of
drug use in the military during the 1970's and 80's. But with help from
the Lord and Robert's beloved soul mate, Jackie, he builds an
impressive, globetrotting military career; while never forgetting how to
have a good time. Robbobell: The Scars of a Painful but Wonderful Past,
is an unsanitized, enlightening look at the challenges faced by millions
of African Americans during segregation. It is the story of how the Army
molded a young man to withstand the enormous pitfalls of his time. And
it is about an important period of American history that we simply
cannot afford to ignore.
So, who is
Dr. Robert Hill?
He grew up in the rural South, riding stick horses through the woods. He
was forever day-dreaming of far off exotic places. Spiderman and
Dare-Devil were his childhood heroes. After deciding that working on the
farm or a life of fishing to support oneself was boring, he departed for
the U. S. Army, with a tour in Vietnam. He has a love for the Lord,
antique cars, a good debate, and beautiful beaches. He truly believes in
a loving and sharing relationship with the one love of his life, Jackie.
He married his high school sweetheart and from what seems to be an
unending love affair, came two sons. When Robert is not laboring away
teaching his students in the classroom, he and his lovely wife Jackie,
enjoy relaxing at the beach. He finds the beach a place of comfort, and
relaxation, especially during the winter months. In addition, he has
gospel and golden oldies on the same play list on his MP-3 Player.
A Fictional Novel of Social Significance Set During the Turbulent 1970s
Checkered Fences is a novel of remarkable insight and a tribute to our
world’s changing social and political climate.
Author Alma Hudson’s novel brings racial issues to the forefront with
delicate balance and thoughtful compassion.
Diane Jones, an African-American 18-year old honors student takes a job
as a nanny to a prestigious white family, Jerry and Ann Shaw, before
entering college. It’s the late 1970s in California and while racial
issues are coming to the forefront, Diane comes face to face with those
issues. She quickly becomes a respected friend and member of their
blended family, paying special attention to their eight-year old son,
Chad, Ann’s son from a previous marriage. The Shaw’s eldest son, David
returns home for the summer and an immediate attraction sparks between
Diane and David. They began a secretive love affair.
Can Diane’s proud, traditional family accept a white man as Diane’s love
interest? Will the Shaw family value her as David’s potential partner?
As their love affair blossoms, Diane and David make their relationship
public.
This story of an interracial love during the turbulent 70s deftly
explores the ugly racism that propelled our nation’s conscious to change
toward a more diversified culture. Written with sophisticated realism,
Hudson’s novel stands out as a literary piece of significance during our
present-day political climate.
About the Author
Alma Hudson works in legal management and is actively involved in
community and environmental issues. Ms. Hudson has an Associate’s and
Bachelor of Arts Degree and lives with her two children and husband,
Eugene in Lancaster, California. Checkered Fences is her first novel.
Momma’s Scarlet Soul is the continued sequel
regarding the life of Cassey Jenkins. On Christmas Eve and at the age of
23, Cassey survived an attempted murder within the city streets of
Chicago. Consequently, she lost her left eye, all of her fingers, and
all of her toes. The disabling attack forced her to endure a lengthy
in-patient rehabilitation program prior to being released home with her
four children (Chian, Donatello, Caramella, and Koran). Meanwhile, the
attempt to pursue justice against the unknown suspect has been deemed
impossible by local law enforcement officials...
NOTE: The Struggle, Momma’s Story is the beginning saga of this true
life story. This title has also been written by Penelope Write and has
been made available to order.
Xavier Preston is tall, dark and handsome
and the problem is that he knows it. He's a
best-selling author who is accustomed to
adoring female fans, both young and old,
flirting with him, throwing themselves
shamelessly at him and trying to get between
more than the covers of his novels. And he
has always been more than willing to
accommodate their needs and desires.
However, his womanizing days have finally
ended. . . he's engaged to a beautiful
woman, Kendall, and he's decided to walk the
straight and narrow. Or has he?
From outside appearances, the very stunning
Pilar has it all---a great career, a
beautiful home and a trust fund that keeps
her financially secure. However, looks can
be deceiving. All that glitters isn't gold.
Pilar is searching for her one, perfect
soulmate. And she thinks she has found him
in Xavier. She believes in going after what
she wants with a vengeance. . . and she
wants Xavier. And that is not negotiable.
When Xavier meets his fanatical fan, Pilar,
who declares herself his #1 fan, he gets
much more than he bargained for. What starts
out as a one-night stand quickly spirals out
of control and into a dangerous game of
obsession and pain with both parties playing
to win.
Think you know what goes on behind the
literary scene? Think again.
When you read the Washington D.C. tabloids, you might surmise that Teco
Jackson was slain by a delusional killer, The Paradox. However,
Federal Agents are not convinced. A crime spree in Atlanta,
Georgia is strikingly similar to that of the Washington, D.C. G-String
murders.
Atlanta
Detective Paul Yeomans tries to keep the south’s "Phoenix City" safe but
is forced to seek help from Washington, D.C.'s quick-witted and
statuesque Detective Hanae Troop. Never realizing, until it's too late,
the multi-jurisdiction operation is eventually forced into a propitious
government mission with international appeal.
Atlanta
resident Gail Indigo Que (GQ), a former Strictly Business (SB) drug crew
member, attempts to achieve legitimate riches by virtue of rags with her
signature clothing line. However, The Paradox feels double-crossed
and elevates his deadly game to a new level by trying to sabotage GQ's
fashion career and draw her back into the streets. All in the name
of lady justice, The Paradox has spread his vigilantly game across the
entire metro-Atlanta area.
Several weeks after investigating the case, the multi-jurisdiction law
enforcement team solicits the assistance of an unlikely bodyguard to
take GQ into protective custody. Regardless, GQ is determined to
succeed in fashion despite the odds. Leaving the street life, is
it rags or riches?
In his New York Times bestselling novel Something on the Side,
Carl Weber introduced readers to the scandalous world of the Big
Girls Book Club. In this fast-paced follow-up to that smash hit, the
BGBC has a new chapter in Richmond, Virginia, but the biggest drama
isn’t between the pages, it’s between the members themselves…
Welcome to the Big Girls Book Club, where only one rule applies:
Members must be at least a size 14. Sisters and original BGBC
members Isis and Egypt have left New York for Richmond, where Isis
is happily married and living in the lap of luxury. Her sister Egypt
has moved in to get away from her past, which isn’t easy when her ex
is Isis’s husband, Rashid. Then Isis asks Egypt to make a giant
sacrifice—to become a surrogate and carry her and Rashid’s baby. . .
New BGBC member Loraine Farrow is one of Richmond’s most successful
women, but she has a secret that she feels could ruin her. Jerome is
Loraine’s personal secretary and the only male member of the BGBC.
He’s openly gay and never had a problem with it, until Loraine asks
him to do a favor that will change his life. . .
PRAISE FOR CARL WEBER
“Something on the Side will surprise you over and over again with
plot twists, character curves and stunners all over the place.” —The
Observer
“You’ll fall in love with the members of the Big Girls Book Club…As
he did in previous page-turners, Weber keeps the action moving while
giving us some surprisingly touching moments that will make you
pause just long enough to reach for a tissue.” —Essence® on
Something on the Side
“Weber keeps things tight and funny; readers with a bent for the
bootylicious will certainly want to pick this one up.” —Publishers
Weekly on Something on the Side
“Weber delivers a soap opera-style cautionary tale of promiscuity
and lust . . . twisty and entertaining. This trashy page-turner
should give fans what they want.” —Publishers Weekly on Up to No
Good
“His writing always brings heat—along with multilayered characters,
unexpected twists and a gripping ending. The characters are better
than any soap opera.” —Romantic Times on Up to No Good
Carl Weber is the New York Times bestselling author of Up to No
Good, Something on the Side, The First Lady, So You Call Yourself A
Man, The Preacher’s Son, Player Haters, Lookin’ for Luv, Married
Men, and Baby Momma Drama. He lives in New York.
The Duchess of Street Lit, De’nesha Diamond, Essence® bestselling
author Erick S. Gray, and rising star Nichelle Walker team up for a
gritty, compelling three-novella collection about women who are
dead-set on getting everything they want. . .
DE’NESHA DIAMOND Slippin’
Ex-convict Delvon Jackson is sure there’s no way a high-rolling
woman like Sabrina Walker would give him the time of day. But Delvon
is exactly what Sabrina needs. . .
ERICK S. GRAY Put ‘Em in Their Place
Young, beautiful Cha knows her drug lord father was set up by his
right-hand man, Ya-Ya. And when she spots him at the club where she
dances, she finally has an opportunity to avenge his death. . .
NICHELLE WALKER Kandy Girlz
When Kandie, the daughter of a notorious street hustler, meets model
scout Misty, she becomes the number one video girl. But soon she
wants what Misty has—even if it means taking Misty down. . .
De’nesha Diamond is the award-winning, national bestselling author
of more than twenty previous novels. She lives in Georgia.
Erick S. Gray is the Essence® bestselling author of the popular
urban sex-comedy Bootycall *69. His other novels include Ghetto
Heaven, Money, Power, Respect, Nasty Girls, and It’s Like Candy. He
is also the owner/founder of Triple G Publishing. Erick was born and
raised in Jamaica, Queens.
Nichelle Walker hails from Chicago, Illinois. While on a three-week
break from school, she wrote Doing His Time, which she released
under her publishing company, NWHoodTales Publishing.
From the author of Love Like Hallelujah, Sex in the Sanctuary, and A
Preacher’s Passion comes another irresistible read rich in church
drama, wicked humor, scandalous exploits, and faith.
Nathaniel “Nate” Thicke is a preaching prodigy. At only twenty-four,
he’s become the senior pastor of The Gospel Truth Church, a sister
church to Kingdom Citizen. Nate’s great grandfather, grandfather and
his own father have all been pastors at the church. Nate has also
kept another Long tradition alive: he believes it is his pastoral
duty and spiritual right to spread love “whenever and wherever the
Spirit leads.”
The problem is, Nate’s urges have led him to three women from the
same family—the Noble women. And when Nate decides he’s going to
become a one-woman man, the other ladies don’t want to let him go,
which is going to make Sunday church service a whole lot more
interesting. . .
PRAISE FOR LUTISHIA LOVELY
“The scintillating brew of sex, faith and sharp humor will have
Lovely’s fans breathless for more.” —Publishers Weekly on A
Preacher’s Passion
“A spell-binding tale with some hilarious and righteous characters.
While this story is heartfelt and at times dire, nothing compares to
its laugh-out-loud moments.” —The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers on Sex in the
Sanctuary
Lutishia Lovely is an actress, poet, spoken word artist, and former
radio and television talk show host. She lives in Manhattan Beach,
California.
The civil rights and black power movements expanded popular
awareness of the history and culture of African Americans. But, as
Stephen Hall observes, African American authors, intellectuals,
ministers, and abolitionists had been writing the history of the
black experience since the 1800s. With this book, Hall recaptures
and reconstructs a rich but largely overlooked tradition of
historical writing by African Americans.
Hall charts the origins, meanings, methods, evolution, and
maturation of African American historical writing from the period of
the Early Republic to the twentieth-century professionalization of
the field of historical study. He demonstrates how these works
borrowed from and engaged with mainstream intellectual movements
including the Enlightenment, Romanticism, Realism, and Modernism.
Hall also explores the creation of discursive spaces that
simultaneously reinforced and offered counternarratives to more
mainstream historical discourse. He sheds fresh light on the
influence of the African Diaspora on the development of historical
study. In so doing, he provides a holistic portrait of African
American history informed by developments within and outside the
African American community.
Lena Spencer appears to have it all: a rich
husband, two wonderful children and a life
of luxury. Though she seems to have
everything, she is missing one important
thing…happiness. Drawing strength from Tina
Turner’s real-life story, SEARCHING FOR TINA
TURNER is Lena’s struggle on the way to
finding herself after twenty-five years of
belonging to her family. Refusing to neglect
herself any longer, what she stumbles upon
could be a brand new beginning for all
involved.
Jacqueline E. Luckett is a former sales
representative for Xerox. After leaving the
corporate world, Jacqueline took a creative
writing class on a dare (from herself) and
began writing short stories and poetry and
never looked back. Jacqueline loves living
in Oakland, but travels frequently to
nurture her passion for photography and
learning to cook exotic foods. She is
currently hard at work on her next novel.
“Fans of Terry McMillan’s insightful
dissections of love and life will appreciate
debut novelist Luckett’s similar writing
style.” –Library Journal
“A fierce, beautiful novel…a heroine for the
ages…Luckett is a writer to watch and
admirer.” –ZZ Packer in O Magazine
Growing up in Washington, DC hasn’t been easy for Camille Logan. After being
sexually and emotionally abused by her foster parents, she turns to the one
person she can trust—her boyfriend Chu. Even though he’s a mid-level drug
dealer, she finds safety and comfort with him. Finally, life starts looking
up for her…until Chu is murdered. Feeling helpless and refusing to return to
the system, Camille finds herself living with a group of women in a tiny
run-down apartment building. This is hardly an ideal situation, mainly
because she has to work for Nut, a deranged pimp, but this apartment is a
place that she can, at least, call home. Eventually, Camille becomes fed up
with this ‘so-called’ life. She is forced to right her wrongs and slowly
learns that her past does not solely determine her future.
DAMAGED is a page-turning, emotional ride. Readers will become engrossed in
this heart-wrenching, coming-of-age tale, rooting for Camille’s iron will
until the very last page.
Kia DuPree, a former assistant editor at St. Martin’s Press, received the
2005 Fiction Honor Book Award from the Black Caucus of the American Library
Association for her debut, self-published novel Robbing Peter. Kia's short
story, Lost One, was included in #1 Essence bestselling anthology HOOD 2
HOOD (2008). Kia holds a B.A. in Mass Media Arts from Hampton University and
an M.A. in English from Old Dominion University. She lives in Washington,
DC.
“…knockout of
a story…raw, gritty, uncompromising realism, telling like it is honestly and
well. Dupree is an author to watch.” –Library Journal
“Dupree displays an excellent ear for the dialogue, thinking, music and
world views of her young characters and a talent for setting…far above
standard street lit…” –Publishers Weekly
Author D.V. Hent, a native of Northeast Ohio, currently resides in
the Houston, TX area. Though his career path in college led him
towards Pre-Med, he has always had a passion for writing and reading
books and prose. His first submission to a well known erotica
website quickly earned him an editor's pick which further fueled his
passion for telling stories.
Perfecting his talent for crafting realistic characters in steamy
situations, D.V. Hent self published his debut novel, If You Don't
Tell. Evolving from sexy, sultry short stories to his first full
novel, the journey has been an exciting and new learning experience,
one that has birthed Naughty Ink Press, his own imprint.
What do you want Naughty Ink Press to stand for in your own words?
"The goal is to bring the intimacy back to urban erotic and romantic
fiction with relatable characters, and a solid, sexy story. We want
our readers to laugh, learn and indulge a little. We don't want to
blend in to the urban fiction genre, but to set a standard for
fiction writing that remains fresh and pushes the limits of
"typical" urban fiction. We want to explore the alternative and less
traveled paths in literature and really take our readers on a
journey."
D.V. loves reading and writing, (of course) and spending time with
his family. Valentine, his second novel is currently in the works,
due out in late Spring, 2010.
Mistress of manipulation Diamond Reed always
gets what she wants. As a single mother to
her teenaged son, Diamond transforms into a
vicious cougar with an insatiable appetite
for men less than half her age. She preys on
her son’s friends for sex, molding them into
a team of young men who line her
ever-growing pocketbook with the spoils of
crimes they commit under her leadership.
Dante Reed, although always against his
mother’s promiscuous and conniving ways,
somehow gets pulled into her web of deceit
under the pretense of motherly love. But
when Diamond and Dante are busted for a plan
gone wrong, their lives hang in the balance
as they face life in prison. The stakes are
high, there are too many loose ends, and
Dante begins to doubt the flawless love his
mother has hypnotized him with for so many
years. What will it take to turn blood
against blood, friend against friend,
brother against brother? What will it take
to shatter the veneer of the Diamond
Syndicate?
Now available in paperback—Carl Weber, the
New York Times bestselling author of
Something on the Side and The First Lady,
introduces a deliciously dysfunctional
family in a straight-up novel with just the
right blend of intrigue, sex, and humor.
There is always a man around the corner.
Church trustee James Black should know—he’s
usually that very man, carrying on affairs
with married women and sleeping with one
conquest after another. But when he suddenly
finds himself in love, his relationship
generates a ripple effect of shocking
proportions.
His daughter intends to dismantle his
relationship. And James’s son decides to
follow in his father’s womanizing footsteps
after catching his fiancée cheating. James
may have been the one to unleash this
maelstrom of events, but stopping will mean
facing hard truths. . .
PRAISE FOR UP TO NO GOOD “In Up to No Good, Carl Weber reforms
James Black, a minor player in the writer’s
previous works who his own shine in this
charming tale.” —Essence®
“This page-turning drama keeps readers in
suspense until the very last page.” —Upscale
Magazine
“Weber delivers a soap opera-style
cautionary tale of promiscuity and lust . .
. twisty and entertaining. This trashy
page-turner should give fans what they
want.” —Publishers Weekly
Carl Weber is the New York Times bestselling
author of Something on the Side, The First
Lady, So You Call Yourself A Man, The
Preacher’s Son, Player Haters, Lookin’ for
Luv, Married Men, and Baby Momma Drama. He
lives in New York.
In a sparkling debut that evokes the best of
Candice Dow and Daaimah Poole, Michele Grant
weaves a fresh, engaging urban love story
about been-burned-before singles finding
love where they least expected it.
Jewel Campbell is a borderline Black
American Princess from the “safe” north side
of Dallas. The only thing she knows about
“the hood” comes from television and movies.
Her best friend, gold-digging Renee, is
determined to hook her up and shake her out
of her comfort zone.
Roman Montgomery is a street smart Southside
homeboy with a ghetto-fabulous clingy
ex-wife and an engaging five-year old son.
Tired of the games and the drama, Roman is
looking for a classy lady with no hidden
agenda. He and Jewel have nothing in common
except for an instantaneous attraction. But
can these opposites get past the drama,
ignore the advice from friends and
frenemies, and reconcile their differences?
Michele Grant lives in Plano, Texas, where
she is hard at work on her next novel.
Now available in mass market, here is
drama-filled page-turner from Kiki Swinson,
an Essence® bestselling author and one of
the reigning stars of “urban lit.”
Faith Simmons used to live the good life
with a loving husband and daughter, a
successful career as a school assistant
principal, and a fancy house. Now she’s
spending her days with her best friend
Teresa and looking forward to her next fix.
Unlike T., there are some things Faith won’t
do for candy, and she thinks she’s got her
addiction under control. But as Faith is
about to find out, once you get a taste for
street candy, there’s no turning back.
Praise for Kiki Swinson and Her Novels “Kiki captures the heat of the
streets.”—Wahida Clark
“Kiki Swinson is unstoppable…Kiki always
delivers a sizzling read.”—Essence®
bestselling author Crystal Lacey Winslow
“After reading The Candy Shop, all I could
say was scandalous!”—K’wan, bestselling
author of Gutter and Still Hood
Kiki Swinson was born and raised in
Portsmouth, Virginia. She discovered her
flair for writing twelve years ago after
completing her first novel, Mad Shambles,
while serving a five-year sentence at a
federal prison.
The love story of MELLO & JUNE is a musical romance soundtrack novel
which chapters include some of R&B classic recording artists song titles
as song chapters, such as the late Phyllis Hyman, Roberta Flack, Patti
Labelle, Diana Ross, Michael McDonald and the late Rick James, just to
name a few.
The number one romance novelist didn’t become one by accident, it was by
circumstance. When she receives a mysterious letter from her lost love,
Mello, who she assumed was dead, she immediately becomes anxious.
Seventy-four year old June Summers, begins to rewind the movie reel in
her mind’s eyes, while reflecting on their stormy relationship that
spans over 50 years. She has a huge decision to make. After all, Mello
broke her heart and destroyed her trust in men. It was that pain which
fueled her passion for writing.
What is the number one romance novelist to do? Only time will tell—and
that time is quickly running out!
Kimberly Ranee Hicks, Author of MELLO & JUNE, a Musical Romance
Soundtrack Novel
Office
romances were always taboo to Charisma, but
lately she’s finding herself attracted to
her new boss. Is it because the sensual,
honey-brown man could easily become a guilty
pleasure, or is it just because Charisma is
determined not to let her competitive
co-worker have him?
Tangie has a
history of picking men who are hot in bed
and cold on commitment—until she meets an
FBI agent who may just be her Nubian prince.
Desperate to get rid of her
“body by Haagen Dazs,”
Heather is willing to do just about
anything. When a former classmate offers her
some powerful diet pills, she’s tempted. But
is the thing her friend is asking for in
return too high a price to pay?
As best
friends Charisma, Tangie, and Heather deal
with issues of race, relationships, and body
image, each is reminded that “behind
every successful woman is herself!”
“I swear all men must read
from the same manual. Like momma use to say
the pages are long and the book is thick
‘cause a man has got a lot of tricks.”
Deidre Collins can’t help but
compare her fourteen year old son, DeAndre,
to his father and her estranged ex-boyfriend
who walked out of their lives eight years
previous. Even after rededicating herself to
the Lord, she’s having a hard time forgiving
and forgetting.
After the sudden lost of his
own absentee father, Andre Hicks resurfaces
in Deidre and DeAndre’s life with a
determination to compensate for the time
lost with his son. Reluctant to see
him as the answer to her prayers, Deidre
finally must yield her reservations about
their troubled relationship to let DeAndre
stay with his father during his suspension
from school.
DeAndre Hicks, their son,
keeps one foot in church and the other foot
in trouble. In his last year of middle
school he finds himself divided between
following the lead of his two best friends,
the Dempsey twins, experiencing the novelty
of first love with girlfriend, Kenya
and toting the line at home with his mother.
Can his parents keep him from making the
same mistakes they did in the past? Can they
reconcile their past to secure his future?
Who said there isn’t a manual
for life, relationships and raising kids?
“Find a comfortable chair and plan to stay up late. Highly recommended.”
--Sheldon Siegel, N.Y. Times Bestselling Author of Judgment Day
In her newest legal thriller Buying Time, Pamela Samuels Young presents
another scandalous tale of blackmail, romance and murder, evoking John
Grisham with a dash of Terry McMillan.
Attorney Waverly Sloan is a down-on-his-luck lawyer who lends a helping
hand to terminally ill patients by helping them sell their insurance
policies for upfront cash. Waverly gets a commission on every sale and
the money is pouring in.
The stakes get higher when Waverly brokers the policy of the
cancer-stricken wife of Lawrence Erickson, a high-powered lawyer who’s
bucking to become the next U.S. Attorney General. But Waverly’s clients
suddenly start dying sooner than they should and he is unwittingly drawn
into a perilous web of greed and murder with ties to Washington.
Federal prosecutor Angela Evans is determined to bring Waverly down. Her
own life begins to unravel, however, after she calls off her wedding and
her angry fiancé turns violent. For solace, Angela turns to a Dre, a bad
boy with a dark past.
As their lives dangerously intersect, Waverly, Angela and Dre are soon
on the run. And this time, the price is on their heads.
Pamela Samuels Young is a Los Angeles attorney and the author of four
legal thrillers. A former journalist, Pamela is the Fiction Expert for
BizyMoms.com and is on the Board of Directors of the Southern California
Chapter of Mystery Writers of America. She is a graduate of USC,
Northwestern University and UC Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law.
Spread the Word, Black Men’s Legacies Must Be Read and Heard!
“Our Black Fathers: Brave, Bold and Beautiful! is simply a magnificent
compilation of some of the most absorbing and readable stories of Black
fathers on the planet.” Richard A. Rowe, president and founder,
African-American Male Leadership Institute)
This compelling 363 page anthology heralds the true lives and legacies
of patriarchs of African descent and screams out. . . Read me. . . hear
this truth! Loving, caring Black fathers have been present since the
advent of time! Created by Joslyn Gaines Vanderpool and Anita Royston,
Our Black Fathers inspires and impacts, regardless of race, nationality,
marital status or social station. It touches readers who root for the
unfairly disenfranchised, disrespected, disregarded and marginalized.
Sixty-one positive and empowering stories and poems by amazing
contributors throughout the United States and Africa chronicle the
triumphant march of Black fathers despite racial oppression, human
frailties, hardships and setbacks. No other book of this scope and
magnitude documents the positive influence of Black fatherhood and
refutes the false stereotype assigned to Black fathers as absent and
unaccountable. Our Black fathers also explodes such hackneyed myths in
page after page of simple, powerful, poignant, raw and real truths that
humanize Black patriarchs and salutes their love and commitment to their
children. This book is an inside look at the reality long neglected and
a ‘must read’ for all interested in a balanced understanding of the
incalculable contributions Black Fathers provide to their children and
communities.
The Inspiring Story of One Man's Service to His Country--and How It
Saved His Life
Growing up
poor and black in the segregated South, Robert knew he had to do
something with his life if he was to avoid an eternal prison of poverty.
Like so many others, he found an escape hatch in the United States Army.
But then he got a whole lot more than he bargained for. Robbobell
chronicles Robert's remarkable journey from messed-up kid to GI, drill
instructor and finally, educator. This candid and often humorous memoir
takes readers behind the scenes of black life in the 1950s South, when
saying the wrong thing to the wrong person could earn a potentially
dangerous rebuke. From there, the narrative moves to Robert's Army
experiences as he yearns for a better life. Through boot camp, jump
school and service in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Robert
learns the core values in wartime; staying alive and looking out for
your buddies; don't include anything about race. What follows is an
edge-of-your-seat narrative of survival spiced with the realities of
drug use in the military during the 1970's and 80's. But with help from
the Lord and Robert's beloved soul mate, Jackie, he builds an
impressive, globetrotting military career; while never forgetting how to
have a good time. Robbobell: The Scars of a Painful but Wonderful Past,
is an unsanitized, enlightening look at the challenges faced by millions
of African Americans during segregation. It is the story of how the Army
molded a young man to withstand the enormous pitfalls of his time. And
it is about an important period of American history that we simply
cannot afford to ignore.
Known as the master of urban suspense, Roy Glenn is the author of Is It
a Crime, which became a best seller and gave birth to the popular
character, Mike Black.
The novels that followed which include, MOB, Drug Related, Payback,
Outlaw and In A Cold Sweat, No More Tears in the End, as well as the
recently released and Commit To Violence the eighth installment in The
Mike Saga.
In this tale of intrigue and betrayal, Mike Black is confronted by the
murder of another old friend. When Kenny Lucas is assassinated in the
street along with two of his associates, Mike Black orders Nick Simmons,
who now runs his organization, to find the killers. And maybe Black and
his partner, Bobby Ray will ask a few questions of their own, and you
know how they did it.
But Nick has problems of his own when he finds that Rain Robinson
betrayed his trust and has set up a drug operation behind his back. When
several of her dealers began getting robbed and murdered execution
style, Rain had no choice; she had to go to Nick for help. Now that the
police are on the case, Nick knows that he has to crush this before the
cops tie the drug and the murders to Rain and do it before Black finds
out what he's doing.
Roy is also a contributing author of Girls From da Hood and Around the
Way Girls 4 and Gigolos Get Lonely Too. His other novels include Crime
of Passion, Body of Evidence and Ulterior Motive feature the character,
attorney Marcus Douglas.
Roy was born and raised in The Bronx and currently lives in
Jacksonville, Florida where he is working on several projects including
Killing Them Softly, an erotic tale of murder and Beneath the Surface,
the next book in the Mike Black Saga.
PRAISE FOR ROY GLENN
"I have four words to describe Roy Glenn's
masterfully written crime novels. Mystery!
Intrigue! Drama! Wow!" ~Jihad~ Author of MVP
"Hot enough to take even my breath away."
The Queen of Drama ®Essence Best Selling
Author La Jill Hunt Author of Say It Ain't
So
The streets of Newark have never been as cutthroat as in Endy’s third
installment of her In My Hood epic.
Just when the hood seems at momentary peace, the emergence of an
enigmatic hit-woman known as the Black Widow jolts everyone back to
attention when she marks one of the hood’s dignitaries as her target.
But she’s not done. She’s on the hunt, out for blood, and relentless in
her pursuit to right the wrongs committed against her family.
Ishmael and Desiree’s teenaged son Nyeem is trying to step out of his
father’s shadow and avoid becoming another casualty of the hustle.
Escaping from his heritage becomes especially troublesome, however, when
his world is shaken to its core by an extraordinary turn of events.
The fall of the head hustler in town conjures up droves of backstabbers,
small-timers on the come-up, and young Nyeem facing a grown man's
decision just to survive.
Beginning December 1, 2009 is National Hood Holiday. In honor of Endy,
the first 300 customers to order Endy's latest novel, In My Hood 3, will
receive a FREE "Hood" hat courtesy of Melodrama Publishing. Details are
posted on our website.
BIO
Endy was born in
Newark, NJ. Like most inner city children
she was fascinated by the noise of the busy
streets in the ’hood. Raised in a two parent
home with her younger brother, her parents
knew the harsh reality of living in the
city. With her mother being robbed
several times at gun point while operating
the clothing store they owned, her father
carted his family away to the suburbs of
Linden, NJ. Endy’s father wanted to
give his family a better home and a solid
foundation. Little did he know his
daughter would be drawn back to the mean
streets in which he tried to desperately
keep her away from.
Read more...
What are the effects of the long held traditions of self-hatred,
self-destruction, and self-medication among African Americans?
Read the revealing new novel: MY SISTER’S VEIL , by K.C. Marshall; and
witness the strength and courage of three phenomenal African American
women, facing tragic loss and insurmountable odds.
MY SISTER’S VEIL unfolds through the harsh, ironic, love and life
lessons of three young African American women, at the mercy of their
perilous ghetto streets. Their only saving grace is a gifted veil which
teaches them each a revealing lesson about their community and their
circumstances.
Abandoned by her alcoholic mother, at an early age, Tina Douglas
searches for love in all the wrong places. When she meets with scorn and
prejudice from her real teacher- the streets on which she is raised; she
finds her true power in a life altering lesson from the veil.
When Terri McDaniels suddenly falls from her position of affluence and
privilege, she lands in the arms of C.J, a well known street and drug
hustler. As she struggles to fit into his world, she comes face to face
with the uncontrolled black genocide, in the “hood.” Her lesson from the
veil helps her to find the true passion and wealth in her life.
Toni Patterson rises from her life filled with uncertainty and fear,
into a fast life of expensive cars, clothes, and jewels, only to find
that she is still broken and unfulfilled. Her lesson from the veil
teaches her that true healing comes from uniting broken families.
Open the pages of MY SISTER’S VEIL and journey to the edge of emotion,
as these three women reach for their crowning moment!
From the award-winning author of the Blessed Trinity trilogy comes the
second in a powerful series dealing with contemporary themes in a
Christian setting.
Gabrielle Mercedes Booker could dance before she learned to walk. It’s
what she was put on this earth to do. But when she’s practically
orphaned after the death of her mother and her Aunt Cee Cee reluctantly
takes her in, she doesn’t get a chance to pursue her dreams to dance
professionally. Settling for much less, Gabrielle tried to make a life
for herself but can’t get over the feeling that there’s a void in her
life.
Everything changes for Gabrielle when she attends Pastor Landis’s church
and give her life to Christ. She joins the church’s dance ministry and
her life soars. She also meets Zachary Wayne Morgan, a doctor who
becomes romantically interested in her. But soon murmurs of her past
life begin to circulate, threatening to derail her status in the dance
ministry as well as many of the relationships she’s formed in church.
Will Gabrielle have to pay for her sins even after she’s been saved?
PRAISE FOR VANESSA DAVIS GRIGGS “This inspirational novel leaves the reader eager to know what
Griggs plans next for this spiritual family.” —Publishers Weekly
“Outstanding.” —Library Journal on On Wings of Grace
Vanessa Davis Griggs is a motivational speaker and author. The recipient
of several awards (including the Arts and Letters Award from Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority Birmingham Alumnae Chapter and The Greater Birmingham
Millennium Section National Council of Negro Women Inspiration Award),
she is a married mother with three grown sons.
In this sizzling tale of secrets, faith, and love by the author of
Diamond Revelation, Chocolate Star, and A Chocolate Affair, a group of
Los Angeles friends learn the true meaning of being single, saved—and
scandalous.
Tiffany is used to planning Los Angeles’ biggest, glitziest weddings,
but her own love life is pretty nonexistent. A God-fearing,
thirty-two-year-old virgin, Tiffany has had her eye on Myles, her
church’s sexiest bachelor, but his obsession with the superficial proves
problematic.
When flyers for a new Christian singles website are handed out,
Tiffany’s younger sister, Shay, secretly posts Tiffany’s profile online.
Before long Shay is using the site to get dates for herself—even though
she has a boyfriend and two small children at home. Deborah, Tiffany’s
successful, beautiful best friend, gets in on the action too. Now these
three dazzling women will have to make their own miracles happen when
dreams come true, illusions shatter, and their lives are changed
forever.
PRAISE FOR SHEILA COPELAND “Fascinating. . . sexy. . . very funny.” —Romantic Times on A
Chocolate Affair
“A Chocolate Affair is a treat you don’t want to miss.” —Jamie Foster
Brown, Publisher, Sister2Sister magazine
Sheila Copeland is a graduate of the University of Southern California
School of Journalism and has a background in public relations. She lives
in Los Angeles.
In Phaire’s new novel, Blind Delusion, things are not what they appear
to be in this multi-layered psychological thriller. Mystery plus romance
align to continue the tale of a lonely clinical psychologist who
realizes it can be more frightening to reveal her soul than to face
death.
This is the story of one woman’s odyssey in search of her own power and
strength. By witnessing another woman’s triumph from tragedy, Dr. Renee
Hayes learns how to not only survive but how to gain the courage to go
after what she wants without shame or regret.
In
Book 1 of Phaire’s mystery/romantic series, Murder and the Masquerade
opens up the details of an intense love triangle, woven around a murder
plot that is anything but typical. Set under the backdrop of our
nation’s capital, Dr. Renee Hayes is suspected of involvement in a
murder case and becomes conflicted about her ethical oath as a
psychologist. Torn between her professional loyalty to a patient and her
young lover, who is investigating the case, Renee is forced to do
whatever it takes to clear her own name and rethink her purpose in life.
But the most shocking secret of all is unlocked in the end, and will
change all their lives forever.
Murder and the Masquerade and Blind Delusion are for readers who want to
be swept away in the lives of characters that seem so real you can
almost hear and see them. It is a book for readers looking for suspense,
excitement, and real-life experiences as portrayed by characters you
won't want to let go even after the book ends. If you are a reader who
wants stories that offer hope, new discoveries, and new beginnings, you
will want to plunge into the stories of Dorothy Phaire’s Romantic
Mystery Series.
Dorothy Phaire author/playwright/educator
novels: Murder and the Masquerade (Book1);
Blind Delusion (Book2)
Visit Author at website for more information:
www.dorothyphaire.com
Here is Roland S. Jefferson’s long awaited, highly anticipated saga of a
1960’s black America at a pivotal time in history when Motown, jazz and
the civil rights movement defined an entire generation . . .and four
young people are plunged into the center of a raging conflict between
political idealism and the relentless preoccupation about color, class
and romantic entitlement.
Raised in the protective cocoon of African American middle-class
affluence, three life-long friends come of age in early 1960’s Los
Angeles. At the center is September Jackson, an exceptionally bright,
hauntingly beautiful green-eyed, dark-skinned adolescent girl planning
on a career as a nurse. Her suitors, both planning on careers in
medicine, are the suave, handsome, athletic but color-struck womanizer
Perry Mott and his best friend, the principled, quiet, reserved,
laid-back Benjamin ‘Bennyboy’ Jones, September’s first love.
Over the course of the next four years the three friends cross paths
sporadically. Bennyboy and September had vowed to keep in touch,
planning on marriage after graduation. But time and distance interfere.
Bennyboy becomes so absorbed in his medical studies he becomes
inattentive and unresponsive. And September’s college years are so
filled with participation in the civil rights movement—forays into the
deep south on Freedom Rides and voter registration where she is spat
upon, physically beaten, burned and jailed—that she and Bennyboy just
drift apart. During a stop-off in D.C. to see if there is any hope to
rekindle her romance with Bennyboy, September finds he has become
engaged to a very attractive but vain and pretentious social climber
Aiyana Crawford who is obsessed with marrying a doctor, even though she
doesn’t love him. It’s what the medical students call White Coat Fever.
And this one time meeting between rivals unleashes one woman’s campaign
of obsessive love beyond anything one could have ever imagined.
But obsessions, even noble ones, can sometimes go terribly awry. . .
Booklist hailed Janine Morris’s debut, Diva Diaries, as “reminiscent of
Waiting to Exhale.” In this vibrant and compelling novel, she gives
readers an irresistible glimpse into the lives of three women caught up
in the glamour, grit, and grime of the entertainment industry.
Naomi is an executive assistant to one of the music business’ top
executives, Sereeta is an assistant road manager for an NBA player, and
Madison is the Music Director at one of New York’s top radio stations.
All three are living in a world of VIP passes and velvet ropes,
surrounded by celebrities, wealth, and illicit temptations. But with
their jobs come challenges they never expected. Naomi, once shy and
hard-working, grows deeply ambitious, willing to do anything to get what
she wants. Sereeta has become successful by always granting her
employer’s wishes, no matter how outrageous—but how far will she go to
keep others happy? And as Madison falls for one of hip hop’s biggest
artists, she finds herself at risk of losing everything.
An eye-opening look into the reality of the fast life, Drama 99 FM is
daring, insightful, page-turning entertainment at its best.
PRAISE FOR DIVA DIARIES “Seriously, I couldn't put the book down … every one of us knows one
of these woman or we are one of these woman…you should probably keep
this book away from your man, because we never want them to know this
much.” —Angie Martinez, HOT 97 FM Personality
Janine A. Morris is a Program Coordinator at Emmis Communications, which
operates the #1 Hip-Hop station in New York, Hot 97, as well as 98.7
Kiss FM and CD 101.9 (New York’s #1 Jazz station), the home of Michael
Baisden’s nationally syndicated program, “Love, Lust and Lies.” Janine
graduated from Hofstra University with a B.A. in Communications and has
been writing since junior high school. She has written for magazines
such as XXL, The Source, Don Diva, Platinum Plus, and more. Janine lives
in Queens, New York.
From the fresh new talent behind After the Dance comes a sparkling novel
with charm, wit, and a side dish of Southern hospitality—a real treat
for fans of Pearl Cleage and Mary Monroe.
Aliesha is a dark-skinned beauty who seems to have it all—a prestigious
academic job, a respected role at church and an adoring boyfriend. All
she thinks she needs when she lands in Dante’s barber’s chair is someone
capable of handling her natural, unchemically-treated hair. But her
encounter with the handsome barber forces her to confront what’s been
missing from her life all along.
Dante is a laid-back brother who isn’t easily rattled. But everything
about Aliesha—from her big-city attitude to her wild, defiant hair—begs
his attention. His offer to work his magic on her hair sends both of
their worlds into a tailspin. But does Dante really have what it takes
to finish what he’s started?
PRAISE FOR LORI JOHNSON “Johnson's humor, control of voice and down-to-earth characters will
likely capture the hearts of readers...” —Publishers Weekly
“A fast-paced delight with dialogue and characters so real, I had to
keep reminding myself that I was reading fiction. I was hooked from the
first page to the last.” —Mary Monroe, New York Times bestselling author
Lori Johnson has a master’s degree in Urban Anthropology from the
University of Memphis. Her stories and essays have appeared in Upscale
Magazine and Obsidian II: Black Literature in Review. She lives in
Charlotte, North Carolina, with her family.
Your marriage can be strong, healthy, happy, and blessed. Marriage coach
Jewell Powell shows you how in this 8-week plan for marital success. She
reveals how God's truths can transform two individuals into the union he
desires.
Laying a spiritual foundation is crucial to your marriage. In
Marriage 101, you will discover God's purpose for marriage, how to
develop godly character, how to communicate effectively, and much more.
With biblical examples, study questions, and Scripture meditations
perfect for individuals or couples, you will be challenged to examine
areas in your life that may need change so that your marriage can
thrive.
Endorsements
"Jewell Powell knows firsthand what can go wrong in a marriage--and she
can help you find your own happily ever after."--Dr. Kevin Leman, author
of Turn Up the Heat
"Powell is amazingly vulnerable, truly insightful, and deeply grounded.
Every Christian couple will find help in this easy read."--Drs. Les and
Leslie Parrott, authors of Love Talk
"For those seeking biblical guidance to enrich or even save their
marriages, Marriage 101 is a gift! Be prepared to underline,
highlight, and take notes."--Joseph Malinak and Sarah Elizabeth Malinak,
MDiv, authors of Getting Back to Love
The path from boys to men is paved with
obstacles...with prison rates soaring, graduation rates dropping and the
streets claiming a growing number of young black men, only the strong
can survive. Now, there's help to navigate the turbulent path to
manhood. It's called The Survival Bible, an easy-to-read, inspirational,
page-turning book, full of true-to-life essays that creatively attack
the heart of problems that so many young men of color face growing up in
today's society. Not just stocked with problems, The Survival Bible is
filled with solutions. Each essay is designed to spark discussion to
help young men make better decisions, motivate them to strive for more,
and propel them to a lifetime of success.
In her riveting new novel, The Skin I’m In, Jenelle uses
fictional characters to highlight an issue within the black
community: skin tone.
Asia Washington is a dark-skinned black girl growing up in
Brooklyn, N.Y. When she graduates high school, she moves in with
her aunt, Lonnie, who is more like a sister to her because of
their proximity in age. Trying to escape her father’s strict
rules, Asia settles in with Lonnie and begins to make a life for
herself.
When Asia meets jazz musician Arthur Greer, she falls in love
instantly and the couple move in together after a year of
dating. After several months, Asia becomes pregnant. She’s
ecstatic and fervently hopes for a son. Unfortunately, she has a
daughter and is not pleased – to say the least. Jenelle writes:
The problem was that Asia didn’t particularly care for little
girls. She didn’t hate them, she just couldn’t relate to them.
When the doctor told her that she’d given birth to a beautiful
seven pound two ounce baby girl, Asia looked as if she’d just
been told she had the plague. And when she first held her,
looking down at this beautiful little girl with the light skin
and the curly black hair, Asia cried for hours. As a matter of
fact she cried for damn near two weeks after she came home from
the hospital.
Naming the little girl Imani, Asia assumes that the child’s
light skin will darken as she grows older. Much to her dismay,
this never happens and over time Asia pays less and less
attention to her beautiful daughter, harboring a strong
resentment over her light skin. Every time she looks at Imani,
all Asia can see is a reminder of all the people who had picked
on her and harassed her for her dark skin, particularly in high
school.
The Skin I’m In follows Asia, Imani and Lonnie throughout the
years. Jenelle weaves the details of their lives with a social
commentary on racial disparities within the black community.
Readers will identify with a relatable cast of supporting
characters and find themselves drawn in by their stories. Follow
them as they learn to love themselves for who they are in the
pages of The Skin I’m In.
Jenelle is the youngest of five children and was born and raised
in Brooklyn, N.Y. In 1988, she relocated to Silver Spring, Md.,
where she still resides today. Jenelle works as an accounts
payable assistant for a major newspaper. The Skin I’m In is her
first book, and she is currently at work on Sylvia’s Boys, to be
released in summer 2010. And Words And Music, to be released in
spring of 2011.