Saturday, March 31, 2012

Saturday Suggestion: Love & Regrets


Purchase at Amazon.com

About the Book

Love & Regrets tells the story of three women and their struggles with commitment, betrayal, lies, secrets, family drama and sexual exploits. Carmen is a happily married woman –that is until Kendall comes along, the man who awakens a side of Carmen that is better left slumber. Facing a sure divorce isn’t Carmen’s worse fear; losing her prestigious job has her equally petrified; and Kendall, who happens to be her employee, is out to make sure both take place. Can Carmen salvage her life or has she done irreparable damage?
Second to God no one is more important to Tempest than Sterling. Her every waking moment is spent planning to wed the “Cinderfella” of the NFL, that is until media sensationalism comes into play. Is Sterling up to no good or should Tempest hold fast to her belief in fairytales and happily ever after?

Dana has one desire - to own a home, marry and start a family by her 27th birthday. That sounds simple enough, if Omar, the man Dana loves, would step up. Enter into the picture Matthew, a modest rich man who woos Dana with romantic excursions and exciting adventures. No sooner than Dana allows Matthew to encroach upon her heart, Omar proves her perceptions of him wrong. Has Dana just made the biggest mistake of her life or is Matthew more than meets the eye?

Friday, March 30, 2012

FYI Friday: Giveaway

Authors & Readers Book Corner would like to inform all readers and authors that the "Going Green" Book Giveaway has been changed to April 2-April 30, 2012. Please review our site on April 2, 2012 to learn how you can win one of four "Going Green" gift bags.

Winners will be announced on May1, 2012. Good Luck!

Fear, Faith and Patience Book Tour with Felecia Killings



How did you become a writer?

Writing is something I have always done. When I was younger, I enjoyed writing short stories. But my skills as a writer really developed when I began college. I majored in English, which we all know requires a lot of writing; and over the years, I continued to perfect that craft.

Where does your inspiration for your characters come from?

My inspiration for writing comes from my own experiences.

What are you hoping readers take from your book?
From this first book, I hope that readers will understand more about the problems that plague public school teachers. In addition, I want the educators who read the book to feel as though they are not alone in their experiences.

 If you were to write a book about a controversial topic, what would it be?
This book is controversial. My story is something that people will either believe or not believe. I have already received skeptical criticism from people who argue that teachers are never victimized; yet they have never walked a day in my shoes or even researched to see if what I present in the book is actually true. I even had a Christian Blogger tell me that she refused to publicize my book on her website because she did not believe what I had told her about my heinous experience, arguing that what media publicized about me caused her to look at me differently. Isn't that ironic that a fellow Christian would be more apt to believe secular media over the testimony of another Sister in Christ, and refuse to help that Sister simply because she was afraid of what others would say? 

Most writers have a process or method for writing their books, what is yours?
At times, I can only write when something is stirred up in my spirit. I am very adamant about putting out work that will minister in some way to the hurting. And I don't want my message to do anything else but bring hope to those in dire situations. I want my readers to say, "If this girl could go through all that with the Lord's help, then so can I."

What is your favorite genre of books?
Non fiction.

Are you an avid or occasional reader?
I love reading, mostly the Bible.

What are two things you want your readers to know about you?
That I love the Lord, and that I am committed to serving Him by serving others.

If you could interview one of your favorite authors, who would it be? Why?
Toni Morrison. Her work is so complex and intriguing, and not very many people appreciate that kind of literature. But I love it.

What is or was your dream job?
My dream job was to be a teacher. I fulfilled that dream, and now I want to expand my borders and become an entrepreneur of several organizations. I have started that mission already by founding my own self-publishing company. My second venture is to create a non-profit organization that works with teenage girls who are caught up in the sex trade industry in my community.

What new projects are you working on?
I am finishing two other books that will be released this July. They are a continuation of my first book.

 Please share with readers the ministries you are involved with.
As I mentioned, I will be creating a ministry that will work with young ladies. They are my heart.

Where can readers find you?
Readers can find me at http://fearfaithpatience.weebly.com/ to learn more about the book. They can also visit http://powerfaithloveministries.weebly.com/ to learn more about what God has give me to accomplish over the next few years.

Purchase at Amazon.com
About The Book

We often wonder what it is like to be a teacher in today’s time. With so much happening in the public schools, it seems any wonder how it is able to function given all the atrocities that go on in the system. But this is the story about a young, beautiful teacher named Felecia Killings. As a child, she dreamt of the opportunity to be what many call one of the most admirable professions in society: an educator. And when her father witnessed this aspiration in her, he did everything in his power to protect it and to ensure that she fulfilled her mission. Yet, like so many countless individuals who enter the public school system, Ms. Killings was met with tragedies and struggles. But through it all, she allowed her faith to keep her strong, even in the midst of hell. This book is one to be commended, for it takes what we think we know about the public school system and brings to light another side that is never talked about. Through this text, you will learn about the power of unconditional love and personal sacrifice. For every teacher who chooses to stand up for what’s right, even when everyone is against you, this book will minister to you in ways that even you could not imagine. You WILL be inspired.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Book Spotlight: Still Standing


Purchase at Amazon.com

About the Book
Renee Thomas wakes up one Monday morning longing for change. For years she’s been a faithful wife, supportive mother, and successful hotel executive, but recent events have taken her over the edge. ?After thirty-five years of marriage, she has learned that her husband, Jerome, fathered a child with another woman. Before Renee can fully accept what happened, Jerome hints that his 16-year-old love child wants to live with them. In addition to her troubles at home, a power struggle with a new executive threatens her job security, and a longtime friend confesses his undying love. Afraid she’s heading for a breakdown, Renee desperately struggles to get a handle on her life.?
On that same day, Jerome Thomas wakes up thanking God. Renee was his high school sweetheart, and though he’s given her plenty of reasons to end the marriage—bouts with alcohol, a long-term affair, and conceiving a child out of wedlock—she fought for their love. Knowing he doesn’t deserve Renee or the life God has given him, Jerome plans a special romantic weekend for his wife, unaware that his marriage is on the brink of divorce. ?As Renee and Jerome struggle through a turning point in their lives, an unfortunate accident ends the life of a loved one. Now faced with their toughest challenge, will Renee and Jerome give up on God and the life they built together, or will they firmly stand on God’s promises and trust in the plans He has for their future?
About the Author
Developing a passion for writing at a young age, Nicole graduated from Temple University, with a Bachelor of Science in Early and Elementary Education. Nicole participates in literary events across the country where she encourages women to follow their dreams and push past their fears. She also participates in church-related events and continues to teach writing workshops. Nicole resides in Maryland and Still Standing is her fourth novel.

Friday, March 23, 2012

FYI Friday: Guess What's New

Hello Readers,


Be aware of the explosive new releases for March 2012. These authors are truly providing entertainment, drama and suspense among other things.  The following titles should be on your To Be Read List:

3/1/12 When Rain Falls- Tyora Moody

3/27/12 Scandal-Sasha Campbell

3/27/12 No More Playas-Brenda Jackson
3/27/12 Taking Care of Business-Lutishia Lovely

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Book Review: One Way or Another




Purchase at Amazon.com
 
One Way or Another
Rhonda Bowen

3.5 Stars

Toni Shields is an Atlanta reporter who goes over and beyond to get a good story in One Way or Another by Rhonda Bowen. This is all good until Toni gets arrested for her snooping. Toni's latest stunt gets her in trouble on her job and now she has to work harder to redeem herself. Toni gets a break when she meets Adam Bayne, who runs a rehab center. While trying to acquire a story, Toni starts to find out there is more than meets the eye with Mr. Bayne.

Adam Bayne, is the director of an young men’s center. Adam tries to help at risk boys stay out of jail and off the streets of Atlanta. When Adam meets Toni Shields he is determined to keep her away from the boys in his center. Adam refuses to have the boys included in Toni's next big story. Adam changes his mind when he witnesses Toni's true heart.

One way or Another is about helping others help themselves. The characters were relatable and even though the secrets were not surprising this was a good read. At first the main character drove me crazy but her transformation made me change my mind. The author does a wonderful job expressing the spiritual change in the characters. This was an entertaining book and I recommend it to others.

This book was provided by the author for review purposes.

Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews

Monday, March 19, 2012

When Rain Falls Book Tour with Tyora Moody



How did you become a writer?
I can remember writing short stories in high school and college, but it seemed to be something I grew out of mainly because I started to pursue more on my love for design.  The desire to birth a story returned in 2006. With my surprise, this was more than a short story but a novel. LOL!  


It took me until the end of 2008 before I had a draft I really liked. In 2010, Tiffany L. Warren offered pitch sessions at the Faith and Fiction Retreat (check it out this year in Texas at http://faithandfictionretreat.com/). I decided to go and I prepared the query letters and proposals about a week before attending. On the day of the pitch, I sat in front of four editors with my heart on my sleeve and talked about the story that had been apart of my life since 2006. It took a few months to hear back from anyone. There were two rejections, but December 2010 was an answer to a prayer. I’m deeply grateful to finally being able to share the story in When Rain Falls with readers.



Where does your inspiration for your characters come from?
In 2006, these characters popped into my head at a time in my life when I was seeking new direction.  Once I got a small glimpse into their background, I wanted to know more. I think they were created from the internal turmoil that I was going through at the time. Writing has always been a way for me to express myself, so I wrapped my questions and pain into these characters and worked hard to develop the story.




What are you hoping readers take from your book?
When Rain Fall is the first book in the Victory Gospel Series. The series  introduces women whose pasts insist on walking beside them like a maddening visitor, unwilling to depart. Through a series of twists and life-altering experiences, these women learn victory over pain truly only comes in developing a deep trust in God. I pray that for any readers who are currently experiencing the same struggle.




If you were to write a book about a controversial topic, what would it be?
Wow! I don’t know. I cover some deep issues in When Rain Falls like death, grief, loss, domestic violence, revenge, etc. Not too controversial, but more of what you would see on the 6:00/11:00 news or your favorite crime show. I’m open to whatever stories come to me. My goal is that the glory of God’s presence is highlighted far above any trials, tribulations or controversy. There is nothing to hard for God.




Most writers have a process or method for writing their books, what is yours?
Well, I started out like most writers by writing what came to me. That didn’t work out to well for me. LOL! A few author friends described to me how they used outlines. With my analytical brain, an outline was the best thing for my writing process especially since I write mysteries. I spend quite a bit of time researching and developing an outline. Now just because I outline that doesn’t mean there is no flexibility. After I start writing the scenes, sometimes I will see visually how one scenes works better earlier or later in the timeline.




What is your favorite genre of books?
Definitely mystery and suspense. I do enjoy women’s fiction.




Are you an avid or occasional reader?
I used to be more of an avid reader, now with my schedule I read occasionally. I wish I could read as many books as I used to in a month.




What are two things you want your readers to know about you?
1. I’m a social media enthusiast! Love some Facebook and Twitter.


2. I like to say I’m not a big TV watcher, but I have some shows if I miss them during the week. I’m definitely catching up on the weekend. Thank goodness for on-demand. LOL!



If you could interview one of your favorite authors, who would it be? Why?
I think I have already had the privilege to interview some of my favorite authors which include Sharon Ewell Foster, Stacy Hawkins Adams, Tia McCollors, Wanda B. Campbell, Rhonda McKnight and Claudia Mair Burney. Over the past 12 years, I have mainly worked with authors to assist them with branding and developing an online presence via my company Tywebbin Creations. As an avid bookworm, I have two book blogs, Christian Bookworm Reviews (est. 2004) and Written Voices Blog (est 2006).




What is or was your dream job?
I feel really blessed. For the majority of my adult life, I have mainly worked as a web developer and a graphic designer which I enjoy doing.




What new projects are you working on?
I’m currently working on the second book in the Victory Gospel Series. The next book in the series, When Memories Fade, will bring back a few of the characters from When Rain Falls. It’s been nice to be reunited with these characters and get to know new ones. This novel will be released March 2013.




Where can readers find you?
Visitors can find me at:


Purchase at Amazon.com

About The Book

“Why does God keep taking away the people I love?”
This is the lamentation of widow CANDACE JOHNSON when her best friend is brutally murdered. Ensnared by a deep-rooted bitterness, seeping her faith day by day, Candace is determined to seek justice.
Detective Darnell Jackson is in need of clues fast. The police captain is coming down hard on him and his partner to find out who murdered Pamela Coleman, the daughter of a high profile judge. Darnell confers with Candace to get the inside track on events leading up to the murder. As the investigation heats up, his growing attraction for Candace plays havoc on Darnell’s judgment.
Little does she know, Candace’s quest to find the truth has led her straight to the killer. She’s already lost loved ones. Now Candace must choose to completely trust God with her own life.


Review
4 Stars




In When Rain Falls by Tyora Moody readers are introduced to Candace Johnson, a beautician grieving the loss of her husband. Candace is trying to help her children through this difficult time while running her salon full time. When Candace finds out her best friend, Pamela has been murdered a new side of Candace emerges. She is determined to find out what happened to her friend with or without the help of the police department.

Detective Darnell Jackson is assigned to the Pamela Coleman case. Darnell is feeling the pressure to solve the case and decides to contact Candace the closest person to Pamela to assist him. As Darnell continues to look for clues he realizes there is a connection with an older case. What puzzles Darnell is how both cases relate to Candace Johnson.

When Rain Falls is a Christian mystery that connects one woman's past to her immediate future. The twists and turns in this book were unsuspected but suspenseful while bringing the storyline to full circle. The characters were well-developed, entertaining and full of surprises which kept me interested in the book. I recommend When Rain Falls to others and look forward to the next book in the Victory Gospel series.

This book was provided by the author for review purposes.

Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

When Rain Falls Books Galore Giveaway



When Rain Falls Books Galore Giveaway
Virtual Book Tour - March 5 - 30, 2012
It's raining books!
From March 5-30, 2012, a winner will be chosen each week  to receive a gift pack from Tyora Moody.  There will be four (4) chances to win an autographed copy of When Rain Falls by Tyora Moody. The winner will also be eligible to win the following books during the week they are offered. The winner may choose the paperback or ebook version (except in the last week which is all ebooks).

Week 1  - March 5-9, 2012
What Kind of Fool by Rhonda McKnight
One Way or Another by Rhonda Bowen

Week 2  - March 12-16, 2012
A Good Excuse to Be Bad by Miranda Parker
Broken by Patricia Haley

Week 3  - March 19-23, 2012Coming Home by Stacy Hawkins Adams
Stepping Into the Good Life by Tia McCollors

Week 4  - March 26-30, 2012 
Kayla's Redemption by Wanda B.Campbell (ebook only)
The Playboy's Redemption by Vanessa Miller (ebook only)
True Beauty by Shelia Lipsey (ebook only)

What do you need to do to win? 
Simply answer the following question in the comments area of this blog post and REMEMBER to include your email address.

Have you ever asked a similar question to what Candace has asked. "Why does God keep taking away the people I love?"  What was your why and what were your reasons for asking? 
If not, how can you encourage someone who has experienced loss without sounding cliche? Remember loss can come in various forms (death, divorce, broken relationship, unemployment, etc.)
 To qualify, please respond with a thoughtful answer.


 
DISCLAIMER: Drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer at http://tywebbinvirtualevents.com/contest-rules/

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Book Spotlight: When Solomon Sings


Purchase at Amazon.com
When Solomon Sings
Kendra Norman-Bellamy

About The Book

When Neil Taylor finds love, he also finds a renewed reason to use the gifted voice that God gave him. Shaylynn Ford is just about everything any Christian man would desire in a mate. She's smart, beautiful, independent, and a woman who loves the Lord with all her heart. Though her package deal comes with a child, it comes without the normal baggage that a child would carry-or so it would seem.

Shaylynn is a young widow, so her dead husband could certainly pose no threat to Neil, right? Wrong! On a consistent basis, Neil finds himself feeling as though he'll never measure up against his perfect predecessor. And when skeletons-major skeletons-surface from Neil's own closest, they might make Shaylynn reconsider trusting him with her heart. Desperation leads Neil to make choices that could cause him to lose her forever.

Neil's anointed voice has been credited with healing the sick and saving lost souls, but it could take a whole lot more than a song to get him out of this one.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Book Review: Betrayed

Purchase at Amazon.com
Betrayed
Suzetta Perkins
4 Stars


Setrina Bailey believed she was getting away from her past after a devastating event in Betrayed by Suzetta Perkins. Setrina left her best friend, Brenda guessing why she never told her goodbye. Nineteen years have past and Setrina is back in her hometown to support her daughter Afrika. Afrika was attending her mothers old college. Setrina's secret starts to unravel causing a chain reaction that will affect the lives of everyone involved.


Brenda has constantly thought about her best friend and praying that their paths cross again. When Brenda's daughter, Asia brings a friend home, Brenda takes one look and realizes her dream has came true. Brenda tries to reach out to her friend but minor obstacles keep getting in their way.Will Brenda learn once and for all why her dear friend left nineteen years ago?

Betrayed is a book about friends reconnecting and clearing the air. It has been said if the truth hurts say ouch and keep on moving and this rings true in this story. This author amazes me with her storytelling skills and her books are so entertaining. The character development encouraged the storyline. It brought out different emotions within me while reading some of the suspenseful and action packed scenarios.  I recommend this book to others.

Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Saturday Suggestions: What Kind of Fool

Purchase at Amazon.com
About The Book

Angelina Preston tunes out the voice of God when she decides to divorce her husband, Greg. She's forgiven him for his affair, but she won't forget, even though her heart is telling her to. Shortly after she files divorce papers, she finds out her non-profit organization is being investigated by the IRS for money laundering. In the midst of the very public scandal, Angelina becomes ill. Through financial and physical trials, she learns that faith and forgiveness may really be the cure for all that ails her, but can she forgive the people who hurt her most?

Sexy, successful Dr. Gregory Preston didn't appreciate his wife when he had her. His affair with a devious man-stealer has him put out of his home and put off with women who continue to throw themselves at him. Greg wants his wife back, but he'll have to do some fancy operating to get her. When the secrets and lies from his past continue to mess up his future, Greg finds himself looking to the God he abandoned long ago for a miracle only faith can provide.

Samaria Jacobs finally has the one thing she's always wanted: a man with money. The fact that she's in love with him is a bonus, but even so, life is anything but blissful. She's paying for her past sins in ways she never imagined and living in fear that the secret she's keeping will separate them forever.

About The Author


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

Friday, March 2, 2012

FYI Friday: Book Selection

A couple of my reading buddies asked me, how do you choose books to read and purchase? The answer is simple because I look for four things in a book before selecting it for purchase or leisure reading.

1. Bookcover design- does the front and back cover match the title of the book and synposis.

2. Synopsis-after reading has it enticed me enough to make the purchase

3. Beginning Chapters- in the first three chapters has it intrigued me enough to want to keep reading.

4. Author Name-is it a seasoned author or an aspiring author (self-publishing) that I need to read to show support.

These four steps have helped me read some very exciting, emotional, suspensful, and entertaining books. I am sure there are other methods used to select books for reading. Share your methods with us. Happy Reading!

Teresa Beasley

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Talk About It Thursdays: Little Gifts of Kindness

A co-worker of mines happen to leave me a surprise in my office one day. The surprise happened to be a calendar of little quotes to brighten my day. Little Gifts of Kindness: 365 Daily Thoughts and Kind Ideas for 2012 by Emma. I have been enjoying the quotes so much that I wanted to share one with all of you.


The quote for today was Kind Kids:



"You are doing great!" -Nico, age 4




*Published by Avalanche, Perfect Timing, Inc.  Waukesha, WI 53188 (262) 532-9272

Book Spotlight: Schemes & Dreams

Purchase at Amazon.com
About The Book

Who says desperate times don’t call for desperate measures? Chandelle, Nia, Rachel and Rena are four women with good looks, promising careers and men who can’t stay away from them. Hard economic times and the loss of everything they hold precious test the constitution of these best friends who would do anything to have each others back--- including robbing a casino. Find out if these four women can keep their friendship in tact and make it out alive.

Review

In Schemes and Dreams by Y'Vet readers are introduced to four friends going through difficult changes in their lives. Rena decides to hang on to her boyfriend, Ricky to helps with her bills due to her current situation. Rachel is on a mission to snag her an eligible bachelor who is not afraid of commitment. Nia is married to Tyrik and has two daughters. While picking up her daughters, Nia, bares witness to an event that causes her to confront her husband. Chandelle is dating Derek who happens to be married but going through a separation from his wife Angela. Chandelle informs Derek he has to finalize his affairs because she is becoming impatient. When Chandelle starts getting threats she has to decide if everything she is going through is worth it.

These four friends under Chandelle's direction come up with a scheme that could help them make their dreams come true. All four women are in need of a steady flow of cash and if their plan is successful they will want for nothing. Will these women pull off the biggest scheme? or will their plan ruin their friendship?

Schemes and Dreams is about four friends trying to get ahead. This book had a strong storyline that was entertaining and engaging. The book started off slow but picked up, however, the ending was not completed well. The grammatically errors and interior layout of the book was a little distracting but overall it was a good read. I recommend it to others.

This book was provided by the author for review purposes.

Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews
Rating: 3
*Bookcover photo courtesy of Amazon.com

Book Review: Strings of Color

Purchase at Amazon.com
Strings of Color
Marian L. Thomas


4.5 stars

Strings of Color by Marian L. Thomas reintroduces readers to four women linked by the lies, betrayal and secrets of their past. Simone is a talented woman struggling to give her heart to the man of her dreams. Simone also struggles with building a relationship with a mother who has never been in her life. Misty is trying to reclaim the life she let her ego destroy. When Misty discovers some unsuspected information about her past she will have to make a decision that will change her life.

Naya is grieving the loss of her husband while trying to stay strong enough to keep living. Naya receives an uninvited visitor and suddenly has to confront her past head on. Mona knows she is far from being a saint but needs to make amends. Mona finds a unique way to clean out the skeletons in her closet because she realizes the decisions she made in the past would soon come back to bite. Will Mona be prepared for responses?

Strings of Color is a book that reveals family secrets. From the first page until the last readers will be struck with overwhelming emotions. This book has well-developed characters that complement the storyline. It is consistent with the previous books in the series giving readers different views of this family's life. I was thrilled with this book as well as the previous two books in this series. This author has a unique writing style that makes her a wonderful storyteller. I cannot wait until the next book is available. I recommend this book to others.

This book was provided by the author for review purposes.

Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews