Thanks for joining us today for our Black Book Chat and April BOM discussion with Lutishia Lovely to talk about Reverend Feelgood, the latest book in the Hallelujah Love Series. The chat officially starts at noon (EST), but we’re posting it a bit early for those anxious to start. Enjoy!
BOOK DESCRIPTION
Nate Thicke believes it is his duty, his moral obligation, to make sure that the needs of his congregation are met…especially his female members. This is working fine for everybody until he meets his Destiny and decides to become a one-woman man. And then, well, all hell breaks loose!
“Lovely once again expertly illuminates the wacky world of the devout and devoutly devilish.” – Publishers Weekly
“I enjoyed this book and recommend it for readers who want to read a book that will grab and hold their attention…” – RM Jackson, RAWSISTAZ.com
The Hallelujah Love Series (in order)
Sex In the Sanctuary
Love Like Hallelujah
A Preacher’s Passion
Heaven Right Here
Reverend Feelgood
Heaven Forbid (coming in July)
Visit her website at: http://www.lutishialovely.com
Lutishia, I’m a bit under the weather, so a few of the other ladies will be moderating our discussion, but I wanted to thank you for joining us. We’ve already had a very heated discussion about the book on our email listserv, so I’m looking forward to seeing the ladies go at it with Round 2. LOL!! Please tell us a bit more about yourself, why you decided to write this series and why you’re so adamant about the books not being Christian Fiction.
Everyone else…have fun and try to behave.
-Tee
Good morning and thank you for chatting with us today, Lutishia. I love the series and wondered where the idea of ‘covering’ came from?
You know what, Jaime? I’ve been surprised at the number of readers who’ve told me they also know about someone being covered. I was only aware of one incident, but chile……this is going on all over the place!
I sure did wonder if it happened in the AA community.
-Brenda
Hi Lutishia and thank you for joining to chat today!!! Girl, I hop you know you had folks mouths wide open….LOL
What she said !
Least it was only your mouth open. Them folk in the book had more than that opened…LOL!!!!
Girl you silly….LOL
LOL!!!
Gurllllll….sometimes MY mouth was wide open!
Hi Lutishia, Jaime, Sharon and Tee … I had to join in this discussion.
Covering the congregation… GIRL… My mouth is still wide open… LOL…
Hey Sis….just too much….LOL
Hey Everybody…
I tried to post earlier .. don’t know what happened..
Covering the congregation…. My mouth is still wide open LOL Girl where do you get this stuff
I want to know the same thing, ‘Cilla. I asked my mother had she ever heard of such a thing, she replied yes. Then she told me that her pastor when she was a child told her once she turned 18; that she can now to a hotel with a man and it was nobody’s business but theirs what they did in that room, married or not…SMH!!!!
I have heard of women being “covered” before…but the grandma, mama, and daughter sharing the same man…that had me shaking my head.
that wasn’t covering…that was just plain nasty scandalous sex orgy!
oh oh…tell it LaDena….LOL
LOL @ LaDena and Cilla. I must admit, that was the first time my jaw dropped: when I found out Nate was sleeping with all three women. Yes, I said I found out. As many writers will tell you, these characters often step into our mind with their own, strong voices. When I first began writing the book, I thought Nate was going to be with Simone. Well, baby! We were ALL shocked. But I must say, I love Destiny and think she’s the woman for him…
Destiny said “Enough – I’ve been waiting since i was 12 – the D* ck I mean buck stops here. she was not having it …
No she wasn’t, but she got on my nerve too. I was sick of all them when I got done reading. The only one that wasn’t on my nerve too bad was Melody and I don’t know why, I just feel there’s more coming from her. I was in love with Mark with his I will not make love to you until I’m also in your heart, then he mucked up. As I said, I was numb by the end, there was no more head shaking or WTH from me.
You ain’t never lied, who said pimping was easy? LOL!!!
In my mind I felt the subject was believable. I don’t put anything past people….but making it a family affair that went beyond my scope of things…..LOL!!!
Way beyond for me. That’s like me calling up my mother and saying momma, my man is doing some things over here, you wanna come and try? Really I won’t mind. Pleez, not only would my mother tell me to go, she would try to take me there!!!
Girl you are so right….but to some degree they did mind. They was still jealousy btwn granny, mommy and daughter.
@ Sharon and Jaime…but you know what they say – truth is stranger than fiction! I mean, how many times have we heard that a man slept with two sisters, or cousins or similar. And yes, even mother and daughter. Now, I admit, Nate took things to a whole ‘notha level with three generations – but Kathryn wasn’t trying to let her good thing come to an end!
You are so right Lutishia!
And you won’t believe this but after I read your book, I started another book, not knowing the mother and daughter were having sex with the same man; I finished it…then after that I started another book and not knowing …a first lady and her pastor husband were having sex with the same….OMGoodness all I could say…it’s an epidemic….LOL
All that sharing going on I was waiting for stuff to fall off and out. Knowing them they wouldn’t have a clue why their uterus or testicle was laying on the floor….LOL!!!
Sharon I am with you. I don’t put too much past people but some things are just beyond wrong. The daughter wanted the Rev. so why would you let the grandmother subject her to that?
I meant to say why would you let your mother subject your daughter to that lifestyle when you know what your true feelings are?
You noticed, she tried to tell Katherine not no but H*** No!!! Katherine wasn’t having it. Did anyone trip when Destiny said I wish my mother was the one to take me to Nate? Girl, you’re momma has been humping this man for years, she not taking you to her piece of trim. Then again it goes back to if grandma then you can momma…LOL!!!
Sharon, I know a mother and daughter who got “covered” by their pastor and they both have kids by him. Sick to me, but they didn’t see anything wrong with. Yes, he’s still their pastor.
.-= Shelia Goss´s last blog ..The Dating Application =-.
As most know, it took me forever to finish reading this book. I began in February and made it to page 58, it wasn’t until last week that I finished reading. The main issue for me to get over was the fact the grandmother, mother and daughter was sharing one man. I really lost it when Destiny said she was in love with the man ever since she saw his naked behind walking back into her mother’s bedroom…SMH!!! WTH, I for one don’t want anyone that has shared their bodily fluids with my grandparents, parents, siblings, cousins, friends or children (think I covered everyone…LOL). What situation had you shaking your head?
Jaime.. I am with you. I have never heard of this “tradion” before and when I read it, that light bulb went off in my head …. but DAYUMMMMM . These women took PRIDE in Screwing this man and would have been more than glad to continue it… Then when his Momma admitted that she knew about and didn’t care because she didn’t like to engage in her marital duties… GEESH… WTF… I know some people have a hard time but I figured it was because they haven’t been with the Right Man.. GEESH…
That’s all I can say “GEESH”
Girl, when I found out the connection between Nettie and Katherine, all I could say is WTH!!! Nettie was fine with her friend humping her man, cause he didn’t bother her for it.
Those folk took sharing to a whole new level, and his arrogant self didn’t care. I doubt he cared whether the women were showered or not, all that mattered to him was he was getting his.
Speaking of him…I didn’t read any of the previous books, so it may be answered there, but didn’t his death seem a little suspect?
Yes, it did. He was introduced in this book, and that was my first time hearing about him. Nate was introduced in Heaven Right Here and I knew he was something else the way he was described. Even then I knew he and Melody’s path was going to cross, I was shocked when I found out how.
Jaime – what had me shakin my head, besides the family affair, was the fact that ALL these women in the church knew they were all being ‘covered’ by the Pastor and they were ok with it. To the point of where one encouraged another woman to keep trying until she got her appointment with the Pastor!
I mean, I know some men can be dogs, but Nate topped them all for me! A woman every day and twice on Sundays!
It made me wonder – are their women out there that desperate to want a man that this is what they will put up with? Or are there women out there wanting to be 1st Lady like Jennifer and would go to any extreme in order to accomplish it?
Both!!!
Girl, those ladies took it to another level. The pastor meets with me on Tuesdays at 6:00, what time does he meet you? He meets me at 4:00 on Mondays, and I look forward to my visits with him. When I read those chicks comparing notes about their visits with the pastor, I couldn’t believe it. Then when he announced his engagement, all they were concerned about was if their visits will continue, cause the pastor was laying the pipe.
I almost forgot about this moment, when Destiny told Katherine to stop sleeping with Nate. I could just imagine that phone call. Grandma, I know my man can lay the pipe, but I’m going to need for you stop sleeping with him, cause he’s only going to lay the pipe with me from now on and no one else. WTH?
ROFLOL…
Can you imagine? Momma was able to stop sleeping with him, so I know you can too. ROFL!!!
Y’all have me screaming over here on the west coast! Hehehehehehehehe……
ROTFLMAO!!!!!!
Jaime, I did the same as you did. I couldn’t finish reading it b/c I just couldn’t handle the family trio, but the nosiness….I mean curiousity in me wanted me to get the book and finish reading and all I can say is Lutishia set out to shock the heck out of me….LOL
Welcome Lutishia,
I have to say that you had my mouth open from start to finsh. Reverend Feelgood was the first of your books I had read…and I was like, ‘Oh no she didnt…’ The whole covering thing and how the women through the generations accepted and perpetuated the continuation of such a thing…I spent a lot of time yelling at those sisters…talk about generational curses…I wanted at least one to say…”Um hold up, no more…” I grant you this is a book made for discussion…to be sure…
angelia
.-= angelia´s last blog ..BELIEVE THAT~ =-.
Angelia, I’m co-signing your post.
LAWDY LAWDY!
This book was just too much!
What they said..I dont have much to say because the ladies covered it..LOL ::no pun intended::
I think the subject matter overshadowed the fact that the book was so superbly written and the characters were wonderfully three dimensional. I know what that’s like. I’ve walked in those stilletos. I like to write and read shocking subject matter, still I nearly put the book down twice because I was so disgusted with the behavior of so many of the characters. I wanted just one person not involved in the secret to be a hero that I could support that would set out to expose or “uncover” (no pun intended) those fornicators, even though they redeemed themselves at the end. Yet your skillful weaving kept me trained to the book, and I ended up rating it highly, ’cause I know what skill is, and you got skillz.
DJ,
I concur with the writing being mighty tight.. also the at least one shero thing also, I wanted one sister to day…HAIL NO~ and mean it…
angelia
.-= angelia´s last blog ..BELIEVE THAT~ =-.
I agree with you DJ, the book was superbly done. However, for me the subject matter was a bit much. What bothered me the most was grandmother, daughter and granddaughter sharing this one man.
Jaime, I want to thank you and all of the others here who “pressed toward the mark” called THE END and finished the book!
I am so loving this discussion, and am so appreciative of it. In my opinion, Destiny is the shero, and like one of you posted, there was some redemption in the end. But as in life, we don’t always see redemption, people don’t always get it right. One of the things I found most fascinating about writing this book, and why I really love this storyline, is because in these women’s minds not only was what they were doing okay, but where most people reading about them feel they are weak and stupid, they actually felt empowered.
I had to keep reading.. felt like I needed to draw a map to keep up with how many women Nate was sleeping with… LOL
A flow chart and schedule, sis!!! LOL!!! Don’t forget you meet with pastor Friday at 6:00…LOL!!!
My Pastor knows I real a lot. So he recently asked me what I was reading.
Told him, “If I tell you, you’ll probably kick me out the church!
He said, PLEASE don’t tell me then! LMBO!
Ms Lovely, I love (again, no pun intended) your response and your attitude to the “fall out” from your novel. I wrote a novel with an outrageous story line and my editor said, “get ready for the fall out and be prepared how you will respond.” But I could point to a hundred well publicized examples of what I wrote about. Were you advise to prepare also? It’s all rolling off your feathers like oil on water, when many authors get a bit…mmmm,…miffed.
Gurlllll, I know church folk. No one had to tell me to prepare!
After reading the first several chapters I’d written in Sex In The Sanctuary, I thought to myself “I can’t say this!” I went back and censored the book. But that didn’t feel right. It was not the story Spirit gave me. I knew then that if I was true to what I heard, there would be people who loved reading it. There’s no one book that’s for everyone, which is why I don’t take it personally if someone isn’t crazy about my work. I get emails everyday from someone whose life I’ve touched or whose story I’ve told. That’s when I know I’ve done what I’m supposed to do…and why I love writing this series…
Thank you so much! Smooches…
Lutisha
Welcome and like everyone else, I would love to know where you came up with the idea for this series!
Do you have plans for Melodie’s story? I was kind of curious to see if Destiny would ever let her back in, and if she would change her ways truly.
What about Jennifer and Deacon James?
Are the other books in the series as shocking as this one?
That’s it for now, but I’m sure I’ll be back with more ;0).
Jacki, I’ve read all in the series, and by far this was the most shocking to me. The others offer shock filled moments, but nothing like this. My favorite in the series is Sex in the Sanctuary. Melody and her scandal was introduced in Heaven Right Here, and I too want to hear more about her. The character that I’m chopping at the bits to get more of is Princess Brooks and she was introduced in Sex in the Sanctuary and more in A Preacher’s Passion.
Lutishia, will there be more to Princess’s story?
Yes, Jaime. Princess’s story continues in Heaven Forbid, and she will also be a part of the spin-off series, which is in the works….
Good to know, she went through it in a Preachers Passion. I hope she’s able to move forward and truly forget the past. Heaven Forbid is already on my TBR list.
I have read the other books in the series and this one has to be the WOW Book. I understood the point that (I think) Lutishia was trying to make about the “covering” and how it became a tradition. It doesn’t make it right but It was believeable for me. I think it playe a lot into these women and their self esteem levels and the Need to be Wanted –
As far as Nate, he was kind of a victim also… he was told that this is how it was and supposed to be and he was more than happy to please EVERYBODY. I was gald that Destiny was the one with common sense to say “Wait” – I know this is how it is but it aint gonna happen anymore. I was also glad when her mother married the cousin and he made her wait… they associated sex with love –
I get the feeling that there is more to Nate and his cousin that will come out in the next book – Hmmmmm
More on Nate and his cousin would be interesting
I would like to see more of their background, too.
ooh and Patrice or Patricia – she got into that fight with Katerine and was out – didn’t she end up at (man at work and don’t have my book!!!) Somebody help me out! Was it Derrick or King’s church she went to? Sounds like the lead in for an update!
If I’m not mistaken it was King’s church in Kansas City. King was a force to be reckoned with in the past, check out Sex in the Sanctuary.
Patricia went to the Potters House, in Dallas, TX but there’s no telling where she’ll end up!
After Heaven Forbid, I’m taking a break from this series and starting another one. The Business Trilogy takes place in the soul food industry, not in church! But yes, I already have plans on the table to continue stories on Destiny, Melody, and some other characters from the series. And thanks for all the suggestions, you guys! As you can see, just by developing storylines on all of these characters, this series could be like As The World Turns and last for 50 years!!!
Good!
I’d like to know what happens to Melody.
See now….soul food industry….something that I’ve been seriously considering getting involved in….MORE DRAMA….
I can’t wait for me stories and yes, this could be an As the World Turns….with all the characters being connected and stuff….and I still believe that the Hope/Cy/Millicent story isn’t finished.
Welcome Lutisha
Hello Everyone
I begged the nurse to let me use her computer so I can submit to receive comments on my blackberry>>>smile
Lutisha- this book was so good…I rate it a 5…
this book generated so much talk and when a book has people talking about it for hours and days, it is a exceleent book.
where did you get the idea for this book ?
How do your church member feel ?
Do you think any of them think you are talking about them ?
Well, heck…do you know someone like Nate ?
Girl, we need to talk….are you coming to Memphis or any where near Memphis ?
LOL
Yay, Barbara!!! You were able to make it! As you can see I’ve already started and if she if Ms. Lovely comes to your neck of the woods, move over I’ll be right there beside you…LOL!!!
Ha! Barbara, I’m always having somebody say, “oh, are you talking about…???” Well, now, let me make this disclaimer….All of my books are a work of fiction. Any similarities to persons living or dead is strictly coincidental! ::nudge, nudge, wink, wink:: !!!
As for what people think about this series, and what I write, I can’t focus too much on that. Cuz if I did, this series would have ended after Sex In The Sanctuary!
Yes, I know someone like Nate, and that’s all I’m gonna say about that!
I’m long overdue for a trip to Tennesee so hopefully soon!!!!!
Good morning ever-y-body!!!!! I’m sooooo excited to hang out with the Rawsistaz Fam. Thx Tee C.!!!!!
Well, I can see that y’all have already gotten the party started! LOL…where do I begin? Ok, first, I’ll start by sending prayers and positive vibes to Tee, feel better sistah! Now, I’ll respond briefly to her request on a little about myself, why my books aren’t Christian fiction and where in the heck the idea for Reverend Feelgood came from.
Probably the reason these storylines flow to me so easily is because I’ve either lived or seen many of them lived, as a PK (preacher’s kid). All my life, I’ve had an up-close and personal, behind-the-scenes look at churchanity, which I believe gives me a well-rounded viewpoint and wide foundation from which to form these storylines. I’ve loved words all my life, starting with poetry, and then stage and screenplays, and finally my first book, a children’s book, in the mid 90s. I’m single, a vegetarian, lover of travel and live in the Los Angeles area.
When this series came to me, I didn’t know there was “Christian fiction”. Mine were just stories begging to be told. The CF tag implies that the stories will be told from a Christian perspective with Christian solutions and in the industry, CF novels contain no or very little cursing and no graphic sex. That knocks mine right out of that category, Tee!!!
This storyline was inspired by two things: a real life event that I was intimately aware of (no, y”all, I was NOT being covered ::wink::, but I knew about a ministry where the ministers “covered” women in the congregation. The second event that inspired it was the polygamy case that happened in Texas. Remember the one where they took out over 400 kids? I became fascinated at these “sisters” who shared their man, and that in there world, this was normal. The characters developed soon after, a look from the perspective of women sharing men and felt it was okay to do so….
Hi Lutishia. Thanks for chatting with us today. You have truly given the readers of Rev. Feelgood something to talk about. It took me a while to finish the book but I did and was glad that I read on!
Lutishia,
If you have any questions for us please share!
Hi, LuTishia. Thanks so much for joining us on today. Your book has generated hours and weeks of discussion by RAWSISTAZ…LOL. I haven’t read the book yet, but I hope to pick it up soon. I picked up Sex In the Sanctuary this weekend and will be starting it this week.
Was it that bad, Hope? LOL!!!!
No, not that bad, Jaime…that good! LOL!
You’re welcome, Hope. I hope you enjoy Sex In The Sanctuary because if you do…you’re getting ready to be in for a few more hours and weeks of discussion on this whole series! ::wink::
I have a question, did anyone else thought there was some incest going on for a moment? I was waiting for that angle, when it passed I was thankful. Not sure if I could’ve stomached that.
Hmmm…with whom though?
I mean I wasn’t shocked with Anne and Vernice…I saw that one coming.
Did you really, Jacki? Okay, so there’s a little detective in you, huh? Did anybody else see it coming or were you surprised. And let me add, that twist wasn’t in the synopsis, it developed along with the story…
No I didn’t see it coming
I felt something was going to happen, and when it did, I was too numb to shake my head or say WTH.
Hmmm…Jackie, you are good. I didn’t see that one coming. Caught me way off guard.
-Brenda
No…never thought of incest
At first I thought about the incest .. but they waited until Destiny was 17 and she was a Willing participant ..
I thought for a moment that Simone was actually a sibling of Nathan. Was it ever mentioned who her father was? I was so riled up, I might have missed that one…LOL!
Now what did you all think of Anne and (OMGoodness her name escapes me)? They couldn’t have the Rev. Dr. Feelgood anymore so they turned to each other!!!!
LOL! That was just what I said to Jaime’s post.
I was not shocked, I thought they were gonna be locking lips earlier when they was first watching that movie. I was not surprised!
I had to read that part twice… WTH… I did not see at all
Well it shock the peanut butter out of me!!
Not the peanut butter, sis…LOL!!!!
Hello, Lutishia Lovely
I was wondering what made you come up with a storyline like this one? It does seem out of the normal but I never heard of covering until I read this book.
Hey Zeneta, thanks for joining me! Check out my earlier post. It details where I got the idea…
sneaking back in…
Lutisha you are good….
Now I need a another book to this one….
You can do more on Melody and Destiny….
Nate and his cousin…hey you can have his cousin turn and start to act like Nate…..smile
sneaking back out…….
Good Morning Lutishia,
Good Morning Sistaz!! Hey Tee!!! Welcome Lutishia!! Im so glad you are chatting with us today. Rev. Feelgood was off the chain!! I loved it!! I love when books bring about great dialogue on issues that are not discussed everyday!!
As for me, I was not shocked to read about the “Covering” of the flock. But Nate and the ladies of his flock took it to a whole ‘nother level…LOL…..Talk about keeping it in the family. I thought about my grandmother, my mother and me…….There is no way in the world I would share a man with them.
Then Anne and Vernice getting covered and plotting to ensure that no one else has access to Nate….OMG!!!
…peaking in….Hey Unika! Glad you could join us. I’m delighted to be here…Tee and Rawsistaz are some of my FAVORITE people!!!
Okay, y’all, I have a question. Is there anyone here who can relate to these women’s perspective? Is there anyone who feels that the women were empowered by making their own choices and at least knowingly sharing a man? Okay, wait a minute before you slap me. I’m not talking about the Nobles. I don’t think that dog is gonna hunt in any Black community!
But something that Anne said is a relevant point. Many women, especially women of color, share their men – whether they want to or not, and whether they know it or not. Also, in many cultures and religions, this is normal and traditional. So I guess this question is two-part: 1) is there anyone who wasn’t totally appalled by these women’s behavior, and is there anyone on here who believes they could knowingly share a man?
I can’t say I was totally appalled by these women’s behavior. Actually I felt a little sorry for them because they equated sex for love except for Destiny…she felt true love in the sense of the word. This is what they knew and what they felt waas expected of them to continue. Could they have broken the cycle…yes…but they didn’t want to.
And no I couldn’t knowingly share my man.
I believe the thing that appalled me was the connection to the church. People always put the pastors/ministers/reverands in a different light, held in HIGH regard. You feel that they have been chosen by God to preach his word and you forget that they are human just like you and me, they, too, can become weak of the flesh.
Now have I knowingly shared a man – yup! I was fast when I was younger. But then at the time I didn’t care. I was tired of being used by men, so I started to use them the same way and didn’t care if they had someone. I never went after anyone where I knew who the woman was, not that it makes it any better, but again I was in that frame of mind of I wanted what I wanted. If I wasn’t allowing myself to be emotionally attached ( like the men apparently weren’t doing with me ) , then I would play this game until I tired of it.
I think it has to do with self esteem, wanting to be LOVE and not waiting for it to come to you and in these women cases – they wanted to be deem with importance in both the house of God and in Heaven itself.. they thought this is how you get in the Pearly Gates – (but aint’ nobody say open your pearly Gates for) LOL
ROFLMBO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So many factors go into this, it’s sad. I think has a lot to do with know your worth as a person, if you know you’re worthy then you won’t waste your time with unworthy people. Most of these women didn’t know their worth and was willing to do anything to get with a man even if that meant sharing one. As I’ve said before, I for one don’t want anyone that has shared their bodily fluids with my grandparents, parents, siblings, cousins, friends or children (think I covered everyone…LOL)
Yes, you covered ere’body! LOL!
And I couldn’t agree more!!! Just NASTY!
I know I couldn’t knowingly share a man.
And I too know of a ministry where something very similar to this ‘WAS’ going on.
Ha!
Just joining in. How are you Ms. Lovely? This book was good and I have an office full of ladies that want to read it.
I was not totally appalled at the women because it was what they believed in. But each one had issues with men before and he started out helping and they decided that he was the better of them. And they accepted what they felt like was good for them. I could not knowingly share my man or anyone else’s man.
One thing I did notice was that they all did not like the Noble women at all. I think that I am still wondering about that.
Regina
Regina,
I think the other women were jealous of the place the Nobles held.
They all knew that all of them were sleeping with Nate, but the Nobles were closer to him. They had the key to his home, could pretty much get whatever they wanted from Nate whenever they wanted. The other church women wanted that position as well. They felt that if they could get that close they would be a shoe in for 1st Lady. That’s why when Jennifer got kicked out because she messed with a Noble, she just couldn’t believe it. She had the golden ticket in her hand as far as she was concerned and it had been ripped from her hands.
Reading this book reminded me of an Oprah show from years ago,,,before Oprah became O and the title was sleeping with a family member’s man…I remember this sister standing and saying ‘I WILL TAKE YOUR MAN, HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH THAT, BUT MAMA MAN AND SISTER MAN, THAT IS JUST WRONG… and I guess that is what I kept waiting for the sister who just said no, no matter how good the D was…just saying…:}
angelia
.-= angelia´s last blog ..BELIEVE THAT~ =-.
Whew! Y’all sistahs have me cracking UP! I am so loving this. I want to thank everybody for tuning in. I appreciate ALL of your comments!!! Now, if I don’t jump off here, I’ll never get any writing done, and I have a June 1 dueline. But I can already tell that discussion will be like crack to me, and I’ll peak back over in a bit….ciao for now!
Thanks Jennifer, that explains a lot more. Lutishia I know that you have to go but I would just like to say, this was one of the first books by you that I have read and I will be getting the rest and I have add your name to a list of authors that I refer to other people that I know read.
Regina
Thanks Jacki, sorry for the mix up. Not paying attention and just typing while I work.
THX REGINA!!!!!!!
OOH ok – right. I did think that at first too. No Katherine had even married the man, but they always kept the Noble name.
Hi Lutishia!
Reverend Feelgood, is the first book I’ve read by you, and Good Golly Miss Molly!
It was a serious doozy!
You definitely have a gift to write!
Janice, yes, it is a gift and every day I am thankful for it. We all have a gift for something, and for me, this is it! At any given moment, I have a myriad of voices in my head. If I wasn’t a writer, I’d be institutionalized!!!
Okay, question for all those chatting. Here’s the backstory: As Tee asked before, many who pick up my books assume they are Christian fiction because of the storyline. They are not. Not all of the characters in this series are Christians, and sometimes what they end up doing is opposite of traditional bibilical principles. Also, as y’all now know, I do not censor the character voices or acts. Bottom line, I wanted the freedom to tell this story without restrictions based on belief.
So here’s my question: Does reading sexually explicit material done by church members, or within this “church-oriented” storyline make you more uncomfortable than reading Zane, or Mary B or other explicit writers? Why or why not?
Actually it doesn’t bother me. To me It gives the story a sense of reality. For we all know right from wrong, but do we actually abide by right and wrong. Your just showing the flaws we as humans face.
Lutishia.. the story line is wonderful and so is your writing.. I never thought of this as CF.. just great story telling and i am a firm believer that people are people no matter where they are or what they profess..
Hi Lutisha,
I have not read your book yet but look forward to reading it due to everyone’s feedback : ) Sounds like a juicy story. It doesn’t make me feel uncomfortable to read these types of stories from “church oriented” characters because in reality no one is perfect. The point of reading fiction is for entertainment and to just check out of reality sometimes lol. Anyway, thanks for coming out to chat with us!
Kidada
Hope you enjoy, Kidada! This chat has been a hoot! While I have gotten my share of judgment, the overwhelming response has come from readers such as those in this group, who like to read different types of fiction and enjoy a good story. With book six coming out in a few months, most folk know what they’re getting into when they crack open a Lovely book!
Yes. It feels blasphemous. Sort of like hearing someone say F$%# God (cringing)!
No it does not make me uncomfortable…I just ask that a story is provided with my sex…and you are a storyteller… and church oriented is neighborhoods away from traditional CF; I think the issue is with those who pick up a book expecting it to be CF and they get sex..the same would be true if you bought erotica and there was no sex, if that makes sense. I remember when my book Cinnamon’s Universe came out, one of the women at my church told me should would pray for me…I told her I am always glad for extra prayers…
.-= angelia´s last blog ..BELIEVE THAT~ =-.
LOL Angelia!!! If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me “are you saved?”….
Girl…funny thing is she knew every sex scene in my book…
.-= angelia´s last blog ..BELIEVE THAT~ =-.
ROFLLOL!!!
That’s ironic and hilarious!!!
Hello Ms. Lovely,
Hello Ladies,
I am a bit late, had to read the previous posts and catch up. First my opinion/thoughts of the book was I truly enjoyed it. I was shocked and my mouth stayed open in shock. I have heard of covering before, yet never had it broken down like in the book. This book had me looking and thinking about the various women at my churches and thinking and asking myself if they are “covered,” I know I am wrong for that, LOL. But honey this book here, I had to ask some of my minister guy friends and the stories they told me, OFF THE CHAIN.
To answer your question I think it is issue that the church has with the amount of women in the church compared to the amount of men. I am appalled by the behavior because like some of the ladies previous commented the man of God is not suppose to be the lover of all the women in his flock whom are not married (and I am sure some who are married have their own appointments, LOL). If the ladies are not sleeping with the pastor’s they are sleeping with the men next in line to the pastor.
I would never accept the share of any man, I think it is not quantity problem it is quality. Women and men have put in their minds there is not enough available good men, so sharing becomes okay. Heck naw not in my house or in my relationship. Three is a crowd.
Torrie, sounds like I need to talk to your “minister guy friends”!!!
I’m always looking for material…::wink::
Lutishia, which do you prefer to write the most as Lutishia Lovely or your alter ego, Zuri Day? Btw, I loved Body by Night!!!
Shut up.. I liked Body by Night also… speakign of which .. Jaime I have to tell you how Lutishia tricked me at the RSJ.. I met Zuri before I met Lutisha.. LOL
Girl, for months I was ranting and raving about Body by Night. Even told folk that Lutishia and Zuri were friends…LOL!!!! It wasn’t until someone told me that they are one in the same, if they didn’t I would still be saying they’re friends. ROFL, she got us good!!!! Now I say Ms. Lovely’s alter ego Zuri Day. Too funny.
Okay, ‘Cilla, Jaime, y’all bout to start something up off in here!
(Clearing throat). For the RECORD, Jaime, you are correct. Me and Zuri are the BEST of friends! And, yes, ‘Cilla, you are right too! 
: Some say me and Zuri are friends, some say twins, some say sisters and some say we’re the same people. The truth is, no one really, REALLY knows for sure. Well, some do but…they’re lips are sealed!
I’m sure Zuri would be thrilled to chat with you guys about her novels, but since I talk with her every single day, I can tell you that she absolutely LOVES writing romance novels. She read them from the time she was a teenager, but never thought she’d be writing them. Jaime, she loves writing romance just as much as I love writing fiction. We both just love what we do, and feel so blessed to share what we love with wonderful readers like you guys…!
BTW…Body By Night is one of my favorite reads. I simply loved D’Andra, her story, and her relationship with Night. I’m still in love with that brothah…:)
I lover your response!!! I’m in love with that Night and his foot massages, and most importantly what he did with her and the wall, just saying, LOL!!! We would be thrilled to have her discuss her books with us!!!
Thanks for the wonderful chat today, ladies. Lutishia it has been a pleasure to meet you via web!!! Hope to one day make it a reality in person!!! I’ll definitely let you know my thoughts on Heaven Forbid, if I’m lucky I’ll get to review it for the Raw Reviewers. I have to run, going with my very excited sister to tour the hospital where she will be having my latest niece. Take care until we chat again!!!
Please feel free to stay and chat a bit, usually the evening crowd will join in with more discussion and questions.
Jaime, I have thoroughly enjoyed “hearing” your opinion. Gurllll…you are fun-KNEE!!! I too hope that we can meet in person some day. Keep up with me on the events page of my website. FYI, y’all, I’ll be in NYC at the end of May, attending the Book Expo. If you’re in the New York area…hollah! And in July it’s….HOT-lanta! My first National Book Club Conference and I’m super excited. We’re trying to coordinate book signings with both of these trips so again, those in the HOT-lanta area…get at me!
I’m hanging till 8 y’all…and at the end will give info on upcoming projects, new releases,etc. Until then, any more questions regarding Reverend Feelgood, the Hallelujah Love Series, the writing process, etc? I’m here, and happy to answer…
“Well, we’re winding down, y’all, and I’ve had a ball,
This was funner than a shopping spree at the mall!”
Ooh, wait, my bad. A little bit of my 90s rap persona sneaking in here.. That’s what having a good time will do…get me loose!
Y’all made this such a fun work day for me. Only 4:30 here on the west coast so I’m still working. But it was like Christmas jumping over to my inbox and seeing what zany, funny, interesting comment had been posted. Again, I’ve appreciated them ALL!
Everyone did not like this story, others – like some of you – found it very uncomfortable and hard to finish, and others think it’s my best work yet. What caused a couple readers to throw the book down was the molestation that took place when Kathyn was twelve. I totally understand. That was a difficult part of the storyline to write.
But it was her story and in order to truly understand Kathryn, it had to be told. Imagine being basically brainwashed from an early age that it was your duty, even a privilege to “serve the man of God”? Told this by her own mother no less, who had ALSO been “special”!!! I didn’t judge Kathryn. She was living what she knew, what she’d been taught. Some might say, “she should have known better,” but then, some could say the same thing about some experiences I’ve had!
One reader was so mad that she wrote and told me that if she could have, she would have gotten her money back. She signed the email “your former fan”. I wrote back that I was sorry she’d thrown the receipt away ::smile:: but that I stood behind this work. Around the world, a child is molested every few seconds, and the Catholic church isn’t the only place where trusting members are exploited. It goes under the radar because we don’t talk about it. It’s a horrible, disgusting truth. We should be disgusted and outraged! I am grateful for the dialogue that this book allows. BTW, I encouraged the woman to finish the book. She did, and signed the last email she sent “your fan again” ! ::smile::
Heaven Forbid drops in July, and hopefully it will have y’all talking again! This book centers around Stan and Passion Lee, and Lavon and Carla Chapman, (from A Preacher’s Passion)
and I’m happy to say that Mama Max, who has appeared in a number of the books, takes center stage! I went from one extreme to the other! This time it’s the 70somethings acting up. Watch out dere now! LOL
In March, 2011, The Business Trilogy debuts. I’m very excited about it. Who can’t relate to food and family? Throw in some sibling rivalries, some co-worker jealousies and my usual slew of interesting romantic liaisons and…well…it will feel like you’re “All Up In My Business”, the name of the first book.
Tee, everybody, thanks again SO MUCH. I so appreciate each and every one of you, and wish you blessings on your own dreams. If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there, does it make a sound? Well, I say if a writer writes a book and nobody reads it…does it matter? Because of you, I matter… Thank you… Love & Hugs…
Lutishia … it was wonderful meeting you and Zuri on the RSJ Cruise. Today’s chat was wondrful and I can’t wait til July when the next book in the series comes out
Didn’t we have a ball on that boat, ‘Cilla? AND at the booksigning in Miami! ::wink:: LOL Those will definitely go up there with some of my fav memories for 2010! Me and Zuri posted pics from the cruise on FB. Did you see them? I think I remember reading a comment from you on one of them but there are so many websites, events, people, stuff going on in my head it’s a wonder I remember my name sometimes. Stay in touch!
Excellent chat ladies !!
Lutishia, I loved the book. Me and my mom have laughed about Rev. Feelgood and the women in the book who wanted “to be covered.” Sadly, there are preachers out there with that same mentality. I look forward to your next one.
.-= Shelia Goss´s last blog ..The Dating Application =-.