The Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Diamond Blog Tour w/Chizellé T. Archie

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chizellé T. Archie is  an author, registered school nurse, mother and wife for thirteen years to her husband John Archie.  She works for a private school and lives in Atlanta, GA with her family.

Several years ago, after noticing the alarming statistics of the HIV rate of African American women, Chizellé became fed up with the way her African American  brothers  and sisters (young alike), were beginning to settle for any and everything, in that having safe sex was not an option anymore. As far as the women, as long as he drove a nice car, lived in a fine home, of better yet if he was able to “make it rain,” that was satisfaction enough.  As far as the men, as long as she had a car, maybe a job, or had enough money to pay for her “own drink in the club,” then … everything was good. Furthermore, seeing how the women that have remained faithful to their UNFAITHFUL husbands/boyfriends were contracting this deadly disease, and yet only being guilty of loving someone they thought loved them back.

Lastly, what disturbed her most was that there are so many people sitting in the church pews every Sunday hurting, because of the stigma associated with this epidemic, and yet the one place they feel most comfortable is the one place that leaves them feeling so alone.

Chizellé lands on the literary scene with authority, and it is with great fortitude that she pens her debut novel, The Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Diamond, in which her life experiences have allowed her to grab hold and take nothing less, realizing she is a Diamond!

ABOUT THE BOOK

The posh, yet chic Victoria Cartiér, is an Investment Advisor for a prestigious firm in Manhattan. Residing in the affluent Hamilton Heights of Harlem, seemingly she has it all; success, money, VIP status on 5th Avenue, and a loving husband Malcolm, so she thinks…

Apparently, Victoria feels her marriage is quickly headed for trouble and the day she plans to deliver life changing news to Malcolm, she gets deathly news of her own. The uncovered trails of lies,deceit, and betrayal, changes their lives forever, causing her to loose trust in everyone she loves, even God!

After losing everything, except her new baby, will Victoria’s love for God, her family, her best friend (tell-it-like-it-is Lucy), and her new beau, the God-fearing, charismatic Marcel Bouviér, be enough to convince her exactly how much she is worth, and that if she can only trust God, then she’ll see life is truly worth living?

MORE FROM THE AUTHOR

Chizelle Archie talks about The Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Diamond –>

Chizelle Archie talks about what she hopes the readers will learn from reading The Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Diamond. –>

VIDEO EXCERPT

PURCHASE THE BOOK ONLINE AT:

• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble
• Borders
• Books A Million
• Indiebound

FOR MORE INFORMATION

• Visit the author at http://chizellearchie.com

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

*A Tywebbin/DeeGospel PR Blog Tour

Holy Rollers Blog Tour w/ReShonda Tate Billingsley

What is your definition of a Holy Roller? Join us today as we chat with ReShonda Tate Billingsley about her new release, Holy Rollers!  **This is not a book discussion, so no need to worry about not having read the book.**

Get your copy of Holy Rollers!!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Holy Rollers tells the story of three life-long friends—Coco, Audra and Nita—and their quest to find true love. The three women have endured their share of heartache: Coco is abused by her boyfriend Sonny; Audra is a single mother who only seems to meet unreliable men; and Nita can’t get over a married man who wants to keep her as his mistress.

Deciding to take fate into their own hands, the three women attend a conference for ministers, hoping to meet men who are God-fearing and wholesome. The results are varied, but the experience with the church changes the lives of these three women in this hilarious and heartbreaking story.

BOOK EXCERPT

“Those preacher men ain’t ready for me.” Nita wiggled her hips in the full-length mirror. She wasn’t trying to be vain, but she looked good. Real good. The mini-skirt hugged her size ten frame in all the right places. She’d taken Audra’s advice and covered up her 38 Triple D’s, but she still wore a form-fitting white ruffled jacket. As always, her honey brown curls cascaded down her back.

“If you say so,” Coco responded. “But what’s with the white suite? I know you’re not going for a virginal look.”

Nita placed her hands on her hips. “And if I were?”

Coco and Audra exchanged looks, then burst into laughter. They were in Audra’s bedroom, where they’d all gotten dressed for their night of ‘holy rolling’ as Audra had dubbed it.

“I have the red shoes to give a hint of bad girl,” Nita said, sticking out her leg to reveal the high-heeled strappy pumps.

Both Audra and Coco shook their heads. Nita waved them off and leaned into the mirror to check her reflection one more time. After licking her thumb and running it over her eyebrow to smooth it down, she turned to face her friends. “Laugh all you want. I’m going for a pure look if you must know. And when I have all these preachers falling all over me, you’ll wish you hadn’t worn that old demon red,” she said, pointing at Audra, “and that library-navy blue,” she added, pointing at Coco.

“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” Coco said, glancing down at the navy knee length dress with a white lace collar.

“You look like a school marm,” Nita deadpanned. “We’re supposed to be going to catch, remember?”

“I thought this was a look ministers would like – you know, kind of First Ladyish,” Coco said, motioning toward her outfit.

“Girl, I know I haven’t been to church in a long time, but I don’t think that’s what First Ladies dress like. Maybe the First Ladies’ grandma,” Nita said.

“Yeah, Coco,” Audra chimed in. “It is kind of old and homely looking.”

“Whatever,” Coco said. “I think I look cute.”

“If you say so.” Nita walked over to her purse, which sat on Audra’s nightstand, pulled out a Bible and tore the plastic off. “Let’s go. We’ve got some men to snag,” she said, slipping the Bible under her arm.

“Shameful. Just a shame fo’ God,” Miss Bea said when they walked into the living room. She was sitting on the sofa watching “Wheel of Fortune.” Andrew was asleep next to her.

“What’s a shame, Miss Bea?” Coco asked. While Miss Bea gave them all a hard time, each of them loved the cantankerous old woman. Nita would never admit it, though. The two of them were always going at it and Audra swore it was because they were exactly alike.

“Y’all actually going through with it? You actually goin’ hoing rolling.”

“Holy rolling,” Audra corrected.

“I said it right,” Miss Bea tsked. “Blatantly going after a man of God.” She eyed Nita’s five-inch heels. “And you’re even wearing hooker shoes.”

“Operative word, man,” Nita replied. She held out her foot and wiggled it. “And I’ll have you know, these are Christian Louboutin.”

“Christian Lou-booty who?”

“Christian Louboutin,” Nita snapped. “Designer, seven hundred and eighty dollars.”

Miss Bea shook her head in disgust. “That just don’t make sense. That’s my rent for two months.” She eyed the heels again. “And ain’t nothing Christian ‘bout them hooker shoes.”

“They were a gift,” Nita said. “I didn’t pay for them.”

“Oh, you paid for them all right,” Miss Bea replied, shaking her head. “You paid one way or another.”

“Okay, on that note,” we’re going to go,” Audra said.

Of course, Nita couldn’t let the issue drop. “Don’t start judging us,” she said.

“I’m not judging. I leave that to God. But I’m tellin’ you, this ain’t the way to find a man. Hawaiian Luau,” she said, solving the “Wheel of Fortune” puzzle.

“Well, I guess you would know how to find a man, seeing as how you’ve been married four times,” Nita chuckled.

Miss Bea didn’t see anything funny. “If I’ve been burned enough, it seems like you’d listen to me when I tell you to stay out the fire,” she said, not taking her eyes off of the TV.

“Maybe I like it hot,” Nita said. She always enjoyed getting under Miss Bea’s skin.

“Then you’ll fit in just fine in hell,” Miss Bea said before turning the volume up even more.

Want more? Order your copy today at www.Amazon.com, or wherever books are sold!

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

The rest, as they say, is history.

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

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

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

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

**A Tywebbin Blog Tour

Nothing is Too Hard For God Blog Tour

In Nothing is Too Hard for God (and the excerpt below), Leslie is dealing with her feelings about black men dating/marrying white women. How do you feel about interracial relationships? Does it bother you when you see black men with white women or white men with black women? Why?

C. M. Jones is well on her way to becoming a household name. She has just completed her second publication, Nothing Is Too Hard for God, and launched a publishing company with her family, HortonJonesInc., that also mentors young writers. In addition she has begun to offer writing seminars and motivational speaking services. When asked about her endeavors, C. M. Jones has said that writing and mentoring is her ministry and she does it all to the glory of God.

Her debut novella, I Still Do, which was published through Author House but is now apart of the HortonJones, Inc. portfolio, sold thousands of copies in the United States and abroad. This Christian ficton writer indeed is no stranger to writing creative and inspiring stories. She began writing at the young age of eight years old while acting in her elementary school drama club. C. M. Jones has written countless poems, musicals and short stories that include themes of redemption, forgiveness and a real picture of the things that can happen in life, when you have faith in Jesus Christ.

Visit her online at http://www.cmjonestheauthor.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Nothing Is Too Hard for God is the sequel to the novella I Still Do. These three best friends are back to take you on a journey through their past and into their future. This book is full of truth, faith and testaments to what God can do when we submit our lives to Him.

Do you want to know how God brought Deborah through her haunted past and into His saving grace? Would you like to know why Damien was disloyal to Karen and if their marriage can really survive after his affair? Last, but not least, if you want to know how Leslie’s heart went from being as cold as stone to being full of love, then you must read Nothing is too hard for God.

Just when you think you have it all figured out, this novel will take another turn.

AN EXCERPT FROM CHAPTER 14 of Nothing Is Too Hard For God

“No, I don’t want to talk about it; let’s just pretend that I came here to help you pick out your clothes and that you didn’t call me over so we could talk about Charles,” Leslie whimpered.

“Child, please, you think you know everything. Let’s go inside and talk, and I’ll let you see my outfit for the wedding,” Vicky snickered.

Leslie knew that she was right about Charles calling Vicky, so she decided to tell her everything.

“Ma, do you remember when Vernon left you for that white woman? I never got over that.” Leslie continued without giving Vicky a chance to respond. “I hated him for it. We were a family, and he just left us. I remember it like it was yesterday. I came home early from volleyball practice, and he was packing his bags. I asked him where he was going, and he lied to me. He said he had a trip to go on for work and that you probably forgot to tell me about it.” Leslie stood up and started pacing about the room.  “You know Ma that was the day I learned how to tell when a man is lying. Yup, Vernon taught me that if a man starts trying to explain himself for no reason, he’s lying.” Leslie had begun to cry but couldn’t understand why Vicky appeared to be frustrated.

“Leslie, what does any of this have to do with Charles?”

“Well, Charles and I are going on a vacation after the wedding. We are going to Florida, and since his parents live there, he wants to take me to meet them, but we got into an argument when he told me that his mother is white.”

“What kind of argument, Leslie, and what difference does it makes what race his parents are?” Vicky said in an irritated tone.

Leslie could hear the irritation in Vicky’s voice, so she thought that she should tread carefully. She had the feeling that she was in for a verbal whipping.

“Well, Ma, I just don’t approve of interracial relationships. I just don’t see why our black men can’t ¾ ”

“Our black men?” interrupted Vicky. “Let me tell you something. Girl, whether you are Black, White, Hispanic, or Interracial, it doesn’t matter; we are all God’s children. And, let me guess, when you learned that Jason’s father was married to a white woman, that brought back all of the memories of Vernon?” Vicky yelled.

“Well, yeah!” Leslie said in a confident tone. She was trying to reassure herself that she had a right be angry.

Vicky stood up and walked around to the side of the bed where Leslie was now sitting.

“You know what, Girl?  You are the most educated yet foolish person that I know.  Are you trying to tell me that you are going to let something that happened when you were in high school keep you from marrying the man of your dreams, the man that you know God has given you? Les, I don’t know why Charles puts up with your stubborn rear. You need to grow up and apologize to that man and go and meet your mother- in- law. After all, you should know what it’s like to fall in love with someone regardless of his or her race. You love Charles, and he is interracial,” Vicky said in a reprimanding tone, although, she knew that sometimes Leslie didn’t take correction too well.  Vicky was hoping that Leslie wouldn’t leave because she still hadn’t told Leslie the real reason why she’d asked her to come over.

Leslie listened to Vicky, and it was as if a light bulb had come on in her head. Charles was the best thing that had ever happened to her; he was the one that had led her to Christ two years ago. They loved each other, they worshipped God together, and he was so patient with her. Not to mention that, he loved Jason like he was his own. Jason would be turning seven years old in July, and he hadn’t spent any time with his father since he was one year old. He was, however, very fond of his soon-to-be stepfather. Leslie thought about all of these things, and she also thought about when she and Charles first met. It was a feeling that warmed her soul.

In this particular passage, Leslie is dealing with her feelings about black men dating/marrying white women. How do you feel about interracial relationships? Does it bother you when you see black men with white women or white men with black women? Why?

View the blog tour schedule and read an excerpt at http://bit.ly/NothingisTooHardforGod.

Love Found Me Blog Tour with Vanessa Richardson

“When a man’s ways please the LORD, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” (Proverbs 16:7)

Vanessa Richardson is an author, poet, and playwright. Vanessa has written several stage productions and have been blessed to perform them at various venues. Her stage productions includes: Someone To Love Me, Why Do Bad Things Happens To Good People?, Lord, I Don’t Understand, and The Fullness Of Time.

Vanessa wrote her freshman nonfiction inspirational novel titled, The Certain Ones. A spiritual impacting novel that inspires her readers to know that not everyone are called into greatness. Fact: Many can not handle the process that goes along with becoming great. Only the certain ones, who endures; can obtain destined greatness. She is currently working on the second installment of her, Inspirational Suspense Love Series titled, Love Lifted Me.  Visit Vanessa online at vanessarichardson.net.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mike Montgomery once lived the American dream. Gainfully employed, beautiful home, and a wonderful loving wife. Growing up in a loving family whose faith was unbreakable was his source of strength. Mike’s faith would one day be shaken after losing the love of his life in an unexpected tragedy. Mike thought he would never love again until he meets Sheila Lawson. Everything about Sheila made him want to love again. Could he risk his heart again?

Sheila Lawson, a woman’s health advocate was strong and independent, yet something was missing in her life. Immersing herself in her work, she vowed off any relationships. Sheila would find her self-made decree shaken when she meets tall, dark, and handsome Mike Montgomery. There is an evil lurking in the shadows. Mike and Sheila will have to unite to overcome evil forces trying to keep them apart. Will their love be enough to see them through the testing of their faith?

LOVE FOUND ME EXCERPT & DISCUSSION QUESTION

“Today, beloved, I want to speak to your heart. I pray that you allow me to do so. Allow me access to your spirit. I want to get past the many layers of hurt so you can hear me. Past the rejections so you can receive me. What you’re carrying is too heavy for you,” Pastor Bryan stated.

Sheila felt a stirring within. It felt as though he was talking directly to her. She was tired of being a carrier of rejection. She wanted desperately to be free, but how? She had been carrying this burden for so long, she did not know where to begin for the healing to take place. She saw something white out of her peripheral vision.

Turning, she saw Mike offering her his handkerchief. Sheila touched her cheeks. She was shocked to find them wet. Nodding her head, she accepted his offering. Straightening her shoulders and lifting her chin, she vowed she would not feel embarrassed. This was her moment of renewal, and she would embrace it.

Mike’s eyes moved over Sheila’s face. He could see the inward battle she was facing. Her face was just that transparent. He wanted desperately to take away her pain. Mike shook his head at that revelation. This woman was a stranger. Yet, he felt like he knew her somehow. Something about her was calling to him, and he wanted to answer the call.

Hazarding another look at Sheila, he was struck by how beautiful she was. Her skin was clear and healthy. Her hair was full and shiny, softly resting against slender shoulders. Yet, he sensed a hurt within her. Mike wanted to know what caused her hurt. He wanted to know the core of her. What was her love level for God? That was of extreme importance to him.

Realizing it was going to take patience and prayer on his part, he smiled. Mike quickly offered up a prayer for guidance to win the heart of Sheila. That acknowledgement caused Mike to briefly stop breathing. Where did that come from? Why would he want to win the heart of a stranger? It was strange, but he could have declared he’d met Sheila somewhere before. It felt as though he knew her. Expelling a shaky breath, Mike felt the need, and it was a need to pursue this lady next to him, and that he would.

He knew the exact moment Sheila won the battle over her inward war. She was a true warrior. Mike was proud of her, and wanted to tell her so, but felt that would only make Sheila feel ill at ease. Therefore, he did what he wanted to do most. Very gently, he reached out and held her hand and she let him. His heart soared. Hers rejoiced. They looked at each other and smiled in unison. Oblivious to the many stares cast their way. If they had looked around they would have noticed the frowns and scowls of saints and aint’s. Had they looked around they would have noticed the smiles of approvals from the mothers of the church. But they didn’t in truth maybe they didn’t need to.

DISCUSSION QUESTION: Love is such a broad topic with many, many, many layers. The love of family, friends, self, relationships, God; and the battle to overcome evil- with good, makes for a delicious recipe in writing a novel.  Sometimes we do not have to go in search of love. Love has away finding us at the opportune time. Although to the ones experiencing it, their feelings may feel otherwise. Smile.  I think I can see you nodding your heads. Love is risky and scary. Especially when you didn’t grow up with it around you, such is the case with Sheila Lawson in “Love Found Me.”   Unlike Mike Montgomery, our hero; who grew up in a loving family and was blessed to have married the love of his life. An unexpected tragedy occur challenging Mike’s faith, making it hard for him to love again.  Which is better/worst: To never have loved or to have and lost love?

BOOK TRAILER

View the blog tour schedule and read an excerpt at http://bit.ly/LoveFoundMeBlogTour.

What Mother Never Told Me Blog Tour with Donna Hill

Donna Hill began her career in 1987 writing short stories for the confession magazines.   Since that time she has more than fifty published titles to her credit since her first novel was released in 1990, and is considered one of the early pioneers of the African American romance genre.

Three of her novels have been adapted for television.   She has been featured in Essence, the New York Daily News, USA Today, Today’s Black Woman, and Black Enterprise among many others.   In 2010 she celebrates her 20th anniversary in publishing.

So Donna…

Mention some incidents when you laughed at yourself?

When I can’t find my glasses.  All the time.

If you were given one million dollars, how would you spend it?

Pay off all my bills and take care of my mom in style.

If you were granted one wish to change the world what would it be and why?

Remove prejudice from the world.

Now, listen to a brief excerpt from What Mother Never Told Me

Donna Hill – Audio Exceprt

Book Synopis

What Mother Never Told Me is the long-awaited sequel to Rhythms that brings Parris McKay face to face with a past that has eluded her and brings two women into her life that have their own troubling issues with their mothers.  It is a book of hope, heartbreak and healing.   A book for every woman, daughter, mother, every family.

Join in the discussion and be entered to win an autographed novel courtesy of Donna Hill!

Selling My Soul Blog Tour with Sherri Lewis

Join us today as we share an excerpt of Sherri Lewis’ latest book, Selling My Soul and discuss what you would do if you were the main character.  Sherri will be in later throughout the day to join the discussion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sherri Lewis’ writing was put on hold while she attended Howard University as an undergraduate, then medical school at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. After working almost fifteen years in the medical field, Sherri left her position as a staff physician at a Georgia Department of Corrections’ Women’s prison to pursue writing and ministry full time.

Sherri is co-founder of the Faith-Based Black Fiction Writers of Atlanta with Essence Best-Selling author Tia McCollors. Selling My Soul is the anticipated sequel to Sherri’s debut novel, My Soul Cries Out. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.  Visit Sherri online at www.sherrilewis.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Trina Michaels steps off the plane after her two-year missions trip in Africa, she realizes that other than longing to see her mother and her best friend, her heart aches to fly back to the place that now feels more like home than anywhere she’s… ever lived. And to the man who’s stolen her heart.

Her dream of a quick return to Mozambique fades within hours when Trina discovers that her mother has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Trina is forced to go back to her job as a publicist to cover her mother’s health costs.

She’s assigned a damage control client, Bishop Walker, a megachurch pastor accused of covering up a church sex scandal within his church involving the molestation of young boys. Representing him could cost Trina her most valued friendship, the love of her life, and her soul.

AN EXCERPT FROM SELLING MY SOUL

Before Trina Michaels can get out of the airport after returning from her two year missions trip in Africa, she finds out that all hell has broken loose in her best friend Monica’s life. Little does she know, she’s about to become a part of the problem…

My eyes fell on The Washington Times. My heart fell as I read the large front-page headline. “Church Sex Scandal.”  I glanced down at the picture of two men in handcuffs, being led away by policemen. One guy had turned his head to shield his face but the other had been captured dead on.

I gasped. It was the head deacon at Love and Faith Christian Center, the church I had gotten saved at and the church that Monica had been a member of before she moved to Atlanta. Her husband, Kevin, had been the minister of music there for years, but after everything that happened with them, he had moved to Atlanta about a year after she went.

I scanned the article. The head deacon at Love and Faith and the pastor of their daughter church in Alexandria, Virginia had been arrested the day before. The men were accused of molesting little boys in the church for as long as twenty years. I remembered Monica telling me that Kevin had been molested at the church when he was ten years old. I was sure that it had been by one of those men. The article said the arrest came after the ministry council governing the churches received a letter from a man who had been molested there as a child. He had finally spoken out after God had begun taking him through a healing process.

Monica had told me that as part of his therapy, Kevin had mailed a letter to the Bishop’s council overseeing Love and Faith Christian Center. In spite of his fears that his celebrity status as a gospel artist would be affected by the admission, he couldn’t stand the thought of any more boys being molested.  He felt guilty that he had kept the secret for so long. I was glad they kept the source of the letter confidential in the article. Monica would die if the truth about Kevin’s past life got out.

I read the article further. Since the ministry council had begun their investigation, they discovered that several boys at Love and Faith DC and Alexandria had been molested.  They expected that as the investigation continued, more would come forward.

My stomach churned. Twenty years? How had they gotten away with it that long? How come no one came forward before Kevin had? How many other mens lives had been affected like Kevin’s? How could their pastor, Bishop Walker, not have known what was going on?

Did Monica know that the men had been arrested? How was she going to handle it when she found out? Was it possible to keep Kevin’s past out of the press or would he be exposed and affected by this as well? If he was exposed, how would Monica handle it?

I tucked the newspaper into the front pocket of my suitcase and grabbed both bags and ambled slowly toward the front door to look for my sister and my car.

I was ready to go home. I had hoped to be able to relax for a few days when I got back, but already I had issues to take care of. First order of business was getting up to Baltimore to see how my mother was doing. Second, I had to call Monica to find out what was really going on.

DISCUSSION QUESTION: Trina comes home from Africa to find that her mother has terminal cancer and can’t afford the medical treatment that can keep her alive. Also, Trina’s little sister hasn’t kept up with her mortgage while she was gone, so she’s in danger of losing her house. She has to return to her career as a public relations specialist and is assigned a damage control client, Bishop Walker whose top priority is to keep his reputation intact so he can maintain his mega church status. If Trina refuses to represent him, the bishop threatens to expose Monica’s husband’s past.

Trina has to decide between covering her mom’s medical bills, keeping her house, and protecting her best friend’s family at the risk of selling her soul to the devil. Faced with such a decision, what would you choose to do?

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

*A Tywebbin Blog Tour

My God and Me Blog Tour with LaShawnda Jones

LaShawnda Jones is the publisher and author of Jazzy Media LLC. Her latest publication, My God and Me: Listening, Learning and Growing on My Journey is full of inspiration and testimony of personal growth.

Jazzy Media’s early publications brought local recognition to LaShawnda Jones’ work and requests for speaking engagements poured in. In 2004, she began facilitating body image and self-esteem workshops. Over the years, she has facilitated workshop discussions on the effects of family, friend, media and societal influences on our body image, self-esteem. She combines all that and more in My God and Me as she addresses, explores and strengthens her and her readers’ identity in Christ.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Relationships change with the tide of life. When your relationships ebb more than flow, do you find yourself asking, “Were my dying relationships ever real relationships? Are the people who maintain contact, but with whom there is no connection, worth holding on to? Should I expect a person’s presence in my life to equal dependency in my time of need? Does the quality of interaction determine the level of importance?”

These questions and many more flow through the interactions shared in My God and Me: Listening, Learning and Growing on My Journey.

AN EXCERPT FROM My God and Me

Young daughter, as you grow into an inquisitive little girl, a precocious teen and a delightful young woman you may have moments of self-doubt. We all do. But, never forget, life is a never ending journey that began in love. Keep that knowledge – build on it, grow from it, use it to gather strength as you mature on your walk.

Days may come when you question your purpose. Know that your purpose is for greatness and you were born with everything you need to fulfill it. Every step of your journey is preparation for everything to come. You’ll climb mountains and tumble into valleys; you’ll rest in fragrant pastures and be refreshed with cleansing waters. You may feel like you’re completely alone, but your Big Brother is walking with you. You may feel as if there’s no reason for all the walking and falling, or the long rests and waits, but your Father has a plan. You’ll rejoice with laughter and rant in tears. Give equal thanks for your troubles and your blessings, for even your pain will benefit you.

Don’t be fooled when you view others from the distance of your height or depth or through the lens of your grief and solitude. Their route may look smooth and uneventful. You may be tempted to pray for their ease, swiftness and surefootedness. Don’t. Pray instead for wisdom, guidance, and strength or other characteristics of Grace that will help you through your whole journey, not just a portion of it. Pray that the obstacles you encounter, the enemies you face and the many disappointments that weigh you down become opportunities to fellowship deeper with God. Stay focused, remain faithful, keep moving and your life will be a blessing to others.

View the blog tour schedule and read an excerpt at http://bit.ly/MyGodandMe.

*A Tywebbin Blog Tour

Transformation Blog Tour featuring Lori McKenney

Prophetess Lori McKenney is a Preacher, Teacher, Praise Dancer, and Prayer Warrior.  She is a very passionate person when it comes to the people of God. She has encouraged people through the Word of God by reaching out to the destitute, the forgotten, and those looked over by society. Wherever she goes Prophetess words of encouragement bring forth a deliverance that transforms the lives of the people because of the anointing of God. She has a mandate on her life to preach the Word in season and out of season. God has anointed this woman of God to preach to the nations for this is the hour of promotion from God.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Many believers have a hard time accepting transformation is a part of God’s plan for their lives. Changes happen every day. We accept address changes, income changes, management changes, and we even agree that our physical appearance changes, but we do not embrace that God wants to change our sinful nature to that of a Holy people. Change is something we all need; however, few are willing to make the change from mediocre to greatness.

Prophetess Lori McKenney shares about the four stages a caterpillar must achieve before it transforms into a beautiful butterfly. In correlation, she imparts how the heart and mind is connected to the complete metamorphosis process. The powerful scriptures and motivational quotes found in “Transformation” also reveal the treasures of how God wants you to have a successful life. A must have for your personal library and chat groups. “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”(Psalm 37:5)

Transformation can be found at most online bookstores and www.amazon.com or at her website: www.lsktransformation.com.

Listen to an excerpt from Pastor McKenney

View the blog tour schedule and read an excerpt at http://bit.ly/TransformationBlogTour.

Take Off the Mask Blog Tour with Sonya Visor

Who I’ve Become is NOT who I AM is Sonya Visor’s first non-fiction book. Her passion is to minister to the people who hide behind masks. Sonya’s calling is to break and destroy the yokes of bondage, releasing the power of God into the lives of others by the preached Word and prayers of deliverance. When you can find the strength, to step into who you truly are; you can find the strength to BE THE (Tru U). TruU Ministries is the women’s ministry that God has charged her with to help other’s become free.

Sonya shares her heart with her husband, Pastor Tony Visor, who she calls her better half, for nineteen years. She and her husband have ministered effectively in the city of Racine together at NCC since 1999. Sonya is blessed to love two sons, Jason and Tony, Jr.

Visit her online at sonyavisor.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Who are you when nobody’s looking? It’s time to take off what hides who you truly are…the mask! Are you tired of going around family, friends and church folk with a frozen smile and a broken heart? Unmask your true identity and learn your real name as pastor’s wife and playwright Sonya Visor cuts to the heart with dynamic testimony of sexual molestation at a young age.

BEING SILENT GAVE POWER to the hands that touched her life. Can hands meant to protect you also have the power to crush your identity? YES! But when we stop allowing a mask of shame to hold us captive with CLOSED mouths, WE CAN let Jesus be real in our lives.

Discover who you have become and embrace who you really are in a book that goes past the pews and what other’s think about you — to bring glory to God by being transparent and transformed. It’s time to take off your mask and let the true you show up!

Excerpt from the Book (CHAPTER 7)

Audio excerpt version with commentary from Sonya

Can I Tell You My Story?

Can I talk to you for a minute? I mean like really; can I trust you with my stuff, or my situation? Or are you one of those people who run and thrive off somebody else’s trouble or mistakes? If people are really going to break the silence, are you a safe place for them?

Masking is often implemented because most folk can’t really handle the truth about others or what they are hearing. The situation, if shared, will usually render responses that immediately are classified as judgment or rejection. There’s a rare group of people who can handle the true story that’s being told or deposited into one’s hearing.

If someone came and told you that they were struggling with lust, pornography, lying, stealing, homosexuality, or lesbianism, what would you say? How would you address the problem presented? I mean, both you and the person know that the issue is wrong, so where do you go from there? People are dying because they can’t find anybody to be real with. So they remain quiet and undercover, which will eventually rot the inside of their souls.

My heart goes out to the person who everyone perceives to have all the answers, but in reality, they are barely making it. He finally comes to the point of sharing his heart, only to hear the person he was about to share with speak against someone else with a similar problem. So what happens? The mouth is closed; there’s a retreat. A whisper on the inside says, I can’t tell a soul.

This secret continues to eat at the inside of them. I know, because I felt that I could tell no one my story. It has to come out in order for the individual to be free. I tried, but they responded with the “right” religious jargon, but not the right spirit. Sometimes just having an ear to listen is the best gift you can give someone. The right heart or spirit loves the person right where they are, at that moment.

View the blog tour schedule and read an excerpt at http://bit.ly/TakeOffTheMask.

Discussion: If people are really going to break the silence, are you a safe place for them?

*A Tywebbin Blog Tour

My Mother’s Child Blog Tour with Dwan Abrams

Dwan Abrams is a full-time novelist, freelance editor, and publisher. She’s the best-selling author of My Mother’s Child (the sequel to Divorcing the Devil), Married Strangers, Divorcing the Devil, Only True Love Waits, and The Scream Within. She’s the founder, publisher, and editorial director of Nevaeh Publishing, LLC a small press independent publishing house.  She’s currently signed to Urban Christian, an imprint of Urban Books/Kensington. Her sixth novel, the second book in the Married Series, is set to hit national bookshelves in 2011.

Visit Dwan online at http://dwanabrams.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lyric Stokes lives, by most standards, a charmed life. Married to Michael Stokes, a prominent heart surgeon, she has financial security and lives in the lap of luxury. All is not perfect, though. Lyric feels inadequate because she gave birth to a daughter, rather than the son that her husband so desperately wanted.

After an unexpected turn of events, Lyric discovers that she’s pregnant again, but now she has to decide whether she even wants to keep the child she has longed for. She seeks solace in her church, where her daughter also feels at home; but they can’t get Michael to join them. Disagreeing with organized religion, he has put his job before all else, including God. The distance between the couple grows further every day.

Nigel Fredericks has a history of stalking women. He’s been accused, but never convicted. Now he’s set his sights on Lyric. She’s at a low point in her life, and Nigel knows just how to take advantage of that vulnerability. Lyric’s life is turned upside down; Nigel is like a cancer eating away at her mental stability, her marriage, and ultimately, her life. Will Michael reevaluate his priorities and his faith in time to save his family?

CHAT/DISCUSSION

Read brief excerpt from My Mother’s Child …

Lyric couldn’t understand why God wouldn’t bless her with a son. If only she could get pregnant. She really wanted to give Michael, her husband of fifteen years, a son, a namesake. No matter how much Michael assured her that he was happy with her and their twelve-year-old daughter, Autumn, a part of her felt as if she were less than a woman because she couldn’t give her husband a son.

On the surface, she didn’t lack for anything―big house, fancy cars, and money. She didn’t know whether she was the luckiest or unluckiest, woman in the world.

A lot of women think that having a husband with money would make them happy.  Why do you think that women who seem to have it all still find something to complain about?  Could it be that some women are never satisfied and want what they can’t have?  LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW.

View the blog tour schedule and read an excerpt at http://bit.ly/MyMothersChild.

*A Tywebbin Blog Tour

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