2013 SLS Top Books Award

SLS Top Books Awards

Hosts: Sankofa Literary Society and EDC Creations Media Group

The Sankofa Literary Society and its founder Ella D. Curry are focused on the issues and lifestyles that define today's avid readers — what they read, what they want out of their literature, how they connect to each other, what motivates them and how they feel about their community as a whole. Many have stated, “There is no African American village…it’s dead,” we don’t feel that way. The Village is here, the Village is alive now!   Expand your horizons!  

We are a literary collective of 45 book clubs who want to enrich our global literary community with a diverse selection of quality books and the written word.   Listed below are the books we have read or reviewed by small press publishers, traditional publishers and self-published authors.  Join us today to add your voice and experiences to our union. Come on in, check out our featured books and join this movement to Give the Gift of Knowledge!

WHY WE ARE HERE
While highlighting our heritage, our experiences and delivering our voice–we remain anchored to the spiritual, emotional and practical realities of our entire global community, supporting all races. We are not limited solely to reading just African American (AA) authors; we hope to educate our readers by offering a variety of quality literature and resources. We are offering you the best in literature period, from our perspective.

Spread the word...please share this listing with at least 20 people you know! The books below will make excellent gifts all year long.

SLS Top Books Award Winners

* President of the Year Award

Angela Reid of Imani Literary Group

* Video Book Trailer of the Year

Ruth’s Redemption by Marlene Banks

* Documentary of the Year 

Up From Slavery by Kevin R Hershberger, DVD  

* Book Cover Image of the Year 

The Burning Bush by Kenya Wright

* Bloggers of the Year

1. MyBrownBaby  founded by Denene Millner

2. Blogging While Brown co-founder Gina McCauley

3. Girls Just Wanna Have Funds founded by Ginger Latte

* Best Event Planners of the Year

1. Curtis Bunn,  National Book Club Conference,  Atlanta, GA

2. Lissa Woodson, Cavalcade of Authors,  Chicago, Illinois

3. Sharon Lucas,  Black Authors & Readers Rock Weekend,  Maryland/DC

* New Authors of the Year

1. Cerece Rennie Murphy author of Order of the Seers

2. Lisa Renee Johnson by Dangerous Consequences

3. Ayana Mathis author of The Twelve Tribes of Hattie  

* Male Authors of the Year

1. Dr. Daniel Black author of Twelve Gates to the City

2. Common author of One Day It'll All Make Sense  

3. Joshua A. McClure author of The Crimson Thread of the Bible

* Female Authors of the Year

1. Jesmyn Ward author of Salvage the Bones: A Novel  

2. Electa Rome Parks author of When Baldwin Loved Brenden

3. Kimberla Lawson Roby author of The Perfect Marriage

* Children's Books of the Year

1.  Acoustic Rooster by Kwame Alexander 

2.  Brick by Brick by Charles R. Smith Jr. and Floyd Cooper

3.  Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis

4.  Khalil's Way by David Miller

5.  Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes

* Young Adult (YA) Books of the Year

1.  Drama High Super Edition: The Meltdown  by L. Divine

2.  Soul of the Band: Making the Cut by K. L. Brady

3.  Teen Girls Need  L.O.V.E. by S. Dodson

4.  The Girlz of Galstanberry by Garen S. Wolff

5.  The Morgan Love Series by Stephanie Perry Moore and Derrick Moore 

* Non-Fiction and Poetry Books of the Year

1.  Good Self, Bad Self  by Judy Smith  

2.  Incognegro: A Memoir of Exile and Apartheid  by Frank B. Wilderson III 

3.  The New Black (Wesleyan Poetry) by Evie Shockley 

4.  The Road To Redemption by Lucinda Cross

5.  Tuskegee Love Letters by Kim Russell 

* Women's Fiction Novels of the Year

1.  When Morning Comes: A Family Affair Novel by Francis Ray

2.  Angels Landing:A Cavanaugh Island Novel by Rochelle Alers

3.  Married by Monday by Catherine Bybee 

4.  Return to Me: A Remi/Claudia Story by Fiona Zedde (LGBT)

5.  Passing Love by Jacqueline E. Luckett

* Mystery, Drama, Thrillers, Suspense Novels of the Year

1.  Attorney-Client Privilege by Pamela Samuels Young 

2.  Gone Girl: A Novel  by Gillian Flynn

3.  The Confessions of Edward Day by Valerie Martin  

4.  Secrets Unraveled by J.J. Michael

5.  When the Thrill Is Gone by Walter Mosley

* Fiction Books of the Year

1.  Ada's Rules: A Sexy Skinny Novel by Alice Randall

2.  Boundaries by Elizabeth Nunez

3.  Come Sunday Morning by Terry E. Hill

4.  Mr. Fox by Helen Oyeyemi 

5.  An Accidental Affair by Eric Jerome Dickey

* Contemporary Fiction Books of the Year

1.  Daddy by Default: A Novel  by Pat Tucker

2.  If I Can't Have You by Mary B. Morrison

3.  Playing the Hand You're Dealt by Trice Hickman

4.  The Family Business by Eric Pete and Carl Weber

5.  A Deeper Love Inside: The Porsche Santiaga Story by Sister Souljah

* SLS Digital Books of the Year (Our Kindle Favorites)

1.The One by Cheryl Robinson

2. Scandalous by Victoria Christopher Murray

3. Shit, Just Got Real! by Tasha Macklin and Wahida Clark

4. Fire Down Below by Gwynne Forster

5. All He Desires by Brenda Jackson

* Faith-based and Christian Fiction Books of the Year

1.  Anointed by Patricia Haley

2.  Coming Home: A Novel  by Stacy Hawkins Adams

3.  Holy Mayhem by Pat G'Orge-Walker 

4.  Lady Elect by Nikita Lynette Nichols

5.  The Other Side of Goodness by Vanessa Davis Griggs

* Cross-cultural Romance Books of the Year

1.  A Hard Man to Love by Delaney Diamond

2.  If I Could by Donna Hill

3.  Poetry Man by Melanie Schuster 

4.  Sultry in Stilettos by Nana Malone

5.  Ti  Amo by Sienna Mynx 

* Romance and Erotic Novels of the Year

1.  Harlot by Keith Thomas Walker  

2.  If I Had You by Michelle Monkou

3.  Love On the Run by Zuri Day

4.  Seducing Sarah by Jinx Jamison 

5.  Z-Rated: Chocolate Flava 3 by Zane

* Reality Reads, Urban Lit and LGBT Books of the Year

1.  Animal  by K'wan Foye

2. Hell House by Brenda Hampton  

3.  Playing Games by Kendra Spencer

4.  Redbone by T. Styles

5.  The Butterfly Moments by S. Renee Bess (LGBT)

6.  Stud by Sa'id Salaam 

7.  The Cartel 4: Diamonds are Forever  by Ashley & JaQuavis 

8.  Welfare Grind by Kendall Banks

9.  The Dirty Divorce Part 3: Miss KP

10. Country Boy 3 by Blake Karrington 

***

UL - Urban Lit

CF - Christian Fiction

NF- Non-fiction

YA/CB - Young Reader; Children Book

LGBT - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender

SHOP EDC CREATIONS' BOOKSTORE

Black Pearls Bookstore:   http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20

 

About The Sankofa Literary Society 

The Sankofa Literary Society consists of  authors, librarians, 80 established bloggers,  44 nurses, 15 independent bookstores, 2 online bookstores,  45 reviewing book clubs and 4 social networks, sponsored by EDC Creations Media Group. The SLS has over 2,700 members total,  with 900 of those members coming from book clubs. We're actively reviewing upcoming books in all genres including non-fiction, young adult, children, religious and paranormal genres.  

Our reviews come in the form of written reviews posted on this site and online book retailers, on Facebook and by sending an announcement to EDC Creations 152,000 newsletter list.   We also offer audio book reviews through BAN Radio show and video reviews with BPM TV.  Reviews remain on the Black Pearls Magazine blog indefinitely and can be easily found linked to each appropriate book page.

Note:  Authors you may copy the Sankofa Literary Society Top Books Award logo and add it to your sites and promotional material.  If you would like to be interviewed about your book, on BAN Radio Show with host Ella Curry, visit www.edc-creations.com to reserve your spot today.

Undeniably Torn...how can a man choose?

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Nigel Alexander has everything a woman desires in a man. He's educated, wealthy, smart, and all so sexy. The only thing is, Nigel knows he's all that and he's not ready to settle down, no matter how persistent Isis, his long time bed bunny, is.

Isis Cross is convinced that one day Nigel will stop his "catting around" and choose her as his bride. After all, she is equally educated, wealthy, smart, and attractive. She could have any man of her choosing but her heart chose Nigel years ago and Isis is not about to give him up.

So where does Rayna Payne fit into this perfect union Isis has created in her mind? In Isis' opinion, she doesn't but Nigel is quite smitten with this Southern Belle. In fact, he thinks Rayna just might be the one for him.

What Nigel doesn't know about Rayna, Isis is prepared to bring to the light. But how far will Rayna go to keep her past in the dark?

When all is said and done, who will be the last woman standing at Nigel's side?

The eBook will be available by March 1, 2012
Undeniably Torn
by Linda R. Herman & Tinisha Nicole Johnson

Xpress Yourself Publishing, March 8, 2012 (Paperback)

ISBN-13: 978-0-9852484-0-6

5½ x 8½ inches, 214 pages

Trade Paperback

Retail Price: $14.95

Favorite Literary Couples by Sherryle Jackson

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There is no mistake I am a hopeless romantic. First hint, I was married on Valentine’s Day. Second, some of my favorite movies are Love Jones, where Larenz Tate’s character tells Nia Long’s character, “Love is serious as a &$%#@^&*,” and Love and Basket ball where Sanaa Latham knocks on the window of neighbor and first love, Omar Epps and challenges him to a game of one on one basketball, “for his heart.” I eat that stuff up.
Love is complicated, and I thank God He caters love stories to each and every couple. I got to thinking, this Valentine’s day, of Literary couples whose pursuit and / or possibility of love stuck with me long after I finished the book. Here they are in no particular order except #1.

1. Lena and Herman from Tina Mc Elroy Ansa’s novel, The Hand I Fan With. You got to read this love story. One of my favorite books of all time. Let’s just say, Herman is, shall we say, other –worldly, and is tailor made for her. He loves him some Lena, and love him she does.
2. & 3. Triptych. Look it up on both on Amazon and Dictionary (dot) com. Buy it. Read it. It’s worth it. Like #1, this is not Christian Fiction. This book takes two spots because, well you just have to read to understand, but I looooved what Wendy Coakley Thompson does with the character Ally. You go girl, that goes for Ally and Wendy. As far as couples go, there are two that stuck with me, Ally and Jonathan and Ally and Tim to quote the author from the front cover to better explain this triangle, death and infidelity. Straight up. With an erotic twist.
4.Gideon and Arizona from Eric Jerome Dickey’s Gideon Series (Sleeping with Strangers, Waking With Enemies, Resurrecting Midnight) Why aren’t they together? Uh, maybe cause they are both armed, dangerous and explosive together. Under all that grit, there is love. They’ve darn near laid down their life for one another in several scenes, and in their business, the biases of a love affair can be costly. Even in one of the last books where she appeared to be permanently linked to another man, who was there to save and nurse her back to health? Love him, love them.
5.Up pops love, in my girl, Rhonda Mcknight’s short story, “ A Piece of Revenge” in the trilogy of stories found in A Woman’s Revenge .Tamera Watson finds a hunky detective in Kemuel Powers to help her track down her husband and save her from going postal on him when he runs away with her dreams. I love the possibility of them and urge my sister-writer-friend to revisit them at some point.
6. Lady Jasmine could be paired with anyone. She’s beautiful, crafty and smart, but her heart ultimately belongs to Hosea Bush. Victoria Christopher Murray has weaved this love story in several books ( A Sin and a Shame, Too Little Too Late, and Lady Jasmine,to name a few). I l ove Hosea. I want to steal him from Jasmine. He’s too good for her. This couple’s relationship has been tested by fire. They’ve been to hell and back with Jasmine driving sometimes, but they manage to stick in there. I wonder did Victoria know Jasmine’s capacity to love from book one, Temptation?
7, From Miranda Parker’s debut novel, A Good Excuse to be Bad, bounty hunter, Angeline Crawford and her pastor-slash-crush ,Justus send off sparks. It proves the chase is sexy.
8. Regina Burns married Blue Hamilton from Pearl Cleage’s Baby Brother Blues shows that tough guys fall hard. Blue shows up in other novels by Cleage as this community activist-slash-Neighborhood Watch-Hell’s Angel character. He’s smooth, could have anyone but chooses Regina. His passion for her and his community mission pours from the page.
9. You thought I wasn’t? Certainly, if I love an authentic love story, I would try to write a few. Newlywed and nearly insane, Willie and Vanessa Green combines their congregation and invite new troubles into their new union in Soon and Very Soon and again in Soon After.
Deidre Collins and Andre Hicks is my "Been there, done that" couple who parted ways and are brought back together when their teenaged son starts making all the mistakes they made in my sophomore release,The Manual
10. Pamela “Pill” Taylor vowed to live a fabulous life. What will the mirror of marriage reveal about her past? Poor Corey didn't know his new wife came with a promissory note, but he loved her furiously. Corey and Pill are from my current selection, Taylor Made.

New York Times Bestselling Author Mary Monroe

Meet New York Times Bestselling Author Mary Monroe

The UPPER ROOM continues with MAMA RUBY

Mama Ruby - Coming May 31, 2011!  How did Ruby and Othella Mae come to be who they are today? Find out in the exciting prequel to The Upper Room. There’s a fine line between best friend and worst nightmare…but there will be a reckoning....

Mary Monroe is the author of Mama Ruby, The Upper Room and the God Don't Like Ugly series. When The Upper Room was published, Monroe had this to say: "This is my story -- these characters are people I know, it's my life!"

Mary Monroe laughs when asked what her inspiration was for the novel.  "I took inspiration from the people in my life. They were so colorful, it was a shame that the world didn't know about them." A storyteller since she was a child, writing came easy to Mary Monroe. So 17 years ago, when the images of her aunts, uncles and friends from childhood would not leave her mind, she sat down to write The Upper Room. "It wasn't the time for me or my book," the author admits. Although the book garnered strong reviews, publishing for African Americans was sporadic at that time.

In the interim, Monroe continued to write. "I have about two thousand rejection letters. When the market changed, it made it all worthwhile." Now the time is ripe with the renaissance of African- American novels and Monroe believes that she adds to the incredible mix with her unforgettable characters. "I enjoy the books that are on the shelves now, but those stories do not have my voice. They don't represent me and those I know. Everyone's experience needs to be heard. I know my characters are kind of quirky, but that's my experience. The reading public is now ready for my voice. I've been ready a long time! I hope readers will enjoy my latest novel, Mama Ruby. The readers will get a peek into the making of Ruby in her earlier years. You won't be disappointed!"  Visit Mary's website to view her tour schedule and to find more details on her books: http://www.marymonroe.org/

Introduction to Mama Ruby by Mary Monroe

Prequel to The Upper Room

New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe presents an unforgettable tale featuring Mama Ruby, the indomitable heroine of her acclaimed novel The Upper Room. Now readers will get a peek into Ruby’s early years, as she transforms from a spoiled small-town girl into one of the South’s most notorious and volatile women…

Originally published in 1985, Mary Monroe's engaging debut novel, The Upper Room, features Ruby Montgomery, an obese, indomitable character who steals her best friend's baby daughter and flees to rural Florida, where she establishes herself as an almost mythical figure. The dialogue and setting are reminiscent of Zora Neale Hurston, but the story has a bizarre, violent edge … la Stephen King. The Upper Room by Mary Monroe is a candid portrayal of the cold-blooded yet fascinating Mama Ruby.

Growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana, Ruby Jean Upshaw is the kind of girl who knows what she wants and knows how to get it. By the time she’s fifteen, Ruby has developed a taste for fast men and cheap liquor, and not even her preacher daddy can set her straight. Most everyone in the neighborhood knows you don’t cross Ruby. Only Othella Mae Cartier, daughter of the town tramp, understands what makes Ruby tick.

When Ruby discovers she’s in the family way, she’s scared for the first time in her life. After hiding her growing belly with baggy dresses, Ruby secretly gives birth to a baby girl at Othella’s house. With few choices, Othella talks Ruby into giving the child away-and with the help of a shocking revelation, convinces Ruby to run off with her to New Orleans.

But nothing can erase Ruby’s memories of the child she lost-or quell her simmering rage at Othella for persuading her to let her precious baby go. If there’s a fine line between best friend and worst nightmare, Ruby is surely treading it. Because someday, there will be a reckoning. And when it comes, Othella will learn the hard way that no one knows how to exact revenge quite like Ruby Jean Upshaw…

The Upper Room by Mary Monroe

Originally published in 1985, Mary Monroe's engaging debut novel, The Upper Room, features Ruby Montgomery, an obese, indomitable character who steals her best friend's baby daughter and flees to rural Florida, where she establishes herself as an almost mythical figure. The dialogue and setting are reminiscent of Zora Neale Hurston, but the story has a bizarre, violent edge … la Stephen King. Fantastic and exaggerated, The Upper Room by Mary Monroe is a candid portrayal of the cold-blooded yet fascinating Mama Ruby.

Mama Ruby is the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter, with healing hands and an inconceivably vengeful spirit. After successfully bringing her best friend's stillborn baby to life, she claims the child as her own and runs away to a migrant settlement in the Everglades. Mama Ruby's ever-increasing girth and unhealthy dependence on her daughter, Maureen, cause her to make choices and decisions that are both troubling and foolish.

Mama Ruby makes sure that Maureen is treated special by giving her the upper room of the house. It becomes Maureen's special place and is off-limits to most people, especially men. As Maureen grows into a beautiful woman, she begins to have desires of a life outside of Mama Ruby's watchful eye and of a city far away. It takes an unthinkable series of events for Maureen and Mama Ruby to accept the other's ways and needs. A chilling story that is bound to astound Monroe's fans!

Mary Monroe created fabulous books such as: Mama Ruby, The Upper Room and the God Don't Like Ugly series for readers with a sense of humor and adventure!  Meet author Mary Monroe as she travels across the nation discussing Mama Ruby and her literary journey: http://www.marymonroe.org/tour2011.html

Join the Mary Monroe Yahoo Discussion Group

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/authormarymonroe

BUY THE FEATURED BOOKS NOW!

The Upper Room by Mary Monroe

ISBN-10: 0758267347

ISBN-13: 978-0758267344

Download The Upper Room to Kindle Today!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Upper-Room-ebook/dp/B0035P41KM

Purchase The Upper Room from Amazon Now!

http://www.amazon.com/Upper-Room-Mary-Monroe/dp/0758267347

Mama Ruby by Mary Monroe

Hardcover

ISBN-10: 0758238614

ISBN-13: 978-0758238610

Purchase Mama Ruby from Amazon Now!

http://www.amazon.com/Mama-Ruby-Mary-Monroe/dp/0758238614

Download Mama Ruby to Kindle Today!

http://www.amazon.com/Mama-Ruby-ebook/dp/B004NEW4RG



How Do You Move On From Pain?

How do you move on from pain, when the past is still the present?

Aurora Howard, an elementary school teacher, has lived most of her life searching for happiness through men. She feels as though her life has never been the same since her father left when she was young.

As Aurora deals with one complication after another, she finally hits rock bottom. In her attempts to make some sense of her life, she meets someone that changes her outlook, but it doesn’t take long before she’s faced with the choice of falling back into her old ways. Will Aurora let go of her hurts, or will she continue to hold onto the past? A past that might just cost her, her life.

Learn more about Through Aurora's Eyes CLICK HERE

Tinisha Nicole Johnson is an author, writer, and poet. She is also founder of "Have Stress Relief Now" a site dedicated to aiding growth in all areas of your life. Learn more about Tinisha at her site:
www.TinishaNicoleJohnson.com
www.HaveStressReliefNow.com

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80 Proof Lives by Felicia S.W. Thomas

 80 Proof Lives (YA Fiction)

80 Proof Lives (YA Fiction)   Debut Novel by Felicia S.W. Thomas

Felicia S.W. Thomas is the author of 80 Proof Lives, her debut novel, which was released in February 2011 and published by Amani Publishing, LLC, in Tallahassee, Florida.

Felicia holds a B.S. degree in Journalism from Florida A&M University, and a Juris Doctorate degree from Florida State University. Felicia practices Unemployment Law. She is also an editor, as well as a freelance writer. Felicia currently lives in Quincy, Florida, with her husband and three children. She is hard at work on a sequel to her debut novel and other creative titles.


80 Proof Lives (YA Fiction)
Primary Subject Matter: Coming of age, cautionary tale that touches upon many issues young adults struggle with today.  80 Proof Lives is a young adult novel set in a small, southern town where graduation is optional but a life of despair seems mandatory.

This is the story of Fla (rhymes with clay), a 15-year-old girl who is brilliant but ignorant that she's supposed to be somebody great, because her emotionally abusive, alcoholic mother stifles her dreams and forces her to work for Miss Lipstick, the queen of the bootleg business and the local madam.

While working for Miss Lipstick during the summer of 1976, Fla learns why some people live inside a liquor bottle, as well as some life-changing information about herself that could plunge her into an 80 Proof life, or break that bottle hanging over her head to become somebody great.

~~ Now on the summer reading list for Crossroad Academy Charter School ~~



80 Proof Lives Book Review
Fla's plight is handled expertly by author Felicia Thomas in her ground-breaking new book 80 Proof Lives. The reader is moved to cry or to celebrate with Fla as she determinedly makes her way through her fifteenth year of a cruel life. Finally, Thomas brings the reader up short with an unpredicted plot twist that explains a great deal and may cause the reader to thunk herself in the head and ask, "Why didn't I see that coming?"

The author ties up loose ends and brings the novel to a satisfactory close. While closure is good, this reviewer still wonders what lies ahead for Fla and can only hope that this is the first in a series that follows Fla into what will undoubtedly be an interesting adulthood.  -- Liz Jameson, Reviewer



Website: www.feliciaswthomas.com
E-mail: feliciathomas917@hotmail.com


Purchase from Amazon, GO HERE

ISBN-10: 9780981584775
ISBN-13: 978-0981584775
Target audience: 13 and older

Unexpected "Romance" eBook AVAILABLE NOW!

"Unexpected" is the story of Dahlia Ray, a hard-working woman in the corporate world, who doesn’t necessarily believe in love after experiencing one disappointment after another. After winning a multi-million dollar case at her law firm as a Paralegal, she decides to take a get-a-way with her two best friends Janet and Sasha at a cabin in the mountains of Winter Park, Colorado for the annual Jazz Festival. Dahlia’s looking to get a peace of mind, while her friends are looking to get their freak on.

While there, she meets Jackson Bell, a Denver Bronco. He’s tall, dark and sexy. However, will he be just another name added to her list of disappointments? Is he too good to be true?

Currently this eBook is available on my website. It will be available on Kindle and Nook soon!!



Go ahead and get your copy today: http://www.tinishanicolejohnson.com/

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Cost of Our Affaris at Black Expressions!

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There is no news like GOOD NEWS! I am honored to say my second novel, COST OF OUR AFFAIRShttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif is now available at BLACK EXPRESSIONS in hard cover edition!!!

Yes, God is good and dreams do come true! Back in 2005, when I won Black Expressions' Annual Fiction Writing contest, I dreamed of having my book in their catalog. Today, my dream is a reality. If you can and will please support me by ordering a copy of my novel, COST OF OUR AFFAIRS from Black Expressions! Numbers, truly do count!

When you join Black Expressions Book Club, you can get my book and three others for only $2! May I suggest Loving Simone by Jessica Tilles, Holy Seduction by Jessica Robinson, and A Whisper to A Scream by Elissa Gabrielle?

Please share this post with family, friends, and fellow readers!

If the shoe is not on your foot....

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It's easy to tell someone what you would do when you are not in their current situation.

Elise Thomas Edison never imagined she'd need advice on how to handle a cheating husband but the news of her husband's affair is only the beginning of her storm. Derek is also the father of his mistress' five year-old daughter, a child his wife knew nothing about. So, what is a wife to do when her perfect man reveals that he is only a fallen mortal? Is it possible for Elise to move past her envisioned fairytale of happily ever after and accept that her marriage is flawed?

Everyone seems to have a word of advice for Elise but unless you're a wife scorned and betrayed by the man you love, you can't tell an angry woman how to wear her shoes. You just have to be thankful her 'shoes' don't fit your 'feet.'

What's A Wife to Do? is Herman's third novel to date and the melodrama only gets better. Be sure to order your copy of this great novel today! The official release date is March 15, 2011 but you can pre-order your copy at Barnes & Nobles as well as Xpress Yourself Publishing, www.XpressYourselfPublishing.com.

Meet Life Changing Books Authors

Meet Life Changing Books Authors
and the CEO Azarel Smallwood

Life Changing Books, better known as LCB, established in 2003 is quickly becoming one of the most respected Independent Trade Publishers amongst chain stores, vendors, authors and readers. LCB offers a variety of African-American literature including Contemporary Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Urban/Street Literature, Erotica, and a host of other fiction categories.

CEO, Azarel, launched the company with the release of her self-published title, A Life to Remember, and from there she has continued to add best selling authors onto her label. Currently, LCB has sixteen authors and offers outside distribution to selective projects. The success of LCB is a team effort combined with our outgoing authors, and management team.

As of 2008, LCB has joined forces and constructed progressive relationships with both wholesale and retail establishments across the United States of America and abroad. We’ve topped the charts with some of our Essence Magazine best-selling titles such as Millionaire Mistress, Secrets of a Housewife, Bruised 2, and Deep.   In addition, LCB is progressive in contributing to children in need. Visit the Life Changing Books Website: http://www.lifechangingbooks.net/

Life Changing Books presents 4 Urban Literature Sensations!

View the interviews, videos and book excerpts here: http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/lcbauthors.html

Video Introduction: One Night Stand by Kendall Banks

Video Introduction: Snitch by VegasClarke

Video Introduction: The Dirty Divorce 2 by Miss KP

Video Introduction: Money Maker by Tonya Ridley

Purchase all the books from the Publisher's website - http://www.lifechangingbooks.net/

   

Thankful to be Counted Amongst the Living!

Thankful to be Counted Amongst the Living!

by Electa Rome Parks

I’m so thankful that my reality doesn’t have to be my destiny. I’m so thankful that I have a fire that burns deep within. I’m so thankful that all I have to do is listen and he will speak. I’m so thankful that all I have to do is ask and then I will receive. I’m thankful God moves through me which enables me to move people.

I am a worry-wart.

I always have been and probably will remain so until the day I take my final breath. It is what it is. Ironically, I don’t worry that I am a worrywart. Possessing that title has its rich rewards. For one, I’m always on my “A” game---making sure I cross all my t’s and dot all my i’s. There is always a Plan B in place, just in case Plan A doesn’t work out.


So. . . the spill-off or residue from being a worrywart is that I’m super organized and highly efficient in most all I do. I try to retain control in all I do, as much to the degree that is possible. You guys read between the lines. Okay, I admit it, I can be picky, a control freak and a perfectionist to a fault.


Over the quickly fleeing years that pass by in the blink of an eye, as my spiritual level and maturity has grown, I have come to realize that I should always come with my “A” game, but also realize that with God all around me---guiding, leading, directing and instructing my footsteps---I can eagerly give up my title, confident in the knowledge that I’ll be alright. In fact, I’ll be better than alright, I will be safe, sound, happy and secure with my place in this world. He always makes a way, even during our darkest moments. When you think you can’t take another step, he’ll do one better and carry you.


As we move towards the holidays, I pause to reflect on all the wonderful family and friends that I have in my life. I have a loving husband, children that I am very proud of, people who love and care for me with a passion, just as I am. They accept me with faults, imperfections and even when I’m in worrywart mode. Plus, I’m living my dream each and every day. I’m creating the reality of my dreams and that in itself is magic. Magic surrounds me and I bask in its glory. I have my health and my strength and my sanity. What more could I possibly ask for or need in my life?


No, my life hasn’t been without struggle and hardship. I’ve lost so many people over the years to death in my immediate family, but I’m still standing, solid as a live oak; I’ve never had anything simply handed to me on a platter, I’ve worked hard for everything I’ve achieved and appreciated it even more; I’ve had moments of doubt and uncertainty only to be given crystal-clear clarity; I’ve looked at the “other side” and thought the grass was greener only to discover it wasn’t, it wasn’t even green, more of an imitation shade; I’ve asked the question, many times, “why me, Lord?” only to receive the answer, “Why not you, my child?”

In the past, I’ve been hurt by men because I love deeply and they didn’t appreciate my true worth; hell, I’ve been hurt by my family, blood; even hurt by my so called best friends forever, but I still rise; I’ve been down, down, down, but I’ve also been up, so high I could almost reach the sky; I’ve been disillusioned to the point of despair, but I’ve also been inspired by the goodness of people who care; I’ve cried buckets of tears, but I’ve also rejoiced in splendor at the beauty of the human spirit.

The green-eyed monster of jealousy has visited me a few times and I’ve fought him off tooth and sword because I learned a long time ago to truly be happy for other’s good fortune; God has your back and your day is coming. What’s meant for you is truly meant for you and no one, no thing, no situation can take that away from you. I’ve had my moments when I took to my bed, in a state of depression, sleep as my refuge, but I always got back up stronger and resilient with a fire burning deep within my soul. I’ve been to the mountaintop and it is a beautiful thing, but I’ve also been in the valley a day short and a dollar late.

All this to say: Life can be hard. Life is full of strive and struggle. But you know what? I’m so thankful! Thankful to be counted amongst the living. I’m thankful! Thankful to have a voice, thankful to make a difference, thankful to have a platform to speak, thankful to know all I have to do is see it and believe it for it to happen. I’m so thankful that my reality doesn’t have to be my destiny. I’m so thankful that I have a fire that burns deep within. I’m so thankful that all I have to do is listen and he will speak. I’m so thankful that all I have to do is ask and then I will receive. I’m thankful God moves through me which enables me to move people.


I AM SO VERY THANKFUL! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!


About the Author
Electa Rome Parks currently resides outside Atlanta, Georgia. After successfully self-publishing her debut novel, The Ties That Bind, New American Library, a division of Penguin Group, bought the rights. Electa signed a three-book deal with New American Library. All three books were immediately chosen as Black Expressions Book Club main selections and embraced as Books of the Month by book clubs across the country. Dubbed a "book club favorite," avid readers have embraced Electa's true to life characters that tackle prevalent and heavy hitting issues.

Since then Electa has become a bestselling author of several other mainstream (Loose Ends and Almost Doesn't Count) and erotic (These Are My Confessions, Ladies' Night Out, Diary of a Stalker and True Confessions) novels with Penguin Group, HarperCollins and Kensington. The self-proclaimed, Queen of Real, Electa has been a frequent guest on radio shows, has been nominated for many industry awards and has been interviewed by newspapers, AOL's Black Voices, Vibe Vixen, Upscale Magazine, Today's Black Woman, Rolling Out and Booking Matters, to name just a few. With a BA degree in marketing and a minor in sociology, she is following her true passion and working on her next novel and first screenplay.

To find out when and where Electa will be in your area, check out her website at http://www.electaromeparks.com/,  www.myspace.com/author_chick  or  www.facebook.com/electaromeparks.

To share your thoughts with Electa regarding her work or to schedule an event, please e-mail her at novelideal@aol.com.


Connect with Electa Online:
Email: novelideal@aol.com
Website: http://www.electaromeparks.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/electaromeparks


True Confessions by Electa Rome Parks
ISBN-10: 1601622392
ISBN-13: 978-1601622396

Purchase from Barnes & Noble.com
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