2009 November — All the Buzz Reviews

Introducing SECRETS AND LIES by Rhonda McKnight

November 30, 2009 By Renee Williams 7 Comments

About the Book

Faith Morgan is struggling with her faith. Years of neglect leave her doubting that God will ever fix her marriage. When a coworker accuses her husband, Jonah, of the unthinkable, Faith begins to wonder if she really knows him at all, and if it’s truly in God’s will for them to stay married.

Pediatric cardiologist Jonah Morgan is obsessed with one thing: his work. A childhood incident cemented his desire to heal children at any cost, even his family, but now he finds himself at a crossroads in his life. Will he continue to allow the past to haunt him, or find healing and peace in a God he shut out long ago?

About the Author

Rhonda McKnight owns Legacy Editing, a free-lance editing service for fiction writers and Urban Christian Fiction Today (www.urbanchristianfictiontoday.com ), a popular Internet site that highlights African-American Christian fiction. She’s also the vice president of the Faith Based Fiction Writers of Atlanta. Originally from a small coastal town in New Jersey, she’s called Atlanta, Georgia home for almost twelve years.

Rhonda, tell us how you came up with the idea for this story? I woke up one morning and these people were talking in my head, or rather arguing. (LOL). I thought this could be interesting, turned on the creativity, and came up with the “issues” in their marriage. I also did a lot of research about heart disease. Jonah is a pediatric cardiologist and that’s central to the story. I knew absolutely nothing about heart disease before I wrote this novel.

Who is your ideal reader? I think most people will think my ideal reader is women who are married. While I think the book will definitely appeal to married women, I’d love for single woman who are thinking about marriage or waiting on Mr. Right to read the book. There is a valuable lesson for single women in the story. Faith chose to overlook a very important issue prior to her marriage to Jonah. This issue becomes a huge source of pain for her. Ten years later her ideal black man has her pulling her hair out.

Name something about the book that will appeal to readers? I think readers will find it appealing, because more than half of it is written from Jonah’s point of view. My informal research amongst readers has taught me that women readers love stories that are written from a man’s perspective. Like most men, Jonah is complex. He’s a love to hate kind of guy. People will love him because he’s dedicated his life to physically healing children, but he’s emotionally and spiritually sick himself. What a burden for Faith. Faith’s pain will have some folks shaking their heads at Jonah.

When’s your next book being released? My second novel, An Inconvenient Friend comes out August 1, 2010. I have a nasty little character in Secrets and Lies who gets her own story, and what a story it is. She’s up to no good. Can she be redeemed?

How can readers find out more about you? Readers may contact me at my website at www.rhondamcknight.net. I love for people to sign my guestbook and share their thoughts about the story. I’m also a complete Facebook addict. You’ll definitely find me there more than you should at www.facebook.com/rhondamcknight

Filed Under: Author interviews Tagged With: author, christian-fiction, rhonda-mcknight, secrets-and-lies

What of Our Future Readers and Writers

November 24, 2009 By Renee Williams 1 Comment

What of Our Future Readers and Writers by Donna Hill

September 9, 2009

As an author of contemporary fiction, geared primarily for adults, my focus in capturing that audience, has for the most part, has been rather insular. I write with a particular purpose and intent. All of my marketing (however small or large that may be) is directed at this audience—whether real or imagined. Every now and then all of the pieces fall into place and a book will do “really well.” And in between writing these mechanisms of escape for my readership, I try to read in every moment that is available to me. As a result I’m a frequent visitor to my local bookstore and more recently to my “Kindle store.”

Today, something happened to my insular focus. Today was my granddaughter’s birthday. She turned an amazing four years old. A milestone in the world of a child. So of course, being a writer and a loud advocate for reading “by any means necessary,” I went in search of the ideal gift—which of course was a book.

For the first few minutes, I was like a fish out of water, wandering the aisles of Barnes and Noble and squinting at headings that read “New Readers,” “0-3,” “3-7.” Yes, 3-7 that was for her! So I begin to scan the shelves in search of something that would inspire her, make her giggle in that way that I love, teach her something new. And as I looked and looked, a disturbing fact grew painfully clear. There was not one book in the entire children’s section of Barnes & Noble that was a reflection of my beautiful, bright, brown granddaughter. Nothing. Nada. Zippo.

I remember the same feeling of disappointment and emptiness when my daughters and then my son were growing up. I was fortunate to find a few books for them and then they came of age where they could read Walter Dean Myers.

We are in the new millennium, post racial Obama world, a progressive society. Yet, not much has changed in the world of literature when it comes to black readers. Our young children will grow up thirsting for images of themselves just as we did. Or worst deciding not to read because they cannot relate. We can’t let that happen.

I know there are black books out there for young readers. But why must we struggle and hunt to find them? Of course they will be in our black bookstores, however day by day there are fewer of them as well.

As parents, aunties, uncles, and friends of these beautiful black children, we must make it our business to nurture a generation of readers. That is where our power rests—in the hands of those whose minds have been challenged and enlightened and who grow up believing that acquiring knowledge is something that can never be taken from them. Those who were taught from early on that there is value in who they are, beauty in who they are, who can look around them and “see” that they are in fact important parts of this society.

So, I walked out of Barnes & Noble today with a picture book filled with animals and cartoons, then went on line in search of Just Us Books to see if I could place an order. And as I wrapped my granddaughters birthday gift, a chilling thought ran through my mind—suppose all of the black books for young readers were in the “children’s urban book” section!!!

Filed Under: Guest bloggers Tagged With: Donna-Hill

Meet Jewell Powell, author of Marriage 101

November 16, 2009 By Renee Williams 34 Comments

BLOG TOUR DRAWING

* At the end of the week, One Winner (Randomly chosen from all blogs – see schedule at http://bit.ly/Marriage101) will receive a $30 DATE NIGHT certificate to the restaurant of their choice (Applebees, Chili’s, Ruby Tuesday or Red Lobster) and a gift pack of books (includes Marriage 101, I Don’t Want a Divorce, and Have a New Husband by Friday.)

You must answer the question posted by me in the comment section to be entered to win!

In July of 1992, Jewell met her Prince Charming at a Roy Rogers restaurant. jewell-powell When the couple decided to marry four years later, both were aware of the latest marriage statistics and the legacy of divorce that lay between them. Her parents divorced when she was four, after moving the family to Maryland, leaving her to be raised by a single mother. To circumvent the odds, they went through pre-marital counseling, attended church regularly and felt a strong love for one another. They believed they were ready for marriage.

While desiring to have a happily ever after, Jewell found life after marriage anything but a fairy tale. In 2001, she and her husband, Lewis, had been married for five years but were growing apart, after experiencing problems with infertility, sleeping in separate bedrooms and Lewis’s increasing disinterest in going to church. As she searched for answers to her marital troubles, Jewell found herself on a journey, seeking answers to save her marriage.

Despite a shaky beginning, the Powells now have a relationship with a strong foundation. After successfully resolving their marital problems, they started the Happily Ever After Marriage Ministry to help others do the same. Her new book, Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith (Revell Books February 2009, ISBN 978-0-8007-3332-2, $13.99), offers hope and guidance to help transform broken relationships through the use of biblical wisdom in a simple workbook format.

Jewell serves as co-owner of Antiok Holdings, an emerging full-service management consulting firm, which she owns with her husband. She earned a Bachelor of Science in business from the University of Maryland and is pursuing a Master of Divinity. The Powells reside in southern Maryland with their two daughters.

Jewell, what are some of the unrealistic expectations couples have today about marriage? How can these do more harm than good?

1) Marriages don’t have problems and if so, you’ve married the wrong person

2) Your spouse is perfect

3) What is betrayed in Hollywood tv, books and movies regarding relationships are real

4) That marriage doesn’t require work

It causes you to want to give up and divorce because you think something is not right with your relationship.

What is one of the greatest errors couples make when they get married?

Know what you are getting into is not base on what you think. Listening to others and understanding that marriage is work. It can’t be that I can’t live without them but ask yourself, if they never change, can I live with them for the rest of my life. Therefore, the greatest error is that their spouse is going to change after they get married. When in reality, you both will have to change when you get married.

What are the eight biblical insights you found that can transform any marriage?

Act Biblically – is a person who does what is right even when others are not. Regardless of how your spouse or anyone else is treating you, you are responsible for doing the word. We can no longer point the finger or blame our spouses as to why we are not doing God’s word.

Love Biblically – is a person who can love like God. To love people, especially our spouses unconditionally without expecting anything in return.

Talk Biblically – is to say what God word says. The word says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” We can say what scriptures say because God is faithful to His word

Repent Biblically – is a person who changes his or her attitude and behavior ” The scripture tells us to Repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” You cannot continue to say I am sorry to the Lord or others while still doing the same things. True repentance results in a changed life with new or different behavior/thinking and is visible to others.

Unite Biblically – is to become ‘one’. Agreement is the key to becoming one. God says, “Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose” (Philippians 2:2 NLT) Two people cannot walk hand in hand yet go in separate directions – one mind, one purpose.

Identify Biblically – is a person who allows the Holy Spirit to guide them and teach them who they should be in Christ Jesus. “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. I am what the word says I am, I can do what the word says I can do

Submit Biblically – is a person who can surrender their will to others and to God. We honor God when we submit to others. “Be submissive to every human institution and authority for the sake of the Lord, … Biblical submission is to voluntarily yield in love and a willingness to consider another person’s need more important than our own. I’ve learned that we can honor God (Whom we have not seen) by honoring our brethren (especially our spouses), whom we have seen.

Minister Biblically – is to allow God to use you to minister to the people in your sphere of influence – basically win souls for the Kingdom “Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This letter is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts” (2 Cor 3:3) Jesus wants us to be his living epistle. To minister biblically is not in what we say but in how we live our lives as Christians.

How did you apply these eight elements to your own relationship with your husband?

For example, Act biblically. We argue a lot about dinner. I hate to cook and Lewis wants a fresh cook meal every day. No microwave, no can, no frozen dinners. One morning we had a big argument and he told me I better have dinner for him tonight. The first thought that came to my mind was call and apologize and ask Lewis what he wanted for dinner. My flesh was screaming no way “I will have bread and water waiting for him when he got home”. After a few minutes, I called and apologize and asked him what he wanted for dinner. Acting biblically is doing what is right. It is doing what God tells you to do even when you don’t want to.

Another example, Repent Biblically. I was a wife who nagged, was mouthy and judgmental and would slice and dice him with my tongue. When I learned the true meaning of repentance, I understood that I just couldn’t say I am sorry and continue doing the same thing. My repentance became real and visible because I no longer nagged, judged or use my tongue as a weapon.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Your marriage can be strong, healthy, happy, and blessed. Marriage coach Jewell Powell shows you how in this 8-week plan for marital success. She reveals how God’s truths can transform two individuals into the union he desires. Laying a spiritual foundation is crucial to your marriage. In Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith, you will discover God’s purpose for marriage, how to develop godly character, how to communicate effectively, and much more. With biblical examples, study questions, and Scripture meditations perfect for individuals or couples, you will be challenged to examine areas in your life that may need change so that your marriage can thrive.

Follow the blog tour at http://bit.ly/Marriage101.

For more information about, visit Jewell at http://www.marriage101.us/.

jpowell

Filed Under: Author interviews, Virtual tour stops Tagged With: author, jewell-powell, marriage-101, virtual-book-tour

Meet Ashea Goldson, author of The Lovechild

November 9, 2009 By Renee Williams 8 Comments

Meet Ashea Goldson, author of The Lovechild

Ashea Goldson, originally born in Brooklyn, NewYork is a wife of twenty three years, a mother of two daughters, a grandmother of one, a graduate of Fordham University, a writer, a poet, a publisher, a reviewer, an internet radio host, an educator, and a co-founder of a Christian preparatory school. Active in the ministry, she is a dedicated member of World Changers Church International for many years. She has a lifetime of experience with writing which ranges from being published in local newspapers, magazines, and online publications to full length books.

Her first Christian fiction novel is The Lovechild, published by Urban Christian Publishers in 2008. Ashea’s short story entitled “The Kit Cat Trial” will be released in an anthology named Pets Across America in September 2009. Her second Christian fiction novel, Joy Comes In The Morning, will be released in July 2010, also by Urban Christian Publishers. She has recently released a non-fiction title, Resurrecting Vision: 45 steps To Digging Up Your Destiny And Seeing It Through God’s Eyes through her own publishing company.

Calling herself a kingdom writer, and passionate about this calling, she is currently working on her third novel, random poems, several short stories, a children’s book, and is organizing a literacy group for youth in her community. During her relaxation time she can be found hanging out with her family, snuggled up to a good book, or listening to gospel music.

Ashea, tell us about yourself.

I’m a wife of twenty three years, a mother of two beautiful young ladies, and a grandmother of one six month old sweetheart. I am not only a novelist, but I am also a poet and a non-fiction writer as well. When I am not writing, working, or in church, I am spending time with family, reading a good book, or listening to my favorite gospel selections.

What type of jobs or careers have you worked in the past?

I have been an educator since 1989, and I have been a business owner since 1998 when I started a tutoring service. In 2000 I co-founded a Christian school where I have been both an educator and an administrator.

Who are your favorite authors?

I have many favorites, too many to mention. Included on this list are Sherri Lewis, Tia McCollors, Stacy Hawkins Adams, and Reshonda Tate Billingsley just to name a few.

What are your favorite books?

I would say that Christian fiction books are my favorites.

When did you begin to realize you wanted to write?

I have been writing since I was very young, writing stories and adding pictures to them. The first time I realized I wanted to be a writer was in middle school. Creative writing was my favorite activity, and then I was also introduced to journalism.

Tell us about your journey to publication.

I became a founding member of a writer critique group back in 2002 which really encouraged me to work wholeheartedly on my brand new manuscript. After a couple of years, I finally completed The Lovechild and submitted my first four chapters to Urban Christian after much encouragement from the group. Within a few weeks, I received a favorable response asking to see a finished manuscript. So I polished it to the best of my ability and sent it in about two months later. After a couple of months, Urban called me with an offer. Needless to say, the rest is history.

Are you a full-time writer? If so, describe your day?

No, but I am aspiring to be. Soon.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In The Lovechild, Makaeli Hunt, a successful fashion designer, has been driven far away from home by her family’s dysfunction. While living in Italy, trying to heal the wounds of yesterday, ambition becomes her comforter. When a family emergency forces her to return to her home, in seven life altering days, amidst memories of a tumultuous past,will one revealed secret drive her away from her family and God forever? Or will she discover what it means to be God’s lovechild?

Dealing with issues of racism, depression, self-esteem, drug addiction, mental illness, verbal and physical abuse,The Lovechild is a story of redemption and re-dedication, confirming our victory in Jesus Christ.

Follow the blog tour at http://bit.ly/TheLovechild

For more information about Ashea, visit her at http://www.asheagoldson.com.