APOOO

May 2012 African American New Book Releases

APOOO — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:09:56 +0000

MAY 2012

All Women and Springtime by Brandon Jones

Falling Into Grace by Michelle Stimpson

Freeman by Leonard Pitts, Jr.

God Don’t Make No Mistakes by Mary Monroe

Home by Toni Morrison

The Marrying Kind by Monique Miller

Mistress, Inc. by Niobia Bryant

My Man’s Best Friend by Tressa Henderson

The Reverend’s Wife by Kimberla Lawson Roby

Where Did We Go Wrong? by Monica Mathis-Stowe

What May 2012 African-American new book releases have you read or plan to read? Share your list with APOOO…and feel free to tell us about books not listed.

May 2012 African American New Book Releases is a post from: APOOO

April 2012 African American New Book Releases

APOOO — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:53:05 +0000

APRIL 2012

An Accidental Affair by Eric Jerome Dickey

Alligator Lake by Lynne Bryant

Bittersweet by Sheila Banks

The Chaos by Nalo Hopkinson

Creeping With the Enemy by Kimberly Reid

The Cove by Ron Rash

The Folded Earth by Anuradha Roy

I, Iago by Nicole Galland

The Killing Moon by N. K. Jemison

Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang by Ashley and JaQuavis

The Last Warner Woman by Kei Miller

The Lilac House by Anita Nair

Memoirs of Porcupine by Alain Mabanckou

Narcopolis by Jeet Thayil

Payback Ain’t Enough by Wahida Clark

Reckless by Niobia Bryant, et al

A Wedding in Haiti by Julia Alvarez

Wicked City by Alaya Johnson

What April 2012 African-American new book releases did you read or plan to read? Share your list with APOOO…and feel free to tell us about books not listed.

April 2012 African American New Book Releases is a post from: APOOO

THE Stiletto Spring Book Giveaway From Author Marian Thomas

APOOO — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 03:33:51 +0000

The Stiletto Spring Book Giveaway: Ends April 28, 2012

Who wouldn’t like to win a gift card for a pair of shoes?

Well, why not try your luck, by registering today to possibly win the following prizes from author Marian L. Thomas!
3 — $10 Visa Gift Card -Wear Your Stilettos to the Store to Spend This
2 — $25 Visa Gift Card -It Might Not Buy a New Pair-But It Could Be A Down Payment
1 — $50 Visa Gift Card-This Just Might Get You a New Pair of Stilettos
1 — $75 Visa Gift Card-You are Going to be one happy Stiletto Wearing Woman

CLICK Here to Enter Today!

Meet the Author:

Exciting Atlanta novelist, Marian L. Thomas, is gearing up for the release of her third Clean Fiction title, “Strings of Color” on April 2, 2012. Ms. Thomas’s “Strings of Color” probes the ever-intriguing themes of race, family strife, love, teen pregnancy, friendship and abuse. And yet, her tales that seem to pre-sage current tabloid headlines are spelled out in ways that suit delicate moral tastes.

While Ms. Thomas is a dynamic storyteller with three romantic and dramatic novels to her credit, she distinguishes herself by refusing to lace her work with profanity and sexually explicit themes.

Her third installment in the ‘Jazzmyne’ series— “Strings of Color” is quickly filling up book club calendars and she is a prominent personality on nationwide motivational speaking circuits.

Published in paperback by L.B. Publishing, “Strings of Color” will be sold at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Books-a-Million.com and will be available for the Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble Nook, electronic books.

Avid readers can order this dramatic novel at bookstores, nationwide or through their local library.

This promotional announcement was brought to you by APOOO Book Club.

THE Stiletto Spring Book Giveaway From Author Marian Thomas is a post from: APOOO

Strings of Color by Marian Thomas Book Excerpt

APOOO — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 03:15:36 +0000

Chapter 1

“Dear life, he knew that I wouldn’t have thirty more years of him. But tonight even as I lay here with tears soaking the floor, I would give thirty seconds just to feel his touch again.”

Thirty Seconds

onight I almost died…Naya thought to herself.

As she walked into her foyer, she dropped her purse, removed her shoes, and slowly allowed her eyes to follow the curve of the stairway until they met up with the oil painting that hung in the center.

Wrapped in a thick walnut wood frame, painted in the soft hues of crisp blues, creams, and specks of red, were herself and Chris.

His chest stuck proudly out. His smile was as wide as the sunshine. His blue eyes sparkled with the color of the ocean. Arms wrapped around her waist.

Chris. She could feel her fingers reaching out to toward him.

She remembered that day. How good it felt to be his wife.

The tears began to run down her cheeks as the weight of the day caused her legs to surrender to the pull of the rich mahogany wood floor.

Trembling. Heart pounding.

I’ve got to catch my breath, she whispered to herself.

Ten seconds later, she began to scream. The walls responded. The chandelier shook as the realization of what had happened began to sink deep into the pit of her stomach.

Less than two hours ago…I was sitting in a worn out chair watching a spider crawl up the wall. I had listened to the splatter of raindrops beat against the dirty windows. I had been staring at the moon for hours. Staring at the walls and then counting the tiny cracks in the floor. There were three hundred and forty-two. Crying for what seemed like days.

My tired body was heavy, ragged and empty. The whiff of dirty mop water had consumed my lungs and I had often found myself dabbing frantically at the corners of my red and swollen eyes. The lights had been dimed and the curtains slightly drawn shut but I could still see him.

Every touch we shared had flashed in my mind, every smile and every kiss.

I could hear the machines.

As I sat there, I remember feeling like my heart had begun to mix with the slow and methodic beeping noises they made.

My mind had just about settled and my eyes had finally closed when I heard it.

The noise penetrated the entire room.

Louder and louder it got, like a banging in my head. I began to scream as I ran to him and wrapped my fingers around his bed rail.

“Chris!” I shouted.

My body was calling out for strength. Darn near begging for it.

For him, I would give everything, anything. I would reach down into bottomless wells just to find a speck of it.

“Find me strength; find the darkness that I am in,” I kept repeating over and over in my mind.

A teardrop fell upon his face.

The doors flew open. Three nurses came charging in.

One tried to pry my fingers from his bedside but I fought with all that I had to hold on.

I was like a mad woman. I kept thinking that if he could just feel my touch, it would give him the strength to fight.

“Please, ma’am,” she said to me. “You’ve got to let go so we can try to save him.”

I had watched her lips moving, but my mind had failed to register the reality of the situation I was in.

“Let go ma’am, we’re losing him!” The tone of her voice had finally broken through and I somehow began to find myself again.

I remember staring at her, and then back at him. I remember thinking to myself, “Did I hear her right?”

Dizziness hit me like the strike of a lightning bolt. My palms had begun to sweat.

“Ma’am,” she said again.

Finally—I blinked.

“Please save my husband,” I whispered.

“We’re trying ma’am, but you’ve got to let go.” The nurse had been forceful but kind.

My fingers let go but my heart was still with him as I was gently moved out of the way.

There was rapid movement, loud voices, and machines being brought in.

I stood against the wall clutching my shirt and watching his motionless body.

When the doors flew open again, the doctor rushed in.

I think she glanced my way for a moment. But now I can’t remember.

What I do remember is that there was no slow and methodic beeping noise from the machine penetrating deep into my ear lobes anymore. It had vanished as if it had somehow been carried off into the wind.

“Come back, come back.” I whispered.

I wanted to hear it again. I needed to hear it again.

His blanket was pulled back; a nurse was cutting open his gown. I watched as the scissors grazed his skin. A chill came over me.

Strong and forcefully tears began to streak down the sides of my face.

The doctor was yelling, or was that me? I think I remember the doctor’s voice.

“On my count of three, go!”

“Clear!”

“He’s still not responding.”

“Get the machine ready again!”

“It’s ready Doctor.”

“Clear!”

Still the machine was silent.

“Come back beeping noise. I won’t complain about you anymore. Please come back to me.”

I stared at the window as if it would open and the sound would return.

There was nothing. Not one single beep!

Fear and anticipation filled the air as more nurses and doctors came rushing in.

The last thirty years of my life was slipping out through the crevices of my fingers.

###

© 2011 All rights reserved. Book Excerpt Reprinted by Permission of Marian L. Thomas, author. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author’s written permission. Copyright infringement is a serious offense. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only.

This book excerpt was provided to APOOO Book Club by author Marian L. Thomas.

Strings of Color by Marian Thomas Book Excerpt is a post from: APOOO

Strings of Color by Marian Thomas Book Trailer

APOOO — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 02:25:05 +0000

Check out this book trailer for Marian Thomas’ latest release Strings of Color.

This preview is brought to you by APOOO Book Club.

Strings of Color by Marian Thomas Book Trailer is a post from: APOOO

Virtual Book Tour for Strings of Color by Marian Thomas

APOOO — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 01:27:02 +0000

Hello Marian and welcome to APOOO. Thanks for allowing us to host the Virtual Book Tour for your latest release, Strings of Color.

1.) How long have you been a writer?

Marian: I wrote my first book manuscript in high school. I also did some writing in the sports and news fields during college, but didn’t really put “writer” on my resume. Then, 2009 hit and Color Me Jazzmyne was released. Things began to change. A thought I once had in high school became a dream. The dream became a reality and that reality turned me into a writer.

2.) Did you always know you wanted to write?

Marian: The concept of writing was always in the back of my head — lingering there patiently. The words “just get it done” were a phrase my old boss use to say to me whenever we discussed my finishing my book manuscript. It felt great to finally say, “It’s done.”

3.) What inspired you to write this specific storyline with Strings of Color?

Marian: Readers, and the fact that I didn’t feel as if the main character had come full circle with her own inner feelings. Sometimes, when a relationship ends, people need and want a sense of “closure.” I suspect book characters are no different.

4.) For those who dream of one day writing a novel or their own store, what advice would you give them?

Marian: Publish yourself first! Build a solid platform. Get your name out there via social networks, blogs and published articles. Then write your book.

5.) Are the character names in your books important to you? Without giving too much away, is there a reason you made the characters’ names so closely related?

Marian: They are extremely important and I love that question. When I read a character’s name, I like to think that the name given simply couldn’t be anything else. That it fits the character’s personality so well, that to change it—would be changing the character. My characters names display the depth of the connection within the family. When it comes to family, I think we sometimes forget how connected we really are to each other.

6.) Tell us about your writing environment. Do you need it to be really quiet, or do you need to have background noise? Are there any specific foods or drinks you need available?

Marian: No background noise. At least that’s what I keep reminding my hubby when I’m writing. It’s hard for me to stay focused, and any little thing tends to throw me off my writing game. Did I mention that I like popcorn?

7.) When you’re not writing, what are some other hobbies, or things you like to do?

Marian: I love to draw and paint. One day, I would like to open a gallery that combines art by me and books by me. Is that too much…me? Maybe. Then again, maybe not.

Meet the Author:

Exciting Atlanta novelist, Marian L. Thomas, released her third Clean Fiction title, “Strings of Color” on April 2, 2012. Ms. Thomas’s “Strings of Color” probes the ever-intriguing themes of race, family strife, love, teen pregnancy, friendship and abuse. And yet, her tales that seem to pre-sage current tabloid headlines are spelled out in ways that suit delicate moral tastes.

While Ms. Thomas is a dynamic storyteller with three romantic and dramatic novels to her credit, she distinguishes herself by refusing to lace her work with profanity and sexually explicit themes.

Her third installment in the ‘Jazzmyne’ series— “Strings of Color” is quickly filling up book club calendars and she is a prominent personality on nationwide motivational speaking circuits.

Avid readers can order this dramatic novel at bookstores, nationwide or through their local library.

Book Synopsis:

Life can grab a hold of you like captivating strings of color. It is a lesson that four women will learn as they each travel down a journey filled with lies, betrayal, and shocking secrets.

Simone. Is immensely talented, yet everything she has ever known will be ripped apart. Her love will be tested. Her heart will call out for a strength that could only exist in moments like this, and her tears will carry her through the storm. Will she be able to give her heart to the love of her life while fighting to open her heart to a mother she has never known?

Naya. While facing her greatest loss, will she be able to find the key to strength, the will to continue on, and the endurance to make it through one of the darkest moments in her life?

Monà. Within her heart is a secret so deep that it could shake the very foundations of two lives. Will she be able to finally look into the eyes of a daughter she has only known from a distance?

Misty. Two paths are set before her; one could lead her back to the life of fame and prominence, which she so desperately wants; and the other could give her the love she so desperately needs. Will she choose the path that is best for her future, or for her heart?

Web-links:

Face-Book: http://www.facebook.com/MLT.ColorMeJazzmyne

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MarianLThomas01

Author Site: http://www.marianlthomas.com

Blog: http://www.thewritersinkspot.blogspot.com

Purchase Link:

Amazon .com : http://tinyurl.com/purchansestringsofcolor

Virtual Book Tour for Strings of Color by Marian Thomas is a post from: APOOO

Derrin’s Hot Pursuit by Tucker Davis

APOOO — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:33:29 +0000

1. In 140 words or less, tell us a little about yourself.

Tucker Davis is an Atlanta native who writes in her down time after raising two young children, caring for her husband, working as a full-time attorney and being active in community service organizations. She has had a love of writing since she was in high school, which grew from a desire to travel to other places. Tucker, a naturally risk adverse person, often lived her adventures through reading. She even blames her poor eyesight on sneaking to read books in the darkness of her bedroom when she was supposed to be asleep.

It wasn’t until she discovered authors like John Grissom, Terry McMillan, Brenda Jackson, Kayla Perrin and Rochelle Alers that her desire to tell her own stories was fed. She decided it was time to share the stories she allowed to play out in her mind. Thus, she penned her first novel, Misplaced Desires, which will be published in 2012 under the Twisted Pleasures brand.

With life things happen and our paths are altered. More specifically, Tucker became engrossed in bearing and raising her children, climbing the corporate ladder and battling breast cancer. These crossroads changed her plans to publish her first novel a bit, but they did not deter her. She published legal articles, but they did not quench her thirst to publish romance novels.

Her first published novel in the Chasing Love series, Derrin’s Hot Pursuit, brings to life the story of Derrin, one of five African-American men who, for varying reasons, want to avoid long term commitments and falling love. It is their fear of losing the women they have unexpectedly began to adore, that drives them to confront their fears head on. Take the journey with Tucker Davis as we follow Derrin, Marcus, Calvin, Jared, and Ennis when they chase love.

2. In 140 words or less, tell us why Derrin’s Hot Pursuit would make a great addition to our personal library.

Derrin’s Hot Pursuit will enhance the personal library of readers and romance enthusiasts because it shows the benefits which occur when lovers face their fears to find love. Derrin’s Hot Pursuit addresses fears of infidelity, abandonment, deceitfulness, and healing. These emotional and mental aspects of the characters help to develop a sense of reality and connection with the storyline.

3. How did you come up with the premise for Derrin’s Hot Pursuit?

I have several family members and former classmates who are always discussing their trials and tribulations with men who they want to develop personal relationships. However, when the intended mate discusses his understanding of the relationship, it seems as if neither of the people are reading from the same book. I wanted to better understand the differences between the man’s view of the relationship or lack of relationship. As I explored, I realized that men have insecurities about relationships and the hurt that may result from falling in love. It was this understanding that allowed the stories for the five males in the Chasing Love series to blossom. Each of these men has insecurities which are really founded and based on relationships with their mothers. Derrin’s Hot Pursuit is the first story to address the issues these men face.

4. What’s the main theme for Derrin’s Hot Pursuit?

Derrin’s Hot Pursuit is a story of forgiveness and facing fears. In Derrin’s Hot Pursuit, the main character Derrin has to address his fear of falling in love and his buried fear of abandonment and infidelity caused by a failed prior engagement to a gold digger, Nicole. Unlike Derrin, the main love interest, Chloe, is not afraid to fall in love, but she is afraid of being abandoned or rejected by men so she has remained a virgin for 26 years and hardly dates. There are other fears that they explore as they journey to find love and just when they think they are ready to be together Nicole returns and shakes their relationship to the core. The fears they both thought were addressed were just buried.

5. What was the most difficult part of Derrin’s Hot Pursuit to write?

The most difficult part for me to write in Derrin’s Hot Pursuit was the end. I wanted this couple to be together before I put one word on the page, but after the long journey they had to take I wasn’t sure they would end up together by the time I wrote the last word. I also was unsure if I should add the Epilogue or not. I wanted to give some insight into the future of Derrin’s other friends, Marcus, Jared, Calvin and Ennis, but at the time I did not know which story would be written next so I did not know who to focus on or mention in the Epilogue. However, once I decided to write the Epilogue the conversation was headed in one direction in my mind but ventured in a different direction as I typed it.

6. What genre is Derrin’s Hot Pursuit and who is the target audience?

Derrin’s Hot Pursuit is targeted to mature, adult audiences who love happy ending romance stories with a couple of hot and sexy love scenes. My book is not limited to any particular race or economic status. I have fans who are over 70 years old, some live in other countries, while others are non-African American. Because of the love scenes, I do not recommend that any teens read this story. But those fans of erotica will be disappointed since my love scenes are sensual yet sweet.

7. Is Derrin’s Hot Pursuit your first published fictional title or have you published other books? If so, tell us about them.

Derrin’s Hot Pursuit is my first published fiction novel, but I have published the next story, Calvin’s Trick or Treat which is now available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com in eBook format. The paperback is scheduled to be released soon; the release date has been moved by the publisher so I don’t know the exact date. Calvin’s Trick or Treat is the love of Calvin, a military brat who hated the travel his parents forced upon his as a child. Calvin is enjoying life; he has a new promotion, great friends and a wonderful sex life. All this changes when he gets a text message from his last acquaintance informing him that she is pregnant and the baby is his. Calvin is sentenced to defensive driving class and from the minute he walks into the class his life changes. He meets Amber Kennedy who he knows but does not remember. He wants to explore a relationship with Amber but she is avoiding him at all costs. They can’t fight the fever too long and end up exploring their feelings. However, the baby issue clouds all Calvin’s decisions and he makes one bad decision after the next until he loses Amber. He has to decide which woman in his life he wants to please: his girlfriend, Amber; his potential baby’s mama, Tricia; or his mother.

8. What’s the best thing a reader has told you about one of your books?

I have some readers who have told me that they thought I peeked into their lives and wrote the story. They loved the dialogue between the main and secondary characters. But, when a reader told me she could not finish the book because she was so wrapped up in the story that she started crying, I was like wow. Of course, I asked what part she stopped reading and started crying and she told me “when Kenya (Derrin’s sister and Chloe’s best friend) showed up at Derrin’s house with boxes to pack up Chloe’s things to move out.” The reader was distraught. I laughed and told her to finish she would be pleased when she got to the end. She emailed me later and told me she read the chase scenes at the end three times and was overjoyed each time.

9. What can readers expect from you in the future?

I plan to continue the Chasing Love series with Jared’s Midtown Meltdown, Ennis Seductive Surrender novels and a novella entitled Marcus’ Dreams Fulfilled. I hope to have the Chasing Love stories all published by the fall of 2012. I then plan to publish Misplaced Desires and a new story entitled Mine. I can’t wait to write Mine, it is a story about a woman who falls in love with a man who is not in love with her but she does not see it. She stalks him and intertwines herself into his life all the while she is saying to herself, he is “Mine”.

10. Is there anything else you would like to share with APOOO readers?

I ask that the APOOO readers read the samples pages on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com to get a feel for the books. I think they will enjoy the stories. When they finish reading I ask that the APOOO readers submit a review. This will warm my heart.

Derrin’s Hot Pursuit by Tucker Davis is a post from: APOOO

Stacy Hawkins Adams Virtual Book Tour

APOOO — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 05:21:25 +0000

Welcome to APOOO, STACY!

In 140 words or less, tell us a little about yourself.

Thank you for having me as a guest! I have been a writer and a lover of books since early childhood, when I penned short stories and poems. I love to inspire and inform readers through women’s fiction novels that mirror real life. The issues my characters deal with are messy – just like in real life, and they sometimes struggle with their faith – just like in real life. They also often find themselves undergoing transformation – a process that (just like in real life) can be scary, but also refreshing. I served as a newspaper reporter and columnist for 13 years before becoming a freelance writer, author and speaker. I also operate a teleseminar coaching program for aspiring authors, called Author In You. Coming Home is my eighth book.

In 140 words or less, tell us why your book title would make a great addition to our personal library.

Coming Home has a dramatic plot, but ultimately, this is a story about characters on a journey toward forgiveness – an issue that every one of us grapples with at some point, and often must work our way through, rather than accomplishing overnight. This novel tells the story of Dayna, Warren, Brent and Tamara – four people who don’t consider themselves friends, but wind up wrestling their way to healing, forgiveness, and love together. Dayna is the former wife and Tamara is the current one. Brent is the husband they’ve shared, and he is asking them to do the unthinkable. Each woman must ask herself if she can set aside fear and frustration, and pain from past mistakes, to honor Brent’s request. Reading this book will cause you to ask yourself, ‘What would I do??

How did you come up with the premise for your book title?

The marketing team for my publisher, Zondervan, came up with the actual title Coming Home, after realizing that by book’s end, each character learns how to “come home” to some deep truths, to people they’ve long avoided, and of course, to forgiveness and love. I came up with the plot for the book around the time there was a lot of news coverage about single African American women and their limited prospects for finding love. I initially wanted to write about a character on the journey to finding Mr. Right who in the process, discovers how to better love and accept herself. I still tackle that theme through a minor character in Coming Home, but the main character, Dayna, eventually took over the story and led me down another path, to a story about unconditional love for others, and what it means to truly sacrifice and forgive.

Tell us about the main character(s) in your book title.

Dayna is a hospital executive who has rebuilt her life after being betrayed seven years earlier by her husband’s betrayal and abandonment. She has found love with a man who cares about her, flaws and all, yet she wrestles with her mistakes from the past, including her failed marriage. Tamara is the mistress who wound up marrying Dayna’s first husband. She grapples with shame for how she landed her husband, mixed with fear that he still loves Dayna more than her.

What are some of the main themes you portray in your book title?

As I mentioned earlier, the title is a metaphor for the various ways the characters find their way home – through forgiveness, reconnecting with loved ones, and coming home to truths about themselves and other characters.

What makes your book title different from other books in the marketplace?

I don’t know that the book title in and of itself is so unique; however, what makes it stand it is how and why this title is being used – to drive home the point to readers that the cliché and the scripture are true: Home is where your heart is, and out of the heart flows the issues of your life. When the characters begin to embrace personal truths, forgiveness and love, they awaken. The book itself is unique because it deals with taboo themes of infidelity, deep resentment and insecurity in true-to-life ways.

What genre is your book title and who is the target audience?

This book would be considered inspirational or Christian fiction. It is written for Christian women from all walks of life; especially those who are burdened by anger or regret, and need to better understand how God’s grace and unconditional love work.

What lessons have you learned about the publishing industry?

I’ve learned that the industry is not predictable. There’s no way to know which books will be bestsellers and which will be printed just once. I’ve learned to keep my eye on the industry for business and practical reasons, but to keep my heart in the writing, with my mind and my eye on my readers, and how I can touch them.

What can readers expect from you in the future?

A lot more books, I hope! I’m working on the sequel to Coming Home, and this manuscript will be released in 2013. I’ll also write a third book for the series, and I hope at some point to write books for young adults – my teenage daughter keeps making this request.

Is there anything else you would like to share with APOOO readers?

I’d like to thank readers for taking time to check out my work, and invite them to visit my website to read an excerpt of Coming Home (www.StacyHawkinsAdams.com) and to friend me on Facebook and Twitter so we can stay in touch: www.Facebook.com/BooksByStacy and www.Twitter.com/SHAdams. For those who have read my previous books, additional thanks for taking time to spread the word to your reader friends and to book clubs in your area. Your feedback on how my books are impacting you help me continue to write!

About the Book

If forgiving your ex-husband was easy, everybody would do it.

Brent had cheated on Dayna and coldly said goodbye to her seven long years ago—dashing her hopes of having children or growing old with the love of her life.

Working hard to make herself successful as a hospital executive, Dayna has moved on, finding comfort in a new relationship with a faith-filled colleague, Warren.

But when Brent resurfaces on her doorstep at just the wrong time, Dayna’s heart threatens to come unglued. Why is Brent asking for forgiveness now? And why are he and his new wife, Tamara, interested in reconciliation with Dayna? The unbelievable answers begin to surface as Brent boldly asks Dayna to support him at the most crucial time of his life.

While Tamara’s heart brims with guilt, both women will discover what it means to reach beyond pain and baggage to love unconditionally, while leaving the consequences to God.

About the Author

Stacy Hawkins Adams is an award-winning inspirational author, speaker and freelance journalist who has written about women’s relationships with God, each other, and themselves for more than a decade. She has penned seven nationally published women’s fiction novels and one nonfiction book, and is at work on her ninth book. Stacy also operates a group coaching service for aspiring authors called Author In You. For more information about Stacy, her books or her coaching services, visit www.StacyHawkinsAdams.com or www.AuthorInYou.com.

View the blog tour schedule at:

http://www.tywebbin.com/blog-tours/authors-on-tour/2012-tours/

Stacy Hawkins Adams Virtual Book Tour is a post from: APOOO

On the ‘Net with Author Alicia Singleton

APOOO — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:56:42 +0000

In 140 words or less, tell us a little about yourself.

Wife, mother, business owner, retired registered nurse, lover of any sentence containing the words travel or road trip, consummate optimist; that pretty much sums me up.

In 140 words or less, tell us why the Dark Side of Valor would make a great addition to our personal library.
Dark Side of Valor is about former teen-aged runaway, turned child advocate, Lelia Freeman. When she is summoned to Washington to serve on a subcommittee that aids children of a war-torn, African nation, she stumbles onto sinister political secrets. She is kidnapped while overseas and must depend on a tall, dark mercenary to save her life. But he has secrets of his own.

How did you come up with the premise for Dark Side of Valor?

Dark Side of Valor started off being a totally different novel. Initially, I did not choose to write about teen runaways and teen homelessness. The novel was originally about a woman held captive in a foreign country and she needed to escape back to the United States. So, I began to research runaways from foreign lands. Every time I’d type in the search parameters, books, reports and articles popped up about teen runaways and homeless teens. After several hours, I gave up and read one of the articles, then another, then a report, then a life account. After about an hour, I was sitting in front of the library computer blubbering. As I finished reading, I had to write their stories and out of their stories, Dark side of Valor was born.

What’s the main theme for Dark Side of Valor?
That no matter what situation you find yourself in there’s always hope.

What was the most difficult part of writing Dark Side of Valor?

The atrocities that homeless teens and runaways endure on the streets are horrific. Tempering the graphic details of their lives while being true to their plight was difficult.

What genre is Dark of Valor and who is the target audience?

Dark Side of Valor is a suspense novel. The target audience for the novel is anyone who loves suspense novels, thrillers or fast-paced novels. Also, young people who are struggling with hopeless situations.

What’s the best thing a reader has told you about Dark Side of Valor (or one of your books)?

Actually two reader put tears in my eyes. Angelique, from APOOO Book Club said, “The word valor can best be described as personal bravery, courage, and fearlessness in the face of danger. In Alicia Singleton’s debut novel, Dark Side of Valor, she encompasses all these things through her main character, Leila Freeman. Dark Side of Valor tells the story of Leila Freeman, a child advocate who has dedicated her life to fighting against the nightmares of her youth that currently trouble the youth of the present. ”

To read more of Angelique’s review, click here.

Libby from Libby’s Library said, “I’ve been trying for several days, to decide how to go about this particular book tour/review. Is this novel going to become a classic? Probably not. Will it be on a top 10 list? I’m guessing, no. Will masses be lining up to purchase it? Nope…and that’s a darn shame, because if I had to rate DARK SIDE OF VALOR, on a scale of 1 – 10, I’d give it a 12.

Folks, this is what a good book is all about.

Great Plot
Well Developed Characters
Fast Moving
Gripping
Suspenseful
Filled with Detail & And an ending that will leave you satisfied, yet wanting more.

All this – without gratuitous sex, foul language, or graphic repeated violence… just for the sake of violence.

Alicia Singleton’s DARK SIDE OF VALOR proves that there are still authors that can write a story that stands on its own legs…not resorting to “flash and filth”!

Bravo Ms. Singleton…I look forward with great anticipation, to your next book.’”

What can readers expect from you in the future?

The research for my next suspense has taken me to a South Carolina swamp, a rice plantation where one of Mel Gibson’s movies was filmed, on a Civil War naval battle ship, and a graveyard. It was phenomenal! I hope to take readers on a thrill ride they won’t soon forget.

Is there anything else you would like to share with APOOO readers?

Please connect with me through my website, Facebook , Twitter, email alicia at aliciasingleton dot com; and I’m also available through Skype and conference calls for book club chats. Thank you so much for the opportunity to chat with the APOOO Readers. It’s been a great honor!

Alicia it was a pleasure hanging out with you at APOOO. Many blessings on your literary endeavors.

On the ‘Net with Author Alicia Singleton is a post from: APOOO

Sinners & Saints by Victoria Christopher Murray and Reshonda Tate Billingsley

Donnica Copeland — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:44:15 +0000

Check out the latest African American book review from APOOO Reviewer, Donnica Copeland, for Sinners & Saints by Victoria Cyhrostopher Murray and Reshonda Tate Billingsley.

Jasmine Bush and Rachel Adams come together for some drama-filled, no holds barred competition in Victoria Christopher Murray and Reshonda Tate Billingsley’s Sinners & Saints. Both women’s husbands are up for nomination as the next president of a nationally known religious organization. Of course each thinks their husband should win. There was no limit to how far either of them would go to make sure their husbands came out on top. Yes it is all in God’s hands, but as first ladies, God needs their help. Right? That is their thinking. But all of their shenanigans may just be the downfall for both pastors.

Both Murray and Billingsley had me on the edge of my seat. I could not figure out which author was writing each chapter. The writing was just that seamless. I have read all of Murray’s novels and she stayed true to Jasmine’s nature. I have not read any of Billingsley previous books about Rachel, but I now fully intend to get those books, so I can see how Rachel became so devious. LOL. Sinners & Saints is a page turner that will have you laughing out loud and talking to the pages. I highly recommend this book. It is a must read and I cannot wait for the next one.

Donnica Carter

APOOO BookClub

Visit amazon to order a copy of Sinners & Saints and to vote accordingly for Donnica’s review.

Sinners & Saints by Victoria Christopher Murray and Reshonda Tate Billingsley is a post from: APOOO

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