Book Review: Peace of Me

Peace of Me

T.N. Williams

4.5 Stars

In Peace of Me by T. N. Williams, Celia Alexander is piecing her life back together after learning about her husband's problems. Celia is also trying her best to continue protecting her children. Celia learns about a young girl that disappointed that sends her on an investigation that will change her life.

Kahlil Alexander has adjusted to being in prison but is still up to no good. Kahlil is still conducting questionable business opportunities in his protest to acquire his release from prison. Kahlil receives a visit from an unexpected guest and starts him down memory lane. Does he want to revisit it?

Kaleia is trying to get over her family turmoil by choosing unhealthy avenues. Kaleia hides the pain she is going through instead of asking for the help she desperately needs. However, when she lands in a hospital bed her aspects on her life and problems seem worth working out.

Peace of Me is a book about overcoming and correcting wrong doings. The author provides readers with suspense and hint of mystery. The main character's strength and faith is tested in this following up book to Something on the Side. In addition, her strength will bring the peace her family needs. I recommend this book to others.

Reviewed by Teresa Beasley

Book Spotlight



Purchase at Amazon.com





About The Book

Chase Hidalgo has a successful career, a loving wife, and a loyal best friend, but something is still missing. His unfulfilled dreams leave him unsure of his place in the world. Then a chance meeting with a mysterious stranger changes everything.

Ava claims to know Chase, but he has no memory of ever having met her. Still, something about her intrigues him. She seems to know so much about him; she has insight into his deepest feelings and desires, things he’s never even told his wife. He can’t resist this enigmatic woman, and soon the two are involved in a passionate affair.

It isn’t long before Chase starts to wonder just how Ava knows so much about him. What is their true connection? As he searches for answers, his life is coming apart at the seams, and Chase is beginning to wonder if he’s lost his grip on reality. Ava is a woman who will stop at nothing to regain what she believes she’s lost, and if Chase can’t find the right key to unlock this mystery, there could be dire consequences.

About the Author

Having an intense love of reading from an early age, Eric was unknowingly building the foundation for what was to come. Eric had considered writing a novel for several years, but it wasn't until recently that he gave in to the stories in his head and decided to share them with the world.

Eric's first novel, Real for Me, has been the featured selection of many book clubs across America and reached #1 Bestseller status at various bookstores. His second released novel was the Dallas Morning News bestseller Someone's In the Kitchen, which further established Eric in the literary arena. His third novel, Gets No Love, was featured in King Magazine and made the bestseller list of several stores including Karibu Books. His fourth release Don't Get It Twisted garnered critical acclaim as well as national bestseller status. His current release is the emotionally intense Lady Sings the Cruels. Eric also has short stories featured in the anthologies After Hours from Plume Books, Twilight Moods from Flowers In Bloom Publishing and the upcoming On The Line.

Eric was born in Seattle, WA. Having lived there as well as Louisiana and briefly in Los Angeles, he now resides in Texas where he is working on his next book. He is a graduate of McNeese State University and a member of Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity.

To learn more about Eric and his many accomplishments go to www.ericpete.com

Author: Rosalyn McMillan

A&RBC: How did you become a writer?

Rosalyn: On the dare of my co-worker. Terry had just written Waiting to Exhale and upon seeing her success, I took my co-worker up on the offer. I went home and started writing my story that night. I wanted to talk about alopecia. I felt the subject hadn't been addressed.

A&RBC: What are you hoping readers take from your book?

Rosalyn: That I can care how many trials and tribulations you go through, that love of family comes first. It's doesn't matter who threw the first stone. Love and love of family trumps all.

A&RBC: Who is the hero in your life? How does your hero inspire you?

Rosalyn: My hero is my deceased mother. She told me that I could be anything I wanted to be as long as I worked hard. She also taught me how important it is to be a good mother. I pray to her everyday and thank her for all the life's lessons that she has taught me.

A&RBC: How do you relax after a long day of writing?

Rosalyn: By reading a good book.

A&RBC: What are your favorite marketing and/or promotional tools?

Rosalyn: My press kit and pitch letter. I think they're very professional.

A&RBC: What is one thing you have learned about the publishing industry?

Rosalyn: To not believe anything your editor tells you. I was promised a big budget for tours four times and it never happened. You have to do your marketing on your own.

A&RBC: What advice would you give to an aspiring author?

Rosalyn: To take creative writing and advanced creative writing. Learn the mechanics of writing. Go to the library and do your research. Get to know the librarians. They can make the process of learning your craft easier.

A&RBC: Who was the first author you read? What was the title of the book?

Rosalyn: Harold Robbins. I can't remember the title, Because I was 14 at the time and shouldn't have been reading his books at that age. I used to read five and six of Harold Robbin's novels a week. One that I especially loved was "The Other Side of Midnight." They made a movie out of the book, but I've never seen it.

A&RBC: Tell what new projects you are working on?

Rosalyn: I just finished an ebook "Midnight Pawn." It should be ready to download in February. I'm also working on a novel about hte lure of the casinos. It's subtitled, "A Black Man's Love Story."

A&RBC: Where can your readers find you?

Rosalyn: On my website: rosalynmcmillan.com and they can email me at rosalynmcmillan@gmail.com or visit me on Facebook.

A&RBC: Authors & Readers Book Corner appreciates your time!

Rosalyn: Thank you for having me.

Business & Publisher of the Week

Who is 21st Street Urban Editing & Publishing, LLC?

Out of frustration of searching for an Editor who would not "edit" out all of the intentional errors, our company was born... We are three friends, close enough to be family that decided to provide Urban authors with a service desperately needed.

Our mission is to provide quality editing services to Urban literature authors as one would find with traditional editing services at an affordable price.

What services do you provide?

Editing, Typesetting, Reviews, Publishing, and Services for Inmates

Why should authors or readers choose your company?

Traditional editing companies do not always know how to properly edit urban fiction. We know that, sometimes, grammatical errors are intentional. In order to provide the reader with a real-life look into the mind of the author, some so-called mistakes and mispelled words are fundamental in keeping the urban tone.

What advice (relative to your area of business) can you give to aspiring authors?

We encourage those aspiring to make sure that they do not leave the editing process out. Whether or not, they use our company, this is a crucial step if the writer wants to be taken seriously and put their best foot forward. It is virtually impossible to edit your own words because you know how its supposed to be written. Also, do your research when choosing a service. SOme of the fly-by-night "editing services are cheap, but you get what you pay for.

What is your contact and location information?

21st Street Urban Editing & Publishing

Maryland, Wisconsin, Ilinois, Texas

Ph: 262-721-5324

info@21streeturbanediting.com

Who is your direct contact representative?

Brandie Randolph, Managing Editor

Brandie@21StreetUrbanEditing.com

832-229-5562

To learn more about 21st Street Urban Editing & Publishing, LLC visit their website at www.21streeturbanediting.com

Book Spotlight

About The Book

For those who have ever wondered what goes on at a men's retreat, The Retreat is an in-depth look into the lives of four men who have looked for answers in all the wrong places . . . until now.

Quincy is in the final stages of his divorce, but he still wants to know which church member had an affair with his wife. Jamal is on the verge of the promotion of a lifetime, but unresolved issues with his son, Jamir, threaten everything. Chauncey is a man who will go to great lengths for his church, but not for his terminally ill brother. Will is a young hustler who has been given a rare opportunity to make a choice that will change his life forever.

These four men are all at a crossroads in their lives. Will they lay their burdens down at the cross, or will they choose paths that will cause more harm than good? It will all be revealed at the men's retreat, where they learn that they need God and his wisdom more than ever.

Purchase at Amazon.com

Review

I have been waiting for an author to write a book that presents men in a different light. An author who would provide a meaningful story where men are not the bad people. I received my wish while reading The Retreat by Dijorn Moss.

Will is a young thug trying his best to take care of his siblings since his mother has a drug habit. Will runs into a Christian man who invites him to step onto a path that could change his life. Chauncey is a man that has not dealt with his past issues. Chauncey goes over and beyond to help anyone in need except the one person in his life that needs him the most.

Quincy is preparing to divorce his wife. Quincy is also harboring feelings of anger and revenge because he wants answers to the questions his wife refuses to provide. Will Quincy be able to handle the truth? Jamal is in line for a promotion at his job but his family issues may cause him to lose everything. Jamal must make a hard decision, one that he will have to take to God to resolve.

The Retreat is about a men's retreat that changes the lives of four men. Throughout this book, these four men must come to terms with the good, bad, and evil in their lives and rely on their faith to get them through. It is a powerful story that provides readers with proof that our men may fall down but they do get back up. The author gives a clear and precise story that emphasizes that all men are not bad and that when God is in the picture this too shall pass. I applaud this author for providing readers with a different look into the lives of these men and I believe this book could become a testimony for someone. I definitely recommend this book to others.

This book was provided by the author for review purposes.

Teresa Beasley

A&R Book Corner Reviews

A&RBC and Amazon Rating: 5

Book Review: Long Time Coming

Long Time Coming

Vanessa Miller

5 Stars

Long Time Coming is a remarkable story of one woman’s struggle to find her children security and another woman’s passion to help them. Deidre Clark-Morris is a Christian woman trying to conceive a child with her devoted husband. Deidre also struggles with vital information she has never disclosed to her husband. Will he stand by Deidre once her secret is revealed?

Kenisha Small is a young mother struggling to provide for her three children. Kenisha does not have reliable family members, but that has not stopped her from being a good mother. After a doctor visit, Kenisha receives some disturbing news that will change her family’s lives forever.

Deidre and Kenisha meet by chance and a unique bond is formed. The two women lean on each other when the going gets rough and will ultimately bless each other when they least expect it.

I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason. Long Time Coming is an inspirational book about learning to help others in need and learning to accept a helping hand. It is a book of testimony that will bring tears to readers’ eyes. I felt frustration, helpless, and even triumph once I made to the end of this exceptional book. The author writing style has touched me like never before and I cannot wait to her next installment. I definitely recommend this book to others.

Reviewed by Teresa Beasley

Author: Eric Pete

How did you become a writer? 

I’ve been an avid reader since a small child, but never considered writing. But I kept having movies in my head that I would dream up and do nothing with these stories. Eventually, I listened to my wife and put my creativity and imagination to work, trying my hand at writing a novel. One thing led to another and now here I am, 10 books later. 

What are you hoping readers take from your book?          

I like to challenge my readers’ views of people and things, hoping they find something in a character or two that they can identify with. I love flawed characters, so hope the readers can learn lessons along with the characters as the story unfolds. 

Who is the hero in your life? How does your hero inspire you?

Anyone who has overcome adversity to go on and be a success motivates and inspires me. In terms of heroes, I don’t look at anyone on a grand stage, but rather relatives of mine who’ve quietly lived their lives as an example of hard work and kindness to others paying off.

 How do you relax after a long day of writing?       
 I do most of my writing at night and on weekends, so relaxation comes when my head hits the pillow. I do try balance life and family to allow myself time away from the author world and just be Eric.

What are your favorite marketing and/or promotional tools?   
I use the internet heavily as touring can be “hit or miss” these days with so many bookstores closing and the advent of e-books. Social networking has really progressed from the “old days” of 9-10 years ago, so I rely on that as well.

What is one thing you have learned about the publishing industry?
That there are ever changing demands and expectations in the industry based on fads, trends and whatever someone else may be doing. 

What advice would you give to an aspiring author?

Have a thick skin, so you can handle criticism and negativity that may come from others. But realize the difference between constructive criticism versus someone just hating.

Who was the first author you read? What was the title of the book?

Been reading novels of so many genres for so long that it’s hard to remember. Was probably mystery for kids or sci-fi. A lot of the Oz series by L. Frank Baum comes to mind, but I also read some Sherlock Holmes.

Tell us what new projects you are working on?

Well, Piano In The Dark is about to drop, so preparing to tour in support of it. Just completed a project I can’t discuss at the moment, but hope big things come as a result of it later in 2011. 

Where can your readers find you?

My website is www.ericpete.com . I’m also on Twitter at @IAmEricPete and have an ERIC PETE Readers Group on Facebook.

                         

BookClub of the Week

A&RBC: Who is OOSA Online Book Club? What does it stand for?
OOSA: We are an online book club and reviewing team that focuses on African American authors. OOSA is an acronym for Only One keyStroke Away. As an online book club, we found the name fitting as we are all only one keystroke away.

A&RBC: What services and information do you provide?
OOSA: The three R's. We read, we review, and we recommend. We also highlight authors in our Author Spotlight feature as well as variously other features throughout the year.

A&RBC: Why should authors and readers choose to join your book club?
OOSA: We are about books!

A&RBC: What is OOSA's mission?
OOSA: Our mission is to further promote African American literature by taking special interest in new and self-published authors.

A&RBC: What is your contact information?
OOSA: We can be contacted at: oosaonlinebookclub@yahoo.com or info@oosaonlinebookclub.com We are also on social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace and we can be contacted via messaging at those sites.

A&RBC: What is OOSA currently reading?
OOSA: We read three monthly selections. Our selected reads for January are:
             NAN: The Trifecta by Moses Miller
             Holy Rollers by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
             Hustlin Divas by De'nesha Diamond.

If you want to learn more about the OOSA Online Book Club check out their website at http://oosaonlinebookclub.com/

Author: Dijorn Moss

How did you become a writer?

I started off writing poetry. An English teacher had me read Langston Hughes and Edgar Allen Poe. I knew then that I did not want to do anything else with my life except write. Then I got into playwriting until I came up with an idea that was too big to be a stage play, which led to my first novel, My Father's House.

What are you hoping readers take from your book?

I am hoping that women will get a better understanding of the plight of the Christian man. I hope that men will understand that it is okay to be vulnerable when the occasion calls for it and that though they are flawed, they are not weak.

Who is the hero in your life? How does your hero inspire you?

I have many heroes, but two of them would have to be my grndmother and my cousin. I have seen life throwing the worst it has to offer a t them and I have seen them shake it off and keep pressing towards the mark. We often forgot how heroic we all are and our capacity to triumph.

How do you relax after a ling day of writing?

If I have had a long day of writing then I am too exhausted to read. I will usually eat a good meal and watch a movie with my wife. Now that I am a father, I have to add him in the mix.

What are your favorite marketing and/or promotional tools?

Facebook, I have benefited from the social network immensely. I have gotten a chance to network and reconnect with people and as a result, the Retreat is doing very well.

What is one thing you have learned about the publishing industry?

Forget everything you see in the movies. When you finish a novel your job as a writer may be over, but your job as a businessman/businesswoman has just begun. You have to market your product because essentially you are asking the reader to invest in you.

What  advice would you give to an aspiring author?

Overcome rejection. All the great writers have experienced it and no one is immune to it. The difference between the aspiring and the published comes down to perseverance and the will to pursue against all odds.

Who was the first author you read? What was the title of the book?

Toni Morrison's the Bluest Eye. I still get chill bumps when I think about it. Toni Morrison reminds me of the possibilities one can achieve in writing.

Tell us, what new projects you are working on?

Besides the Retreat, I am apart of the Home Again Anthology which deals with stories of restoration. I am working on a novel that will be finished as soon as I learn how to write during my son's nap time.

Where can your readers find you?

www.dijornmoss.webs.com and on Facebook whatever the forward splash thing is!

Book Review: Exposed

Exposed

Naomi Chase

4.5 Stars

Can a person’s past affect their future? Readers will find out in this debut novel, Exposed by Naomi Chase. Tamia Luke is an account executive who has secrets that are dying to come out. Tamia is in a committed relationship with Brandon Chambers, a well-known attorney, who prides himself on placing his clients at ease. Brandon believes he has found his soul mate but soon finds out that sometimes it is best to judge a book by its cover.

Meanwhile, Tamia’s past discretions lead her into a chance meeting with restaurant owner, Dominic Archer. Dominic is in need of advertising services among other things. Tamia’s secrets start unraveling and she will try anything she can to keep them hidden. Will she succeed?

Exposed is full of powerful characters, entertainment, suspense, and unsuspected twists. Readers will not be able to put this book down until the end. This book’s dynamic ending will have readers wanting more. I hope this is not the end to Tamia Luke’s story and I will be waiting on the sequel. I definitely recommend this book to others.

Reviewed by Teresa Beasley

Book Spotlight

Can You Keep A Secret?

Omegia Keeys

 

Monica has it all, a handsome entrepreneur for a husband, two adorable children, a big house in the suburbs, and a career as the Human Resources Manager at one of the largest insurance firms. Even in a tough economy, Monica lives the American dream. Then, one day, she comes home early from a business trip and finds out her husband is sleeping with another woman. After years of standing in her husband's shadow, Monica uses his betrayal to jumpstart the life she always yearned for. In the hunt to find herself, Monica starts dating men on adult dating websites and working as an online cam girl. The excitement and allure of her new-found freedom has her living a double life. She is a career woman by day and vixen in her nightlife. Will Monica be able to keep her secret? Or, will her two worlds collide to bring her secret to life?

Order Your Copy Today at Amazon.com

Book Review: Silent Rain

Silent Rain

Marlene P. Jones

4.5 Stars

In Silent Rain by Marlene P. Jones, we are introduced to Nyah Parsons, a confident and intelligent woman who has given up on love. Nyah moves to Detroit to rid herself of her past. She meets new friends, acquires a new job, and everything is working out for the better. Nyah soon meets Mark through a mutual friend and it seems her guard is slowly starting to fall. Nyah must take a ride on a journey called life where she will have to deal with her past so she will not ruin her future.

Mark meets Nyah at a friend's party and sparks soon fly. What started as a fling soon becomes more to him and he will do everything in his power to let Nyah know it. Nyah is so consumed with her past that she does not see the man in front of her and will soon find out that she too deserves to be loved. Will she let Mark into her heart?

Silent Rain is the story of a woman learning to let go of her past. The main character goes through several stages that will lead her down a much needed path to reclaim her life. It is said to be careful of the company that you keep and it applies to this story. The characters were well developed and the storyline flowed very well. I recommend it to others.


Reviewed by Teresa Beasley

Publisher of the Week

A&RBC: Who is Peace in the Storm Publishing?
P.I.T.S.: Peace in the Storm Publishing is a broad-based publisher whose strength lies in publishing quality books to reach the reader's soul. Our motto is "Giving your Soul a Rise, One Page at a Time." Our mission is to publish entertaining and enjoyable works by gifted storytellers in all genres, including, contemporary fiction, mystery, romance, self-help, general interest fiction, street-lit, erotica, non-fiction and Christian fiction. We are the recipients of the 2009 and 2010 African American Literay Award Show for Independent Publisher of the Year. Moreso, we are a collective group of individuals who consider one another family and are all striving to attain our goals.

A&RBC: What services fo you provide?
P.I.T.S.: We are a traditional publisher of print and ebooks. Aspiring authors must go through a submission process in order to be considered for publication.

A&RBC: Why should Authors or Readers choose your company?
P.I.T.S: Readers should choose our company because every author under te Peace In The Storm Publishing umbrella writes with the reader in mind. We write from our hearts and souls. We don't write what's popular, we write what we feel our readers want. Our writing covers a broad spectrum of relatable topics. What's so unique about our titles is that every last one of our books will leave you with a lesson. Authors will find that we are a small, yet powerful publishing house who puts the author first.

A&RBC: What advice (relative to your area of business) can you give to aspiring authors?
P.I.T.S.: Never give up. Never compromise. Stay the course. Stay encouraged. Stay focused. Nothing beats a failure but a try. Always be willing to be a great student and always be willing to be a great teacher.

A&RBC: What is your contact and location information?
P.I.T.S.: We can be reached online at www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com.

A&RBC: Who is your direct contact representative?
P.I.T.S.: Elissa Gabrielle, Publisher, publisher@peaceinthestormpublishing.com or you can reach us online at www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com

A&RBC: Authors & Readers Book Corner appreciates your time!
P.I.T.S.: Thanks for having us.

From Lorraine Elzia, Peace In The Storm Author of "Ask Nicely and I Might" and "Mistress Memoirs:"
"This publishing company takes pride in producing books that are a step above the rest. The publisher does what she does, in the manner that she does, in an effort to make a difference in the literary world. She truly cares about the books she publishes and her authors in general. That strong integrity level permeates in all that the company does. Because of the professional service I have received. Peace In The Storm Publishing is the only company I will entrust with my publishing needs."

The testimony speaks for itself. To learn more about P.I.T.S titles and upcoming new releases, please visit their website.

Book Spotlight: Secret Betrayals

About The Book



Purchase at Amazon.com



Jasmine Reeves has it all - a good education, a cool job, a man who loves her and a man she loves too. Unfortunately they're not one in the same. After falling hard for her friend's husband, Jasmine has to figure out what direction her life is going to take. Should she stay with her faithful but lackluster boyfriend of five years or should she allow herself to continue to be played by the man who has her heart - even if it means stabbing her girl in the back? When what happens in the dark ultimately comes to light, will she hide her nasty secrets or will she expose them for the world to see, despite the consequences?

Toya Johnson loves the luxuries of life and has no problem using the world's oldest profession to obtain them. However, when she unexpectedly finds the man of her dreams, she can't seem to shake the past that keeps coming back to haunt her. Addicted to the money and power that accompany her lifestyle, Toya keeps telling herself that she'll only do it "one more time". Will she ever get out of "the life" and allow herself to experience the "happily ever after" she's always wanted or will the past refuse to let her go, taking her down with it?

Chante Summers has a handsome and successful husband who provides for her in every way. What more could a girl want, right? Unfortunately some people are never satisfied. Bored with the housewife routine and a husband whose bedroom skills are less exciting than a can of paint, Chante has no choice but to satisfy herself in other ways. But when the close calls and drama become too much to handle, will she be able to give up her extra curricular activities or is she too addicted to thrill, even if it threatens to destroy her? When lust, deceit, and betrayal collide, will these three women have what it takes to overcome it? Or will they be destroyed by the flames of their own disturbing, dangerous, and possibly deadly Secret Betrayals.

Review

Can anyone really have a true friend? I'm talking about a friend that you can trust and one that will have your back in any given moment. In Secret Betrayals, author Harriet Wilson introduces readers to Jasmine, Toya, and Chante, three women who will make you want to rethink the meaning of friendship and falling in love. Jasmine Reeves loves her boyfriend, Brian, and she knows he loves her too. She has everything going for her, so why does she feel the need to step out of their relationship for excitement?

Toya Johnson is used to the finer things in life and does not mind working for it, the old-fashioned way. When one of her clients goes overboard, Toya realizes that she may be in over her head. After meeting Shawn, a lawyer that loves to shower her with love and affection, her life takes a change for the better. Chante Summers' husband, Josh, takes very good care of her and their children. Unbeknownst to her husband, Chante has private sessions that she refuses to let go of since Shawn's bedroom techniques need some work. However, Shawn has a secret that will bring out the worst in his wife, that is, if she finds out. In this entertaining book, one of these three women is keeping a secret that just may destroy their friendship.

Secret Betrayals is a book about dealing with foolishness. The author creates a suspenseful atmosphere with continuous action that jumps out from every page. Readers will have no choice but to become engrossed in the unbelievable and exciting characters along with an unexpected ending. After reading about the lengths of deception these three main characters dove into, readers will judge, laugh, and be surprised. I definitely recommend this book to others.

This book was provided to me by the author for review purposes.

Teresa Beasley
APOOO BookClub, APOOO Rating: 4.5

A&R Book Corner, A&R BC Rating: 4.5

Author: Omegia Keeys

A&RBC: How did you become a writer?
Omegia: I have been a writer probably as long as I have been a reader. I can remember writing scripts for my paper dolls growing up. Writing was a way for me to still have my older brothers and sisters around me after they grew up and moved away. I am eight years younger then my next sibling.

A&RBC: What are you hoping readers take from you book?
Omegia: I hope my readers understand that they have to live their life for them. If you live your life for others you can never truly be happy. You must love yourself first in order to love others; otherwise you may end up lost when the person you have lived for goes away.

A&RBC: Who is the hero in your life? How does your hero inspire you?
Omegia: My mother Jo Ann Johnson. My mom became one of the first black doctor's assistant at a small Arkansas clinic despite all the odds making the cover of the Jet Magazine and American Press in the late 60's. She was active in the civil rights movement, marching with Fannie Lou Hamer. This was something that had been passed down to my mother from her grandmother Ida Bee Dunbar. After a rocky divorce my mother picked up my six siblings and moved to Indiana without knowing a soul. Because of her when people tell me I can't, I smile and say you can't stop me because it's in my blood.

A&RBC: How do you relax after a long day of writing?
Omegia: I spend some time with my kids and then go to my room and watch cartoons. Cartoons seem to turn my mind off and quiet the characters begging to have their turn to speak. Even though I am in my 30's I am still a big kid at heart.

A&RBC: What are your favorite marketing/promotional tools?
Omegia: I love using postcards. They seem less formal than business cards. When I hand them to people they open up more.

A&RBC: What is one thing you have learned about the publishing industry?
Omegia: Even as a published author it is still up to us to market ourselves. A publisher can give you the tools but you have to use them. Also, find the publisher that fits you. Bigger is not always better. I am with an independent trade publisher, Passionate Writer Publishing, and love it.

A&RBC: What advice would you give ti an aspiring author?
Omegia: Get your story out and worry about all the mechanics later. You cannot go to a publisher with just the thoughts in your head.

A&RBC: Who was the first author you read? What was the title of the book?
Omegia: I am quite sure I read a lot of Dr. Suess books in the beginning, but I still remember Judy Blume's The Tale of the Fourth Grade Nothing, as if I read it yesterfay. My sister and I had a huge blue steel bookshelf in our room and I can remember reading all of the books on it when I was in elementary school.

A&RBC: Tell us what new projects you are working on?
Omegia: I just finished up a young adult novel, The Baby Girl, under my pen name of Key Rollins. Working on Fantasy Girls, which would be my fourth erotic novel. And, another novel focusing on women dealing with the welfare system. The novel is focusing on breaking the cycle and the reason some women are on it.

I also just finished up a very important anthology with several other authors. Unloved by The Author Project, is a compilation of short stories focusing on bullying and suicide. All the proceeds will go to charities focusing on Bully and Suicide prevention. The title should be out in late December.

A&RBC: Where can your readers find you?
Omegia: Readers can find me at http://www.omegiakeeys.com/ and on Facebook under Author Omegia Keeys.

Book Review: Savannah's Curse

Savannah's Curse

Sheila Goss

4.5 Stars

When Savannah finds her father murdered in his townhome she makes a vow that she will punish his killer. She enlists her sisters, Asia and Montana, to help her solve the mystery behind their father’s death. These women have trained with the best survival team and will stop at nothing until the murderer is brought to justice. In Savannah’s Curse by Sheila M. Goss, readers will follow Savannah, Asia, and Montana as they embark on a rollercoaster ride of unusual suspects while fighting for their lives.

Troy Bridges is a family friend who made a commitment to protect his mentor’s three daughters. Troy will do whatever it takes to honor that commitment, but one of the sisters will not make it easy for him. He will try everything to join forces with the trio to investigate and solve the mystery behind his mentor’s passing.

While spending time with these women, sparks begin to fly between Savannah and Troy. Both cannot deny what they are feeling. Troy knows that some of his secrets will be revealed, but he is willing to take that chance. However, Savannah must learn to get past her lingering issues.

Savannah’s Curse is an action- packed mystery with unexpected culprits. Sheila M. Goss brings readers a new side of her talent by entering a different genre. It is suspenseful with twists and turns that will keep readers turning pages. I recommend this book to others.

Reviewed by Teresa Beasley

Authors & Readers Book Corner Reading Challenge 2011

Still Waiting For You to Join The Challenge! How about it?

Authors & Readers Book Corner will be hosting a reading challege for 2011. The challenge is from Jan 1-Dec 31 of 2011. Readers accepting the challenge must read a total of 200 for the year of 2011. Books can be of any genre and of any length but cannot be books you have already read. Please no cheating! The winners will be announced on Jan 1, 2012.

Prizes

Please leave a comment letting us know if you are taking the challenge. Don't forget to post your reading progression on Facebook. Send a weekly account of the book titles that you have read along with your rating (1-5 Stars) to tabeasley36@yahoo.com. Good Luck!