Double Feature Book Review: Shelia Goss





The Lip Gloss Chronicles 4: Secrets Untold

4 Stars

In the Lip Gloss Chronicles 4: Secrets Untold by Shelia Goss, readers meet Porsha Swint a straight “A” student with a host of friends and a loving family. When Porsha over hears a conversation between her parents, she finds out that her biological father is none other than Dion McNeil, sports newscaster who also happens to be an former Dallas Cowboy. Porsha is shocked, hurt, and angry that her parents have kept this important information from her for 15 years. Porsha’s grades start to drop, her mood changes, and she now has an extended family. Will her parents rectify the wrong that has been done?

When Jasmine McNeil finds out that she has a step-sister the news does not sit well. When she finds out that her new relative is one of her classmates that she does not care for makes it even worse. How could her father do this to their family? Jasmine’s reaction to the news causes friction between her and her newly found sister. Will Jasmine get over her father’s betrayal?

Secrets Untold is about blending families. The author provides readers with characters that have realistic emotions that any reader can relate to.  This story deals with a family secret and how both families dealt with the secret once it was revealed. Shelia Goss has a unique writing style that is sure to keep readers wanting more. I recommend Secrets Untold to others.

This book was provided by the author for review purposes.

Teresa Beasley

A&RBC Reviews

Ruthless

4 Stars

In Ruthless by Shelia Goss, readers will discover the true meaning of wanting something you cannot have. Sheba and Uriah is a loving couple. Sheba is a successful nurse and Uriah is a loyal businessperson. When Uriah is called to work overseas, it takes a toll on his wife. What is a wife to do with a lot of time on her hands?

David King is a man that loves to get what he wants. David is a strategist and will do whatever it takes to accomplish his goal. Once David has his eyes set on winning the untouchable prize, he puts a plan into action. David soon realizes that he needs help for his plan to succeed and he recruits one of the best. Will everything go as planned?

Ruthless is about marriage, sacrifices, and desires. The author has done it again by providing readers with an entertaining and suspenseful book. The main characters kept me on a rollercoaster while anticipating their next move. Shelia Goss has never let me down with her writing style and I will continue to follow the Women of the Bible series. This is a must read book and I definitely recommend it to others.

This uncorrected proof was provided by the author for review purposes.

Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews



Book Review: Devyne Envy

Devyne Envy

Sankofa

4 Stars

In Devyne Envy by Sankofa, readers are introduced to Devyne and Envy two successful individuals. Devyne is handsome, intelligent, and trying to overcome his past to prepare for his future. Envy is beautiful, intelligent, and trying to overcome her issues to prepare for her future. When the two meet, they are attracted to each other and fall in love. The couple’s relationship takes many twist and turns causing them both to make hard decisions.

Devyne Envy is about decisions, relationships and their worth. The author provides readers with a story of true love. The main characters will keep readers guessing if they will be together or go their separate ways. The author has written an entertaining and engaging story that will have you reading until the end. I recommend Devyne Envy to others.

This book was provided by the author for review purposes.

Teresa Beasley

A&RBC Reviews

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BookClub of the Week: Distinct Ladies

A&RBC: Who is Distinct Ladies Book Club?
DLBC:  The Distinct Ladies Book Club is a local group here in Memphis. We have been together   for almost 5 years. DLBC is just a book club, it’s a sisterhood. We are ladies who come from various backgrounds but whom share a passion for reading.

A&RBC:  What are the mission and vision of the book club?
DLBC: Our mission is to come together as a sisterhood by reading various up and coming authors as well as known authors. We strive to do our community service by volunteering with local charities or organizations

A&RBC: What are your membership requirements?
DLBC: Our only requirements is that you have a love for reading, you are willing to attend monthly meetings and do community service.

A&RBC:  What community outreach programs does your club regularly host or attend?
DLBC: Distinct Ladies supports the local Catholic Charities of West Tennessee. We also adopt kids for to support for back school and Christmas. We are getting to participate in a Cancer walk for survivors.

A&RBC: What are the clubs requirements for hosting authors for discussion?
DLBC:  Distinct Ladies Book Club will occasionally invite authors to sit down with us during one of our book club meetings, a sponsored literary event or book signing. If they are coming to the Memphis, TN area and would like us to be involved somehow with your visit, we would be more than happy to do what we can. If they are specifically wanting to sit down with our book club members to discuss your book, our book club meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday of each month at 4 PM at various restaurants and other locations in Memphis. We require at least a 60 day notice before a book club meeting in order to purchase and read a book. We also will not purchase overpriced books or books that are not easily accessible either through an online book store or the author's website. They can email us or use our contact form on our website.

A&RBC:  What is your club location and contact information?
DLBC:  DLBC is located in Memphis, TN and we can be reached at distinctladies@yahoo.com or www.distinctladies.org.

Authors & Readers Book Corner appreciates your time!

Book Spotlight: A Dream Before Dying: The Initiation



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About the Book

In search of Vanessa, his first love, Vincent J. Christopher graduates from college and reports for duty in Vietnam as a young U.S. Army chaplain. Trained to fulfill his first commission, providing spiritual guidance and comfort to the soldiers in First Squad, he’s unknowingly chosen for initiation into the realm of Immortal Keepers. If successful, he will receive a second commission, gathering God’s elect and preparing them for the upcoming end time battle. The day before his twenty-first birthday, he dreams of time traveling between 1967 Vietnam and 33 A.D. Jerusalem, reliving the agonizing deaths of his squad members, as well as witnessing the three-year ministry of Christ. When Vincent realizes he may be trapped in ancient Jerusalem and forced to visually endure the horrific torture of Christ’s crucifixion, he struggles against his fate. Throughout his tour of duty, Vince teaches his squad members about the second coming of Christ, each example triggering a dream that hurls them from the battlefield to the first ministry of Christ. A Dream Before Dying entertains while it instructs, combining the fantasy of The Wizard of Oz, the conflict of Platoon, and the emotion of The Passion of Christ. This story answers many questions on the minds of bible students passionate about the Word of God, provoking them to think outside popular theories. It's a bible study and an amazing story. Some of the topics include: Where do we go when we die? Is there a difference between saved and born again? What lessons can we learn from the raising of Lazarus, and the 12 year old girl? Why do loved ones betray each other in the end days? The Rapture theory, how to understand the "anytime" doctrine. What did Jesus mean when he said...? and much more. It is not my intention to tell readers what to think. However it is certainly my intention to provoke readers to think about everything they have been taught about God’s word and use A Dream Before Dying/The Initiation as a resource for wisdom and knowledge.

Review

In A Dream Before Dying by Tony Scott Macauley readers are taken on a journey of one man’s dream and the endurance of his commission. On a mission to find his first love, Vincent Christopher, an Army Chaplain, provides spiritual guidance and support to soldiers. Vincent is recruited on a second commission, which involves him traveling through time and experiencing different lessons that he is to teach his soldiers. If Vincent is successful he will become the gatherer as well as their trainer for battle.

A Dream Before Dying is a story of learning, growth, and support. This powerful and spiritually written book will have readers hanging on to every lesson. The author’s writing style is direct and entertaining. I enjoyed the military feel of the book. I recommend A Dream Before Dying to others.

This book was provided by the author for review purposes.

Teresa Beasley

A&RBC Review

4 Stars

Author of the Week: TerriD

How did you become a writer?

I didn't set out to be a writer.  I have always kept journals since I was a little girl.  Also as a child I wrote short stories and dabbled in poetry.  As an adult I just kept a journal and some of my entries could be considered poetic.  One night while reading I had an idea for a story and just started writing. Before I knew it I had over 50 pages written.

Where does your inspiration for your characters come from?

The characters in my book came from my imagination.  The feeling that I put into my characters, the pain and sorrow some of it came from within me.  Not the specific situation itself but the feelings around what was happening.  Also I think some of what my characters experienced may have been what I wanted to happen in certain situations (mostly around the relationships between the men and women)

What are you hoping readers take from your book?

I really want people to read my book and be entertained.  I want the characters to come to life and I would like for them to be able to relate to their thoughts and feelings as the drama of the story unfolds.  This book is about friendships and the readers will be left asking themselves how far would they go to protect their friends.

 If you were to write a book about a controversial topic, what would it be?

 Actually there are several controversial topics in my book.  Things such as interracial relationships, Perjury, adoption, work place romances, and infidelity.

  

Most writers have a process or method for writing their books, what is yours?

 I started with the final scene in mind but I didn't know who would be in it.  I just wrote what I felt when I felt it.  Of course that approach required a lot of review and re work but I also find that my characters have a lot of emotion.  Some people who have read the book described it as feeling like they were right there with the characters going through it with them.

  What is your favorite genre of books?

 My favorite is urban fiction

Are you an avid or occasional reader?

 I am an avid reader

 What are two things you want your readers to know about you? 

 First of all I am just a single mother of three from Harrisburg, PA who likes to write.  I am not a celebrity, just an everyday person who pursued her dream.  Second my first love is music.  I love to sing especially in church.

If you could interview one of your favorite authors, who would it be?

 E. Lynn Harris

Why?

 One of my favorite authors of all time.  So sorry he's gone now.  His writing was from deep within his soul.  He wrote about controversial topics, gay men and men on the down low and he did it with style and grace in my opinion. 

What is or was your dream job?

 My dream job would be to own or manage a community center where programs such as music and the arts (dance, painting, writing)  were offered free of charge.  Something to encourage young people to get involved in them and away from the tv, video games etc.  As a child I lived in a development that had two rec centers.  One of my favorite things to do was to go to the rec center and participate in the free activities they offered.

What new projects are you working on?

I am working on my second book which is a sequel.  I have also recently started a blog where I talk about some of the back stories from my book and the characters.  What made them the way they are.

Where can readers find you?

 I am on Face Book and twitter under Author Terri D also my website is www.AuthorTerriD.com

Authors & Readers Book Corner appreciates your time!

Book Review: Mama Ruby



Purchase at Amazon.com

 Mama Ruby

Mary Monroe

3.5 Stars

In this prequel to The Upper Room, Mama Ruby by Mary Monroe, readers receive a glimpse of Ruby Upshaw before she became Mama Ruby. Ruby is a young 15-year-old girl eager to learn and please others. Ruby’s experiences more than a grown woman in her young years.  She also befriends the wrong individuals, which leads her on an unusual adventure.

Othella, Ruby’s best friend is one that parents would not like their children to bring home. Ruby is drawn to the freedom that Othella possesses and starts sneaking out of the house to hang around her. After discovering some unwanted information while visiting Othella’s house, Ruby decides to use it to her advantage. The two friends move to another city in hopes of finding husband’s and a new life. What the two friends stubble upon is more than they expected.

Mama Ruby is a story of friendship, dreams, and hopes for a better life. Having read the author’s previous novels, Mama Ruby was a slow read for me. The main characters’ experiences are realistic and gritty but the age range was a little over-the-top for me. This book had me thinking of my niece, who is the same age as Ruby, and I cannot imagine her participating in some of the situations or having the knowledge of these types of situations. I enjoy this author’s writing style and do recommend Mama Ruby to others.

Author of the Week: Tony Scott Macauley





A&RBC: How did you become a writer?

Tony: I began writing in 1990, after resigning from the military. I began writing by accident, or by fate. (My mother, aunt, sister, niece and nephew write, so it may run in my family). I kept having the same dreams over and over. After praying about them I believe the Holy Spirit told me to start writing, so I did. I hand wrote the first sixty pages in about two days. I was so full of the Spirit at the time that I couldn’t begin to tell you how it happened. It was before the computer was in every home. I couldn’t even type back then.

A&RBC: Where does your inspiration for your characters come from?

Tony: I do draw from my own experiences when I write and I have been studying the Bible for so long that my characters end up being people who I have taught bible studies over the years. I’m not an inspirational writer, as we have come to know the religious/genre, however the characters are emotionally inspiring. Some are from my childhood, others from my adult years. I place them all into the storyworld that I have created. My main character is usually a preacher/teacher commissioned by God to prepare the elect for the upcoming end time battle while in the meantime work as a beacon for bringing the elect out of darkness. My main character (in book II The Immortal Dancer/The Preparation) seems more like a heathen and tends to use the saying, “God chooses whom he will” to explain away his behavior. Of course in my storyworld the main characters are forced to do God’s will. As much as they love God they are extremely reluctant while remaining totally loyal to fulfilling their duty. Despite the weakness of the flesh, which at times they don’t even attempt to resist, they remain compelled to drive on to the end.

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

Tony: I try not to suggest what readers should to take from my stories. And I certainly don’t want to tell them what to think. However provoking them to think is the reason I write the way I do. Which I do without sounding preachy/sermony. Since the main characters in my storyworld are warrior bible teachers the main goal of my novel is to teach about the second coming of Christ. Within the pages are many, many answers to questions that every spiritually hungry follower and non-follower of Christ should ask and have answers to. I do my best to make sure each lesson is easy, fun, revealing enough so that it seems to come alive with emotion, passion, and humor. When I read over, and while I was still writing my current release, I began realizing that the wages for sin is death and while writing about the crucifixion of Christ I really felt it. The amount of detail in those chapters made me realize how much he suffered for me.

A&RBC: If you were to write a book about a controversial topic, what would it be?

Tony: I would like to write a book for teens. I’ve noticed the trend of vampire/witch/demon books and television shows and how evil is now combated by evil. Writers for secular television and books go to great lengths disregarding what is truly Good over Evil. It appears that evil is now the new good. I would like to write something that inspires and entertains teens, totally fiction, but how the word of God and his commands the Jesus can over come evil instantly as if by miracles.

A&RBC: Most writers have a process or method for writing their books, what is yours?
Tony: I’ve only written two books and my hat is off to those who can truly write, and write well. I however am not a ‘can write about anything type of writer’ but wish I were. I am writing a lot of articles these days so I tend to pick a current hot topic and relate it to the second coming of Christ or some other lesson from the scriptures.

A&RBC: What is your favorite genre of books?

Tony: I don’t read much but when I do, more then likely I will read fiction. I’m more of a tv watcher. However right now I’m reading “In the Spirit of Ronald E. McNair/Astronaut, An American Hero, by Carl S. McNair.

A&RBC: Are you an avid or occasional reader?

Tony: Occasional, on vacation reader.

A&RBC: What are two things you want your readers to know about you?

Tony: I am a former U.S. Army Ranger, and have been a professional ballroom dancer for over 15 years.

A&RBC: If you could interview one of your favorite authors, who would it be? Why?

Tony: I would interview my mother, Mary Macauley. She succeeded when all odds were against her, earned a masters degree and raised a family as a single parent.

A&RBC: What is or was your dream job?

Tony: As a child I wanted to be a priest, musician, and all around hero. Looking back on my life I tend to tell myself that I should have stuck with this or with that but then realize everything I did up to this point in my life was just exercise and that maybe one day I’ll be able to write about it.

A&RBC: What new projects are you working on?

Tony: I’m mostly working on getting my articles published, my new story Immortal Dancer and I plan to help Barrack Obama get re-elected.

A&RBC: Where can readers find you?

Tony: I’m hoping to attend the Atlanta Book Expo and Decatur Book Fair, both in September. ABA is on my birthday the 17^th. You can contact me at tonymacauley@att.net  http://www.adreambeforedying.com/ .You can find me at KADTS Ballroom Dance Club in West End Atlanta Ga where I own and operate a ballroom dance studio, now going on 12 years. On some of my free weekends you may catch me on Cascade Road SW Atlanta under my pop up canopy signing books.

Authors & Readers Book Corner appreciates your time!

Blog Tour Feature: Mama Ruby

Featured Book: Mama Ruby Prequel to the Upper Room

If you are a fan of Toni Morrison and Zora Neale Hurston, you will love Mama Ruby and the writings of Mary Monroe! 

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

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…

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!
Publishers Weekly Book Review
Mary Monroe's prequel to The Upper Room reintroduces readers to Mama Ruby, a fierce and indomitable woman. This time Monroe focuses on Ruby's early adolescence as the youngest daughter of a preacher in 1930s Louisiana. While her parents shelter her from the harsh world, Ruby is eager for adult sensations, especially sex, and embraces her desire when she meets the promiscuous Othella and her brother, Ike. Ruby and Othella experiment with neighborhood boys and Ruby soon gets pregnant. Othella and her mother persuade her to give the baby up at birth, and doing so haunts Ruby forever. Ruby and Othella then flee small town life only to become prostitutes in New Orleans and take part in a killing. Though readers new to the series will have to accept the dialect, ever-present threat of violence, and explicit sex scenes, they'll appreciate the compelling period and the unapologetic characters. Familiarity with The Upper Room smoothes the way. (June)

DON'T HAVE A E-READER, NOOK OR KINDLE? DON'T WORRY!
Download and Read books on your home computer, iPod, iPad, Blackberry, or other mobile devices for free. Nook  Apps can be found here for the PC  --  Kindle  Apps can be found here for the PC  Mama Ruby by Mary Monroe 
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Dafina (June 1, 2011)
ISBN-10: 0758238614
ISBN-13: 978-0758238610
Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.4 inches 
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Book Review: Hot-N-Heavy

Hot-N-Heavy

G. A. Peach

4 Stars

In Hot-N-Heavy the first installment in the Big and Beautiful Series by G. A. Peach, readers are introduced to four friends, Tabitha, Renee, Kym, and Janelle. These plus size divas are taking Atlanta by storm. These four friends deal with love, lies, and lust with a grain of salt and a game plan.

Tabitha Monroe is the owner of Big Girl Couture, a boutique she very proud of. Tabitha seems to have it all especially after she meets the man of her dreams. Tabitha just has to decide on what lengths she is willing to go to have him.

Janelle Martin is a married woman trying to keep her marriage together. Janelle has noticed her husband’s wondering eyes and realizes that he has to be hiding something. They say do not ask the questions you do not want answers to. When Janelle finds out why her husband has lost interest in her and their marriage, she will have a hard decision to make.

Kym Webb is a 20 year old who is full love life an excitement. Kym is also living a secret life and when her secret is revealed, Kym learns the hard way that every action has a reaction. She will have to face the consequences while acknowledging karma.

Renee Washburn has issues about her image and being a plus size woman. Renee’s lacks the ability to deal with these issues which has lead her from one bad relationship to the next. Renee soon recognizes that before she can deal with someone else she must first deal with herself. Once she starts recognizing her worth and loving herself, another obstacle comes knocking at her door.

Hot-N-Heavy is about four friends working with the hand they have been dealt. It is about women dealing life issues in the best way they know how. This was an entertaining and drama-filled book that kept my attention till the end. The author lets readers know that plus-size women can be divas too. I look forward to reading future installments in this series.  I recommend Hot-N-Heavy to others.

Reviewed by Teresa Beasley

In Hot

FYI Friday: Vacation Time

Hello Authors & Readers Book Corner Followers,

It is summer and vacation time. We here at A&RBC recently took a weeks vacation but now we are back. We have taken the current week to regroup, complete interviews,  research as well collect new information. We are here to inform you on all new information we collect about new authors, business, and bookclubs.

We are happy to back and look forward to providing you more helpful tools!

Sincerely,
Authors & Readers Book Corner