Wednesday, February 27, 2013

REVIEW: The Queen of Katwe by Tim Crothers


Date:                   2/24/13

Title:                   The Queen of Katwe: A Story of Life, Chess, and One Extraordinary Girl's Dream of                                       Becoming a Grandmaster 

                  
Author:              Tim Crothers  
ISBN 13:            978-1451657814
Pages:                240       
Publisher:        Scribner            
Cover:                 Hardcover       
Rating:               4 Stars


Phiona Mutesi was a nine-year-old girl living in Katwe. Katwe is the worst slums in Uganda. Instead of getting an education, she had to get out and work. She and her siblings did odd jobs to help their mother. Between times, she was introduced to chess and picked up rather quickly. What will she do with her new skill?

Let me start off by saying Tim Crothers did a phenomenal job with this book. In the beginning, I had a hard time reading about the living conditions in Uganda. I applaud Crothers for keeping things raw. His work puts things in perspective and gives you something to think about. I walked away learning some Uganda history. This is definitely a book I would recommend to others.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

BOOK TOUR: Liberation with Wanda B. Campbell

About the Author
Wanda B. Campbell is an extraordinary and talented writer who brings creativity, a new sense of hope, and restoration through the healing power of God to the Kingdom, by way of Christian fiction. Wanda uses real life everyday issues to exhort, motivate, and give comfort to all.

A romantic at heart, Wanda uses relationships to demonstrate how the power of forgiveness and reconciliation can restore us back to God and one another. Wanda currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband of twenty-two years, and two sons. She holds the unique position of being the oldest of five siblings and the youngest of twelve. Her hobbies include writing and reading of course, traveling, and collecting magnets from around the world. Her favorite hobby is spoiling her grandson.

About the Book
Tired of living a life of manipulation and abuse, Shannon Yates trades in her mini-skirts, colored contacts, and twelve-inch weave for a Bible. Although she accepts the liberation found within its pages, walking in her newfound freedom proves easier said than done. Just when the thing Shannon longs for the most is within reach, insecurities and old emotional wounds resurface, causing her to reject the blessing the Father has for her. Will love cast out all fear and liberate Shannon before it’s too late? Or will she settle for the familiar?


Purchase the Book Online at:

Amazon.com

BarnesandNoble.com


Book Review:


Date:                         2/22/13
Title:                         Liberation
Author:                     Wanda B. Campbell
ISBN 13:                   978-0985612177
Pages:                       321
Publisher:                Pulse
Cover:                       Electronic ARC
Rating:                     4 Stars



Date:                         2/22/13
Title:                         Liberation
Author:                      Wanda B. Campbell
ISBN 13:                    978-0985612177
Pages:                                   321
Publisher:                 Pulse
Cover:                                   Electronic ARC
Rating:                       4 Stars


This is my first Wanda Campbell novel and I’d have to say that this book both infuriated me and “liberated” me. There are so many instances when the term, “It takes a village . . .” rings true.

Shannon Yates is from the hood and her family won’t let her forget it. However, Shannon wants more for herself. All the odds were against her and she nearly took herself out. But, someone saw something special in her, and that someone was Julia Simone-Pennington. Julia is the perfect example of what women in the church are supposed to be. Even though Shannon’s mother and other family members treated her bad, Julia showed Shannon that she was somebody.

Shannon’s mother, Velma, has despised Shannon since birth. Shannon goes through so many unsatisfying relationships and much emotional turmoil that she doesn’t realize what love is when he slaps her in the face. God sent her a blessing in the form of Marcus and he is intent on carrying out God’s will—no matter how much Shannon tries to sabotage it.

This title made me angry because I could not understand how a mother gets a high out of seeing her daughter fail and how sisters could be so envious of someone trying to make a better life for herself.

I loved the book because (SPOILER) there is a happy ending. Shannon claims what is rightfully hers ‘thus sayeth the Lord’, and she comes to accept that God decides her destiny, not her family. The sad thing is that I know several women like Shannon. I used to be her, so this book touched many emotions. I loved the ending. Good job Ms. Campbell—this makes me want to go back and read some of your other titles. I also suggest this title to any woman who’s had family who tried to make them feel less than.
For More Information

Visit the author online at:

Book Trailer:





View the blog tour schedule at:
http://tywebbinvirtualevents.com/kwIvD

BLOG TOUR: Oliver Reid Virtual Book Tour


About The Book
Spiritual GPS is dedicated to the masses that found themselves paralyzed at life’s intersections and crossroads. This book is committed to those who are in desperate need for God’s direction each and every day of your life. To the one that has lost their way this book is devoted to you. To the one that can’t see God’s promises because of life’s obstructions this book is designed with you in mind.

If you have ever faced a problem that appeared to be bigger than the solution this book is handcrafted by God for you. If you have endeavored to hear the simple words you can this book is for you.

Spiritual GPS is tailored to people of diverse backgrounds and experiences. This book caters to individuals who dare to dream and live on the cutting edge of their next level. Spiritual GPS is focused on allowing you to concentrate on godly solutions instead of the equations.

About The Author
Apostle Oliver T. Reid, called into the ministry in his youth, is a powerfully anointed and dynamic man of God.  Known to be a remnant preacher and a testament to these times, Apostle Reid flows with a global prophetic mandate with God’s signs and wonders following.  A man of many gifts and talents, he walks in the office of Pastor, Prophet, Evangelist and Teacher, and most affectionately knows him as “Apostle.”  As a trailblazer, stalwart, and international apostle Reid has a passion to see the body restored, sinner’s saved, and broken hearts mended.

A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Apostle Reid is happily married to Miatta Reid and a proud father. He is a graduate of Winston Salem State University with a BA/BS degree in History and Sociology. Apostle Reid obtained a Bachelors as well as a Master’s Degree in Theology from Life Christian University. He is presently in pursuit of his Doctor of Ministry in Theology degree from Life Christian University.
  
Connect with Oliver:

Links to purchase the book

Trailer:




Tour Schedule: http://wnlbooktours.com/?page_id=456

Sunday, February 24, 2013

REVIEW: Liberation by Wanda B. Campbell



Date:                         2/22/13
Title:                         Liberation
Author:                    Wanda B. Campbell
ISBN 13:                   978-0985612177
Pages:                      321
Publisher:               Pulse
Cover:                      Electronic ARC
Rating:                    4 Stars


This is my first Wanda Campbell novel and I’d have to say that this book both infuriated me and “liberated” me. There are so many instances when the term, “It takes a village . . .” rings true.

Shannon Yates is from the hood and her family won’t let her forget it. However, Shannon wants more for herself. All the odds were against her and she nearly took herself out. But, someone saw something special in her, and that someone was Julia Simone-Pennington. Julia is the perfect example of what women in the church are supposed to be. Even though Shannon’s mother and other family members treated her bad, Julia showed Shannon that she was somebody.

Shannon’s mother, Velma, has despised Shannon since birth. Shannon goes through so many unsatisfying relationships and much emotional turmoil that she doesn’t realize what love is when he slaps her in the face. God sent her a blessing in the form of Marcus and he is intent on carrying out God’s will—no matter how much Shannon tries to sabotage it.

This title made me angry because I could not understand how a mother gets a high out of seeing her daughter fail and how sisters could be so envious of someone trying to make a better life for herself.

I loved the book because (SPOILER) there is a happy ending. Shannon claims what is rightfully hers ‘thus sayeth the Lord’, and she comes to accept that God decides her destiny, not her family. The sad thing is that I know several women like Shannon. I used to be her, so this book touched many emotions. I loved the ending. Good job Ms. Campbell—this makes me want to go back and read some of your other titles. I also suggest this title to any woman who’s had family who tried to make them feel less than.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Blog Tour Tuesdays is Coming Up

Tuesday is Blog Tour Tuesday at The Author's Hideaway, Up Next, Wanda B. Campbell and Oliver Reid!  



Friday, February 15, 2013

Sara Claytor to read at Carrboro Poetica


Sara Claytor will participating in Carrboro Poetica and reading from her anthology. Claytor, formerly North Carolina’s Poet of the Week, writes fiction and poetry that has appeared in over a hundred publications including: New Press Literary Quarterly; Miller’s Pond; California Quarterly; Frontiers: A Journal of Women’s Studies; Spire; The Crucible; The Pedestal Magazine; The Savannah Literary Journal; Pisgah Review. Her titles include Howling on Red Dirt Roads and Reviving the Damsel Fish.
Sara will join three other authors at FlyLeaf Books located at 752 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 

Thursday, February 14, 2013

BOOKSIGNING: Karen Pullen signs Cold Feet

Author Karen Pullen will host a book launch party for her debut mystery novel, Cold Feet at McIntyre’s Fine Books located at 220 Market Street, Fearrington Village, Pittsboro, North Carolina, 27312.

Cold Feet, which was released February 6th, follows Special Agent Lavender who has a stressful, adrenaline-fueled job: buying drugs undercover from paranoid drug dealers. One afternoon she’s grateful to be relaxing at an elegant outdoor wedding. But, as the guests wait, then grow restive, the satin-clad bride is dying most horribly. Who would kill a bride—an “angel” according to the groom—just minutes before her nuptials? Joining the investigation, Stella discovers the bride’s surprising history and that jealousy, depression, and grief colored her relationships. In Cold Feet, Karen Pullen draws the reader into a riveting story that alternates between Stella’s life as a drug agent and her determination to untangle a complex knot of secrets, harmful emotions, and questions of identity in order to find Justine’s killer. To learn more about Karen and her books, please visit http://www.karenpullen.com/

McIntyre's Books is an independent bookstore with an English library setting with a fireplace, upholstered chairs and cozy rooms perfect for browsing. They offer a wide selection of fiction and non-fiction, with particular emphasis on cooking, gardening and books by local authors - a collection that aptly reflects Fearrington itself. They also have an extensive mystery section! Since opening in 1989, they've been hosting one of the largest author and poet events programs in the South. To learn more about the bookstore, please visit http://www.fearrington.com/village/mcintyres.asp.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

BLOG TOUR: The Unlikely Remnant w/Tracey Michae'l Lewis


About the Author
Tracey Michae'l Lewis is a writer, editor, and educator. The author of six books including The Integrated Church: Authentic Multicultural Ministry and Interruption: The Gospel According to Crystal Justine, Lewis explores in her work both the personal and collective impact of the intersection of identity and faith.

About the Book
Faye is a mother in the AME church. She has spent 40 years of her life working for the Lord. Chad is a white, conservative Christian radio talk show host. He enjoys riling up the masses about issues related to race, gender, class, and politics. Jeremiah is a popular, Christian tele-evangelist. The charismatic, African American pastor of a popular mega-church, he is celebrated for his knowledge of scripture. Rosa is a Hispanic, single mom. An English teacher in the Catholic school she grew up in, she is a survivor of domestic abuse. So what happens when these four very different people find themselves trapped in a historical church in North Philadelphia AFTER THE RAPTURE? More than left behind, the characters in THE UNLIKELY REMNANT are left to deal with the personal truths and tragic secrets that led to them missing God; all while wrestling with the prejudices that inevitably surface in their relationships with each other. Who will press in an d who will give up their soul forever?

Purchase the Book Online at:

Amazon.com

BarnesandNoble.com


Book Trailer:





Book Review
Date:                     2/2/13
Title:                     The Unlikely Remnant               
Author:               Tracey Michae’l Lewis
ISBN 13:              978-0-9718920-8-8
Pages:                 192
Publisher:         NewSeason Books
Cover:                 Electronic ARC
Rating:               4 Stars


The Unlikely Remnant by Tracey Michae’l Lewis is thought provoking and so appropriate for our time. Christians know we are living in the last days, and with the turmoil of weather incidents, racial profiling, straight out racism and killing, this book is right on time. I’ve read the Left Behind books a long time ago and The Unlikely Remnant puts its own spin on the rapture.

The book details four characters and their views on Christ and God as a whole. Many of us may not admit it, but we have someone in our family that represents every one of these characters. Some books are in your face raunchy, The Unlikely Remnant was in your face but in a Christian kind of way. Some may think I’m crazy, but with reality shows like The Real Housewives, Love and Hip Hop and all these other worthless and human demeaning shows, Tracey Michae’l Lewis should look into making this into a reality show.

This book is for everyone, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, Atheist or anyone. At the very least, it will create a conversation even for the non-believer. Kudos to Lewis!


For More Information
Visit the author online at:

View the blog tour schedule at:



BLOG TOUR: Reasons for Hatred with J. E. Thomas



About The Book

This a story based on true events. It’s about two best friends who were separated during their childhood. The spotlight then zooms in on Hadassah; during their adult reunion, she divulges the painful moments of the sexual abuse, murder and death that occurred in her life during her adolescence. It is a story about an ordinary person faced with extraordinary trauma and how she came to forgive and learned to embrace wholeness.


About The Author

Bio Hadassah Thomas Martin is a high-spirited woman of faith who was born in Los Angeles and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area.  She trained with Precept Ministries and became a certified trainer in “How to study the Bible”. She is also an active member of the Fellowship of International Christian Word Of Faith Ministries (FICWFM).  She is the founder of “Keep It Real Ministries” which is a non-profit organization whose mission is to conduct local bible studies which teach people how to continuously live in the reality of God’s Word; regardless of their experience. 

Being an “at risk youth” herself, Hadassah has overcome insurmountable obstacles. She is a bright light to women who have suffered abuse and a vital assistant in producing overcomers.
She has a passion for people and teaches youth, men and woman how to fight to win!  

As a true worshipper and Intercessor, she boldly believes that NOTHING is too hard for God!
In spite of the multiple challenges we face, she believes the greatness which is inside us all, can be extracted, developed and targeted to reach its designed purpose.  

Her Focus: to express qualities that brings inspiration to others. Her motto is “We Always Triumph!”
Her inspiring influence, and her down to earth, “Keep It Real” style are certain to leave an indelible impression.



Order your copy








Author Website
www.hadassahinspires.com


Monday, February 11, 2013

REVIEW: The Unlikely Remnant by Tracey Michae'l Lewis


Date:                     2/2/13
Title:                     The Unlikely Remnant               
Author:               Tracey Michae’l Lewis
ISBN 13:              978-0-9718920-8-8
Pages:                 192
Publisher:         NewSeason Books
Cover:                 Electronic ARC
Rating:               4 Stars


The Unlikely Remnant by Tracey Michae’l Lewis is thought provoking and so appropriate for our time. Christians know we are living in the last days, and with the turmoil of weather incidents, racial profiling, straight out racism and killing, this book is right on time. I’ve read the Left Behind books a long time ago and The Unlikely Remnant puts its own spin on the rapture.

The book details four characters and their views on Christ and God as a whole. Many of us may not admit it, but we have someone in our family that represents every one of these characters. Some books are in your face raunchy, The Unlikely Remnant was in your face but in a Christian kind of way. Some may think I’m crazy, but with reality shows like The Real Housewives, Love and Hip Hop and all these other worthless and human demeaning shows, Tracey Michae’l Lewis should look into making this into a reality show.

This book is for everyone, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, Atheist or anyone. At the very least, it will create a conversation even for the non-believer. Kudos to Lewis!

Sunday, February 10, 2013

REVIEW: A Reason for Hatred by J.E. Thomas



Date:                        February 2, 2013
Title:                         A Reason for Hatred: A Story Based on True Events
Author:                     J.E. Thomas
ISBN 13:                  978-1432793777
Pages:                     137
Publisher:                Outskirts Press
Cover:                      Electronic ARC
Rating:                     4 Stars

POSSIBLE SPOILER!!!

In A Reason for Hatred, by J.E. Thomas is a daunting recollection of Hadassah’s tumultuous past. Sometimes it takes someone from our past to help us deal with and heal from past hurts.

After thirty-two years of being apart, and through a chance meeting, Hadassah reunites with her childhood friend Sylvia. The two agree to take a cruise together to catch up on old times. During this four day venture to Catalina Island, Hadassah recollects and shares her story of sexual and physical abuse, teen pregnancy, more abuse and eventually the death of her mother.

With all that Hadassah had endured is enough to make a person go crazy and even contemplate suicide. Hadassah’s heroic tale of hurt and forgiveness is enough to give anyone hope. This is the reason why God wants us to forgive, for it’s not for the other person, but for your own self-development.

In conclusion, with this story and activism by the author, I believe this will help many others who have endured abuse and have yet to deal with it.