FEATURE FRIDAY: Sideline Scandals by Pat Tucker

Excerpt

The game’s afoot once again in this sizzling sequel to Football Widows, with new members and new drama, courtesy of the women behind the NFL’s biggest stars, and play is getting dirty on and off the field...

Sasha Davenport is riding her popular Football Widows social club all the way to the top. She’s got the right look, the high-profile job, and a glamorous public image that belies all her previous salacious activities. The one thing that eludes her is the star player she needs to complete the cast of her made-for-reality TV life. Los Angeles Sea Lions NFL wife Tatayna Bacall has been faking enthusiasm for the game for too long. Now she wants her star quarterback husband to find a job as a sports analyst so their life can take on some kind of normalcy. Joining the Football Widows Club gives her hope that there is life outside the huddle. But when Tatayna realizes that her husband is a target, she’s ready to break the rules with some foul plays of her own…

Bio

By day, Pat Tucker Wilson works as a radio news director in Houston, TX. By night, she is a talented writer with a knack for telling page-turning stories. A former television news reporter, she draws on her background to craft stories readers will love. With more than 15 years of media experience, the award-winning broadcast journalist has worked as a reporter for ABC, NBC and Fox affiliate TV stations and Radio stations in California and Texas.  She also co-hosts the literary talk show, From Cover to Cover.

Pat has wowed editors with her ability to turn out five to ten thousand words a day. But it’s not just quantity that has Pat at the top of her game. The quality of her stories is what keeps the readers coming back. A much sought-after ghost writer, Pat gets her greatest joy in creating her own stories. She is the author of six novels and has participated in three anthologies, including Zane’s New York Times Bestseller, Caramel Flava.

A graduate of San Jose State University, Pat is a member of the National and Houston Association of Black Journalists and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. She is married with two children.

Book Information

•             Strebor Books |

•             352 pages |

•             ISBN 9781593094799 |

•             September 2013

Book Links

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1593094795/simonsayscom

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sideline-scandals-pat-tucker/1113741732?ean=9781593094799&itm=1&usri=9781593094799

http://www.booksamillion.com/ncom/books?isbn=1593094795

http://www.bookish.com/books/sideline-scandals-pat-tucker-9781593094799/53cff65c-64a9-4afa-b2c6-27b3721c47e2

Contact

 Web http://authorpattucker.com/

Twitter @AuthorPatTucker

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/authorpattucker

BLOG TOUR: Stepping Down with Michelle Stimpson

About The Author

Michelle Stimpson is an author, a speaker, and an educator who received her Bachelor of Science degree from Jarvis Christian College in 1994.  She earned a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2002.  She has had the pleasure of teaching elementary, middle, and high school as well as training adults.

In addition to her work in the field of education, Michelle ministers through writing and public speaking. Her works include the highly acclaimed Boaz Brown, Divas of Damascus Road (National Bestseller), and Falling Into Grace, which has been optioned by Paulist Productions for a movie of the week.  She has published several short stories for high school students through her educational publishing company, Right Track Academic Support Services, at www.wegottaread.com.

Michelle serves in women's ministry at her home church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. She also ministers to women and writers through her blog.  Michelle  regularly speaks at special events and writing workshops sponsored by churches, schools, book clubs, and educational organizations.

The Stimpsons are proud parents of two young adults and one crazy dog.

About The Book

Stepping Down - Mark Carter III founded New Vision Community Church six years ago. His

wife, a reluctant first lady, feels like a church widow, and their teenage son needs a hands-on father now more than ever...but what would happen to the church if Mark stepped down for a while to shepherd his own family? After Mark is involved in a suspicious car accident, he won't have to wait long to find out.

Book Excerpt

Pastor Mark Wayne Carter, III cast his drooping eyes on the clock ticking away on the wall

directly across from his desk. Last year his wife, Sharla, had lowered the clock so that it stared at

him while he was sitting in his gold-studded leather executive chair.

“I know you’re busy doing the Lord’s work, but it would be nice to see you home before the

sun goes down sometimes,” she had nagged as she pounded a nail into the wall. She positioned

the clock in its new location, then put both hands on her hips. “If you can see the clock, you might actually keep track of how much time you’re spending here in your office.”

Mark didn’t like to fight with her about his devotion to New Vision Church. The church

was his life’s purpose, the reason he’d walked away from his short, but well-paying career as an insurance salesman. This church had given him a sense of accomplishment he’d never experienced in all his months as top-producer at StateWay Insurance.

More than anything, Mark hoped that New Vision Church would be the reason Jesus said,

“Well done, my good and faithful servant,” to him one day.

Late Saturday nights came with the territory, which was one reason he hired a very young man as his assistant and semi-mentee. At thirty-eight years old, Mark was no old goat, but he wasn’t bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, either. He needed an assistant to knock on the door every hour or so and make sure Mark hadn’t fallen asleep at the computer.

Find Michelle online at:

Twitter link www.twitter.com/stimpsontweets

Facebook link www.facebook.com/michelle.stimpson2

WEBSITE, EMAIL

Email: stimpson.michelle@gmail.com

Website:  www.MichelleStimpson.com

BLOG:

WE GOTTAREAD 

www.wegottaread.com

Order a copy

Amazon ebook: http://tinyurl.com/kbfeuex

Amazon book: http://tinyurl.com/kt5f3fh

Tour Schedule: http://wnlbooktours.com/michelle-stimpson/

BLOG TOUR: God Doesn't Write With a Pen w/Christi Lynn Pauline

About the Author

Christi Lynn Pauline was born in the humble town of Blackfoot, Idaho, near the Fort Hall Indian

reservation. It was here that her interest in other cultures was cultivated at an early age. Her love of God, people, and literature has fueled a desire to write, and her favorite subject is that of ordinary people who possess extraordinary faith. She enjoys reading and writing poetry and has authored a children’s book entitled, “Hullaballoo at the Zoo.”

Christi currently resides in Meridian, Idaho, with her husband, Ernie, where they are both serving as Ward Missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They also serve as Ordinance Workers in the Boise, Idaho Temple. As a wife, mother, and grandmother, Christi treasures time spent with her family.

About the Book

Guinea-Bissau, West Africa, is war-torn and chaotic after the election of 1994. Joao Bernardo Vierra is elected president in spite of fierce opposition, magnifying the already tense political situation.

As war ravages the country, pharmacy owner, Blema Fangamou and his wife, Fatoumatou, are separated from their children. For over twelve years, the couple is tested and tried with hardships, all the while wondering whether their children are alive. Through the Lord, Blema and Fatoumatou are strengthened, helping them to maintain love and hope.

This true story of the Fangamou family’s journey through loss, recovery, and miracles helps us recognize the tender mercies given to us by the Lord in our own lives and is an inspiration to everyone who faces adversity.

Visit Christi at http://www.christilynnpauline.com/ or view her blog tour schedule at http://blog.cedarfort.com/blog-tour-god-doesnt-write-with-a-pen/

BLOG TOUR: Life with Diana Strickland

About The Author

Diana was born in Birmingham Alabama and now reside in New Jersey.  New Jersey has been my home for 9 years.  She is an author of two published poetry books, Mercies Of God, and LIFE.  She is also the author of the ministry website Believer To Believer.  Diana is currently employed seeking to be in ministry full time in the near future.  She is a student at Abundant Life Bible Institute to obtain my Associates degree in Theology.  She also ministers my poetry at various events and aspiring to do much more.  She rededicated her life to Christ the year of 2005 when she was going through her divorce.  She is a committed Christian serving God being led by the Holy Spirit.  She hopes to inspire her environment and pray that many will come to Christ Jesus.

About The Book

LIFE, is a poetry book of 50 poems about my life's journey as a Christian woman going

through one of the most life changing experiences.  I began to write this book while being homeless, living in a shelter, and continuing to go through as a woman of God.  My book is about overcoming life's struggles.  And God has defined what I went through with the title, LIFE.  Keeping that relationship with Jesus.

Book Excerpt

CROSSROADS

YOUR PAST IS YOUR PRESENT

Your Past Is Your Present

don’t bring up what you did

but your present speaks loud and clear

what you use to do is what you do

you haven’t matured

my mom once said

there’s nothing like an old fool

Your Past Is Your Present

singing the same tune

this man hurt you

like the last one did

the tears even fall the same

you have no sympathy here

you haven’t learned a thing

Your Past Is Your Present

drama mama

confusion and strife

up and through your life

you can’t sit down

your world is crazy

and it’s been that way for years

Connect with the Author

Email Address: authordianastrickland@aol.com
Website www.authordianastrickland.com
Youtube: www.youtube.com/dianastrickland
Facebook link https://www.facebook.com/authordiana

Trailer:

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/LIFE-Diana-Strickland/dp/1612155618/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1371142988&sr=1-2&keywords=diana+strickland

Tour Schedule: http://wnlbooktours.com/diana-strickland/

REVIEW: Take 2: Your Guide to Creating Happy Endings by Leeza Gibbons

Date:                                   8/6/13

Title:                                    Take 2: Your Guide to Creating Happy Endings and New Beginnings            

Author:                               Leeza Gibbons              

ISBN 13:                              978-1401939816

Pages:                                 304

Publisher:                          Hay House

Cover:                                  Hardcover

Rating:                                4 Stars

In Take 2: Your Guide to Creating Happy Endings and New Beginnings, Leeza Gibbons uses her life

experiences and lessons to show others how to reinvent themselves and take charge of their lives.

As a woman over forty, I am always looking for ways to reinvent myself and live a full, successful and happy life. Every now and the we need reminding and I think that this is one of the things this book does.  One of the tips she gives is Take Bold Action. You cannot be timid with opportunities, you have too much competition. You must show that you really want what you are looking for and as Leeza says, “When the door opens, walk through it. If it doesn’t—kick it down.” If there are no opportunities, you must create your own.

I grew up with Leeza and I must say after all these years, she is still a beauty—inside and out. 

REVIEW: Nikki and Deja: Substitute Trouble

Date:                                   8/11/13

Title:                                    Nikki and Deja: Substitute Trouble     

Author:                               Karen English 

ISBN 13:                              978-0547615653

Pages:                                 112

Publisher:                          HMH Books for Young Readers

Cover:                                  Paperback

Rating:                                2 Stars

I’ve read and reviewed several of the books in the Nikki and Deja Series and most of them were good. I’ve recommended many of them to ethnic children. However, this latest installment had me wondering if the author is tired of the series, because it was not as well written or interesting as the other books in the series. I’m not sure how far Karen English will carry on this series, but I sure hope the next book is better than this one but as good as her other Nikki and Deja books. 

REVIEW: The Accounting by William Lashner

Date:                                  8/8/13

Title:                                  The Accounting              

Author:                               William Lashner           

ISBN 13:                              978-1611099355

Pages:                                 426

Publisher:                           Thomas and Mercer

Cover:                               

 Paperback -ARC

Rating:                                4 Stars

I’m just now getting into Mystery/Crime/Thriller novels.  This book did not disappoint. After reading The Accounting, I will make it a point to back and read other William Lashner novels.

A teenage crime that everyone had long forgotten comes back to haunt Jon and his friends. A true tale of what is done in the dark, always comes to light even if its twenty-five years later. As the body count rises realizes one should never come between a drug dealer and his money. Jon finds out if a change in identity can save him from his past.

Normally, I can read a book of about two-hundred and fifty pages, in about three to five hours, depending on  the content. However, The Accounting is One BAB (Big Ass Book). It took me about a week to read this book. But none the less, it was a good one. As I settle in to read more of Lashner’s work, I know I should probably read them on a cold, boring night, because it’s going to be a while. 

REVIEW: Mistakes Leaders Make by Dave Kraft

Date:                                   8/8/13

Title:                                    Mistakes Leaders Make              

Author:                               Dave Kraft        

ISBN 13:                              978-1433532498

Pages:                                 128

Publisher:                          Crossway

Cover:                                  Paperback

Rating:                                3.5 Stars

Mistakes Leaders Make by Dave Kraft touches on spiritual and ministry mistakes that are often

times made by spiritual and church leaders. These mistakes range from focusing on man and materialism instead of faith in God's word. 

It has been my experience, as it is described in this book, that many leaders take their eyes off God and place them on things of the world.

This book gives ten (10) common mistakes like allowing ministry to replace Jesus, allowing pleasing people to replace pleasing God and allowing information to replace transformation. Each mistake is given its own chapter, includes a relatable story and ends with a Food for Thought section.

The book is short and easy to read. Although I feel the book is a bit generic, the author made his key points and I do believe this is a good resource, especially for those looking to get into ministry for all the wrong reasons.

REVIEW: The Clarity Principle by Chatham Sullivan

Date:                                    8/7/13  

Title:                                     The Clarity Principle

Author:                               Chatham Sullivan

ISBN 13:                               978-1118434666

Pages:                                 240

Publisher:                          Jossey-bass

Cover:                                  Hardcover

Rating:                                3 Stars

The Clarity Principle, although a good book and resource, is really not much different from your

typical leadership book. There are those books that are a must have for your leadership library; however, this is one of those. This was a book that I could take or leave. This is not to say that this is not a valuable book, it’s just that when you've read so many leadership books, you expect others to be exceptional. Enough about that.

The one thing that stood out for me in this book is that the author shares that you shouldn’t treat everyone, everything or every situation equally. People are on different levels, and not every situation is going to have the same outcome.

The book uses several analogies and is an easy read. However, I found myself losing interest and having to put the book down and revisit several times before finishing. 

REVIEW: Choosing the Road Less Traveled by Myckelle Williams

Date:                                    8/1/13  

Title:                                     Choosing the Road Less Traveled: Finding Grace on the Path to Purpose

Author:                               Myckelle Williams

ISBN 13:                              978-0615772905

Pages:                                 168

Publisher:                          MPowerment Worldwide LLC

Cover:                                  Paperback

Rating:                                4 Stars

I must first commend Myckelle Williams for having the courage to write and share her story with

others. As she said in a previous interview, every woman has a story. This is so true and often times many women don't know how to tell their stories, are afraid to tell their stories or are silenced from telling their stories.

The author takes the reader on a journey from her pregnancy at age sixteen to the present. Mrs. Williams shows how her faith and God's plan for her life transformed her life.

Myckelle found herself repeating the Cycle that her parents followed, filled with abuse, teenage promiscuity, babies, abortions and abuse. Like so many of us, the author has been through and seen a lot of things at an early age. Sometimes we think we went through so much as children and even as adults, until we reach or are privy to someone else story. Even so, I truly believe God allows us to go through things for a reason.

God placed various people throughout Myckelle's life, and when he thought she was ready to stand on her own, or perhaps it was when he felt it was time for her to depend on him and not others, he moved people she and her husband had depended on to Idaho.

From her beginning to where she is now, the author has been a fighter and a conqueror and because of it, she is not in a position to help others facing similar situations through her current business and non-profit endeavors.

BLOG TOUR: Flawfully Wedded Wives with Shana Burton

About the Author

As a child, Shana Johnson Burton, a native of Macon, Georgia, wanted to be two things: an author and a flower. Eventually, she sided with being an author. She is a two-time Georgia Author of the Year nominee and has received many awards and accolades for her work as both an author and educator. She is the mother of two children and enjoys reading, dancing, traveling, and taking long naps.

In addition to Flawfully Wedded Wives, Shana Burton is the author of Suddenly Single, First Comes Love, Catt Chasin’, Flaws and All, and Flaw Less.

About the Book

Just when Sullivan, Lawson, Kina, Angel, and Reginell finally think they’ve gotten life figured out, fate steps in and throws them all a curve ball, adding fuel to the drama that seems to follow the ladies wherever they go.

Mt. Zion’s first lady, Sullivan Webb, has left her philandering ways behind her, but lingering

questions surrounding her daughter’s paternity motivate Sullivan to seek out her own absentee father, Pastor Samuel Sullivan. What her search uncovers is years of lies, secrets, and betrayal that threaten to destroy the lives of almost everyone she loves.

Kina Battle’s newfound celebrity status as the winner of a popular weight-loss reality show goes to her head as quickly as she shed her unwanted pounds. Kina is prepared for the fame, endorsement deals, and celebrity appearances that come along with stardom. What she isn’t prepared for is the harsh backlash when her secrets are exposed and the public starts to question whether she is the devout Christian that she’s led everyone to believe she is.

Lawson Kerry Banks could get over her husband’s affair if the evidence wasn’t staring at her through the eyes of his love child. Lawson’s insecurities and inability to accept his child force Garrett to choose between the woman he loves and the child he’s fathered.

Life as the soon-to-be wife of high school football coach Mark Vinson lacks the excitement of Reginell Kerry’s former life. It certainly lacks the financial security that pulling down $1000 a week as an exotic dancer afforded her. When the bills start to pile up, Reginell goes back to doing what she knows best, only this time it may cost her more than she’s willing to pay.

Angel King’s broken heart finds a safe place to mend in the arms of high school classmate Jordan McKay. He respects her decision to abstain from sex until marriage, he loves the Lord, and he adores her. However, Jordan is harboring a dangerous secret that could destroy their relationship and leave Angel brokenhearted once again.

The ladies often fall victim to being led by their hearts instead of their heads. This time, they may have gone too far.

Book Excerpt:

Sullivan Webb

“Every little girl deserves to be her daddy’s princess, even you, Sullivan,” said Charles.  “It breaks my heart that you didn’t have that.”

            Sullivan sighed.  “Vera would be a strong contestant for the Worst Mother Ever title, but I can’t blame her or my dad for the mistakes I’ve made as an adult.  It makes me sick to my stomach when I think about how much I’ve hurt you.”

“I’m strong, Sullivan.  I’m okay.  I went into this marriage with you with my eyes wide open.”

“Yeah, but I know I made you want to close them and pretend this was all some horrible nightmare! You couldn’t have predicted my drinking problems, the affair with Vaughn, or my psychotic mother.”

“We’ve all made our mistakes, Sullivan, myself included.”

“You’re no saint, Charles, but compared to me, you’re seated on the throne next to Jesus!”

He laughed.  “You’re not so bad, my beauty. The drinking, Vaughn and that whole mess are all in the past.”

Sullivan nodded, looking down at her baby, who smiled at the sight of her mother.  Sullivan desperately wanted to believe her husband and embrace the idea that all of her past sins were behind her.  After all, hadn’t the Bible said she was a new creature in Christ and had been forgiven?  She allowed Charity to squeeze her finger.  Though Sullivan returned Charity’s smile, she couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that, instead of being behind her, the living evidence of her sins was staring her in face.

Purchase the Book Online at:

Amazon.com

BarnesandNoble.com

Book Trailer:

Visit the author online at:

shana.j.burton@gmail.com

View the blog tour schedule at:

http://tywebbinvirtualevents.com/0BTrqhttp://tywebbinvirtualevents.com/0BTrq

BLOG TOUR: Choosing the Road Less Traveled with Myckelle Williams

About The Book

Born in an environment of drugs, sex, broken relationships, and parental neglect, 18-year-old Myckelle Williams eventually faced a major crossroads in her own life, and the prospect of becoming a statistic, as a desperate teenager unexpectedly pregnant with her second unplanned child.  Like so many young women across America, she found herself literally at a ‘fork in the road’ while travelling life’s path.  Myckelle soon discovers that each choice in life come with a heavy price to pay, and is forced to decide whether or not to end her unplanned pregnancy. You will be amazed as Myckelle tells how one uncommon act of unselfish love by total strangers helped her to discover forgiveness, break generations of dysfunction, and walk away from destructive cycles that enabled her to change her life, and family, from the inside out.

Join Myckelle on a journey of hope, healing, and finding love in unexpected places, that include powerful life lessons for the reader with each new chapter.

By pulling from Robert Frost’s poem, ‘The Road Not Taken’, you will be led on a journey of self- discovery, forgiveness, and the impact of everyday choices.  Her story of faith, courage, and victory over circumstance, contains powerful illustrations for women of all ages, races, and backgrounds, which provide guidance in creating new traditions and generational patterns in your own family, as well as breaking old strongholds and family patterns that threaten to keep you and your children from the Purpose that God intended. As she struggles with often agonizing acceptance of the consequences of her own choices, you too will be inspired to reflect on your own past decisions, and through her heartache learn about the miracle of life’s true purpose...and discover the unconditional reality of God’s unfailing love.

About The Author

Myckelle P Williams, co-founder of B.L.O.G. Magazine™, host of 'BLOGTalk

Live!' monthly Christian radio show, and creator of the Heartwood Project™ for Women, lives in Tennessee with her husband of 20 years. She is the mother of 6 children and two grandchildren. Once a teen mother who overcame the odds, Myckelle helps empower women to overcome the traumas of their past, and mentors young women over the country. She was featured on "Joy in our Town" on TBN Network, for her development of the PURE Satisfaction™ Abstinence Program in Atlanta in 2009. She is the author of the book 'Choosing the Road Less Traveled: Finding Grace on the Path to Purpose,’ which is now available on amazon.com. For more information about her upcoming Heartwood Project™ Seminars, you can reach Myckelle at myckelle@mpowermentww.org

Connect with the Author

Email Address: myckelle@mpowermentww.org

Website www.myckelle.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/myckelle-williams/8/4a9/728/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myckelle

Amazon link  http://www.amazon.com/Choosing-Road-Less-Traveled-Finding/dp/0615772900/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1367193566&sr=1-1&keywords=choosing+the+road+less+traveled

Tour Schedule: http://wnlbooktours.com/myckelle-p-williams/

Book Excerpt

PROLOGUE

Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart for my holy purpose...I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations.

~Jeremiah 1:5

“I’d like to make an appointment...for an abortion.”

Desperation and shame filled my voice, and I hoped the lady on the other end didn’t know me or my parents.

“How many weeks are you? When was your last period?” The lady on the other end asks, seemingly not surprised, sounding more annoyed than anything else.

I gave her the dates she requested, asking “How much will that cost?”

Annoyed sigh. “You are fourteen-and-a-half weeks. Well, the process will be much longer because you are further along, but it will be $375 total.”

“Do you take Medicaid?”

“Yes.”

“When can I come in?

“Tuesday at 8 a.m.

“Do I need to bring anything?”

“Just your money, or Medicaid card, proof of pregnancy. And a ride home.”

I hung up and looked at my boyfriend. How were we going to afford that? We could barely afford to take care of our eleven month old son, the child I had had less than a year ago at age seventeen. “It’s cool.” He told me. “My sister has Medicaid. We can use her card. You just use her name and info.”