Monday, November 30, 2015

New Release!!!! Sedução (Seduction)

It's here!! Go grab your copy today!!!






A sexy Brazilian man. An insatiable older woman. An indecent proposal.

Young, handsome, and aptly able-bodied Victor Castro is every woman’s fantasy. When propositioned by the insatiable Myra Jennings, will he take the bait, step onto a new path, and escape his life of poverty?


This novella is a prequel to the novel, Ain’t Nobody





Nook coming soon...

Friday, November 27, 2015

#BookReview - Why Not Take All of Me

Why Not Take All of MeWhy Not Take All of Me by Joel Peckham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a fan of Lady Day--the legend and her music. That being said, this collection of poetry is a fitting and beautiful tribute to her. Atmospheric and emotional, visual and gritty, this work is a must read for lovers of music and poetry. I absolutely loved it and hated for it to end. Highly recommend.

View all my reviews

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Guest Post: Abby Kelly, author of Beyond Belief

BEYONDBELIEFNRCPHARPERBANNER 



Guest Post:

Ever feel like you're hitting a brick wall with all your best intentions? Before you know it, all the good, God-serving things that gave you a sense of calling and mission lay in shambles at your feet, leaving you to wonder why you thought they were so great in the first place:

Maybe you heard God wrong.

Maybe He never called you in the first place.

Maybe you’re just not up to the task.

Maybe you over estimated yourself.

Maybe …

In the course of one week, half of my “calling” seemed to disintegrate. As a writer, who seeks to lead others to develop a strong relationship with Jesus, I felt like an utter failure.

I’m struggling to promote a book that I believe God compelled me to write. A generous local business offered to host a book signing for me. Only three people showed up—and they were all my friends just there to support me. And they already owned the book.

I’m an editor for a Christian website that I love and fully believe in. Last week, the founder emailed with discouraging news.

I decided to host a Bible study in my home and invited all my neighbors. Five women seemed excited and committed to attend. Before nine Monday morning, all but one had cancelled.

What do you do when all your “good-God things” go bad?

How do you quickly redefine your purpose, your calling, when everything you set out to do suddenly seems small, worthless, ineffective and empty?

I sat on the floor debating whether or not to cry. What now, God? Should I just quit this whole writing thing? Am I just not meant to be a leader?

A verse floated across my mind:

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” Galatians 6:9

But how do you not lose heart when nothing seems to succeed, when you feel completely unproductive with nothing to show for your efforts?

Recently, I learned the origin of the modern definition of productivity:

“In the late 1870s … Frederick Winslow Taylor produced the first efficiency study and in doing so created the practice of ‘scientific management,’ from which we ultimately were given the concept of ‘productivity,’ a linguistic construction of the words product and activity, or ‘product activity,’ as it were.” (Desiring God, Rick Segal, November 1, 2015)

As concise as that sounds, I don’t think that definition of productivity is the kind that pleases God. It’s certainly not the kind exemplified in the life of the man who penned Galatians 6:9.

“Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea … “ 2 Corinthians 11:24-25

Not exactly a stellar resume. But if you know Paul’s story, you know that the greatest harvest was sown and reaped in the constructs of chaos and seeming failure.

Paul was confident in his calling, if not in its immediate consequence. Paul was mindful of his mission, if not in its momentum.

There’s a lot than can appear discouraging—even like outright failure. There are a lot of reasons to lose heart. But we must not.

First Corinthians 15:58 says, “ … Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Your work in the Lord is not in vain. Don’t lay down your calling in search of a better plan just because reason (and pride) tells you to. Remember, God uses the small things, the small beginnings, the foolish things. (Zechariah 4:10, 1 Corinthians 1:27)

And, “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

The not growing weary is your job, the harvest is His.






cooltext1950057983 photo 


Abby Kelly is a nomadic, military spouse writing from wherever she momentarily finds herself with her husband, their wonderful dog, Brave, and two tolerable cats. Abby began writing in the process of recovering from a more-than-decade long eating disorder. She credits Jesus Christ for her full recovery and for filling her with a passion to encourage others to seek freedom from their own addictions and struggles. Now, Abby is the senior editor for two online Christian publications: www.tblfaithnews.com and www.mydailyarmor.org. She is a freelance editor, as well. Abby continues to write for numerous Christian publications as well as maintains her personal blog, www.predatory-lies.com. In her free time, she and Brave enjoy volunteering in hospitals and schools as a pet therapy team through Pet Partners.



  cooltext1950058583  
cover_art_flattened_02'



Genre: Bible Study, Christian Non-fiction 
ISBN-10: 1632131145 
ISBN-13: 978-1632131140


Does your life look the same as it did the day you put your faith in Jesus Christ? Or have you discovered the power of the Spirit within you enabling you to live a holy, righteous life? For that matter, is it even possible to be holy? Many Christians today are wading in the shallow end of the infinite relationship God desires to have with His children. They are strangled by addictions and idolatry, or distracted from the pursuit of spiritual maturity by a cheap imitation of moralism. Whatever the reason, their spiritual growth has been stunted; they’ve never gone beyond mere belief in Jesus Christ. Beyond Belief: Jesus Saved You ... Now What? explores what God has in store for you and what He wants from you. With a firm foundation on the centrality of Christ, this book will help you see exactly who you are and what you are called to, based on, and enabled by, His righteousness alone. Through intense study and humbling application of both the Old and New Testaments, Beyond Belief, will show you what a mature Christian life looks like and what it takes to get there.




  cooltext1950060718
download (5) bn-icon

 
connect socially



WNL banner
follow the tour

Monday, November 23, 2015

#MondayMotivation - #NaNoWriMo: I'm a winner!!



I'm excited to share that I reached 50,001 words on November 21!! Instead of writing one novel for NaNoWriMo, I actually completed 2 novellas that are part of a new trilogy of romances I plan to publish in early 2016. 

NaNoWriMo was a wonderful experience and it helped me get back on track with my writing. If you're participating, comment below and tell me how you're doing and be sure to write on!!


Sunday, November 22, 2015

#SampleSunday 2 from Sedução (Seduction)

Please enjoy another short sample from Sedução (Seduction). And CLICK HERE to pre-order your copy today!!!






As Victor stood in line with the others, confusion spread across his face. What was going on? A second later, the door that led from the kitchen to the dining area flew open and in walked the hotel’s general manager, followed by a white woman wearing a navy blue gown and long, white gloves. She was pretty in a plastic surgery kind of way. Her tanned, taut skin and obviously-bleached blond hair alluded to the fact that she was much older than she wanted to appear. Her face was stoic as her eyes roamed the kitchen staff. That is, until she fixed them on Victor. When her gaze met his, her eyebrows lifted ever so slightly and then she let her eyes glide over his entire person.
His facial hair belied his age, made him appear older, but she could tell he was much younger than her… and she liked that.
She shifted her focus to the chef and offered him her hand. Before she could speak, the hotel’s manager said, “This is Mrs. Jennings. She wanted to pay compliments for her meal.”
Mrs. Jennings smiled as she firmly gripped the older man’s hand. “Yes, it was absolutely divine, Chef. The best meal I’ve had in ages. And the service was impeccable.” She released his hand and turned to the manager. “I do have a question for you, though.”
He nodded vigorously. “Yes?”
She slowly sauntered over to where Victor stood, her eyes trained on him. “Why is this young man not on the wait staff?”
“Uh-um…” he stuttered, turning to face the chef who shrugged in response. “I’m not sure. He is new here.”
She tilted her perfectly made-up face to the side and said, “He would make a good addition. He would certainly brighten things up out there.” She reached for his hand. “What is your name, young man?”
Victor understood English well, but the sudden attention had taken him aback, so he stared at the woman’s outstretched hand and remained mute.
“Falar!” the manager said gruffly, which translates to “speak” in English.
“Does he not speak English?” Mrs. Jennings said in horror, as if she weren’t in Brazil and the national language was not Portuguese.
“Yes, I do,” Victor said softly. “My name is Victor.”
She smiled, raised her hand a little to remind him that it was there.
He took her hand in his and squeezed gently.
Mrs. Jennings pulled away, her eyes glued to the young man.  “Victor, how nice. Hmm, I’d like for him to serve me in my suite tonight, that is, if he is available. I’m willing to compensate him myself. Would you like that, Victor?”


CLICK HERE to read another sample from Sedução!!

Thanks for dropping by and until later... be blessed!!

Monday, November 16, 2015

A Gentleman's Agreement #Book Blast

banner 


Book Title: A GENTLEMAN'S AGREEMENT
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: 10-24-2015
ASIN: B0172YH9XM
Author: Joy Avery


cooltext1950058583  
  a_gentlemans_agreement_coverfinal


When it comes to love, all deals are off! Blake Farrington knows exactly who to call when he finds himself needing crisis management. Yes, this task is outside Eunice Howard’s usual realm of responsibilities, but he’s willing to make it worth her time. Plus, she’s ideal for the role. Who better to play his pretend lover than the one woman who knows him almost better than he knows himself? The last thing Eunice Howard expects when summoned to her boss’s office is a request to play the role of his new love interest to appease his mother, restless to marry him off. Foolishly agreeing, she ventures with him to Farrington Estates for the Thanksgiving holiday. She thought she’d seen all sides of Blake Farrington, but the man who emerges is a man she could easily love. Their agreement blossoms into a connection neither expected—nor are willing to admit. 

When the lines between make-believe and reality blur, something phenomenal occurs.  



  cooltext1950057983
joy_avery1 

 Joy Avery is a contemporary romance author who loves watching her imaginary friends fall in love. When not crafting her next love story, she enjoys reading, spending time with the family, playing with her two dogs, and cake decorating. She’s the author of the novels Smoke in the Citi, His Until Sunrise (book 1 in the Indigo Falls series), Cupid’s Error-a Valentine’s novella, and His Ultimate Desire (book 2 in the Indigo Falls series).  


excerpt


 The second they rounded the corner, Eunice snatched her hand away. “What the hell was that?” she asked in a whisper.
“What?” He wasn’t truly that clueless, but played so.
She released a heavy sigh and hiked up the stairs. Inside the bedroom, he was on her heels—right until the moment she stormed into the bathroom and slammed the door in his face.
Blake leaned against the door jamb. “Are you upset?”
“Yes. No. I mean—” She cursed under her breath.
He couldn’t understand why she’d gotten so distressed. Okay, maybe he’d gone a little overboard, but…
Eunice continued. “I don’t know. Did you—”
She yelped once the door slung open and he was standing there. He flashed one of his award-winning smiles in hopes of lightening the mood. She pushed him out of the way and moved toward the bed. Her hair was pulled into a high ponytail, and she wore a simple white nightgown shirt. It was sexy as hell.
“Did you have to take it that far?” she said.
“We’re supposed to be a believable couple, right?” She narrowed her eyes at him. Had she been a bull, he had a feeling this was the moment she would have charged. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize my words would affect you so…deeply. They were pretty poetic, huh?”
Eunice snatched a pillow from the bed and hurled it at him. What was with him and women with pillows?
“Enjoy the floor, Mr. Poetic.”
Blake barked a laugh.
Eunice climbed in bed.
He sobered.
She pulled the covers to her chin.
Blake pulled his hands to his waist. “Eunice?” When she didn’t answer, he rested his hand on the back of his neck. “Come on. You can’t be serious. You’re really making me sleep on the floor?”
“Goodnight, Prat. Sweet dreams.”
There was a hint of laughter in her tone. Frankly, he didn’t find anything funny. “Seriously, that bed is the size of a small island.”
“In that case, you should feel privileged. You have the entire ocean to yourself.”
Every damn body is a comedian in this house. “Okay. I’ll remember this.” This time, humor played in his tone. “See if you get a Christmas bonus.” He escaped into the bathroom, did his before bed rituals, then returned and made a pallet on the floor. Using the remote, he shut off the lights, then attempted to find a comfortable position.
“Blake?”
Ah-ha. I knew she’d feel sorry for me. “Mmm-hmm,” he hummed.
“Your story… This is going to sound strange, but it actually happened to me in Central Park. Weird, huh?”
Not weird at all. Unlike her story, his had been steeped in truth. All except for the approaching her part. Unbeknownst to Eunice, he’d seen her in the park doing exactly what he’d stated. He’d also wanted to ask her out. But before he could, he discovered she’d recently started working for his company. Imagine his surprise when they’d bumped into each other at the annual Spring Fling he threw for his staff.
“Huh. Yeah. That is weird.”

 

 cooltext1950060718
download (5)


  connect socially


cooltext1950061420 WNL banner follow the tour

#MondayMotivation - Week 2 #NaNoWriMo Update




Happy Monday!! Below is a screenshot of my stats from the NaNoWriMo website as of yesterday. Things are still going well for me and I'm on track to finish early. If you're participating, feel free to share your stats in the comments below!





Thanks for dropping by and until later... be blessed!!

Sunday, November 15, 2015

#SampleSunday - Sedução (Seduction)

Please enjoy this excerpt from Sedução (Seduction), coming November 30, 2015

(CLICK HERE to Pre-Order!!!!)







When the knock finally came at the door, she glanced at the clock and thought, right on time. She stood from the sofa and slowly sauntered to the door, opening it to find the young man still in his kitchen uniform, his eyes full of curiosity. Myra Jennings smiled and stepped out of the doorway to allow him entry into her room.
Victor walked inside and stood by the door as she closed and locked it behind them. “At your service,” he said, just as the general manager had advised him to.
Myra walked over to the sofa and reclaimed her seat. “Good to hear.” She patted the vacant cushion next to her. “Come. Sit.”
Victor hesitantly sat beside her. “Um, thank you. I am a waiter, now.”
She flashed him a smile as she rested her hand on his knee. “You are more than welcome.”
Victor flinched a little, surprised by her touch. “Um… how can I serve you, Mrs. Jennings?”
“First, you can call me, Myra.”
“Yes, Mrs.—Myra. What can I do for you… Myra?”
She lifted her hand from his knee, stood from the sofa, and shrugged out of her thin, silk robe, allowing the fabric to pool at her feet. She stood before him, naked as the day she was born, wearing a mischievous smile on her face.



Monday, November 9, 2015

#MondayMotivation - #NANOWRIMO Update




Hey, everyone!

We are one week into November and so far NANOWRIMO is going well for me!! I'm working on a story I absolutely love and it's flowing so well I hate to take breaks from writing, but of course I can't write non-stop!

Here are my stats so far:

Average words written per day: 2566

Total words written as of November 8: 20530

If you are a writer, are you participating in NANOWRIMO? If so, how's it going? And if anyone wants to be my writing buddy, my NANO handle is AuthorAThompson

Until later... be blessed and happy writing (and reading)!!


Pssst! CLICK HERE to check out my books on Amazon!!

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Secret Places #Book Tour

NRCSECRETPLACESBANNERPHARPER


Book Title: Secret Places 
Genre: Christian Fiction 
Author: Vivian Kay


About the Author vivian_head_shot\


Vivian Kay is a debut Christian author whose faith stories are woven around the themes of human fallibility, divine encounters and God's redemptive power. When she is not writing or daydreaming about writing, you’ll find her playing simultaneous games of online scrabble or snuggling up with a good book. A wife and mother, Vivian lives in a quiet corner of Canada’s banana belt.



  About the book cover 


After many years of happiness, Moni Badmus's marriage is falling apart. Unwilling to lose her only child, a self-proclaimed daddy’s girl, to her husband in a custody settlement she goes along with his suggestion of an unconventional marriage intervention. Will Moni’s fear of losing what she holds dear take her to dark places she never imagined she would go? Sam Badmus has lost his thirst for the things of God. For a while, his extramarital activities seemed to be a cure for his unsatisfying home life. But soon his risky behavior exacts a steep price and Sam has to turn to the God he left behind to save his family and maybe even his life. 

Debo Ajala and his wife Adele are living the golden life or so it seems. Debo is a respected church deacon and Adele, a mother to their four adorable sons. Their lives couldn’t be better, that is until Adele’s feelings for another member of their church surface. Adele’s confession unleashes a series of events that Debo never expected. He escapes his troubled life by accepting a pastoral position in a city on the other side of Canada, but soon his twisted past catches up with him. In this emotionally charged tale of sacrifice, temptation, and redemption, two couples learn sin has consequences and there is no place they can hide from the presence of God.



My Review:

This is a quick, easy read that packs a powerful punch. Author Vivian Kay has bravely shone a spotlight on subject matter that is not usually covered in works of Christian fiction and I applaud her for that, because the truth of the matter is, there are people, Christians, dealing with similar situations who need to know and understand there is deliverance and healing available for them. This book clearly illustrated the dangers of letting the tiniest bit of sin creep into your life and/or marriage, whether in thought or deed. It also nicely illustrates the saving grace of God. At times, this book made me cringe, made me angry, and left me in shock--and shouldn't a good book evoke that type of emotion? This reboot of the author's debut novel is definitely worth the read.



  connect with the author


 
grab a copy




tour hosted by
WNL banner
follow the tour



banner secret places