Fifteen Years by Kendra Norman- Bellamy

Fifteen Years

Kendra again writes a wonderful story about the grace of God. 15 years after being away from his foster parents, Josiah returns to discover the secrets that have haunted him throughout his life, and finally finds all that he had been searching for.
4****
About the Book
Josiah Tucker, the son of a substance dependent and neglectful mother, spent most of his childhood years in the custody of the State, living in foster homes throughout Atlanta, Georgia. At the age of fourteen, he was taken from the foster family that he had grown to love, the Smiths, and returned to his negligent birth mother. Enduring the hardships faced while living with his birth mother JT manages to makes something of his life. However, fifteen years after being taken from the Smiths and at the peak of success, he finds himself feeling empty and at his lowest. When he decides to reconnect with the Smiths, JT finds his faith in God renewed and discovers his attraction to his foster sister.

Fifteenth book and the title is Fifteen Years

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
KENDRA NORMAN-BELLAMY is a national best-selling author and the founder of KNB Publications LLC. She is the organizer of Visions in Print, an Atlanta-based national organization for faith-based writers, and The Writer’s Hut, an online fellowship for African American Writers. She is the founder of Cruisin’ For Christ, a groundbreaking at-sea ministry that celebrates writing, gospel music and other God-glorifying arts, and also serves as a motivational speaker.
A native of West Palm Beach, Florida, Kendra currently resides in Stone Mountain, George with her family. For more information, visit www.knb-publications.com.

View the blog tour schedule and read an excerpt at http://bit.ly/FifteenYearsBlogTour.

Rhonda McKnight featured me today

Urban Christian Fiction Today:
Simply Said Reading Accessories

The Appetizer

Striving to establish a new flair to the term contemporary fiction, Ni’cola Mitchell entered the literary scene with one main objective: To Stimulate Your Mind, One Word at a Time. Through her independent publishing company NCM Publishing; Ni’cola published her debut novel entitled OVER AND OVER AGAIN. Much of her work revolves around situations that are a compulsive desire to see women over come challenges. Her next novel THE APPETIZER, when you’re not his main course will be released February 2010.

Biography:

Ni'cola Mitchell is originally from Kingston, Jamaica. Currently she resides in North Las Vegas, Nevada with her two daughters, Destani and Diamond. She holds a Bachelors degree of Science in Business Management and is currently pursuing a Masters of Business Administration in HealthCare Management.


Ni’cola is also a motivational speaker and consultant.
Due to the fact that she is an outstanding representative of Las Vegas’ African-American community, she was selected to be featured in the second edition of Who’s Who in Black Las Vegas. Her novel Over and Over Again was also featured in the top ten by EDC Creations Recommended Reading List for the 2009 fall season under Mainstream Fiction and Women’s Fiction. She is also a member of the national touring group the Literary Sistah’s. When Ni'cola isn't writing, she loves to spend time with her family and volunteer as a mentor for youth activities.

Synopsis:

Three girlfriends with totally different lives; or so they think.

Yazmin

Yazmin and Trey have been together for five years. Yazmin enjoys her life as a stay at home wifey. The couple is also expecting twins. Their life could not have been any more picture perfect, until the day Yazmin was involved in a hit and run accident. Scared for the life of her babies, Yazmin almost goes into shock after she attempts to call Trey, only to be greeted by his wife of the past ten years.

Monae

Monae and Malik have had a drama free long distance relationship for the last two years. Malik is a Marine, and is stationed in San Diego. They both have an understanding that once Monae graduates from UCLA, they will have their dream wedding. While planning an intimate surprise party for two in his apartment, Monae discovers that she is not the only one waiting for “her” man to come home.

Nia

Devaugn is in a relationship, but Nia simply doesn’t care. He is the ideal man, and Nia is convinced that if she works hard enough, she can show him that she is all the woman he needs. Stephanie will be a thing of the past and Devaugn can start taking care of Nia and her three children full time. Or will he?

These three friends all have one thing in common; they are their man’s chick on the side. What happens when a woman finds out she is not her man’s main course? But only his appetizer.



Interviews:

1. Are your characters from the portrayal of real people? What inspired you to write this story?
All my characters are fictional, but I did take situations, mannerisms, and characteristics from real life people to create them.

2. What are THREE adjectives that best describe OVER AND OVER AGAIN?
Emotional, suspenseful, hilarious


3. What are THREE adjectives that best describe YOU?

Intelligent, beautiful, hard worker


4. What issues in today's society have you addressed in the book?

I addressed many issues in this book such as infidelity, deceit, low moral and self worth, sex, lies, relationships, friendship, betrayal, and single mothers.


5. NI'COLA: THE SOUNDTRACK. What are three tracks that would HAVE to make it onto the soundtrack of your life and why?

The first song would be Beauty, by Dru Hill. I believe Beauty comes from the inside. I will do anything for anyone. I go the extra mile at all times. One thing that I am complimented on is how well I treat others. I believe those attributes is what makes a person beautiful.

The second would be No More Rain (In this cloud) by Angie Stone. Just like anyone else in life, I have been through a plethora of trials and tribulations. I had to decide that I was going to be stop letting life harbor me, and press forward. So I consider the cloud me and my life, and I had to learn to stop crying and start living up to the potential that I know that I have. I’m only half way there though. The storm tends to come, but I do not allow for the rain to develop.

The last song would be Queen of the pack by Patra. Being from Jamaica, I know all about struggle. But I had to let people know that I am not accepting anything. The song compares life to a pack of cards. It basically states that I am telling you what I am about, and I am not going back on my word. What ever life brings, I will come out on top, and be the Queen of the pack. I make my own destiny, so you better watch out.

6. What is your most valuable lesson about the publishing industry?
That if you stay grounded, focused, and believe in your self, you can put out a successful book that can hold its own among other works in your genre.


7. You're strutting down the street - not a care in the world, looking like a million bucks; what is your theme song and why?


My theme song would be Everyday I’m hustling by Rick Ross. The title speaks for itself



Over and Over Again Book Trailer:


http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=84ddb55c4d52f5fad3db67&skin_id=601&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=email


Appetizer Book Trailer:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPMPi4_bh7Y&feature=youtube_gdata


www.nicolacmitchell.com

www.ncmpublishing.com

www.facebook.com/msnicola

www.myspace.com/nicolacmitchell.com

www.twitter.com/msnicola

www.literarysistahs.com

www.nicola.ning.com

The Food Temptress

In the fiction novel, "The Food Temptress," Ambrosia uses food to seduce men and it converts them into the perfect mate. Here is a recipe for you to try, just in time for Valetine's Day. It's spicy and hot. Enjoy!

*The Food Temptress Chili

Ingredients
1 Ib. Ground Meat
1 Medium Green Bell Pepper (Diced)
1/2 Medium Onion (Diced)
1 tsp. of Ready-to-use Minced Garlic
1 Can (14.5 oz.) Diced Tomatoes (Undrained)
1 Can (15.5 oz.) Pinto Beans (Undrained)
1 Can (15.oz.) Dark Red Kidney Beans (Undrained)
1 Packet Mild Chili Seasoning or 4 tbsp. Chili Powder
Salt & Pepper (For taste)
Sour Cream (Optional)
Shredded Cheese (Optional)
Chopped Green Onions (Optional)

Directions
Cook ground meat in a large stock pot over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper. Add the onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook meat until brown. Drain excess fat. Put beans, tomatoes, and seasoning into the pot, and stir. Cook until boiling, then simmer while your cornbread cooks. Spoon the chili into your favorite bowl. Sprinkle with cheese and onions. Use a dollop of sour cream for the finishing touch.

*Not responsible for what happens after eating.




The Food Temptress 2010 Winter Virtual Book Tour Stop - About the Author: Rekaya Gibson’s love for food is evident throughout her fiction work, “The Food Temptress,” and her children’s book, “Are There French Fries in Heaven?” Some of her nonfiction articles have appeared in the Cabo Living Magazine, Desert Saints Magazine, and Lake of the Ozarks Second Home Living Magazine. In 2006, she self-published an e-Book, “Wow Them With Your Grant Proposal” under her own e-publishing company, Gibson Girl Publishing Company. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of New Orleans. Rekaya resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can reach her at www.foodtemptress.com. Find "The Food Temptress" on Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com, and request at bookstores nationwide.




Rekaya Gibson, Author
The Food Enchantress, Coming April 2010
The Food Temptress, Now Available...
on Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com, and at Bookstores

ISBN-10: 0-977-9398-3-9 / ISBN-13: 978-0-9779398-3-1

Whats eating you?

What’s Eating You?
See details below on how you can participate in the Healthy Heart Blog Tour with Rhonda McKnight.
10% of donation during this blog tour will go to the American Heart Association (AHA).
I had a conversation with a younger cousin last month. She’s a beautiful twenty year old young woman. We talked about her weight. She’s morbidly obese and very depressed about it. Her mother has been giving her diets and exercise tips for the last ten years, but none of them have worked. I finally intervened and explained to her mother and her that diet tips and exercise weren’t the solution to this young woman’s problem. It’s emotional eating and as someone standing on the sidelines looking into their situation, I can confidently say it began when her parents’ marriage fell apart at the age of seven.
According to the American Heart Association, obesity (defined as higher than 30 on the Body Mass Index) is an epidemic and is threatening to overtake tobacco as the number one cause of preventable death. More than 300,000 adults will die in the United States this year due to obesity-related illnesses. Heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Despite the billions spent on diet and health products, Americans are more overweight than ever. So the problem is epidemic. And the solutions of diet and exercise are not the singular remedy. Like my cousin, like myself, and many others the root cause has to be addressed to really get a handle on the problem. It’s not just a love of food, or a lack of discipline. We like to blame it on those things because we often don’t like to talk about the real reasons we overeat. Usually they’re intensely personal. Here are a few:
• We need comfort when we’re stressed, tired or overworked. We know this, because we call the foods we reach for comfort foods.
• We need to anesthetize pain from abuse: current or past.
• Boredom. Our lives are unfulfilled.
The character Jonah Morgan is not overeating, but he is using another unhealthy coping mechanism. Alcohol; and lots of it. Same wrong solution as my cousin, different poison. Like my cousin, Jonah has childhood pain that tearing him apart, so much so that he has completely checked out emotional, and physically on his family.

Do you know someone hurting like my young cousin? Do you eat or drink to deal with pain or stress? Share your thoughts on the subject. How do you convince someone who’s already depressed to do things differently?

About the Author

Rhonda McKnight is the owner of Legacy Editing, a free-lance editing service for fiction writers and Urban Christian Fiction Today, a popular Internet site that highlights African-American Christian fiction. She’s the vice-president of Faith Based Fiction Writers of Atlanta. When she’s not editing projects, teaching workshops about writing or penning her next novel, she spends time with her family. Originally from a small, coastal town in New Jersey, she’s called Atlanta, Georgia home for twelve years.
For more information, visit http://www.RhondaMcKnight.net.strong>
About the Book

Faith Morgan is struggling with her faith. Years of neglect leave her doubting that God will ever fix her marriage. When a coworker accuses her husband, Jonah, of the unthinkable, Faith begins to wonder if she really knows him at all, and if it’s truly in God’s will for them to stay married.
Pediatric cardiologist Jonah Morgan is obsessed with one thing: his work. A childhood incident cemented his desire to heal children at any cost, even his family, but now he finds himself at a crossroads in his life. Will he continue to allow the past to haunt him, or find healing and peace in a God he shut out long ago?
Read an excerpt and check the tour schedule at http://bit.ly/HealthyHeartBlogTour

Enter to Win 3 Great Giveaways!
GRAND PRIZE (one winner possible)
A “Start” Fitness Pack she purchased from the American Heart Association’s Online store. The online store helps in the fight against heart disease by promoting heart-healthy lifestyles that include physical activities like walking. Net proceeds from the sale of these items support the Start! movement.
The Fitness Kit includes: Start BackPack, Start Water Bottle, Start Shoe Wallet, and the Power to End Stroke 46 Recipe Healthy Soul Food Cook Book.

SECOND PLACE PRIZE (one winner possible)
Autographed hardcover copy of Secrets and Lies will be given away to the 2nd person whose name is pulled in the drawing.

THIRD PLACE PRIZE (one winner possible)
In honor of Rhonda's birthday on Feb. 6th - a $10 Barnes and Nobles, Borders or Starbucks Gift Card will be given to the 3rd person whose name is pulled in the drawing. (winner chooses).

HOW TO ENTER THE DRAWING:
All entrants with 10 POINTS AND UP will be entered in a drawing to win the GRAND PRIZE - FITNESS PACK.
All entrants with 5 POINTS AND UP will be entered in a drawing to win PRIZES TWO AND THREE.
HOW TO EARN POINTS:
+15 Point ENTRIES: Purchase a copy of Secrets and Lies from the online store during the tour through www.urbanchristianbooks.com.

+1 point ENTRY: join the discussion by commenting on one of the blog tour sites each day (must comment on the day of the toursite by 9 pm). Comment must include your thoughts on the subject. (can not just say – great point or I agree).

+1 point ENTRY: COMMENT ON SOMETHING INTERESTING YOU FIND WHEN YOU GO TO Rhonda’s WEBSITE or blog. LOOK AROUND AS THERE IS LOTS TO SEE. HERE are THE LINKs www.rhondamcknight.net and www.urbanchristianfictiontoday.com
+1 point ENTRY: BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY. On Twitter Retweet @rhondamcknight or use the hashtagS #Health or #hearthealth
+2 point ENTRIES: Join RHONDA’S FACEBOOK READER Page or SIGN UP FOR HER NEWSLETTER on her webpage.
THE RULES:
• U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY
• EMAIL ADDRESS MUST BE INCLUDED IN COMMENT
• ALL ENTRIES/COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE IN ORDER TO COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE ENTRY.
• MAXIMUM OF 3 POINTS CAN BE EARNED ON ANY ONE TOUR DAY.
• TOUR HOST BLOGGERS CAN NOT ENTER TO WIN.
DRAWING WILL BE HELD AT 9 PM EST on FEBRUARY 7th
GOOD LUCK!