What's happening in my book world!

                      http://www.realdivasread.com/144064652

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-reading-divas-2014-literary-conference-with-kimberla-lawson-roby-tickets-9758583185

3 Things to Know about the Black Authors & Readers Rock Weekend

• By Sharon Lucas
• September 30, 2014

What do you need to know about the Black Authors & Readers Rock writers conference coming up in mid-October? Glad you asked!

1. Who should support/attend this event? Authors, publishers, avid readers, book club members — anyone interested in literacy!
   
   
2. Why should you support/attend? Reading is becoming a lost art — your support will help strengthen the community’s knowledge of literature written by African-American authors.
   
   
3. Where/when will the event be held? At the Comfort Inn and Conference Center, 4500 Crain Highway, Bowie, MD, on Friday and Saturday, October 17-18, 2014.

For more information on the Black Authors & Readers Rock weekend, click here or here, or send an email to thereadingdivas16@gmail.com.

Sharon Lucas is founder of the Maryland-based Reading Divas of the DMV book club, which was recently profiled in the Independent’s Book Club Hub.

    The One That I Want 

Zuri Day (Author), Donna Hill (Author), Cheris Hodges (Author)

October 7, 2014

http://www.amazon.com/One-That-I-Want-ebook/dp/B00J7W1EE8/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1412127888&sr=1-3&keywords=the+one+i+want

Heat up the winter nights with this trio of sexy, festive stories.

A Promise For The Holiday Donna Hill

Devastated by her divorce, Cara Holiday vowed never to be vulnerable again. Now she's a wildly successful real estate broker, and wildly lonely. Restaurateur Mitch Davis has had his eye on her, but can't break the ice--until he cooks up a scheme to hire her. Soon Cara is enjoying his company--and secretly drawing out the process of selling his house. When their deceptions collide, will their blossoming relationship make it to the holidays?

A Sexy Christmas Carol Zuri Day

After years of travel working for a pop diva, Carol Robbins has moved back to Detroit in time for the holidays. She's bought a home and bonded with her family. As for romance, she's got no prospects--until she attends a VIP party and makes a surprising love connection. Soon she's torn between her old "big life," her hopes for the future--and one man who may give her the greatest gift of all. . .

Christmas Surprise Cheris Hodges

Tired of coming second to her wealthy husband's career, Lola Yvonne Joseph is sending him a very special gift this year: divorce papers. Then she's leaving Miami for the kind of wintery white Christmas she's always wanted. She definitely does not expect Jonathan to track her down, whisk her away, and do everything possible to win her back. If he succeeds, Lola has one more surprise in store for him. . .

Signed, Sealed, Delivered .. I'm Yours 

[Kindle Edition]

Naleighna Kai (Author), Tanishia Pearson-Jones (Author), L. A. Lewis (Author), Joyce A Brown (Author), D. J. McLaurin(Author), Candy Jackson (Author), Valarie Prince (Author), Martha Kennerson (Author), Susan D. Peters (Author)

http://www.amazon.com/Signed-Sealed-Delivered-Im-Yours-ebook/dp/B00MNSZ7I2/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1412128755&sr=1-3&keywords=signed+sealed+delivered

Nine authors, including national bestsellers and award-winners, bring the romantic heat with stories featuring leading men who are at your service from the military, law enforcement, and civil service. The leading ladies, professionals who are successful in their own rights, are all posing the type of challenge that means love won’t come easy—these men are going to have to work for it. Will they succeed in winning their woman's heart?

These nine stories are a little bit naughty and a little bit nice, but we hope you’ll find them every bit of enjoyable. Most women can appreciate a man in uniform … perhaps even more so when the uniform comes off.

Zane's Addicted: A Novel 

Zane (Author)

http://www.amazon.com/Zanes-Addicted-Novel-Zane-ebook/dp/B000FBJFGE/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1412128252&sr=1-2&keywords=addicted+by+zane

Before there was E.L. James’s 50 Shades of Grey, there was Zane’s Addicted. Once described as “the hottest paperback in the country” by the New York Times and now a major motion picture distributed by Lionsgate, this wildly popular novel by the Queen of Erotica follows one woman’s life as it spirals out of control when her three extramarital affairs lead her down a dark and twisted path.

For successful African-American businesswoman Zoe Reynard, finding the pleasure she wants, the way she wants it, is not worth the risk of losing everything she has: marriage to the man she has loved since childhood, a thriving company, and three wonderful children. But Zoe feels helpless in the grip of an overpowering addiction…to sex. 

Finding a compassionate woman therapist to help her, Zoe finally summons the courage to tell her torrid story, a tale of guilt and desire as shocking as it is compelling. From the sensitive artist with whom she spends stolen hours on rumpled sheets to the rough and violent man who draws her toward destruction, Zoe is a woman desperately searching for fulfillment—and something darker, deeper, and perhaps deadly. As her life spins out of control and her sexual escapades carry her toward a dangerous choice, Zoe is racing against time to uncover the source of her “fatal attraction”—as chilling secrets tumble forth from the recesses of a woman's mind, and perilous temptations lead toward a climax that can threaten her sanity, her marriage…and her life.

For You I Will (Sag Harbor Village) 

http://www.amazon.com/Mills-Kimani-Arabesque-Harbor-Village-ebook/dp/B00BZPJRHQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1412128523&sr=1-1&keywords=donna+hill+books

Mellow sun-kissed days turn into sultry nights made for mutual pleasure…

After ten years of service as chief of the E.R. at a New York City hospital, Dr. Kai Randall decided to trade her scrubs for a calmer existence in Sag Harbor Village. The only thing that has interrupted her serenity in months is the photo she snapped of a handsome, solitary stranger. The image haunts her. But that's nothing compared to how she feels when she comes face-to-face with the man from her dreams.

When Assistant District Attorney Anthony Weston barges into Kai's house frantically looking for his young daughter, he meets one beautiful complication. Anthony's career ambitions caused him to lose his marriage—and now he's on the cusp of a huge promotion. His life is in the city that Kai left behind, but his heart is in the soul-stirring passion they share. Is this just another sizzling summer fling or could this be the beginning of forever?

GROUP BOOK BLAST

WNL BOOK TOURS & MACRO MARKETING PROMOTIONS GROUP BOOK BLAST, JULY 1, 2014

About The Author

Joyce A. Brown is a motivational speaker and author who uses her creative energy to give voice and meaning to the challenges women face in all walks of life. She grew up in Rockford, Illinois in a household of strong women, but her professional career expanded her reach into Peoria and Battle Creek, Michigan. She is a proud member of AKA Sorority, Inc. and has served as a direct services worker, executive director, program director for a major foundation, and an entrepreneur. Joyce has experienced many uplifting moments as a professional and as a dedicated parent and strives to bring those events and lessons to life through her characters in the contemporary fiction novels she pens.

About The Book

What You Can Get Away With, Jared Riley, an aging semi-pro basketball player grabs for one last sexual venture before settling in for the lifestyle and comfort he signed up for when he married Lily. He is in explicitly drawn into the schemes of Alicia Connors, a young girl struggling to scratch her way out of a miserable existence who pursues Jared with a vengeance. One night of passion spirals into a series of unfortunate events that impacts his family in a way he never imagined.

Deception, Betrayal, Weakness

Three people searching for the right thing … in the wrong places.

Jared Riley, an aging semi-pro basketball player sees that his chance at fame is slipping away, then grabs for one last sexual venture before settling in for the lifestyle and comfort he signed up for when he married Lily, his upwardly mobile wife. He is inexplicably drawn into the schemes of Alicia Connors, a young girl struggling to scratch her way out of a miserable existence who pursues Jared with a vengeance. She has an intricate plan to fulfill her own dreams of marriage and family in Jared’s arms, and will stop at nothing to have him. One night of passion spirals into a series of unfortunate events that Jared can’t bring under control and impacts his family in a way that he never imagined.

Lily Riley achieves success in the boardroom but can't find the winning strategy to make her husband remain committed to her. When his recent exploits causes a scandal in their small town, she is totally unaware that he ha brought deadly forces into their lives.

Will Lily finally wake up to the fact that her husband's high risk behavior has arrived on her doorstep? Will Alicia's family avenge her by taking Jared for the rough ride he deserves. Will Jared survive a deadly reckoning?

Website: www.drbrownsbookclub.com

Amazon Buy Link: http://amzn.to/1jR1rYV

About The Author

Naleighna Kai is the national bestselling author of Open Door Marriage, Every Woman Needs a Wife, with a spin-off titled, The Pleasure’s All Mine. She is a contributing author to a New York Times Bestseller, an award-winning author, and The E. Lynn Harris Author of Distinction. Naleighna pens contemporary fiction, erotica, and speculative fiction and is currently working on her next novels: Was it Good For You Too?, Rich Woman's Fetish and Slaves of Heaven. Find her on the web at www.naleighnakai.com or www.everywomanneedsawife, and on Facebook and Twitter under Naleighna Kai.

About The Book

Every Woman Needs a Wife, A woman can have it all … a career, children, a not-so-perfect husband ... and his mistress.

Every Woman Needs a Wife is the hilarious, but thought-provoking story of a wife who does the “unthinkable.” When Brandi walks in on her husband and his mistress she says, “If you’re going to cheat, then I need to get something out of it. The mistress needs to come home, clean my house, keep the kids and put some money on the bills, too.”

Bursting with originality and controversy, author Naleighna Kai has created a provocative, and at times heartwarming tale about an age-old problem that will strike a chord with all women.

Website: http://www.naleighnakai.com

Amazon Buy Link: http://amzn.to/1qeJxH8

About The Author

Karen D. Bradley’s weakest link would become her saving grace in her life. In college, she found herself in a place where she needed an outlet for her haywire emotions, a way to focus to get through classes and to stabilize her world that seemed to be spinning out of control. Writing her first book, Shattered Illusions, helped her cope with the death of her father, the emotion upheaval and her changing family dynamics. In 2010, Karen’s world once again tilted off its axis leaving her scrambling to survive. Publishing her second book, Trifling Ways, became one of the ways she endured one of the most difficult times in her life. For her next project, Karen allowed her readers to select which book would be published next and they selected Tainted Love which was release June 2013. She gives a portion of the proceeds from the sales of her books to organizations that are designed to help others. Her current book, Love Runs Deep is available in trade paperback and e-book. Her next book, Black Diamond, is slated to be released in 2015. Find her on the web at www.ambrosiasands.com

About The Book

Love Runs Deep, After Tyler Bradford has a run in with the Chameleon, she finds herself gunned down and bleeding in the snow next to her best friend, Lorrain. Her entire world changes when Lorrain dies. She becomes determined to make the Chameleon pay for his crimes. However, she isn't the only one on a mission. The Chameleon is hunting her down to finish what he started. Their paths will cross, yet only one of them will accomplish their goal. Tyler's love for Lorrain runs deep, but will it be the very thing that gets her killed?

Website: http://www.ambrosiasands.com/

Amazon Buy Link: http://amzn.to/1iyxrq4

About The Author

Renee Daniel Flagler is an award-winning freelance journalist, teaching artist, and the award-nominated author of four novels, Mountain High Valley Low, Miss-Guided, In Her Mind and, Raging Blue. She teaches creative writing through public school’s Arts in Education programs. Renee resides in New York and is currently at work on her next novels, Still Raging, Society Wives and her first faith-based, nonfiction book entitled, The Relationship Survival Guide. Connect with Renee on Facebook, Twitter or online at ReneeDanielFlagler.com.

About The Book

Raging Blue is a contemporary romance by author, Renee Daniel Flagler. Blue Holiday has decided to call foul and leave her destructive marriage. But her cheating husband, Jaylin, decides he needs her money to survive and insists on a rematch. Usually, Blue would be game, but after discovering the depths of his depravity, she drops him from her roster of eligibles. Unaccustomed to rejection, especially from his wife, Jaylin decides to take what he feels is rightfully his. Problem is, he forgot a woman in love will put up with a lot. But a woman enraged, she’ll let you think you’re winning, just before she snatches it all.

Website: http://reneedanielflagler.com

Amazon Buy Link: http://amzn.to/1qL1jSn

Tour Hosted by WNL

Webstite: www.wnlbooktours.com

Follow The Tour: http://bit.ly/1nO9CXn

Electa Rome Parks

A whole decade has passed since Baldwin, Brenden, Bria, and Christopher last saw each other. In college, they were a close-knit circle of friends who called themselves The Group—until an unfortunate set of circumstances placed their friendship in jeopardy. They went their separate ways after graduation, never looking back, and never expecting to see each other again.
Now they are reunited in a small North Carolina town to attend the funeral of one of their own. Rihanna was always the peacemaker of the group, so it’s almost fitting that it’s at her funeral that The Group will have to confront their past issues. Baldwin, the romantic, Brenden, the do-gooder, Bria, the wild child, and Christopher, the pretty boy, are all about to learn some truths about each other and about themselves over a few unforgettable and life-changing days. Secrets will be revealed, past hurts exposed, tears shed, and laugher shared, all in the name of friendship and love.
http://www.amazon.com/Baldwin-Loved-Brenden-Electa-Parks/dp/1601623763/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1354329950&sr=8-4&keywords=electa+rome+parks

Readers were originally introduced to fanatic fan, Pilar, and best-selling author, Xavier, in Diary of a Stalker. To the delight of readers, Pilar and Xavier were back in The Stalker Chronicles, with more drama, sex and antics than ever before. Now, a couple of years later, they are once again reunited in Electa Rome Parks's short story in The Reunion: the anthology. 

 

 

Til Death Us Do Part: The Xavier and Pilar Reunion by Electa Rome Parks

 

New York Times best-selling author, Xavier Preston, decides to tame his inner demons by creating a documentary film based on mental illness and its long-term effects by confronting his #1 psychotic fan and notorious stalker, Pilar. After the attempted murder of his best friend, Dre, as a way to revenge Xavier's refusal to have a relationship with her after a steamy one-night stand, Pilar is currently residing and receiving treatment at a high-end mental institution.

 

Til Death Us Do Part takes on a whole new meaning. . . as some reunions are doomed from the start.    

 

http://www.amazon.com/Reunion-Anthology-Brian-W-Smith-ebook/dp/B00KEV953I/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1403828727&sr=8-3&keywords=electa+rome+parks

Electa Rome Parks, bestselling author of Diary of a Stalker, asks the question, Can anything truly tear apart real friendship and love?                                                                            
Electa Rome Parks Dubbed a "book club favorite," avid readers have embraced Electa Rome Parks’ true to life characters that tackle prevalent and heavy hitting issues.

Electa is an award-winning, national bestselling author of several mainstream and erotic novels with Penguin Group, HarperCollins and Kensington. Her titles include: The Ties That Bind, Loose Ends, Almost Doesn't Count, These Are My Confessions, Ladies' Night Out, Diary of a Stalker, True Confessions, The Stalker Chronicles, Full Figured 6, and When Baldwin Loved Brenden.

Electa was highlighted in Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African-American Women in Literature and has written articles for several on-line magazines. The self-proclaimed, Queen of Real, Electa has been a frequent guest on radio stations such as V-103 and Kiss 104, has received many industry awards and has been interviewed by newspapers, AOL's Black Voices, Vibe Vixen, Upscale Magazine, Today's Black Woman, Rolling Out and Booking Matters, to name a few.

Currently, Electa is following her true passion and working on her next novel. 

Mirrored by Dalia Florea

The last thing Nicole expected to encounter in her first assignment as a newspaper reporter was, Andre Moore.  Andre Moore, tall, handsome, irresistible homicide detective who is everything that her heart desires yet she struggles to resist.

Their investigation of a murder case draws them closer together.  Nicole becomes captivated by his good looks and charm, but suspects that he knows more about the case than he’s willing to share.  Will her love and passion for him survive the mystery that lies behind him?

Excerpt

From the back he stood very tall, 6’4” I guessed, and although he was wearing black slacks and a burgundy polo shirt, I could still see that his body was in great shape; athletic and toned.  I couldn’t help from zeroing in on his firm butt. 

He walked back around to the other side of his desk and turned to face me and I suddenly became breathless.  He was the most beautiful man that I’d ever laid eyes on.  I know that men were not meant to be beautiful, but he was more than handsome.  Thick, dark shiny hair, deep olive complexion, hazel eyes…and those lips, I could almost taste them. His eyes met mine and I felt my heart race. 

He motioned for me to come in and have a seat.  I stood paralyzed for a few seconds.  I remember reading about this kind of attraction in romance novels, but never believed the hype.  I pulled myself together, hoping that he hadn’t notice my flushed face.  I sat down in one of the chairs in front of his desk.

He hung up the telephone, stood up from his chair and reached over to shake my hand. “As you might have already guessed, I’m Detective Andre Moore, but please, call me Andre.”  I blushed as I lifted my hand to touch his.  For a moment words got stuck in my mouth.  I cleared my throat. 

“I’m Nicole Watkins, nice to meet you.”  I reluctantly released his hand.

 “Can I get you something to drink, Ms. Watkins? Water? Soda?”

My nerves seemed to be taking over. I’ve got to put this schoolgirl silliness to the side and do the job I’m here to do, I thought.

“No, thank you. I’m ready to begin discussing the case. Oh, and by the way, please call me Nicole.”  Darn, why did that slip out? I wondered.

Detective Moore had the case file already on his desk.  I took my notebook and a pen from my briefcase so that I could write down notes as well as review the questions that I needed to ask about the case.  I looked up to find him watching me get prepared.  I couldn’t quite read his expression as he gave nothing away; his eyes returned to the file on his desk.  There was something about the way he looked at me that stirred my soul.  He proceeded to describe the case from its beginning with what was reported by the uniformed officers who’d arrived at the murder scene first.  The body of 16-year-old Vanessa Rojas was found lying in a pool of blood in one of the bedrooms of the apartment.  Her body was covered with stab wounds and bruises.  Andre took a couple of pictures from the folder and handed them to me.

“Here, take a look at these. This is what that monster did to this poor girl.” 

I hesitantly took the pictures, uneasy and unsure of what I would see or if I even wanted to look at something so gruesome. http://amzn.to/1mz0IgV

Dalia grew up in Queens, New York and now makes her home in Northern Virginia outside of Washington, D.C.  She has earned a degree in Psychology and a degree in Nursing. She is an avid reader who enjoys writing fiction stories with a mixture of mystery and romance.  When not writing, she enjoys attending smooth jazz concerts, visiting wineries and solving Sudoku puzzles.

www.daliafloreabooks.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dalia-Florea-Author
https://twitter.com/DaliaFlorea

Author Roy Glenn

I Came to Bring the Pain by Roy Glenn       

After the disastrous results of Wanda’s power hungry reign, a state of war now exists on three fronts. Mike Black is back and he is firmly in command of his family. Bobby Ray is serving as wartime consigliere and Rain Robinson has taken over running the day to day operation. 
“We’re at war now. And we’re not going to sit down and try to talk our way outta this.” 
Now Black must do what he has to do to crush his enemies. Even if that means forming uncomfortable alliances with an old associate.
Despite Shy’s warning to kill her, “because I don’t like your arrogant ass”, Jada West is still New York. She’s hanging around; testing the limits of her power and pissing Shy off. Soon Jada West will learn the Shy does not make idol threats. 
You won’t want to miss a second as The Mike Black Saga continued in this drama filled and action packed story that picks up where Treat me Nice left off. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/400104                                                             I Came To Bring The Pain On Sale Now! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IRQHYEE

It's A New Day by Roy Glenn

In the aftermath of Wanda’s Reign, Mike Black and Bobby Ray have resumed command of the organization they started and they were able to crush their enemies. There are still pockets of resistance, but Black is confident that Rain Robinson will do what she does best and bring order to chaos. 

Now that the war is over, Shy hoped that her life with Black would return to what it once was. But that is not the case. With Black being so consumed with running the business, Shy is left with idol time on her hands. And then there is still the matter of Jada West. But when a family friend of Black’s is murdered and more people turn up dead, Shy is at his side to unravel the mystery. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/451752

Known as the master of urban suspense, Roy Glenn is the author of Treat Me Nice, Wanda’s Reign, The Indictment of Mike Black, Misunderstood, and Is It a Crime, which became a best seller and gave birth to the popular character, Mike Black.

Other novels in The Mike Black Saga include; Beneath The Surface, Out of Control, No Loose Ends, Prelude to War, Secrets of War and A Tale of Three Women. Roy is also a contributing author in the popular series Girls From Da Hood and Around The Way Girls.

His other novels include Crime of Passion, Body of Evidence and Ulterior Motive which feature the character, attorney Marcus Douglas. After Hour’s Tales, Doctor-Patient Confidentiality, Killing Them Softly: An Erotic Tale of Murder.

Roy was born and raised in The Bronx and currently lives in Jacksonville, Florida where he is working on several projects including, I Came to Bring The Pain, the next installments in The Mike Black Saga. And The Kimberley Process.

Visit Author Roy Glenn here    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Roy-Glenn/222600375075

She That Findeth by Kim Brooks

Meet Kim Brooks, author of She That Findeth  #shethatfindeth

About the Book

Ten years of believing, yet still no husband in sight for Shenita Love. The Bible does say “Wait on the Lord,” which, for Shenita, means waiting for God to deliver her a soul mate. Then again, God helps those who help themselves.

On her thirty-fifth birthday, Shenita’s fear of never starting a family has reached a fever pitch. Her trusty “rule book”—filled with guidelines for dating—simply isn’t cutting it. Soon Shenita is signing up for online dating sites, hitting on men at sporting events, and putting herself out there in ways she never imagined.

When Shenita stops playing by the book and takes matters into her own hands, she finds anything can happen.

Meanwhile, her closest friends are struggling with their own issues of sexuality, acceptance, divorce, insecurity, and financial strain. Always the faithful shoulder to lean on, Shenita wants to be there for them, but her desire to find a man leads her to an unforeseeable circumstance. A place where she must examine her relationship with God and reconsider her priorities.

Excerpt from She That Findeth

Chapter 1

“Happy Birthday to ya…Happy Birthday to ya…Happy Birth-day!” sang and clapped my three closest girlfriends at a small table inside a quaint restaurant in downtown Detroit.  Too bad it wasn’t karaoke night; that was Thursday.  But I was still too excited that my birthday fell on a Saturday in March this year.  That made up for the fact that it was my 35^th and here I am celebrating it with a bunch of females.

     I love my girls and all, but sometimes a sister just wants the presence of a man.

     Here I am all decked out with my off the shoulder purple blouse, short fitted gray skirt, silver stilettos and matching Gucci bag yet no man to compliment me on how good I looked.  I had just gotten my hair cut and colored with a light brown Mohawk on top that faded to black in the back and my makeup was flawless.  I even bought and wore hazel contacts, which I was hesitant to buy at first because of my brown complexion – but they actually looked kinda cute on me.

     I was feeling this “new look” and new me, yet there was no man seated next to me to whisper in my ear how I was the finest thing in the room.  Nope, at thirty-five, here I am with not a prospect in sight.  No man, no boyfriend, not even a “special friend.”            

     Nobody.

     Lord knows I just knew I would have been married with at least two kids by now.

     I’ve been believing God for a husband for over 10 years now.

     I keep my list of ten things I’m believing God for in a mate tucked away in the zipper part of my Bible cover and have done so for years.  I guess I never really attached a timetable to my requests – maybe I should have said something to the tune of, “Before my eggs dry up and I have to believe God like Sarah and Abraham, Lord.”  Maybe then my prayer may have been granted a little earlier.  At the rate I’m going, I’m going to have to take in vitro and believe God for twins.  Thank God for technology.

     “Haaaa-peeee-birthday…Happy Birthday…Happy Birthday…”

     I could tell the waiters and waitresses, all of diverse hues, were getting a kick out of my friends’ rendition of the Stevie Wonder classic as they grinned from ear to ear and nodded their heads.  I wondered if they had ever heard it before.

     Or maybe they were laughing at my girl Danielle, also known as Dani, who swayed wildly with her Android taking pics in one hand and her glass of Sprite on the rocks in the other.  If you didn’t know Dani was saved you would think she was drunk, and at just two years shy of forty, one would never know by the way she carried herself.  Always ready for a good time, Dani took pics of herself showing off her fresh makeover, which brought out the peach undertones in her tan complexion, and her new black-and-gold minidress, which flattered her tall, curvy frame; and she also took pics of me and the rest of the crew and uploaded them to Facebook simultaneously, half of which I hadn’t even seen yet to approve.  Lord, I hope she doesn’t tag me in any pics where I’m looking crazy.  Candid shots get on my nerves.

     “Make a wish, girl!” Danielle yelled while snapping her head swerving her long, black layered weave to the other side, almost hitting Jackie in the face.

     Jackie just looked at her and rolled her eyes as she proceeded to stir her black coffee.  She wiped the cheek where Danielle’s hair almost smacked her, probably hoping it didn’t turn her fair skin pink, as Jackie bruises easily.  She had stopped singing the song a while ago and looked ready to go home.  At thirty-six, Jackie appeared as if she had had enough of all the many years of singing birthday songs and probably wanted to catch a rerun of her favorite show, Law and Order, again.  With her being a prominent, well-respected attorney in the city she was greatly intrigued by that show.   I wouldn’t be surprised if my birthday festivities weren’t ruining all her normal Saturday-night fun.  Jackie ran her fingers through her short curly red hair, then rested her hand on her forehead.  

     “Yeah, Shenita,” sprang Pippa while scooting her chair in closer to the table and positioning her round frame just right as she pointed her light brown manicured finger toward me matter-of-fact, “The Word says in 3 John 1:2  Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth, so it’s okay to make a wish and blow out the candles.”

            At thirty-two and the youngest of the crew, I wondered if Pippa really thought I needed her approval based on The Word on whether or not I should make a wish?  I guess she didn’t know me as well as I thought she did, otherwise she would know I’ve been making wishes and blowing out candles ever since I got saved fifteen years ago.  I wasn’t convicted about it then and I sholl ain’t convicted about it now.

     Man, this birthday cake had so many candles on it that it looked like if I didn’t blow them out fast someone would have to call a fire truck.

 Thirty-five candles –  one for each year of my long, unfruitful life.

     I take that back, as a public relations specialist for the Detroit chapter of a national non-profit, One Love Initiative, from the outside looking in, I had all the makings of a success.  I literally have had hundreds of people come up to me in tears and say how the non-profit I work for, which as a result of fundraising efforts provides housing options for single parents and low-income families, how I, or at least how my efforts, changed their lives.  I love what I do, and thank God for the job that definitely keeps a sister’s condo association fees paid and Benz car payment up to date, but even still, I feel my life is lacking in one area.  Love.

     So with a big inhale and then a huge blow over the strawberry shortcake with my favorite cream cheese icing, I silently made the same wish I’ve been making since I was twenty-five:  “I wish to find true love and happiness”  Except this time I did something I had never done before with my wish.  I added these four words,

“This year, Lord . . . please.”

About the Author

 

Kim Brooks is the Award-winning author of non-fiction and fiction books for singles including Black Expressions Bestseller, He’s Fine…but is he Saved? and her newest novel release, She That Findeth.

Kim is a former guest columnist for Gospel Today Magazine and featured on The Word Network and she publishes a monthly eNewsletter, The Single Heart, and an online daily devotional for single women which encourages thousands worldwide and is subscribable for free on her website, Kimontheweb.com

Order This Book

SHE THAT FINDETH (Trade Paperback):

●     Amazon

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●     IndieBound

SHE THAT FINDETH (eBook):

●     iBooks

●     Amazon Kindle

●     B&N Nook

●     Blio

●     BAM

●     Google Play

To view more of this tour, visit the schedule online at http://tywebbinpublicity.com/?p=10906