Michelle Lindo-Rice's Blog, page 28

Review: Seized by Seduction

Seized by Seduction by Brenda Jackson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was eager to read the second book in the series. Seized by Seduction was sizzling hot. The connection between Quasar and Randi was unreal and magical. The intrigue made me keep turning the pages until the end.

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Write Now Literary is pleased to announce Shattered Vows ...

Write Now Literary is pleased to announce Shattered Vows by Natasha D. Frazier Virtual book tour.  February 1-28, 2017.Genre: Christian FictionISBN-10: 0988452197ISBN-13: 978-0988452190ASIN: B01MZ5IQMRBook Release Date: January 31, 2017 Rico gambled with his marriage when he cheated on Chloe. Breaking his vows and risking everything for temporary pleasure, he lost his wife’s respect and trust. Rico returns to God, searching for a quick fix to win Chloe’s heart back, but his heart is the one that is changed. He is a self-proclaimed changed man, willing to go the extra mile to restore his marriage, but he just may be too late. Has Chloe given up on him? She has forgiven him before, but this is different. "I’m sorry" isn't enough when vows have been shattered. With the law and the Word of the Lord on her side, she finally gathers enough courage to walk away. But then tragedy strikes. Is it enough to make Chloe stay, or will she start a new chapter in her life?
Since graduating from Jackson State University with a Bachelors of Business Administration degree in Accounting, Natasha earned a Masters of Science degree in Accounting from Texas A&M University. Aside from being an author, Natasha is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Natasha has authored three devotional books. Her first book is The Life Your Spirit Craves (released November 2012), a 30-Day devotional and journal that encourages readers to seek, accept and pursue their God-given assignment. The Life Your Spirit Craves won the Readers’ Choice Award at the Christian Literary Awards November 2013. Her second book, Not Without You: 365 Days in the Lord’s Presence (released March 2014) encourages readers to make devotion a part of their everyday life by seeking God every day. Not Without You has been nominated for the Henri Award. The Henri Award recognizes excellence in Christian literature. The Life Your Spirit Craves for Mommie s is a 52 week devotional for mothers that encourages them to see God at work in their lives through their role as a mother. Natasha has also began a fiction series that focuses on real and relevant issues in today’s society, such as sex, adultery, blended families and more! Her debut series contains three titles - Love, Lies & Consequences, Through Thick & Thin, and Shattered Vows (January 2017 release). With a love for God’s people, especially women and children, Natasha channels her passion through writing and participating in SASSy, an organization whose focus is to inspire and encourage women to take second steps and become the person God has called them to be. Each month, women participating in SASSy select a different cause and give our time and resources by volunteering in the community. We have volunteered at women’s shelters, Kids’ Meals, Inc. and have performed random acts of kindness throughout the Houston, TX area. Natasha resides in Missouri City, TX with her husband, Eddie Frazier, Jr. and their three children, Eden, Ethan, and Emilyn. Her greatest joy and commitment is to her family who she hopes to inspire above all else. One of her many mottos in life is: Faith removes limitations.
AmazonWebsite          Facebook     Twitter Tour hosted by Write Now Literary  Click here to follow the tour

New Release! Copycat by Kimberla Lawson Roby of the Seducing the Pen Tours

Copycat by Kimberla Lawson RobyRelease date: January 31, 2017From the New York Times bestselling author who "writes with high-octane levels of emotion" (USA Today).

Befriending Traci Calloway Cole is the best thing Simone Phillips has ever done. Traci is the kind of woman Simone wants to be--in every way possible. She begins copying her role model. Not because she wants to be Traci. She just wants to be exactly like Traci.

Traci doesn't worry, though. She knows Simone doesn't mean any harm and that her mimicry is only sincere admiration. Until she discovers how far Simone's obsession has gone.

It is then that Simone's entire world begins unraveling, and dreadful secrets from her past are exposed with no warning. Secrets that she'll do almost anything to protect...


Pre-order copies from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, all online retailers and bookstores near you. Visit Kimberla's website for more information: http://kimroby.comEXCERPT: Copycat by Kimberla Lawson Roby 

Simone made a few more tweaks and then closed out of her Word software and went to Traci’s Facebook page. She read the five reader comments that had already been posted this morning and then pulled up Traci’s Twitter feed. The first thing she saw was Traci’s tweet from two hours ago. It quoted the scripture Philippians 4:13, and read, “‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’ ~ (KJV).”

It wasn’t until now that Simone realized she hadn’t posted her own morning scripture, and she had to get better with remembering to do that. She needed to stay consistent—the same as Traci. She wasn’t sure what scripture to post, so she Googled “a great motivational scripture.” Then, when a number of web sites displayed, she clicked on the second one and saw John 6:47 from the King James Version: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” She wasn’t sure why, but there was something about that particular scripture that she liked. Maybe because it offered a certain sense of hope. But then she saw another verse that talked about strength the same as the scripture Traci’s post had mentioned, so she typed that one instead, Isaiah 41:10: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

Simone read what she’d typed but then went back to the site where she’d copied the scripture. She actually liked the New Living Translation interpretation better: “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” But since Traci always seemed to use the King James Version, Simone would stick with using that. Actually, the more she scrolled through other scriptures, she preferred reading those via the New Living Translation, too, because when she did, the words were much clearer.

Simone browsed Twitter for a few more minutes and then typed in the URL for Traci’s web site. When her home page appeared, Simone clicked on the “Media” link and then played a YouTube video of a television interview Traci had done with a Chicago news station last year. It was during the release week for her second book. Simone watched the four-minute segment. Then she watched it again. Then she watched it again. And again. And again. But now she replayed the intro.

“Thank you so much for having me, Donna,” Traci said, smiling. Simone paused the video. “Thank you so much for having me, Donna. Thank you so much for having me, Donna.” Simone played Traci’s response again. “Thank you so much for having me, Donna.”

Simone paused the video again. “Thank you so much for having me, Donna,” she said, but this time she could tell her tone and diction sounded much more like Traci’s than they had the last time. She also smiled and gave two fast nods, exactly the way Traci had. Simone played the video many more times, all while practicing Traci’s words and facial expressions. She also clasped her hands together and rested them in her lap…the same as Traci had. Soon Simone moved on to every individual response that Traci had given, still practicing and mimicking every aspect of what she saw and heard. Simone started and stopped the video until she had Traci’s behavior and enunciation down pat. Then she picked up her Smartphone and hit the record icon.

“Thank you so much for having me, Donna. Thank you so much for having me, Donna.”

She stopped the recording and played it back. Then she played this particular part of Traci’s YouTube video again. Then she played her phone recording. Then she played the YouTube video again. And then her phone recording. She was so happy with how close her voice sounded to Traci’s that her heart beat faster than normal. She was elated because when it came time for her to do TV interviews, she’d be well prepared. Although, there was one thing that bothered her, and that was her name. Traci Calloway Cole had a special ring to it, and sounded a million times better than Simone Phillips. This also made Simone want to forget about planning a wedding, so that she and Chris could get married right away at the courthouse. This way, she’d be able to use her maiden name and new surname as soon as possible.

“Simone Phillips McCann,” she spoke out loud. “Traci Calloway Cole. Simone Phillips McCann. Traci Calloway Cole.” Her future married name sounded okay, she guessed, but if only Chris’s last name could start with Ph the same as hers, it would be perfect.

She played around with a few examples that would work much better than McCann. “Simone Phillips Phalen. Simone Phillips Phifer.” She would even settle for a last name that began with F, since it would still create the precise kind of alliteration she was looking for.

“Simone Phillips Foster,” she said. “Simone Phillips Faulkner. Simone Phillips Freeman.” Simone knew there was nothing she could do about Chris’s name, but there was a way to fix this little dilemma. She would use a pen name for her books. Writers did this all the time, so why shouldn’t she?

She spoke out loud again. “Traci Calloway Cole. Simone Phillips Freeman. Traci Calloway Cole. Simone Phillips Freeman.” Simone smiled as she repeated Traci’s name with her new name, over and over and over. It was priceless, and she couldn’t wait to use it on her first book, social media pages, and future website.

( Continued... )

Copycat by Kimberla Lawson Roby will be released January 31, 2017. © 2017 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, Kimberla Lawson Roby. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author's written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only.

My Review: 5 of 5 stars

First off, I love the title, Copycat. How fitting! From page one until the end, Copycat takes on a journey of every author's nightmare. But it also touches on how easy it can be to cross over the line from admiration to jealousy/envy. A big takeaway is how we cannot be too quick to open our hearts and lives to someone without getting to know them well. Our heroine, Traci so badly wanted a friend that she ignored the warning signs because Simone came with several red flags. Simone, a product of her past, accurately represented the person who repeats the same cycle and makes the same mistakes but refuses to change. Simone had everything she needed but she wasn't satisfied. As I read, all I could think about was how we needed to be content with what we have. We have to learn that no matter the state we're in, to be content. A thoughtful read that opens up conversations and hopefully some life-changing reflection.

Kimberla Lawson RobyNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kimberla Lawson Roby has published 24 novels which include A SINFUL CALLING, BEST FRIENDS FOREVER, THE ULTIMATE BETRAYAL, A CHRISTMAS PRAYER, THE PRODIGAL SON, A HOUSE DIVIDED, THE PERFECT MARRIAGE, THE REVEREND’S WIFE, SECRET OBSESSION, LOVE, HONOR, and BETRAY, BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU PRAY FOR, A DEEP DARK SECRET, THE BEST OF EVERYTHING, ONE IN A MILLION, SIN NO MORE, LOVE & LIES, CHANGING FACES, THE BEST-KEPT SECRET, TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING, A TASTE OF REALITY, IT’S A THIN LINE, CASTING THE FIRST STONE, HERE AND NOW, and her debut title, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, which was originally self-published through her own company, Lenox Press.


Kimberla has sold more than 2.7 Million copies of her novels, and they have frequented numerous bestseller lists, including The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, Essence Magazine, Upscale Magazine, AALBC.com, Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, Wal-Mart, The Dallas Morning News, and The Austin Chronicle to name a few, and both BEHIND CLOSED DOORS and CASTING THE FIRST STONE were #1 Blackboard bestsellers for four consecutive months in both 1997 and 2000. BEHIND CLOSED DOORS was the #1 Blackboard Best-selling book for paperback fiction in 1997.

Kimberla is the 2013 NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction, the recipient of the 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013 Author of the Year – Female award presented by the African-American Literary Award Show in New York, the recipient of the 2014 AAMBC Award for Female Author of the Year, the recipient of the Blackboard Fiction Book of the Year Award in 2001 for CASTING THE FIRST STONE, the recipient of the 1998 First-Time Author Award from Chicago’s Black History Month Book Fair and Conference, and in 2001, Kimberla was inducted into the Rock Valley College Alumni Hall of Fame (Rockford, IL).

Kimberla’s novels deal with very real issues, including corruption within the church, drug addiction, gambling addiction, infidelity, social status, single motherhood, breast cancer, infertility, sibling rivalry and jealousy, domestic violence, sexual abuse, mental illness, care-giving of a parent, racial and gender discrimination in the workplace, sexual harassment, and overweight issues to name a few.

Kimberla resides in Illinois with her husband, Will. Her 25th title, COPYCAT, will be released Tuesday, January 31, 2017. To share your thoughts with Kimberla regarding her work, please e-mail her at: kim@kimroby.com.

If you would like to schedule a speaking engagement, booksigning event, or media interview with Ms. Roby, please contact her by email at: publicity@kimroby.com


Twitter.com/KimberlaLRoby
Facebook.com/kimberlalawsonroby
Instagram.com/kimberlalawsonroby
Periscope.com/kimberlalawsonroby
Book Tour: http://kimroby.com/events


Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kimberla-Lawson-Roby/e/B001H6S2LK

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/copycat-kimberla-lawson-roby/1123750150

Review: Behind Closed Doors

Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a thriller. I easily traveled from past to present as the story unfolded. Jack was something else. Millie was my heroine. I found myself contemplating how would Grace get out of that web. Wonderfully written and crafted debut novel. I would definitely read more of her B.A. Paris' work.

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Review: The Cure

The Cure by Parker J. Cole
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Kudos to Parker J. Cole on that cover and the title. This is proof that both are important in grabbing a reader's attention. I wanted to read it because of those two things. In The Cure, Savannah and Micah are reunited because of a tragedy. They battle their past and old feelings. I questioned a lot of the characters actions and non-actions especially since the author did a good job of building them one way. There were a few things that would've made it stronger and more powerful read but being a romantic, I was glad for the conclusion.

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Review: Never Let You Go

Never Let You Go by Chevy Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book I've read by Chevy Stevens and it won't be the last. Throughout the entire read, I was held in suspense. Lindsey and Sophie seems to have a penchant for drawing the wrong men to them. Who's wrong and who's right? You will have to read to find out. Never Let You Go was a suited title. Topics ranged from obsession to forgiveness and everything in between. A superb read and well-crafted fiction. Sometimes you never really know a person so the only person you have to get to know is yourself. Sophie and Lindsey's story had depth. Chevy Stevens crafted this story with the right amount of skill and intrigue to keep you turning/swiping the pages until the end.

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Book Review: The Inheritance by Rochelle Alers

The Inheritance by Rochelle Alers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I love that this is a second chance at love novel. Some of us don't get it right the first time! I have read Rochelle Alers work before so I was eager to read this story. Thank you, Netgalley and publisher for this opportunity. Primarily set in New Orleans, Hannah and St. John story was encouraging for me. It's rare that you read a novel about older couples. They need love too! There was a lot of facts and information that tells the author did tremendous research. I felt as if I were there and my mouth watered from the tasty food mentioned. Sometimes, it was a bit much (although it didn't take away from the story). The romance was secondary to the journey of the characters to me. It was good to see both characters free themselves from the past and grab hold onto each other for the future. It is a strong foundation read for a series. I look forward to learning Tonya and Gage's story.

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About the BookIn bestselling author Rochelle Alers passionate, uplifting new series, four friends from very different backgrounds find new beginnings amid the sultry beauty of New Orleans 
 Corporate attorney Hannah DuPont-Lowell always pictured herself returning to New Orleans to retire just not yet. But after her Manhattan company abruptly lays off its staff, there s no better place to figure out a next move than the porch of her plantation-style home. 
Nestled in the stunning Garden District, the DuPont House has been in Hannah s family for two centuries. With its eighteen rooms and two guesthouses, it s far more home than widowed Hannah needs. Still, it could make a wonderful inn, especially if she can convince her friends and former coworkers Tonya, Jasmine, and Nydia to join in the venture. But in the meantime, Hannah has a high school reunion to attend 
College Professor St. John McNair, Hannah s one-time classmate, is still the finest guy in any room. Between Hannah s willowy, blonde beauty, and his uncanny resemblance to Marvin Gaye, they make a striking pair. And gradually, their rekindled friendship moves toward romance. Still, Hannah is too bruised by her late husband s infidelities to trust a man again. But her friends arrival and encouragement just might show her a path through uncertainty straight to a vibrant, joyful new life "

Release Date: February 28, 2017
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Book Review: Here and Gone by Haylen Beck

Here and Gone by Haylen Beck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I finished this read in hours. Excellent storytelling. Audra, a recovering addict seems an unlikely heroine but she is a dangerous mama bear. I loved how the author brings her strength to light. Danny also drew me in with his cunning and wit. But the hero, Sean, Audra's young son showed a grit and tenacity that made this story great. What a tale filled with twists and intrigue. I loved how the author tied everything up and gave a thrilling conclusion. Definitely kept me glued until the end.

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About the BookHere and Gone is a gripping, wonderfully tense suspense thriller about a mother's desperate fight to recover her stolen children from corrupt authorities.. 

It begins with a woman fleeing through Arizona with her kids in tow, trying to escape an abusive marriage. When she's pulled over by an unsettling local sheriff, things soon go awry and she is taken into custody. Only when she gets to the station, her kids are gone. And then the cops start saying they never saw any kids with her, that if they're gone than she must have done something with them... 

Meanwhile, halfway across the country a man hears the frenzied news reports about the missing kids, which are eerily similar to events in his own past. As the clock ticks down on the search for the lost children, he too is drawn into the desperate fight for their return.

Release Date: June 20, 2017
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Book Review: And Then There Was Me by Sadeqa Johnson

And Then There Was Me: A Novel by Sadeqa Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

And Then There Was Me was a thoughtful read. We meet Bea, a nurse turned housewife who struggles with bulimia. She has agreed to be a surrogate for Mena, her husband, Lonnie's cousin. Bea knows her husband Lonnie is a cheat and has put up with this for years.
This was a flawed heroine who many can relate to in many ways. I became embroiled in her journey and questioned some of Bea's choices but still, I rooted for her. At the end of And Then There Was Me, I was left with things I wondered about, but, I guess life is that way at times. I found the author's writing solid and know this read will lead to a lot of interesting discussions.

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About the Book
Bea and Awilda have been best friends from the moment Awilda threw her fourteen year-old self across Bea’s twin-sized bed as if they had known each other forever. Bubbly, adventurous Awilda taught sheltered, shy Bea how to dress, wear her hair and what to do with boys. She even introduced Bea to her husband, Lonnie, in college, who pledged to take good care of her for the rest of their lives. But philanderer Lonnie breaks that promise over and over again, leaving Bea to wrestle with her self-esteem and long time secret addiction. 

Recently Lonnie has plopped the family in a New Jersey upper class suburb, which lacks the diversity that Bea craves but has the school district and zip code envy that Lonnie wants. The demands of carrying a third child and fitting into this new environment while pretending that her husband is not cheating on her again, is more than she can handle. And just when she thinks things can’t get any worst, the ultimate deception snaps the little thread that was holding her life together and all comes tumbling down.
And Then There Was Me is the story of secrets, lies and friendship, heartache and betrayal. It’s the journey of a woman stripped down to her lowest point and needing to find the will to press on. 

Release Date: April 11, 2017
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WNL Tours Presents Back from Broken

Write Now Literary is pleased to announce Back From Broken by Rosheka Henry Virtual book Tour January 9-20, 2017.Book Release Date: June 2016Genre: Religious/Self Help
About The Book


BACK FROM BROKEN is the story of one woman’s journey back to wholeness. It is one woman’s pursuit to getting rid of what was holding her back from being who God has called her to be. This story will give you the heartbreak and bitterness that one holds onto but decides to let go of so that Wholeness can begin.  This book will enlightened you, teach you what you need to know and empower you, and equip you with the tools that you need in order to walk in your wholeness, the last thing that I hope that this book can do for you is to impact you.








About The Author

ROSHEKA SHONTA HENRY is a native of Georgia, and was raised in Alabama. She grew up to love the medical field, and spent the majority of her career working at surrounding community hospitals as a phlebotomist and patient register. She is a proud and devoted member of Word of Truth Ministries, where her father, Pastor John L. Cook is the Sr. Pastor. She is also a certified dance instructor, where she leads the dance ministry at her church. She also teaches praise dancing in the surrounding churches. Rosheka’s praise dance ministry has been featured on local television stations numerous times. She has received awards as well as trophies for her profound work in her dance ministry. She is very devoted to Kingdom work. God is her driving force. She is the author              of            “BACK                FROM BROKEN…A    DANCERS        JOURNEY                BACK  TO WHOLENESS”, which is the autobiography of her life. She has written a gospel song called “Hallelujah” song by an up and coming artist, that can be downloaded on all major online music apps, such as iTunes and Google Play. She is also a single mother of three gifted children.Her passion in life is to empower women, as well as men, and children. Her love for mankind has driven her to pursue a path that will inspire others to be all that they can be in life and in Christ. She is an inspirational speaker as well as an advocate for women who are broken. She works closely with her church and local food bank feeding the hungry. Rosheka has also had the opportunity to model for The Wonderful World of Fashion Show. She has been known to grace the camera with her smile for multiple companies in her area. She has a bright future in ministry and is looking to open a Non-profit Organization THE BACK FROM BROKEN CENTER for broken women looking for inner help.
Click here to read the excerpt  Author Website Twitter       Facebook  Click here to follow the tour