Contest for HOT BOX OF GOODIES (Ends 9/6/2010)

Contest for HOT BOX OF GOODIES by Zane - Details Inside...

THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY: ALAYA JOHNSON - AUTHOR OF 'MOONSHINE'

The Story Behind The Story - 

Alaya Johnson - Author of 'Moonshine' -

Alaya (rhymes with “papaya”) lives, writes, cooks and (perhaps most importantly) eats in New York City. Her literary loves are all forms of speculative fiction, historical fiction, and the occasional highbrow novel. Her culinary loves are all kinds of ethnic food, particularly South Indian, which she feels must be close to ambrosia. She graduated from Columbia University in 2004 with a BA in East Asian Languages and Cultures, and has lived and traveled extensively in Japan.

Urban Reviews:  Can you tell us what Moonshine is all about?

Alaya Johnson:  Moonshine follows the story of Zephyr Hollis, a demon hunter turned social activist in the Lower East Side of 1920s New York City. She teaches night school to immigrants and Others (including vampires) and generally tries to repent for her past as the daughter of Montana's most famous demon hunter. However, things turn sticky when one of her students--a mysterious man named Amir--proposes to pay her handsomely for her help in finding a notorious vampire mob boss. Adventures ensue.

Urban Reviews:  How did the story first materialize for you when you started writing Moonshine?

Alaya Johnson:  Rather unusually for me, the core idea for Moonshine appeared to me in a flash one afternoon. I'd been idly contemplating the current trend in urban fantasy and wondered, as a thought experiment, what kind of setup would really excite me. And suddenly the world of 1920s New York popped into my head, and I was hooked. I wrote down a mini plot description, which basically included Zephyr, Amir and the setting, and I was off. The whole process was really a lot of fun.

Urban Reviews:  What made you want to write about vampires?  Were you a fan of the genre and/or vampire legends before?

Alaya Johnson:  I've definitely enjoyed many vampire stories, including modern urban fantasies. But I wouldn't call myself an aficionado. I'd never contemplated writing a vampire novel before the day I had the idea for Moonshine. I thought vampires were fine to read about, but they'd never really captured my imagination before that point. All that being said, some vampire books--especially Robin McKinley's Sunshine--have been on my comfort reading list for years.

Urban Reviews:  What do you think is the hardest thing to overcome when writing Moonshine?

Alaya Johnson:  Probably the research and really getting into the feel of the twenties. I read a lot of books and watched movies and went through many entries in etymological dictionaries to try to give some verisimilitude to the setting. I'm by no means an expert on the period even now, but hopefully some of the details I learned helped make the setting more convincing for readers.

Urban Reviews:  Is there anything else you'd like to share regarding Moonshine?

Alaya Johnson:  I'm currently working on the (as-yet-untitled) sequel. Returning to Zephyr and her friends has been a lot of fun for me, and hopefully will please my readers, as well. Speaking of readers, if you're a fan of historical fiction in addition to urban fantasy, I think you'd really love this book. Some of my favorite writers are Robin McKinley, Elizabeth Peters, Sarah Smith and Dorothy Dunnett--so if you're a fan of any of them, check out Moonshine!

Click here to read the first chapter of 'Moonshine'
Order your copy of 'Moonshine' today!

Official Website:  http://www.alayadawnjohnson.com

Moonshine by Alaya Johnson -- book trailer from Alaya Johnson on Vimeo.

NEW REVIEW: Jordan Belcher - Tre Pound

Jordan Belcher -
Tre Pound -
Availalbe Now! -
3 out of 5 books -


21-year-old Levour King a.k.a. "Tre Pound" is a menace to the streets in Kansas City and comes from a long line of hustlers. Tre is a hood star and feels as if the King's runs the streets and that he is untouchable...even after all the grimey things he has done. He goes around robbing folks without a ski mask. He wants his victims to be well aware of who it was that actually robbed them. Unbeknownst to him, a lot of people want to see Tre dead or behind bars for life and will stop at nothing to make this happen.

Tre's little cousin Camille is looking for love in all the wrong places. Her ex-boyfriend is still in love with her, and he's just waiting for the right opportunity to swoop Camille back up. Her current boyfriend is a pretty boy who does not have much heart. Both of these boys have one thing in common: they are both terrified of Tre Pound. Camille loves her cousin Tre, but she hates the fact that he always scares away anyone that she likes. Will any of these boys have the heart to stand up to Tre?

Unbeknownst to Camille, Camille's best friend Dominique has a secret crush on Tre. Dominique also happens to be the sister of his boy. Tre knows it is a no-no to mess with his boy's little sister but with Dominique being so persistent, things just happen. Tre knows he needs to keep what happened between Dominique and him a secret, but Dominique wants everyone to know. What will happen when Camille finds out? What hill happen when her brother finds out that his boy has been doing his little sister? The outcome cannot be good.

Tre Pound by Jordan Belcher was an okay debut novel. It is a tale of love, lust, lies, deceit and murder. The story is one of your typical street thug and a young girl with self-esteem issues searching for love in all the wrong places. This part of the story will make your eyebrows raise. I am curious to know if the author will be writing a sequel, considering the story has a lot of unanswered questions.

Reviewed by Leona for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Kindle E-book Tre Pound today! 
 

NEW REVIEW: Terry L. Wroten - Natural Born Killaz

Terry L. Wroten -
Natural Born Killaz -
Available Now! -
4 out of 5 books -


John Wilson and Kevin Goodman live in South Central and attend Carver Junior High School, which is the only predominantly Black school left in Los Angeles. Gangbanging is the game of choice in their hood, which is what they both see with older siblings as well as other family members. The gang members ARE family and they all pledge their lives and unconditional love to their set...the infamous Crips, the almighty color of blue. John’s mother preaches as well as pleads with him not to fall into the trap that the white man has devised to enslave the young black men into self destruction. John falls for Donita Johnson, while Kevin lays his heart on the line for Meosha. The only problem is the fact that the girls’ family are their enemies...the Bloods. An innocent walk home from school one afternoon births the demons in John and Kevin. John becomes Killa Black while Kevin deems the hood name Killa Kev when loved ones are murdered and causes the ignition of a bloody gang war.

Terry L. Wroten penned an explicit and volatile novel as he paints a graphic picture of gangbanging. The characters are so well written, you actually feel their struggle with the right and the wrong, the love and the hate, the hurt and the pain. You see their lives and the unfairness that they encounter on a daily basis. They face some life-changing choices that can either make them or break them. Mr. Wroten takes you to a place where murderers play Russian Roulette only because they are victims of their environment. Even when they wish for something other than guns and death, they are more often than not facing wars pertaining to life and death, real emotions, as well as mental and physical trials. Natural Born Killaz illustrates a powerful, disturbing and realistic tale of the lives of young residents. It grants you an unrehearsed visual of their brutal actions and their cruel reactions. However, the author challenges you to look past the dark side and see the child within before the birth of heartless murderers. Great debut, Mr. Wroten! You are most definitely a ‘great contender’ in this genre of writing! Kudos!

Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Natural Born Killaz today! 
 
 

NEW REVIEW: Carol M. Mackey - Sistergirl Devotions

Carol M. Mackey -
Sistergirl Devotions -
Available Now! -
5 out of 5 books -


Sistergirl Devotions by Carol M. Mackey is broken down into 90 life lessons. This book is ideal for a Women’s Bible Study Group or a focused Sunday School Class. Mackey’s chapter titles are so informative for a Christian education teacher that they can create their own Sunday School Class Curriculum coupling twelve life lessons together, which have similar subject matters (i.e. working moms, working wives, office politics.)

Most importantly, readers can use this book as a guide to help them navigate themselves toward and through the corporate ceiling without having to lay down their religion to get there.

Sistergirl Devotions is more than a devotional. Mackey gives partners life lessons with personal anecdotes, scriptural reference, action plans [her power moves] and guided prayer for readers to use when they connect with a topic. Kudos!

Reviewed by Dee Stewart for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Sistergirl Devotions: Keeping Jesus in the Mix on the Job today! 
 
 

NEW REVIEW: Styles P - Invincible

Styles P -
Invincible -
Available Now! -
3 out of 5 books -


Life is very precious, and at times, it's taken for granted. What if your life as you knew it was forever changed? Your freedom was taken away from you in a blink of an eye. Would you be able to sit down and be still, knowing that your downfall was at the hands of another man, or would you be out for the ultimate vengeance?

Jake Billings was a legend for a reason. Jake seemed to have settled down from his wild and crazy days. He owned a successful store and had his girl Kim by his side.  Suddenly, he finds himself back in prison. Jack plans to walk the straight and narrow in prison, but then he receives a mysterious letter threatening his life. Watching over his shoulder is not how Jake saw doing his bid. His life began to fall into a downward spiral. Jake ends up in a coma after an unsuccessful attempt was made on his life. Waking up in a hospital room two years later, Jake a.k.a. “Mr. Invincible” seems to cheat death several times. Numerous attempts are made on Jake’s life. Not knowing who to trust and who his attackers were, Jake entered “Beast” mode. And with the pieces slowly coming together, Jake realizes deception, deceit and dishonor are staring him in the face. Will Jake be able to maintain the upper hand, or will his demise be unavoidable?

Kim had been down for Jake for years, standing and supporting him in good and bad times. They knew each other since they were teenagers. Feeling underappreciated, Kim joins a deadly alliance that can leave life-altering consequences. Reuniting with Jake after so many years, Kim has one ultimate goal. The problem is that Jake is unaware of her attentions. Will Kim succeed with her plan, or will the tables be turned on her with deadly results?

Paul Rosenberg was a well known attorney who had an exceptional win rate. Paul was also known for his shiesty tactics and schemes. Police officers, FBI agents, and crime bosses were all on his payroll. Paul was used to getting what he wanted...and when he wanted. Things go deadly wrong when a late-night rendezvous ends up in a bloody massacre. Jake ends up saving Paul’s life, but couldn’t save him from being violated in the worst way possible. Jake and Paul share a secret between each other, and if it were to ever be leaked, it would most certainly ruin Paul. Feeling vulnerable, Paul feels Jake is a threat, and the threat must be eliminated. Will Paul’s plan go smoothly, or will there more hurdles in the road up ahead?

Styles P's Invincible takes you on a journey of a man who can’t trust anyone. Just when he thinks things can’t get worse, they do. For his first novel, Styles P gives us a lot of details and background information that lead up to the circumstances at hand. I could actually imagine exactly how and when it went down. At times, with some much going on in the novel, it was a bit confusing. But overall, Invincible had a good storyline.

Reviewed by Kristin for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Invincible: A Novel today! 
 
 

THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY - Author Allison Hobbs discusses 'Stealing Candy'

THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY:

Author Allison Hobbs discusses 'Stealing Candy'

Riveting! Graphic! Edgy! Just a few words that describe the responses to Allison Hobbs´ writing style. Known for writing provocative and controversial novels, Allison burst on the literary scene with her highly successful debut novel, Pandora´s Box in 2003. In her latest release, Stealing Candy, Allison departs from erotic fiction, and has taken on the serious and disturbing topic of teenage sex trafficking in the United States.  A prolific writer, she is the national bestselling author of fourteen novels and novellas of multiple genres, including paranormal and fantasy.

Urban Reviews:  Can you tell us a little about Stealing Candy?
Allison Hobbs:  Three teen-age girls from very different backgrounds have been kidnapped by a pimp and forced into the sex trade. Saleema Sparks, a woman who runs a sanctuary for troubled teens risks her life to save the girls.

Urban Reviews:  What made you choose teen sex trafficking for this story?
Allison Hobbs:  I departed from my normal genre and wrote Stealing Candy to raise awareness and bring attention to this tragedy that is happening within the African American communities. Though the media has given some attention to a few cases and have shed some light on this disturbing practice within the African American community, the cases we hear about are still considered isolated events.

African American child slavery is on the rise. There has been little focus on the uncounted numbers of African American girls who are lost in the network of sex trafficked children. Sex trafficked black girls are invisible, and unfortunately, they are fast becoming the forgotten slaves of our time.

Unless we open our eyes to the fact that modern day slavery exists within the African American community, our black children who are enslaved have very little hope of being freed.

Urban Reviews:  Was Stealing Candy the hardest book for you to write? If so, why?
Allison Hobbs:  Stealing Candy was difficult to write, but it was also cathartic and forced me to finally acknowledge the invisible scars from my youth.

Urban Reviews:  What type of research did you do for this story?
Allison Hobbs:  I read the statistics, but mainly relied upon my imagination and my own brief but horrifying experience as an abducted teen.

Urban Reviews:  Did any of the scenes come from real life experiences?
Allison Hobbs:  Absolutely. As I’ve already said, I experienced being abducted. I know exactly how it feels to cry for help only to have your screams ignored. I know how it feels to escape from an abductor only to be caught and dragged back to the place of confinement while seemingly normal adult citizens turn a blind eye…unwilling to get involved.

It is a miracle that I escaped before I was forced into prostitution or introduced to drugs. It is by the grace of God that I was not physically maimed or killed. Still, I did not emerge unscathed. There were no visible scars, but the pain was always present...waiting to be acknowledged, waiting for me to take an action.

Looking back, I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones. I am alive today and able to tell this cautionary tale because I escaped.

Urban Reviews:  What can we do to protect young women from sex trafficking?
Allison Hobbs:  Begin the conversation. Parents should talk to their children and let them know that the heinous practice of sex trafficking is running rampant. Young girls should be aware that the face of the “pimp” is not the stereotypical Hollywood version. Sex traffickers are often regular-looking, young men who falsely represent themselves for the purpose of luring teenage girls away from their safety zones.


Author Website: http://www.allisonhobbs.com
Author Website:  http://www.stealingcandy.net
Author's Publisher: Click Here
Author's Facebook: Click Here
Click here to read an excerpt from 'Stealing Candy'
Click here to read our review for 'Stealing Candy'
Order your copy of Stealing Candy (Zane Presents) today! 
 
 

NEW REVIEW: Joe Martin - Ill Street Blues

Joe Martin -
Ill Street Blues -
Available Now! -
3 out of 5 books -


Come take a journey on these Ill Street Blues by Joe Martin. As a child in Buffalo, N.Y., Bum struggled day to day, growing up with hardly anything to call his own. As he got older, these ill streets were calling his name with all the money that could be made by selling drugs and anything else to bring in the money. He runs with a clique they call the "Young Guns," which included him and his two men Mojo and Bumpkin. With all the money that he's making, there are others on the streets plotting to take him down.

Being born into the game and with his father being one of the biggest dealers in town, it comes natural to Lex to want to follow in his father's footsteps. Money is far from his motive because his family has plenty of it. He is torn between the streets and the fame he has on the football field. His high comes more from being the top five for the NFL draft. Just when Lex is about to let the streets go, something horrific happens.

Billy D is Lex's cousin. Billy D is a hit man for hire and as cold blooded as they come. As a young child, he was a witness to his father's murder, and he still has nightmares from it. When one of the members of the Young Guns is murdered by some rivals, they are out for revenge. When everything is all said and done, who is going to be left standing?

Ill Street Blues by Joe Martin was a typical street-lit novel in that it was filled with money, drugs and murder. They are fighting over streets that they do not own to sell drugs to the innocent, and they do it all for the love of money. Although it was a typical read, I see this author having the potential to have a five star read. Mr. Martin definitely knows how to keep the reader engrossed and how to weave a tale. The ending of the book kind of confused me as well. Unfortunately, I just did not feel that Ill Street Blues stood out from the rest of the pack.

Reviewed by Leona for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Ill Street Blues today! 
  
  

NEW REVIEW: Noire - Unzipped

Noire -
Unzipped -
Available Now! -
4 out of 5 books -


Sometimes life throws us many curveballs. Things can be going well, and the next minute it can be all bad. What if your life as you knew it was forever changed at the hands of evil? How would you handle the situation? Would you seek revenge, or would you lose it all to cause the ones who did you wrong to experience the pain that you felt?

Pearl Baines was a star in her own right. One-half of a twin, Pearl was the complete opposite of her sister Diamond, who was in and out of trouble with a recurring drug problem. Pearl and Diamond were a force to be reckoned with in their teenage years. The Baines twins had the boys in Harlem going crazy, which resulted in the twins getting pregnant by the same man. Pearl strived to change for the better and wanted to set a good example for her daughter and niece. Pearl had goals and worked hard to accomplish them. Pearl’s dreams of becoming a FBI agent began to unfold before her eyes. As Pearl got situated into her life, tragedy struck, and Pearl’s whole family is wiped out in a matter of moments in a tragic fire and murder. Pearl is out for the ultimate revenge. Will Pearl be able to avenge her family’s death, or will she end up being another victim in the process?

Menace grew up fast as a teenager and saw a lot that he should never see as a young boy. With the odds stacked against him, Menace, with the guidance of his mentor Irish Barnes, ended up being more than just a statistic. Menace graduated from high school, college and became a successful business owner. Upon hearing of Irish’s demise, Menace rushes back to Harlem to run Irish’s outreach program and find out what caused his mentor’s demise. Running into Irish’s sole survivor Pearl reignites feelings that Menace thought were long gone. Will Menace act on the love he has for Pearl, or will he keep it professional out of respect for her father?

Unzipped was a powerful novel by Noire. Noire has once again outdone herself. Unzipped tells a story that takes many twists and turns. Pearl’s strength to avenge her family’s death is admirable. For her to put everything on hold, including her career and love life, shows that Pearl is a fighter. I would highly recommend Unzipped.

Reviewed by Kristin for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Unzipped: An Urban Erotic Tale today! 
 
 

NEW REVIEW: Various Authors - Can A Sistah Get Some Love? (Anthology)

Various Authors -
Can A Sistah Get Some Love? (Anthology) -
Available Now! -
4 out of 5 books -


For Love or Success by Tinisha Nicole Johnson

Jasmine Carter is a corporate exec who is looking for the same type of man, even though that hasn't gotten her very far. When her best friend convinces her to take a trip on the city bus with her for fun, Jasmine meets Kevin Matthews-the bus driver. Regardless of how he looks, Jasmine could never be attracted to a bus driver...could she? When she runs into Kevin again, she decides that maybe she would give him a try...on a friendship level. Kevin is willing to go along with this. Jasmine eventually finds another man that is everything she thinks she wants, and Kevin has a steady girl that will always be there. Will Jasmine let Kevin get away because he is not what she envisioned as her perfect guy?

For Love or Success is a good read by Tinisha Nicole Johnson. I enjoyed the twist that Johnson gave the story where the woman was the corporate and the man would have to put his ego in check if her wanted to be with her. The plot could have been a little bit more developed, and there were also a few lagging moments in the story. However, the character development was good.

Arctic Love Call by Nathasha Brooks-Harris

Ava Chantrelle Wellbourne is ready for a change in her life. She is ready to leave the projects in Brooklyn and seek adventure. What better way to achieve that than by accepting a teaching job in Alaska. Once Ava gets to Alaska, she is all work. One evening, her co-worker persuades her to go out. That is where she meets Zachary Blackmon. Zach is a native Alaskan, and his family owns one of the largest crabbing businesses in Alaska. Zach and Ava hit it off immediately. Zach is about to go out on the ship for 4 months, so that doesn't give them a lot of time to spend together. Ava is convinced that she only wants to be friends. Zach is ok with that, for now. When a boating accidents lands Zach in the hospital, Ava is right there by his side. After that, the two are inseparable. However, an ex and Ava's family can change it all.

Arctic Love Call is a wonderful story by Nathasha Brooks-Harris. The setting gives the story a very interesting twist. There are great facts about Alaska throughout the book, like a mini history lesson. Brooks-Harris does a fantastic job with character and plot development as well.  Great read!

A Taste For Love by Zana Kayne

Kayla Powell is not having a great day. She loses her job and her boyfriend all in one day. Something has got to change in her life. After her deceased Aunt leaves her a rundown bakery in her hometown of New Jersey, Kayla decides that this may be the change she needs. Along with her best friend, Kayla sets out to become the new proprietor of Tasty Kayla. Business is not going so well, and on top of that, a troubled teen tries to rob her one night. That is when Detective Clay Weston enters the picture. He is very familiar with the teen and suspects something is going on. From this encounter, Kayla ends up with a new employee and a prospective love interest. That is, if she can get over the age difference and Clay can fight the demons that are eating at him.

A Taste For Love is a wonderful read by Zana Kayne. This story has the "older woman, younger man" twist. There are several secondary characters in this story, and Kayne does a great job of developing them and incorporating them in such a short story. The primary characters and plot are well developed as well. She also throws in a hint of intrigue in the story.

The Twentieth Century Fox by Gail McFarland

Margie Wilson is due for a change. She is in a loveless marriage, her look needs major updating, and she doesn't feel fulfilled in her life. So when her husband sends her divorce papers, she sees this as her life beginning. With the help of her friends, she wins a free gym membership and personal trainer. Her trainer is Justin Gray, owner of Body Kinetics. Kayla and Justin hit it off immediately. Their love is one that had to wait for the right time.

The Twentieth Century Fox is a good read by Gail McFarland. It was refreshing to read about mature adults in a romance story. The primary and secondary characters were very well developed, as was the plot. The story lagged at the beginning, but it picked up toward the end.

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Can A Sistah Get Some Love? (The Sistah Series) today! 
 
 

NEW REVIEW: Maureen Smith - Recipe for Temptation

Maureen Smith -
Recipe for Temptation -
Available Now! -
5 out of 5 books -


Dr. Reese St. James needs to get away! She has been dealt a tragic blow on her job, and she is not so sure that the relationship she's in is working for her anymore. So when a friend asks her to house sit for two months while she is off on assignment, Reese jumps at the chance. This trip to Atlanta is exactly what she needs. Meeting celebrity chef Michael Wolf is not so bad either. However, a case of mistaken identity have the two at odds. Fate steps in and Reese has been chosen as one of the finalist in a contest that Michael had to find an assistant on his TV show. She goes in with all intentions of making him look bad, but the heat they share in the kitchen lands her the job. Their chemistry is undeniable, and Reese is trying to fight her attraction for Michael. Michael is not making it easy because he has decided that he wants Reese. Can his Recipe for Temptation be hot enough to win Reese's heart?

Recipe for Temptation is a great book by Maureen Smith. It is a light, funny romance that has you cheering for the hero and heroine to be together. Smith does a wonderful job with character and plot development. The setting also makes this book believable and entertaining. Humor in a romance novel always makes the story "real," and Smith did a great job incorporating everyday relationship humor into this story. Recipe for Temptation is a must read!

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Recipe for Temptation (Kimani Romance) today! 
 

NEW REVIEW: Justina Wheelock - Twisting The Script

Justina Wheelock -
Twisting The Script -
Available Now! -
3.5 out of 5 books -


Erica Madison, Larry Aaron, and Cyprien Gravier are involved in a love triangle that would take a mathematician to figure out. Erica and Larry have been best friends since childhood. At some point, Larry fell in love with Erica. Up until recently, Erica loves Larry like a friend. She didn't realize that she was in love with him also. Once the realization set in, Cyprien Gravier reappears in her life. Erica and Cyprien dated two years ago, and their relationship ended when Cyprien decided that he needed to find himself. Erica was devastated, not because she was in love with him but because he left her. When Cyprien returned, he realized that walking away from Erica was the biggest mistake of his life. He wanted her back and planned on getting her back. However, Larry was determined to have Erica and on his terms this time. Can Erica figure out this mess without anyone getting hurt...including her?

Twisting the Script is a unique read by Justina Wheelock. There were so many subplot happening simultaneously. For the most part, Wheelock does a great job keeping them separate and flowing. There are a few instances of gray area where you're not quite sure what is going on. Wheelock also does a wonderful job with character development. This is the first book I've read by Wheelock, but Twisting the Script intrigued me enough to want to go back and read the entire Gravier series.

Reviewed by Tenecia for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Twisting the Script today! 
 
 

NEW REVIEW: Beverly Taylor - Desires of the Heart

Beverly Taylor -
Desires of the Heart -
Available Now! -
5 out of 5 books -


The Greek word for “the heart” is LAY-BAWB and it means the inner man. So it’s no wonder when you read that "God looks on the heart" that He is in fact doing just that...looking inside of us. When you meet the love of your life, what are you looking at? Carson O’Connor finds out the hard way that outer appearances might not last, but when you make a commitment to God or His people to love and cherish, you have to look at the heart to sustain the years together.

Carson and Katharine O’Connor have been married twelve years. Katharine is still in love with her man, but Carson is drawing bored with Katharine. He misses the fun they use to have, He mentions that she no longer wears make-up and walks around the house unattractive. After two children, Katharine is no sore eye. As a matter of fact, she has maintained a coke bottle figure. But when she is in her home, she doesn’t see the pressure to dress like she's going to the boardroom.

It looks like this might be their last year together if Cindy Lomax has her way. Somewhere along the ride, Carson decides to listen to Cindy and winds up driving their marriage into a ditch. Ms. Lomax; the school counselor, isn’t counseling Carson on getting back on track with his marriage but about how to divorce Katharine in less than 90 days. What Ms. Lomax doesn’t bank on is Katharine’s belief in the constitution of "l-o-v-e," and what God anoints, let no man put asunder.

God’s favor, the reflections of scripture and the genuine friendship between Katharine and Natalie warms my heart. Rather than lie to her friend when Katharine asks Natalie a question; the author writes the following to give the reader a glimpse of her love for Katharine: ‘Sometimes even a soft voice is powerless against a broken heart.” Desires of the Heart is an excellent read by Beverly Taylor. 

Reviewed by Missy for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Desires of the Heart today!
 

NEW REVIEW: Pat Simmons - Still Guilty

Pat Simmons -
Still Guilty -
Available Now! -
5 out of 5 books -


Parke & Cheney Jamieson thought they had put their past behind them and could move forward, but that is not the case. Cheney needs Parke more than ever since she lost the baby, and his mind is completely somewhere else. Parke is too busy looking for the son that he fathered a long-time ago. Once the search comes to an end, there's still the trials that are going on for Grandma BB & Roland Reynolds. Cheney's strong faith in the Lord has gotten her through so much, but now she's not so sure with everything that's going on with her loved ones.

Cheney's twin brother Rainey is still upset that she had an abortion. He also learns that one of his ex-girlfriends had done the same thing. He feels that someone is going to feel the pain that he is feeling. It's not until Rainey meets someone that he could truly see himself with, but in order to move forward, he has to seek forgiveness for the past.

Author Pat Simmons continues the journey of telling how God's mercy can help you face anything that comes in front of you. In the third installment of the Guilty Series, Ms Simmons continues the story of Cheney and Parke Jamieson and how you think that the past is dead and gone, but in fact it's alive and well. I especially enjoyed this book because she gives you such a vivid and detailed story that it's okay if you have not read the other books in the series. What I love about the author is how she makes the characters so believable, and you just want to pray for them. I would recommend Still Guilty even if you have not read Guilty of Love and Not Guilty of Love.

Reviewed by Jackie for Urban Reviews

Order your copy of Still Guilty (Urban Christian) today!