The Humble Housewife 2008 Virtual Book Tour

Sweet Georgia Brown
Cheryl Robinson
NAL Trade, January 2, 2008
$13.95 US; ISBN: 0451222288

Meet Georgia Brown-a humble housewife determined to become a household name….

After eleven years of marriage, Georgia Brown is fed up with her husband, Marvin, a popular radio personality. It’s not just because she suspects he’s having an affair, or because she’s suddenly expected to raise his thirteen-year-old daughter, Chloe-whom she never even knew existed. It’s because of the comments he makes about her weight, their marriage, and their sex life…on national radio! Now, to save their marriage, Marvin invites Georgia to the station for an on-air rebuttal . . . .

I was invited today to participate in the SWEET GEORGIA BROWN: Humble Housewife 2008 Virtual Book Tour. Cheryl Robinson, the author of this exciting new release has me the question, “If I was in her humble housewife, Georgia Brown’s shoes, what would my on-air rebuttal be?”

As I walk into the studio, looking fierce and oh so fine in my fire engine red Donna Karan suit (to match my flaming temper) and my three inch Jimmy Choo stilettos, I smile sweetly at Marvin, giving him no indication of what's about to go down. He has no idea that I'm secretly videotaping this meeting, and that it will be broadcast live on the local television station, but also the world wide web. To borrow a phrase, payback is a bitch in high heels, and I'm about to do a tap dance all over Marvelous Marvin.

"Hi Marvin", I reply to his sickeningly sweet greeting. Not there to waste any time with niceties or idle chit chat, I tell Marvin, "Let's get this show on the road." Before he can even reply, I reach over and flip the switch that will put us on the air.

"Welcome back to the morning show with Marvelous Marvin", states Marvin. "Today's guest is none other than my wife Georgia, who is looking unusually beautiful....."

Not even giving Marvin a chance to complete his usual spiel, I angrily butt in, "You know Marvin, I realize that success and ratings are important to you, but how DARE you use me as the butt of your jokes just to get your ratings up? Is your success so important to you that you feel the need to belittle me daily to millions of listeners? Me, the one who believed in you when you were nothing? Me, the one who was there to encourage you every step of the way, even letting you lay up on your ass daily, not working while I did just to be able to have a little money in our pocket? Me, who stuck by you when after we lost everything, we had to resort to living with your parents and having to drive a beat up old car that was one step from being a Flintstone foot mobile?"

By now, Marvin is looking like a deer caught in the headlights. He can't believe that the normally sweet Georgia Brown is standing up to him.

"Why so quiet Marvelous Marvin?", I ask with disdain in my voice. "Why don't you tell your fans how your 13 year old daughter, who is not my child, was unceremoniously dropped off on our doorstep for us, well rather me, to raise because nothing is more important to Marvin than Marvin?" "Why don't you tell everyone how when you come home, that is if you decide to come home, that's it's so late, your boys never see you anymore?"

"Look at you, sitting there with your mouth all open. Close it Marvin, before the fleas that follow your doggish behind take up residence." "I bet you thought I was going to come on her and be all meek and mild like I normally am, and let you continue to blow smoke up my butt and make a fool out of even more?? I don't think so. "

"I've put up with you and your trifling, cheating, not even great in bed self for years, but now I'm done. There is no saving this marriage. "

"Oh, and just so you know," I state with a wicked gleam in my eye and evil grin on my face, "this little pin I have on my suit, ain't just a decorative piece of jewelry. It's actually a hidden camera, and this little tete a tete, my dear, sweet husband, has been broadcast not only on the local radio and television station, but also all over the world wide web. What do you have to say now?"

The rest of the morning crew is cracking up, and the phones are ringing off the hook. I remove the pin from my suit, I take it and hold it out in front of me, smile big and run it from the top of my head down to my feet, then say, "You see all of this? This is what your boy HAD at home that he was dogging out."

"Now who's the fool?", I ask as I not so subtly turn and walk away, with a little extra swing in my hips, and a feeling of satisfaction deep in my soul. Tomorrow, I'll ask for forgiveness and start the process of moving on with my life, but just for today, I couldn't resist the taste of revenge.

Not Even If You Begged by Francis Ray

Not Even If You Begged

Francis Ray
St. Martin’s Griffin, January 2008
$13.95 US, ISBN 0312948174

Rating: 5

Unconditional love…

Luther Vandross said it best when he sang, “There’s nothing better than love…” And whether it is the devotion of your friends, family, spouse or significant other, the sense of completeness you feel when real, unconditional love abounds, is…simply indescribable.

Meet Traci & Maureen, friends, neighbors and members of the Invincible Sisterhood, who find love when they least expect or want it.

Traci Evans, a beautiful, plus size, widowed lawyer, had such a bad marriage that she’s not only bitter when it comes to matters of the heart, but she vows never to let another man get that close to her again. So when Dr. Ryan Gilmore sets out to become more than her neighbor’s son, Traci is having no part of it.

Maureen Gilmore is a wealthy, established 59 year old businesswoman, and also widowed. Her marriage was idyllic; a once in a lifetime experience. After the death of her husband, Maureen wasn’t expecting to find that kind of love again. But when love calls, you have to answer, even if it’s in the form of a younger man.

To say I loved this book would be a gross understatement. I immediately identified with Traci. Not only are we the same age, but my entire life, I’ve experienced the same self-esteem issues with regards to my plus size frame, wondering if people would ever see past the exterior and recognize the goodness that lies within.

And the Invincibles…they were hilarious and truly epitomized what real friendship should be. Everyone should be so lucky to have a group of friends who are with you through thick and thin; the good and the bad, dropping everything to be there by your side when you need them the most.

Not Even If You Begged, national bestselling author Francis Ray’s latest release, is an exemplary celebration of true friendship, undeniable passion, pure adoration and bona fide devotion. In my humble opinion, this is Ray’s best work to date.

--Renee Williams, All the Buzz

The best laid plans...

Well, you know what they say about the best laid plans. LOL I may fall a book short on my book a day mission. I didn't get to start Sweet Georgia Brown last night as planned, and even though I try not to do this anymore, I spent my lunch break running errands. It was a very necessary evil though. And tonight I've got to work on something for my son, so........

Let's see how the other days turn out.

A book a day....

On Monday, I decided that between then and the end of the month, I'm going to try to read a book a day. I have only read two books this month, and I have a lot I need and want to read. I've been working non-stop on my business ventures the past few weeks, with no time to read. But I think I'm just about done, so now I've got time. Anybody want to join me in this mission?

Here are the books I plan to read (not necessarily in this order):

Wicked Ways by Donna Hill
Not Even if You Begged by Francis Ray
Sweet Georgia Brown by Cheryl Robinson
Guilty of Love by Pat Simmons
Sinful by Victor McGlothin
Blow Your Mind by Eric Pete
Even Numbers by Barbara Grovner
It's Not Over Yet by JJ Michael
How Did I Get So Busy by Valorie Burton
No Trust by Leslie Esdaile Banks

Whew! Talk about a challenge! But like the little engine that could, I think I can, I think I can. LOL So far, I've read the first two on the list, and tonight will start Sweet Georgia Brown. Wish me luck!

Watercolored Pearls by Stacy Hawkins Adams

Watercolored Pearls

Stacy Hawkins Adams
Revell Books, October 2007
$12.99 US, ISBN 0800731689

The crossroads of life…

There comes a time in life when we all must make crucial choices; critical decisions that will determine the course of our life. And it's during these times that we may find ourselves crying out to God in despair, and yes, sometimes even questioning His infinite wisdom. It is also during these periods that we realize our strength and ability to endure the complexities of life in spite of the obstacles we must face. In Watercolored Pearls by Stacy Hawkins Adams, Serena, Tawana and Erika find themselves in this very situation.

For Serena, becoming a mother was one of her greatest desires, although it took a while for the dream to finally become a reality. Serena’s family is now complete – a loving, God fearing husband, and two adorable, yet rambunctious twin boys. Sounds ideal right? Well, even though Serena rejoices at having her prayers answered, at times she's overwhelmed by feelings of doubt about being a good mother, and whether or not she made the right decision giving up the career she loved.

After leaving her abusive husband Elliott, Erika is finally at a point in her life where everything is on track and going smoothly, including having a new love interest. But, confusion and doubt begin to set in when her ex starts sending her letters, asking and hoping for a chance at reconciliation.

Tawana has finally realized her dream of becoming a lawyer. But the skeletons in her closet are dancing, threatening to expose all of her dirty little secrets. Stand firm and face the demons or tuck tail and run is the dilemma she finds herself up against.

As each woman struggles with these personal problems and more, they all come together as a support system for each other. With the help of Charlotte, the executive director of the shelter Erika took refuge in, and a bag of three loose pearls of varying colors, Serena, Tawana, and Erika must each decide the path they will take. Will they choose God’s way or their own way?

Once again I’m impressed with Hawkins’ latest literary endeavor! Not only is her writing crisp, clear and concise, she has also mastered the ability to create a compelling tale that not only keeps readers interested from the first page to the last, but also teaches some very timely lessons about faith and trusting in God without being overly preachy. It is apparent with each novel that Hawkins has taken time to study and learn her craft, resulting in a quality product each and every time.

Renee Williams, All the Buzz

Starting a business

Whew! Starting a business ain't easy! LOL I've been working non-stop these past few weeks to finally get everything ready to launch my business endeavor in the next couple of weeks. It's actually been a long time coming, but finally I believe I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I actually couldn't have done it without the constant help and support of my very good friend and mentor. I won't call any names, but she knows who she is.

Well world, stay tuned for official announcements in the coming weeks. Now, I've got a review to post.

Happy New Year!

Happy new year! It is my prayer for everyone who reads this post that this year all of your dreams will be realized, and that God will continue to bless you beyond measure.

Last year was a rough year for me, in more ways than one. And I will admit it took its toll on me, physically and mentally. There were many days where I wondered if it was all worth it. But every time I got that feeling, I received encouragement in so many different forms - emails, phone calls, instant messages, and especially the word of God. It took a while, but I finally realized that I was not trusting God in everything, and only calling on Him when I had screwed up my life, and not consulted Him on everything. But thankfully, I serve an awesome, powerful, loving and forgiving God who kept me, carried me and provided for me when I didn't see a way out of no way.

I try not to make resolutions because I know that I'm not very good at at keeping them. But this coming year, I've decided to really make some lifestyle changes, not only for the new year year, but for the rest of my life.

Here's what has and will transpire:

Get my spiritual life completely back on track because without God I am nothing
I'm done trying to play God and being the solution to everyone's problems (which is really stressful to me and taking a toll on my health)
I'm done being a doormat to everyone, letting them walk all over me with no regards to my feelings
I am going to get my health under control by losing weight through diet and exercise

I also quit my 2nd job at Lane Bryant. I just started it about 3 weeks ago, but quickly realized that my it was more stress and strain on my body that I did not need, in more ways than one. And while I hated to give it up for obvious financial reasons, I must do what I have to do to take care of me, because I am just as important as everyone else.

One last thing that I plan to do is finally give the concentration to my business endeavors that is needed to make them succeed.

I'm praying that this year will be my best year yet, and that each year only gets better and better, and I pray the same for you.