All the Buzz...Book reviews and literary event recaps

The Humble Housewife 2008 Virtual Book Tour

2008-01-31T08:00:00.000-06:00

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

2008-01-26T18:24:00.000-06:00

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...

2008-01-24T14:20:00.001-06:00

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....

2008-01-23T16:36:00.000-06:00

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

2008-01-19T23:04:00.000-06:00

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

2008-01-19T22:48:00.000-06:00

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!

2008-01-02T20:45:00.000-06:00

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.

Francine Craft Gift Basket Winner

2007-12-19T20:02:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Gerri Curless! She was the lucky winner of the Fall in Love All Over Again This Holiday Season with Francine Craft gift basket.

Gerri, you should receive your basket any day now. Enjoy!

Fall in Love All Over Again This Holiday Season with Francince Craft

2007-12-14T09:00:00.000-06:00

Alright, alright, ALRIGHT! All the Buzz Literary Reviews, a subsidiary of Literary Signature Services, is proud to be an official stop on TheGRITS.com Virtual Book Tour. Being a preferred stop on this tour, I will be featuring and interviewing authors, reviewing their books, and providing promotional gifts and prizes for the tour.

It is with great pleasure that I end what has a been a fabulous tour with the "Fall in Love All Over Again This Holiday Season with Francine Craft" gift box drawing. One lucky virtual tourist will win a gift box of tender romances and experience the sensual touch of Warm Spirit pleasure products.

This gift box ($90 value) will include:

PASSION’S FOOL
Relaxing Lavender Eye Pillow

IF LOVE IS GOOD TO ME
6.4 oz. Paisley Polished Hands

THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL
1 oz. Paisley Body Soufflé

NEVER WITHOUT YOU AGAIN
10 oz. Paisley Soy Candle

INTIME4PLAY Game for Couples

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

ELIGIBILITY: This drawing is ONLY open to United States citizens 18 years of age or older. Literary Signature Services and their dependents are not eligible to enter or win.

HOW TO ENTER: To enter, send (1) email with your name and complete mailing address.

HOW TO WIN: All entries must be received by Monday, 11:59 pm PST, December 17, 2007. Literary Signature Services is not responsible for missing or delayed entries due to any malfunctions of the entry form on this site. Winners will be randomly selected from all entries received by Literary Signature Services staff. Each book must be accepted as awarded, for it is not transferable and has no cash surrender value. All winners will be notified by email no later than Tuesday, December 18, 2007 and they must respond to the confirmation email before the book is mailed to them.

PRIVACY DISCLAIMER: Literary Signature Services does not release names, email addresses, and mailing addresses collected from book contests and give-a-ways to anyone. All information collected by us is used only to serve you better in the event you are a winner.

Deadly Sexy

2007-11-19T20:57:00.000-06:00

Deadly Sexy
Beverly Jenkins
Avon, October 2007
$6.99 US, ISBN 0061246395

Love on a lonely highway…

When sports agent JT Blake, or Lady Blake as she is better known, and Reese Anthony, a highly respected attorney and part owner of his family’s international trucking company, meet on a deserted stretch of highway after JT’s car breaks down, the attraction is instantaneous and so explosive that the two don’t even try to fight it.

JT is a little leery at first of getting involved with Reese, but Reese is having none of it. Even though they live on different coasts, Reese’s new job with the football league brings them within close proximity of each other. Determined to wear down JT’s defenses, he begins courting her. And despite her best efforts, JT succumbs, and the two embark on a beautiful, torrid love affair. But as life is known to do, more than a few curve balls, some with serious consequences and repercussions are thrown at Reese and JT.

What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man! Maybe I should change that to what a book, what a book, what a mighty good book! Either way, the line from a classic Salt-n-Pepa song aptly describes how I feel about Reese Anthony and Deadly Sexy. I’m a die-hard romantic, and I love the courting aspect of romance. Courting is an aspect of romance that has really been lost, but Jenkins brings it back in true fashion. Reese is the perfect epitome of old school and new school. And let’s not forget JT. She is, to sum it up in one word, fierce!

Needless to say, I truly enjoyed this book. I’ve read every Beverly Jenkins novel to date, and I must say, this is my favorite. And I believe it’s her best work yet!

- Renee Williams, All the Buzz

Wild Sweet Love

2007-11-15T20:34:00.000-06:00

October was Wild Sweet Love for TheGRITS.com online reading community. I was the hostess with the mostest. LOL Even though Wild Sweet Love by Beverly Jenkins was released in late April, it was still my reading selection for the month. I read it when it was first released, and then did a re-read in October, and I must say I enjoyed it just as much the 2nd time around.

I'm sure you're thinking why I chose the month of October for a romantic theme. LOL Sweetest Day, a holiday mainly celebrated in the northern states, is the 3rd Saturday in October, hence my choice. LOL

To end the month, the members of TheGRITS.com and members of Beverly Jenkins online reading community came together for a wonderful chat. We had a ball! Lots of prizes were given away. Everyone who attended the chat received a gift, including Beverly. We were also joined by another of my favorite romance authors, Evelyn Palfrey.

I loved Wild Sweet Love and can't wait for the next Beverly Jenkins release.

Review - How Strong Women Pray

2007-11-12T20:56:00.000-06:00

How Strong Women Pray
Bonnie St. John
Faith Words, November 2007
$16.99 US, ISBN 0446579262

Prayer will fix it…

How do you pray? Do you speak with God like He’s sitting right next to you and you’re having a conversation with Him? Do you go in your prayer closet and cry out to Him or do you speak out loud?

When do you pray? Do you find yourself calling out to God only in the midst of your trials and tribulations, or do you praise Him at all times, during the good and the bad seasons of your life? I believe there really is not a wrong way to pray, as long as you pray.

In How Strong Women Pray, Bonnie St. John, an amputee who overcame many obstacles, going on to become an Olympic skier and silver medalist, not only shares her struggles and successes in life, but also how prayer plays a vital role in her life.

Wanting to know how prayer played a part in the lives of others, St. John interviewed many women of different races, religions and creed. Some of the women were famous and some, not so famous. Readers are allowed an intimate peek into the prayer lives of such notables as Maya Angelou, Barbara Bush, Vonetta Flowers, and Kathie Lee Gifford, to name a few.

In a recent interview with Natalie Morales of NBC’s The Today Show, St. John talks about How Strong Women Pray and “how it can give you strength as well as help you heal.”

Normally, when I am enjoying a book, I find myself racing through the pages trying to find out what’s going to happen next. But this was not the case with this book. I was so moved by the stories that I found myself re-reading passages, and sometimes even chapters, making notes, and yes, even stopping to pray when certain aspects of the stories spoke to my inner being.

How Strong Women Pray is a powerful testimonial of God’s grace and mercy, and will only enhance the lives of all who read it. I will recommend this to everyone I know.

- Renee Williams, All the Buzz

Review - Slow Burn by Brenda Jackson

2007-11-05T20:36:00.000-06:00

Slow Burn

Brenda Jackson
St. Martin’s, November 2007
$6.99 US, ISBN 0312940491

When love calls…

Alright, alright, alright! The Madaris family is back! It’s been approximately 2 ½ years since we were last given a glimpse into the lives of our beloved Brenda Jackson family. But with the release of Slow Burn, the story of Slade Madaris, we’re reintroduced to the whole clan, including Justin & Lorren, the couple who started it all.

Skye Barclay gets the shock of her life when she finds out that not only is she adopted, but that she also has a brother; a brother who turns out to be Vincent Madaris, the adopted son of Justin & Lorren Madaris.

Against her family’s and her fiancé’s wishes, Skye heads to Texas to meet Vincent. She’s scared of what will happen once she gets to Texas, and understandably so. But her fears are quickly allayed when the Madaris family opens their homes and their hearts to her.

The moment Slade Madaris lays eyes on Skye, he feels an instant inexplicable connection with her. And the fact that Madaris blood runs strong in his veins, Slade pursues Skye, quickly wearing down her defenses and embarking on a beautiful love affair. Their euphoria is short-lived, however, when danger comes calling. Will Skye give into the pressure, or will she stand and fight for her newfound happiness?

Slow Burn is classic Brenda Jackson. You know an author has mastered their craft when you can literally feel the emotions portrayed between the characters; whether it be the familial bonds or the romance and passion between the couples. Each novel that Jackson writes is a testament to this fact. I’ve yet to be disappointed with any of Jackson’s literary offerings. I’m a fan for life.

- Renee Williams, All the Buzz

I Stand Accused by Monica Frazier Anderson

2007-11-01T21:39:00.000-05:00

I Stand Accused

Monica Frazier Anderson
TyMac Books, May 2007
$12.95 US, ISBN 097863781X

When the past comes back to haunt you…

Everyone has a past; some more traumatic than others. Sometimes there are certain aspects of our past that we would honestly rather forget. But at the most inopportune times, skeletons we believe are long buried, manage to break free of their ghostly abodes, and torment us with their secrets and sins. In, I Stand Accused by Monica Frazier Anderson, main character James Adams, finds himself haunted by youthful indiscretions that just won’t go away.

First, there’s the drama of his philandering father who spends all his time at a local strip club where he’s not just getting lap dances. When his father is savagely murdered, it’s anybody’s guess who did it and why. Then there are problems going on with several of his siblings, and a most embarrassing episode with his high school sweetheart, rocks his family’s foundation to it’s core. As soon as James graduates from high school, he shakes the hometown dust from his feet, ditches the East Texas twang, and becomes a successful ophthalmologist. He’s enjoying his new life very much when the past rears its ugly head and forces him to deal with a lot of unresolved issues once and for all!

When I read Ms. Anderson’s novel, When A Sistah’s Fed Up last year, I was impressed with her skills as a new writer. With the publication of I Stand Accused, her excellent writing skills are again realized even more. The telling of this story — with flashbacks to past and present occurences — is done so effortlessly that readers never feel confused by all that is going on in the story. Ms. Anderson also manges to realistically portray the small country town in East Texas where James and his family were raised right down to the dialect! With the exception that this novel did not have as much suspense as I would have liked, I Stand Accused is solidly written — engaging and entertaining! I definitely look forward to more literary endeavors from Monica Frazier Anderson.

--Renee Williams, All the Buzz

Hot & Spicy!

2007-10-15T20:33:00.000-05:00

I just love making gift baskets! Back in February 2007, I had a chance to create two more fabulous gift basket for contest prizes. I'm a member of the RAWSISTAZ online reading community. Each month, the members take turn hosting a selected theme. Well February was Hot & Spicy month, and that was my month to host. I'm a die-hard romantic, and if you had a little spice to the romance, then I'm really good to go. LOL

As part of my hostess duties, I came up with a contest called RAWSISTAZ Survivor. Yep, just like the hit reality show Survivor. There were three rounds, and the final member left standing was the lucky recipient of the basket you see above.

This was the ultimate reader basket. It included:

Books

Taming the Wolf by Maureen Smith

The Enchantress by Allison Hobbs

Making Him Want It by Renee Luke
A Delight Before Christmas by Angie Daniels
Poems of the Heart by Gregory Bryant
Somebody's Gotta Be on Top by Mary Morrison

Fabric covered handcuffs with feather tickler

Chocolate flavored edible body pen

Fabric rose

Fabric rose petals

Chocolate flavored love potion drink mix

Eye mask

Scented tea light candles

Warm Spirt Dark Chocolate Kiss body frosting (it's not edible; a body moisturizer the texture/consistency of cake frosting)

Warm Spirit Dark Chocolate Kiss soy candle (when the candle is melted, the oil can be used as a warm, sensuous massage oil)

Russell Stover chocolate candy

Valentine Coupon Book

Games

Naughty & Nice Spin the Bottle

Love Dice

I hated to give that basket away! LOL It was fun making it, and even more fun giving it away. So remember, if you are in need of a unique gift basket, contact me!

The Stuff's Inside - All Occasion Gift Baskets

2007-10-12T20:32:00.000-05:00

Another service I provide are custom gift baskets. Whatever the occasion, I can create a unique basket just for you.

Authors, are you promoting your newest release via a contest? For a unique, custom gift, choose a literary themed gift basket, featuring your books and the exquisite, nature based products of Warm Spirit.

Here's a sample of some baskets I've done previously:

Review - Only You by Francis Ray

2007-10-10T20:56:00.000-05:00

Only You

Francis Ray
St. Martin’s, October 2007
$6.99 US, ISBN 0312948743

Sweet surrender…

Ruth Grayson is now four for four. She has successfully married off all of her sons, and now she faces the toughest challenge of them all, getting Sierra, her only daughter, to the altar. If her brothers’ easy capitulation into marital bliss is any indication, Sierra’s day are certainly numbered.

From the first moment she heard his voice, Sierra felt an immediate attraction to billionaire real estate mogul, Blade Navarone. The attraction is mutual, and intensely so, when the two actually make each other’s acquaintance. Never one to let anyone or anything stand in the way of what he wants, Blade arranges to be the highest bidder to secure a dinner date alone with Sierra during a charity auction.

From there, the desire between them continues to build, almost out of control. No matter how hard he tries to fight it, Blade finds himself hopelessly enraptured by everything that is Sierra. Blade has loved and lost once; so he refuses to open himself up for that kind of pain again. But you know what they say about the best laid plans. When he wasn’t looking, Blade finds Sierra firmly entrenched in his heart. But will he be able to fight his demons once and for all, and allow himself to truly love again?

Francis Ray has done it again! She has crafted a story so blissfully romantic, I found myself wanting to trade places with Sierra, and claim Blade as my own. Although I’ve enjoyed each of the Grayson love stories, Only You has become my favorite in the series. The portrayal of Blade’s hurt and pain was so real, my heart literally ached for him. Not many authors can evoke that type of emotion from me with a single read. But Ray manages to do that on a consistent basis, and this is why she is one of my all time favorite authors.

- Renee Williams, All The Buzz

How Sweet the Sound Book Review

2007-10-10T20:31:00.000-05:00

How Sweet the Sound
Jacquelin Thomas, Francis Ray, Felicia Mason
Steeple Hill, February 2005
$12.95 US, ISBN 0373785348

Love, sweet love...

Whether you have a new love, or get a second chance at love, you are experiencing the greatest emotion given to us by God. In How Sweet the Sound, bestselling authors Jacquelin Thomas, Francis Ray, and Felicia Mason bring us three inspiring, uplifting, and blissfully romantic stories of love.

In "Make a Joyful Noise" by Jacquelin Thomas, Desiree Coleman loves to sing and desires to be the lead soloist in the choir. The only problem is, her voice isn't quite the angelic or soulful sound that she believes it is. Choir director Bradley Rhodes wants her out of the choir, but Desiree refuses to give up her dream. Slowly but surely, Desiree not only becomes a better singer, she manages to work her way into Bradley's heart.

It's old school vs. new school in, "Then Sings My Soul" by Francis Ray. Grace Thompson and Caleb Jackson find themselves at odds when their ideas for song selections for their upcoming choir competition don't exactly mesh. Tempers rage, but soon anger turns into something much sweeter for Grace and Caleb.

"Heartsongs", by Felicia Mason, is the story of TC Holloway and Carys Shaw. After 25 years, the two meet again at their class reunion, and find themselves given a second chance at love.

Romance and Christian fiction are my two favorite genres, and How Sweet the Sound is a perfect combination of both. Not only was each story well written, they were heartfelt and wonderfully exemplified what love is all about. This anthology has found a spot on my all-time favorite books list, and reserved spot on my bookshelf. It's one I know I will read again and again.

Renee Williams
All the Buzz

2007-10-08T19:55:00.000-05:00

Well, I think I've got you all caught up. LOL Let me get busy with some reviews now.

Self-Published Authors Forum

2007-10-06T19:22:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, June 9, 2007, I had the privilege of attending the Self-Published Authors Forum in Dallas, presented by the Jus' Sistahs Book Club and Half Price Books. Authors in attendance were Dr. Moe, Monica Frazier Anderson, Evelyn Palfrey, Vonda Lovell Brigham, Tom Greer and Sean Chandler. Marlive Harris, of TheGRITS.com, was also in attendance as a expert in the literary industry. Authors Lesley Hal and N'Tyse were also in attendance, but as guests.

This was a wonderful, well attended and very informative event. The authors were very open and honest about everything they have experienced as self-published authors, the good and the bad. There was a Q & A with the members of the audience, and no matter what kind of question was posed, or comment given, the authors were very receptive and responsive.

I'm glad that I got the chance to attend this event, and look forward to attending more events as a reader. Check out some of the photos from the event:

Literary Signature Dinner with Francis Ray

2007-10-04T20:13:00.000-05:00

After the event at the Houston Public Library, later that night we made our way over to Boudreaux's Cajun Restaurant where a good time was had by all. There was lots of good food, lots of door prizes, and each attendee walked away with a bag of goodies. Francis was very gracious; taking pictures with everyone, answering questions, giving us a quick peek into her upcoming storylines, autographing books, etc.

Here's a few pictures from both events:

How Sweet the Sound Event Recap

2007-10-03T21:10:00.000-05:00

Well, this was my first official event, and even though I was nervous, I think it went off without a hitch. LOL

How Sweet the Sound, a romantic Christian anthology, with fellow authors Jacquelin Thomas and Felicia Mason, was Francis' first foray into the Christian fiction genre. Each novella was either based on a well known gospel song, or the song was featured in the storyline. Although Jacquelin Thomas nor Felicia Mason were unable to attend, their stories were still featured.

After my welcome speech, Marlive Harris, of TheGRITS.com, introduced our soloists and gave a brief history of each song selected. Our first soloist was Gwendolyn Ross, who sang I believe in conjunction with "Make a Joyful Noise" by Jacquelin Thomas. Our second soloist was Nicole Taylor, who sang How Great Thou Art, the theme of Francis Ray's "Then Sings My Soul". Our final soloist was Bettye Armstrong, who sang Just As I Am in conjunction with "Heart Songs" by Felicia Mason.

I tell you, each of these women had such beautiful voices that they moved me to tears. For a minute I forgot we were having a literary event and felt like I was in church.

After each soloists were done, Francis then came forward and not only shared how she came to be a part of this anthology, but also gave us a little personal history on her journey as an author. We finished up with refreshmens, a book sale, courtesy of Borders Books in Meyerland Plaza, Houston, Texas, and a book signing.

All in all, I believe the event was a huge success.

2007-10-02T19:49:00.000-05:00

First, let me take you back to where it all started. On July 23, 2005, I hosted two events for Francis Ray. First there was the How Sweet the Sound book discussion and signing of her first Christian fiction release, How Sweet the Sound, and anthology featuring stories not only from Francis, but also Jacquelin Thomas and Felicia Mason.

Here's the official press release:

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:

Renee Williams, CEO

Stuff Happens! Event Planning

936-650-3952

stuffhappensep@yahoo.com

HOW SWEET THE SOUND
July 23, 2005

HOUSTON, TX (May 2005) – In celebration of the publication of her first Inspirational novella, Francis Ray presents HOW SWEET THE SOUND, to be held Saturday, July 23, 2005, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., in Houston, Texas at the Houston Public Library – Central Branch, located at 500 McKinney, Houston, Texas 77002, (832) 393-1313. This event, free and open to the public, is a venue for fans of Francis Ray to meet the national bestselling author, and to hear her speak about her involvement in this anthology.

Scheduled events include stirring solos based on the hymns each story comes from, book sale and signing, refreshments, and contests. For more information, or for parties interested in being a sponsor for this event, contact the event planner at stuffhappensep@yahoo.com.

Francis Ray is a native Texan and lives in Dallas. A graduate of Texas Woman's University, she is a School Nurse Practitioner with the Dallas Independent School District. In 1999 and 2000 she was nominated for Texas Woman's University Distinguished Alumni Award. Ms. Ray's titles consistently make bestseller's lists such as Blackboard and Essence Magazine. INCOGNITO, her sixth title, was the first made-for-TV movie for BET. She has written fourteen single titles and eight anthologies.

Welcome to All the Buzz!

2007-10-01T19:12:00.000-05:00

Welcome to All the Buzz! Here you will find reviews of books I've read and recaps of events I've hosted. I'm new to this blogging thing, LOL, but I think I'm gonna enjoy it, and I hope you do to.

Authors and publishers, if you want me to review your book, feel free to contact me at the information listed.

Well, here goes!

Renee