“I strongly suggest that teens read this story and discuss the character’s actions openly with an adult. School Social Workers, Counselors and Librarians can also effectively use this book as vehicle for students that are in crisis like Sade to ‘open up’ and receive the help that they so desperately need.

I highly recommend this book for teens and those who work with teens. This is a book that should not be missed.”

To read the full review by K.C. Boyd, go to: http://missdomino.blogspot.com/2012/05/review-of-sades-secret-by-sparkle.html?spref=tw

Barnes & Noble / Bayou Walk
6646 Youree Drive
Shreveport, LA 71105
318-798-6066
Friday 6/1/2012
6-8pm

Jokaes Books
3223 W. Camp Wisdom Road
Dallas, TX 75237
214-331-8400
Saturday 6/2/12
12-2

Books-A-Million / Central Mall
3501 Mall Drive
Texarkana, TX 75503
903-838-3848
Saturday 6/9/12
12-2pm

BPM: Why is SADE’S SECRET written under your pen name SPARKLE, instead of Shelia Goss?

To read my answer, be sure to go to: http://www.audioacrobat.com/note/CCvpqYvs

Rossalyn McMillan is full figured and full of big dreams and aspirations. At a healthy size 18, she flaunts and struts it just like her older sister Chandra. She is a new graduate of Howard University and is looking to get her career started in the fast paced world of couture fashion. She is a brilliant designer, and gets constant ridicule from her colleagues when she decides to launch her couture plus size clothing line. She is an instant hit and gets attention all over the world as the new “it” girl for plus sized ladies. How will her newfound fame affect her friendships and romantic relationships? Will she be able to tell the real from the fake?

Excerpt:

The secluded tree-lined back road was perfect for Rossalyn to test out the engine on her brand new sports car; a pink, custom made Aston Martin V12 Vantage. It was a graduation gift to herself, one of the first things she bought out of her freshly unlocked trust account. She had worked so hard and it had been such a long wait to get her hands on the money her mom and dad had set up for her. She worked her ass off at her now Alma Mater, Parsons School of Design in New York City and could proudly boast her new Masters of Fashion Design. It wasn’t an easy decision to go there after she graduated from Howard University and leave the sister that she had been joined at the hip to for all her life, but she did it. She was actually a little shocked that Chandra was so good about it.

Normally, she would get a raised eyebrow if she went too far out of town with girlfriends.

It was almost like she never left anyway because Chandra would come up and stay with her in her apartment at least once, sometimes twice a month. She didn’t mind though, it actually helped her adjust better to being away from home. She knew exactly what she was going to do with the money. She was going to start her own plus size couture clothing line. Her friends wondered why she didn’t go and blow half of it on multimillion dollar houses, designer clothes and gaudy handbags. All that stuff is nice, of course, but she wanted to fulfill her dream and bring “Daisy” to life.

Not only was Daisy the name of her favorite flower and cartoon character, it was going to be a movement for her. It was her chance to step out of the baby sister spotlight that Chandra kept her in. She was bustin‘ out! Her clothes already had a little buzz around them from her including them in some local fashion shows and showcases sponsored by Parsons. She was even featured in a few very prominent blogs and magazines as one of the hottest up and coming designers in the country.

Even Mo’nique was wearing one of her designs, (she practically stalked her when she was in New York. After she chased down a former design assistant that was part of the style team for Mo’nique; and paid him a healthy sum of money to get her measurements, she worked like a dog getting that dress perfect. So, when she saw her wearing it on her talk show she was on cloud nine. After that, she couldn’t stop all the phone calls or interviews and requests for her to design for other celebrities and models, but she wanted more. She wanted Daisy to be an internationally known brand.“I don’t have time for this.” Rossalyn sucked her teeth as she looked up in the rear mirror at the flashing lights of the police car behind her. She was already 30 minutes late for the graduation celebration her sister Chandra was throwing her.

She knew she would have to hear it…Her big sister lecturing her once again about the importance of punctuality. She knew Chandra meant well, it’s just that ever since their mom died about three years ago, she hadstepped in as her surrogate mom. There was no doubt she would be in her ass about getting pulled over yet again.

She wasn’t really rushing to this “foo-foo” thing Chandra was throwing anyway. She would have been just as happy with sitting around at her friends eating pizza and tripping out. No, Chandra wanted to make a big deal and show her of, so she was letting her.She pulled over on the side of the road; looking in her driver side mirror, smiling and admiring the god-like physique of the policeman that was outlined beautifully by the bright glare of his spotlight. He was even sexier up close; strong squared jaw line, smooth acorn brown skin, and chocolate brown eyes that she could have dived into. She tried her best not to lick her cherry flavored glossed lips as her eyes slowly made their way up his body, spending extra time on his crotch, which was perfectly placed in her view.

“License and registration please?”

His voice had a silky low tone.“Is it okay if I reach over into my glove compartment?” She answered as she leaned to the side. She has used this trick on many occasions. She would bat her naturally thick eyelashes and push out her perky D-cups and get herself out of the jam. Unfortunately, this officer was not affected.Yes, ma’am it’s fine.” He replied, straight-faced shining his flashlight in hers causing her to squint. “Do you realize how fast you were going?”She reached over, grabbed her insurance card and registration out of her glove compartment and handed it over to the waiting officer.

“No sir. Must not have been that fast if you caught up to me.”

She tried to make a joke, but it fell flat.“Ma’am, you were doing 60 in a 25.” “Was I?” She tried to sound unaware of her speeding, but she was fully aware. She has always been a bit of a lead foot. Chandra refuses to ride with her because she claims she scares her half to death; weaving in and out of traffic and speeding like they are in the Daytona 500.

She got her very first ticket the same day she got her license at sixteen years old and it just never stopped. Her license has been suspended more times than she liked to think about. “Yes, you were. What’s the rush, Ms. McMillan?” He asked looking down at her license. “I’m on my way to a party and I am very late.” “Well, I’m sure the people at this party would like you to arrive late and safely rather than get a call that you were in the hospital or worse. Do you know this far over the speed limit constitutes as reckless driving?”

“Ooh, does that mean you pull out your cuffs?”

The officer was not amused by her obvious flirtations. “Ma’am, this is no joke. I’m two seconds off hauling you to jail, right now.” You’re absolutely right, officer. I apologize.” Her smile quickly fell to a serious expression.

About Vonda Howard:
Vonda Howard grew up in Southeast DC and has been writing since 10 years old. In 2007 she wrote her first self-published novel named “Diamond Lives, Platinum Lies” which was a huge success. Her second book, “It’s Always The Pretty Ones” (released in 2008) had very similar success. In June 2009, she was signed to Anexander Books where she released the very popular “D-Cup Divas” Series that spotlighted confident and beautiful plus size characters.

Vonda Howard also runs her own graphic design firm, Cupcake Creative Studio, which has serviced such well known clients as Brian W. Smith, Torrian Ferguson, Kaira Denee and Marissa Monteilh. She is also the Co-Founder and Editor-In-Chief of the multi-award winning Black Literature Magazine.

Get to Know Vonda:

1.) The D-Cup Divas Series is centered around the lives of four plus sized professional women. Why did you feel this series was needed?

I started this series because I felt there was a need to create some characters that portrayed full figured women in a positive light. Often times, full figured in books and movies are sad, wretched, unattractive loafers that are the butt of the joke. I am none of these things and neither are any of my full figured gal pals. That is why I created a series that I affectionately call the “Sex In The City” for curvy girls. All of my characters are smart, beautiful, career driven women.

2) This is the second in the series (Rossalyn) and we know you are currently working on the third D Cup Diva (Lanora) , how do you feel you have progressed as a writer?

I can definitely see the growth in how I tell the story. Like with anything, the more you do it the better you get. I also make it a point to research, read and learn along the way. I’ve also had a pack of awesome teachers and mentors around me helping me along the way too.

3) How much of your real life inspires your writing and the lives of your characters?

A lot of it actually, real life is the best fiction! I am often inspired by news stories, movies, television shows and even songs.

4) Which of the four Diva characters is your favorite?

I would have to say Chandra. Not because she was the first, but I love her intensity and her work ethic. Chandra does what she wants, when she wants and by her own rules. She’s also flawless in her fashion sense and love for herself.

5) Who are some of your literary influences and how have they influenced your brand of writing?

I would say some of my influences are Nickolas Sparks for the way he writes true and realistic love, T. Styles for her grittiness and the way she pushes the boundaries and Zane for her undeniable sense of sexuality and sexiness.

6) This book has a really serious scene in it (we won’t ruin it for readers). How hard was it to write that scene? What did you have to do to mentally prepare for it?

That scene was hard to write. I tend to let my characters do and say what they want, i’m just the transcriber. (I know that sounds crazy) When that scene came about I actually had to step away for a second angry that it was even happening. (Again, I know that sounds crazy. LOL) I just went there and tried my best to capture every emotion and reaction the way it should have been. Hopefully, the readers will feel the intensity of it also.

7) What are some of your hopes / plans / goals for the future of your writing?

All I really want is to continue to be blessed enough to do what I love, and readers continue to enjoy it. I also want to continue to learn and help others as much as I can in the industry. Of course the New York Times Bestseller List and a movie deal sweeten the pot too!

Web-links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divawriter
Twitter: @VondaHoward
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/lavonda-howard/44/285/913
Website: www.VondaHoward.com
Website: www.BlackliteratureMagazine.com
Email address : vonda@vondahoward.com
The books can be purchased on my website (www.VondaHoward.com) or on Kindle, Nook, and IBooks.

7 Questions with New York Times Bestselling Author Kimberla Lawson Roby
By Shelia M Goss

Fans will be happy to see that Curtis Black is back. We feel like we know Curtis personally. What do you think it is about Curtis Black that readers love so much?
I think the reason my readers love him so much is that they know who Reverend Curtis Black is in real life. What I hear more often than not is that Curtis is alive and well in every city in the country. So whether readers have experienced a man such as Curtis Black first-hand or they know of men who fall into this category, they are always able to relate to the Curtis Black storylines.

How do you feel Charlotte has grown since we were first introduced to her or does she have some more growing up to do?
Charlotte has grown in a number of ways in terms of having more wisdom and toward being a good mother to her children, but she still has a good, long way to go when it comes to overall moral and maritalvalues.

What are you hoping readers take away from reading THE REVEREND’S WIFE?
My hope is that readers will recognize that while all human beings make mistakes, God still wants us to have a forgiving heart, even when friends, family members, co-workers or others have hurt or betrayed us. In Curtis’s case, he insists he has forgiven Charlotte, but at the same time, he still wants a divorce. So after reading this particular story, I think readers will walk away asking themselves, what does true forgiveness really mean.

What song would you use as the soundtrack of your life and why?
GRATEFUL by Hezekiah Walker

What is your most valued possession?
Nothing tangible, but the five things I value most in life are my faith in God, my wonderful husband, my family members, closest friends and my very kind and supportive readers.

What would your best friend say about you?
That I am very loyal and caring, and that I will do absolutely anything I can for her.

What’s your favorite quote?
One of my own: “Believe in God, believe in yourself, and believe in whatever you are trying to accomplish.”

About The Reverend’s Wife:
It’s been months since Reverend Curtis learned that his wife Charlotte had affairs with two different men, and for now, he continues to be cordial and respectful to her. But he’s also made it clear that once their son Matthew graduates high school, he will be filing for divorce. Charlotte, on the other hand, continues to do everything possible to make amends in hopes of saving their marriage. Unfortunately, Curtis is ready to move on and is being propositioned by a woman who desperately wants to become the next Mrs. Curtis Black. When the situation heads down a path that is frighteningly shocking, could it be the final blow to this once blessed union?

More about Kimberla Lawson Roby: She has nine consecutive New York Times bestsellers and her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists: The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, Essence Magazine, Upscale Magazine, Emerge Magazine, The Dallas Morning News, and The Austin Chronicle. Kimberla is the 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2010 recipient of the Author of the Year – Female award presented by the African-American Literary Award Show in New York, among others. She lives with her husband in Rockford, Illinois.  For more information, please visit www.kimroby.com.

The Reverend’s Wife is Kimberla Lawson Roby’s latest book and readers will not be able to put the book down. It will keep readers talking for days so get your copy so you can join in the discussions.

Simone. Is immensely talented, yet everything she has ever known will be ripped apart. Her love will be tested. Her heart will call out for a strength that could only exist in moments like this, and her tears will carry her through the storm. Will she be able to give her heart to the love of her life while fighting to open her heart to a mother she has never known?

Naya. While facing her greatest loss, will she be able to find the key to strength, the will to continue on, and th e endurance to make it through one of the darkest moments in her life?

Monà. Within her heart is a secret so deep that it could shake the very foundations of two lives. Will she be able to finally look into the eyes of a daughter she has only known from a distance?

Misty. Two paths are set before her; one could lead her back to the life of fame and prominence, which she so desperately wants; and the other could give her the love she so desperately needs. Will she choose the path that is best for her future, or for her heart?

Excerpt:
“Dear life, he knew that I wouldn’t have thirty more years of him. But tonight even as I lay here with tears soaking the floor, I would give thirty seconds just to feel his touch again.”

Thirty Seconds

Tonight I almost died…Naya thought to herself.

As she walked into her foyer, she dropped her purse, removed her shoes, and slowly allowed her eyes to follow the curve of the stairway until they met up with the oil painting which hung in the center.

Wrapped in a thick walnut wood frame, painted in the soft hues of crisp blues, creams, and specks of red, were herself and Chris.

His chest stuck proudly out. His smile was as wide as the sunshine. His blue eyes sparkled with the color of the ocean. Arms wrapped around her waist.

Chris. She could feel her fingers reaching out to toward him.

She remembered that day. How good it felt to be his wife.

The tears began to run down her cheeks as the weight of the day caused her legs to surrender to the pull of the rich mahogany wood floor.

Trembling. Heart pounding.

I’ve got to catch my breath, she whispered to herself.

Ten seconds later, she began to scream. The walls responded. The chandelier shook as the realization of what had happened began to sink deep into the pit of her stomach.

Less than two hours ago…I was sitting in a worn out chair watching a spider crawl up the wall. I had listened to the splatter of raindrops beat against the dirty windows. I had been staring at the moon for hours. Staring at the walls and then counting the tiny cracks in the floor. There were three hundred and forty-two. Crying for what seemed like days.

My tired body was heavy, ragged and empty. The whiff of dirty mop water had consumed my lungs and I had often found myself dabbing frantically at the corners of my red and swollen eyes. The lights had been dimed and the curtains slightly drawn shut but I could still see him.

Every touch we shared had flashed in my mind, every smile and every kiss.

I could hear the machines.

As I sat there, I remember feeling like my heart had begun to mix with the slow and methodic beeping noises they made.

My mind had just about settled and my eyes had finally closed when I heard it.

The noise penetrated the entire room.

Louder and louder it got, like a banging in my head. I began to scream as I ran to him and wrapped my fingers around his bed rail.

“Chris!” I shouted.

My body was calling out for strength. Darn near begging for it.

For him, I would give everything, anything. I would reach down into bottomless wells just to find a speck of it.

“Find me strength; find the darkness that I am in,” I kept repeating over and over in my mind.

A teardrop fell upon his face.

The doors flew open. Three nurses came charging in.

One tried to pry my fingers from his bedside but I fought with all that I had to hold on.

I was like a mad woman. I kept thinking that if he could just feel my touch, it would give him the strength to fight.

“Please, ma’am,” she said to me. “You’ve got to let go so we can try to save him.”

I had watched her lips moving, but my mind had failed to register the reality of the situation I was in.

“Let go ma’am, we’re losing him!” The tone of her voice had finally broken through and I somehow began to find myself again.

I remember staring at her, and then back at him. I remember thinking to myself, “Did I hear her right?”

Dizziness hit me like the strike of a lightning bolt. My palms had begun to sweat.

“Ma’am,” she said again.

Finally—I blinked.

“Please save my husband,” I whispered.

“We’re trying ma’am, but you’ve got to let go.” The nurse had been forceful but kind.

My fingers let go but my heart was still with him as I was gently moved out of the way.

There was rapid movement, loud voices, and machines being brought in.

I stood against the wall clutching my shirt and watching his motionless body.

When the doors flew open again, the doctor rushed in.

I think she glanced my way for a moment. But now I can’t remember.

What I do remember is that there was no slow and methodic beeping noise from the machine penetrating deep into my ear lobes anymore. It had vanished as if it had somehow been carried off into the wind.

“Come back, come back.” I whispered.

I wanted to hear it again. I needed to hear it again.

His blanket was pulled back; a nurse was cutting open his gown. I watched as the scissors grazed his skin. A chill came over me.

Strong and forcefully tears began to streak down the sides of my face.

The doctor was yelling, or was that me? I think I remember the doctor’s voice.

“On my count of three, go!”

“Clear!”

“He’s still not responding.”

“Get the machine ready again!”

“It’s ready Doctor.”

“Clear!”

Still the machine was silent.

“Come back beeping noise. I won’t complain about you anymore. Please come back to me.”

I stared at the window as if it would open and the sound would return.

There was nothing. Not one single beep!

Fear and anticipation filled the air as more nurses and doctors came rushing in.

The last thirty years of my life was slipping out through the crevices of my fingers.

Meet the author:
Exciting Atlanta novelist, Marian L. Thomas, is gearing up for the release of her third Clean Fiction title, “Strings of Color” on April 2, 2012. Ms. Thomas’s “Strings of Color” probes the ever-intriguing themes of race, family strife, love, teen pregnancy, friendship and abuse. And yet, her tales which seem to pre-sage current tabloid headlines are spelled out in ways that suit delicate moral tastes. While Ms. Thomas is a dynamic story-teller with three romantic and dramatic novels to her credit, she distinguishes herself by refusing to lace her work with profanity and sexually-explicit themes. Her third installment in the ‘Jazzmyne’ series— “Strings of Color” is quickly filling up book club calendars and she is a prominent personality on nationwide motivational speaking circuits. Published in paperback by L.B. Publishing, “Strings of Color” will be sold at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Books-a-Million.com and will be available for the Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble Nook, electronic books. Avid readers can order this dramatic novel at bookstores, nationwide or through their local library.

Get to Know Marian:

1.) How long have you been a writer? Marian: I wrote my first book manuscript in high school. I also did some writing in the sports and news fields during college, but didn’t really put “writer” on my resume. Then, 2009 hit and Color Me Jazzmyne was released. Things began to change. A thought I once had in high school became a dream. The dream became a reality and that reality turned me into a writer.

2.) Did you always know you wanted to write? Marian: The concept of writing was always in the back of my head — lingering there patiently. The words “just get it done” were a phrase my old boss use to say to me whenever we discussed my finishing my book manuscript. It felt great to finally say, “It’s done.”

3.) What inspired you to write this specific storyline with Strings of Color? Marian: Readers, and the fact that I didn’t feel as if the main character had come full circle with her own inner feelings. Sometimes, when a relationship ends, people need and want a sense of “closure.” I suspect book characters are no different.

4.) I’ve always wanted to write my own Novel. For myself, and others with this dream, what is some advice you could give? Marian: Publish yourself first! Build a solid platform. Get your name out there via social networks, blogs and published articles. Then write your book.

5.) Are the character names in your books important to you? Without giving too much away, is there a reason you made the characters’ names so closely related? Marian: They are extremely important and I love that question. When I read a character’s name, I like to think that the name given simply couldn’t be anything else. That it fits the character’s personality so well, that to change it—would be changing the character. My character names display the depth of the connection within the family. When it comes to family, I think we sometimes forget how connected we really are to each other.

6.) Tell us about your writing environment. Do you need it to be really quiet, or do you have to have background noise? Are there any specific foods or drinks you need available? Marian: No background noise. At least that’s what I keep reminding my hubby when I’m writing. It’s hard for me to stay focused, and any little thing tends to throw me off my writing game. Did I mention that I like popcorn?

7.) When you’re not writing, what are some other hobbies, or things you like to do? Marian: I love to draw and paint. One day, I would like to open a gallery that combines art by me and books by me. Is that too much…me? Maybe. Then again, maybe not.

Web-links:

Face-Book: http://www.facebook.com/MLT.ColorMeJazzmyne

Twitter: http://twitter.com/MarianLThomas01

Author Site: http://www.marianlthomas.com

Blog: http://www.thewritersinkspot.blogspot.com

Purchase Link:
Amazon .com :http://tinyurl.com/purchansestringsofcolor

Book Trailer: Link:
http://youtu.be/8ZuWqlo3bac