Yesterday I received an email from Tzynya. Words can’t express the joy I felt as I read her blog post. I had to share it with you all:

Just in time for the summer reading schedule, Vol. 1 The Ultimate Test, arrived at our door a few days ago and my daughter has had her face buried in it since.
“The first chapter is very good.” She said of The Ultimate Test, grabbing a pencil to make notes in her pink floral notebook. To read the entire post, go to: http://warmprettythings.blogspot.com/2009/05/summer-reading-kicks-off-with-ultimate.html

New Young Adult Series by Shelia M. Goss

The Ultimate Test

THE LIP GLOSS CHRONICLES

IN STORES TODAY

The Diva’s Creed: All for one, one for all; never let the other fall.

Ever since they met in their elite private school, Britney, Jasmine, and Sierra have lived by these words, but now that they’re entering their freshman year in a public high school, their bond is about to be put to the ultimate test.

The daughters of wealthy Texas socialites, these girls are used to getting whatever they want, so it’s no surprise to them when the gorgeous DJ takes them under his wing. Drama soon comes their way in the form of Tanisha, a jealous older student who thinks DJ’s attention should be focused solely on her.

Even Tanisha’s threats can’t intimidate these girls as they form a united front against her. They’re tighter than ever—until a sticky situation complicates everything. Jasmine and Sierra both fall head over heels in love with DJ. Could this really mean the end of their friendship?

The Lip Gloss Chronicles Vol. 1: The Ultimate Test is in stores now or order your copy now, click here

May came quick. I’m excited that at the end of this month, my first young adult novel will be in stores. If you have a teen or know any teens, I hope you pick up The Ultimate Test, the first book in the Lip Gloss Chronicles series. The official release date is May 26, 2009 but if I see it beforehand, I will definately let everyone know.

Check out the interview I did with AAMBC Radio. I discussed my new teen series. Click here to listen or paste the following link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/AAMBC/2009/04/26/Get-to-know-Shelia-Goss

Oprah did it. Barbara Walters did it. Now I’m doing it. Join me on Twitter.
By TwitterButtons.comTo stay up-to-date in between newsletters, be sure to sign up to my mailing list: http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?Sub=498262

The Lip Gloss Chronicles Vol. 1: The Ultimate Test
by Shelia M. Goss

The Diva’s Creed: All for one, one for all; never let the other fall.

Ever since they met in their elite private school, Britney, Jasmine, and Sierra have lived by these words, but now that they’re entering their freshman year in a public high school, their bond is about to be put to the ultimate test.

The daughters of wealthy Texas socialites, these girls are used to getting whatever they want, so it’s no surprise to them when the gorgeous DJ takes them under his wing. Drama soon comes their way in the form of Tanisha, a jealous older student who thinks DJ’s attention should be focused solely on her.

Even Tanisha’s threats can’t intimidate these girls as they form a united front against her. They’re tighter than ever—until a sticky situation complicates everything. Jasmine and Sierra both fall head over heels in love with DJ. Could this really mean the end of their friendship?

The Lip Gloss Chronicles Vol. 1: The Ultimate Test will be in stores at the end of May 2009. To order your copy now, click here.

The Lip Gloss Chronicles Vol. 2: Splitsville will be in stores at the end of September 2009. The cover will be revealed this month over at www.thelipglosschronicles.com.

Last month, one of my local book clubs (Sistah Circle Book Group) participated in the Sister Soldier project aimed at helping our AA women in the Armed Forces.

To see how you can help out our sister soldiers, visit the website: www.sistersoldierproject.com

The author of the Essence & Black Expressions best-seller My Invisible Husband is back with her fifth novel – His Invisible Wife.

REVENGE…LUST…HOLY MATRIMONY

Texas businessman Jacob “Jake” Banks is about to lose his business and everything else he’s worked for until his uncle dies and leaves him as the executor of his estate–only catch is, he has to marry and marry a specific woman in order to cash in on the inheritance. Big problem, since Jake has vowed to be a bachelor for life.

Brianna Mayfield is at her last rope. Her father lost his business due to Jake’s uncle turning down a loan. She’s convinced this caused her father to fall into a deep depression. She blames the Banks and vows to pay them back one day. When she sees an ad in the paper for a job at her self-proclaimed enemy’s company, she feels her luck is turning around. She applies and is later approached by Jake with a proposition she can’t turn down.

How far would you go for a million dollars?

His Invisible Wife can be pre-ordered on Amazon.com. It will be in stores in July.

Recommended Books for the Month

I am excited to announce my new Young Adult Series – The Lip Gloss Chronicles. The first book, The Ultimate Test, will be in stores in June 2009.

Advanced Review:

The Ultimate Test: The Lip Gloss Chronicles by 

Shelia Marie Goss
ISBN: 978-1-60162-186-3

Publisher: Kensington Books/Urban Books

Imprint: Urban Renaissance

Young Adult (4 Stars)

Girls Will Be Girls? 

The Ultimate Test by Shelia Marie Goss is the prolific author’s first novel for and about young adults. From the first page, the reader is caught up in the flavor, authenticity, and language of young adults and how they feel, think, and respond to what goes on around them. Britney Franklin is a young, beautiful, rich fly-girl. She and her friends, Sierra and Jasmine, have been girls since grade school and they share everything. The three of them are very excited about their freshman year at Plano High School . However, they are going to find out that with growing up comes growing pains.  

On the first day of school, the young ladies set their eyes on D.J. and immediately Sierra and Jasmine are smitten. Britney is not impressed with him and is amazed that her friends will potentially allow a boy to come between them. There are also other girls on the scene, such as Tanisha who is also interested in D.J. and will possibly fight for his attention but, surely these classy young women know better than that?  

The trio face other issues that are as important as boy troubles. Britney is horrified to discover her parents are expecting another child when she is a teenager and has been an only child. Sierra is dealing with weight gain and how that affects her self-esteem. And, though she will never admit it, Jasmine is dealing with jealousy of a friend. Will these young ladies be able to grow up and stay together or will the tests they face tear them apart?  Ms. Goss answers these questions and more in her wonderful novel about young girls in today’s world.  

I recommend The Ultimate Test to all readers. Teens will be able to relate and appreciate and older readers will reflect and remember.  

Angelia Menchan
APOOO BookClub