#FridayFinds Bejewled: Standing Strong by Chelle Ramsey

Have you ever been with someone who was locked up before? Could you imagine yourself arguing with someone about who was with him first or longer? Don’t worry if you’re not about that life this week’s #FridayFinds can help you imagine what it must be like.

Excerpt

The loud clatter of a curling iron falling to the floor drew everyone’s attention to Angel, who stood staring at the floor, hands shaking.

“You okay?” Georgette asked, moving closer to her friend.

“Y…yeah,” Angel muttered. She bent over to pick up the curling iron and put it back in its place. No longer able to ignore what was occurring around her, Angel walked to Antoinette’s station.

“Kianna, why are you lying? Did you purposely come to my salon to start trouble today? Because if that’s what’s going on, you need to leave. I refuse—”

Kianna cut Angel off. “Honey, please. The world don’t revolve around you, Angel. I knew you worked here, but I didn’t know you were here today. And I don’t know what you’re accusing me of lying about. I haven’t told one single lie since I been sitting in this chair, boo,” Kianna snapped.

“You’re lying about you and Black being together for thirteen years. Kianna, I met Black in 2007 when he first got out of jail, and we’d been kicking it for two years before we got married in 2009. You were nowhere around. I never heard of you, saw you, or met you until you came to work at the downtown salon in 2012,” Angel argued.

“It doesn’t matter if you heard of me, saw me, or met me until 2012; check your ex, boo. Because I was there. Matter of fact, that’s the reason I came to work for BeJeweled in the first place. I wanted to check out the competition. I have a degree in finance. Doing hair was just a little something I did on the side until I started my career. And there was no better place than BeJeweled, where you were,” she slipped in. “Pssh, me getting fired was the icing on the cake. I kept doing hair in my home on my own terms and time and found my dream job. I didn’t need this. All I needed was Black, and I got my man back,” Kianna barked, eyes narrowing.

A cold chill ran through Angel. How much of her life with Black had been a lie? What did she really know?

“Why the hell did you act like you didn’t know him the first time he came into the salon after you were hired?” Angel snapped.

“Ask him, Angel. You need to check Black. You still don’t believe me, do you?” Kianna asked, smirking.

She popped up her phone and pulled up her Facebook page. Scrolling through her posts, she pulled up a #throwbackthursday post. The caption read “#2003tbt with my boo. Cuz I’m a real ride or die chick.”

PURCHASE LINKS:

bit.ly/THOBJ4

bit.ly/THOBJ

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NANQEGE/ref=series_dp_rw_ca_4

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MY8WQHJ/ref=series_rw_dp_sw

From the Author

Why I write in this genre:

I like to bring a refreshing perspective into the lives of my readers and I want them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, I try to convey the message to readers that they can become empowered to rise above life’s adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. 

My stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. I use drama, humor, and inspiration to share a powerful and meaningful message that is designed to be impactful. Women’s fiction allows me to do just that and toss in an element of romance.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

WEB: www.chelleramsey.com

EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com

FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites

TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell

PINTEREST: ChellesBooks

INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle

#WriterWednesday I’m Into Distribution: Do You Need to be in a Bookstore to Sell Your Books

Why did you become an author? To sell books or see your books in a bookstore? We all want distribution, nationwide distribution, but does being in a store actually sell your books? 

With my latest release, Pursuing Your Passion in a Godly Fashion, I attempted to answer my own question. I didn’t do what I would typically do, put it on sale through Ingram for distribution purposes, instead I put it on sale on Gumroad and directed all traffic there. 

Initially, there were only a few pre-orders, but since it’s release at the end of October I’ve sold almost 100 books and shipped them across the country and internationally. Now maybe to you 100 books isn’t a lot, but since according to Bookscan most books don’t sell more that 250 copies within the first year of its release I’m good. 

So, do you need major distribution? According to one my students if your book isn’t in stores then you’re not doing good. You may be of a similar mindset, but that’s the wrong mindset. If a bookstore doesn’t have my book when a customer asks for it they lost a sale. While I’ve built in exclusivity for my book and I am able to keep a majority of the money from the sale. 

A bookstore doesn’t sell your book, you sell the book, your marketing efforts sell the book, readers who recommend your book sells your book. With the whole world at your fingers, literally it’s time for you to be like me–I’m into distribution. 

Is this what your dream really is?

Why sell your book to a bookstore for a deep discount with no guarantee that the book will ever leave its shelf? If you can partner with an independent bookstore that’s going to help you move the books great, but if your book is just going to become another book on the shelf–I wouldn’t recommend it.

I don’t know if I’ll ever go back to the traditional model. My ebook will still be available on Amazon, but I’m enjoying the liberty (and my dinero). 

You may be wondering what I’ve been doing to move Pursuing Your Passion in a Godly Fashion. Well, I’ll tell you what I’ve been doing: 

1. Praying. I made sure this book was soaked in the Holy Spirit. 

2. Working my marketing plan. 

3. Praying. 

Now if you need help any of these I got you–Pursuing Your Passion in a Godly Fashion: Prayers for Creative Christians and Entrepreneurs will teach you how to pray over your passion instead of slaving over your passion and if you want to work with me on your marketing, writing, or both book a Publishing Pow-Wow NOW and #getyourInheritance 

So, what’s it going to be? Is it a must for you that your book is seated on a shelf in a bookstore or are you open to exploring your option? 

#BookBlast Tell Me Lies by Michelle Lindo-Rice

I usually only share new books on Friday, but Michelle and I once shared a publisher, so I have to support my fellow Christian Fiction author.

New Book Release: Tell Me Lies by Christian Fiction Author

Michelle Lindo-Rice

Kindle: ASIN: B018EXNO70

Publication Date: Jan 12, 2016

Genre: Christian Fiction

About The Author

Michelle Lindo-Rice is an award winning, bestselling author of “Able to Love” and “On the Right Path” series. She enjoys crafting women’s fiction with themes centered around the four “F” words: Faith, Friendship, Family and Forgiveness. She is the 2015 winner of the Black Writers And Book Clubs Rocks Author of the Year Award. www.michellelindorice.com

 

About The Book

A broken heart…When Sydney Richardson meets Pastor Noah Charleston it was practically love at first sight. Sydney has battled so much deception in her personal life and in her work as an attorney, she is glad to have a perfect man she can depend on. But her Prince Charming has some secrets that are worse than Sydney could have ever imagined. What will she do when Noah’s past life come to light?

A broken truth… Pastor Noah Charleston has come a long way since his troubled youth. A respected Man-of-God, Noah’s long buried past emerges in the form of blackmail and threats. Noah not only fears for his safety but also for his newfound love. Will he take a chance on the truth before it’s too late?

A broken trust…Newly converted Christian, Belinda Santiago, harbors a secret that could end her friendship with Sydney. She’s in love with Lance Forbes, Sydney’s ex-fiancé. When Belinda and Lance’s relationship is exposed she may have to choose between her man and her best friend.

A broken man…Lance Forbes returns to Port Charlotte to make things right with Sydney, but his feelings for Belinda are in his way. Lance knows for him to become a do-right man, he must face his childhood pain. Will Lance get his act together and take a chance on love or run again?

Connect Socially

Website: http://www.michellelindorice.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.lindorice

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mlindorice

Purchase Links:

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1kj24B7

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B018EXNO70

Prologue

“The rumor is three black boys killed your parents. Is it true?”

Perched on the edge of his cot, Noah Charleston lifted his eyes to look at the four half-men standing before him. The leader of the pack, Mitch, was sixteen with a baby face, braces and bad acne around his chin. His two muscles, twins Roger and Wylie, were about a year older at seventeen. Both were built like linebackers. Finally, the Whiz, or Matthew a slender fifteen year old with glasses that took up half of his face was the brain of the group.

“Answer him,” Roger prodded, stepping into the small cell.

Noah shrugged. “That was a year ago.”

“We can do something about that.” Mitch popped his gum. “Join us.”

Noah had heard about the “Avengers” as they dubbed themselves. They ruled the juvenile detention hall and dressed in their version of combat gear: khaki pants, boots and camouflage shirts. Even the counselors were afraid of them.

Noah kept to himself. Everyone pretty much left him alone. Except for today.

He looked up at them. “Do I have a choice?”

Wylie stepped forward. “Do you want me to help you make up your mind?”

“How about I help fix that ugly face of yours?” Noah threw back.

Wylie sprung at Noah. Noah jumped to his feet and sidestepped the much bigger guy. Then he bashed Wylie in the back of the head. Roger lunged at him.

“Quit it,” Mitch bellowed. “Leave him alone.”

Roger’s chest heaved but he backed off. His eyes held a threat. Noah met his gaze, daring him to bring it.

“I like your heart,” Mitch said. “We need you.”

“I like my own company,” Noah said.

“We have something you want,” the Whiz said. His voice was barely above a whisper. He wheezed his words as if he was always in need of an asthma pump.

“You don’t have—”

Noah’s eyes widened. The Whiz held a crumpled 3×5 photograph in his hand. Noah snatched it, “Where did you find this?”

“We have our ways,” Mitch bragged.

Noah squinted.

“I hacked into the computer system,” the Whiz said. This time he coughed at the end of his words. “I know who took your picture.”

“We’ve handled him.” Mitch’s tone was solemn.

“That’s why you should be thanking us,” Wyle said, rubbing the back of his head.

Noah looked at the photograph of his parents and closed his eyes to keep the tears from falling. It was his most prized possession. When he had been sent here to the juvenile home two months ago, Noah had placed it under his pillow before lunch. When he checked for it later that night, it had been gone. He searched everywhere but couldn’t find it. That was the first time since his parents’ funeral Noah had cried himself to sleep.

“Thank you,” he grounded out.

“Thank us by joining us,” Mitch said.

The Whiz held up a picture. It was an African-American by the name of Tony Billows who had taken it.

Noah clenched his fists. “Where is he?”

“In the hospital with some missing teeth,” Roger said.

“And a missing pinky,” Wylie added.

Noah blinked. He would have settled it with a well-deserved punch or two. Not doing Tony serious injury. “That was vicious.”

“It was a message. You mess with one of us you mess with us all. We’re a family,” Mitch said.

“The Avengers,” Wylie and Roger said in unison. They held out their fists. Noah had reservations but Mitch had used the magic word. Family. Noah wanted family. He made a fist and the boys all did a fist bump.

“The Avengers,” he said.

“Welcome,” Mitch said.

“Glad to have you,” The Whiz whispered. “Now, let’s get you some proper clothes and a haircut.”

Noah swallowed his reservations. He had a family again. Nothing else mattered.

To Read the first three chapters, click here:

http://michellelindorice.blogspot.com/2015/09/tell-me-lies-prologue-and-first-three.html

Happy Thanksgiving…Tempted to Touch is $.99

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!! Thank you for love and support! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Special!! 

For those of you trying to get some reading done between bites sink your teeth into this delight–Tempted to Touch is $.99 on Kindle and Nook until 12am 11/28. One-click today and share the love!!!

Kindle

Nook

Have you heard about the Path to Publication Webinar??? If you’re aspiring author or know stop by http://www.inheritancebooks.co to register for this FREE Webinar and download the Am I Ready? Worksheet! 

Today is the Day: Seasoned with Grace is Here

My second, yes second novel, Seasoned with Grace is now available in stores and online. If you haven’t ordered Seasoned with Grace yet please get in on the fun and order you copy today! 

Synopsis: Sentenced to probation, thirty-year-old supermodel Grace King must put her plans of transitioning into acting on hold. Desperate to keep a close eye on Grace and his job, Grace’s ambitious lawyer, Ethan Summerville has her complete community service in the last place Grace wants to be—his church.

Instead of God, Grace finds a “chocolate drop” of a man, Brother Horace Green. Unfortunately, Horace isn’t looking for a supermodel. He wants his woman saved and sanctified, but Grace has never met a man who has been able to resist her. Will Horace compromise his faith for a taste of fortune, fame, and Grace?

While Grace focuses on the pursuit of passion, Ethan finds one director willing to take a risk and cast Grace in his debut film, but this role fits Grace all too well. Will this film revive Grace’s relationship with God and her career, or bring her closer to destruction?

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

BOOK-A-MILLION

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE Support my second novel by sharing this post, liking this post, reblog this post.

#MondayMotivation: Six Month Check Up

Happy June! 

We’re in the six month of the year and it’s time to dish on our dreams.

Where are you?

What have you accomplished and where are we headed next? 

I’ll share some of my progress:

Goals

-Tempted to Touch is done (editing is a different story–don’t judge me)

-Riches of Grace is still a work in progress

-Berri and Delilah still a work in progress

-I’ve got some notes for High-Stepping

-Set a date to begin outlining that collabo (feeling super duper excited about that) 

Vision Board Progress

Now this year was the first time I engaged in this process and Lord is really blessing me. 

-My Born at Dawn has been reviewed in USA and called a “Must Read”

-The African-American Christian Fiction Book Club read “Born at Dawn”

-My second book, Seasoned with Grace has appeared in Publisher’s Weekly

-I’m making “power moves”. I formed my own publishing company, Inheritance Books and I am preparing to not only publish my books, but the work of other authors and facilitate workshops. 

To be truly successful I’ve found that it’s been most helpful to have someone hold you accountable, so right now the Neophyte Author is checking you, boo. Where are we at in terms of reaching our dreams, where are you at on the pathway to your passion? 

For more information on my new company Inheritance Books visit the website

Support Inheritance Books

Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InheritanceBooks

Follow Us in Twitter: https://twitter.com/InheritBooks

Follow Us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/inheritancebooks/

Sign up for our Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bkYUAH

#VirtualBookTour: Under Covers by Rhonda Bowen

Here’s one to watch. I’ve heard nothing, but fantastic things about this book. Don’t miss this one!

Book Description:

Naomi is days away from marrying the man of her dreams when she must face the man of her nightmares. But even though it is an encounter she would like to avoid, the clock is ticking and she is running out of other options. Jordan knows there are layers to his future wife that he has yet to uncover. But when he starts peeling them back will he be able to handle all he discovers? Find out in Under Covers.

Excerpt from Under Covers:

She slipped out of the office and down the corridor to her own space. Jordan must have heard her voice. He leaned lazily against the door frame, looking better in a collared shirt and jeans than the photo-shopped image of a bare-chested J. Cole that she had seen just moments earlier. Naomi felt the heat begin at her toes and travel all the way through her as their eyes locked.

How had she gotten this lucky?

“Good morning, Red.” His eyes devoured her as the distance closed between them.

“Good morning.”

He pulled her into his arms. Naomi sank into him willingly as he parted her smiling lips with his.

“Babe, the whole office can see us,” she murmured against his delicious mouth.

“Good.” He kissed her again. “Let them see what Black love looks like.”

About Rhonda’s Writing

I write African American inspirational fiction and the themes of my books cover real life, real love, and real faith. I chose to write in this genre because this is the context I live in. I am the single black female on a covert search for love and most of my friends are in this same place or were recently in this place. Truthfully, all the stories I write are based a little on true stories – not always my stories but usually of people I know. My faith is so central to who I am that I only know how to interpret life through the gospel of Christ and His amazing love for me. This is why it has to be a part of my writing. But at the same time I live in the real world where nothing is simple and love – even the best kinds – are often messy and complicated. But that is what makes life so interesting and that I think is what makes my stories fun for me to write and for others to read.

Author Bio

Rhonda Bowen knew she would be a writer as early as eighth grade when she wrote her first novel with a classmate in a dollar notebook. While waiting for the day to come she completed a degree in Communications and spent a few years working in Public Relations and Event Planning. Throughout this time however, her desire to write stayed alive. She eventually completed her first novel, Man Enough for Me, which was released under Kensington Books’ Dafina imprint in February 2011.

Several years, a stint in Asia and a career change to youth work finds her still writing. She has written four romance novels and her books have been featured in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY and LIBRARY JOURNAL. Her latest novel Under Covers was released March 16, 2015. She writes about the themes of Real Life, Real Love and Real Faith, weaving stories about strong women who must deal with life and love without losing themselves. Sometimes they succeed, other times they make a mess of things while trying.

When not writing or being schooled on what’s current by the youth she works with, she enjoys chilling with her family, trying on shoes she can’t afford, bargain hunting online on Asian clothes websites and enjoying the great outdoors. Visit her online at www.rhondabowen.com , www.facebook.com/RhondaBowenBooks or drop her a note at rhondakbowen@yahoo.com.

Here are my social media contacts:

Website: www.rhondabowen.com

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RhondaBowenBooks

Facebook Profile: www.facebook.com/Rhondakbowen

Twitter: @MsRhondie (FYI: I don’t use this very often – just occasionally)

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/msrhondie/ (FYI: I rarely go here)

Instagram: MsRhondie

Amazon Author Page: Amazon.com: Rhonda Bowen: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle

Character Chatter with Grace King of Seasoned with Grace

The Neophyte Author is so pleased to have the one and only Grace King drop by for a little chatter. Grace King is the protagonist of the soon to be released novel, Seasoned with Grace.

 Available for Pre-order on:

Amazon: http://bit.ly/SeasonedwithGrace

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/B_NSWG

Books-a-Million: http://bit.ly/booksSWG

 

Grace, I want to welcome you and thank you for stopping by The Neophyte Author. What brings you here today?

You know the saying can’t nobody tell it like you can. With the upcoming release of the book, Seasoned with Grace in which I am the star I wanted to make sure I get ahead of this thing and let everyone know who I am.

Who are you Grace King?

I’m a fabulous and fierce supermodel with a slight criminal history.

Slight? Is that accurate? When I checked you record–

Slight. I said slight, I’ve been arrested less times than DMX so, I consider my record to be slight. Do we really want to dig up skeltons? I’m sure you’ve got a few to share. You’re not the only one with research skills.

Grace the last place I want to be is on your bad side, I’ve heard you don’t play around. Why is that?

I’ve been on my own since I was sixteen and the streets of New York are much like the jungle–it’s kill or be killed, eat or be eaten. Although, most would say I’ve ascended far beyond my days on the street there are some things that you just can’t let go of. I just don’t know how to not defend myself and when I sense someone is on the attack I’d rather be the aggressor instead of the victim.

Some say that you’ve been a victim before and that’s why you’re overly aggressive. Is there any truth to that rumor?

I have been taken advantage of in my lifetime by people that I was supposed to be able to trust–some church folks. Y’all always doing dirt when you’re supposed to be serving God, but that’s neither here nor there. What’s really important is the release of Seasoned with Grace. All of my fans and new supporters will have the opportunity to see inside of my home, my heart, and my struggles in a way that others have not.

What should readers expect from this book?

Readers should expect a  fierce and fabulous ride with the one and only Grace King. They’ll have V.I.P. access to all of my shenanigans and of course there’s quite a bit eye candy in book. They’ll get to meet, Ethan Summerville my dedicated, extremely bright, and handsome lawyer; Pastor David, the pastor of Mount Carmel Community Church, and Horace Brown, my chocolate drop. Ladies, let me warn you know, don’t get too many ideas when you meet him. The only one who is going to taste that chocolate will be me once he stops playing hard to get. Seasoned with Grace is will tackle some touchy stuff that I have dealt with in my life like addiction, rape, and abortion. Things I couldn’t openly discuss until you wrote this book. Thank you for that, Nigeria. 

It was my pleasure Grace. Why did you allow me to be the author of your tale?

I’m a harsh, abrasive Harlemite and you know how to make the grit of life look and sound good. I trusted to you to honor my story and I believe you did. 

Before I let you go, Grace King, one last question–I can’t let you go without getting some fashion tips from you. What are your recommendations for this spring and summer?

Floral is in. I recommend buying a floral print pantsuit and a few pastel shirts and jeans. You can easily mix and match and work the trend. For the woman on the go and in need of a day to night look I’d recommend a figure flattering floral print dress with pumps in the day and a neutral shoe with fringes at night. For the daring sisters, sheer blouses are the go to item, but make sure your undergarments are the same color as the blouse. This summer jumpers are a must. I know the naturals are ruling the scene, but I have a feeling that short hair will make a comeback this year and even if it doesn’t I’m still going to be rocking this short cut. For more of my style tips please visit the Seasoned with Grace board on Pinterest that I help Nigeria curate. Thanks for having me on for Character Chatter. I’m going to try and get the rest of my buddies to sit down with you. To all those reading please one-click Seasoned with Grace today. You’re going to enjoy this ride. 

 

 

#Wanted #Bloggers and #RadioShow #Host for the Seasoned with Grace Virtual Book Tour

In a couple of months my new book, Seasoned with Grace will be making its world debut. I’d like to make sure that Seasoned with Grace enters the literary world feeling welcomed and I need your help. If you’re a blogger or a radio show host please consider hosting me during this tour. 

Seasoned with Grace not only deals with struggles surrounding faith, it also deals with issues like addiction, rape, and a forced abortion (and of course there’s a spot of romance in there).

If you would like to host me and Seasoned with Grace please click here

If you know a blogger or a radio show host then please share this post or the link to the sign up form: http://bit.ly/SWGVirtualTour

Thank you! 

#FridayFinds: Sweet Violet and a Time for Love by Leslie J. Sherrod

 

Sweet Violet and a Time for Love

(Book Four of the The Sienna St. James Series)

My stories could be categorized as Christian fiction, women’s fiction, and contemporary fiction – with a touch of mystery. I enjoy writing stories that have plenty of plot twists that keep readers guessing until the end while offering hope on the journey. My goal as a writer is to provide stories that are thought-provoking yet entertaining; inspirational and intriguing. As a social worker, I also want to address issues of significance: love and relationships, emotional wellness, social issues, faith, and more. The biggest honor I have as an author is when readers tell me that they had to put the book down a few times to think about matters and issues in their own lives. I don’t pretend to have all the answers on the big issues that surface in my stories; however, I want to open the door to discussion – and healing. 

  
Synopsis:

“Flowers can’t tell lies. If you keep the sun off of them, dry up their waterbeds, and throw in weeds to choke ‘em out, ain’t no way or reason for them to bloom. If a rose is in full bloom when you know it’s only been kept in darkness, and the ground it’s planted in is cracked and cold, don’t stop to smell that rose. There’s a trap somewhere in those tempting dark red petals. There’s deceit. Maybe even death. Run from that flowerbed. You don’t want to get buried in that soil.”

 

It’s a few weeks before her fortieth birthday, and Sienna finally has the life she’s dreamed of: a husband who loves her, a private practice that’s flourished, and an extended family that has finally put its skeletons to rest. However, when a homeless, older woman named Sweet Violet comes under Sienna’s care with nothing on her but broken memories and a pocket watch stopped at 5:11, Sienna knows the peaceful life she’s been enjoying is coming to a screeching halt.

 

Despite her best attempts not to get too involved, Sienna quickly discovers the dangerous past of Sweet Violet, and decades-old secrets and shadows come creeping into the present with violent results. Further complicating matters is a shocking midlife surprise for Sienna, and an unwelcomed guest her son Roman brings home.

 

Life and death, love and loss remain on the line as Sienna seeks answers, ducks bullets, and tries to be a good wife.
A brief (brief) excerpt: Here’s an online link to the first three chapters: http://bit.ly/sweetviolet

Buy links:

Special Offer – Personally Autographed Copy for $10: http://bit.ly/sweetvioletoffer

Target: http://bit.ly/1CmqVaH

Amazon (including Kindle): http://amzn.to/18J52Ju

Barnes & Noble (including Nook): http://bit.ly/1vprhiq

Audio Book: http://bit.ly/1EwCMoO

Also available on iTunes and Google Play

Author Bio:

Leslie J. Sherrod, the recipient of the SORMAG Readers Choice Award for Christian Author of the Year (2012), has a Masters in Social Work and has worked as a therapist, just like her current protagonist, Sienna St. James. The author of six novels, including Secret Place, Losing Hope, Without Faith, Sacrifices of Joy, Sweet Violet and a Time for Love, and Like Sheep Gone Astray, she has been featured in Baltimore’s Enoch Pratt Free Library Writer’s LIVE! Series, as well as on local CBS and NBC television affiliates. She has been a guest on both national and regional radio shows and podcasts, including The Mother Love Show (LA Talk Radio) and AOL’s Black Voices. Leslie has received a starred review from Booklist and is a contributor to the bestselling A Cup of Comfort devotional series.

 

Leslie lives in Baltimore, Maryland with her husband and three children. She currently works as an outreach social worker at a top-rated medical center where she coordinates special projects, facilitates trainings, builds community partnerships, and provides direct care services as needed. As both a writer and a social worker, Leslie tackles matters of current social significance, including mental health and wellness, healthy relationships, and spiritual growth – with the unique backdrop of page-turning, satisfying suspense. With a talent for drawing on raw emotions and painting vivid and meaningful imagery with her pen, her books especially speak to the needs of diverse women and have been welcomed at book club meetings, literary events, and church groups around the country.