BLOG SPOTLIGHT: He Changed My Name by Unoma Nwankwor

Book Title: He Changed My Name

Publisher: KevStel Group February 12, 2016

ASIN: B01B786XFE

Genre: Christian Fiction Romance

Author: Unoma Nwankwor

About the Book: Eager to escape the hypocrisy of the church and build her singing career, pop sensation, Ayanti “Yanni” Effiong enters and wins The Next World Star. Apart from fulfilling her dream, her move to America offers the perfect opportunity to help young female immigrants. A cause she pursues with a passion until fame takes over. Fifteen years later, broke, dumped and fresh out of jail, she begins to regret the lifestyle and name she created for herself.

Mensah Afortey is on the brink of losing the church he put his heart and soul into for the past seven years. This years’ Valentine Day gala is his last attempt to raise money for the church. Everything is set but they need a big name to pull in donations. Just as he is about to give up, in walks “Yanni.” When he agreed for Ayanti to serve community service under his church he didn’t know she was the same person as the embattled star.

While she pays her debt to society, the last thing she wants to do is perform on a day that left a bitter taste in her mouth. But there is no denying the instant attraction between them. Before he wins her heart, Mensah must win her soul. Over time and in fellowship with the church, Ayanti comes to realize that despite what man calls her, God has the ability to change her name.

Excerpt:

The shrill ring of her phone brought her back to the present. She sat up against the headboard. Her heartbeat accelerated as she answered the phone. It was Debby.

“Please give me good news.”

“Hey, chica,” Debby responded. “I hope you’re doing better.”

Earlier, Ayanti had a breakdown. She had screamed and bawled her eyes out, wishing she was back in Calabar, the capital city of her home, Cross Rivers in Nigeria. It seemed like a lifetime ago she won that competition and left the country.

“Yes, I’m fine, but tell me I can be better.”

“Okay, here’s the deal. Charity for Homes had filled up with court ordered volunteers until next month…”

“I can’t wait that long!”

“Lemme finish, girlie. We were able to get you to volunteer with them not as an individual, but under a church group.”

“A church!” Ayanti wiped her hands across her face. She hadn’t been in one of those in years. Did Debby have any idea the kind of judgment that went on in that place? She’d take her chances with the mean police officer until next month.

“Hear me out. The church volunteers with Homes for Charity as a non-sponsor group. You can be part of those volunteers and when they are not volunteering, you can still make up some hours by working in the church. That way, you can get this thing over with faster. Now tell me that doesn’t beat picking up trash in the streets,” Debby finished.

“But those people would have known what I did. Why I’m there...”

“And? Which one of them there hasn’t done anything bad?” Debby asked. “Girl, think about it. Besides, you have nothing else to lose at this point.”

“I guess you’re right.” Ayanti contemplated the whole arrangement.

“Of course I am.” A beat of silence passed between them. “Now get some rest and I’ll see you tomorrow. Think about it and let me know what you want to do. You have until the end of the week.”

“What’s the name of the church?”

“Ummm...hold on.” The shuffling noise of paper could be heard in the background. “It’s called Calvary Is the Way. It’s on Auburn.”

Ayanti remained silent for a few minutes. After a while they disconnected. Ayanti switched off the television and turned to her side. Calvary Is the Way? She rolled her eyes. These new age churches and their names. What ever happened to churches with sensible names? Like Mount something...

© 2016 Unoma Nwankwor

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About the Author: Born in Akron, Ohio to Nigerian parents, Unoma Nwankwor spent her childhood and early adulthood years in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. She possesses a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and a Master’s degree in Global Management. Her publishing credits include An Unexpected Blessing (2013), The Christmas Ultimatum (2013), When You Let Go (May, 2014), A Scoop of Love (Jan, 2015) and Anchored By Love (Dec 2015). She is also the recipient of the 2015 Nigerian Writer’s Award for Best Faith Based Fiction Writer. Her work has appeared in Africa Book Club, USA Today HEA blog and The Kenyan E-zine; Wamathai. Her stories are described as a fusion of faith, romance and African spice. Unoma is also the co-owner of KevStel Group LLC and resides in Atlanta Georgia with her husband and two children.

BLOG TOUR: His Final Deal by Theresa A. Campbell

His Final Deal

by Theresa A. Campbell

  

Raymond Brown, popularly known as Smooth Suave, is one of Jamaica’s biggest drugs lords. With eight children by six baby mommas and counting, he’s a player for life. A true baller, he lavishes in his wealth.

He’s a shot caller with “soldiers” wheeling and dealing all over Jamaica. It’s Suave’s world, and everyone else just lives in it . . . or so he thinks.

However, his nemesis, King Kong, sees it differently. Rivals since childhood, King Kong is hell-bent on destroying Suave at any cost. As the war over power, drugs, and money intensifies—from Wilton
Gardens (Rema) to Arnett Gardens (Jungle)—bodies are dropping like flies, washing the island of
paradise in blood.

But it is the murder and kidnapping of two of Suave’s loved ones that bring him to his knees. Being
framed for murder, hunted by the cops, pursued by his enemies, betrayed by friends, tormented by a
horrid secret, and fighting to protect his family and empire, Suave is nearing his breaking point. Yet, he isn’t going down without a fight.

Voilà! Suave makes a deal to eradicate his enemies—but if it backfires, it could very well cause him his own life. Then God counteroffers Suave’s deal with His own—one that will undoubtedly give Suave the victory he needs but requires him to give up his drug empire and turn his life over to the Lord. With his motto being, “I don’t do God,” will Suave accept God’s deal or take the risk of his own deal?

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Iy6lAOog-0]

“Today, I want to talk to you about redemption,” Bishop Hudson began. “Ephesians 1:7 says, ‘In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.’

Amen. Redemption is possible through the blood of Jesus! Hello, somebody? I said, you can be delivered from the bondage of sin and find peace with God. Am I speaking to somebody?”

“Amen, Pastor,” a member shouted from the front.

“You better speak to me, Bishop,” a young lady in the choir yelled.

Bishop Hudson paused, took off his jacket, and handed it to his assistant. He grabbed the microphone
out of the stand and paced the pulpit. “We all are in need of redemption. You know why? Because we all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God.”

Hmmm, interesting, Suave thought. Even Christians need redemption, too.

As if he read Suave’s mind, Bishop Hudson remarked, “So you can act like you were born holy, pure, and righteous all you want, but that’s not the case. We were able to become a child of God because Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross. His death was in exchange of our life.”

“Praise the Lord,” “Thank you, Jesus,” and “Hallelujah” rang throughout the church.

“Do you want to be free from the burden of guilt?” Bishop Hudson asked, looking out at the
congregation.

Suave shifted in his seat, wondering why the bishop was looking at him.

“Do you want to be free from curses and bondage?” Bishop Hudson stepped down from the pulpit into the aisle. “God already purchased our freedom,” he said, his eyes wandering from one face to the other as he moved closer to the back.

He better stop picking on me, or else I’m stepping. With his arms folded and face screwed up like a dried apple, Suave defiantly stared at the bishop as he seemed to get closer. I’m no punk.

“I said, you can go from being a sinner to a saint if you accept God’s gift of eternal life.” Bishop Hudson was now at Suave’s bench where he paused.

Suave glanced at the bishop through the corner of his eyes, his head held straight. He didn’t
acknowledge the bishop, and for his own sake, Suave was hoping the bishop wouldn’t acknowledge him.

“I’m glad to see you this morning, my brother.” Bishop Hudson looked down at Suave, who still wasn’t looking at him.

All eyes in the church turned toward the back where Suave sat. Alwayne and Annette held hands and
nervously looked on. Bishop Hudson was known to prophesize to his members, revealing things that no one else knew but God. He would also predict certain happenings that always came true. This usually made some members excited about receiving a blessing, and others nervous when they hadn’t been walking on the “right” side.

“God is going to give you a second chance.” Bishop Hudson rested his hand on Suave’s shoulder. “Those demons that are haunting you are leading you down a narrow road.”

Suave’s heart began to gallop in his chest. He wanted to brush off the preacher’s hand, but he felt
compelled to hear what the man had to say.

“Your mind gets so mixed up at times that you find it hard to differentiate between the real thing and
your imagination. But God says to tell you that He is going to give you the victory.”

Some people were now standing on their feet clapping, some praying, and others speaking in tongues.

“Deliver him, Lord,” an elderly man shouted.

“Set your son free, Father Jesus,” screamed another member.

“God is going to right the wrong that was done to you, so you can be free to serve Him and His people.”

Tears filled Bishop Hudson’s eyes as he leaned over to Suave, his face only inches away from Suave’s.

On a will of its own, Suave’s neck turned, and he locked eyes with the bishop. Suave’s tears betrayed

him and seeped down his face.

Theresa A. Campbell is the author of the captivating novels, "Are You There, God?" and "God Has
Spoken." She was born and raised in Jamaica West Indies. She received her bachelor's degree in
business administration from Baruch College, and a master's degree in business administration from
Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Theresa has had a deep passion for reading since she was a child. It is her desire to inspire readers by
writing stories from the heart to uplift their faith in God

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Blog Tour: Sinful Intent by Chelle Bliss

Title: Sinful Intent

Series: ALFA PI Book #1

Release Date: July 14th

Author: Chelle Bliss

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Synopsis

The moment I saw her, I wanted her.

I tried to resist her, but Race had other plans.

One night, in a moment of weakness, I gave in to my desires.

I still had a job to do before her world collapsed.

If I failed at finding the person behind the threats, I could lose her forever.

Temptation can be dangerous.

Excerpt

“You’re really purdy,” she slurred with a lopsided grin, running her finger down my cheek.

“That’s it. No more drinks for you,” I said, dragging the glass away from her.

“No! I’ve only had three,” she said as she lurched forward, pulling the drink out of my hands.

“I’m enjoying myself. I’ve had a bitch of a week and I deserve to let loose a little.”

I held my hands up. “You’ve actually had four martinis, but anything you want, princess.”

Her eyes grew into little slits. “I’m not your princess,” she slurred, sounding completely adorable.

My cheeks hurt as I smiled. “I’m going to take you home now. I think you need to sleep it off.”

“Last time I checked,” she said before hiccupping, “you’re not my daddy.” A slow smile crept across

her face. She scooted closer and whispered, “Unless that’s your thing.” She tried to wink, but both

eyes closed, one after the other.

I leaned into her space, a breath away from her lips. “It’s not my thing, but I’m happy to act out your

fantasies. But I don’t think you want to cross that line. Once you go there, there’s no going back.” I

stared into her eyes.

“Oooh.” Her eyes grew wide. “Is that supposed to scare me, Mr. DeLuca?”

I didn’t move. “I’m just giving you fair warning. You’ve had a few drinks, and I won’t take advantage

of that. I’m just telling you how it is.”

“You’re full of yourself.” Her warm, sweet breath caressed my lips as she spoke.

All I wanted to do was reach out, pull her face to mine, and kiss her full, beautiful lips. “I’m sure of

myself and confident in my abilities, yes. That’s entirely different than being full of myself.” I licked

my lips, testing her.

Her eyes dropped to my mouth as her lips parted.

“Another?” Lisa interrupted.

“We’re good,” I replied, keeping my eyes pinned to Race and waving Lisa off.

“Pfft,” Lisa scoffed, stomping away.

Race glared in Lisa’s direction. “She wants you,” she whispered.

Was she jealous?

“I don’t want her.”

“She’s a sure thing though.”

I leaned closer, leaving very little space between us. “I never liked easy.”

“All men like easy.” Her body swayed, moving so close our lips almost brushed.

Purchase Sinful Intent

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Unlawful Desire - ALFA PI #2 is available for pre-order

**Special pre-order price of $2.99**

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a

Rafflecopter giveaway About the Author
Chelle Bliss is a USA Today Bestselling Author

of the Men of Inked series. She loves to write happily ever afters filled with alpha

males and sexy women. Chelle spends her days writing, chatting on Facebook,

and working on her craft. The ALFA PI series a spin off of her Men of Inked series

and she's excited

to introduce a new world of characters to readers.
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