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

Barnes and Noble ~ Amazon

 

New Book Release: Tell Me Lies by Michelle Lindo-Rice

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 ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Purchase Links:

Barnes & Noble ~ Amazon

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 3x5 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

BLOG FEATURE: Trice Hickman

Welcome Author Trice Hickman to our blog. The readers look forward to getting to know you.

What keeps Trice Hickman motivated? 

My motivation comes from my faith. I absolutely and unequivocally believe that God always gives us what we need, when we need it. When I feel low, or I need inspiration I pray, and I get the answers and solution to whatever is challenging me.

What was your inspiration behind your latest book because those characters are "interesting" to say the least?

The inspiration behind Secret Indiscretions to write a different kind of book from the ones I usually pen. I wanted to write a story that was a little edgier, and to do that I had to create larger than life characters, some of whom readers will love to hate. It was quite fun!

Describe Geneva Mayfield in 2 sentences.

Geneva Mayfield is beautiful woman from the inside out who hopes for the best and believes in love. She’s a neglected woman who finds her voice and learns how to reclaim the happiness she deserves.

What would you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Wow, that’s a very good question. I’m not sure I can say that I’ve had a “greatest” accomplishment because I still have so much work to do. But if I had to name something I’m proud of, it would be that I pursued my dream of writing a novel, and achieved it! I suffered from writer’s block for nearly two decades before I wrote my first book, so this is huge for me!

Do you have a philosophy by which you live?

Yes, my philosophy is, “You can never go wrong doing right.” I apply this to everything I do.

What, in your opinion, is an important element to writing a great story?

very writer is different, and there are various techniques we use. I write character driven stories, and for me the most important element to writing a great story is to listen to my characters and follow their lead. When you listen to your characters they will always lead you down the right path.

What's your views on social media for marketing?

I believe social media has helped authors promote more effectively. You can reach a broad audience without leaving your house, and the fact that it’s free is a huge plus. I also think that good ol’ fashioned word of mouth helps a lot, too.

How hard is it to establish and maintain a career in fictional writing?

Establishing and maintaining a successful career as a fiction writer, or any kind of book writer, is challenging. You have to really love this to do it. The literary market is very saturated, which makes it challenging to penetrate and establish a name for yourself. The key is to not get frustrated or give up.

Can you tell us about your upcoming project(s)?

I just completed copyedits for Deadly Satisfaction, is the sequel to Secret Indiscretions. I’m also working on my next book, and revamping my website (tricehickman.com) and my blog (fabuloussouthernbelle.blogspot.com).

Book Excerpt from Secret Indescretions

I wish I could have taken a picture of the look on Johnny’s face when I pulled out my gun and aimed it between his eyes. But then again, I didn’t need a picture because that sweet memory will be etched on my brain for the rest of my life. And besides, a photograph would be evidence, and after the time and effort I put into planning this son of a bitch’s murder, the last thing I need on my phone is a picture of a dead man.

Usually when someone shows up at a person’s doorstep late at night, a booty call is more than likely on the agenda. But because there’s no way in hell that was the case between us, Johnny knew right away that this visit wasn’t going to end well. I was actually surprised that he opened the door once he realized that it was me standing there, but then again, too much alcohol can make a person do things they normally wouldn’t. He smelled of liquor and he could barely keep his balance.

“What’re you doing here?” he asked, slurring his words.

They say that the eyes are the window to the soul, and I believe that to be true. From the moment we looked into each other’s eyes, Johnny knew that I came here tonight to kill him.

We stared at each other for what felt like a long time, but was only a brief minute. His eyes said he was sorry for what he’d done to me, and to a host of other people, too. But my eyes told him that I didn’t give a damn about his remorse, and after what happened a week ago today, he had to have known that he was going to have to pay for his sins. I guess that’s why he opened the door for me in the first place.

He quickly sobered up when I pointed my gun between his eyes, and that’s when he allowed the reality of what was about to happen to sink in. He didn’t put up resistance. He didn’t fight. And he didn’t plead for his life. He did none of the things I thought he would do, and I was glad because that made my job easier. The bastard actually helped me by taking a few steps back into the kitchen, eliminating the need for me to drag his body out of plain sight once I did what I came to do.

Social Media Links

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ Personal Blog

Author's Biography

Trice Hickman is a self-proclaimed Southern girl, and award-winning, bestselling author. Trice’s love of reading and the power she recognized in the written word inspired her to become a writer. After receiving rejection letters from every agent and publisher she submitted her work to, Trice was determined to bring her stories to life. She self-published her first three novels to great success, and, shortly thereafter, landed a multi-book deal with Kensington (Dafina Books) where she is currently published. When she’s not busy writing and reading, Trice enjoys cooking, traveling, decorating, and meeting good people. Learn more about Trice at www.tricehickman.com.

BOOK BLAST: Anchored by Love by Unoma Nwankwor

Publisher: KevStel Group LLC (December 4, 2015)

Author: Unoma Nwankwor

Publication Date: December 4, 2015

ASIN: B0175FT2EC

About The Book

When Jabir Danjuma met Damisi Odinga years ago, it wasn’t necessarily love at first sight.  However,
their attraction can’t be denied. Just as he begins to feel the forbidden emotion, Damisi breaks up with
him and moves half way across the world.

Now, Damisi has a request that only Jabir could fulfill. Their encounter sets off a series of events that
leave them both with fresh pain and hurt. They vow never to see each other again, but fate has a different idea. Will they stick it out long enough for the Potter to perfect their scars and pain for His purpose or will distance and time steal the day.

About The Author

Unoma Nwankwor is a romantic at heart. Born in Akron, Ohio to Nigerian parents. She spent her childhood and early adulthood years in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. She is the COO of KevStel Group LLC, a faith based Entertainment Company aimed at providing uplifting and life changing entertainment
through its movies and books.

Unoma is also the published author of 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 has numerous published flash fiction and short stories. Her work has appeared in Africa Book Club, USA
Today HEA blog and the Kenyan Ezine ;Wamathai and well as numerous radio shows and blogs. She is currently working on her next novel The Final Ultimatum.

Her readers are in love with her unique way of telling stories that capture the essence of her present home base; Atlanta Georgia and her Nigerian culture. Her stories which center on forgiveness, faith and hope have been described as a fusion of faith, romance and African spice.

After all, “and now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” ~1 Corinthians 13:13

Unoma resides in Atlanta Georgia with her husband and two kids.

“So I guess you’re my knight in shining armor coming to rescue the damsel in distress…”

The tone of her voice was not lost on him. There was an edge in it he didn’t like.

She continued, “How many of us have there been over the years?”

“What?” He stared down at her.

She sat up straight and scooted away from him. She stared at him. “How many of us have there been?

Six years…let’s see…yeah, I remember the three-month rule, so what is that, twenty-four?”

“You want to do this? Now?” His forehead creased in confusion. What had he said? How could she go from sweet one minute to this the next?

“We might as well. All this pretending we’re all good is making my stomach sick.”

He sighed. He wasn’t going to take the bait. Besides, she really didn’t want the answer. She just wanted to find a way to not let him into her heart.

“Answer me. How many?”

“No.”

“No?”

“N-O. No.”



Social Links:

Website: http://www.unomanwankwor.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/UNwankworAuthor

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/unwankwor


Purchase Links:

Amazon Link: http://amzn.com/B0175FT2EC

Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/anchored-by-love











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