The contributors of Diversity Between the Pages will be taking a summer break. Be sure to get those diverse reads in and we’ll see you next month!
We’ll be back July 8th!
Month: June 2019
Open Discussion: Summer Reading Challenge -Week 3
It’s already week 3 of our reading challenge! Time flies when you’re reading great books.
What great book are you reading? Have you finished your first book yet? Share how you are doing.
Be sure to check out the two featured books on the blog. Remember, the blog is taking a break for the summer from June 24 to July 6, but you can keep commenting, and most of all, reading.
Happy reading!
Book Spotlight: A Treasure of Gold
Happy Wednesday, reader friends!
Today, we’re shining the spotlight on A Treasure of Gold by Piper Huguley.
About the Book:
When you follow your heart, never count the cost.
Trusting in the One who orders her steps, Nettie Bledsoe is determined not to deviate from her route to the charity kitchen. Don’t stop for anything, her sisters say.
Pittsburgh isn’t like Georgia, they warn. Yet when low moans of unholy suffering drift from an alley, she can’t help but investigate. It’s a man. The most beautiful man she’s ever seen.
Despite his scandalous reputation, something within her responds to his sinfully rich voice. Jay Evans is trying hard to stay on the straight and narrow, and doesn’t want help from any church do-gooder.
But until his wound heals, he needs help caring for his young daughter, Goldie. Especially since Nettie saw fit to fire Goldie’s barely competent nanny.
Despite their mismatched backgrounds, Nettie and Jay fight a losing battle against their growing attraction. But it’s only when Nettie is kidnapped that Jay realizes that if he doesn’t get her back safe and sound, his heart will shatter into uncountable pieces.
Buy A Treasure of Gold on Amazon
About the Author:
Piper G. Huguley is a two-time Golden Heart ®finalist and is the author of “Migrations of the Heart,” a three-book series of historical romances set in the early 20thcentury featuring African American characters. Book #1 in the series, A Virtuous Ruby, won Best Historical of 2015 in the Swirl Awards. Book #3 in the series, A Treasure of Gold, was named by Romance Novels in Color as a Best Book of 2015, received 4 ½ stars from RT Magazine, and won an Emma Award for best historical romance in 2017.
Huguley is also the author of the “Home to Milford College” series. The series follows the building of a college from its founding in 1866. Book #1 in the series, The Preacher’s Promise was named a top ten Historical Romance in Publisher’s Weekly by the esteemed historical romance author, Beverly Jenkins and received Honorable Mention in the Writer’s Digest Contest of Self-Published e-books in 2015.
Her new series “Born to Win Men” starts with A Champion’s Heart as Book #1. A Champion’s Heart was named by Sarah MacLean of The Washington Post as a best romance novel selection for December 2016.
She blogs about the history behind her novels at http://piperhuguley.com. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and son.
Interview with Piper Huguley about her book, “A Treasure of Gold”
Good Monday Morning, reader friends!
Today, we’re talking with Piper Huguley about her book, A Treasure of Gold.
Enjoy!
Interview with Piper Huguley about her book, A Treasure of Gold:
Alexis: Describe the heart of your story, A Treasure of Gold.
Piper: It’s a Black Damon Runyon story of the nanny falls for the father of her charge, who is kind of like Robin Hood.
Alexis: What do readers need to know about Book One and Book Two in your Migrations of the Heart series?
Piper: Book One, A Virtuous Ruby, is about Nettie’s oldest sister. Book Two, A Most Precious Pearl, is about Nettie’s next older sister. If people care about their love stories, then they can read them. They all standalone on their own.
Alexis: What role does faith in God play in the lives of your characters in this book?
Piper: Nettie was a middle child who felt that she was always overlooked in her family. When she recovered from an illness when she was a child, she became intent on pastoring to show her gratitude to Him.
Alexis: Tell us about your story’s heroine Nettie Bledsoe. What’s she like?
Piper: Nettie is a very spiritual person who is intent on helping others, even if it means sacrificing her own happiness. She has to learn how to seek that for herself.
Alexis: Tell is about your story’s hero Jay Evans. What’s he like?
Piper: Jay Evans works on the wrong side of the law because racism prevents him from obtaining a well-paying job that would permit him to make good money, as well as have a sense of dignity. So, even though he is a numbers kingpin, he uses his money to help everyone in the neighborhood improve their lives. Helping people is what they both have in common.
Alexis: Why does Nettie think that Jay is the “most beautiful man she’s ever seen?”
Piper: Cause he is, lol! Think Idris Elba with hazel eyes.
Alexis: Beyond his beautiful looks, what is it about Jay that makes Nettie want to know him more?
Piper: At first she doesn’t! She cares for his motherless child. Then when she sees how similar they are in wanting to help people, she falls for his beautiful heart as well as his beautiful face.
Alexis: What is the core conflict between Jay and Nettie and why does he think she’s a “church do-gooder?”
Piper: Because she is! They think their core conflict has to do with Jay being on the wrong side of the law and Nettie as a church worker. The conflict really has to do with Jay’s estrangement from God and Nettie’s repeated attempts to bring him closer to God.
Alexis: What role does Jay’s daughter Goldie play in this story?
Piper: She helps Nettie and Jay realize their attraction to one another sooner than they would if she wasn’t there. Kids can be brutally honest in that way.
Alexis: What is it about Nettie that makes Jay’s heart break just by the very thought of losing her (after she’s kidnapped)?
Piper: He realizes that his life on the wrong side of the law has cost Nettie her safety. He also realizes that he loves her and that if he wants a life with her, he will have to leave the criminal life behind forever.
Alexis: Paint a picture of your story’s setting, with words. What makes it special?
Piper: The good girl and bad boy is a trope that happens a lot in romance, but I’ve not seen it in a story like this before. I enjoyed writing it and setting it in my hometown of Pittsburgh, PA—where I was able to draw on lessons of Black history and incorporate them into the story.
Alexis: What’s lacking in CBA and how can you as an #ownvoices author help fill that void?
Piper: The CBA is rigid in terms of what it publishes and that is a problem. Diversity in all kinds of stories would help with that. I’m not sure that I could help the CBA unless they were less rigid.
Alexis: In what ways could ABA and CBA work harder to effectively market books and sell stories written by #ownvoices authors.
Piper: I’ve spoken to the CBA situation. The ABA seems as if they are willing to try, at least. Hopefully, they will be more creative with their marketing and reach non-traditional audiences in new ways to help sell #ownvoices authors.
Alexis: Are you happy with the currents state of affairs in the publishing industry?
Piper: No. I’m glad that the ABA seems to be trying to rectify the situation, but really, it’s been disgraceful for a very long time. I hope that they are in it for the long haul.
Alexis: What advice do you have for authors of color who want to write their #ownvoices stories and seek representation from a literary agent?
Piper: Learn your craft and write the best story that you can. If you chose to seek representation from an agent, know that they are not looking for innovation, but they are looking for the “sure thing.” Get an agent you can reach out to, and talk to. I don’t care who the agent is, if you feel afraid to send an e-mail or call, that agent is not for you. Remember that you are hiring the agent, not the other way around.
Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Piper! Do you have closing comments?
Piper: Thank you for this generous opportunity to appear on Diversity Between the Pages!
*Interview conducted by Alexis A. Goring, contributor
About the Author:
Piper G. Huguley is a two-time Golden Heart ®finalist and is the author of “Migrations of the Heart,” a three-book series of historical romances set in the early 20thcentury featuring African American characters. Book #1 in the series, A Virtuous Ruby, won Best Historical of 2015 in the Swirl Awards. Book #3 in the series, A Treasure of Gold, was named by Romance Novels in Color as a Best Book of 2015, received 4 ½ stars from RT Magazine, and won an Emma Award for best historical romance in 2017.
Huguley is also the author of the “Home to Milford College” series. The series follows the building of a college from its founding in 1866. Book #1 in the series, The Preacher’s Promise was named a top ten Historical Romance in Publisher’s Weekly by the esteemed historical romance author, Beverly Jenkins and received Honorable Mention in the Writer’s Digest Contest of Self-Published e-books in 2015.
Her new series “Born to Win Men” starts with A Champion’s Heart as Book #1. A Champion’s Heart was named by Sarah MacLean of The Washington Post as a best romance novel selection for December 2016.
She blogs about the history behind her novels at http://piperhuguley.com. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and son.
Follow Piper on social media: Facebook, Twitter and Blog
About the Book:
When you follow your heart, never count the cost.
Trusting in the One who orders her steps, Nettie Bledsoe is determined not to deviate from her route to the charity kitchen. Don’t stop for anything, her sisters say.
Pittsburgh isn’t like Georgia, they warn. Yet when low moans of unholy suffering drift from an alley, she can’t help but investigate. It’s a man. The most beautiful man she’s ever seen.
Despite his scandalous reputation, something within her responds to his sinfully rich voice. Jay Evans is trying hard to stay on the straight and narrow, and doesn’t want help from any church do-gooder.
But until his wound heals, he needs help caring for his young daughter, Goldie. Especially since Nettie saw fit to fire Goldie’s barely competent nanny.
Despite their mismatched backgrounds, Nettie and Jay fight a losing battle against their growing attraction. But it’s only when Nettie is kidnapped that Jay realizes that if he doesn’t get her back safe and sound, his heart will shatter into uncountable pieces.
Buy A Treasure of Gold on Amazon
Open Discussion: Summer Reading Challenge -Week 2
We’re moving along with our reading challenge.
More books on the blog to consider adding to your list. Check out the spoiler-less review of Though I Stumble by Kim Cash Tate and the book spotlight of The Cowboy’s Faith by Danica Favorite.
Share your progress below. We’d love to hear how you’re doing.
Happy reading!
Book Review: Though I Stumble By Kim Cash Tate
About the Book:
Four women, one weekend, and their lives will never be the same.
Stephanie London thought she’d heard from God when she moved to Hope Springs, N.C. But a tragedy in that small town left her soul desolate. Now her husband’s inattentiveness has pushed her over the edge. Bereft of hope, she travels home to St. Louis as a women’s ministry conference kicks off. Though less than enthused to attend, new friendships offer strength and light. But what happens when the weekend ends and real life begins again?
Treva Langston grieves still the loss of her husband of twenty-two years. Now, two years later, her heart is breaking again as her oldest daughter’s travails come to light. Traveling from DC to St. Louis for a women’s conference seems the last thing she should do, given the circumstances. But in St. Louis her path crosses with someone new—and her world turns upside down. Will it only lead to more heartbreak?
Jillian Mason can’t wait to attend the Living Word women’s conference. She’s done their Bible studies for years and expects God to show up in an amazing way. But the weekend delivers something unexpected—a discovery about her husband. As the state of her marriage hangs in the balance, Jillian is suddenly anxious about returning home.
Faith Langston has always been a girl after God’s heart. She loves Living Word studies and registered early for the conference. But at the end of her college sophomore year, she finds herself in circumstances she never imagined—with a heart that has strayed from God. She makes it to St. Louis nonetheless, with her boyfriend in tow—but how will she find her way back to God?
Four women in different seasons of life converge at a women’s conference—with a theme that charges them to run “in hot pursuit” for Christ. But how do they run when challenges seem insurmountable? And can they help one another navigate the difficult terrain?
My Thoughts:
This book has everything you would expect from a book set at a women’s conference. There are marriages in crisis, an unwed mother, lots of prayers. Kim Cash Tate sets the conference setting perfectly. There are encouraging messages laced through the story. The characters feel like someone you know or you’ve met at a woman’s conference. You find yourself rooting for their breakthrough.
This book is a fast read and is predictable. For readers who don’t enjoy preachy Christian fiction, this book may not be for you. Also, it feels like the characters’ problems are resolved too quickly but the book covers a long stretch of time, enough time for all of the characters to land where they need to at the end of the series. Those problems also seem to be resolved easily, which may put some readers off. This book is a great beach read or to read on the bus to your next women’s conference.
About the Author
KIM CASH TATE is the author of several books, including Cling (2017) and If I Believe (2017). A former practicing attorney, she is also a Bible teacher and is currently doing a study on First Samuel on YouTube. She’s been married to her husband Bill for more than two decades, and they live in St. Louis with their two young adult children. You can find Kim online at kimcashtate.com and on social media @kimcashtate.
Follow: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube
Book Spotlight: The Cowboy’s Faith
Happy Wednesday! Today I’m excited to bring you a spotlight on a new book from Danica Favorite! The paperback releases June 18th & the ebook releases on July 1st from Love Inspired.
ABOUT THE BOOK
His secret past. His second chance.
Three Sisters Ranch could be his way home…
When inexperienced rancher Nicole Bell starts training her troubled mare, Fernando Montoya has just the expertise she needs.
But helping Nicole brings Fernando dangerously close to revealing the secret he’d rather keep hidden: he learned the skill in prison.
While the horse draws them together, can Fernando find a way to tell her the truth…and keep it from pulling them apart?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A self-professed crazy chicken lady, Danica Favorite loves the adventure of living a creative life. She and her family recently moved in to their dream home in the mountains above Denver, Colorado. Danica loves to explore the depths of human nature and follow people on the journey to happily ever after. Though the journey is often bumpy, those bumps are what refine imperfect characters as they live the life God created them for. Oops, that just spoiled the ending of all of Danica’s stories. Then again, getting there is all the fun.
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What about you?
What interests you most about this book?
Interview with Ann Marie Bryan
Happy Monday!
Today we’ve invited the awesome Ann Marie Bryan to join us here and talk about her latest book, Hearts over the Line. Grab a cup of tea (or coffee) and chat with us!
About the Book
A STAND-ALONE NOVEL: From #1 Amazon bestselling author Ann Marie Bryan comes the highly anticipated final installment in the Encounters of the Heart series—a riveting story about rising from the ashes, unlocking love, and learning to create and maintain an atmosphere of faith.
Chandler Peynard has it all—family, fame, fortune, and salvation. This A-list celebrity has come a long way from his philandering days. That’s no longer his style. He’s head-over-heels in love with Sabrina, his wife, and in full pursuit of God’s calling on his life. But when shadows of the past beckon, he panics. Eventually, he has no choice but to face his previous indiscretions, but will Chandler’s past activities be more than his wife can handle?
Larry and Rozene Kanate have moved beyond the consequences of their mirrored sin. The birth of twin daughters helped to seal their happily-ever-after. Life is wonderful, until it’s not. After the beaded curtain falls, Rozene scrambles to put the pieces together and avoid public humiliation. As the past crosses paths with the present, will their marriage survive?
Madison Bradshaw has moved past her inability to trust and love. But when Tyler, her husband, makes a special request, she hides the truth from him. What could go wrong?
In this captivating conclusion to the bestselling Encounters of the Heart series, unresolved issues make unwelcomed visits to test the resiliency of love. Will the characters learn to reset the atmosphere in which they live? Will they live in a place where God finds it easy to bless them? In a season that brings many challenges, they must summon the courage to forgive, heal and fall in love again.
Interview
Toni: Thank you so much for joining us today at Diversity Between the Pages. I’m so excited to talk about your latest release, Hearts Over the Line. You’ve got a few couples featured in this book. Tell us a little bit about Chandler and Sabrina?
Ann Marie: Chandler and Sabrina Peynard are a power couple. Their love story can be described as an emotionally gripping account of a most unexpected love, and a marvelous reflection of God’s grace. Book 3 – A Place for My Heart in the “Encounters of the Heart” series, gives a detail account of how the relationship developed between Chandler and Sabrina.
When Chandler literally staggered into Sabrina Benjamin’s life, he was desperate for an escape route. Battling feelings of isolation, he had erected barriers around his heart, often times leaving a trail of broken dreams behind him. During that time, Sabrina was also struggling emotionally. Her happily-ever-after had been ripped away, but she hadn’t given up on finding love. Still, she was caught off guard by her feelings for Chandler, a man whom she could hardly describe as a model man of God. Nevertheless, an unexpected bond developed between them.
Touched by Sabrina’s kindness and faith, Chandler makes a life-changing choice; but complication occurred when the past he’d thought was long buried, pushed him to confront matters he would have given anything to forget. As Chandler struggled to release himself from his past and embrace the future, he offered Sabrina a place in his heart, but she demanded all of it. That was a lot more than Chandler was prepared to give, because falling in love and putting down roots were not in his plan.
But love fines a way. With the help of the Lord, Chandler and Sabrina found the strength to take a chance at life and love.
In Book 5 – Hearts over the Line, we witnessed life with Chandler and Sabrina, eleven years later. They have a family and they’re in full pursuit of God’s calling on their lives. Again, shadows of the past beckoned and Chandler had no choice but to face his previous indiscretions. As unresolved issues made unwelcome visits, Chandler and Sabrina must weather the storms of life and learn to create and maintain an atmosphere of faith. Above all, they must summon the courage to forgive, heal and fall in love again.
Toni: Do you have a favorite couple from the Encounters of the Heart series? Who are they and why?
Ann Marie: At first, my favorite couple in the series was Blake and Gabrielle Montgomery (Book 1 – Shades of the Heart). However, as the series continued, I developed a special love for Chandler and Sabrina Peynard (Book 3 – A Place for My Heart).
Initially, Chandler and Sabrina seemed to be total opposites. They had to come out of their comfort zones and be open enough to understand each other. The lessons learned were priceless.
Witnessing the development of the relationship between Chandler and Sabrina was precious. I enjoyed so many things about them—the growth in their personal relationships with Jesus Christ, the love they shared, and their friendship. They were two souls ideally suited for each other. Oh, watch out for their playfulness and compassion for each other.
Getting to know Chandler was like peeling back an onion. Even though he was seemingly living the good life, he had a gaping hole in his heart—one that could not be filled by his fleeting relationships or any of his earthly possessions.
Sabrina was a dedicated woman of God, but when Chandler entered her life, that devotion was put to the test. Rooted in her faith, she was resolute in the things she stood for, refusing to bend because of Chandler’s foolishness.
In the end, they were able to create a love for all times.
Toni: How does your own ethnicity influence your writing?
Ann Marie: I am sure my ethnicity has influenced my writing. However, I attempt to write for a world-wide audience. I’m not just writing a great love story; I am writing to inspire and empower readers, hoping that they will see the awesome power of God in the lives of people and places. It is my desire to write many inspirational, life-changing books. I want my words to encourage hope, change, forgiveness, healing, restoration and new beginnings.
Toni: Beautifully stated. If you could explain your writing style to a reader, what would you say?
Ann Marie: I would use the words—emotional, inspirational, fluid, compelling, romantic—to describe my writing style. I like to put readers in the heart of the story—to pick a side, a team, a couple, or a cause—and give them a chance to think how they would react in a similar situation.
Toni: Nice! Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets?
Ann Marie: I love both. I am an early riser, but I love sunsets.
Toni: Susnets are pretty. Chocolate or Vanilla?
Ann Marie: Vanilla.
Toni: I’m the same. Old school music or current hits?
Ann Marie: This is a hard decision. I’ll go with old school music.
Toni: Books or movies?
Ann Marie: I love both, but I’ll go with books.
Toni: Yay, books! Describe your dream writing spot.
Ann Marie: I don’t think I have a dream writing spot. I like to write in the morning… early mornings, when it is quiet. My favorite writing spot—in bed, propped against pillows.
Toni: And last but not least, how can readers help you on your writing journey?
Ann Marie: I am extremely excited about my writing journey, and I am thankful for the opportunity to share with readers. Consequently, I would love to hear from readers. I would like to know how my stories impacted them, and of course, I want to hear their testimonies about God’s faithfulness. I am available for book club or group meetings.
Toni: Readers, do y’all have any questions for Ann Marie?
About the Author
Ann Marie Bryan is a dedicated multi-talented leader with a passion for excellence. She is the CEO and Founder of Victorious By Design, an organization committed to providing top quality professional writing services, comprehensive personal and professional development programs and exceptional performing arts services to meet the unique needs of individuals and organizations.
A Christian Fiction author, Ann Marie writes to educate, inspire and empower others. She desires to tell great stories with fascinating characters to show the awesome power of God in the lives of people and places. Her celebrated bestselling Encounters of the Heart series, blend faith and romance that test the resiliency of love.
Ann Marie’s greatest passion is to empower others to succeed by tapping into their God-given potential. She enjoys writing, reading, dancing, teaching, meeting people and traveling. With all the knowledge and experiences that God has so graciously blessed her with, Ann Marie is determined to make her life a ministry for the Lord.
Follow: Website | Facebook | Reader Group | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Newsletter | Amazon | Goodreads
Post by contributor Toni Shiloh
Open Discussion: Summer Reading Challenge-Week 1
Our summer reading challenge has started. Thank you to everyone who posted last week.
We featured two more books this past week, If Only In My Dreams by Belle Calhoune and Over the Line by Kelly Irvin. More options for your challenge.
How is everyone doing? What books have you started? What book are you most excited to read?
Happy reading!
Book Review: Over the Line
Happy Friday!
I hope y’all had a great week and an awesome weekend planned. Today I’m sharing my thoughts on Kelly Irvin’s Over the Line. This book releases Tuesday the 11th, so be sure to pre-order if you haven’t already.
About the Book
In this high-stakes romantic suspense novel where tensions mount on both sides of the border, bestselling author Kelly Irvin explores what happens when the past explodes against the present and the only person you can turn to is the one who broke your heart.
When a college student dies at Gabriella’s feet after muttering her brother’s name, vicious gun smugglers believe she knows too much. And they’re determined to make sure she suffers the same fate. With no one else to turn to, Gabriella reunites with her former fiancé, homicide detective Eli Cavazos, to investigate the dead man’s murder and her brother’s disappearance.
In a desperate race against time, Gabriella and Eli are determined to clear her brother and find him before the gun smugglers can kill them both. Bit by bit, they tear away the masks worn by men masquerading as law-abiding citizens. No one can be trusted.
Working as a team forces Gabriella and Eli to face the problems that ended their relationship. She realizes she’s the one who needs to learn to forgive, but Eli must also learn to trust her with his secrets.
This ragtag team must fight a powerful ring of criminals protected by the very institutions that should prosecute them in an all-out battle that may cost them their lives.
Amazon | B&N | CBD | Goodreads
My Thoughts
First off this book starts in San Antonio, my hometown! I’m not sure I was cognizant of anything else for a few minutes after that tidbit. 🙂
The opening was great and Ms. Irvin set the mood for suspense and a backstory of broken romance.
I loved that the hero was a Latino and that we got to see some of the action from his pov. Hero and heroine povs always up the romantic factor in my opinion.
However, I would say that this book is more suspense with a thread of romance. Also, it took forever (again, in my opinion) for them to say why they broke up. There was such a hush about it and then when it came out in the open, you got the feeling there was still more to the subject. I would have liked the end result to be more clear and feel a little bit more organic, but that’s my preference.
As far as the suspense, it was good. There was good pacing and so much action I didn’t know who to believe or who was the ultimate bad guy. For that alone, I would read Ms. Irvin again.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.
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Post by contributor Toni Shiloh
Diversity Between the Pages 