Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Blog Tour: Flames of Wrath by J. L. Campbell

 


Title:  Flames Of Wrath

Author:  J. L. Campbell 

Publication Date: November 28, 2023

Publisher:  Black Odyssey Media

Genre: Thriller/Suspence 

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥




A mother’s quest for justice turns into a race against time to stop insidious murders that mysteriously begin populating throughout the city. Fans of Lisa Jewell and Ruth Ware will be enthralled by this emotionally chilling thriller!

The need to right a wrong against an innocent victim triggers a hailstorm of revenge!
 
In less than twenty-four hours—before Alexia Leighton is scheduled to return to Miami from spring break in Jamaica—a group of friends betray her in a grisly assault that stops a heartbeat away from murder. The seventeen-year-old prays for the mercy of death. She survives. While on the road to recovery, Alexia's attackers become victims of mysterious acts of violence, leaving authorities confounded and racing against time to prevent another deadly attack. Concern looms, as the perpetrator has proven to be two steps ahead of them at every turn.
 
When the attention swings to Alexia's mother, a cyber-security expert, the family closes ranks. Geneva Leighton must quickly eliminate herself as a suspect, but not without handing down more punishment. The offenders fear for their own safety and the secrets that plague them. Can they trust the police to find the killer before someone else dies, or has their fate been sealed—leaving them with no place to run, and no place to hide . . .


Wow.  I have been a fan of the author's for years because of her romance stories.   And now in recent years that I have become a fan of Thrillers, this book makes me love the authors writing even more.  This was such an emotional read that for the life of me would not let go.  Not until I was completely finished with the story.  It was entertaining and captivating and took me on a journey like no other.  There is a saying Hell hath no furry like a womanscored, and add to that a Black mother that would do absolutely anything to vindicate her children, God help anyone in the path of her rage.  This is also the third book I've read from this publisher, and it is one that you should have in your radar.  









About the Author

National Bestselling Author, J.L. Campbell lives in Jamaica and writes across several genres. She is a certified editor, and book coach, who has produced over forty books. When she’s not writing, Campbell adds to her extensive collection of photos featuring Jamaica’s natural beauty. 

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Blog tour: Glory Be by Danielle Arceneaux

 Title:  Glory Be

Auhor: Danielle Arceneaux

Genre:  Cozy Mystery

Publisher:  Pegasus Crime

Publication Date :  October 3, 2023

Rating:  💥💥💥💥



About the Book

The first in a vivid and charming crime series set in the Louisiana bayou, introducing the hilariously uncensored amateur sleuth Glory Broussard. Perfect for fans of Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club.

*A Washington Post Best Mystery Novel of the Year*

It’s a hot and sticky Sunday in Lafayette, Louisiana, and Glory has settled into her usual after-church routine, meeting gamblers at the local coffee shop, where she works as a small-time bookie. Sitting at her corner table, Glory hears that her best friend—a nun beloved by the community—has been found dead in her apartment.

When police declare the mysterious death a suicide, Glory is convinced that there must be more to the story and, with her reluctant daughter, with troubles of her own, in tow, launches a shadow investigation in a town of oil tycoons, church gossips, and a rumored voodoo priestess.

As a Black woman of a certain age who grew up in a segregated Louisiana, Glory is used to being minimized and overlooked. But she’s determined to make her presence known as the case leads her deep into a web of intrigue she never realized Lafayette could harbor. Danielle Arcenaux’s riveting debut brings for an unforgettable character that will charm and delight crime fans everywhere and leave them hungry for her next adventure


My Thoughts:

If you're looking for an older lady sleuth, then this is the series for you.   Glory was such a hoot and a mess throughout the book, but you can tell she really goes hard for those she loves and cares about.  This was such a delightful read.  And in older lady fashion, no one was going to stop Ms. Glory once she had her mind set on something.  And with the story taking place in Louisiana,  that made the story and characters all the more charming.  This was such an enjoyable and delightful read, and I can't wait for the next book in the series.  

About the Author


Danielle Arceneaux is a mystery writer who lives in Brooklyn, NY with her border terrier, Birdie, and an ungovernable

cat. When not writing, she enjoys traveling around the world to flyfish. For more information, visit www.daniellearceneaux.com

Friday, November 17, 2023

Book Tour: Worthy by Jada Pinkett Smith

 Title:  Worthy

Author:  Jada Pinkett Smith

Genre:  Memoir

Publisher:  Dey Street Books

Publication Date:  October 17, 2023

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥




About the Book:

A gripping, painfully honest, and ultimately inspirational memoir from global superstar and creator of the Red Table Talk series Jada Pinkett Smith. In a media driven landscape that crafts narratives for our celebrities, Smith recounts her story in an intimate conversation with readers. Along the way, she explores her path to accepting her power as a woman, and her discovery that a strong sense of self is every woman’s right and saving grace.

An impactful and rare memoir that engages and educates, Worthy is a courageous love song to self, to family, to life, and to the world.

From an unconventional upbringing in Baltimore, to an unconventional marriage to one of the most famous men in the world, adhering to the status quo has never been a familiar road for Jada Pinkett Smith. In Worthy, Smith strips herself of all the labels and stories crafted by others, and reclaims her narrative with radical self-love. Worthy teaches us who Jada is, and how to embrace our most authentic lovable souls.


My thoughts:

Resilient, Powerful, courageous, strong.  These are just some of the words that came to mind while reading this remarkable book.  growing up in the streets of Baltimore, to living in california with a successful career, Jada Pinkett Smith gives us a raw, gritty look into her life from the earliest memories until now.  A book that would have normally only took me hours to read, took over a day, with some of it being so sad, I had to stop.  I loved the fact that she just told her truth, her life, not a bunch a media propaganda and scandals.  It makes it more relevant and authentic to me.  And in the midst of tears, there were comedic moments to help lighten the mood at times.  


About the Author

Jada Pinkett Smith is an American actress, singer-songwriter, talk show host, producer, and businesswoman. Jada Pinkett Smith has appeared in more than 20 films in a variety of genres, including Menace II Society, Set It Off, Scream 2, Ali, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, the Madagascar series, Hawthorne, Gotham, Magic Mike XXL, Bad Moms, and Girls Trip. Currently, she is the co-host of the talk show Red Table Talk, for which she has received a Daytime Emmy Award. Time named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2021. Jada is married to actor Will Smith and shares three children with him. Together, the couple founded the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation, a charity organization which focuses on inner-city youth and family support. The couple also owns Westbrook Inc., a media company that aims to empower artists to tell their stories and connect with the world.

https://ourworthyjourney.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jadapinkettsmith/
https://www.facebook.com/jada/
https://twitter.com/jadapsmith
https://www.tiktok.com/@jadapinkettsmith

Sunday, November 5, 2023

Blog Tour: The List by Yomi Adegoke

 Title:  The List

Author:  Yomi Adegoke

Genre:  Mystery

Publisher:  William Morrow

Publication Date: October 3, 2023

Rating :  💥💥💥💥



About the book:

GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK!

Recommended by The New York Times • Vogue • People • NPR • Vulture • The Guardian • Cosmopolitan • Rolling Stone • Publishers Weekly • The Sunday Times • and many more!

In this sensational, page-turning debut novel, a high-profile female journalist’s world is upended when her fiancé’s name turns up in a viral social media post—a nuanced, daring, and timely exploration of the real-world impact of online life, from award-winning journalist and internationally bestselling authorYomi Adegoke.

“Brilliantly written, intricately plotted and incredibly clever. Once I started, I could not put it down, and I am sure I'll be thinking about this book for a very long time.” — Abi Daré, New York Times bestselling author of The Girl with the Louding Voice

Ola Olajide, a celebrated journalist at Womxxxn magazine, is set to marry the love of her life in one month’s time. Young, beautiful, and successful—she and her fiancé Michael are considered the “couple goals” of their social network and seem to have it all. That is, until one morning when they both wake up to the same message: “Oh my god, have you seen The List?” 

It began as a crowdsourced collection of names and somehow morphed into an anonymous account posting allegations on social media. Ola would usually be the first to support such a list—she’d retweet it, call for the men to be fired, write article after article. Except this time, Michael’s name is on it.

Compulsively readable, wildly entertaining, and filled with sharp social insight, The List is a piercing and dazzlingly clear-sighted debut about secrets, lies, and the internet. Perfect for fans of Such a Fun AgeLuster, and My Dark Vanessa, this is a searing portrait of these modern times and our morally complicated online culture.

“Topical, heartfelt, provocative and wise, Yomi Adegoke’s characters are tenderly realized . . . the entire cast of this ultimate millennial novel springs vividly to life.” — Bernardine Evaristo, Booker Prize-winning author of Girl, Woman, Other

 The List asks ‘what if?’ and the answers will surely get people thinking. A vibrantly told exploration of the messy interface between virtual and offline relationships. A page-turning tale!” — Charmaine Wilkerson, New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake


My thoughts:

If you want a book that will make you mad, this might be the one for you.   Althought it was an enjoyable ride, all of the characters, piss3d me off at different times in the book.  The book also highlights some of the bad parts of social media.  It was messy and entertaining at the same time. And I wasn't expecting it to end like that.  

About the Author



Yomi Adegoke is a multi award-winning journalist and author. She is currently a columnist at The Guardian and British Vogue and is the former host of the Women's Fiction Prize podcast. In 2018, she co-wrote the bestselling book Slay In Your Lane and the same year was named one of the most influential people in London by the Evening Standard. She also was awarded the Groucho Maverick and Marie Clare Future Shaper awards. In 2021, she was named on the Forbes 30 under 30 list.

Book Tour: You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Toni Shiloh

 Title:  You make It Feel Like Christmas

Author:  Toni Shiloh 

Publication Date:  September 5, 2023

Publisher :Bethany House

Genre: Christmas Romance 

Rating:  💥💥💥💥



About thr books

It's the most wonderful time of the year--for everyone except Starr Lewis.

As if going home for the holidays jobless and single wasn't bad enough, she's dragged into a holiday season full of activities leading up to her sister's uber-romantic Christmas Eve wedding--to Starr's ex-boyfriend. But when her brother's best friend, Waylon Emmerson, attends their family Thanksgiving, she starts to wonder if maybe coming home for Christmas isn't so bad after all.

As Starr finds the perfect distraction in helping Waylon make over his late mother's Christmas shop, the most wonderful time of the year works its magic and the spark between them grows. But with the holidays fast approaching, Starr must decide what she wants out of life after the gifts are unwrapped and the ornaments are put away--to go back to New York City or to open her heart to a love that will last beyond Christmas Day?


My thoughts

For me, I start celebrating Christmas on November 1st, which includes Christmas movies and books ( Although truthfully, I will read Christmas books all year around), and I enjoyed my first holiday book of the season.  I loved the growth of Starr.  She started to stick up for herself, and I was so happy for her and proud of her.  This was the perfect novella to kick off thr season with.  This story was just right and so enjoyable.  This was not my fords book by this author, and every book I read from her seems to get better and better.  Great job


About the Author 



Toni Shiloh (www.tonishiloh.com) is a wife, a mom, and an award-winning Christian contemporary romance author. Her novel In Search of a 
Prince won the first ever Christy Amplify Award. It has also been praised by 
Oprah Daily, POPSUGAR, Library Journal, and Booklist, and is a 
Parable bestseller. Her books have been finalists for the HOLT Medallion and 
the Selah Award. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), 
Toni loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media. 

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Book Tour: The Queer Girl Is Going To Be Ok by Dale Walls

 Title:  The Queer Girl Is Going To Be Ok

Author:  Dale Walls

Genre:  LGBQIA+ YA Fiction

Publication Date:  November 21, 2023

Publisher:  Levine Querido

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥



About the Book

Queer Love. Something Dawn wants, desperately, but does not have. But maybe, if she can capture it, film it, interview the people who have it, queer love will be hers someday. Or, at least, she'll have made a documentary about it. A documentary that, hopefully, will win Dawn a scholarship to film school. Many obstacles stand in the way of completing her film, but her best friends Edie and Georgia are there to help her reach her goal, no matter what it takes. 

A touching and joyous story of queer friendship and girlhood set in the vibrant city of Houston, THE QUEER GIRL IS GOING TO BE OKAY will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you believe that eventually, everything will be okay.


My Thoughts

Man, this was such an emotional read.  To read what each character had to deal with was so emotional and heartbreaking.  I felt bad many time for all of the three main characters and what they had to go through.  The book also showcased the power of having a good friendship with others, the type that will be there for you when you can't be there for yourself and ones that won't let you completely quit, no matter how hard situations might be.  I hope the author features these characters in a future book.  I would love to see what happens for them next.  


About the Author:


Dale Walls is a culture writer, curator, and art historian based in San Francisco. They are currently pursuing an art history PhD and are a Knight-Hennessy Scholar at Stanford University. Dale has written for Teen Vogue, Artsy, and Google Arts and Culture and is a Lambda Literary Fellow. The Queer Girl Is Going To Be Okay is their debut novel.

When they're not writing, Dale can be found hanging out with their hairless cat, collecting taxidermy mice, or drinking matcha lattes. You can visit Dale at dalewallsauthor.com


Saturday, October 28, 2023

Book Review: The Light on Halsey Street by Vanessa Miller

 Title:  The Light on Halsey Street

Author :  Vanessa Miller

Genre:  Women's Fiction

Publisher:  Thomas Nelson

Publication Date:  September 5th, 2023

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥



About the Book:

Two girls’ lives are irrevocably intertwined the summer of 1985 in the streets of Brooklyn, New York, and neither will ever be the same in this coming-of-age story that spans decades.

In the summer of 1985, Lisa Whitaker is a church kid headed to college on a scholarship while her best friend, Dana, is floundering in the wake of her mother’s latest eviction. Though Lisa tries to help, their paths diverge. Fifteen years later, Lisa has a beautiful family and is stepping into her dream job as the director for a social services organization. Everything is going right—until her future is snatched away by identity theft. Her life begins to unravel, and Lisa wants nothing more than to see the woman responsible pay for her crimes.

When she was a teenager, Dana Jones always felt alone in this world. Her mother was addicted to drugs, her boyfriend was entering a life of crime, and it seemed Dana, too, was heading down the wrong path. The only bright light was her friendship with Lisa. Now, in the new millennium, Dana finally gives herself permission to dream—to believe she is stepping into better days. But when the betrayal of their friendship comes to light, it will take a lifetime to forgive the destruction that youthful summer in Bed-Stuy set in motion.

In this latest story from beloved author Vanessa Miller, two girls from the Bed-Stuy neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, find that their paths have been woven together by the love of community and a friendship that is tested by time, betrayal, and unforgiveness.

  • Inspirational Christian fiction
  • Stand-alone novel
  • Perfect for fans of Tara M. Stringfellow, Terry McMillan, and Kimberla Lawson Roby
  • Book length: approximately 85,000 words
  • Includes discussion questions for book clubs

My Thoughts:
The light on Halsey street was one of those books that I absolutely loved, but have been struggling to find the words to describe how much I absolutely loved and enjoyed this book.  The author takes you back to the 80's and on such a journey of living life, making mistakes, owning up to those mistakes and eventual forgiveness.  This book was a quick read for me, and totally took me on such an emotional roller coaster ride.  I mean the way she wrote these characters and how they moved throughout the story and grew had me shedding tears a couple of times.  And we must not forget the power of friendship and forgiveness.  This book will have you looking at things in a different light.  A book you will not be able to put down until you are finished and one where the characters will stay with you long after you're finished.  

About the Author



Vanessa Miller is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, playwright, and motivational speaker. She started writing as a child, spending countless hours either reading or writing poetry, short stories, stage plays and novels. Vanessa’s creative endeavors took on new meaning in1994 when she became a Christian. Since then, her writing has been centered on themes of redemption, often focusing on characters facing multi-dimensional struggles.

Vanessa’s novels have received rave reviews, with several appearing on Essence Magazine’s Bestseller’s List. Miller’s work has receiving numerous awards, including “Best Christian Fiction Mahogany Award” and the “Red Rose Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction.” Miller graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication. She is an ordained minister in her church, explaining, “God has called me to minister to readers and to help them rediscover their place with the Lord.”

· Essence Bestsellers’ List March 2008; May 2008 (Former Rain)

· Essence Bestsellers’ List September 2008 (Rain Storm)

· Black Expressions Book Club Alternate Selection 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010

· #1 Ebook for fiction on Amazon.com November 2010 (Long Time Coming)

· #1 on BCNN/BCBC Bestsellers’ List November 2010 (Long Time Coming)

She has worked with numerous publishers: Urban Christian, Kimani Romance (Harlequin), Abingdon Press and Whitaker House. She is currently working on Something Good with Thomas Nelson (HarperCollins) which releases in March 2022.

In 2016, Vanessa launched the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat in an effort to bring readers and authors of Christian fiction together in an environment that’s all about Faith, Fun & Fellowship. To learn more about Vanessa, please visit her website: www.vanessamiller.com. If you would like to know more about the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat that is currently held in Charlotte, NC during the last week in October you can visit: http://www.christianbookloversretreat.com/index.html

Vanessa lives in North Carolina with her husband and family. She graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication.

Most of Vanessa’s published novels depict characters that are lost and in need of redemption. The books have received countless favorable reviews.

“. . . Heartwarming, drama-packed and tender in just the right places.”—Romantic Times Book Review.

“Recommended for readers of redemption stories.” –Library Journal.

www.vanessamiller.com

Don’t forget to join my mailing list:

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Website: www.vanessamiller.com

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Blog tour: I know by Stephen Bratcher

 Title:. I Know

Author:  Stephen Bratcher

Publication Date:  February 4, 2022

Genre:  Suspence Urban Fiction 

Rating:  💥💥💥💥



My thoughts:

I know is a compelling story of three individuals separated by six degrees of separation, and how one decision can impact many lives.  The storyline was exciting and full of intrigue and drama.  Full of lessons, this was a powerful read that kept a hold on my emotions and had me in an emotional vice grip from beginning to end.  Ti would be the perfect story that would be so good on a movie screen.  

Sunday, October 22, 2023

Blog tour: Just like old times

 Title:  Just Like Old Times 

Author:  Chichima Cherry

Genre:  Second Chance Romance 

Publication Date:  March 22, 2022

Rating: 💥💥💥💥



About the Book 

Trey Dalton is charismatic, thoughtful, and accomplished, but every year, he’s sorely reminded of how he left the love of his life, Tristyn Miller, without so much as a goodbye. Now, due to a healthy dose of fate and his mama’s prayers, he’s run into Tristyn and is determined to prove to her that she’s the one. Will he be able to convince her that he’s changed or will his past keep him from his future?

Tristyn’s life is practically perfect. She has a good job, great friends, and an incredible boyfriend that she’s kind of in love with. But now that coincidence has plopped her ex boyfriend, Trey, right in front of her, she’s second guessing everything. Life with Trey was always fun, steamy, and felt right, but fears of him leaving again plague her thoughts. Will she stick with her safe life, or will she give into her feelings so things can be just like old times?


My thoughts 

For a short read, it was very good.  I loved the characters, as well as the supporting characters.   And there was enough drama that was not too much, and made the story line enjoyable.  It was relatable and had themes with lessons woven throughout the story.  The author did very well with this story, and I'm hoping to see this couple in future books (assuming some of the characters that I could tell were starting to have feelings for each other get their own stories)


About the Author


Chichima Cherry resides in Cleveland, Ohio, with her husband and daughters, where she writes real life with a scoop of spice. Her passion for romance and writing was passed down through her late mother and grandmother, and she loves creating characters with true to life issues. In addition to writing fiction, she writes children's books under the pen name of Karen Mae, and runs writer's classes. In her free time she enjoys reading, baking, puzzling, and chilling.


Thursday, October 12, 2023

Review: The Other Princes by Denny S. Brice

 Title: The Other Princess

Author: Denny S. Brice

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Publisher:  William Morrow

Publication Date: October 3, 2023

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥



About the Book:

A stunning portrait of an African princess raised in Queen Victoria’s court and adapting to life in Victorian England—based on the real-life story of a recently rediscovered historical figure, Sarah Forbes Bonetta.

With a brilliant mind and a fierce will to survive, Sarah Forbes Bonetta, a kidnapped African princess, is rescued from enslavement at seven years old and presented to Queen Victoria as a “gift.” To the Queen, the girl is an exotic trophy to be trotted out for the entertainment of the royal court and to showcase Victoria’s magnanimity. Sarah charms most of the people she meets, even those who would cast her aside. Her keen intelligence and her aptitude for languages and musical composition helps Sarah navigate the Victorian era as an outsider given insider privileges.

But embedded in Sarah’s past is her destiny. Haunted by visions of destruction and decapitations, she desperately seeks a place, a home she will never run from, never fear, a refuge from nightmares and memories of death.

From West Africa to Windsor Castle to Sierra Leone, to St. James's Palace, and the Lagos Colony, Sarah juggles the power and pitfalls of a royal upbringing as she battles racism and systematic oppression on her way to living a life worthy of a Yoruba princess.

Based on the real life of Queen Victoria’s Black goddaughter, Sarah Forbes Bonetta’s story is a sweeping saga of an African princess in Victorian England and West Africa, as she searches for a home, family, love, and identity.


My thoughts

Some books are so good, it takes me longer than I would like to do the review because I don't want to spoil how much I enjoyed the book.  This was one of those books.  I'm no stranger to the author's writing and she knocked it out of the park with this book.  The way this story took on so many surprises and twists and turns that had me wanting to slow down because I didn't want it to end, but also me wanting to hurry up because I really wanted to know what happened next.  This was such an emotional read and an important part of black history that for the most part has been forgotten.  The fact that it was also based on a true person made this book all the more enjoyable.   This was such a phenomenal story and we need more like these written by marginalized authors.   The story will be one of those that will forever be etched in my memory.   


About the Author


Denny S. Bryce is a best-selling, award-winning author of historical fiction. A former dancer and public relations professional, Denny is an adjunct professor in the MFA program at Drexel University, a book critic for NPR, and a freelance writer whose work has appeared in USA Today and Harper’s Bazaar. She is also a member of the Historical Novel Society, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and Tall Poppy Writers. Originally from Ohio, she likes to call Chicago her hometown but currently resides in Savannah, Georgia. You can find her online at DennySBryce.com.

Nalini Akolekar, Spencerhill Associates, represents her.

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Blog Tour: Love In Winter Wonderland by

Title:  Love  In Winter Wonderland
Author:  Abiola Bello
Genre:  Black YA holiday Romance
Publication Date:  October 3, 2023
Publisher:  Soho Teen
Rating:  💥💥💥💥
 

About the Book:
The Sun Is Also a Star meets You’ve Got Mail in this YA Christmas love story set in a London Black-owned bookshop.

Charming, handsome Trey Anderson balances the pressures of school popularity with a job at his family’s beloved local bookshop, Wonderland.

Quirky, creative Ariel Spencer needs tuition for the prestigious art program of her dreams, and an opening at Wonderland is the answer. When Trey and Ariel learn that Wonderland is on the brink of being shut down by a neighborhood gentrifier, they team up to stop the doors from closing before the Christmas Eve deadline—and embark on a hate-to-love journey that will change them forever.

Heartwarming and romantic, this read is the gift that keeps on giving, no matter the season

My Thoughts:
This will be my most favorite ya read of the year.  I absolutely loved most of the characters, Including Ariel.  She was absolutely my most favorite character.  This story has all the holiday feels and is so charming and heartwarming.  It kept my interest from beginning to end.  The plot was enjoyable, as well as the development of the characters.  Such a delightful and beautiful read just in time for the holidays.  


About the Author

Abiola Bello was born and raised in Stoke Newington, North London. She is a Nigerian-British author and first began writing the Emily Knight saga at 12 years old.

Abiola received rave reviews for her debut middle-grade book series. Emily Knight I am, published by Hashtag Press which she has written under A. Bello. Emily Knight I am...Awakened was released in September 2017, published by Hashtag Press. It was nominated for the Carnegie Medal 2019, winner of London's Big Read 2019 and a finalist for 'Best Children's Book' for the People's Book Prize 2019.Emily Knight I am..Becoming, published by Hashtag Press is the third book in the award-winning series was released in September 2020 to strong reviews. Book 4 and the last in the series is due by 2023.

The Very Merry Murder Club published by Farshore on October 28th 2021 is a number 1 bestseller, The Bookseller 'One to Watch' and was featured in The Guardian's Children's and Teens Novel Roundup. It was Waterstones November Children's Book of the Month and shortlisted for The Diverse Book Awards 2022.

Abiola signed a 6-figure 3 book deal with Simon & Schuster in September 2021. Her YA debut Love In Winter Wonderland is a number 1 bestseller, The Bookseller 'One to Watch,' an Amazon's Editor's Choice and was featured as one of the Guardian's Best New Novels. Love In Winter Wonderland was featured on the Leicester Square billboard throughout November as part of Amazon's Amplify Black Voices Campaign for Black History Month.

Abiola won The London Book Fair Trailblazer Awards 2018 and is currently on the advisory board for World Book Day UK.

As well as being a writer, Abiola is a professional dancer. She has performed for more than a decade in prestigious venues including The Royal Opera House, The Barbican, Sadler's Wells, Hammersmith Apollo, Stratford Theatre Royal. Abiola has also appeared on The Apprentice, Got To Dance and Street Dance AllStars The Movie.

Follow on Instagram @abiolabello & Twitter @ABelloWrites

www.a-bello.com


Blog Tour: Clued In Christmas by Mia Heinztleman



Title:  Clued In Christmas
Author: Mia Heintzleman
Genre:  Interracial Holiday Romance
Publication Date:  October 12, 2023
Publisher:  Tule Publishing
Rating:  💥💥💥💥



About the Book:

Nadia Sikes usually loves the holidays—cozy game nights, snowy mountain girls’ trips, hours decking the halls at Love & Games. But when her two best friends and co-owners find love, all she wants is to tuck away her heart and make it through the season.

Quietly handsome bookstore owner and single dad Micah Hamilton is determined to a) build lasting Christmas memories with his little girl and b) avoid Nadia. When his daughter asks to attend the holiday festivities at Love & Games, though, Micah is forced to introduce the woman who broke his heart, to his child she never knew existed.

The scene would drive anyone to plot their romantic reunion…and someone does. Between turkey dinners, tree decorating, and mistletoe kisses, mysterious notes begin showing up at the game store. As Nadia strings together clues, motives, and suspects for this twisty whodunit, she and Micah are blindsided by the return of their desire.

Is it a mistake to lose themselves in each other again? Or will a Christmas miracle bring them back to where they belong



My Thoughts

This series was an absolute joy and pleasure to read, and the finale in the series fit right in.  The last standing co owner of  Love and Games store, Nadia,  is shocked when an old flame, Micah comes back into her life just down the street as the owner of a bookstore.  Add in the mix Micha's 11 year old daughter and you have a story that will bring romance, as well as laughs.

My absolute favorite thing about this book is the chemistry between Micha and Nadia.  You could just feel it jump off the page.  And little Ms. Gillian stole the show a couple of times.  And the mystery game that was apart of the story took it to a whole different level.  The nerd in me is so happy that this book is being released.  This was such a charming and entertaining read.

About the Author


Mia Heintzelman is a polka-dot-wearing, horror movie lover, who always has a book and a to-do list in her purse. When she isn’t busy writing fictional happily-ever-afters, she is likely reading, or playing board games and eating sweets with her husband and two children. She writes fun, unforgettable, more than just laughs romcoms about strong women and men with enough heart to fall for them.

You can find her online at MiaHeintzelman.com or at @MiaHeintzelman on Twitter or @MiaHeintzelmanAuthor on Instagram and Facebook