Sistah's Blog

December is a great month to find new literature to read whether it's romantic, mystical, dramatic, or action filled.  There are some great authors telling some amazing stories that have made my top 20 book list.  My list is a combined list for two months and what better way to wrap up December than with some best kept secrets from some great writers who inspire stories within.  With the Christmas holiday 23 days away, have you given someone a good book as a gift?  Cuddling up reading a great mystery, drama, romance, or even science fiction novel in your favorite blanket and a hot cup of tea.  Book cover from Amazon She's No Angel by E.N. Joy Assumptions Abound by Sage He Calls Her Blue by Sheryl Grace The Liberian Agenda by L.J. Taylor Anybody's Daughter's by Pamela Samuel Young Forgotten by C.J. Carmichael The Dog Catcher by Lloyd Johnson Never Trust A Stranger (March 2017) The Sisterhood by Nicole Bradford The Million Dollar Destiny ...

The next author spotlight for the storytellers on the Seducing The Pen Book Tour with Cerece Rennie Murphy children's novel Ellis and the Hidden Cave .  She writes children's books and Sci-fiction that will keep you turning pages.  Book Excerpt : Ellis Monroe has always been curious about the world.  When his father brings home an ancient mirror with the power to reveal the truth about the people and things around him, Ellis begins to see the world in a whole new way.  But things get more than a little strange when Ellis brings the mirror to school.  While playing with it on the playground with his best friend, Toro Quispe, Ellis discovers that someone – or something – is hiding out at Harriet Tubman Elementary and trying to stop children from learning.  Determined to solve the new mystery, Ellis, Toro, and his little sister, Freddye go on a secret mission to find out the truth about the troublesome Buddy Cruster and stop whatever he and his frien...

Our first author spotlight for Seducing The Pen Book Tour is Lynn Emery.  Her novel title is Into The Mist.   Sharing the stories by African American women and men of all genres.  I am excited to feature the spotlight this week with Lynn Emery's "Into The Mist".  Have I sparked your interest with a new read?  Read more about the author in the link below and book excerpts: https://www.smore.com/42dz Book Synopsis/Excerpt: Children are missing in ever increasing numbers. LaShaun Rousselle and Deputy Chase Broussard have to make sure their child isn’t next. After a series of gruesome murders, LaShaun has to answer one critical question to stop the bloodbath: are the children victims or weapons? LaShaun Rousselle finds herself and her young family at the center of a devious and deadly series of crimes once more. A girl goes missing, bad enough. Yet when LaShaun follows the threads, she discovers the six year old is only one of many. What’s the ...

It's a pleasure to participate in the Seducing The Pen book Tour with Black Pearls Magazine celebrating African American storytellers.  It kicks off today and I will be featuring an author each week on Sistah's Blog.  Be sure to check them all out as we celebrate them from October thru November.  There are so many genre's to choose from that are great gifts for birthdays and Christmas.  Sit back and enjoy the talented men and women on the #SeducingThePenBookTour. We will be promoting these authors across our social media platform.  Like us on Facebook to see more authors and interviews. Are you ready to celebrate with us?  http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/home.html http://sistahsplace.com/about-us-2/ https://www.facebook.com/sistahsplace2/

This week our book spotlight is on author Aretha Tatum.  Her second novel titled " The Wonderful Counselor " is available on Amazon for purchase.  This is the follow up to her first novel, " The Problem with Jesus ."  Check out the interview with her on Sistah's Place YouTube channel as she talks about her latest novel.  If you want to be inspired to develop a personal relationship with the most high, then you definitely want to read her novel.  Learn more about Aretha Tatum by connecting with her on Social Media.  Book Excerpt: The Kingdom life is so much more than attending church services on Sunday. As born again believers in Christ we are not part of a religion, we are in a relationship, and it’s personal. We must seek to hear from God to find out our purpose, to receive comfort, direction and quite often correction. The Wonderful Counselor is a testimony of supernatural encounters and words of wisdom received from the Lord. This book will...

We all look forward to the new television season come September.  Many of our favorites return while some don't.  We still get a opportunity to see new shows that grab our attention that we pray get renewed for another season if it's good. So What's returning this September? Blindspot premiers on Wednesday (9/14) on NBC Marvel Agents of Shield Tuesday (9/20)  on ABC Queen Sugar Tuesday(9/6 & 9/7) on OWN Empire on Wednesday (9/21) on Fox for Season 3 now this will be interesting.  Black-ish on Wednesday (9/21) on ABC Chicago PD on Wednesday 9/21 on NBC Rosewood on Thursday (9/22) on FOX Greys Anatomy on Thursday  (9/22)on ABC  Chicago Med on Thursday (9/22) on NBC How to Get Away with Murder Thursday (9/22) on ABC The Blacklist  on Thursday (9/22) on NBC Secrets & Lies on Sunday (9/25) on ABC Criminal Minds on Wednesday (9/28) on CBS Quantico on Sunday (9/25) on ABC Check out the trailer for one of my favorite newbi...

Welcome to September!  Fall is in the air and it's finally starting to cool off.  This month book list is about helping you tap into your True Self as Jack Canfield would say.  Who made the list this month? Empowering & Inspiration to help you tap into purpose and true self: Jack Canfield's -Key to Living the Law of Attraction DeVon Franklin & Megan Good- The Wait Wes Moore-The Work Aretha Tatum-The Wonderful Counselor Cezzane Taharqa-The Journey of a Sister Marie Schaeller-Breaking the Chains of Silence Scarlett Johnson- Oprah 40 Inspirational Life Lessons Clarissa Pinkola Este- Women Who Run with Wolves Jack Canfield's-The Success Principles Photo Credit:  Courtesy of Amazon Books Romance & Drama/Mystery that will keep you turning pages: M. Skye-Circle of Deception Trice Hickman- Deadly Satisfaction Mia Black-His Dirty Secret Mary A. Russell-Secret Keepers and Skinny Shadows Photo Credits:  Courtesy of Amazon  ...

The 2016 Election year is so important for everyone to get out and vote.  It's imperative that your voice is accounted for in this election.  There is so much at stake and it's critical that everyone exercise the right to vote.  If you don't vote in this election, it will be like voting for Donald Trump silently.  Just as historical numbers were cast when President Obama first ran for President in 2008, this election is just as important.   Exercise your right to vote! Issues that need to be addressed and enforced: Laws against the treatment and injustice against  minority men and women in the communities of  predominantly black, brown, and Latina.   Gun control laws that will save a life and not take a life. Equal pay for women and men. Adequate and proper justice against cops who abuse their position of authority. Better quality of education in all communities Enforce agencies local and governmental that will resolve is...

Have you read Tumika Cain latest novel When A Man Loves A Woman 2-A Love Devine ? The novel debut April 19, 2016.  It's the follow up to her first novel When A Man Loves A Woman .  Before you dive into her latest novel, you might want to purchase or download the first one to catch up. About the Author: Tumika Patrice Cain is an award-winning author, media personality and publisher whose works centers around uplifting, encouraging and empowering others to live the abundant life.  Learn more about her by following he on social media and visiting her website at www.TumikaPatrice.com Where to find her on social media? You may follow her on Facebook: Tumika Patrice Cain and on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest & Goodreads: @TumikaPatrice. Book Synopsis : Jacquie remembered a time when she was once a tender, caring, hopeless romantic. But happily-ever-after’s and once-upon-a-time fairytales, proved over time to be just that – fairytales. After what she feels ha...

Welcome to August as we prepare to send the children back to school and off to college.  Summer is winding down slowly as we all prepare our minds mentally and emotionally as we kiss and guide our babies into a new school year.  For those parents sending their precious gems off to college, you will need to find a hobby.  Why not start a book club or reading some great books by some talented men and women.  What's on my Editor's book list to read in August?  The Perfect Mistress by Reshonda Tate Billingsley Every Woman's Dream by Mary Monroe Stepping to A New Day- A Blessings Novel by Beverly Jenkins That Church Life by Teresa B. Howell  Just Can't Let Go by Mary B. Morrison Possessed by Passion by Brenda Jackson His Dirty Secret by Mia Black The Open Face Sandwich by Bishop Earl Jenkins For the Love of You by Donna Hill Breathless by Angie Daniels Free Friday's by Pat Tucker I Almost Forgot About You by Terry McMillian The joy of build...

The senseless crimes continue to plague the black community with unjustified shootings of black men. After the holiday, which was the celebration of Independence on July 4th only to wake up to the  senseless murder of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge,LA and less than 24 hours the shooting of Philandro Castile in Minnesota.  It was too much to bare emotionally within one week. Like many of my fellow brothers and sisters I was extremely angry, hurt, disappointed with our justice system, and my heart went out to the family of the victims.  What made me even more mad was how the media decided to flip the focus from the victims to nonsense they called news worthy.  People are crying out about the injustice that continues to plaque the Black Community. Many celebrities spoke out and posted picture memes for their frustration along with the rest of the world. In a country where black men and women were brought to this country in chains in the ...

Welcome to July.  In celebration of Siatah's Place blig anniversary we have combined the June and July book list. You most definitely want to put these books on your list to read. Our list is compromised of new authors, indie authors, national best selling authors, and our authors picks.  What books are on my hot list that I highly recommend you read.   1. Sister Surrogate by LaChelle Weaver 2. Trudy by New author Felecia Tucker  3. The Woman Behind The Mask by Nakia P. Evans. 4. When A Man Loves A Woman 2 by Tumika Cain.  5. Torn by Latoya Chandler 6. I Don't Want To Love You by Tanya Robinson 7. A Sinful Calling by Kimberly Lawson Roby. 8. The Perfect Mistress by ReShonda Tate-Billingsley. 9. Unchained Hearts by Yahran St. John 10. Fooling Around 2 by Phoenix Williams Listen to interview with LaChelle Weaver about her novel Sister Surrogate at  http://sistahsplace.com/interview-lachelle-weaver/ Check out the i...

Who is Felecia Tucker?  She is a new author writing children's stories. Her first novel Trudy-Swimming Against The Odds will be released in July 23, 2016.  If you are a parent and have school age children, Trudy will be a great read for your school age children 4th to 8th grade.  Learn more about Felecia in interview for Author Showcase at  http://sistahsplace.com/felecia-tucker-debut-novel-trudy/ Be sure to visit her website to learn more about Felecia at   http://www.feleciatucker.com/

Take a listen to the song "You're Bigger".  It's encouraging and inspiring words remind you that Jesus is bigger than anything this world can throw at you.  You have to keep your faith and remember who to put your trust in because You're Bigger. What a great way to kick off the month of June, then to be encouraged that any problem or issue you may have that Jesus is bigger.  Those words are powerful!  Over the last couple weeks, this song has been my motivator and reminders especially when I am at work to remind me you're bigger than your job and the people around you because you were born with a gift.  This song reminds me that my purpose may not be understood by many as I walk this journey.  This song reminds me, motivates me, and inspires me that my passion for what I have discovered inside of me will have a impact on peoples lives that will be informative, inspiring, entertaining, and empowering.  What does this song mean to y...

The month of May was about the college graduations and the great accomplishments young men and women have traveled to become graduates. There were some great speeches circulating across Facebook and there was one that caught my attention. The speech by Tyler Perry was powerful, encouraging, and inspiring.  It was a perfect speech to the graduates at Tuskegee Univeristy.  I loved it because he gave his real life examples to the graduates so they would have something to use as a life examples.  His words and real life story was a testimony at what they can do with their gifts and talents.  Most important, Mr. Perry gave the students and the audience something to think about like What are you intentions?  There were so many good key points that he covered in his speech that for us watching the video made you think about the questions yourself that he asked.  Living on purpose and living in purpose is powerful when you know what your intentions.  It'...

It's May already! Wow, how times flys! Have you read any good books lately? Well, I have some authors that I am excited to have on my reading list that I like to share with you all. Are any of my books on your book club lists?  These are great books that you can take with you while traveling, read during your lunch hour, or just sitting in your favorite chair for quite time. When Troubles Come- by Tiffany L. Warren Damaged Goods- by Jenica Johnson The Ugly Side of Me- by Nikita Lynnette No More Mr. Nice Guy- by Carl Webber Deadly Satisfaction- by Trice Hickman Illusion- by Wanda B. Campbell Woman on Top- by Brenda L. Thomas Possessed by Passion-By Brenda Jackson The Gift- by Vannessa Miller Every Woman's Dream- by Mary Monroe Forever After- by Niece Holland The Aris Effect-by Rae Lamar Photo: Courtsey of Amazon Books Book Excerpt: Being in love? REALLY loving someone?? Two totally different things… Aris Collier is a masterful artist but, when it comes...

The month of May is always exciting because you get some great commencement speeches that have a powerful impact upon not just the students but the entire audience. I must say Tyler Perry's commencement speech at Tuskegee University was powerful.  It reminded me of the powers our graduates possess and once they tap into their purpose they are going to open doors, create doors, reach more lives, rise above barriers, and tell the stories of the many who's lives they impact.  As we sat at my daughter's graduation on May 12, 2016,  his words resonated in my mind while their guest speaker spoke. The small minority group of African American students graduating from Loyola University Chicago School of Communication. I am very proud of my daughter and her friends. To see them become a legacy for their families whether they are a first or second generation they have achieved a great milestone.  The graduates are Simone Carter and Aaron R. McDonald with ...

Have you read Woman On Top by Brenda L. Thomas? She was named on Essence Best seller list. Brenda is an acclaimed and much sought after speaker and advocated against domestic violence. She has several novels under her belt along with her memoir Laying Down My Burdens.  It's a great story that will have you engulfed with the characters. You will learn how Tiffany went from nothing to being the First Lady. Book excerpt  Started from the bottom . . .Once hailed as the Queen of Philly’s nightlife, Tiffany Johnson-Skinner now reigns as its prominent First Lady, standing proudly beside her husband, the charismatic Mayor, Malik Skinner.Tiffany is the first to admit that she doesn’t have the perfect life, especially with the demands of her husband, caring for her young daughter, Nylah, and working with Blessed Babies, her budding charity. But since she once ruled the streets, Tiffany should have no problem ruling the city, right?Staying on top…When her husbands’ arch ne...

Today was not your typical day, I was stopped heading to lunch by a co-worker as she asks me, have you heard about Prince? I look at her with a look of what.. Only for her to say he has passed away at 57 years old. My heart like skips a beat  as my eyes begin to water. I shake my head in disbelief because I am like this cannot be true. Wait, we just lost an icon in a Radio Doug Banks at the age of 51 last week.   Now we loose a legendary icon in music Prince Rogers Nelson at the age of 57. The music this man made will live on for decades to come. I had to take my lunch to my car so that I could listen to the radio station.  It was nice to hear V103  playing tribute to Prince by playing his music that made you smile, bob your heads, and just think back to the first time you heard him.  I could not help but smile up at heaven because a angel went home today with no more suffering from whatever it was. They played Purple Rain which is my all time favorit...

Welcome to the month of April.  This is the month that everyone spends spring cleaning and gertting ready to clean out from the winter pack rat.  It's spring cleaning at it's best, have you dusted off your book shelf?  Better yet, what are you reading?  Have you started your own library of books that you enjoy reading ?  How about reading something different that is out of your comfort zone?   I continue to add to my Libary and it's timet to buy another book shelf as I build my library of authors that I enjoy reading, spark my interest, or that I am introduced to.  The author's that made this months list were either interviewed by Sistah's Place Entertainment blog at http://sistahsplace.com/  and books that I have stumbled across from other book clubs.  Currently reading -Photo Credits Book cover-Deborah Mello Deborah Fletcher Mello- Guilty Pleasures (current reading) S. Dodson- Faux Happiness Marcia King-Gamble- Just You...

As always, it's a treasure to watch BET's Black Girls Rock.  It's truly inspirational to see women in different generations share a honor that inspires us all.  Black Girls Rock represents beauty, brilliance, and women who stand in their truth.  I love to see beautiful black women empower others and most important inspire us to reach the sky as the honorees on Tuesday night.  The honorees that were celeberated were: Shonda Rhimes Rhianna Glady's Knight Dania Gurira Amandla Stenberg Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garzo,and Opal Tometi (Black Lives Matters Founders) Photo Credits:  BET/Twitter So, I decided to create my own special list of women who are not just chasing their dreams, but living their dreams.  These women who have inspired, empowered, influenced, mentored others to discover who they are, share their story, discover their passion, and who have reached back to teach one and pull many forward.  Women helping ot...

For the last 6 months I have been working on my debut novel Deceitful- Playing with Fire .  A love story filled with drama, deceit, and love.  As a writer, I am excited to allow my imagination and creativity to give birth to some wild entangling stories that will draw my readers in and keep them on their toes.   I have been working on my debut novel Deceitful- Playing with Fire that will be released late spring 2016.  Meet Taylor Jackson who is married to Devin Jackson and best friends with Kelly Jackson.  However, Taylor and Kelly has a past that no one knows about especially her husband Devin.  You can read Chapter's 1 and 2 snippets on my author's website at Deceitful-Playing With Fire snippet #2   and you can read the first snippet Deceitful-Playing with Fire snippet #1 With that being said, I am very excited to announce my author's E-Blast newsletter. What's the purpose of the E-Blast newsletter? The purpose of the E-B...

Don't you love to open a good book and get drawn into the storyline and plot?  Have you picked up a book that has grasped your attention that you could not put it down?  Well, for the month of March many of the books were recommended or from authors that I have interviewed.  Building a library of great indie and national authors.  Who made our list for the month of March? Broken Heart- by Tyora Moody Pastor's Husband- by Tiffany L. Warren Through it All by CaSandra McLaughlin Broken Promises- by Trystan Scott Practice What you Praise- by Candice Y. Johnson Mama B.- Michelle Stimpson How to Get Out of Your Own Way- by Tyrese Gibson Solider With Back Pack Living & Dying Simultaneously by Linda Wattely He Changed My Name- by Unoma Osiegbu-Nwankwor Man on The Run -by Carl Weber My Unbroken Heart- by Adrianne Byrd When Trouble Comes to Shaddy Falls-Tiffany L. Warren Dirty Laundry by Yahran St. St. John Can't Get Enough by Yahran St. John Wives...

I have the pleasure to sit down with some awesome authors from my Entertainment Blog platform Sistah's Place Entertainment Author Showcase  to talk with national and indie authors.  There are some amazing authors that share their beautiful talents and gifts through storytelling. The stories take you on this amazing journey of laughter, encouragement, love, excitement, and suspense.  There are so many book genre's one can choose to read from but why choose just one?  Try something from all of the genres as you may discover a few that you love, hate, and enjoy. Welcome to my weekly list of books to read.   I find that it's amazing when you discover an indie author or national best selling author who writes about something that you enjoy reading and can relate to.  You might like hot romance novels, christian fiction, horror fiction, thriller novels, inspiration,empowerment, or self-help novels.  Reading is stimula...

The BET Celebration of Gospel this year was hosted by the very talented Golden Globe award winner Taraji P. Henson.  It was an amazing and truly blessed show to watch Sunday night.  What a way to start the week and to go into the first day of our Black History month with the Celebration of Gospel.  I truly enjoyed the collaborations with gospel artists and R&B singers as well as with hip hop artist.  Those were definitley great performances.  Photo Credits:  BET Gospel Facebook Here are a few performance highlights from the show that I truly enjoyed. Tamela Mann was amazing with both performances Le'Andria Johnson Yolonda Adams & Tank Kurt Franklin Shirley Ceasar Tribute to Andrea Crouch was awesome Chaka Kahn & Donnie McClurkin Joy Jerkin Era stole the show... this baby was amazing and truly a blessing to watch her perfom. The entire show was a blessing with many performances that will have you rocking, crying, and clapping....

Can you believe this is the last day of January for the first month of 2016? I want to encourage you to go into February with a determined mindset to make 2016 better than 2015.  Don't just have goals, resolutions, and a vision board done.  You need to have a plan of action to implement these goals  and bring your dreams to life.  Let's rise up with action that will help us to complete our goals and reach our dreams.  Do you need a little inspiration?  Listen to Andra Day beautiful song Rise Up.  YouTube video Find your theme for this year and play it as a reminder to Rise up and walk into your purpose in 2016.  It's time for you to rise up, stand up, and have a positive impact on someones life.  You were born with a special gift inside of you waiting to be birthed.  I encourage you to tap into that gift and talent in 2016 to let your light shine.  This is your year to walk into your purpose and destiny....

We are in the second week of 2016 and many people have set resolutions while some have set goals.  Which did you set this month for 2016?  Was its goals or resolutions?  For me, I set goals for each month on my goal board.  Goals are more attainable and realistic especially because you write them down.  I decided to give this year a definitive theme and purpose direction.  This year is prosperity and wealth as my theme as I step out on faith to follow my dreams.  My focused theme envolves around  becoming better than I was a year ago by investing in: My Health My Finances My Dreams My Happiness These are the areas that I have defined goals with an action plan in place to meet expectations each month on my goal board.  You cannot have goals without an action plan.  Sometimes we as mothers forget about ourselves and we get lost in the shuffle of our children's and spouses' activities, dreams, and ha...

What is Sistah's Creative Media? It's media services that focus on growing and building engagement, connections, brand awareness, and promoting projects across social media channels.  Targeting specific industries such as film, television, and publishing.  Sistah's Creative Media provides three types of services: Creative Media Services Social Media Services Book Promotion Services Summer 2015 Project with NFerno Production owned by Christopher Nolen Creative media is creating unique content that informs, entertains, and engages the audience.  It's engaging content that stands out with audiences that will share information regarding projects related to and about projects that the targeted audience is interested in learning more about as the brand is being exposed to different social channels, directories, networks, and syndicated networks. How was Sistah's Creative Media formed?  The birth of Sistah's creativ...

The beautiful and insatiable Natalie Cole passed away on New Years Eve.  It was a shocked of disbelief and like most who love the talented singer thought there was a press mistake.  However, New Years  Day when I saw it announced in Essence article and Aretha Franklin tribute, it hit me.  It made you reflect about what you loved about her music and you found yourself reminiscing.  I have serveral songs that I grew up on that I can still sit and listen to over and over again.  Here are a few of my favorite songs(I love all her songs) that I use to sit by the radio and sing along when they came on. Love on My mind I am Catching Hell Unforgettable Pink Cadillac Someone That I use to Love What's your favorite song or songs?  How many remember this song? I must have sang this song a thousand times! I regret that I missed her performance last February (2015) at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois.  I kep...

Happy New Year 2016! This will be a year of wealth, prosperity, and driven spirit in purpose.  The first day of a new beginning. What are you going to do to make it a blessed year? I thought about my goals and accomplishments last night as we celebrated leaving 2015 and coming into 2016, then I smiled because despite a few trials I was still accomplished and blessed.  Whatever I didn't complete last year I am not going to wrestle with the idea of why not. I come to the conclusion that goal was not realistic so I am moving forward with new goals in 2016 that are realistic and reachable. I don't mean New Years Resolutions either because let's be honest with ourselves no one really carries out on any of them.  They are unrealistic and not focused goals to complete.  I rather create goals with target dates of completion.  Now it's a new year, 365 days to make better choices, step out on faith, and build your dreams, write that n...