I read Family Pictures by Rachel Berry the end of 2009 and I’m still raving about it. The author did an awesome job.

Amazon Rating: 4 Stars

When I first received Family Pictures by Rachel Berry, the size of the book was a little intimidating. Who would not look twice at a 667-page book? Well, the size was big but the story was bigger. In all families, there is some sort of scandalous truth hidden within pictures others can see or the memories of those who witnessed it. Berry tells the story of the Lo-Verde family history from the viewpoint of Regal, Emma Jean, and a friend; the friend is eventually revealed but not before most of the family secrets are known.

Regal and her aunt, Emma Jean, are alike in a few ways. Regal sees a therapist to keep a handle on her life that keeps delivering her some curveballs. Emma Jean was in a mental institution once due to her hard childhood and adult life. These two women have a strong relationship with each other, even though Regal’s mother, Soul, speaks badly of Emma Jean every chance she gets. In Soul’s opinion her brother, Winston, could have done much better than that crazy woman.

As Regal made strides toward getting married, two women wondered what they could do to keep the nuptials from taking place. All it took was the content of a sealed envelope to change the plans of various members of the Lo-Verde family. Regal goes to get the answers she so desperately needs from Emma Jean. Will all the members in the family make it out of the despair unscarred? Will the stories Emma Jean tells Regal be enough for Soul to finally get her wish of getting her daughter to stay away from her crazy sister-in-law? Or, will the lives of the Lo-Verde family go on as though nothing has happened?

Every time I thought I had been shocked for the last time, something else was revealed that had my mouth wide-opened in awe. I enjoyed the complexity of the characters. They reminded me of any family because of the internal jealousies, hatred, and those members who feel the need to control everything. If the plot was not fast-paced and filled with much drama coupled with believable characters, I would have put the book down due to the lack of proper editing. If and when the story is properly edited it would move along even faster. I received Family Pictures for review from the author. I recommend this selection from Ms. Berry to readers who enjoy reading family drama with multiple twists and turns on almost every page.

Copy of this book was provided for review by the author.

Jennifer Coissiere

APOOO BookClub

SURVIVING MR. WRONG By Guest Blogger Shelia M Goss

As part of the Delilah When Love Deceives tour, I wanted to share with Jennifer’s readers a little information about my main character Delilah. Delilah makes the mistake of falling in love with her pastor, Rev. Samson Judges. Delilah hasn’t had luck with men in the past but feels her luck has changed when she meets Samson. In her eyes, Samson’s perfect and can do no wrong. Delilah feels if given the chance, Samson could grow to love her. She doesn’t care he’s already engaged to marry someone else.

How many times have we heard one of our friends complain about the man they are with consistently? In your mind, you’re probably thinking, “why don’t you just leave him alone?” For some, it’s easier said than done.

Are some women a glutton for punishment? Why do they continue in a relationship with a man that is apparently “not the one?” There is life beyond a dead-end relationship. I’m sure either we have experienced or know someone who has encountered a “Mr. Wrong.” There comes a time when a woman has to end a merry-go-round type of relationship. ‘ve come up with five sure ways to Survive Mr. Wrong.

1. To thine self be true.
Be honest with yourself. Ask yourself why are you staying when you should be leaving. Are you afraid to be alone? Do you think you won’t survive without a man in your life? It’s time to sit back and re-evaluate your life. Find out why are you so dependent on someone who may not have your best interest at heart. Only you can make the decision to leave and start anew.

2. Laughter is fuel for the soul.
Life is serious; however find time to enjoy life. Don’t let being with someone who is wrong for you rob you of your joy. When was the last time you laughed? I mean a real laugh that made your head hurt. Grant it, starting over can be hard, but it can also be rewarding. Get back in tune to what makes you happy. If all else fails, make a point of watching comedies and bring a little laughter into your life until having a smile on your face is an everyday thing.

3. Surround yourself with positive people.
Now this may be harder than you think. The saying “misery loves company” is so true. Some people close to you might not agree with your actions. Those are the ones you will need to keep at arms lengths as you go through your transition. Take an active role on having a positive attitude. Read and study your bible. Find positive affirmations and read them daily. Post them on your mirror in the bathroom, on your refrigerator, whatever you have to do to keep yourself in a positive frame of mind. Sign up for positive affirmations via email if you have internet access. For example, Jewel Diamond Taylor sends out daily affirmations and Joel Olsteen sends out daily scriptures via email.

4. Pamper yourself.
If there ever was a time for you to pamper yourself, NOW is the time. If you’re not already doing so and can afford it, treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure. In fact, why not go way out and treat yourself to a day at the spa. Get in tune with what your body and spirit needs. If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of things you can do for yourself at home. Take long bubble baths, light those candles and treat yourself to a candlelight dinner, Read the book you’ve been meaning to read. Pull out your favorite CDs and sing along. You’ll be amazed at how soothing music can be to the soul.

5. Don’t be a hermit.
You may feel like locking yourself in your room, but now is not the time to go into hiding. Yes. You need private time to access the situation and get back on track, but do not allow this period to deprive you of mixing and mingling with others. It goes back to surrounding yourself with positive people. Visit a friend or relative that you haven’t seen in awhile. Not saying you have to be a social butterfly, but why not open up your horizons and meet new people.

Here’s one positive affirmation to start you off on your journey of surviving Mr. Wrong:

I survived MR WRONG…anything else has to be a step towards making my life right.

Shelia M. Goss is the Dallas Morning News and Essence Magazine Best-Selling author of My Invisible Husband, Roses are Thorns, Paige’s Web, Double Platinum, His Invisible Wife, Hollywood Deception, Savannah’s Curse (March 2011) and the teen series The Lip Gloss Chronicles. Delilah is her tenth novel and first Christian fiction novel. To learn more, visit her website: www.sheliagoss.com, www.twitter.com/sheliamgoss or www.facebook.com/sheliagoss.

DELILAH is in stores everywhere or at an online retailer such as:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Borders

Black Expressions Book Club (Hard Cover only)

Review of Delilah:
Amazon Rating: 5 stars
StreetLitClique Rating: 5 stars
Temptation in a Dress

One of my all time favorite genres to read is Christian fiction. Naturally, when I saw Delilah by Shelia Goss, I knew it was one story I just had to read. The trailer looked interesting and the blurb piqued my interest; however, neither did the story any justice. Shelia Goss broke her foot off in this modern day version of Samson and Delilah from the Bible.

Delilah Baker is a woman who knows what she wants and will stop at nothing to have it. When her boss, William Trusts, asks her to help make sure he acquires a piece of prime property, Delilah never thought anything but business would take place. When she got familiar with Samson Judges, the pastor of Peaceful Rest Missionary Baptist Church, she thought her job would be easy to do. However, as she works diligently towards doing the job she is being paid for, Delilah finds herself in a compromising situation. In Samson’s presence Delilah felt things she never knew she would feel causing conflicting emotions. What will she do?

Samson has it all; a successful ministry, a supportive family, and his fiancé, Julia Rivers. He is a fair man, so when Julia and other members of his congregation warns him about Delilah, Samson tells them they are wrong. He sees the best in everyone, especially when it comes to Delilah. There is something about her that intrigues Samson. Is Samson wearing rose colored glasses? Or, is there really a good side to Delilah?

Ms. Goss kept me engaged within the world of Delilah and Samson. I talked aloud to the characters hoping to deter them from making the same mistakes over and over again. I enjoyed the main characters, however, I have to mention the spunk of Kelly Judges, Samson’s mother. She is a spitfire of a woman. I loved her. There were some twists I can honestly say I did not see coming. The biggest one left me with my mouth hanging wide open. Delilah is a book that will help people to become more familiar with the well-known Bible story. I recommend this book to readers of Christian fiction.

Jennifer Coissiere
StreetLitClique

The summer of 2010, six women decided to join together and accomplish a goal. The goal was for each women to write an 80k novel between June 25, 2010 and November 25, 2010. The group used Google Wave as their major communication tool, using it to make updates, share excerpts of WIPs, hold monthly whine fests, get advice, and receive encouragement and inspiration through the journey. Life got in the way–a lot, but ultimately, each woman learned a few things while riding out this journey…

-Shon Bacon

The above was well said by my writer, sistah, friend, and a lot more Author Shonell Bacon, so I decided to leave good enough alone. To check out what each one of us thought of the journey you need to head over to Shon’s blog- ChickLitGurrl:: high on LATTES and WRITING. Every week for the next six weeks one ladies journey will be showcased. An added bonus maybe an excerpt from the project she was working on over those months.

I’m up first. Click here to go there. Leave a comment, send a friend who may need to read what is writing, or just lurk in the shadows. You never know what message/lesson maybe offered to you.