What's On Your TBR List?

As we approach the New Year, I'm searching for upcoming book releases to add to my To-Be-Read list.  I typically prefer Christian fiction, or novels with an overall theme of inspiration, motivation or encouragement.  As long as a lesson is learned, no matter what the trial, tribulation or circumstance, I will consider the read.   In the coming year, I plan to include books with social, cultural and economic themes. 

What's on your reading list for the first quarter of 2012?

Here a FEW titles on mine.

Detroit Sings - 6 Days Left to Enter Choir Competition!

My TV20 Detroit Sings Choir Competition Showcase


Do you think your choir is the best in Metro Detroit? If that's so, enter My TV20's choir competition for the opportunity to showcase your choir during our Detroit Sings holiday special.

Show us - film your choir/ensemble singing a holiday song. Upload the video to My Share (link is available on TV20detroit.com home page) and include the link on the submission form.

• Choir competition is open to all officially recognized choirs and age groups

• Video must be of on-air quality and available to TV20 on DVD if selected as a finalist.

The top finalists will win a cash donation for your choir organization, prizes and the opportunity of a life time - Your choir performance on Detroit Sings, broadcast on TV20 Christmas Eve.

• runner up performances outside the top three will also be included in the Detroit Sings showcase.

Let's hear it Detroit!

• Choir must perform a holiday song

• Performance duration should be a minimum of 2:30 minutes and not exceed 4 minutes in length.

• Video submissions only.

► If you do not have the ability to upload your performance please send a DVD copy of the video to: Detroit Sings, c/o TV20, 27777 Franklin Rd., Suite 1220, Southfield, MI 48034

Entries accepted from November 14th - December 5th

Getting in Gear for the New Year

Greetings everyone!  It's been a year since I've last posted - I know.  As some know, in November of 2010 I was readying myself for a major surgery.  Long story short, the surgery was successful but not without a long recuperation period.  During this recuperation period, and with so many other goings-on in the personal arena, I somehow managed to lose my reading/networking mojo.  I'm blaming the meds! LOL.  No, but seriously . . . I am gearing up for a re-entry commencing January 2012.

Over the hiatus, I came to the realization (really, I knew this already) that there is power in numbers and I cannot do everything alone.  My approach going into the new year will be to find and network with like-minded individuals who would like to share information, news and reviews fitting to TPS' platform.  That way, the show can always go on '-)

As we continue to rebuild, please spread the word that The Pleasing Spoon is revving up for 2012. We are seeking creative-types to feature, products to review, and more.  We are also in need of blog contributors and possibly staff writers.  Let's grow together!

I'm so looking forward :-)

Many blessings,

Tavares

Next Up from Home Again: Tyora Moody

Birthing Pains by Tyora Moody

Is Birthing Pains your first published work? If not, what other titles have you authored?

Yes. This is my first published work of fiction.
Do you plan to write more stories or novels?

I may write more short stories. This story was the first one I've written in over fifteen years. I have two manuscripts that I'm working whenever I can to find homes for with a traditional publisher.

How did you get your idea for your story?

The idea for Birthing Pains was inspired by the backstory of one of my manuscripts. I have a cozy mystery in which my short story character, Eugeena Patterson, becomes a reluctant amateur sleuth. The short story events take place about four years before the story in the manuscript.

What is(are) the specific main theme(s)/platform(s) in your story?

The specific themes in my story deal with bitterness and resentment. Hebrews 12:15 says, "See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." This family let a seed of bitterness grow over the years until it became like a weed ready to choke and destroy them.

For more on Tyora Moody, please visit http://www.tyoramoody.com/.

Next Up from Home Again: Dr. Linda F. Beed

Next Up from Home Again: Dr. Linda F. Beed

Flavorful by Dr. Linda F. Beed

How did you get your idea for your story?


This fictitious story was pulled from what I’ve observed throughout my 25 years as a children’s minister.

What is(are) the specific main theme(s)/platform(s) in your story?


The main theme in this story is that even though we have made mistakes in our walk, it does not change the plans that God has for our lives.  My prayer is that Flavorful will first serve as a reminder that God places specific gifts within each of us. As those set in authority over others (especially as parents and educators), it is our responsibility to seek God as to who our charges are and what our role is in helping to nurture their gift(ings).

I desire to have opportunity for dialogue on how to forgive the shortcomings of our past so that:

1. Reconciliation can be made

2. Forgiveness - Ask and Forgive

3. True purpose can be recognized, apprehended and utilized for original intent

Is this your first published work? If not, what other titles have you authored?


Business Unusual, the first in the Covenant Series was my first published work.
 
Do you plan to write more stories or novels?


I have several books in line or publication. They include Not Your Own, due out in 2011, a historical fiction and a non-fiction work.

For more on Dr. Linda F. Beed, please visit http://www.lindabeed.com/ .

Next Up From Home Again: Shenette Jones

Next Up From Home Again: Shenette Jones

Uncovered by Shenette Jones

Is this your first published work? If not, what other titles have you authored?

This is my first published work

Do you plan to write more stories or novels?

I'm completing the full novel of Uncovered which has unbelievable twists and turns that are not in the short story. I'm also working on a youth novel titled,

T.J for President which follows an African American 10 year old boy as he discovers his purpose in life through a prison ministry. The proceeds for this book will go toward Christian Library International. My goal is to release them both by Dec 2011.

How did you get your idea for your story?

My husband and I have personally struggled with feelings of doubt, insecurities, and rejection within our marriage. After overcoming great obstacles and finding fabulous love again, we vowed to dedicate our gifts to the ministry of marriage. My story represents the lives of so many women I've encountered in friendships and ministry. 

What is(are) the specific main theme(s)/platform(s) in your story?

I want people to realize how close a fall from God can be when they allow their own desires to take the lead but also convey that restoration and forgiveness are available gifts from God for all people no matter how close or far one may be from God.

For more on Shenette Jones, please visit http://www.shenettejones.com/

Next up from Home Again: Stories of Restored Relationships anthology - Maurice M. Gray

Next up from the Home Again: Stories of Restored Relationships anthology - Maurice M. Gray

Family Matters by Maurice M. Gray, Jr.

Is this your first published work? If not, what other titles have you authored?

I am the author of two novels, To Whom Much Is Given and All Things Work Together (sequel to To Whom).  I also contributed to two other anthologies, Blessed Assurance (2003 from Literally Speaking Publishing) and The Soul Of A Man (2009 from Peace In The Storm Publishing).

Do you plan to write more stories or novels?

I sure do! Female Problems is my next novel; it’s set to release in April 2011. It will pick up the story I started in Family Matters; Erik is one of the lead characters in Female Problems.

How did you get your idea for your story?

As I mentioned, this story actually leads into my upcoming novel, Female Problems. Erik is one of three men featured in this novel about Christian men bonding over issues surrounding church, love, work and where to get a decent haircut. When I learned about Home Again and agreed to do my story about a mother and a son, I realized that I hadn’t delved much into Erik’s family situation in Female Problems and that I didn’t really have room to do so. I’ve known a few people who open their hearts to children and young adults the way Erik’s mother CC does, and thought that this would be a good family history for him.

What is(are) the specific main theme(s)/platform(s) in your story?

The overall theme of the anthology of course is restoration. My story deals with how fostered resentment can build up over time and damage even the strongest relationship. It also deals with the need for forgiveness; without that, restoration of a relationship cannot happen.

For more on Maurice M. Gray, Jr., please visit http://www.mauricemgrayjr.com/.

Home Again: Stories of Restored Relationships (an anthology)

Author, and now publisher, Wanda B. Campbell, releases the debut publication under Micah 6:8 Publishing. Home Again is an anthology of short stories authored by Wanda B. Campbell, Dijorn Moss, Tyora Moody, Trinea Moss, Maurice M. Gray, Jr., Shenette Jones, Bernard Boulton, Tavares S. Carney and Dr. Linda F. Beed.  The stories are about restored relationships - husbands and wives, sisters and friends, mothers and daughters, fathers, sons and brothers. Life brings its many challenges, and with them comes what can be assimilated to rollercoaster ride relationships, relationships that have suffered in some way, shape or form. Injecting a sense of "hope from heartache," these short stories are relatable to people from all walks of life.

Blood's Redemption is Mrs. Campbell's offering.

How did you get your idea for your story? I've always admired twins and there bond. I built the plot around showing the closeness shared in the womb is never loss, no matter the circumstances.


What is(are) the specific main theme(s)/platform(s) in your story? Forgiveness and healing

What other titles have you authored? First Sunday in October, Illusions and Right Package, Wrong Baggage.

Do you plan to write more stories or novels? Yes. My next novel, Silver Lining, is sheduled for August 2011.

For more on Author, Wanda B. Campbell, please visit http://www.wandabcampbell.net/ and http://www.micah68books.com/

Blog Tour Feature: A Love For Tomorrow by Vanessa Miller

Vanessa Miller is a best-selling author, 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 “exhorter” in her church, explaining, “God has called me to exhort readers and to help them rediscover their place with the Lord.”

A Love for Tomorrow is the second book in the Second Chance at Love series.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Christian talk show host Serenity Williams’ fiancé calls off their wedding because he can’t deal with her popularity, she determines that she will never fall in love with another pride-filled, ego-driven pastor. Then, Serenity’s producer asks her to interview the charismatic Pastor Phillip McKnight, who has recently gone through a divorce. Serenity feels that this is her chance to expose the arrogance of ego-filled pastors to the world. But Pastor Phillip is broken and humbled from his experiences, and the surprising humility of this man causes Serenity to want to un-break his heart. However, Serenity will need the Lord to fix her heart and change her mind about male preachers before she and Phillip can become all they were meant to be to each other.

  

BOOK REVIEW

A Love for Tomorrow by Vanessa Miller

Review by Tavares S. Carney
Amazon Rating:  4

Let Go and Let God

A Love for Tomorrow by Vanessa Miller is a story that deals with past pains, life missions and learning to let go and move forward. In this novel, Serenity Williams, an evangelist who has grown up in a ministerial family, has seen the good, and what she believes are some of the worst things about being committed to people. These very things are why Serenity Williams has chosen the ministry route that she has, reaching and pouring into the hearts of many. Serenity’s ability to touch lives at the same time remaining untouched, lead to her many emotional and relationship struggles. In addition to a family event Serenity witnessed in her youth, supporting characters Michael Randolph and Philip McKnight will help readers to understand Serenity’s complexity.

I enjoyed reading this selection. My favorite character is Phillip McKnight. I think it was mostly because of his “been there, done that” mentality, and his patience and heart to really yearn to do what is right in the eyes of God. I closed this book believing that each character realized a lot about themselves and each other, and that they each had somehow grown for their own past experiences.

This book is very entertaining, touching upon issues such as “women in the pulpit,” letting go of past emotional hurts and learning to live and love again. I would read other selections authored by Ms. Miller.

PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE



FOR MORE INFORMATION

• Visit the author online at http://www.vanessamiller.com
• View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/ALoveForTomorrow.

Blog Tour Feature: Right Package, Wrong Baggage by Wanda B. Campbell

About the Author

Wanda B. Campbell is an extraordinary and talented writer who brings creativity, a new sense of hope, and restoration through the healing power of God to the Kingdom, by way of Christian fiction. She uses real life everyday issues to exhort, motivate, and give comfort.

Wanda B. Campbell’s literary achievements include: Mommy’s Present, a short story appearing in the anthology The Midnight Clear (KNB Publications, November 2006) ISBN 0-9742207-0-1, First Sunday in October (W.B. Campbell Publications, January 2007) ISBN 978-0-9790458-0-6 and the Crusin for Christ I Short Story Contest winner with Illusions by Urban Christian, February 2009, ISBN 978-1601629432. Right Package, Wrong Baggage is her third novel.

Wanda currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband of twenty years and two sons. She also has the unique position of being the oldest of five siblings and also the youngest of twelve. Her hobbies include writing and reading of course, traveling, and collecting magnets from around the world. Wanda is the self-proclaimed biggest Oakland A’s fan.

Visit her online at: http://www.wandabcampbell.net

About the Book

For five years, Pamela Roberts, has balanced the demands of being a single mother and a devoted Christian. She unselfishly places the needs of her son, Matthew, above her own. Although she tries to convince everyone that she’s happy with Jesus alone, Matthew handpicks the perfect present for her—a husband. Everything about the man her son chooses is perfect, except for his past.

Micah Stevenson is excited when he learns the son of the woman he has been praying about wants him to join their family permanently. Believing Pamela Roberts is his soul mate sent from God, Micah pursues her. Once he is certain of her love for him, Micah reveals his dark history, shaking the foundation of the once loving and stable relationship. Trust is broken as judgments and prejudices threaten to deny the couple’s destiny.

Will the man he used to be prevent Pamela from loving Micah for the man he is now?

Wanda B. Campbell's message to readers:

PURCHASE YOUR COPY HERE: