Author Spotlight with Deborah Fletcher Mello

It is FOR and ABOUT authors. Here we shine the light on authors who we’ve read, reviewed and recommend to others. In this edition we are shining our light on another gifted author…

Writing since she was thirteen-years-old, Deborah Fletcher Mello can’t imagine herself doing anything else. Her first romance novel earned her a 2004 Romance Slam Jam nomination for Best New Author. In 2005, she received Book of the Year and Favorite Heroine nominations, and won a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award in 2009. Born and raised in Connecticut, Deborah now maintains base camp in North Carolina, but considers home to be wherever the moment moves her. Feel free to reach Deborah on deborahmello.blogspot.com, or on Twitter @DebbMelloWrites.

GETTING TO KNOW DEBORAH...

You have your own personal genie in a bottle who will grant you three wishes. What are you three wishes? None of the wishes can be for additional wishes. Now wouldn’t that be a dream come true! If I had three wishes, I’d first wish that I could be 21 again. There are some things I’d like to do over differently and some things I’d like to experience one more time. The second would be to sing like Whitney and dance like Beyoncé! And lastly, I would wish that I could eat anything and everything I want and never worry about gaining an extra pound.

What is something you were always told growing up but didn't understand until you became an adult? My father used to say that the people you pass on your way up would be the same people you might pass if you fall back down, and that you should never burn bridges no matter where life took you. I had a very successful corporate career before I began writing. I quickly learned that climbing the corporate ladder could come with missteps and the people I least expected were there to help me back up.

Facebook or Twitter? Facebook! I can’t keep up with conversations on Twitter.

If I never heard “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” by Silentó again, it wouldn't be soon enough. I have a 3-year old niece and 2-year old granddaughter who have claimed it as their theme song. Both are constantly singing it and it drives me crazy!

Were you named after anyone? Yes, my father named me after the prophetess Deborah in the Bible. My mother wanted to name me Penny but he wouldn’t have any part of that.

What is your favorite cereal? Count Chocula! It’s chocolate cereal with little marshmallow bits and usually I can only find it around Halloween so I load up and eat it through Christmas and then I’m done for the rest of the year until they put it back on the shelves again.

My best stress reliever is: Dancing! Five minutes of great music and I’m like a whole new woman!

People would be surprised to know that I've never...People would be surprised to know that I never set out to be a romance writer. I wanted to be a writer who told a great story but I wasn’t a fan of the genre. In fact, I was quite the literary snob. But with some creative editing by my very first editor, my discovery of some fantastic romance writers, and my appreciation for the genre was born.

What is on your mouse pad? Nothing, I don’t use a mouse pad.

If you could run for any political office, what position would you choose? I’d run for a seat on my local school board. Education is so important and I believe those who are genuinely interested in children and their well-being do the most good in any school district.

PRAISE FOR PLAYING WITH FIRE

“This was a excellent read, I encourage you to by it and sit back and enjoy...As all her books to me Deborah Fletcher Mello has hit gold again.” - Jazzy J

“I so enjoyed this novel! With so much drama, twists, and turns, from the beginning it held my attention and I had to keep reading to see how it all turned out!” - OOSA

PRAISE FOR PLAYING FOR KEEPS

“‘Playing With Fire’ to see how well this author brings it all out to the reader. I found this story to be a very interesting and a captivating read as this author is able to give the reader a well written story of what true love and forgiveness really is. The characters are all simply off the chart good, well developed, defined, well portrayed and believable all helping to give us a well rounded story that will grab your attention and keep up till the end. Would I recommend? YES!” - Arlena

“If you're looking for a well-written book, which includes characters with real emotions and a gripping story line, then look no further because Playing With Fire is a must read!” - Jennifer Schultheis

Reviews

Diary of a Disability Scholar by Roosevelt Mitchell III
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Intelligent

Roosevelt Mitchell was born with a physical disability and as a youngster suffered extreme poverty. He overcame many great challenges but pressed forward becoming an academic scholar with a primary focus on the disability discussion. A discussion in which he has intimate knowledge of.

“Diary of a Disability Scholar.” The title caught my eye because it suggested to me that I would have an opportunity to read the personal journaling of an individual and his personal experience as a disabled person. I quickly understood that what I thought was not entirely the case. Mitchell focused more on educating the public about the treatment of disabled individuals and the synopsis on the back clearly supports the writing.

Because I have a child who is disabled, I would’ve loved to have read more about his personal disability of which I don’t think he was very clear. He did include some stories of his childhood which helped balance out a lot of the soap box redundancy. Not that this resource is not needed; it is very much needed and I feel the piece was a valiant effort. The latter half was much stronger as it focused on the education of children with disabilities. There was the famous public school vs. charter school debate and need for reconstruction of the special education system as a whole.

“Diary of a Disability Scholar” is intelligently written and could be categorized not only as educational reading but inspirational as well.

Reviewed by: Trenika


View all my reviews The Columbus Day Conspiracy by Gibran Tariq
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Columbus Day

“The Columbus Day Conspiracy” opens with a dying white man, Paul Madsen, looking for an African American person so he can find redemption before he dies. To give information about the redemption will reveal too much of the storyline. But when he finds an African American, that person and his family will become the richest in the country. That is what makes up the thrill of this story; white people trying to find the black folk and take back control of America and black people trying to hide to stay alive and maintain control of America. To get to the thrill you have to dig through a whole lot of history.

If I could’ve read more about Jamal Morris of the rich African American family from the beginning and his girlfriend Venus, this book may have held my interest but it was too steeped in history and bogged down with too much detail for me to enjoy the read.

Reviewed by: Rosa


View all my reviews Angel Bane: Book I & II by Gregory Townes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Good Versus Evil

Gregory Townes’ “Angel Bane” is truly a book of good versus evil. It starts off as a review of in the beginning God created the angels. We all know the story how of Lucifer felt he was more than what he was and he was thrown out of heaven with a third of the angels. After the beginning is established, the book gets very interesting to say the least!

The author does a great job describing of evil, sin, and the influences of the devil. A child, Enoch, from the lineage of Adam is sent to fulfill a prophecy. There will be battles, deaths, and so much more that takes place as the story unfolds.

“Angel Bane” for the most part is very dark and not for the faint of heart, but Mr. Townes does a good job of painting a picture of things to come though fictional. There are questions not answered and it left me wondering. There are a few grammatical errors. Overall, this is a pretty good read. I was intrigued as I kept reading but one will have to wait on the next novel to tell how the story will unfold. I'm sure it will be just as dark but I have a feeling God's divine purpose will shine forth and evil will be conquered!

Reviewed by: Lisa M.
3.5 stars


View all my reviews Unfamous [Dual Edition: Book One and Book Two] by Shakira Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What Becomes of a Misfit?

This is the story of Rio Greene, a recent high school graduate now college bound to the impressive Brompton University in London. She has a few goals in mind including not to be a straight A student, to create lasting friendships, and maybe even find a lifetime of happiness with that special someone as she experiences all that the university has to offer. She also wants to become ‘one of them,’ the elite group The Unfamous. What price will she have to pay to be in the ‘in’ group? You will really be surprised!!

I really enjoyed Shakira Scott’s “Unfamous.” It captured me from the beginning and I found myself reading when I should've been sleeping or working. It was just that powerful of a story. You wanted to keep reading to see what type of situations Rio would find herself in from page to page. This novel depicted the life and times of college students in a London school setting and all the things that go on outside of the classroom. There were lies, lust, betrayal, abuse, sex, drugs, alcohol, and so much more within the confines of Brompton University. And then there was the Unfamous, a group of rich students. They partied hard, were well known in the university world, spent lots of money, and school was like an afterthought.

The author did a great job of describing all that goes on in the day-to-day lives of the characters. The ending left me feeling some kind of way and I really need to know what happened after a certain incident. I enjoyed reading the novel but my biggest complaint: there were too many grammatical errors. Editing was really needed. At times it became distracting trying to figure out what was being said because of misuse of words, incorrect tense, extra words, and many misspelled words. In spite of all of the editing issues, however, it is really a good read and I look forward to the next book in this series.

Reviewed by: Lisa M.
3.5 stars


View all my reviews Daymares by Kenya Moss-Dyme
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Disturbing Little Collection

First let me say this, I love chills and horror but the imagination of this author threw me for a loop story after story. Kenya Moss Dyme, an author I have never heard of, must have some vivid dreams at night to come up with the seven stories that make up this interesting read. The stories in “Daymares” were a little more chilling and horror filled than I was prepared to read. Some endings left me confused, I suppose because they ended so abruptly. I had to go back and read parts of the story again to make sense of the ending. ‘A Colder Kind of Hell’ and ‘1st of the Month’ were my two favorites. Once I finished reading the book I realized many of the stories actually had a message attached if you could get past the bizarre. The author calls this book ‘a disturbing little collection’ and it surely lives up to that.

Reviewed by: Rosa


View all my reviews Flawed Happiness by Cori Tadrus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Write in My Notebook

Athena Wallace is a journalist. She seems to have her life in order with a promising career, super friends, and a closet full of designer clothes. The only thing missing is a mate. A staff meeting introducing a new agenda for her column pairs her with a new and sexy photographer who has her imagination going wild. Each weekend proves to be even more exciting than the last as they traipse to New York's hottest night spots and delve into the lives of their patrons. Readers are introduced to a faithful cab driver, a party girl who proves that looks can be deceiving, and a biker lady with the most enthralling story.

I enjoyed the storyline of “Flawed Happiness,” the diversity, and the journey the author penned. I imagined that I would be taken through the conversations between Athena and her besties, the light flirtation, the photographer, kind of expected a “Sex and the City” plot, but things were not as I imagined to my delight. I really enjoyed the fact that the author portrayed Athena as a single lady with morals as she sought answers within herself while interviewing perfect strangers. The beginning read like pages from a journal but eventually evolved into an entertaining tale. Be prepared for the unpredictable with “Flawed Happiness.” This was a refreshing read.
Reviewed by: Tazzy
3.5 stars


View all my reviews Daymares by Kenya Moss-Dyme
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Disturbing Little Collection

First let me say this, I love chills and horror but the imagination of this author threw me for a loop story after story. Kenya Moss Dyme, an author I have never heard of, must have some vivid dreams at night to come up with the seven stories that make up this interesting read. The stories in “Daymares” were a little more chilling and horror filled than I was prepared to read. Some endings left me confused, I suppose because they ended so abruptly. I had to go back and read parts of the story again to make sense of the ending. ‘A Colder Kind of Hell’ and ‘1st of the Month’ were my two favorites. Once I finished reading the book I realized many of the stories actually had a message attached if you could get past the bizarre. The author calls this book ‘a disturbing little collection’ and it surely lives up to that.

Reviewed by: Rosa


View all my reviews

This Week's Reviews...

                                   

This Week's Reviews...

      


          

Come Out and Party with…

Los Angeles Native, father of two, Rickey Teems II is the acclaimed author of such novels asRegression and The Healing of Love and Laughter. He is a man of God and community. Teems is active in the community, working to help the next generation of parents and youth better themselves. He does his best to follow Christ (sin less not sinless), and volunteer around the church. Teems likes to push social, religious, dramatic, and emotional boundaries with every story he tells. With a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, he spends a lot of time working with youth to ensure the men of tomorrow understand the fundamentals of success.

Why did you choose to participate in this literary event? OOSA was one of the first to review my books when I didn't know what I was doing! How could I not attend?

What is your favorite pajama party game/memory? I have two memories. First was childhood. Always being the kid who could stay up later than everybody else then bragging the next morning. Apparently not much has changed because now the late night is when most of my writing is done. A pajama party at a club in Long Beach. Them ladies weren't playing, so we'll save that memory. LOL

What is your favorite pair of pajamas? Had some Star Wars jammies as a kid, matching long sleeve shirt and bottoms. I see old pictures where I was still rockin' em even when the pants were up to my shins and the sleeves dang near to my elbows.

What are you most looking forward to at the Pajama Jam? I'm looking forward to meeting some people that have been rockin’ with me hard for some years now, but it's always been social media interaction! No more virtual hugs!

Pack your overnight bags

Step out in your best jammies

Join OOSA Online Book Club and your favorite authors William Fredrick Cooper, Damon ‘Amin’ Meadows, Eric ‘Oasis’ Myrieckes, Jason Poole, and Rickey Teems II for a night of books, food, dancing, games, give-a-ways, dinner & fun!!!

Calling all book clubs, readers, and friends to come out and PLAY!

WHEN: October 25, 2014

WHERE: Crowne Plaza, St. Louis Airport

HOW: Register now at www.oosapajamajam.com

BE There Or HEAR About It!

The Pajama Jam Weekend kicks off with a Mix-and-Mingle followed by Pillow Talk hosted by bestselling author Brenda Hampton featuring authors Chris Renee and Caroline McGill.

Adrienne Thompson

It is FOR and ABOUT authors. Here we shine the light on authors who we've read, reviewed, and recommend to others. In this edition we are shining our light on another gifted author.

Married at sixteen, a mother twice by seventeen, and thrice a mother and divorced by twenty-four, Adrienne Thompson is no stranger to adversity. Not your typical teenage mother, she went on to complete her college degree and to earn her nursing license. She attributes God's faithfulness as the catalyst for her success in life. Now, having raised two children as a single mother, with a third fast approaching adulthood, she is sharing a long hidden talent and passion with the world. Using the lessons that life has so expertly taught her as a guideline (betrayal, abusive relationships, self-esteem issues, witnessing the deteriorating effects of drug abuse), she has created stories with multicultural characters that will both entertain and inspire the reader. Stories from the soul… for the soul.

Adrienne considers herself a literary maverick with a unique writing style, and her greatest desire is for reading her books to be a unique experience for everyone. She is not interested in emulating any other authors. She aspires to set trends, not follow them. For her, writing is an art that she strives to remain true to.

With twelve published novels under her belt, this indie author and publisher is blazing a trail to success. Her brand of edgy inspirational realistic fiction and romance has been termed easy-to-read and extremely addictive. One of her favorite phrases is “Betcha can’t read just one!”

Thompson was nominated for the 2012 All Things Literary Award for Best Female Author. She was also nominated for the 2013 Facebook Urban Literary Award for Best Romance Author. In addition, she was nominated by the BRAB (Building Relationships Around Books) Online Book club for Women’s Fiction Author of the year for 2013. Her title, Been So Long, is listed as one of AALBC.com's 20 bestselling eBooks of 2012. Her title, See Me, was chosen as one of UBAWA’s top 25 books of 2012. Your Love Is King was listed as one of UBAWA’s top 100 books of 2013.

Adrienne currently resides in Arkansas with her daughter. Formerly an RN, she now writes and publishes her stories full time. She is also a motivational speaker. 

What’s next for Adrienne? Adrienne is currently working on several projects including follow-ups to her novels Your Love Is King and See Me, a short devotional, a YA novel, a detective series, and a fantasy novel (remember, she’s a literary maverick). She is planning to release four books next year and maybe even a surprise release for later this year. To keep up with her, be sure to sign up for her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/jnDmH and be sure to check out her Amazon author page: http://amazon.com/author/adriennethompson 

GETTING TO KNOW ADRIENNE...

What was the last film that really moved/disturbed/thrilled you and why? The Great Gatsby (the old one with, Robert Redford). Why? Because it is a beautifully tragic love story, and Robert Redford is marvelous as Mr. Gatsby. Gotta love Robert Redford!

You have the opportunity to date any music-celebrity of your choice. Who would it be and why? I would resurrect Marvin Gaye and date the heck out of him! Love that man’s voice and his swag. He had lots of swag and massive sex appeal!

Receipts – keep them or throw them away? I’m sort of a paper hoarder, but I’m an organized paper hoarder. I have totes full of receipts, so yeah, I keep them.

If I could go back and talk to the 18-year-old me, I’d tell myself: You are much cooler than you realize. You really are. Don’t settle!

From my children I have learned...That I’m not that bad of a person. I’d have to be pretty good to raise awesome people like them!

If you could not make any changes but could relive one day in your life over again, what day would you choose? The day I met my ex. We had a horrible marriage, but we made some incredible human beings together.

You see a quarter on the sidewalk.  Do you pick it up? Uh… yeah! I’m a starving artist, remember? Shoot, I’d pick up a penny, lol.

What televisions series would people be surprised that you watch? Hmm, Storage Wars, maybe?

What color is your car?  White. I’ve actually owned 3 white cars, so I guess I like white.

What one thing would an ex say he missed most about you? My heart. When I love, I love unconditionally. Sometimes that can be a good things, other times it can be not so good.

This or That...

Rain or Snow? Rain!

Hot or Cold? Cold

Night or Day? Night

On or Off? On

Pen or Pencil? Pen—with a fine point, no ball point!

PRAISE FOR BEEN SO LONG

“BEEN SO LONG.....This book was soo good!!! I could not put it down and could not wait until my next break at work to read some more!” Monique

“I found this story quite compelling…Been So Long was a wonderful story to read.” – Sandra Hall

PRAISE FOR YOUR LOVE IS KING

“I could never do this story justice in a short review. If you've ever read an Adrienne Thompson, then you know that this is not just another love story. She puts her heart and soul into each book. But if you have never experienced her brand of writing, I highly recommend this book to start. But don't stop with this one, they all will enhance your perspective on love.” – Karen Rodgers

“Real characters and a good plot makes this story a great read.” – Denise Bolds

PRAISE FOR SEE ME

“This was such a compelling story. The characters and storyline were believable but still mind blowing. It was a good reminder just how serious mental illness is and how we honor people in all their glory but never ever really know their story. This book was my introduction to Ms. Thompson's work but I can't wait to read her other books. What a passionate writer. Don't sleep on this book - it's a must read.” – DebiG

“WOW, when I started reading this book, I couldn't stop!!!! From the first page, you had me wondering what was going to happen next! I can't wait to read your next book!!!!” – Alicia P

PRAISE FOR BLUESDAY

“I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to read a book that has a believable storyline and characters. Side Note: As a music fan of all genres, I love how the author titled each chapter after a famous blues song.” – OOSA

“Thompson delivered a very realistic story of a woman who has buried secrets deep within her heart. She had to find strength to understand her childhood and the reasons she made the decision and mistakes in her life. The story was very haunting but it held my interest until the very end.” - APOOO BookClub

Learn more about her at http://adriennethompsonwrites.webs.com or connect with her on the following social media platforms:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AdrienneThompsonWrites

Twitter: https://twitter.com/A_H_Thompson

Instagram: http://instagram.com/ahthompsn

Tumblr: http://authoradriennethompson.tumblr.com/

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ahthompsn/ 

Keith Thomas Walker

It is FOR and ABOUT authors. Here we shine the light on authors who we've read, reviewed, and recommend to others. In this edition we are shining our light on another gifted author.




Keith Thomas Walker is the author of more than a dozen novels, including Life After, Fixin’ Tyrone, Dripping Chocolate and The Realest Ever.  He enjoys reading, poetry and music of all genres.  Originally from Fort Worth, he is a graduate of Texas Wesleyan University.  Keith has won numerous “Best Author” and “Best Male Author” awards from a variety of book clubs.

GETTING TO KNOW KEITH…

What was your favorite food as a child?  Nachos.

My first kiss was:  at a school dance.  I was so in love with that girl!

What is your favorite outdoor activity?  Swimming.

My biggest celebrity crush is: Sanaa Lathan.

What was the first thing you bought with your own money?  I'm sure it was a big, fat cheeseburger, but I don't remember.

The funniest fan mail/tweet I’ve gotten said: "OMG, is *** really ***???"  It was funny to me, but they were really shocked, thinking I killed a main character.

If you could play any sport professionally, which would you choose?  Mixed martial arts.

Do you have a nickname?  Kdub (in certain circles), KT and KTW.

What one word describes you best?  Efficient.

What trait do you most admire in women?  Smarts.

What’s next for Keith? Brick House 2, coming in January. Korah Stewart and Brock “Brick” Avery are still reveling in their sizzling, whirlwind romance.  With the prized contract secured, Brick is willing to share the spoils.  But love may be an obstacle for the competing contractors.  Meanwhile Devin and Yolanda struggle to see eye to eye, and Texas Builders is dealt a devastating blow.  Korah fights to keep her family and her company together, and Brick must decide if commitment was ever on his agenda.

PRAISE FOR LIFE AFTER


"Once again Keith T Walker has written a book that is so realistic; I always love how he makes his characters real and normal. Great Job." - Demetris Mosley

"Wonderful story of love, lies, and second chances. As with his other novels, I couldn't put this book down until the end." - T. Williams



PRAISE FOR FIXIN’ TYRONE


"This story FIXIN' TYRONE proves with love, and someone to believe in you people can and will make changes. Mr. Walker's debut novel teaches, you to take charge of your life and not let the ugly keep you down. This story was a delight to read." - The RAWSISTAZ (tm) Reviewers

"OMG! Mr. Walker had me at page two! 'Fixin Tyrone' has it all and the chorography of this story is so well done - I don't know if Mr. Walker is a pipe layer but he is a PAGE LAYER for sure! I love Mia - an independent single mother, the characters around both Mia and Tyrone are a perfect mix! The love scenes are toe curling, blistering heat - you CANNOT read this book out in public (I tried). Oh yes, a MAN can write a romance story! GET THIS BOOK! "Fixin Tyrone" is the perfect book club read as the diverse topics within this story will have women talking and hopefully `fixin' for a long time! Hurry up and write the second book Mr. Walker!" - Denise Bolds



PRAISE FOR THE REALEST EVER


"Simply loved this book... It was truly the realest ever, It was good to see people arent millionaires to get a story regular people needs love too.. that is what I enjoy about Keith Books...A Must read one again Mr walker has done it again.. great job loved it..Keep the good work up..." - Sharon Blount

"I could not put this book down. It was refreshing and a delight...Bravo, Keith Thomas Walker. This was a nice book." - OOSA


For more information about Keith, please visit:

Website:  www.keithwalkerbooks.com

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