My Two Cents: November 2014 Recommended Reads

Being an avid reader, I’m always looking for a good read. If you’re seeking a quality, inspirational book, here are a few books that I’ve recently read and enjoyed.* Happy Reading!

How Could My Husband Be Gay by Ondrea Davis

My Two Cents: I’d been hearing about this book since its release two years ago. I’m glad that I finally took the time to read this courageous memoir about the author’s previous marriage to a man who seemed to live a double life. This book is more than drama and juicy details; it’s someone’s journey through a difficult time in their life. I applaud Davis for taking a negative experience and turning it into an opportunity to create awareness about “down low” lifestyles.

Synopsis (via Amazon): Award winning title, How could my husband be GAY?, is an autobiographical look into the life of Ondrea L. Davis. On the outside, Ondrea’s life is nothing short of a fairy tale. She has a dream home, the perfect husband and three beautiful children. Ondrea soon discovers that her husband, Marceous King, is not the man she thought she married.

Exhausting all efforts to salvage her marriage, Ondrea finds herself in the fight of her life. In the process, she uncovers a highly sophisticated web of deception and shocking secrets. Marceous will stop at nothing to keep Ondrea from exposing the truth and derailing his plan – even if it means destroying her in the process. In this battle of good versus evil, who will be the ultimate victor?

Check out How Could My Husband Be Gay? at http://www.amazon.com/How-could-husband-Ondrea-Davis-ebook/dp/B00AKWSPBY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416198232&sr=8-1&keywords=how+could+my+husband+be+gay&pebp=1416198238414

Excuse You by Terri Whitmire

My Two Cents: In Excuse You, Whitmire encourages readers to respond to life’s setbacks with faith, hope, and a determination to overcome. She offers practical wisdom for handling barriers, as well as in-depth examples via personal interviews with people who have survived hardships and learned life-changing lessons. This is the perfect read for anyone in the midst of an unexpected situation who needs to know that sunlight comes after the rain.

Synopsis (via Amazon): Who or what situation dared to interrupt your life? It’s time to redirect your course and tell your setback, “No more. You’re excused.”

From the author who brought you “Breathe for Me”, “My Next Breath”, and “Walking in His Shadow”, comes 27 lessons and five real-life stories that will bring clarity and give you that “Aha!” moment you’ve been searching for. Hiccups, setbacks, and interruptions will no longer have control over your life. Excuse them and reclaim your life.

Get Excuse You at http://www.amazon.com/Excuse-You-Hiccups-Setbacks-Interruptions-ebook/dp/B00MQ7NAUC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416198691&sr=8-1&keywords=excuse+you&pebp=1416198698219

Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers

My Two Cents: Anyone who really knows my reading habits knows that I LOVE Francine Rivers! Her most recent release, Bridge to Haven does not disappoint. It’s the behind the scenes story of an abandoned girl who leaves all she knows for the hope of love and stardom in Hollywood, only to realize what she needs most cannot be found in fame and fortune. Rivers is a master storyteller, weaving an amazing, inspiring tale that I enjoyed so much that I never wanted the book to end.

Synopsis (via Amazon): To those who matter in 1950s Hollywood, Lena Scott is the hottest rising star to hit the silver screen since Marilyn Monroe. Few know her real name is Abra. Even fewer know the price she’s paid to finally feel like she’s somebody.

To Pastor Ezekiel Freeman, Abra will always be the little girl who stole his heart the night he found her, a wailing newborn abandoned under a bridge on the outskirts of Haven. Zeke and his son, Joshua—Abra’s closest friend—watch her grow into an exotic beauty. But Zeke knows the circumstances surrounding her birth etched scars deep in her heart, scars that leave her vulnerable to a fast-talking bad boy who proclaims his love and lures her to Tinseltown. Hollywood feels like a million miles from Haven, and naive Abra quickly learns what’s expected of an ambitious girl with stars in her eyes. But fame comes at an awful price. She has burned every bridge to get exactly what she thought she wanted. Now, all she wants is a way back home.

In this riveting and highly anticipated tale of temptation, grace, and unconditional love, New York Times best-selling author Francine Rivers delivers big-canvas storytelling at its very best.

Check out Bridge to Haven at http://www.amazon.com/Bridge-Haven-Francine-Rivers-ebook/dp/B00E1O63B6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416198091&sr=8-1&keywords=bridge+to+haven&pebp=1416198097123

*Books listed are titles that I’ve chosen to read for my own entertainment and are recommending based on my personal reading preferences. I do not accept requests for reviews or recommendations from authors, publishers, agents, or publicists. 

Guest Post: Trying to Outrun the Love of God by Karen Adams

Coffeehouse Conversations brings you another inspirational author who has dedicated herself to uplifting others with her debut book. Welcome, Karen Adams!

Trying to Outrun the Love of God by Karen Adams, ISBN-13: 978-0-9903066-0-3

Book Synopsis: In her debut book, Author Karen Adams struggles to understand how a loving God would allow life to be so unbearable. Facing childhood molestation, years of crack addiction, nervous breakdowns, and admissions to mental wards, she learned that no matter how difficult life was, God continued to extend His love. Trying to Outrun the Love of God, is a deeply moving story of one woman’s journey filled with suffering and pain, but one that ultimately finds wholeness and deliverance in the arms of a loving Savior. A must read for all those who think they are alone.

CC: Why did you write this book/What was the inspiration behind this book?

KA: I wanted to offer hope and encouragement to those who have had to go through hard times and still may be stuck.

CC: What makes this book different from other books?

KA: It’s my personal story of overcoming drugs, mental illness and sexual molestation. I believe one of things that make it different is my honesty regarding both the good and the bad. I very open regarding everything I have gone through. I have proven rather God has proven through me that the scripture is true that we become new creatures in Christ.

CC: What’s the hardest part about being an author?

KA: Finding the time to write and learning the process of it all. It is quite overwhelming.

CC: What do you love most about being an author?

KA: When someone comes up to me and tells me that my book has blessed them, especially when it causes them to open up about something they are going through or have gone through.

CC: Who is your favorite author/what is your favorite book and why?

KA: Victoria Christopher Murray is one of my favorites. Her books are always very entertaining yet deliver a powerful message of hope. I don’t think I have a favorite book…I love reading.

CC: What advice would you give aspiring authors?

KA: Don’t be afraid just begin writing there are a lot of valuables tools to assist you with completing your project. Do you research before signing with any one company.

CC: What question or comment are you asked most frequently about your book?

KA: Most people can’t believe I have gone through everything I write about. The question is most asked is, You went through all of that?

CC: Do you blog? What’s your blog site address? What do you blog about?

KA: I don’t blog.

CC: What events/book plans do you have coming up?

KA: I am doing a two day book signing in Birmingham, Al at the end of January. I will also be a part of a virtual tour Oct-Nov 2014.

CC: How can readers contact you?

KA: Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1mrfIm8 or joyfulkministries@yahoo.com

About the Author

Karen Adams survived childhood molestation, 7 years of crack addiction, 4 nervous breakdown, two admissions to mental wards of hospitals against her will. She is now an Evangelist who teaches and preaches on the transforming love of God. She has a burden for emotional wounded and hurting people. She attended college at all of the Alameda County Jr. Colleges. In her free time she enjoys, traveling, movies, reading and spending time with her cat Noches and her Cockatiel birdy.

To Purchase the Book Visit http://csnbooks.net/

 

Guest Post: April L. Minger’s Altars of the Heart

Looking for a way to deepen your relationship with God? April L. Minger stops by Coffeehouse Conversations to tell us about her book, Altars of the Heart, and how you can increase your worship experience!

Altars of the Heart by April L. Minger

Book Synopsis:

Do events from your past continue to play over and over in your mind? Do you feel like your relationship with God is not where it should be? Are you looking for a deeper worship experience?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then I have some good news for you. The answer may seem far away, but it’s actually much closer than you think.

Altars of the Heart will take you on a journey to rediscover who you are and give you authentic tools to help you connect back to walking hand-in-hand with God through deeper worship.

The knowledge and insight that you will gain from reading this book will take you to a life of new-found liberation from insecurities, fear, doubt, shame, and un-forgiveness.

You will be encouraged to do an internal “heart” examination, to re-evaluate how you interact with others, make choices and worship the Lord.

The Word of God specifically states in the book of Hosea 4:6, that my people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge. I issue a challenge to you to open this book, and allow your life to experience freedom from bondage and finally discover your path to deeper worship.

Open this book, and let’s have a heart to heart conversation!

CC: Why did you write this book/What was the inspiration behind this book?

AM: I was doing a study on the life of Abraham, and that study led to a personal interest in the altars in bible. Because of this interest I began to study the meaning and uses of altars in Scripture. My study opened my spiritual eyes to the connection between the altars in the bible and the spiritual heart of man. After doing the study on the altars in the bible and seeing the connection between them and the heart of man, I took my own journey of self-evaluation and self-discovery and after allowing myself to go through the process I knew I had to share. I wanted to share what I had learned and what I was able to achieve in my own walk with the Lord with others in hope of help others.

CC: What makes this book different from other books?

AM: It takes the reader on a journey of self-evaluation and self-discovery where they are able to understand why the events of their past continue to trouble them in the present. This book is not a cookie-cutter; one-size fits all approach, but rather an individual “guided tour” that helps the reader discover their own path to deeper worship. This book does not go through a step by step process where you are instructed through a series of steps, but rather a way in which you can tour your own heart to see what’s there. This experience is different for each reader.

CC: What’s the hardest part about being an author?

AM: For me it’s sharing a piece of yourself with others and then asking them to offer a critique. Your book is in some way a part of who you are, so you have to be able to welcome feedback and only give it the value needed to help you in your personal and or professional growth.

CC: What do you love most about being an author?

AM: I would have to say I love the opportunity I have to teach and help others through my writing.

CC: Who is your favorite author/what is your favorite book and why?

AM: I don’t really have a favorite author, but I do enjoy reading books written by: Joyce Meyer, John Eckhart, and John C. Maxwell. I like books that have a lot of biblical teaching and practical application. My favorite book right now is ‘Right People Right Place Right Plan, by Jentezen Franklin.

CC: What advice would you give aspiring authors?

AM: If you want to write, then do it! Don’t wait for the perfect time to start just start writing about what you are passionate about. Reach out to others who can help you fulfill your dream of writing; seek help from resources like writing and author coaches.

CC: What question or comment are you asked most frequently about your book?

AM: What was my inspiration for writing the book?

CC: Do you blog? What’s your blog site address? What do you blog about?

AM: No, I do not currently blog.

CC: What events/book plans do you have coming up?

AM: I am currently on a two month virtual book tour with Write Now Literacy and I believe that I will write a follow-up book to Altars of the Heart that will continue to help readers move forward in the journey process.

CC: How can readers contact you?

AM: I am on Facebook and Twitter. I also have my own website at: http://www.warriorforchristpublishing.com

Author Bio:

April Minger was born and raised in Springfield, Ohio. After graduating from high school, April joined the United States Air Force. April works in the Insurance and Health Care fields, and also has a Master’s degree in Business, graduating with honors, and is a member of the Alpha Beta Kappa Chapter of The National Honor Society. She currently resides in Fort Drum, New York, where her husband serves on active duty as a member of the United States Army. April and her husband of eighteen years have two children.

 

*April appears on Coffeehouse Conversations courtesy of Write Now Literary Tours.

 

Guest Blog: Yvette Allen-Tatum’s I Didn’t Know

This week, Coffeehouse Conversations welcomes new author Yvette Allen-Tatum who shares with us about her recent release I Didn’t Know!

I Didn’t Know: Identifying, Confronting and Overcoming Child Sexual Abuse
Yvette L. Allen-Tatum
ISBN 13: 978-0-9883126-7-8

Book Synopsis:
I Didn’t Know – Identifying, Confronting & Overcoming Child Sexual Abuse – the title is indicative of the subject matter. In this book the author brings to the forefront the many faces of child sexual abuse; those of the victims and the abusers. Yvette Allen-Tatum boldly confronts her past of child sexual abuse to demonstrate that TRUE deliverance is possible. Yvette believes that we ALL (victims, abusers, enablers, nay-sayers, etc.) can OVERCOME the horrible effects of child sexual abuse.
This book proves that true healing is possible and necessary for us to become more than CONQUERORS through Christ Jesus.
As a community, we have to:

• Identify Child Sexual Abuse
  • We have to talk about it (raise public awareness)
  • Know the signs & symptoms
• Confront Child Sexual Abuse –
  • Error on the side of caution – THE CHILD
  • Be quick to BELIEVE the victim and make all necessary inquiries
  • Studies show people are more apt to believe the innocence of the accused; this has to END
• Overcome Child Sexual Abuse –

We overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the WORD of OUR TESTIMONY

CC: Why did you write this book/What was the inspiration behind this book?

YAT: The inspiration for writing I Didn’t Know – Identifying, Confronting, and Overcoming Child Sexual Abuse came from watching Tyler Perry on The Oprah Winfrey Show one day. On this particular show, Tyler Perry came forward to tell his story about being sexual abused. Then, Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry, took his story to the next level by having an audience filled with nothing but men who had been sexually abused. I really cannot remember the actual format of the show or shows; I just remember the impact it had upon me. I thought what he had done, his coming forward, was very brave and took a great deal of courage.
I remember sitting on the sofa crying, thinking to myself those must have really been some horrible experiences. It was at that moment, I heard the Lord speak to me saying, “You have been sexually abused, as well.” I sat for a moment thinking to myself, “When and how could this have happened to me?” That is when the Lord reminded me of the things that happened to me. As He began to share my experiences with me, I became compelled to tell someone; anyone who would listen. After this walk down memory lane, I pondered this thought, “If I did not realize I had been sexually abused, then how many other children, including those who are now adults do not realize they have been sexually abused?”

As a survivor of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA), I strongly believe that victims of child sexual abuse can no longer afford to be silent. As a community, better yet as a nation, we cannot continue to allow these heinous acts to be swept under the carpet. Someone has to be bold enough to come forward!
From there, I started writing. As God took me down memory lane, I just began to write down everything He said to me. It was like taking dictation. So, why did I decide to share my story? I decided to share my story because people need to know what happened to me and to countless others. More importantly, people need to know that Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) can happen to anyone! The number of people (victims) who remain silent and never tell their stories far outweighs the number of people who come forward. Therefore, my quest in writing this book was/is:
• To expose the enemy (I believe this lessens his power);
• To overcome the guilt & shame by being able to confront it head on;
• To encourage and educate others on how to identify, confront & overcome sexual abuse; and
• To set the captives FREE

CC: What makes this book different from other books?

YAT: Admittedly, I am a novice when it comes to writing. I’ve only authored two books and I have yet to feel like an author or a writer; I am a storyteller. As long as I feel like I have a story to tell I will continue to do so.

CC: What’s the hardest part about being an author?

TAT: The hardest thing I have encountered thus far is research! Even though you know the data is out there it is not always easy to find. Searching but not finding can be very frustrating!

CC: What do you love most about being an author?

YAT: What I love the most about being an author is the creative freedom that I have. Although both of my books are autobiographical in nature, I love being able to tell my story the way that I want to tell it! I hope I give people an opportunity to see my life – live my life from my point of view.

CC: Who is your favorite author/what is your favorite book and why?

YAT: I do not know that I have a favorite author, but if I had to choose one it would be Maya Angelou. I chose her because she writes about real life; she wrote about her life.

CC: What advice would you give aspiring authors?

YAT: Writing is fun, but it can be grueling so write about those things you have a passion about

CC: What question or comment are you asked most frequently about your book?

YAT: Why? That is the question I get the most, “Why did you write this book?” I can only answer that question with the same answer:
My quest (purpose) in writing this book was/is:
• To expose the enemy (I believe this lessens his power);
• To overcome the guilt & shame by being able to confront it head on;
• To encourage and educate others on how to identify, confront & overcome sexual abuse; and
• To set the captives FREE

CC: Do you blog? What’s your blog site address? What do you blog about?

YAT: I’ve tried blogging and I actually enjoy it, but I don’t do it often enough. I have two blog sites, but my post are few in number.
http://loosed03.blogspot.com/
http://loosed03.wordpress.com/

CC: What events/book plans do you have coming up?

YAT: In addition to the Virtual Book tour, I am currently gearing up to host my most compelling event as of yet, The I Didn’t Know Public Forum to RAISE Public Awareness and Raise Public Consciousness About Child Sexual Abuse (CSA). The Forum is scheduled for 4/19/14, in Richmond, Va. It is FREE and Open to the Public. People can register from my website http://www.surroundedbyfaith.org

CC: How can readers contact you?

YAT:
Book can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, All online retail outlets and my personal websites
http://www.yvetteallentatum.com
surroundedbyfaith.org
https://www.facebook.com/yvette.tatum
https://www.facebook.com/SBF.yvetteallentatum
https://www.facebook.com/IDK.yvetteallentatum

Tweets by loosed03

About the Author:

Author, Teacher, Conference Host, Public Speaker, Encourager, Motivator, Ordained & licensed Minister of The Gospel, Radical for Christ, undercover Comedian and the list goes on…
Yvette is a graduate of Grace Christian College where she earned her Masters of Divinity and a Bachelor of Arts in Theology. She is also a graduate of University of Richmond, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance and a Minor in Leadership Studies. In addition, she has 30 plus years of experience in income tax preparation and bookkeeping.
As the Founder of Surrounded by Faith Ministries, Yvette has had the opportunity to touch and transform the lives of many women with the Word of God. This mighty Woman of God has a prophetic teaching anointing which has enabled her to cross many boundaries. As such, the Call of God on her life has broadened from transforming the lives of women to transforming LIVES with the Word of God. While she still holds a passion to train and equip women in the life study and application of the Bible, her ultimate goal is to strengthen families. To do so her platform is geared to men, women and children.

*Yvette’s appearance on Coffeehouse Conversations is hosted by WNL Virtual Blog Tours.