Friday, June 7, 2013

GEMS Book of the Month: June 2013




Bring on the Blessings 

by Beverly Jenkins 

Selected by: Ty





Overview

On Bernadine Brown's fifty-second birthday she received an unexpected gift—she caught her husband, Leo, cheating with his secretary. She was hurt—angry, too—but she didn't cry woe is me. Nope, she hired herself a top-notch lawyer and ended up with a cool $275 million. Having been raised in the church, she knew that when much is given much is expected, so she asked God to send her a purpose.

The purpose turned out to be a town: Henry Adams, Kansas, one of the last surviving townships founded by freed slaves after the Civil War. The failing town had put itself up for sale on the Internet, so Bernadine bought it.

Trent July is the mayor, and watching the town of his birth slide into debt and foreclosure is about the hardest thing he's ever done. When the buyer comes to town, he's impressed by her vision, strength, and the hope she wants to offer not only to the town and its few remaining residents, but to a handful of kids in desperate need of a second chance.

Not everyone in town wants to get on board though; they don't want change. But Bernadine and Trent, along with his first love, Lily Fontaine, are determined to preserve the town's legacy while ushering in a new era with ties to its unique past and its promising future.

Source: bn.com
 

GEMS SUMMER SERIES: June - August 2013

For the first time ever, Literally Gems Book Club has chosen a single series for our summer reading. Join us as we embark on The Blessings Series by Beverly Jenkins. 


Thursday, May 23, 2013

Gems Book of the Month: MAY 2013


















Blessed Trinity 
Author: Vanessa Davis Griggs
Selected by: Cathy


Overview

Faith Alexandria Morrell, the oldest of a mysterious trio of sisters, lives a troubled life and guards a horrifying secret. Yet few, least of all her new church family, would believe this always impeccably dressed woman is so utterly lost. But what lies beneath the surface of Faith's carefully constructed veneer could completely destroy her.

Needing help, Faith and her sisters, Hope and Charity, join Followers of Jesus Faith Worship Center. This new mega church, led by the dreadlock-wearing, Holy Ghost-filled Pastor George Landris, just may offer the solace she needs. But Faith soon discovers that all is not well in her new church home.

Monday, April 1, 2013

GEMS Book of the Month: MARCH/APRIL 2013


















Divas of Damascus Road 
Author: Michelle Stimpson
Selected by: Rondica

Overview

After being blamed for her baby sister's death, Dianne Rucker swore she'd never come back to Dentonville, Texas. But her Aunt Gloria, who took her in after the accident, is getting remarried. Going back home means Dianne must face her own demons as well as a drug-addicted mother who is now falling even farther into schizophrenia. But Dianne isn't the only one struggling. Her two cousins must come to terms with their own issues after having grown up in this dysfunctional family of women. And Aunt Gloria may be hiding the biggest skeletons of all. The women must look to their faith in God as they attempt to turn their lives around like Saul on the Biblical road to Damascus. 
Source: bn.com

Thursday, February 14, 2013

GEMS Book of the Month: FEBRUARY 2013

 
Three Fifty-Seven a.m..:Timing is Everything
Author: Kendra Norman-Bellamy, Hank Stewart
Selected by: Camilya

Synopsis/More about the "God's Timing" Series: http://www.kendranormanbellamy.com/GodsTimingSeries.html

Saturday, January 5, 2013

GEMS Book of the Month: JANUARY 2013




 

 

Love, Honor and Betray 

by Kimberla Lawson Roby

 

 

Selected by: Amy

 

 Overview:

The infamous Reverend Curtis Black's sordid past is no secret, as his wife, Charlotte, is well aware. But when Curtis' long-time mistress and mother of his illegitimate two-year-old, dies, he and Charlotte have no choice but to raise Curtina together. While the living, breathing reminder of her husband's infidelity infuriates Charlotte, Curtis couldn't be happier to finally have his whole family together. Despite her best efforts to keep her feelings hidden, Charlotte resents Curtina, taking her emotions out on the young girl. When confronted about her behavior Charlotte starts spending time away from home, all the while getting closer to her ex-boyfriend. Curtis appears to devote himself to his parish and the new church they're building, but is he really focusing his attention on the female parishioners trying to lure him into bed? Suddenly Curtis and Charlotte find themselves slipping into dangerous territory, and not even Curtis' seven-figure salary can prevent what is about to happen.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

GEMS Book of the Month: October 2012

My True Essence by Shawneda Marks 
Selected by: Gwen

Overview

Rebecca has everything she ever prayed for and more, and is living like she doesn't care if she loses it all. Dani's business is thriving and her faith is strong. Her diagnosis will expose her own insecurities and life's truth. Jenessa epitomizes the definition of a strong woman. A routine doctor's visit forces her to confront the genetic cloud that has hovered over her since childhood.

Meet the Author

Shawneda Marks has loved reading and writing since she can remember. Some of her favorite books and authors include Shel Silverstein (Where the Sidewalk Ends), Sister Souljah (Coldest Winter Ever yes there is profanity/sex scenes and yes it is a good read), Stormie Omartian (Power of a Praying Wife, Power of a Praying Woman, Power of a Praying Parent), Jacquelin Thomas (Singsation and Soul Journey to name a few) and Booker T. Mattison (Unsigned Hype, Snitch). After years of entertaining her colleagues at Bank of America and Comcast with stories about colorful customer interactions she started penning her own stories. Her novels and devotionals are crafted to raise awareness, explore wellness and empower readers. Shawneda Marks enjoys being an independent author utilizing Print on Demand and Ebook technology to share her stories with readers. Marks considers the Chicago/Milwaukee area her home but since flying down south to attend Spelman College has grown quite fond of metropolitan Atlanta where she resides with her husband and daughter.

Content: Courtesy BN.com