Best 20 Christian Fiction of 2011: African-American

Christian Fiction Blog is proud to announce the 2011 top 20 Christian Fiction Novels written by African American writers. We spotlight these books, because most Christian media and Christian bookstore chains  don’t for reasons we cannot fathom. Congrats to these authors and continue to spread the Gospel to the Church Universal..
To see the all the book covers showcased visit our pinterest white board. This list is not in any order or rank.

1. Sharon Ewell Foster, The Resurrection of Nat Turner: The Witness
2. Booker T. Mattinson ,Snitch
3. Vanessa Miller, A Promise of Forever Love
4. Shana Burton, Catt Chasin
5. Kim Cash Tate, Cherished
6. Patricia Haley, Broken
7. Serita Jakes, The Crossing
8. Vanessa Davis Griggs, Redeeming Waters
9. Tia McCollors, Steppin into The Good Life
10. Pat G’orge Walker, No Ordinary Noel
11. Kendra Norman Bellamy, Upon This Rock
12. Michelle Simpson, Someone to Watch Over Me
13. Claudia Mair Burney, Exorsistah: X Restored
14. Sherryle Kiser Jackson, Taylor Made
15. Rhonda Bowen, Man Enough for Me
16. Victoria Christopher Murray The Deal, The Dance, and the Devil
17. Reshonda Tate Billingsley, Say Amen Again
18. Kimberla Lawson Roby, To Love, Honor and Betray
19. Shelia Goss, Delilah
20. Cheryl Faye, Who Said it Would Be Easy

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• 8 2011 Christian Fiction Authors to Watch and Read (aratus.typepad.com)

Write What You Know: A Career U.S. Diplomat

Robbie Cutler Diplomatic Mysteries

By William S. Shepard

I was a career diplomat in the American Foreign Service. I served at our U.S. embassies in Singapore, Saigon, Budapest and Athens, and then retired as Consul General in Bordeaux, France. Since the usual advice given to beginning writers was “write about what you know,” I wrote about the Embassy world. During one of my five Washington tours, as Duty Officer for the Secretary of State, I found myself staying late one evening at the office. While I perused files and diplomatic cables, I realized I had access to a variety of interesting information and sources. That was when the idea came to me that after I retired, I would write mystery stories set in American Embassies overseas.

Continue reading William Shepard’s story and talk with him LIVE today at The Thrill Begins

Trailer Park Tuesday: Tyler Perry's Good Deeds Movie

A successful, wealthy businessman, Wesley Deeds (Tyler Perry) has always done what's expected of him, whether it's assuming the helm of his father's company, tolerating his brother's misbehavior at the office or planning to marry his beautiful but restless fiancée, Natalie (Gabrielle Union). But Wesley is jolted out of his predictable routine when he meets Lindsey (Thandie Newton), a down-on-her-luck single mother who works on the cleaning crew in his office building. When he offers to help her get back on her feet, the chance encounter with someone so far outside his usual circle ignites something in Wesley. This one good deed may finally spark his courage to exchange the life that's expected of him for the life he's always really wanted. A moving, uplifting drama about coincidence, courage, and the defining choices we make on our paths to happiness, TYLER PERRY'S GOOD DEEDS is written, produced and directed by Tyler Perry, and stars Perry, Thandie Newton, Brian White, Rebecca Romijn, Jamie Kennedy, Eddie Cibrian, Jordenn Thompson, Beverly Johnson, with Phylicia Rashad, and Gabrielle Union. In theaters February 24 2012

Gospel Christmas Music Preview Deborah E. Bradley Tis the Season

This image is interactive. Move your arrow to sample Deborah E. Bradley’s Tis the Seasonhttp://itunes.apple.com/us/album/joy-to-the-world/id476273788?i=476273972&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 Gospel Christmas CD.

Two Christmas Stories You can Read in 5 Minutes

Happy Friday: Here are Two Christmas Stories you can read in 5 Minutes. thanks to Chris Mikesell and Kathleen Kovach winners of our Christmas Short Story Contest at Christian Fiction Online Magazine.

Nativity by Chris Mikesell

The box and its contents had been a birthday gift from his father. Handmade wooden figurines: a man, woman, infant, three shepherds, six sheep (mostly still intact), and an angel. A year later he painted the inside of the box, a child’s rendering of a stable, complete with a lop-eared donkey and a horse whose facial expression indicated intestinal distress.

For the past three years his parents had recited the story to him. This year it was his turn…

Warmth from a Window by Kathleen E. Kovach

Sleet pelted the concrete as she walked toward the old church. Her fingers clutched her coat collar to keep the cold from invading. She hadn’t been to worship in years, but something about the solid stone building beckoned her.

This Christmas Eve she’d never felt more alone. She had relocated because of a new job. Old friends were far away. She had no family.

But the old church smiled at her one day as she walked by on her way to work. How else could she describe it? Its double doors were open wide and she heard laughter coming from inside…

Click here to read them in full http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/best_multicultural.html

2011 INSPY Award Winners

The INSPY Advisory is pleased to announce the 2011 INSPY Award Winners:

Creative Nonfiction: Passport Through Darknessby Kimberly L. Smith

In Passport Through Darkness, Mrs. Smith portrays sacrificial Christian living as the absolutely normal and healthy choice for all Christians. She and her husband are willingly transparent with their weaknesses and present a realistic picture of what a Christian living looks like: hard, messy, and painful, but right and worthwhile. Passport Through Darkness is a powerful story that can change who you are at a fundamental level.

General Fiction:City of Tranquil Light by Bo Caldwell(Henry Holt & Co, September 2010)
We chose City of Tranquil Light because it tells a compelling story with complex characters that feel true to life, characters we care about. Bo Caldwell’s prose is lyrical.

The characters live a very real faith. Everything they do has Kingdom service in mind, yet they never come across as preachy. Their faith is organic. Serving Christ is what they do, it’s who they are. Because of that, this book’s appeal goes beyond that of the Christian community.

Literature for Young People: Saint Training by Elizabeth Fixmer (Zondervan, 2010)

Saint Training is realistic in its examination of religion without stereotype or fundamentalist views. An inspiring read, relevant to young readers and a stand out in its genre. Mary Clare is very down to earth and anyone will be able to relate to her struggles.

Mystery/Thriller: The Bishopby Steven James

Steven James did not shy away from the “tough” questions about God and we appreciate that an author – a Christian author at that, would be up-front and center with the real tough spiritual questions. The Bishop treats the reader as intelligent and with a mind of her own. The plot was engaging and the characters felt real.

Romance:Yesterday’s Tomorrow by Cathy West (Oak Tara, March 2011)

Catherine West gives us a gritty and moving account of the Vietnam War as experienced by an intrepid journalist providing innovation of the setting, time period and subject matter. The edgy realism and poignant honesty that flow from West’s pen in Yesterday’s Tomorrow place it head-and-shoulders above some of biggest bestsellers on bookstore shelves today, and it easily fulfills all the requirements set forth to make it the INSPY Award Winner for Romance.

 
Speculative Fiction: The Falling Away by T.L. Hines (Thomas Nelson, September 2010)

Non-linear plot lines that all converge without being predictable, responsible treatment of mental disorders without cliche; self sacrifice, demonic encounters and the power of Grace; all these reasons and more make The Falling Away by T.L. Hines the speculative INSPY winner. In his own distinctive “noir bizarre” style, Hines explores powerful truths about life, death and redemption. The author managed to tackle a familiar subject (spirituals warfare) in a most unconventional way. Full characterization meshed with a tight plot that is engaging even for newcomers to the supernatural thriller. Ultimately, more than one character learns important truths about the fallen world we live in and the spiritual dangers one may face from without and within. This novel is an embodiment of the concept that God’s power is made perfect in human weakness.

2011 Holiday Gift Guide for Luxe Writers

It’s my favorite post of the year! The Luxe Hooliday Gift Guide for Writers. These items range from the modest to the affluent. However, what holds true for all the items on this list is that the writer in your life would love them this holiday season.

1. Su Blackwell Blank Greeting Cards. (above) Book Arts is something I love, love, love. My minor is in printmaking and book arts. So anything Su Blackwell works for me. Look at what she did with Alice and Wonderland. These cards are luxuries, but priced affordably, but the shipping fee is the bling thing. Click here to order

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2. Nostalgic Impressions has a gorgeous Black feather quill pen for $33. Click here to order

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3. Hello Kitty Black Quilt Laptop Carrying Bag.

Place your 15" screen or smaller laptop in this Hello Kitty black quilt laptop carrying case. Design features Hello Kitty's face and name quilted in the background as well as her face embroidered in silver with a pink bow. The outside of this case has one zipper pocket in the front and one Velcro pocket in the back to carry other electronic necessities. Not to mention two short black handles and one black adjustable strap for you to decide how you want to rock out with this laptop case. $75 Click to Order

4. Magnifying Glass Pendant Vintage $34. Click here to order.

5. NoteSlate isn’t available yet, but I want it!

6. Vintage Typewriter from Vintage Typewriter Shoppe. They go fast, so go, go, go.

7. Vintage Typewriter Key Letterpress Card Set $11.25. Click here to order

8. GRETA GARBO 1905 COMMEMORATION EDITION FOUNTAIN PEN

• Hand-crafted rhodium-plated 18 K gold nib with heart-shaped hearthole
• Cartridge fountain pen (no converter)
• Fountain Pen
• 18 K yellow gold nib
• $4000
• Click to Order

9. First Edition Alice Walker’s The Color Purple $300 Click here to order.

10. Chanel Book Clutch $3850. Click to Order

God Gave Us Love: Christian Children’s Book

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Lisa T. Bergren

and the book:

God Gave Us Love board book

WaterBrook Press; Brdbk edition (December 20, 2011)

***Special thanks to Laura Tucker, WaterBrook Multnomah Publicity, for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

LISA BERGREN is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than thirty books, with more than two million copies sold. A former publishing executive, she now splits her time working as a freelance editor and writer while parenting three children with her husband, Tim, and dreaming of the family’s next visit to Taos.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

As Little Cub and Grampa Bear’s fishing adventure is interrupted by mischievous otters, the young polar bear begins to question why we must love others… even the seemingly unlovable.

In answering her questions, Grampa Bear gives tender explanations that teach Little Cub about the different kinds of love that is shared between families, friends, and mamas and papas. Grampa explains that all these kinds of love come from God and that it is important to love others because…

“Any time we show love, Little Cub, we’re sharing a bit of his love.”

This sweet tale will warm the hearts of young children as they learn about all the different sorts of love, while the gentle explanations of each provide a valuable opportunity to encourage children to share with others a “God-sized love.” Now in a sturdy format, ideal for the littlest hands at storytime, bedtime, or anytime. Would make a great Christmas gift!

Product Details:

List Price: $6.99
Reading level: Ages 0 and up
Board book: 22 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press; Brdbk edition (December 20, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0307730271
ISBN-13: 978-0307730275

AND NOW...THE FIRST PAGES (Click on images to see them larger):

Advent Bible Study: Honor and Learn from the Past

Dorris Miller stamp

Good Wednesday. Advent Bible Study Scripture for today Psalm 78:1-7 Honor and learn the lessons of the past. Today we know that the US declared war on Austria, which marked the beginning of World War I, the attack on Pearl Harbor during WW II was also today, and here in Atlanta we had the deadliest hotel fire in history (the Winecoff.) All three events have changed our lives. However, let's also reflect on this past year or the sacrifices people paid so that we could be here, the lessons learned, and then ask ourselves: Are we honoring those lessons? If not, today is a great day to start. Merry Christmas!

Presidential Proclamation -- World AIDS Day, 2011

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

On World AIDS Day, 30 years after the first cases of HIV/AIDS were reported, we stand with the individuals and communities affected by HIV and recommit to progress toward an AIDS free generation.

My Administration is taking action to turn the corner on the HIV/AIDS pandemic by investing in research that promises new and proven methods to prevent infection and better therapies for people living with HIV. In the past year, the National Institutes of Health has reported important progress. We now know that treatment of HIV not only improves clinical outcomes, but can also dramatically reduce the risk of transmission. Studies on the use of antiretroviral medications to prevent infection of HIV negative individuals show promising results. And research is ongoing to devise new prevention methods that may one day offer innovative ways to prevent the spread of HIV, like microbicides that can curb the risk of infection in women. By pursuing the next breakthrough treatment in the fight against HIV, continuing research to develop a vaccine, and incorporating new scientific tools into our programs, we are taking important steps toward an AIDS free generation.

To combat the HIV epidemic in the United States, we are implementing the first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy in our country's history, which calls for strong, coordinated policy initiatives, enhanced HIV/AIDS education, collaboration across the Federal Government, and robust engagement with individuals, communities, and businesses across America. As part of these efforts, we are embracing the best science available to prevent new HIV infections, and we are testing new approaches to integrating housing, prevention, care, and substance abuse and mental health services related to HIV/AIDS. We are implementing the Affordable Care Act, which mandates new consumer protections and new options for purchasing health insurance for all Americans by 2014, including those with HIV. We are also striving to secure employment opportunities for people living with HIV by working to end discrimination based on HIV status.

To address the global HIV pandemic, we are working with nations around the world to advance comprehensive prevention efforts and provide lifesaving medicine to millions of people living with HIV. We are integrating cutting edge science into the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) that will do even more to prevent new HIV infections, including more effective drug regimens to prevent mother to child HIV transmission and low cost approaches like voluntary medical male circumcision. When combined with other proven approaches, such as condoms, HIV testing and counseling, and programs to support behavior change, these advances can dramatically reduce HIV incidence and save lives. As we move forward, we will maintain our commitment to rigorously measuring the impact of these approaches, revising them appropriately, and incorporating new ideas and technologies as they become available.

Recognizing that a coordinated strategy is essential to our success, we are partnering with a wide variety of stakeholders to promote HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, and treatment. Here at home, States, tribes, territories, and local governments are vital partners in implementing the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, and we are joined by a host of public and private supporters and collaborators in PEPFAR. Partnerships with corporations, foundations, faith-based institutions, academic institutions, and other organizations are critically important to the fight against HIV, and we will work to strengthen these ties in the years ahead.

At this pivotal time in the worldwide response to HIV, the United States is preparing to welcome the global community to Washington, D.C., for the 19th International AIDS Conference in July 2012. We look forward to working with and learning from people living with HIV, clinicians, researchers, practitioners, and advocates from across the globe. On this World AIDS Day, let us reflect on the people we have lost and those we hold dear who are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. And as we pay tribute to the past and current heroes in the struggle against this disease, let us recommit to bringing an end to this tragic pandemic and pursuing an AIDS-free generation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States do hereby proclaim December 1, 2011, as World AIDS Day. I urge the Governors of the States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of the other territories subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and the American people to join me in appropriate activities to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS and to provide support and comfort to those living with this disease.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/12/01/presidential-proclamation-world-aids-day-2011