Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Week With An Author - Hope Lynette - Giveaway of Tha Bottom Line - August 31, 2011

Title:  Tha Bottom Line
Author:  Hope Lynette
Paperback: 156 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (August 7, 2011)
Source: Hope Lynette

Read my review  HERE from Monday's post
Read the excerpt HERE from Tuesday's Post


Today was supposed to be the Interview with Hope Lynette, but that will be tomorrow instead. 

Today you have your chance to enter to win a copy of Tha Bottom Line by Hope Lynette.    All you have to do is fill out the form to have your chance to win.  You will get an extra entry if you follow my blog.

I will keep the giveaway open for one week.

The winner will be drawn on September 7.

Good Luck!


Make sure you come back tomorrow to read my Interview with Hope Lynette!

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

WEEK WITH AN AUTHOR - Hope Lynette - Excerpt from Tha Bottom Line - August 30, 2011


Title:  Tha Bottom Line
Author:  Hope Lynette
Paperback: 156 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (August 7, 2011)
Source: Hope Lynette

Read my review  HERE from Monday's post
Tha Bottom Line
READ THE EXCERPT :

Make sure you come back tomorrow to read my Interview with Hope Lynette!  Thursday she will be giving away a copy of Tha Bottom Line too!



© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book ReviewsUrban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Week With An Author - Hope Lynette - Review of Tha Bottom Line - August 29, 2011

WEEK WITH AN AUTHOR  -   Hope Lynette!

I would like to welcome Hope Lynette, author of Tha Bottom Line, to Black Diamond's Book Reviews for the entire week!  Make sure to stop in every day!  There will be a giveaway later in the week!

Today we will start with my review of Hope Lynette's book Tha Bottom Line!

Tha Bottom Line
Book Details:

    • Title:  Tha Bottom Line
    • Author:  Hope Lynette
    • Paperback: 156 pages
    • Publisher: Outskirts Press (August 7, 2011)
    • Source: Hope Lynette

About the Book:

A Steamy Novel of Love, Desire, Success-and What Happens When Relationships Collide

Skye is a successful and sexy African American woman whose days consist of business deals and sultry lovemaking with her beau, Trevor. Her sister, Bethany, is married to a thriving dentist, but her heart still pines for the hunky blue-collar Donald. Their mother, Alice, is catching the eye of the eligible Dr. Bradford. If that sounds like a lot to keep straight, wait till you meet Pete and Sylvester - two studs whose sexy past will bring this group together in a way no one could have predicted. Now, all of them are about to find out how their intertwined love lives could change their lives for good. Tha Bottom Line follows the twists and turns of this smart and savvy group of African Americans living in Southern California. It's a world driven by business, the thirst for success, and-above all-desire. But when one man's mistake shows its consequences years later, this group's tight connections could unravel everything they've worked so hard to build. The result is a fast-paced, emotional, and provocative ride that will leave you guessing what happens next-and in whose bed each man and woman will end up. This steamy and no-holds-barred look at contemporary love and relationships is by turns arousing, exhilarating and moving.

My Review:

This story is told from the point of view of Skye.  Her father never expressed love for her or his other children.  Crime, drugs, and women were all he cared about.  This set the wheels in motion for a life of feeling unloved.  She finally met Trevor though,  They had great sex, but he failed express in words that he loved her.  She wasn't sure if she was just his fling or what she was.  She had a man from her past named Nate, and he kept creaping into her mind too.  Could she forget him?  Does Trevor love her or will he drop her like yesterday's news?

Pete and Tiffany are also in the book.  I can tell that Hope Lynette has a sense of humor from this quote:

His tongue turned out to be a thick limp piece of flesh.  It tastes like mold.  As I looked into his face I pulled back from his kiss.  I noticed he had white polka dots on his tongue.  Oh, hell no.  That was too much for me. (page 10)

There was also Bethany.  She is married to Bruce, but she has a past with Donald.  Does she want to stay with Bruce or rekindle an old flame?

I can't forget about Dr. Bradford and Alice!  I will let you read the book to see who they are and what happens with them!

You will have to read the book to find out how their lives all turn out.  I'm going to tell you right now though that you will be glad that you read it!  Don't worry, there are plenty of steamy sex scenes to keep your temperature hot!

Tha Bottom Line by Hope Lynette was like reading a soap opera.  There are a lot of characters and they all had different issues going on.  It kept the book very interesting.   When I got to the end, I was thinking, "that's it"?  I wanted to know what happened next! What happens with Trevor?  I was so excited to hear that there is a part two coming out! You have me on pins and needles Hope Lynette wondering what happens!  I highly recommend this book.


5/5 Diamonds - Highly Recommend!

Visit the author's website: http://hopelynette.com/
Purchase the Book at:
Disclaimer:  My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist. They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.


© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book ReviewsUrban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.


Sunday, August 28, 2011

Simmons Sweets & My Friend Orsayor Simmons - August 28, 2011

Have you been looking for a cake.  Not just any cake either.  Have you been looking for a unique cake like none you have ever seen?  Well you are in luck!  Go visit Simmons Sweets on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SimmonsSweets?sk=wall.  There you will see some of the most amazing cakes.



Here are just a few so you can get a taste of what she offers.  Speaking of  taste, I could really use some cake right now!





Cupcakes

Texas Longhorn Fondant Cake


Banana Split Cake

2 layer Strawberry Cake - in between the layers are fresh strawberries.


Jack Skellington Cake


Graduation Cake


Birthday Cake


Wedding Cake

Simpsons Cake

Cake

Wow, Wow, Wubzy (The Legs - Arms - Tails Are Candy.. - Lemon Cake & Cupcakes).


Hello Kitty Cake


Betty Boop Cake


Betty Boop Birthday Cake


Strawberry Shortcake Cake


She has some naughty cakes that she makes too, but I will let you visit her Facebook page to see those!

I was lucky enough to finally meet the cake creator and my friend Orsayor in person yesterday!  Here is a picture of me and Orsayor!  We met up at the Fame Shop's First Annual Joy Day Celebration put on by one of our favorite authors, Shaka Senghor.  I will do another post about that event!


Orsayor Simmons and Cheryl Francis


Orsayor also has a book blog at  http://bookreferees.blogspot.com/.



Go Check out her Facebook page for Simmons Sweets and her book blog!


© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book ReviewsUrban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Coming This Week - Week With An Author - Hope Lynette' (Book: Tha Bottom Line)



This week I am happy to have
Week With An Author with Hope Lynette'

Here is the schedule for the week:


Monday - review
Tuesday - excerpt
Wed - Interview
Thurs - Giveaway
Friday - Week Overview


Thank you so much to Hope Lynette' for being a part of Week With An Author!


© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book ReviewsUrban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Friday, August 26, 2011

First Lines Friday - August 26, 2011

First Lines Friday


First Lines Friday is a new bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. Here is what you do:
  • Grab your current read(s).
  • Share the first line(s).
  • Include the title and author so that other FLF participants can add the book to their TBR Lists.



"It always starts off like this."

~Tha Bottom Line by Hope Lynette' 

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book ReviewsUrban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Winner of Autographed Copy of Remember Me by Cheryl Robinson - August 25, 2011

I had 8 entries for an autographed copy of Remember Me by Cheryl Robinson

I put 1-8 in random.org.  The winner is #8, which was:


Orsayor Simmons!

I just have to say that's the first time I ever used the giveaway form, and it's so cool!  I didn't like the way it looked on the post because it was too wide, but next time I will try to fix that.  I think I will keep doing it that way!

Orsayor is a blogger too!  Visit her blog at http://bookreferees.blogspot.com/!

Thank you to TLC Book Tours  for offering this giveaway.

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond’s Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than Black Diamond's Book ReviewsUrban Image Magazine, or Cheryl’s feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Third Sentence Thursday - August 25, 2011


Third Sentence Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by Sniffly Kitty's Mostly Books  which is fed by third sentence contraptions!

1) Take the book you are reading now and post the third sentence
2) Review this sentence anyway you want (funny and silly reviews encouraged)
3) Post a link to your sentence here (in the comments) or if you don't have a blog, just post it in the comments!




"Then, the sex comes."


Review of Sentence:  Well, how is that for a good third sentence!  Can't get more straightforward than that!


I first saw this meme at sidnebkclubreviewz.blogspot.com.  Go and check out my friend Sidne's blog!



© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond’s Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than blackdiamondsbookrev.fatcow.comUrban Image Magazine, or Cheryl’s feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

WWW Wednesdays - August 24, 2011


WWW Wednesdays is a meme hosted at MizB's Should Be Reading.

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…



1. What are you currently reading?


For Week With An Author - Hope Lynette' - August 29 - Sept. 2


2. What did you recently finish reading?

5/5 diamonds!



3. What do you think you'll read next?


For Week With An Author -  Carolyn Moncel - September 5-9

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Reena Jacobs Interview - August 24, 2011

ILYF Blog Tour: August 15 - September 15
Reena Jacobs Interview


Reena Jacobs is just your typical writer who loves to see her words in print. As an avid reader, she’s known to hoard books and begs her husband regularly for “just one more purchase.” Her home life is filled with days chasing her preschooler and nights harassing her husband. Between it all, she squeezes in time for writing and growling at the dog. You can find Reena on Ramblings of an Amateur Writer, Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Nobles, and Smashwords.


First of all Reena, I would like to thank you for taking the time out for this interview and being on Black Diamond's Book Reviews!

If you had to describe yourself with one word, what would it be?
Defiant

Could you tell me a little about yourself?
My all time favorite video game is Knights of theOldRepublic. A decade later, and my journey to becoming Darth Raven still brings a smile to my face.

When did you start writing and how did you get started?
 I started writing on a whim. I’d just gotten out of school and hadn’t found a job yet. I thought writing would be an excellent way to be productive and perhaps make a bit of cash on the side. It never occurred to me the road would be so arduous. I hate losing, and I’ve never been one to give up, so I keep trekking. I WILL conquer this game!

Do you have any rituals that you use when you are writing?
Not really. I’m one of those people who sits down and says just do it. Of course, some days, the just do it turns out to be a mere 100 words or so.

How many books have you written?
I Loved You First is my second published work I’d say is long enough to be called a book, though in reality, it’s in the novella category. Unpublished, I have two books sitting on the shelves waiting for some editing attention. Did I mention I absolutely HATE polishing and editing? Getting the words down isn’t the problem. It’s what to do with the words afterward.

What is the main source of inspiration for your writing?
Life. I’m the opposite of the big bang with the universe spreading outward, if that’s the theory still these days; I’ve never been one to keep up with physics. I grab anything in reach, suck it in, and warp it to fit my fantasy worlds.

Is there a place you go for inspiration to write?
The shower. Whenever I hit a wall, I hop in the shower and let the water relax the solution into me. That’s my big thing. Secondary to a shower, I’ll crawl into bed and let my mind wander. Only problem with that, laziness becomes me, and I find myself lacking the motivation to get up and write down the goodies I’ve conjured.

Are you reading anything right now?
I’m ALWAYS reading something. I’m participating in the Goodreads Reading Challenge this year. My goal is 60 books. Since I started writing, I’ve tried to finish a book a week, so the 60 books is a slight boost from normal. I just finished reading All Different Kinds of Free by Jessica McCann. Right now I’m working on Rage by Jackie Morse Kessler.

What are some of your favorite books and authors?
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan has been my favorite since forever. Okay… maybe not forever, but at least my senior year of high school. As a daughter, it was easy for me to relate to the idea of meeting the expectations of my mother. I never wanted to hurt my mom, always wanted to make her proud. I’m not perfect though and always felt like I was just short even after she praised me.

Now that I’m a mother, and my daughters are making life changing decisions, I understand the idea of having hopes and dreams for a child. I only want the best for them. I don’t want to control them or change them at the core. I just want to give them the little push that’ll help them get the best out of life.

On the lighter side of books, Kresley Cole’s Immortals after Dark is a current favorite of mine. Her stories are solid, and she’s yet to let me down. She’s the only author on my pre-order list.

Has writing your own book changed the way that you read?
Not so much writing, but entering the realm of critiquing has (both receiving and giving). I find myself more critical now, harder to please. Whereas before, I devoured EVERYTHING (there was no such thing as did not finish), these days I have no problem saying, “Thanks, but no thanks” or even shelving a book a third of the way in. Most authors I used to buy religiously, I forego or put in the if-I-ever-get-around-to-you-again list. Instead, I’m taking a chance on authors I’ve never tried, venturing outside my old comfort zones.

Are you able to read when you’re writing and if so what books inspire you when you’re working on a novel?
Definitely. If I’m not getting my reading fix, I have a hard time keeping my motivation to write. Books don’t so much as inspire me as keep me going. I was an avid reader long before I started writing. I’ve slowed down my consumption of books to make room for a writer’s lifestyle, but reading has always come before writing.

What is a typical day in your life like?
Sure you want the mundane? My preschooler wakes me up each morning. “Mommy, I’m hungry.” In between saving him from his daredevil stunts, I manage to work in administrative stuff (emails, blogging, critiquing), squeeze some time to write or edit my works, and a bit of housework if I’m REALLY motivated. When my husband checks in at the end of his workday, I put on my chef’s hat and pretend I’m the star of Hell’s Kitchen. After dinner, it’s back to kissing boo-boos, playing obnoxious jokes on my husband, more writing related stuff, and eventually spending some well-deserved time with a (hopefully) good book.

Are there other books you love or writers you admire that are from your local area?
I wish I could say yes, but my interactions with other writers are online. The web makes the world so small that I usually don’t even worry about location.

Who was your favorite character to write, and why did you like that character?
Of my current releases, I’m rather fond of Bryan from Shadow Cat. If he were a member of my family, he’d fit right in with his practical jokes.

Did you have to do much research when working on I Loved You First?  If so, do you tend to write first or research first?
Researching the writing portion of I Loved You First wasn’t too intensive. I’m not a sports fan, so I did spend some time looking up baseball, football, and even darts. Other than that, I did a few virtual tours of universities and web surfed quite a few fraternities.

As far as the chicken, I mean the writing coming before the research? I tend to research as I go. When I hit a point in my writing that’s unfamiliar, I’ll research and tend to get lost in trivial facts. I tend to learn a lot more about a subject then I’ll ever need for a work.

When deciding to write I Loved You First, did you know right away how the story was going to go, or did the story unfold as you were writing?
I wrote the initial outline long before I started writing. I didn’t expect to finish I Loved You First so soon, but it just kept nagging and nagging me. Eventually I caved, dropped my current project and jumped into the story.

I had the key points down but wasn’t exactly sure how everything would unfold until after writing each scene. Rather than letting the outline dictate the story, I used it as a GPS to keep me from getting stuck at a dead end. Any time I wanted, I could change the destination or take a turn not plotted. As long as my GPS was working, I never had to worry about getting lost.

What’s next for you?
The more I think about it, the more I’m leaning toward a flash fiction collection to accompany a free piece available at various online stores called Circulatory System.

What three artists would I find in your Ipod or CD player?
Cyndi Lauper
Dido
Bethany Dillon

If I came to your home and looked in your refrigerator what would I find?
A mess! No… I’m just kidding (kind of). You’d find too many sugary drinks; that’s for sure. Though I hydrate with water, my husband is big into keep himself and the kids stocked with soda and juices.

What is one food item that you can’t live without?
 Steak. I could eat steak EVERY night.


What do you like to do when you are not writing (hobbies, etc.)?
Reading… but that’s a given. Watching TV or diddling with some kind of arts & crafts. I love trying different projects but usually make a mess of things. It’s still fun trying to create something artistic though.


What famous person do other people tell you that you most look like?
I don’t recall anyone saying I look like a famous person. However, people have mentioned my hair in reference toTracyChapman from the late 80s and Angela Davis.

What is the one thing about yourself that others would be shocked to know?
Folks are always surprised when I mention I’ve written erotica.

What advice would you give to those aspiring writers out there?
Don’t let the odds discourage you. Don’t let the negativity folks spread about what you can and can’t do or should and shouldn’t do keep you from accomplishing your writing goals. There’s a lot of advice floating out there which sounds logical, but most folks are just guessing based on how the writing industry should work. When you start doing the research, you’ll find most successful authors live by their own set of rules and to heck with what anyone says otherwise.

I guess the main thing is to take a chance on yourself. If you screw up, you can always reinvent yourself with a new penname. :)

Choose a book title for the story of your life.
Shortly before I married my husband, I talked to my mother about his laid back demeanor. He’s quiet and at times moves like he has all the time in the world. Me, on the other hand, I’m the anxious type. When I make up my mind, I set out to accomplish a task… NOW! There is no time to smell the daisies.

I told my mother, he seems so easy going and set in his life while I feel like I’m still trying to claw my way out of the depths and into the light.

No matter how much I’ve accomplished, the experiences I’ve tucked under my belt, I still have that bit of fight in me to do more, be more than I am. So the title of my life would be: Where the Light Touches the Abyss.

What is next for you in 2011?
My youngest starts preschool tomorrow which I’m pretty excited about. With him occupied during the day, it’ll open up a bit of free time for me. I’ve been contemplating taking a few courses at the local community college. I’ve missed school these past three years.

How can your readers contact you?
Readers can find me online at twitter, facebook, Ramblings of an Amateur Author, and my website.

Thank you very much for taking the time out to answer my interview questions!



Thanks for having me, Cheryl.  Awesome interview.




leave a comment, then head over to Reena's blog for a chance to win a signed copy of 
I Loved You First.
follow the tour stops HERE 
*courtesy of aobibliophileTM  



Read my review of  I Loved You First

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book ReviewsUrban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Book Review / Blog Tour - I Loved You First by Reena Jacobs - August 23, 2011

 
 

I Loved You First
by Reena Jacobs
 
Publisher: CreateSpace (August 6, 2011)
Format(s): Paperback, Kindle Book & eBook (ADVANCE COPY)
Number of pages: 212
Read for:  Author Blog Tour - August 15th until September 30th!
Source: Reena Jacobs
ISBN-10: 1463529686
ISBN-13: 978-1463529680I

My Rating (out of 5):


Book Summary:

Alexandria (Alex) Carmichael guards two secrets close to her heart. One—she’s in love with her best friend, Seth. Two—he’s gay. As a freshman in college, Alex looks forward to fun times with her best friend. When Seth decides cycling through girlfriends is the way to fit in with the straight crowd, Alex must make a choice: watch Seth give his affections to another while her heart breaks or come clean with her feelings and risk losing his friendship forever. I Loved You First is a new adult love story told through the eyes of an African-American/Caucasian student who takes a journey of self-discovery while watching her best friend come to terms with his sexuality. Turn the pages and find a message of hope, new beginnings, and positive change.

(from Amazon)

My Review:

I Loved You First hooked me from the very beginning and never let me down.

Alex really loved her friend Seth.  She wanted to be more than friends, but he was gay.  Yes, he was still in the closet.  He covered up by dating different girls and then dropping them for one reason or another.

Here is a quote from when they were on the motorcycle:

"I took off with a jerk.  Seth hated when I did that, but it forced him to grip me even tighter.  He scooted forward with his thighs encasing mine, and his groin pressed against my butt."

Too bad for Alex, but Seth didn't want to be anything more than friends.  He seemed to be such a hot guy too.  Seth had his eye on a guy named Bruce.  Bruce had no idea of this and had no idea that Seth was even gay.

Something happened in the story that changes everything.  Alex and Seth's friendship is tested, and Alex can't believe what Seth is about to do.

I highly recommend this book.  It just goes to show that it's great to have a best friend, but you can't hide behind them forever. You have to acknowledge the facts and make a life of your own too.  The story didn't end up at all how I thought it would.

I loved this bible verse quoted at the end of the book:
1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged.   2   For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.  3  " Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  4  How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?  5  You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.  Matthew 7:1-5 (NIV)

About the Author:
Reena Jacobs is just your typical writer who loves to see her words in print. as an avid reader, she’s known to hoard books and begs her husband regularly for “just one more purchase.” her home life is filled with days chasing her preschooler and nights harassing her husband. between it all, she squeezes in time for writing and growling at the dog.

Look for her interview here tomorrow!

Where her book can be purchased:
leave a comment, then head over to Reena's blog for a chance to win a signed copy of 
I Loved You First.
follow the tour stops HERE 
*courtesy of aobibliophileTM  



Disclaimer:Thank you to Reena Jacobs for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond’s Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than Black Diamond's Book ReviewsUrban Image Magazine, or Cheryl’s feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Book Review - The Pearl by John Steinbeck - August 22, 2011




Paperback:  118 pages
Published:  January 1st 1963 by Bantam/Pathfiinder(first published 1948)
ISBN  0553065459 (ISBN13: 9780553065459)
characters: Kino, Juana, Coyotito, Juan, Apolonia
setting:  Mexico

THE PEARL is an eduring and classic fable, sensitively told, in simple and beautiful language. It is the story of a fisherman who found a pearl beyond price, the Pearl of the World. With the pearl, he hoped to buy peace and happiness for himself, his wife and their little son. Instead he found that peace and happiness are not to be purchased. They are, themselves, pearls beyond price. THE PEARL is a book to be read many times and cherished forever.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Black Male Engagement Award - VOTE FOR SHAKA! - August 17, 2011




Give Back Forward

  • You work hard (Shaka is working hard!). 
  • You aspire to greatness (Shaka is doing everything he can to be the best person he can). 
  • You're the kind of guy others look up to (Shaka is a youth mentor and author).
  • Join us by sharing your story about how you're leading, serving or engaging others. Or recognize your uncle, brother, coach, or any black male in Detroit or Philly who inspires you (watch Shaka's video and see why he should have your vote for the Black Male Engagement Award!)



If you have been following my blog, you would have seen my book review of Crack by Shaka as well as his interview.  It was an awesome book and interview.

He is up for the Black Male Engagement Award.  Here is the link http://www.bmechallenge.org/entries/269/.  Watch Shaka's video and see why you should put your vote in for him.



Come and see what Shaka has done to help his community!


On August 27th he is having the grand opening at FAME SHOP-Drop A Gem Book Boutique.   They will give away free food to over 200 families, feed the children mentally, emotionally and spiritually and they need your help. For volunteer information please inbox Shaka Senghor or call him @ 313-720-5546. The time for healing our community is now and it starts with us!!! You coming out to join us?


I will be there to help and support Shaka.  I also can't wait to get my signed copy of Crack Volume 2 by Shaka!  He is really a man that is making a difference in the City of Detroit.  Show how much you support what he is doing, and VOTE SHAKA!





Mailbox Monday and It's Monday What Are You Reading - August 17, 2011

~Mailbox Monday~
Hosted this month by

my good friend Staci of:
Life In the Thumb

We share what books that we found in our mailboxes last week.

READ MORE!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Book Review & Giveaway - Remember Me by Cheryl Robinson (TLC Book Tour) - August 16, 2011

Book Summary:

What happens when the loyalty that defines the friendship of two women is tested? For Mia and Danielle, finding the answer takes a lifetime…

Mia Marks is a black girl from inner-city Detroit with an eye for the hottest fashions and a penchant for the good life. Danielle King is a suburban white girl with artistic ambitions. When a series of circumstances thrust Danielle and Mia together their freshman year at an all-girls Catholic high school, neither expects to form a deep bond that transcends race and background, and lasts for years. And neither could have anticipated the one indiscretion that destroyed it forever.

Twenty years later, Danielle is a successful novelist living in Miami. Mia is a school teacher in Detroit. But they’re still on common ground–both unhappily married and raising teenage daughters, and both far too proud to make the first move and reconnect. Until tragedy brings them back together in the most unexpected way. Now they must confront the past, discover its untold truths, and learn to survive the increasing complexities of their lives, and a friendship destined to endure.

(from Goodreads)

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Book Review - The House On Blackstone Moor by Carole Gill (Nurture Virtual Book Tourz) - August 12, 2011


Book Summary:

This is a tale of vampirism, madness, obsession and devil worship as Rose Baines, only survivor of her family’s carnage, tells her story.

Fragile, damaged by the tragedy, fate sends her to a desolate house on the haunted moors where demons dwell.
The house and the moors have hideous secrets, yet there is love too; deep, abiding, eternal, but it comes with a price, her soul.


Friday, August 12, 2011

WWW Wednesday - August 11, 2011


WWW Wednesdays is a meme hosted at MizB's Should Be Reading.

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…



1. What are you currently reading?


This is a Kindle book that I am reviewing.  


2. What did you recently finish reading?
This was an amazing book!  I flew through this one!



3. What do you think you'll read next?


I will be posting my review on this one on August 16.

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post