ReShonda Tate Billingsley is a former general
assignment reporter for KRIV-TV, the Fox affiliate in Houston, Texas.
She is the author of the nonfiction book Help! I've Turned Into My
Mother and five previous adult novels: My Brother's Keeper,
for which she received the prestigious Gold Pen Award for Best New
Author from the Black Writer's Alliance and the Nova Lee Nation Award
from the Greater Dallas Writing Association; the national bestseller
Let the Church Say Amen, chosen for Library Journal's Best of
2004 list for Christian fiction; its powerful sequel, Everybody Say
Amen; I Know I've Been Changed, a Main Selection of the Black
Expressions Book Club; and an uplifting and warm-hearted novel of love
and faith, The Pastor's Wife. Her previous Christian teen novels
are Nothing But Drama, Blessings in Disguise, and With
Friends Like These, all available from Pocket Books. She is also a
contributor to the story anthology Have a Little Faith.
Billingsley announces her novel Let the Church Say Amen will be
made into a movie beginning July 2008. This clip was filmed by AALBC.com
at the National Black Book Festival in Houston, TX during the Houston
Black Expo.
She thought she was through with love and marriage.
But a renewed faith may just change her mind. . . .
Vanessa Colton-Kirk has seen it all in her notorious divorce court. But
she never thought the drama would make its way into her own marriage.
However, that’s just what happens when Vanessa’s husband Thomas tires of
his career-driven wife….and turns to Alana Irving to give him what he
needs, and wants – a baby. But Alana has ulterior motives. She’s out to
take Vanessa’s man, her money and her life…all in a quest for revenge.
Now a woman scorned, Vanessa thinks her only relief will come in paying
back her husband and his mistress. But just when she thinks she’s won,
fate steps in and helps her see things in a whole new light.
Vanessa’s not the only one hell-bent on revenge. Her sister, Dionne is
looking to show her cheating boyfriend a thing or too. But when her
payback plan goes horribly wrong, Dionne’s life may end up in shambles.
Two sisters will discover that they need a lot more than revenge to heal
their hearts…they’re going to need a whole lot of faith.
Most men barely survive one mother, but Terrance Ellis has three -- his
aunts. His grandmother Essie's sisters -- Eva, Dorothy Mae, and Mamie --
lovingly raised him after Essie died in a tragic accident. They made
sure that troubled young Terrance got on the right path and made
something of his life. And now that he's all grown up and the rising
pastor of Houston's Lily Grove church, the endlessly argumentative
sisters agree on one thing: Terrance needs to find a wife. And not just
any wife -- but the right young woman to stand beside him as First Lady
of Lily Grove at the fast-approaching one-hundredth-year Christmas
service.
Humble and handsome, Terrance is focused on preaching more than dating
and has kindly fended off the advances of more than a few perfectly
available ladies. So why, of all women, is outrageous, flirtatious
Savannah McKinney drawing him in? Seeing Terrance falling under her
seductive spell has got his aunts frantically matchmaking since time is
running out and gossip is flying. Who will be the pastor's wife? Only
heaven knows for sure...and before he finds her, some surprising and
dramatic revelations are in store for Terrance, his congregation, and
the three aunts who love him most in the world.
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Pocket (April 22, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 141655873X
The fourth book in The Good Girlz series…
One guy is leading them on…
Best friends forever, Camille, Alexis, Jasmine, and Angel always
stand up for each other. So when Camille runs into boy problems, Jasmine
is ready to settle the score! Camille convinces her it’s not worth it,
even though she was attacked by some girls who are jealous of the
attention’s she’s getting from Vic, a cute guy Camille met at a football
game. But Camille’s boy troubles are just starting…
Should they forgive—or make him pay?
Alexis is dating a guy named Anthony, and it doesn’t take long for
Jasmine to discover that he’s Anthony Vickers- the very same Vic that
Camille has fallen for! When the truth comes out, the girls cook up a
scheme for payback, something that will teach a two-timing guy the error
of his ways. But their dramatic plan may be backfiring, tearing at the
bonds of their own friendship, and showing them that the price for
revenge is very high– for everyone.
Gold Pen Award–winning author ReShonda Tate Billingsley returns to
the Houston congregation of her #1 Essence magazine bestseller, Let the
Church Say Amen, in this warm and powerful sequel.
Rachel is back....and this time, she's running things!
Voted a top ten Summer Sizzler by USA Today!
An Essence Magazine Bestseller!
When her husband hears God’s call to become a preacher, Rachel Jackson
Adams is distressed—she grew up a preacher’s daughter, and knows how
difficult life under the microscope can be for a reverend’s family. But
hot-headed Rachel has toned down her wild ways, and for the sake of her
marriage and her two children, she is now the reluctant first lady of
Zion Hill, unafraid to rock the boat with her unconventional ideas for
revitalizing the church. When her son Jordan begins fighting at school,
Rachel turns to the boy’s father, Bobby—Rachel’s first love from years
ago. Married now himself, there should be nothing between them except
their concern for Jordan—so why does seeing Bobby again feel so
distractingly tempting? With her brothers facing dramas of their own,
(Jonathan's fighting to see his son and David just found out his
crackhead girlfriend is pregnant), and her father, Reverend Simon
Jackson, recovering from illness, Rachel must listen carefully to
discover what God truly wants for her—and to decide if Bobby is the
lover of her dreams or the devil in disguise.
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Pocket; Pocket Books Trade Pbk. Ed edition (April 10, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416525629
The third book in an exciting and inspiring new series from national
bestselling author ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Only one girl will be chosen....
In the year since Camille, Alexis, Jasmine, and Angel joined Rachel
Jackson's church youth group, the four best friends have bonded over
boys, pitched in on community projects, and shared their deepest
secrets. There's nothing they don't know about each other -- or is
there? When a special guest arrives at Rachel's group and announces
auditions for a television talk show, the girls will come to know a side
of each other they never knew existed. And they may not like what they
see.
Will the four friends become enemies?
The race to find the perfect host for KRCP's Teen Talks is heating up
-- the competition is fierce, and so are the lies the girlfriends tell
about each other in order to win the coveted spot. But more painful than
any lies they can concoct is the cold, hard truth: none of them will
reach their ultimate dreams if cutting each other down is how they
choose to get ahead. Is winning a place in the spotlight worth losing
their friendship?
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Pocket; Pocket Books Trade Pbk. Ed edition (January 9, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416525610
The second book in an exciting and inspiring new series from national
bestselling author ReShonda Tate Billingsley
They share a precious gift. . . .
Joining Rachel Jackson's church youth group has been a lifesaver for
Camille, Alexis, Jasmine, and Angel. The fabulous four share everything
from juicy gossip to mentoring school kids. But their loyalty is put to
the test when two of the girls get caught up in problems of their own --
and may drag their girlfriends down with them.
Will they forget who their friends are?
Wealthy Alexis seems to have the perfect life -- but no one can see her
fear as her parents head for divorce. Meanwhile, Jasmine is tired of
being the glue that holds her mother and siblings together, and she
escapes by moving in with her father. Both girls are tempted to do
something drastic to get the attention they crave, and both need to hear
Rachel's hard-won advice on why stealing will only get them more
trouble. But when it comes to winning back Camille and Angel's trust,
Alexis and Jasmine will have to find the answers in their own hearts.
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Pocket (November 7, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416525602
The first book in an exciting and inspiring new series from national
bestselling author ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Their lives are nothing but drama. . . .
Camille can't believe her bad luck when she's ordered to join a church
youth group after hiding her boyfriend from the police. She'll bide her
time if that's what it takes to get everyone off her back, but it's the
last place she ever expected to make a new friend. Angel has a secret
that's got her running scared, so when she sees a flyer for the group,
she heads to the church, hoping to find an answer to her problem. Now
Rachel, their group leader, has a task for them that may just end their
daily dramas and give them a whole new beginning.
They just have to take a leap of faith. . . .
Along the way, they meet tough-as-nails Jasmine and society-darling
Alexis, forging friendships built on strength, loyalty, and faith. As
the girls take up Rachel's challenge to honor their parents, they find
that walking a new path isn't always the easiest way to go. But
together, Camille, Angel, Jasmine, and Alexis will embark on adventures
that only the best of friends can share.
I Know I've Been Changed
Click to order via Amazon
Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Pocket Star (January 30, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416511989
Sooner or later forgiveness becomes a part of every family
Raedella Rollins left the dusty town of Sweet Poke, Arkansas on a
Texas-bound bus with four mismatched suitcases, a newsroom job offer,
and a promise to herself: never look back. Now, less than a decade
later, she’s a top-rated talk show host and fiancée to Houston’s star
councilman. The future looks bright for Rae, and Sweet Poke is nothing
more than a distant memory.But now that she’s reached the top, her
ragtag family comes knocking. Mama Tee, the grandmother who raised her,
calls with unwelcome family updates, and Shondella, her jealous older
sister, guilts her into sending money. To Rae, nothing could be worse
than an unexpected reunion with her over-the-top relatives. But when her
picture-perfect life turns out to be an illusion, Rae’s family calls her
back to Sweet Poke and to the life she left behind. Can Rae let go of
the heartache of her childhood and open her heart to the healing that
only faith and family can provide?
Help! I've Turned Into My Mother
Click to order via Amazon
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Strebor Books; First Strebor Books Trade Pbk. Ed edition
(December 6, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1593090501
Deny it. Defy it.
Sooner or later you must admit it…you've turned into your mother
Admit it. At some point, you've looked into the mirror and saw your
mother looking back. Or maybe you caught yourself talking, laughing,
simply exhibiting some of her traits.
Don't be ashamed, you're not alone.
Help! I've Turned into My Mother takes on the transformation we all hate
to face.
Sharing anecdotes of her own drama-filled relationship with her mother,
ReShonda interviewed over 500 women who talked about the good, the bad
and the ugly of turning into their mothers. Through humor and wit, these
women share stories that are bound to not only help you build a better
relationship with your mother, but recognize that turning into your
mother isn't all bad.
Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Pocket (September 27, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 141651449X
A bold and heartwarming story of family and faith that will inspire
readers everywhere.
Reverend Simon Jackson has always felt destined to lead and he’s done a
good job of it, transforming his small Houston church into one of the
most respected and renowned in the region. But while the good Reverend’s
been busy tending his flock, his family’s gone astray. His 19-year-old
daughter, Rachel, gives new meaning to “baby mama drama.” Crazy in love
with her son’s father, she’s wreaking havoc on the man’s life, even
though he’s about to marry another. David, Simon’s oldest at 27, has
been spiraling downward ever since a knee injury ended a promising
football career. These days he’s seeking solace in drugs—even feeding
his habit by stealing church offerings. Blessedly, 23-year-old Jonathan,
a college graduate and the apple of Simon’s eye, is poised to take his
father’s side as associate pastor—or so everyone thinks.
Let the Church Say Amen is a powerful journey through one family’s
trials—and a remarkable story of reconciliation and love.
Mass Market Paperback: 365 pages
Publisher: Pocket Books (June 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416514503
With an engaging and realistic voice, ReShonda Tate Billingsley has
spun an irresistible story that will touch every reader's heart.
Aja James is a survivor. Her outward beauty and strength artfully
conceal the scars within... Scars inflicted by a horrific family
tragedy. Aja has managed to leave her troubled past behind and begin
again. The new chapter in her life begins with hope, and one of the most
sought after bachelors in town, handsome sportscaster, Charles Clayton.
But just when Aja starts to enjoy her new life, she’s forced to deal
with some old demons. While Aja seems to have rebounded from the
family’s history, her brother, Eric, a promising NBA prospect, is unable
to get past it. His uncontrollable rage and inner turmoil sideline his
basketball career and wreak havoc on his own personal relationships.
When Aja sees her brother heading down the same violent path that
destroyed their family, she makes it her business to stop the cycle
--even if it means putting her own life, and love, on hold. Through it
all, both Aja and her brother learn a lesson in forgiveness, from their
little sister, Jada. Although she was hit hardest by the family tragedy,
her resilience proves sometimes you have to forgive in order to find the
strength to move on.
My Brother’s Keeper is a captivating novel that takes a poignant look at
how deep childhood issues can run. Both humorous and heart-wrenching,
this exciting debut novel will leave you wanting more.
Faith, family, and forgiveness are at the heart of this powerful
story collection from four bestselling African-American authors. Meet a
group of unforgettable women in these tales of hope and inspiration and
discover how doors can open if you just
ReShonda Tate Billingsley: Faith Will Overcome
Determined to leave her small town and broken family behind, Faith Logan
believes finding a man is the solution to all her problems. But a chance
meeting with Darius Williams helps her realize that all she needs is
faith to find true happiness.
Jacquelin Thomas: Signs of Light
Businesswoman Lorna Hamilton has always looked down on unemployed single
mothers, but she learns a valuable lesson when she befriends devout
single mom Brittany Spencer and finds the family she's been praying for.
J. D. Mason: Maybelline
Olivia Phillips's world is falling apart, and the last thing she needs
is her elderly neighbor knocking on her door. But kindly Maybelline
won't take no for an answer, and an uplifting friendship takes hold
thanks to a little persistence and some homemade pie.
Sandra Kitt: Survival Instincts
Even after an attempted mugging, librarian Lynn Hayes is devoted to her
work in the bad part of town. Her rescuer, reporter Davis Manning, isn't
so forgiving, and it's up to Lynn to show him that it is possible to
save a community, one person at a time.
The mercury is soaring, and it's the perfect time to
dive into a pool of uninhibited sensuality. Take a break from the heat
with this collection of steamy summertime encounters featuring four of
today's most popular African-American women writers.
Going south for her summer break, a high school math
teacher puts her assets to work as an exotic dancer in Maxed Out by
Brenda L. Thomas. But when her secret double life follows her home to
Philadelphia, things swing wildly out of control as she tries to walk
the line between sexy woman and sex object.
Worlds collide when a street-smart beauty scores with
a multimillionaire during a summer that climaxes with the New York City
blackout. Crystal Lacey Winslow captures the edgy thrills -- and the
dark side -- of carnal pleasures in Sex, Sin & Brooklyn.
In Rochelle Alers' Summer Madness, a sexy brother with
a mysterious past turns a pretty librarian's play-it-safe Hamptons
vacation into a torrent of sensual delights. But can she trust him
without knowing his whole story?
A jilted bride is on the Rebound in ReShonda Tate
Billingsley's tale of passion in unexpected places. A Houston attorney
goes solo on the Belize honeymoon she was supposed to share with her
husband -- and makes a sizzling connection with a handsome stranger in
paradise.
Can I get a Witness?
The Pastor's Wife
Getting Even
Everybody Say Amen
With Friends Like These
Blessings in Disguise
Nothing But Drama
I Know I've Been Changed
Help! I've Turned Into My Mother
Let the Church Say Amen
My Brother's Keeper
Have
a Little Faith
Four
Degrees of Heat