Cece In The City

Tag: book club

  • Seen It All Done the Rest book by Pearl Cleage

    Book: Seen It All And Done The Rest

    Author: Pearl Cleage

    By: Cece Hymes

    This was the first book I have read by this author, and it was good. This was a book about Josephine Evans, who was an actress who had been on the stages for 30 years establishing her career. Josephine had been acting in her career and then they counted her out. She went back home to see about the property her mother left for her and to also check up on her granddaughter. Her granddaughter Zora had been through a lot and just kept being in the blogs. Her life has just been different since her dad passed away.

    Josephine goes to check on the property and she finds out that the area has turned bad, a lot of robberies, drugs and homeless people have taken over. She checked on the house that has been vandalized and unkept. She goes to the company who has been keeping up with her home. Come to find out the company wants to take over all of their homes in that area. They are trying to buy the elder people out and give them less money to sell. They do things you wouldn’t even imagine.

    Josephine talks with Zora, her granddaughter and friends to fix the place up. As they do that Zora decided to video and share to the world what they are doing. It seems like every time they get far in cleaning up the place something else happens to the home. So, they have to start all over. They cannot get a break. They all will not give up and so many people saw on the internet what they were doing and wanted to help them and also wanted them to travel to do more in the different states.

    While the team cleans up I think they all bond and share different stories with each other and they all came together at the right time in their lives. What they needed the most was encouragement, inspiration and a team. I love Josephine’s character. She is a strong, independent, smart woman and glad she doesn’t let people run over her. She is human though, but her granddaughter gives her the same push that she gives her.

    This book makes me think, lately I have been volunteering to do more in the community, and I would love to do what she does and inspire more women and help more elderly people and that’s what I plan to do. We have to empower each other and inspire one another we go through so much in this world. We are scared to talk about it as a whole. We need that outlet; we need those stories. That will help people be more open to speak. We try to put those moments back in a dark place and hide those feelings.  I just watched the luckiest girl alive that I think us women need to watch.

    Check out the book and let me know your thoughts? Also Join Cece Book Club on Instagram and Facebook 

  • Interview with Nefertiti Austin

    Interview with Nefertiti Austin

    By: Where It Begins

     

    Q. Tell us about Nefertiti?

    A. I am the proud mother of two children, whom I adopted from the foster care system. I’m also a writer, author and my memoir. Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender and parenting, debuted on the 3rd hour of the Today show in September 2019. I have a master’s degree in African American Studies from UCLA and speak at training sponsored by the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services prospective foster and adoptive families.

    Q. What is one of your greatest experiences in life?

    A. One of the greatest life experiences was becoming a mother through adoption. Motherhood was always something I wanted though I wasn’t ready until my mid-30’s.

    Q. What advice can you give to other people who want to be an author?

    A. The best advice I can give is to simply read, write, edit, and repeat. Become intimately familiar with the genre you want to write. If you love sci-fi, then read sci-fi books to get a feel for the pacing, language and topics. Find a skilled editor, not your friend or your work. Be prepared to write multiple drafts of your books. It’s a very long process but worth it, if you stick with it.

    Q. What other projects are you working on?

    A. I am currently developing two tv shows and working on a children’s book. I also need to dust off a couple of novels that I started many moons ago.

    Follow me at @Iamneferitiaustin and website is www.nefertitiaustin.com

    To see full article go to https://issuu.com/cecewibnet/docs/wib_magz_may_2020_06_

     

     

  • Interview with Anna Black

    Interview with Anna Black

    By: Where It Begins

    Q. Tell us about Anna Black?

    A. Well I am a mom; I have one daughter who is now 22. I am originally from Chicago, born and raised and I have been living in Texas for a little over twenty-two years. I am not a full-time author just yet; my day job is Hotel/Hospitality management. I am a GM at a Wyndham property currently.

    Q. Who or what influenced you to be an author?

    A. Oh wow, I always had a love of reading, and I can’t say that anyone actually had an influence on me becoming an author, but a divorce from my first husband prompted me to write my very first book. After I had completed my fourth novel, I shared it with some friends, and they all encouraged me to pursue publishing.

    Q. What is one of your greatest experiences?

    A. Walking into a Walmart and seeing my book on the shelf. It was so gratifying, and I think other than becoming a mom that is one of the greatest moments.

    Q. Who is your favorite author?

    A. Brenda Jackson

    Follow me at @annablack72

    To see full article go to  https://issuu.com/cecewibnet/docs/wib_magz_may_2020_06_

  • Interview with Lerazia

    Interview with Lerazia

    By: Where It Begins

    Q. Tell us who Lerazia is?

    A.  LeRazia, is a driven woman. Outgoing, friendly, kind and caring vibe. A motivator. A goal getter, and most importantly a mother.

    Q. What or who inspired you to do fashion and be an author?

    A. When I was in high school, I was inspired by a lot of the new decade designs. Coming into the early 2000s there were a lot of new trends popping. There was always a hot book being passed around. I just wanted to be a part of Triple Crown Publications.

    Q. Tell us about your company “Petite with Curves”?

    A. Petite with Curves was inspired by myself and a few of my friends who desire a different taste in clothing. There is always an issue finding either small clothes or larger clothes that are stylish. So, I decided to hand make my own. Something that would continue to make me and the rest of the world unique.

    Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

    A. A designer in DC and/or New York Fashion week!! And I will speak it into existence until I am there.

    Follow me at @Petite_with_Curves

    Website http://www.petitewithcurves.wixsite,com/petite

    To see full article go to https://issuu.com/cecewibnet/docs/wib_magz_may_2020_06_

  • Interview with Darius Slaughter

    Interview with Darius Slaughter

    By: Where It Begins

    Q. Tell us who Darius the author is?

    A. That may actually be the hardest question I’ve gotten thus far. Let’s see: Mind west born, Third Coast raised, the fat kid who was overlooked and ignored, all district football player, National Merit Scholar, etc., and so on. On the flip side an ‘in-house bastard’- my pops remarried and decided I wasn’t necessary- so by JR year I had an 18-man crew and was a ghost. Now at 47 after multiple indictments, over half a decade in suspended animation and having enjoyed the best and survived the worst life has to offer I would simply say I am a survivor.

    Q. Tell us about your book “Hostile”?

    A. Hostile is a non-biased look at my last 7 years in the game it is neither a glorification nor a knock, but rather an intelligent look-a window if you will-into the complex world that comprises the darker side of society. HOSTILE provides an uncut, raw look at my decisions, my mental motivations, and the consequences and repercussions of said decisions.

    Q. What advice can you give to other authors?

    A. Believe in yourself and your vision and dedicate the time and energy into making your dreams a reality. As your project grows, know that support will come and go but success is solely in your hands.

    Q. Where can we get your book?

    A. The hardcopy and EBook are available on Amazon. Com under Hostile: An Urban Tragedy. For an autographed copy and more visit my website www.hostilebook.com

    Follow me at @hostilebook.com and website www.hostilebook.com

    To see full article go to https://issuu.com/cecewibnet/docs/wib_magz_may_2020_06_

  • The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman

    Book: The Bookish Life of Nina Hill

    Author: Abbi Waxman

    By: Cece Hymes

    Finally got a chance to read this book. It’s been on my list for awhile now. This book was about Nina. She was the only child to her mom who was always on the go and traveled the world so she was raised by her nanny. She never met her father; her mom told her she didn’t know who he was. She worked at a bookstore and loved doing trivia games and book club meets for the youth. She would always go by agenda.

    One day A man came into the bookstore to let Nina know that her dad had passed and left her something in his will for her. She is now in her 30’s to find out about her dad and that she has brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. Nina also likes this guy Tom, and he likes her too but they are both too shy to tell each other. They do trivia against each other on trivia game nights.

    Nina is not used to a lot of things going on all at one time she will get anxiety. Having a guy in her life, work problems, a family she just now meeting seem to be a lot for her. Could you imagine having all these thrown at you at one time? Do you think it’s time for change for Nina? Do you go by an agenda every week? I know I do an agenda to try to stay on task but it’s fine for things to pop up. It helps me to not forget meetings and things I need to get done. I think Nina is a nice person and has a big heart. I definitely could hang with her because I love to read books. It also made me think of opening a bookstore and how it would be.

    Check out the book and let me know what you think about Nina and Tom? Nina’s new family? Things always happen at the right time when you unexpecting it and it comes right on time. It seemed like everything came at the right time for Nina just all at once was too much for her. I liked the book. Hope it’s a part two. I would love to see what she does next.

    Make sure to Join Cece Book Club on Facebook and Instagram.

  • Interview with Author Elle Spencer

    Interview with Elle Spencer

    By: Where It Begins

     

    Quote from Elle Spencer

    “One of my best experiences happened in 2015 when I signed an official marriage certificate.”

    Q. Tell us more of who Elle Spencer is?

    A. I come from a large, close-knit family. We lived near the Rocky Mountains so my siblings and I spent our youth skiing, snowmobiling, and sledding down whatever hill we could find. It was a great place to grow up, but I prefer a warmer climate now which is a good thing since I live in California. I’ve had all kinds of jobs-massage therapist, frame builder- but nothing that was ever a passion until the writing came along. Now, I’m a full-time writer of lesbian romance. Still hard to believe that’s my job.

    Q. Tell us about the book 30 Dates in 30 Days?

    A. 30 Dates in 30 Days is my third full-length novel. It’s an irreverent humorous (I hope) look at dating when you’re trying to find “The One.” The main character is Veronica, an overworked attorney who’s trying to make partner and be married by the time she’s thirty-five. She’s about to achieve her professional goals, but her love life is pretty much non-existent. Her assistant Bea intervenes and sets Veronica up on blind dates that she’s chosen for her through a dating app. Since Veronica wants to be efficient about everything in her life, Bea suggests 30 dates in 30 days. Of course, chaos ensues because how could that ever go well? I think it’s a fun read, but I’m biased.

    Q. What are some of your other hobbies?

    A. I love to travel. I love to read. I love a good Netflix binge. Since my wife and I bought a home last year, most of my spare time is spent on home improvement projects. Browsing in Home Depot is my new hobby, or lowes, or Ikea. You get the picture.

    Q. What advice can you give to other authors?

    A. If you think you have a compelling story to tell, then get it out there. I think that’s especially important where voices are underrepresented. So, in my case, that’s LGBTQ, but the same is true for people of color and people of different socio-economic or cultural backgrounds. It’s so important that we all get our stories out there whether it’s romances, suspense thrillers, mysteries or any other genre. The more the better.

    Follow me @ellespencerwrites and www.ElleSpencerBooks.com

    To see full article go to https://issuu.com/cecewibnet/docs/wib_magz_may_2020_06_

  • Fake it Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley

    Book: Fake It Till You Bake It

    Author: Jamie Wesley

    By: Cece Hymes

    This book was a great read. It was about Jada and Donovan and their Journey. Jada comes from a rich family, but she wanted to build and get her own money. She went on this reality show which was like a dating show, and she ended up becoming the main contestant until he proposed. Donovan on the other end is a football player that wants more for the future. He and his best friends open a cupcake shop called Sugar Blitz, the cupcakes are great but just not getting the business it deserves. Jada and Donovan meet each other and I would not say it’s a great first meet. Come to find out she has to work for Donovan for some months. It’s rough at first but then they get to know each other and build a friendship and more. They fake a relationship for plenty of reasons but is it really fake……….

    I like these two characters. It shows that they both needed each other to balance. They both needed to find their way and become successful and to find love. I always go by the saying people come into your life for reasons and seasons. So come at just the right time. In this case they both came at the right time to push one another, to help one another with building a business and getting out their shell.

    They show me that there still are good men and women out there that love still exists. I know it’s a book, but it keeps my hope up that it will come to me soon. I love a good romance. One that shows you that life is not always easy but keep pushing and never give up. Something good is waiting for you on the other side. This book also showed how people can use you especially in this time and age. You have to watch out for the snakes.  Remember if you are single not to give up on love someone is out there waiting to meet you and you never know where you are going to meet that special person at.

    Check out the book andtell me what you think of the book also Join Cece Book club on Facebook and Instagram

  • The Secret to Love, Health And Money

    Book: The Secret To Love, Health, And Money

    Author: Rhonda Byrne

    By: Cece Hymes

    This book was about applying the law of attraction to three of life’s most important areas: Relationships, Health, and Money. It’s helping you to manifest and achieve personal happiness, relationships, great health, wealth and success. It shows you to change your mindset, think and manifest the things you want to achieve. If you want money, write yourself those checks. It’s the power of positive thoughts and feelings.

    Rhonda Byrne writes good stories. I also had a chance to read her book called the secret and watch the movie. It was really good. I enjoyed another positive book and movie I think everyone should see or read. If everyone has this mindset the world would be in a better place. I think positivity and having a positive mindset goes a long way. Just picture how thinking one way can change a lot in your life. Speak it in existence. Believe in what you want and picture already having it.

    We all should practice gratitude and visualization. It can lead you to the life of your dreams. Make sure to check out The Secret, The secret to Love, Health, And Money and the Movie tell me your thoughts.

    Also Join Cece Book Club on Instagram and Facebook

  • Good Morning, Love

    Book: Good Morning, Love

    Author: Ashley M. Coleman

    By: Cece Hymes

    This book was a good book. It was about a girl named “Carli” who works as an illustrious media agency with her musical dreams. She is also a writer. She writes music that’s always been her dream. Her dad is a big-time musician, but she doesn’t want to use her dad’s name. She wanted people to know how creative and how good her own talent was. She was the writer on this other guy project with one of her friends. She ends up meeting Tau Anderson, a rising star reminiscent of a young usher.

    Now Tau could get anyone he wanted as a young star in the music industry, but he thought Carli was cute and liked what she did. At first “Carli” gave him a hard time and showed no interest. That just made him want her more; he was up for the challenge. He liked her because she was different, she was not out there, she worked, had talent and was not a gold digger.

    Then you have Dylan who “Carli” has been working with her friend Red and Dylan is really into “Carli” but she didn’t realize it until she already was into Tau. Dylan gets jealous but they work out some problems.

    Carli tries to keep everything in control, but she has a lot going on with work, this new relationship, the group, and things with her parents and more. She just was tired of everyone controlling her life and that she wants to make her own decision. She jumps out on faith with Love and her passion. Even with all the negative talk from everyone she makes her choice. I think she was really bold and strong. I loved her character and I loved how she worked things out.  She goes through a lot of other things in the book, but you just have to read it to see.

    Things come to you in its own timing, and you just sometimes have to jump out there on faith. Stay consistent and follow your dreams.

    Check out the book and tell me your thoughts also so Join Cece Book Club on Instagram and Facebook.