Cece In The City

Tag: Books

  • Interview with Karen Arrington

    Interview with Karen Arrington

    By: Where It Begins

    Q. Tell everyone who Karen is?

    A. I am Karen Arrington-Empowerment coach, Author, Goodwill Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Founder of the Miss Black USA Pageant, and international Philanthropist. I’m here to help women write the new rules of power, opportunity + life-changing confidence. I’m here to give women the tools, inspiration & connections they need to redefine their destinies and defy expectations.

    Q. What or who inspired you to be this empowering woman you are today?

    A. I grew up around strong, intelligent black women like my mom. I was also strongly influenced and inspired by the stories of Abolitionists Lucretia Mott, Ida B. Wells, Maria Weston Chapman, Sojourner Truth and others who carried an insurmountable weight while challenging sexism and black people’s access to the ballot box. They paved the way for us to rewrite the rules of power and opportunity.

    Q. I see that you are an Ambassador for Goodwill. How did you get into that?

    A. A goodwill Ambassador of a country is a huge honor. It’s considered an honorary diplomat

    Q. What inspiration can you give to others?

    A. How BIG do you want to live? Your NEXT LEVEL life is closer than you think. Don’t settle for a life of invisibility and mediocrity. Set ambitious goals, reach for bigger opportunities, and know that you are brave enough to get what you deserve.

    Follow me at @karen_arrington and website at www.karenarrington.com

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

    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_

  • Scenes from My Life a memoir Michael K. Williams

    Book: Scenes From My Life a Memoir Michael K. Williams

    Author: Michael K. Williams with Jon Sternfeld

    By: Cece Hymes

     

     

    This book was a memoir on Michael K. Williams. Just reading about his journey and the different things he went through in life. To start it off just to hear about how his mom treated him as a kid I felt really bad. He wasn’t shown the love that he needed. He was bullied in school for the type of clothes that he wore. He lived in the rough parts of the city. Michael got on drugs at an early age. He was on hard drugs. He had been molested in his life and had been through a lot at an early age. Going through so much pain and not having people to really talk too would take you down the wrong path. That’s when drugs and alcohol come in place then you get an addiction and want to stay in that zone.

     

    Michael K Williams had been homeless and staying at house to house in the time when he got a call for a video and later a film. I can say he was very talented and even through all the things I have read and the things he went through. He was going to be a model at one point of time and got into an altercation where he got his face cut up. That still did not stop him from getting gigs. He learned to be an actor in the process. He did all these things while being in a dark place. Can you imagine being molested, being young and homeless, feeling like your family didn’t care and getting bullied so young. When he got in the film the wire, he really blew up everyone knew his character even Obama watched the show and knew who he was. He talks about that also in his book. He did good in the community and even spoke to kids about the hard life he had been through. I hate that he kept relapsing and going back to drugs.

     

    Even though he had an addiction it did not make him a bad person. With the addiction he still did things for the community he still pushed himself to do gigs and even though his mom was rough on him he still was there for her. You can not judge a book by its cover.

     

    Make sure to check out Michael K. Williams book if you are a fan and R.I.P. to him. Glad he got a chance to tell his story before he left this earth. Let me know your thoughts on the book and also join Cece Book Club on Facebook and Instagram. 

  • Love Her or Lose her book spotlight by Tessa Bailey

    To see full article go to
    https://issuu.com/cecewibnet/docs/wib_magz_april_2020-update_28032020_26b45b5598d0a6

  • 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

  • LE’RAZIA PRESENTS

    To see full Magazine go to
    https://issuu.com/cecewibnet/docs/wib_magz_april_2020-update_28032020_26b45b5598d0a6

  • Love Radio By Ebony LaDelle

    Book: Love Radio

    Author: Ebony LaDelle

    By: Cece Hymes

    This book was about Dani Ford and Prince Jones, which is their last year in school and they are trying to figure out life and love. Dani has a group of friends she hung out with but this one friend everyone warned her about, but she still saw potential in her. They decide to go to the college dorm with some guys and some things go down that Dani was not proud of and closes herself away from everyone until she meets Prince, and he brings life back to her.

    Prince Jones was a nice guy who is a DJ and also on the Radio, they call him DJ LoveJones he gives relationship advice also in his radio segment. Prince helps with his mom who has MS and his brother. He tries to find time for everyone and include love into it.

    Prince and Dani are going through a lot in life but still seem to bring out the best in each other. They both teach each other and take it slow. I love the point that they become best friends first before anything else. It’s great to know there are still great guys out there.

    I love a great Love story. Just to know there are still good people out there and Love still exists in this time and age. Even though this is a book it still gives me hope that it’s out there and I am ready for it. These young kids out do the adults they planned great dates, and gifts. Find yourself and be happy then you can make everyone else happy. Live your life, enjoy and have fun. Be open to meeting new people and believe in love and that it still exists. The most important thing is make sure you ready.

    Check out Radio Love and tell 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.