BCNN1/BCBC National Bestsellers List - Fiction - October 2009
Discover the BCNN1/BCBC National Bestsellers List for Fiction from October 2009, featuring top Christian and African American literature. Explore standout novels by ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Victoria Christopher Murray, and Kimberla Lawson Roby, including *A Deep Dark Secret* and *The Pastor's Wife*, in this curated roundup of must-read books.
Book
A Deep Dark Secret
by Kimberla Lawson Roby
The New York Times bestselling author returns with the moving story of a family who learns to overcome betrayal and secrets with courage and love On the outside, twelve-year-old Jillian Maxwell is the perfect child. She's helpful with chores around the house, gets straight As in school, has plans for college, and stays out of trouble. She seems to have everything a girl could want: a big, beautiful new home, an adoring little sister, a mother who cares about her, and an attentive stepfather. But inside, Jillian harbors a terrible secret. Too frightened to tell, convinced that her friends and loved ones, especially her mother, won't understand—and worse, will blame her—Jillian endures her pain in silence, believing that things will get better. However, as time passes and her dilemma intensifies, the bright, hardworking girl becomes sullen and disinterested in her studies. Then, just when it seems she's on the verge of losing everything, Jillian discovers she has more strength than she ever imagined…and the power to change her fate. With sensitivity and grace, Kimberla Lawson Roby addresses a very real and serious issue, while delivering the inspiring tale of one family's mission to shed light into the darkest corner of their lives.
Book
A Sin and a Shame
by Victoria Christopher Murray
After breaking up her best friend's marriage by seducing her husband, Jasmine Larson takes up an insincere Christian lifestyle in New York, becomes engaged to a minister, and discovers she is pregnant with another man's child.
Book
The Last Woman Standing
by Tia McCollors
Four years after mutual workaholism ended their marriage, Ace and Lynette Bowers discover their lasting love for one another in the wake of Ace's girlfriend's determined schemes and his unwillingness to commit to marriage.
Book
Jezebel
by Jacquelin Thomas
A modern retelling of the biblical story of Jezebel chronicles the exploits of manipulative Georgia beauty Jessie Belle, who, as part of her plans to escape town, weds trusting pastor Traynor Devereaux, who has no idea that his cunning bride is not only planning for a whole new life but is also running from a past that could destroy both of their reputations. Reprint.
Book
Practicing What You Preach
by Vanessa Davis Griggs
The wedding between Angela Gabriel and Brent Underwood promises to be the Birmingham event of the year--and aspiring event planner Melissa Anderson has been working feverishly to make it happen. During this hectic time, she even agrees to go out on a date with a most unlikely prospect: Marcus Peeples. When it came to Marcus, it definitely wasn't love at first sight. But after a lovely evening together of Bible study at Followers of Jesus Faith Worship Center, Melissa has a change of heart. She learns not only is Marcus a successful investor, but he's also a gifted minister. There's just one hitch: He's divorced--a fact Melissa can't reconcile with scripture even though she knows he's a good man and father. But when Marcus's diva ex-wife decides she wants him back, Melissa soon discovers love, divorce, and faith have quite a bit in common. . . Praise for Vanessa Davis Griggs and her novels. . . "This inspirational novel leaves the reader eager to know what Griggs plans next for this spiritual family." --Publishers Weekly on Blessed Trinity
Book
Miracle's Boys
by Jacqueline Woodson
Winner of the 2001 Coretta Scott King Award, in Miracle's Boys, three young outsiders struggle to make it through when their parents die and leave them to survive on their own. An ALA Best Book for Young Adults.
Book
Watercolored Pearls
by Stacy Hawkins Adams
Each at different places in their lives, three women--Serena, a stay-at-home mom; Erika, who is haunted by her abusive past; and Tawana, a lawyer trying not to let her ambitions destroy her life--turn to each other, and to God, to unleash their inner beauty.
Book
Abraham's Well
by Sharon Ewell Foster
Armentia, an aged black Cherokee woman, remembers her youth, her family, and their struggle to hold on to their dreams.
Book
The Pastor's Wife
by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
From bestselling author ReShonda Tate Billinglsey comes a charming novel filled with love, laughter, inspiration and drama as Pastor Terrance searches for his Mrs. Right. 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. But 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.
Book
Nothing But Drama
by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
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.
Book
True Friends
by Stephanie Perry Moore
When her African-American family moves to a new town after her father takes a football coaching job at a historically black university, ten-year-old Carmen learns important lessons about friendship and prejudice.
Book
Truth Be Told
by Victoria Christopher Murray
The author of The Personal Librarian and Essence bestsellers Temptation and Joy returns with a story about one woman's personal and spiritual journey to overcome the consequences of her husband's dark secret. Grace Monroe has the ideal life: a devoted husband, adoring daughters, and a booming career in politics. Newly elected on a Christian platform to the Los Angeles city council, she is determined to put her mistakes behind her and focus on her bright future. But when a secret from her husband's past is revealed, setting off a chain of attacks that threaten to rip her family apart, Grace must face a dilemma that will force her to question her life and her faith.
Book
Playing God
by Michelle McKinney Hammond
Hammond explores the heartache that can come when women try to play God in their own lives. This riveting novel with intersecting story lines reminds readers that God is loving, all-knowing, merciful, and the One completely in control.
Book
I Know I've Been Changed
by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Raedella Rollins left 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 she's a top-rated talk show host and fiancee to Houston's star councilman. When her ragtag family comes knocking, the last thing she wants is an unexpected reunion with her over-the-top relatives. But when her picture-perfect life turns out to be an illusion, can Rae open her heart to the healing that only faith and family can provide?
Book
Church Folk
by Michele Andrea Bowen
Mississippi, 1963. Essie Lee Lane is a small-town girl who doesn't take "stuff" from nobody. Yet even she isn't ready for the Reverend Theophilus Simmons, one of the South's most fiery and respected young preachers. Down-to-earth, caring, and oh-so-fine, he's everything Essie never thought she'd find in a man, and he realizes she is everything a pastor needs in a wife. But Essie and Theophilus soon discover that dealing with the contentious members of Theophilus's church will be no honeymoon-especially when a couple of First Lady wannabes and a few blasphemous preachers enter the picture. With their parishioners in turmoil and their denomination facing a major scandal, Essie and Theophilus must put their faith and love to the ultimate test as they struggle to lead their congregation to God's sweetest rewards.
Book
The Ex Files
by Victoria Christopher Murray
There are four ways a woman can handle heartbreak: She can fall apart, seek revenge, turn cold, or move on. The Ex Files follows the reverberations of heartbreak in the lives of four women. When Kendall Stewart finds her husband and her sister in bed together, she vows to never let anyone get that close again. But when she is faced with saving the life of the woman who destroyed hers, will she be able to forgive? In another thread, NBA superstar tells his mistress, Asia Ingrum, that he's decided to honor his marriage vows, her shock quickly gives way to revenge—but her decision may come back to haunt their five-year-old daughter. Then there’s Vanessa Martin, whose life revolves around obsessing over why her husband has committed suicide. Even worse, she contemplates joining him in eternity. Will Vanessa be able to gather the strength to live again? And Sheridan Hart is finally finding her way after a lie destroyed her seventeen-year marriage. Her new love is ready to get married, but will she commit to this younger man or is her ex-husband taking up too much space in her heart? When their pastor asks Kendall, Asia, Vanessa, and Sheridan to meet weekly for prayer, they can't imagine they will have anything in common. But then a devastating tragedy strikes, and these strangers are forced to reexamine their choices. Will they find true friendship, or will prayer—and their union—fail them?
Book
Now and Then, Again
by Bonnie Hopkins
Now entering mid-life, Vann Sinclair is ready to do for herself after years of doing for others. But the serene life Vann expected with early retirement turns out to be just a dream. Everything happens for a reason, and Vann soon finds unexpected wonders.
Book
With Friends Like These
by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
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? Includes a reader's group guide! Be sure to read the previous novels in ReShonda Tate Billingsley's fresh and fun series that looks at the Ten Commandments in a whole new light: Nothing But Drama and Blessings in Disguise -- now available! ReShonda Tate Billingsley is a 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 three 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; and I Know I've Been Changed, a Main Selection of the Black Expressions Book Club. Her previous Christian teen novels are Nothing But Drama and Blessings in Disguise, both available from Pocket Books. She is also a contributor to the story anthology Have a Little Faith. Visit her website at www.reshondatatebillingsley.com.
