Book picks similar to
Playing Church by Shona


religion
african-american-authors
african-american-literature
christian-fiction

A Bend In The Road


Jean L. Kuhnke - 2019
    For three years she endured his neglect and forced poverty until her presence was requested by the high and mighty in-laws. To her shock, she learned some disturbing news that put her in a sticky situation. Living a long way from any family, she was forced to direct her own path taking her even farther from the security of loved ones. Just as she was about to plant roots, she heard from her absent husband with a threat to find her if she didn't return the money his parents paid her to disappear. Again she was uprooted and went even farther west into territory where it would be difficult to find her.

Seeking Naomi's Heart


Hannah Schrock - 2019
    Although he is an Englischer Naomi can’t help the way she feels about Marcus. He’s generous and kind and makes her heart skip a beat every time he smiles in her direction. But her parents have no idea about Naomi’s infatuation with the Englischer. Instead, they are worried that she will become a spinster since at the age of twenty-four she is yet to start courting. They devise a plan to match Naomi and Elmer Fischer without her knowledge. Even as Naomi wades through uncertain waters while courted by Elmer and still in love with Marcus, she doesn’t notice Levi Hauptfleisch. As her best friend’s brother, Levi has always been there but Naomi’s has never taken a second look. When certain events take place that makes Naomi realize how brittle life can be and how quickly things can change, it’s time for her to look into her heart and face what she finds. Will Marcus be able to compete with the Amish boys vying for Naomi’s heart? Can Elmer make Naomi see that he is the better man? Will Levi always remain in the shadows? Find out in this clean Amish romance and let your heart be taken on a wild ride of romance, deceit, and loss.

Wynter


Trenae' - 2018
    Her man ran the city, she lived in a home straight out of an urban fairytale, her bank account had no end and she was always rocking the finest of jewelry, clothing and bags. Women literally wanted to be Wynter, but all Wynter wanted to be was free. Loving Isaiah or Ice as the streets called, him wasn’t easy and came with a huge price. Wynter’s price was her best friend and sister, Rayne. Locking herself away from friends and the little family she had was Wynter’s solution to keep Isaiah’s violent behavior at bay. Being a prisoner in her own relationship came to an abrupt end and Wynter was finally able to be free. But not every fairytale has a happily ever after.

Meeting a man wasn’t in Wynter’s plans but that didn’t stop Supreme Harris from making sure those plans changed. The problem is, Supreme played by his own rules. Will Supreme be able to love Wynter pass the hurt or will he only help break her already fragile heart? With a new love on the horizon, people seem to forget that some love runs too deep to just walk away.

A Sensitive Heart (Heart #6)


Vivian Rose Lee - 2014
    She had finally gotten away from her hateful sister Cassandra Kendell and became a nanny to Cab and Dana Howard’s baby girl. Raini had a very dark past and she kept her secrets to herself out of fear that if her new employers discovered her shame, she would have no other alternative but to return to her sister and live the remainder of her life in hell. Dizzy Howard was the most sensitive of the five Howard Brothers, and ever since he was a small boy, he felt obligated to help the downtrodden or wounded, be they animal or human. When he first met Raini Smith in LA, she was the type of person that his heart always went out to. So he befriended her with the intention of bringing her out of her shell and showing her that just like anyone else, she too could have a happy life and existence. Unfortunately, there was a problem. He had no intention of ever falling in love with Raini, but he did, and if what his siblings were telling him was true, then Raini had fallen in love with him as well. Although she never voiced how she felt for him or ever displayed any kind of affection towards him, Dizzy felt that even though what he was feeling was right, the timing was all wrong. Raini was far too fragile to deal with any kind of emotional entanglement in her present condition and because of that, he tried his best to remain emotionally detached. But Dizzy didn’t kid himself. He knew that in spite of the oversized drab clothing that she always hid herself inside of, there was a beautiful woman underneath just waiting to be released. When his sisters took a dowdy Raini under their wings and gave her a coming out transformation of sorts, Diz was floored by the beautiful butterfly that had finally emerged from her cocoon. He wanted her now more than ever, but being a little confused by his feelings for her, he stubbornly refused to let his heart go and set out to dowse the flames of his growing attraction, offering only a token friendship instead.

She’s Only 15 part 2


Shameek Speight - 2018
    After being gunned down during the opening of the center honoring her daughter’s memory, Yvonne awakes alive and more determined than she’s ever been to have the persons responsible for her pain and suffering brought to justice. Relentless in her quest to help other girls that find themselves in situations similar to Sophia’s and to bring attention to her cause, she’s gains an enemy in the Cartel; who are just as determined to eliminate the threat she’s become. Willing to risk it all, Yvonne continues in her fight, regardless of the cost; but will she pay with her life?

When Winter Is Past


Janice Cole Hopkins - 2016
    He decided he would never love like that. He and his first wife had fared well together, but she’d died in childbirth. Now he’s decided to find another woman to marry. After all, a farmer needs a wife and sons. However, with the changes come important lessons and dangers that Stanton never imagined. Beth Evans has taken care of her father, since he fell from a barn roof and can no longer walk. People, like Fiona, have always made fun of her, because she has a limp. When Stanton befriends her, she’s wary but also intrigued. Her father encourages her to give Stanton a chance, but how can she be sure this is what’s best? All profits from the author’s books go to a scholarship fund for missionary children.

The Replacement Husband


Tiffany L. Warren - 2014
    Even though Quentin gave Chloe twenty million dollars to leave quietly, she longs for love and hopes that a move to Washington DC will expand her options to a new elite crowd. When Chloe meets ex-NFL star, Dustin McArthur, she thinks she's finally met the man of her dreams. He's sinfully handsome, lives in an exclusive neighborhood in Georgetown and knows how to show Chloe a great time, all while being the perfect gentleman. Chloe is sure she's struck the jackpot with Dustin, and hesitates to tell him about her past gold digger ways. But while Dustin seems like the whole package, there are a few chinks in his knight's armor. A wild past has left him with four children by four women, his finances are in disarray, and the A-list life he leads is merely smoke and mirrors provided by his NFL friends and Chi Kappa Psi Fraternity brothers. When Chloe and Dustin's secrets are revealed, will there be enough love to cover their multitude of sins? Or will Chloe's replacement fall short of the original? This is a novella.

The Preying Pastor


B. Love - 2019
    Growing up in a religiously strict home caused Dallas to do whatever it took to please her parents – even if that meant marrying her high school sweetheart, Seth, right after they graduated. Dallas and Seth had a genuine connection, but she didn’t think he was the man she was supposed to spend her life with. Still, she married him to make sure they didn’t have sex and start a family without making vows before God. After almost twelve years of hell on earth, Dallas is tired of the happily married First Lady façade that has been forced upon her. Just when she thinks she’s about to break free, tragedy strikes, and Seth’s evil deeds and enemies become her own. Silver lining? Ra Jake. When Ra Jake returns home, he has only two priorities – fix things with his ex, Cree, and successfully protect the Pastor’s wife. Under different circumstances, Ra would have turned down the job. Losing his last client has caused pain to plague Ra in a way that he never thought was possible. Had it not been for a favor being owed to an old friend, Ra would have never taken on the responsibility of guarding another human being’s life. Upon first meeting, Dallas and Ra would rather be anywhere than with each other. As time progresses, they create a genuine bond so deep it’s hard for anyone, Seth and Cree included, to be able to reach. But the old saying is… all good things must come to an end. Unfortunately, this rings true for Dallas and Ra, and they will have to fight for their hearts and their lives before Seth’s horrible decisions rob them of both.

The Black Mountain Dutchman


Steve Ritchie - 2010
    Outnumbered eight to one, the Dutchman sits perched on a bench near Savage Peak, watching the fugitives as they ride out onto the open prairie. He adjusts the sights of his Remington No. 1 Rifle and waits as the first rider comes into range. When he stops shooting, three of her captors lay sprawled on the prairie...dead. After striking the first deadly blows, the Dutchman trails the group across South Pass through the unpredictable Wyoming springtime weather, like the fourth horseman of the apocalypse…and surely Hell goes with him.

Sibling Rivalry


Vanessa M. Kirby - 2013
    Both sisters are teen parents with half-ass baby fathers, and both with the urge to provide the best life for their daughters. When jealousy comes poking around, some lines are crossed, rumors are spread and all bets are off. London is faced with the betrayal of her older sister, India, and stirs up the perfect formula for revenge. Blood isn't always as thick as you think!

The Sunday School Teacher 1 & 2: Combined


Cole Hart - 2019
    See, the older we get the more that we’re supposed to recognize that God moves on his own time, but it gets hard. Honestly, I didn’t have a clue whatsoever that I would have to go through something in life so harsh as this. On the days that I felt lonely and like the walls were closing in on me, I just called on God. Some days I wake up in the morning and decide that I’m not praying anymore or I’m just tired. God would instantly tap me on the shoulder and whisper… “Just a little bit of faith, Annabelle. That’s all you need. Keep going.” “But God you said…” “Keep going, Annabelle.” Many nights I’ve cried in my prison cell while studying my Bible, tear drops blurring out my passage. I often wondered what my life would’ve been like if I wouldn’t have ever met him. I wondered what it would’ve been like if I wouldn’t have ever gone to that church. What it would’ve been like if my Mama would have never died and left me out here all alone? What it would’ve been like if I… Then God tapped me on my shoulder again, and I turned around looking for him. The small dark cell is where I was sitting as tears still poured from my eyes. I can still hear Him say. “Now imagine what it be like if you would have never accepted me as your Lord and savior. I know what I’m doing, Annabelle. I don’t make mistakes. Come here and let me show what I’m talking about…”

The Diary of a Side Chick 2 (Side Chick Diaries)


Tamicka Higgins - 2015
     Still reeling from the discovery that she's pregnant with Tron's baby, Desirae wrestles with how to tell him. When he finally agrees to meet with her, she soon learns the club owner is in no way the fairytale father she'd dreamed he might be. Desirae's illusion of the man is shattered as he attempts to convince her to get rid of their child. When Tron's ex-girlfriend confronts Desirae, their argument quickly turns violent, landing the two behind bars. Forced to spend time with one another in jail, they get to talking, discovering together just how manipulative and shady the man they share really is. The former enemies shape an alliance, vowing that Tron will soon pay for his infidelities. Will Desirae find the courage to not only stand up to Tron, but to become more for her unborn child than just some man's side chick?

King Dingaling: An African American Erotica


Cumilla Jenkins - 2019
    Fuck Me. Those are words that Dakota “King Dangling” Jackson likes to hear. He earned his reputation during his porn star days, but everything they say about him is true. He’s a beast in the bedroom. Always has been. Always will be. But has he met his match? Along comes Skyy, and she’s not like any other woman Dakota has ever come across. She doesn’t want love. She just wants to cum. And Dakota was the perfect man for the job. But, somehow, sex always leads to something else. Someone always wants more. But both Dakota, and Skyy, have other lovers in the picture and none of them are willing to give them up without a fight. In this sexy, fast-paced read, find out if King Dingaling will ever get his Queen.

Slow Ride Home (A Sunburned Land #4)


Juliette Duncan - 2020
    She’s spirited and fiercely independent…Joshua Goddard has lived in the shadow of his father and brother all his life. He wants more from life than simply taking tourists on overnight cattle drives.Stella Martin has always done things her way. So what if she’s made mistakes? Doesn’t everyone?Can a visit to Goddard Downs help her find the love she’s secretly sought but never found?Slow Ride Home is Book Four in the Sunburned Land Series, a contemporary Christian romance set in the beautiful, rugged and remote Kimberley area of northern Australia. Grab your copy now and be blessed.

You Thought He Was Yours


Denora M. Boone - 2017
    She has a beautiful home and her bank account is no longer struggling. She knows that the success that she has been blessed with is only because of the God she serves. She just wishes that He would finally send her the husband her heart desires. Unfortunately, that prayer had yet to be answered because the man that holds her heart, is married to someone else. Bless Williams once had a promising professional career in the NFL but an injury in college caused that dream to turn into a nightmare. The one thing that made that defeat bearable was knowing that he had his beautiful wife Trinity by his side. She was there before the fame but once the limelight dimmed, so did the flames that she once had for him. As much as Bless prayed that God return His wife’s heart back to him and heal their marriage, he would soon see that the secrets that are exposed won’t allow it. Both Bless and Anya believe in the sanctity of marriage and wouldn’t dare enter into anything that God frowns upon. But what is a heart to do when it wants what it wants? Could Anya be the one that Bless was meant to be with and if so why had God sent Trinity during one of the most difficult times of his young life? Love is a hard thing to get rid of especially when you thought he was yours.