Book picks similar to
Talk to Me by Pat Simmons


african-american
african-american-christian-fiction
christian-read
romance

Confessions of a First Lady


Denora Boone - 2014
    Veronica and her husband Marvin served as the heads and founders of “Clover Hill Church of God in Christ” in Atlanta, GA. From the outside looking in, one would never be able to tell that this family had not always been perfect in God’s eyes. The Millhouses had three beautiful children - a son Marvin, Jr., and a set of twin girls Destiny and Dynasty. Even Marvin Jr.’s girlfriend was an example of near perfection. They were admired, loved and respected by their entire congregation. But what happens when buried secrets and hidden indiscretions get exposed for the whole world to see? Iesha was a bitter, deranged female who had been scorned by her ex-lover. Having lived years as a prostitute had taken its’ toll on her and she looked for someone to blame. Her life’s focus was to get revenge and cause havoc in someone’s life that did not want her and had moved on. She went through hell and high waters to make sure she destroyed her ex lover’s life by any means necessary. Her move from Chicago to Atlanta had nothing to do with a job, as she had told her family; she was finally putting years of planning into motion. Everyone has a past. Take a journey with the Millhouse family and find out firsthand how secrets, lies and betrayal can turn a family upside down.

For Love and Grace


Kendra Norman-Bellamy - 2004
    For Love and Grace by Kendra Norman-Bellamy released on Oct 25, 2004 is available now for purchase.

Yesterday's Promise


Vanessa Miller - 2009
    So, when her father, Bishop Langston Johnson, decides to step down after thirty years of leadership at Omega Christian Center, it seems only natural for her to take his place. But Bishop Johnson feels led by a God who has other things in mind, and to succeed him, he appoints Steven Marks-a man who is opposed to female pastors, not to mention the fact that he is Melinda's ex-fiance. Feeling defeated, Melinda nevertheless maintains her position as the church's Missions and Community Outreach Director. Frequent interaction with the new bishop incites bitter sparring-and rekindles long-suppressed attraction, which grows only stronger when Melinda develops a relationship with Steven's precious daughter, Brianna, who's still struggling with the death of her mother. Can Steven and Melinda set aside past pains, forgive each other, and learn to love again?"

The Bishop's Daughter


Tiffany L. Warren - 2009
    She keeps the business affairs of her father’s successful Atlanta church in order—but can’t get her personal business moving in the right direction. She’s the oldest and most reliable of Bishop Kumal Prentiss’s children—but is wonder if she’s tried too hard not to be a “wild preacher’s kid.” So Emoni is definitely intrigued when sparks fly between her and Freedom of Life’s newest member, Darrin Bainbridge. He’s handsome, works hard on growing in faith and his writing career, and sees the passionate, strong woman Emoni really is. But Darrin isn’t telling his whole story…and has secrets as deep as his charm. Now Emoni’s family is in turmoil, her father’s reputation is on the line, and Emoni doesn’t know which way is up. She’s going to have to face some truths, learn forgiveness, and break some rules…if she’s ever to find heaven-sent happiness.

Destined


Patricia Haley - 2009
    But after three years of self-imposed exile, he has returned to take over DMI at the gentle urging of beautiful Abigail, who was once his father’s assistant. His brother, Joel, plagued by a slew of illicit affairs and poor judgment, is plunging the business into ruin, and Don’s plans to secretly assume control of the ministry come into question when his estranged sister refuses to help him. Don must decide whether to face down his power-hungry brother to save the ministry his father worked so hard to build—and take a chance on an unrequited love he never dreamed Abigail would reciprocate—or return to South Africa to find refuge in his own thriving company and the budding romance he left behind. After much soul searching, Don comes to realize that his destiny is inescapable. Patricia Haley’s evocative modern-day interpretation of these popular biblical tales will keep readers riveted until the stunning conclusion.

What Kind of Fool


Rhonda McKnight - 2012
    She's forgiven him for his affair, but she won't forget, even though her heart is telling her to. Shortly after she files divorce papers, she finds out her non-profit organization is being investigated by the IRS for money laundering. In the midst of the very public scandal, Angelina becomes ill. Through financial and physical trials, she learns that faith and forgiveness may really be the cure for all that ails her, but can she forgive the people who hurt her most?Sexy, successful Dr. Gregory Preston didn't appreciate his wife when he had her. His affair with a devious man-stealer has him put out of his home and put off with women who continue to throw themselves at him. Greg wants his wife back, but he'll have to do some fancy operating to get her. When the secrets and lies from his past continue to mess up his future, Greg finds himself looking to the God he abandoned long ago for a miracle only faith can provide.Samaria Jacobs finally has the one thing she's always wanted: a man with money. The fact that she's in love with him is a bonus, but even so, life is anything but blissful. She's paying for her past sins in ways she never imagined and living in fear that the secret she's keeping will separate them forever.

Get You Good


Rhonda Bowen - 2013
    But both are in jeopardy when her brother, Dean, announces his sudden engagement to the conniving Sheree Vern. Much to Sydney's dismay, Dean inherits ownership of Decadent, despite his lack of interest. Now he and Sheree are selling the chain to finance his dreams of becoming a music producer—or so Dean believes…Thanks to Sheree, Dean’s plans, the business, and his marriage, soon implode in ways he never expected—leaving Sydney determined to salvage whatever she can, and fix the mess left behind. Her only solace is her romance with Hayden Windsor. But Hayden is Sheree’s half brother, and it doesn’t take long for Sydney to wonder if Hayden knew about Sheree’s scheming all along? Soon Sydney creates a deception of her own to find out the truth. Her strategy is working, until the consequences threaten to destroy everything she values most—including her faith. Overcome with guilt, can she make things right with her brother, with Hayden, and with God?...

Don't Blame the Devil


Pat G'Orge-Walker - 2010
    So after hearing of her daughter-in-law's sudden death, Delilah decides that coming to the rescue of her long-estranged son, Jessie, and her granddaughter, Tamara, would be a good look.  .  .though Lord knows she'll have to dig hard to find her maternal instincts.But Delilah quickly discovers Jessie wants nothing to do with her. And Tamara, who's following in Delilah's musical footsteps, isn't interested in her career advice, especially since Delilah got ahead using the singing couch. And Delilah's old flame, Deacon Pillar, an ex-convict who's traded in his gangster ways for a Bible, is stirring up a past that's sure to shock..."Hilarious faith-based romp.  .  .Walker shines a little light on a wacky family reunion with her usual inspirational, knee-slapping style." --Publishers Weekly "A comic novel about mistakes and second chances." --Library Journal

Samson


Jacquelin Thomas - 2010
    He’s a man of God—and most definitely no saint. Handsome and charismatic, Samson is controlled by his lust for beautiful women, a weakness that stirs up trouble, heartache, betrayal, and damaging rumors—and soon costs him his marriage, his best friendship, and even his new job. Samson loves God and tries harder than ever to keep his temptations in check. Then he meets Delinda…Beautiful, irresistibly sexy, and married to a famous NBA star, Delinda has Samson head-over-heels in love…in a dangerous affair that leads to a physical confrontation with Delinda’s husband.Now, the disgraced pastor begins a journey he could never have anticipated, where his heart is now his guide—not a heart of lust, but of new wisdom and a new kind of seeing. God will forgive Samson’s past—but will Samson himself be able to let go of bitterness and regret, and find a new light in his life?Inspired by the Biblical tale of Samson and Delilah, Jacquelin Thomas powerfully portrays a modern-day pastor’s dance with earthly desires…and the faith that made him whole.

Sent From Heaven (Ahsyad Publication Presents...)


Dee Dee M. Scott - 2013
    Left to raise a baby without the assistance of the married father, she has given up on finding a prince on a white horse to rescue her. Enter Cardiologist and single father, Ford Tucker. Dr. Tucker is all work and no play. He has dedicated his life to work and raising his daughter. When Ford becomes Maya’s Cardiologist, he is instantly smitten with her. Sparks fly and the passion’s hot as ever between the two. But just when Ford thinks he has finally found Ms. Right, and Maya thinks she’s found her prince, a devastating secret is revealed that will rock the core of their relationship. Will their bond survive the terrible secret? Or will Ford end up alone and Maya prince less?

He's Fine... But is He Saved?


Kimberley Brooks - 2004
    Sandy attracts men who are only interested in sex. Now that she is saved, will she ever meet the right one? Michelle dated Pierre Dupree, her church's finest and most eligible bachelor. Could he be The One? Liz hasn't dated in over two years. She is too busy taming her single mother who is forty-five going on twenty-five. Will Liz ever have time for a man, or does she even want one? Find out what happens in these three ladies' lives and whether or not God answers their prayers, and once finished read as they continue their journey in the bestselling sequel, He's Saved...But is He For Real?

Church Chick


Michelle Carey - 2012
    In a shallow attempt to move forward, she marries the older Deacon of the church, but is liberated when he dies on their wedding night. Now free to find love and happiness, Sabrina discovers the dark side of love and lust when she is confronted by her new best friend Blair; when Blair thinks Sabrina has stolen the man she loves.

Knockin' Boots


Tracy Price-Thompson - 2005
    . . .Kevin Lawson has a secret. This hard-charging army sergeant is drawn to seedy sex dens, adult bookstores, and kinky encounters with multiple partners. To hide his cravings, Kevin uses his wife to solicit bedroom playmates and to indulge his ever-growing fantasies. A preacher’s daughter, college graduate, and ex-stripper, “Freak Nasty” Fancy Lawson has done it all and loved every moment of it. But now Fancy must face the truth of her husband’s sexual addiction or risk losing the one constant in her ever-changing world.Emile Pinchback is a dark-skinned brotha with issues, especially when it comes to his bootylicious, ghetto-fabulous nubian sistahs. He worships at the feet of the slender, blond-haired Becky Ann. But once he looks past her milky skin and into her heart, his racial stereotypes are blown wide open.Sexy and full of Brooklyn spice, Sparkle Henderson loves on the black-hand side or not at all. Just a whiff of jungle fever can send her flying into a rage, but when she’s caught in a web of sexual trickery, she finds love in a strange place and is forced to reexamine her beliefs.With a fresh look at love and lust in uniform, Tracy Price-Thompson’s sensual characters come alive in this erotically-charged page-turner of urban life.

Strongholds (The Blessed Trinity Series, #2)


Vanessa Davis Griggs - 2008
    . . When Pastor George Landris, the dreadlock-wearing minister of the new mega-church, Followers of Jesus Faith Worship Center, urges his congregation to approach the altar and cast off their strongholds--also known as their weaknesses--it's the start of intense soul-searching for many.From a married couple's twin addictions to gambling and gluttony, to a female member's adulterous affair, a computer expert's obsession with cyber-porn and a therapist's workaholism, the Pastor's church family is about to open the proverbial floodgates. And that's just the beginning. There's also the woman whose battle with mental illness hides a buried trauma, and the religious devotee who's so busy fearing the devil she's forgotten what faith is really about. The plot only thickens when the Pastor's wife lightens his load by helping him counsel--and finds herself at the center of a decades-long deception.Insightful, witty, and always poignant, Vanessa Davis Griggs delivers another compelling novel, taking readers behind the scenes of mega-churches, and showing the amazing power that redemption and faith can have on people's lives.

Last Temptation


Michelle Stimpson - 2010
    It is a story of temptation, love, lust, anger, and betrayal. Ms. Stimpson writes a fictional novel that is inspirational and full of hope." --Urban Reviews Sensible single mother Patricia "Peaches" Miller isn't about to follow in her mama's footsteps and become dependent on a man. But when she doesn't see eye to eye with the man she wants to marry, she knows that returning to a life of girls' nights out, retail therapy, and chocolate peanut clusters just won't do for her. Then Raphael, her son's father, steps back into the picture--and clearly his attraction to Peaches is stronger than ever. There's just one problem. Raphael has already pledged his heart to another woman.Peaches has been praying for a perfect family for a long time. Deep down she knows this can't be God's idea of an answer--but can you blame a girl for hoping? Now, as she battles with temptation, and with her faith, she's not sure which will win..."Michelle Stimpson will have you laughing, crying and relating to each of her vivid, vocal characters." --AAMBC Book Reviews "Michelle's characters always have their own vibrant personalities--this one will keep talking in your head long after the book is through!" --Kendra Norman-Bellamy