Love-in-Books Event
Authors
The presenting authors are from all over the United States, from communities both urban and rural. They are amazing women with beautifully crafted stories to tell. They are dynamic and diverse in many ways. They share the commonality of belief in the power of the words to create narratives that represent the way they view the world. They are from all social economic backgrounds. Some were afforded financial stability throughout their lives; yet, many reside in impoverished communities with all the attendant negatives of high crime, poor educational systems and impoverishment. Many have been or are exposed to trauma in their personal lives. Some are working several jobs to provide for their families and living paycheck-to-paycheck. Some don’t have needed electronic devices; such as, computers, laptops or printers. Others are writing and publishing books from their cellular devices. It is a fact, too many who have written amazing stories, are limited by finances to having their books professionally edited or printed. And yet, they continue to write and their greatness is gleaming!
Antoinette Sherell
Author
"Salvage My Soul sheds a light on the mental health of two individuals who’ve undergone tragic losses without properly grieving. It depicts multi-layered family dynamics and their positive or negative effects on the characters’ healing. This novel touches on sensitive topics, such as therapy and substance abuse, that are deemed taboo in many households. Recovery, healthy coping mechanisms, and finding the courage to ask for help are all the main themes of this novel."
Elle Wright
Author
"Brilliant minds. Talented creatives. Ambitious, yet down-to-earth entrepreneurs. The Youngs prioritize family over money. While I was creating this series, the common thread between all the stories was irony. A relationship therapist that avoids commitment. A matchmaker that can’t find the man of her dreams. A marriage broker that finds herself embroiled in scandal and has to fake a romance to land a coveted spot in an organization. A wingman who struggles to tell the woman he’s loved for years how he feels. A private investigator running from his own past and future. A sex therapist and naughty toy designer who isn’t getting any sex. A sexy chef who handles everyone else’s business but can’t manage his own. And a personal trainer who is attracted to toxic women. Isn’t it ironic? Of course. But I love it. And I love this family."
Johnni Sherri
Author
"Her most popular series to date is Heartbreak U, a story about four diverse young women attending their freshman at an HBCU. Wrote from each girl's distinct point of view, Johnni shares their unique journey to both womanhood and sisterhood. This series was written for not only those in college but also those readers wanting to be transported in time, remembering when navigating freshman year was all so tough–for those wanting to remember what it was like to fall in love and have your heart crushed for the very first time. In this two-book series, Johnni targets real life themes; faith, sex, love and loss. It's a page-turner and a must-read."
Shvonne Latrice
Author
"Los Angeles native Shvonne Latrice is back with another novel set in her hometown titled Applying Pressure: A Love Story. This time she depicts PR agent Myomi Ford, and her inability to find a man that can be faithful to her. Although her current beaux hasn’t been caught red handed, Myomi’s women’s intuition provides a nagging feeling that he is just like her past romances. She soon runs across the handsome and overly persistent NFL player Ocean Pendrell, who not only plans to be the man of Myomi’s dreams but will do just about anything, no matter how shocking, to be sure he becomes the man in her life.
This standalone effort of Shvonne’s is true to her urban romance style, with a thrilling and suspenseful twist. The love story between heartbroken Myomi and the lightly off kilter Ocean will be sure to keep you on your toes."
Ashantay Keys
Author
"My Breadcrumbs series is about five brothers maneuvering through life. They are unapologetic and toxic but have genuine intentions. The series will make you laugh and cry but most importantly, It’ll make you smile and understand who The Coalman brothers are. You’ll definitely fall in love with one, if not all, of them."
Gabriela Ge
Author
"The Soul Series showcases romance with a realistic flair. Set to the gritty backdrop of my hometown New York City, the story captures the essence of blossoming love between two souls. I wrote this series to highlight issues such as mental illness and trauma from a first-person perspective. I wanted to show that even through the trials and tribulations of such issues, the ability to thrive in life and love is possible."
Masterpiece
Author
"I wrote 'A Beast Captured My Heart' with mental health in mind. The goal was for me to touch on true topics that can touch the hearts of many. A lot of people dance around mental health and make it as if it’s not important. Growing up, I watched my mother battle hard with mental issues and often wondered how society would view and accept her. I researched and took classes and even worked hands on with people that battled different mental disorders and saw that they too deserved to be loved. All of my books touch on different shapes, sizes and shades. Mainly the plus size community as well. However, “A Beast Captured My Heart” is very dear and close to home with me."
Sherelle Green
Author
For years, the Crowne siblings have lived by the code, Know Thy Enemy. However, what seems too good to be true usually is. Some say mafia. They say family. As the author of this series, I believe there is so much beauty to be found in what some consider dark and broken, just like the characters in this griQy series. Chicago is such a mulR-layered city and with every story, these siblings are challenged to trust their allies and defend the Crowne legacy, or come to terms with the fact that loyalty, love, and honor are luxuries they can't afford.
hQps://sherellegreen.com/crowne-legacy/
Tay Mo'nae
Author
"If I had to pick a book that shows me, it’ll be Tattoo Your Name On My Heart. This book shows my diversity as an author and shows how important plot and character development is to me. I also say my books are about complicated characters who find a path to love, and both characters in this one book alone represent that. Although it might be a little heavier read from my normal writing it shows all the elements of me as an author and gives readers clue on what to expect when it comes to style and development."