Michelle recs 'The Other Side of Divine,' 'Sister Betty Says I Do'

Join me every week as I share a few shout-outs on romance author goings-on, related events and recommended reads.

Book rec

The Other Side of Divine by Vanessa Davis Griggs

Author Vanessa Davis Griggs' bio proves that she is multitalented and passionate about her vocation. She calls herself "God's Cheerleader," along with being an author and motivational speaker. She left her job after 18 years to step out on faith and pursue her purpose and passion -- writing. As creator of Free To Soar, Vanessa travels to inspire and encourage others -- both young and old -- to take flight and go beyond the limits. Her book list certainly reflects her success and continued focus to write outstanding inspirational books.

The Other Side of Divine, part of the Blessed Trinity series, comes ready to stir the spiritual and emotional senses into action. Each subplot is a wonderful lesson about frailties juxtaposed with strong spiritual faith. Vanessa uses powerful prose and an adept style to spread her faith and share an inspirational message.

Here's the blurb, courtesy of publisher Dafina:

Paris Simmons-Holyfield is finally pregnant with the baby she's dreamed of for so long. There's just ONE complication: she's not sure who the father is.

Meanwhile, after a battle to keep her adopted daughter and an ugly confrontation with Paris's family, Gabrielle Mercedes has finally found love and happiness. But when someone from her past shows up, it is merely another round of trouble.

Darius Connors is still...well, he's still being Darius Connors. As all three navigate the path from sin to redemption, can they forgive their way to the other side?

For more information, visit www.vanessadavisgriggs.com.

Book rec

Sister Betty Says I Do by Pat G'Orge-Walker

Author Pat G'Orge-Walker (G'Orge (pronounced Gee-or-jay) is not only a Christian author, but also a comedian who takes her observations of church life to create a humor mix. As the bio on her website says, "It is her own special gift from God that enables G'Orge-Walker to depict the often ridiculous antics of church folk without subverting the Good News or watering down the potency of its message."

Sister Betty Says I Do is laugh-out-loud funny, tender to the heart and an influential tool to stir the faith. Pat writes with the power of a spoken-word poetess that hearkens to the days when elders shared life's lessons under the guise of compelling stories. You read one story about Sister Betty and you are immediately hooked for another.

Here's the blurb, courtesy of publisher Kensington:

Sister Betty Sarah Becton and Trustee Freddie Noel (skinny and yellow as a number two pencil) are both on the far side of 60 but decide to jump the broom. But there ain't no drama like wedding-planning drama, especially in the small South Carolina town of Pelzer. Sweating in the Southern heat like "Friday night strippers sitting on Sunday morning church's second pew," church mothers Sasha Pray Onn and Bea Blister worry over Sister Betty's plans. But Freddie's off-and-on health issues may delay the big event. A wild bunch of extended family and church folk meddle in the plans lending the story a hilarious reality show vibe.

For more information, visit www.patgorgewalker.com.

Michelle Monkou celebrates her recent Kimani release, Passionate Game, available at major retailers and online. Her website is MichelleMonkou.blogspot.com.