Happy Holidays everyone, I’m so thankful for the love and adoration of my family and dearest friends. I’m also very thankful for God’s enlightenment and wisdom.  He gave me charge over two beautiful daughters that never cease to amaze me.  I want to take a moment to proclaim my unyielding, unwavering love for my children.  Christmas time has always been a wonderful time in our family; whether the presents were plentiful or sparse I always had so much love in our hearts.

I look at them understand the depths of God’s love for me. He gave me two precious sprits that delight my heart and helped me make the best memories. Our trip to Atlanta this year was so remarkable; just me and my girls enjoying the best of Atlanta, Georgia, well…also with the rest of the authors that belong to Romance Writers of America.  I’m glad we were able to visit my family and make great memories at the Atlanta Aquarium.  I’ll never forget how cousin Khalid helped me touching stingrays and didn’t let me know I would get covered with water during the interactive movie. And cousin Mike was the best tour guide; he made sure we got some shopping done in Buckhead and visited all of our family.

Next year my family will hit San Antonio, Texas.  I’ve never been there so we’ll explore the city together and make some wonderful memories. The hotel is booked so let’s take in the best that Texas has to offer and enjoy the Texas hospitality.

This holiday season is bittersweet for me; I had to correct something that wasn’t strengthening my family. My children made me take a long look at how they were being affected by the inactions of someone I loved.  I’m thankful of their bravery to speak their truth.  I know it wasn’t easy but it was necessary for our family to remain a strong, loving unit. They deserve to have people around them that enjoy, and look forward, to spending time with them.  They are the best parts of me; it’s like God took my heart and created them from the best pieces of it. I’m relieved to know they entrust me with their deepest feelings.

Well, next year is about restoration for my family. We’ll make some long awaited dreams come true and fill each month with as much love and joy as possible. And if fates allows, Christmas 2014 will be the apex of some great holiday memories.

Enjoy the last days of 2013, everyone. And thanks again for checking out my blog, reading my novels, voting for your favorite author, and for listening to my radio talk show.  We made some great memories this year.

I want to take a moment to enjoy what I'm feeling tonight. My heart is filled with gratitude for everyone that made all of the nominees feel special in the last couple months.

Unlike traditional awards shows that carry more romance industry notoriety, like the RITA, the Angie awards is a fan-based platform to increase awareness of the growth of the Multicultural/Interracial/African-American romance genres.  These reader-based awards serve to remind writers their fans appreciate their efforts.

Wow! What a night! My mind is still reeling. I was surprised by some of the winners and the nomination letters were a nice touch.
 
I'm humbled that readers made their voices heard with this platform.  They reminded these authors that their talent is noticed and enjoyed by many readers. So I must take a moment to say 'I thank you for taking the time to bring these special authors to our attention.'

We are grateful be able to give readers a place to acknowledge the authors that entertained them. And we hope to inspire all of the authors to continue to nurture their fan bases.