http://maxinethompsonbooks.com Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:43:41 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Burn Out or Divine Discontent? Recently, I attended a law school graduation for author, novels, (Black Deception and Cloning,) Physician’s Assistant, Monica Regina Satterfield Guilliemen. This is a second career for her, which is quite an accomplishment. As her writing mentor, of course, I’m very proud of her for taking this step, and specializing in Intellectual Properties. Afterwards, while we were sitting at her luncheon, I heard one of the guests, who said he’d been an insurance broker for 25 years, say that he was burnt out with his job. I started to intercede and tell him that was a good thing to be burnt out. But, I kept my opinion to myself. It reminded me of my own situation. Whenever I get burnt out, which happens every few years, it’s time to reinvent my life. I’m at that point again. Therefore, I decided to revisit an article I wrote about 10 years ago, after I made the transition from social worker to literary entrepreneur. Listen to your spirit when it’s telling you it’s time to go Burn out or divine discontent? They say that every seven years we change. I believe that spiritually, this is true. When I look back over my resume, I see that many of my life transitions (from job transfers within the same department, to relocation to a new city) occurred after about a seven-year cycle. I've also read that sometimes it takes a while for our psyche to catch up with the new person who we have evolved into over this seven-year period. From this I gleaned another truth. I have never changed without becoming very discontent first. Obviously, my authentic self will have changed when my outer self remained the same. When it is time for us to grow, we become restless. I wish I could say that I'm this natural risk-taker, this pathfinder, or trailblazer. But I'm not. I hate change. I'm a creature of habit and a moderate-risk taker. I weigh everything, (try to pay my bills down, wrote 2 novels while working full time, prepared for a career change, etc.) Now, I'm realizing that to reach your dreams, if you're a play it safe person, (like me), sometimes you need to get ''burnt-out'' to make you change! And you have to take a leap of faith. You can't know what God has in mind for you and how He will work out all the details of your dream! To illustrate my point, in 1997, when I left my job, I had no idea that, a year later, I would end up writing an Internet column, On The Same Page. But I'm glad I didn't have the plan down pat. Spirit has surprised me! My column is in sync with my deep desires. I'm a reader, writer, and lover of words. Why not help other writers, as well as myself, get exposure for our work? This brought me to this truth. Any major change I've made has been preceded by a period of total emotional burn-out. I'm talking true ''fried,'' (brain dead). Fortunately, now, what I used to call ''burn-out,'' is simply a case of ''Divine Discontent.'' For it is only when we go against the grain of what other's expect from us, or even become failures in other's eyesight, that we go through our major milestones! This is because our spirit rebels against doing the things which are no longer in sync with our life's purpose. The other realization I had is that when I am content, I stay at the same level. Looking back, for years I was content as a social worker. It afforded me a living. It allowed me to raise my children in their own homes. It paid my bills. However, I first ventured into this precarious world of freelance writing and publishing, I realized my tenure as a social worker brought me something deeper. It gave me a chance to observe human nature in all of its complexity, which I feel has contributed to my writing. However, to stay in that field, I would not grow to the next level. For all my major milestones have been my failures. Sad to say, I don't go through a learning curve when I am doing well. I think Ruby Dee said it best. ''God, make me so uncomfortable that I will do the very thing I fear.'' Recognize and say good-bye when a chapter of your life is over. Embrace burn out. http://maxinethompsonbooks.com/2010/08/12/burn-out-or-divine-discontent/ What Do You Believe in that You’re Willing to take a Stand for? “There has never been a statue erected to the memory of someone who left well enough alone.” –Jules Ellinger Have you ever said I won’t stick my neck out so that way I won’t get hurt? What if you see things that are not right, but you do not want to make waves or rock the boat? What if no one takes a stand on issues? Where would the world be? In today’s uncertain world is there a cause you might believe in that you can form a nonprofit organization for issues, such as literacy, reparations, breast cancer research? In spite of unemployment, people can still find a way to take a stand for what they believe in. What if our ancestors had not taken a stand for their belief in freedom? What if Martin Luther King and Malcolm X had not taken a stand, even if it meant their deaths, for the liberation of people of color? Where would we be today as African Americans? Today we have Dr. Claud Anderson fighting for our right to reparations as African Americans at the Harvest Institute. www.harvestinstitute.org/hiff.htm” “Dr. Claud Anderson, president of the Harvest Institute Freedmen Federation (HIFF) announced that it has filed a Complaint in the United States Federal Court of Claims in Washington, D.C. against the United States Department of Interior and its Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) seeking legal redress and civil and property rights for the descendants of Black Indians and Black Freedmen.” So what do you believe in that you’re willing to fight for, even if it causes you your life? "Each of us has greatness inside. But greatness is not a destiny. It's a choice." Anonymous. http://maxinethompsonbooks.com/2010/07/15/what-do-you-believe-in-that-you%e2%80%99re-willing-to-take-a-stand-for/ “There is a power and unity and strength in networking. I think networking is always relevant. And I think it is particularly relevant for Blacks because of our feeling of isolation.” Alvin Pouissant, M.D. (Success Runs in Our Race, 2004), p. 60 by George Fraser Years ago, women had their quilting bees and sewing circles in order to form communities of support.This was the old way we networked. Somewhere along the line, though, women lost those connections. All types of problems from alcoholism to substance abuse to broken lives replaced the old quilting bees. However, given the rise of the Internet, networking has taken on a renewed surge of energy. Traditionally, networking has helped many people of color make business contacts, develop relationships and meet their professional goals. Now, networking is more important than ever. With our present economy, networking can help your business survive and thrive. Can you join a group which supports your passion? Or even join a women’s or men's group or a book club? One Sunday I went to a book signing at Milligan Books (www.milliganbooks.com)where I found out about the Red Hat Society, which is a national organization (http://www.redhatsociety.com) for women. This chapter, founded by Ruthie Hopkins (co-publisher of Pasadena Journal with her husband, Attorney Joe Hopkins) of http://www.pasadenajournal.com, hails from Pasadena . The women sported red hats and purple outfits and they came in and modeled for those present at the book signing. As a group, they were on their way to a play. The prerequisite to joining the group was that the women had to be over fifty. The reason they wear purple and red is because after fifty you don’t care what people think. They say that the younger women can join the group, but those that join wear lavender and pink. Anyhow, the women looked so excited as they modeled their outfits. What I saw in each eye was a gleam of satisfaction, a look of triumph--a stride that said that they had arrived. Childbirth, child rearing and sometimes marriages were behind them. Now they could deal with life on their own terms. And most of all, they were networking. Networking is very important to building a business or helping you reach your dreams. Personally, as a writer, I’ve been in a writer’s group since 1992. I also participate in Black Writers on Tour, Recycling Black Dollars, and many online communities such as Black Planet.com. Now I'm a member in a multi-racial group, the Greater Los Angeles Writers' Society (GLAWS) as well. As a race of people, we have always used networking. This is that special something which has helped get around the Old Boy System during Jim Crow, and even up to this day. Just look back at the Black Church, the Masons, the fraternities, the sororities, the NAACP, and other groups and see how they broke down the doors of separatism. Now with the Internet, we have the power of global social networking groups we can join, such as facebook, twitter, myspace, ning groups, Black Planet and others. We are all stronger when we unite. "I am because We are, and since We are, therefore, I am." John Mbuti http://maxinethompsonbooks.com/2010/05/28/the-power-of-networking-for-writers/ Reviewed by Author, Leigh McKnight Returning home after seven year, Nefertiti is faced with a number of unresolved issues with the men in her life, including her father who did the unthinkable—forcing her to give up her daughter at birth. Though she returned home seeking answers, she also knew she owed some answers as well—her husband from whom she had kept a secret that could have ruined her marriage. Hostage of Lies is a powerful portrayal of African-American lives with all the ingredients for a best seller. Maxine Thompson engages you from page one to page 310 with a rich mixture of love, lies, secrets, believable characters, rich African-American history, skeletons, betrayal, pain, racial issues, status, humor, lost loves, infidelity, mental illness, black sheep in the family and many other family issues that leave you wanting more—much more. Titi’s quest to find her daughter after decades is very real and moving. It lets one know that very often when love is involved, time stands still. I was deeply touched by the warm spirit, perhaps the forgiving or just moving forward and live attitude of Zora Desiree Fairchild, Nefertiti’s daughter. The structure of this story was brilliantly and flawlessly executed by Thompson, the voices of the characters were strong and believable and I love all the back story that brought me to where Nefertiti’s journey ended. Hostage of Lies is so rich in African-American history that it wouldn’t surprise me if it becomes a required reading piece in schools. This story crosses all kinds of lines. Any and everyone will enjoy. Fantastic Maxine Thompson-----5 ***** http://maxinethompsonbooks.com/2010/05/10/hostage-of-lies-by-maxine-thompson-suspenseful-educational-enjoyable-powerful%e2%80%94all-that-and-more/ Hostage of Lies by Maxine Thompson A Page Turning Experience Hostage of Lies is a compelling family saga that is rich with history that goes back generations and brings the characters’ lives current. Not only is Nefertiti ‘s story educational, realistic and provides a fascinating look into human lives and how lies and secrets impacts lives, it is also easy to follow and entertaining. The lives of some of the characters are paralleled with the lives of people I know, which caused me to compare fictional accounts with real life situations. The book is tastefully done. People of all ages, race, cultures and backgrounds can read this book and thoroughly enjoy it. Maxine Thompson did an absolutely fabulous job of structuring this story and developing believable characters who are real , colorful, strong, yet flawed, sensitive and compassionate. I enjoyed Titi’s journey. After being away seven years, forty-something-year old Nefertiti returns home. Not so much to attend her father, the mighty Reverend Godbolt’s huge upcoming seventy-fifth birthday celebration, she comes home primarily to find her daughter whom she gave birth to at a very early age, but was forced to give up for adoption to prevent shame from being brought on the Godbolt family name. Titi struggles with unanswered questions about her life, family past and secrets that have nearly paralyze her to freely move forward with her life. How was she going to find her daughter? Why had her father treated her differently than her other siblings? She wondered about the special relationship she shared with her uncle Tiger. Titi realizes it is time to confront her fears, stand up to her father and demand answers to questions she has lived with much too long. There are so many levels to Hostage of Lies and Thompson did a fabulous job educating us, weaving back stories, the good, the bad, the ugly, along with the pure evil to show the deep dark place where a mind can go when one feels her relationship with her man is threatened by the return of his former love. It is interesting to see how the author cut through generations riddled with lies, skeletons, pain, racial issues, humor, status, lost loves. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder as demonstrated by Isaac and Pharaoh, who still love Titi and who would give their lives for her love. I enjoyed this wonderful page turner with the educational aspect, history, suspense, surprises and revelations from cover to cover. The end will leave you saying to yourself, ‘I didn’t see that coming.’ I was caught me so unaware. This book should be a reading requirement piece in schools. FANTASTIC------5 ***** http://maxinethompsonbooks.com/2010/05/06/hostage-of-lies-a-page-turning-experience-review-by-leigh-mcknight/ Memories are Precious: Alzheimer’s Journey: Ruth’s Story By Fran Lewis Reviewed by Dr. Maxine Thompson Where does the love go when one has Alzheimer’s Disease? This is the question posed in Fran Lewis’ moving memoir, Memories are Precious: Alzheimer’s Journey: Ruth’s Story. Of course, the love goes nowhere; it just changes forms. The main place it remains is in the “precious memories” and in the hearts of the loved ones. Lewis wrote this book as a tribute to her mother’s life before and after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Ruth had once been a vibrant, loving woman who was the matriarch of the family, and a friend to many in her community. Memories are Precious: Alzheimer’s Journey: Ruth’s Story, shares the journey of the author’s mother, Rush Swedloff, who has lived with the disease for the past six years. It also shows the impact of Alzheimer’s Disease on the family and on the community. According to http://www.alz.org/documents_custom/report_alzfactsfigures2010.pdf Alzeimher’s Disease affects 5.3 million people and is the seventh leading cause of death. In a panoramic sweep, Fran examines the life of her mother, Ruth Swerdloff, through the eyes of those who love her, through her mother’s blog before the Alzheimer’s disease progressed, and at one point, through the point of view a toy bunny, which was at her mother’s side during a serious surgery. Memories are Precious is an eclectic collection of photos, letters, and poems from Ruth’s grandchildren, from her adult children, from her neighbors. The book changes voices throughout the story, which gives the book a fresh human twist. The collection of journal-sounding entries, poems, and memories from others who have been affected by the disease adds layers to this true human story. The book opens with Ruth’s own words. We learn about her life as a child, then as a young woman, and as an older woman. She tells how she experienced the early signs of the disease, from forgetting things, to eventually getting sick. She provides insights into the disease that many people are still mystified by. In turn, Francine relates what she saw as changes in her mother’s behavior, from forgetting to wandering to getting lost. The story tells some of the medical challenges her mother went through before the Alzheimer’s set in. One of my favorite sections is how, in 1993, Francine flew her mother on a private jet to have surgery in California. There were a series of mishaps, but they made it. The author went through the proverbial hell and high water to make sure her mother got the best of medical care, and it worked. Subsequently, with her mother’s strong spirit and Francine’s advocacy, Ruth lived through this critical operation. Another favorite letter in the book was one written from Ruth’s granddaughter. It showed the granddaughter’s memories of how her grandmother stuck by her side through a childhood accident. The book provides a guide as to the signs of Alzheimer’s Disease, tips for how to survive as a caregiver, and resources both online and offline that can help family members provide care. As painful of a subject as this book covers, I read it twice. Why? Not only is this book a cry for scientists to try to find a cure for the disease, it is also a shining example of what family can be. Too often, society writes off people when they are ill. Friends no longer visit. Sometimes even family shuns the sick person. As a result, many people are shuttled away to nursing homes where they may or may not get adequate care. For me, Memories are Precious speaks to the power of love and family to overcome any problem. This book shows what lengths a family will go to help their loved one when they are sick. After all, what is family for? http://maxinethompsonbooks.com/2010/05/06/where-does-love-go-when-alzheimers-strikes/ Dr. Maxine Thompson http://www.maxinethompson.com http://www.maxinethompsonbooks.com Author of Hostage of Lies Voted a Best Book of 2009 "I am a woman who came from the cotton fields of the South. From there I went to the washtub. From there I was promoted to the cook kitchen. And from there I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations....I have built my own factory on my own ground." Madam C.J. Walker, National Negro Business League Convention, July 1912 Do you have a dream? That’s exactly what Madam C.J. Walker had before she launched her company. She prayed and came up with the hair product, which provided a living for many African American women at the turn of the century. To be an entrepreneur, one not only makes a living, but provides a living for others. Not only was Madame C.J. Walker the first African American female millionaire, she was an entrepreneur. But before she could accept her greatness, she had to accept responsibility for her own life. What if she had said, I’m poor and I don’t have but a few dollars to start my business? She never said, “It can’t be done.” She never let her circumstances stop her. Today too many professional and educated people have found themselves without a job during this recession. Many of them have given up. But what if we were to look to people like Madam C.J. Walker, and use her for inspiration? How many of us blame others for where we are stuck in life? How many of us blame the economy and the government? How about stop blaming the world, and looking at yourself. Take your natural abilities and gifts, then do what you can with your unique skill set to make a living. Who knows? You might wind up providing a living for many others as well. The willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life is the source from which self-respect springs. - Joan Didion http://maxinethompsonbooks.com/2010/05/04/do-you-have-a-dream-by-dr-maxine-thompson/ Book Review The Way to Stillness 3-22-10 Title: The Way to Stillness: Powerful Tools For Those In Helping Professions Subtitle or series and number: NA Author: Anne Alexander Vincent & Gayle Alexander Publisher: Cottage in the Woods Release Date: January 2010 ISBN: 978-0-446-54296-8 Format Reviewed: Paperback • 206 pages • Language: English Amazon: www.thecadencegroup.com Genre: Spirituality, Self-help, Self-Realization, Social worker, Counselor, Psychologist. -- if historical, give date NA Age Group (Adult- / Young Adult / \ Reviewer: Dr. Maxine Thompson Email: maxtho@aol.com http://www.maxinethompsonbooks.com “Be still and know that I am God…” Psalms 46:10 When I saw the title, The Way to Stillness: Powerful Tools for Those in Helping Professions, I knew this was a book I wanted to read and review . Why? As a former social worker, who used to periodically undergo total burn out, I was facing that crossroad again, only this time as an editor/literary agent. In fact, I was beginning to doubt if there was any possible way you can help people without getting fried. Things weren’t going right, and suddenly an inner voice whispered, “Slow down and be still.” Well, it wasn’t even a day later when I saw this book on a blogging site. Right away I felt a connection. I felt there was something I could learn from this book that I was missing. And thankfully, this book has been a godsend. Reading The Way to Stillness worked for me on two levels. First, I felt like I was talking to an old friend as I read these wise words. Second, in sitting still, reading the book, I reframed in my mind what it is to help another human being. The Way to Stillness is a book filled with humility, kindness, and compassion. I love the examples of how to use the tool of the “love motif.” The first story about Mike (one of Mrs. Vincent’s former clients) was really touching. Mike was a child who was legally blind and who could not read. He’d had been written off by his teachers as “un-teachable,” therefore unreachable. But given the right circumstances, and under the warm, kind guidance of counselor, Gayle Alexander, this child learned to read and became a success in his own right. This was just one example of what the author called, “The Love Motif.” The message in the book is one of unconditional love. I love this line. “Helping others through the Love Motif is about the lure of the irresistible enchantment and magnetism of unconditional love.” (p. 71.) I highly recommend this book to parents, social workers, psychologists, or any professional in the helping fields. http://maxinethompsonbooks.com/2010/04/19/the-way-to-stillness-book-review-by-reviewer-dr-maxine-thompson/ Hostage of Lies By Dr. Maxine Thompson Throughout our lives, we make choices that mold our futures and sometimes affect us in both positive and negative ways. Spouses, boyfriends, first loves and career decisions affect our futures and often reflect on the way others treat us. Unfortunately, mistakes and digressions into paths we should not follow, often cloud our judgment, and reflect poorly on the way others act toward us in our presence. The characters in Hostage of Lies, all harbor secrets that they do not want uncovered. Some secrets are more harmful and destructive than others. Those that pass judgment should not cast the first stone on others since their records are not pure. This brings me to my review of Hostage of Lies a novel that brings to light many relevant issues of the present and comes full circle with some from the past. Nefertiti is a proud African American woman who has reverted back to her African American roots. Changing her appearance and wearing the clothing indignant of her heritage, she returns to her home after being castigated and banished by her father, she reenters his life and others in Shallow Falls to find the answers to many questions that have been harbored within her soul and mind for too long. Married to Isaac Thorn for 12 years and having two children with him, her bond to this small town is still quite clear, but how strong remains to be seen. Pharaoh, Isaac’s half brother was the first man that she was intimate with and these two men have been reliving, reviving and rekindling in their own minds the feelings for her, their animosity for each other and their own brand of anger that spews from their lips when together. Nefertiti returns to her parent’s home for her father’s 75th birthday with one important goal in mind. She intends to find the child she gave birth to 23 years ago and will stop at nothing until she does. Hidden beneath her frustration is anger so deep that nothing will ever remove the pain, degradation, the abuse and the scorn festered upon her by her father. Exiled, banished and forced out of her family’s nest, she is deemed a disgrace, harlot, and embarrassment in the eyes of her father, family and church for one mistake. There is much more to this story than Nefertiti’s. Calissa, Miss Maggs, Isaac, Tiger and many others harbor secrets that should they be revealed would change the complexion or way people few them even more. Calissa too was banished and cast aside by her husband and diminished in the eyes of her children by their father for one mistake. This is a story about mistakes of the heart, abuse more heinous than just by inflicting pain on her person physically, and about reopening your heart to others and allowing the hate, the cruelty to finally melt away and allowing forgiveness in. Take an ice sculpture so frozen solid that it looks like it will never melt and will stand the test of the hot burning sun or a burning flame. Nefertiti, Calissa, Ms. Magg and many others have felt the scorching flames as the ice that formed in the heart of the abuser was inflicted so hard that they formed their own private shield in the outside, but on the inside the ice water turned boiling hot and the scars caused by the heat and the flames could no longer be withstood and their self-esteems and their courage dripped away. Power is what controls who and what you are in Shallow’s Corner in the eyes of Reverend Godbolt and Reverend Deacon. Both are powerful men who lived their lives ruling their families with iron hands and their wives with iron fists and strong words. Power is a funny thing. It cannot always bring you happiness but it can bring you false respect of others and the ability to control many outcomes because of how much you and wield on others. But, for how long before the same people finally take it no more and don’t care about your power and develop a thick skin of their and fight back in their own time and way. This story is all about power and control and who has it. Will the reigns change by the end? Will the secrets of each be unfolded and will the eyes of the town and their opinions unfurl and change on those that are now in power? Wait and see. While each character reflects on the past and the hidden secrets, family ties and relationships that embrace and brought them to the present, the author eloquently and brilliantly weaves each character’s lines and stories so intricately intertwining and forever sealing their lies, truths and deceits in a tightly sealed, airless vault, waiting for the seal to break and the air to set them free. As the lies become unsealed and Nefertiti questions her parentage, heritage and confronts her father for the truth, many other lies will be uncovered, a father’s secret will be revealed and many others will never be the same. Ms. Maggs, Bertha, Nefertiti, Sweets and the women of Shallow’s Corner have all been victims of abuse, remained in the background and never hold their tongues. But, not Nefertiti. She was a bold, bright and educated adult, who decided to live her life and finally make the right choices on her own, after being forced to give her child up for adoption by her parents when she was a minor. One man, Pharaoh, plagued by his dreams and the horrors he faced fighting in Vietnam. Isaac haunted by a woman he so wrongly lost, and Reverend Deacon and Godbolt, so righteous in their thinking and their thoughts cast aside those that truly loved them and filled their lives and the town of Shallow’s Corner with nothing but hostages held prisoners by their lies. Choices are difficult and we have to live with the outcome. Will she find her daughter? Read this outstanding novel and find out. Who will finally be set free? Who will the final victims be? Read this heartbreaking and heartfelt novel so well written and crafted that the reader will be not only be enveloped but totally immersed in a plot so tangled that only a jeweler with the right tools can untangle the knots. With an ending so riveting and a conclusion so unexpected, Hostage of Lies will keep you in suspense until the very last page where the final lie is revealed. A must read for anyone that has ever been a victim of abuse, prejudice and deceit. A book that lets the reader know that we have come so far in our thoughts and thinking, but we are not there yet. This book gets Five Stars Fran Lewis: Reviewer and author of the Bertha Series of Books and Memories are Precious http://maxinethompsonbooks.com/2010/04/19/hostage-of-lies-book-review-by-author-fran-lewis/    Shelia Goss has stopped here on my blog for her Hollywood Deception Red Carpet Online tour. She's celebrating the release of her ninth novel. Hollywood Deception officially hit stores on April 6, 2010. Where do you get the inspiration for your stories? Inspiration comes from life. I can be dreaming, on the phone, watching TV, at the store...etc. Ideas will pop into my head at odd times.  What is Hollywood Deception about? Hollywood Deception is a fast-paced romantic thriller about Hailey Barnes, an ex-model now talk show host. She’s dealing with a broken heart and a deranged fan. Media Personality Abiola Abrams says it best, “Hollywood Deception is filled with love, lies and delicious drama. This fun novel is not a passive read. You'll be yelling at Hailey, relating to her, wanting to slap her and cry with her all at the same time.” Are any of your characters based on real people? The characters in my book are only figments of my imagination. I may take personality traits from a variety of people (whether it be someone I know or a stranger) but for the most part, if a character resembles someone you know, it's strictly coincidental (smile).  What would you like readers to learn from your novels? Each one of my stories have at least one message. The messages vary. I hope  readers of my books are able to not only be entertained, but think and learn something from the characters. What advice would you give aspiring writers? If you feel that you have a God given talent, then practice your craft and be the best you can be. Despite the rejections you may get, do not give up. Believe in yourself. Take a chance on your self and do not accept no. Also, it is very important if you want to be a writer to WRITE. Get at least the first draft done and you'll have something to work with. More about Hollywood Deception: Hailey Barnes is a popular LA talk show host who can have anything she wants, but is constantly haunted by a man she can’t…Trevon “Tre” Swint. And she’s also now being harassed by a deranged fan. Tre runs a security company so Hailey decides to hire him for protection—in the hopes of winning him over. But Tre sends his partner, Garrett, instead. Who, in a crazy twist, has been sleeping with Tre’s fiancée. Hailey still wants Tre, and she tries to enlist Garrett to help her get him back. But as Garrett and Hailey get closer, they start to see each other through new eyes. But how will this burgeoning romance be affected when the stalker is revealed—and whose identity hits closer to home than anyone could ever have imagined? ~ BlackExpressions.com More about Shelia M Goss:  Shelia M Goss is the national best-selling author of six women's fiction novels: Hollywood Deception (2010), His Invisible Wife, My Invisible Husband, Roses are thorns, Paige’s Web, Double Platinum and three young adult books: The Lip Gloss Chronicles series: The Ultimate Test, Splitsville, and Paper Thin. For more information, visit her website: www.sheliagoss.com [1] or www.thelipglosschronicles.com. [2] [1] http://www.sheliagoss.com/ [2] http://www.thelipglosschronicles.com/ http://maxinethompsonbooks.com/2010/04/07/5-questions-with-author-shelia-m-goss/