Christian Romance Author Pat Simmons
Foxy 95.5 April 2008 commercial
Foxy 95.5 October 2007 interview w/Niecy
Let's Talk Honestly w/George Cook
V100.7 October 2007 w/Bailey Coleman
http://www.sormag.blogspot.com/.
November 12, 2007
Guest author with Gwyneth Bolton during debut author's week
http://www.nevaehpublishing.com
Author Interview: www.dyannedavis.com
http://www.kissesandcandlelight.com
Amazon Reviews... While in college, Cheney Reynolds made a life-altering choice that caused her to lose faith in herself and in her religion. During this time of great misery and because she was so ashamed of her decision, Cheney cut all ties with her family. The only person who knew what happened was her best friend Imani. But after five years of solitude and being haunted by her nightmares, Cheney wanted, no needed, to reconnect with her family, so she decided to move back to her hometown. She knew that it was not going to be easy; but she was willing to try. Now, if she could only keep her elderly noisy neighbor, Grandma BB and the handsome, pesky Parke Jamison “whatever his number is” out of her business she will be able to focus all her attention on reuniting with her family. Parke Jamison VI was on a mission to find and marry his African Queen. She had to meet certain qualifications in order to become his wife because he was a direct descendent of a royal African Tribe. Parke refused to deviate from his requirements. So he couldn’t understand why he continued to seek Cheney Reynolds out. She was totally opposite of what his queen was supposed to be – she was too tall and more importantly, too opinionated and smart mouthed for his taste. Yet, he couldn’t stop butting heads with her. The more time he spent in Cheney’s company, the more Parke wanted her to be his wife. Will Parke be able to break down the painful wall that Cheney has built around her heart? Guilty of Love by Pat Simmons was my first experience with Christian fiction and I must admit that I truly enjoyed reading this novel. I thought that Ms. Simmons did an excellent job of inserting the character’s spirituality into the dialog in such a natural manner that didn’t come across as being preachy and she was also able to interlace a multitude of rich African American history in the process. I felt each and every emotion of the heroine and it touched me deeply within. This story centered on a very difficult, heartbreaking issue and how Cheney dealt with it came across so incredibly real to me. It was astonishing to find such strong characters in a novel, even with the weaknesses evolved from their past experiences. I advise the reader to keep a big box of tissues handy because you will need them on numerous occasions. Thanks go to Ms. Simmons for a truly inspirational story. Reviewed by Nikita Steele for Joyfully Reviewed Cheney Reynolds is the main character of the novel through tragic circumstances; she separated herself from her family and from her God. Driven by guilt, she closes herself away from anyone and anything that can bring her joy. Her scars are so deep that her subconscious rides her in the times of rest and the guilt of the past pursues her during the day. “In his heart a man plans his course but the Lord determines his steps” {Proverbs 16:9}. Such was the case of the supporting character Parke Kokumuno VI. A man in search of his true mate, one strong enough to carry on the powerful bloodline from which he descends, is weakened by a woman who does not ‘appear ‘ to fit his description or taste. Guilty of Love is an excellent work of fiction. Read with an open heart; it is a powerful tool of witness and a gentle reminder of the power of prayer in an individual’s life. ******************************* ******************************
Not Just Another Love Story!,
By
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers 
(RAWSISTAZ.com and BlackBookReviews.net) - See all my reviews
GUILTY OF LOVE is not a typical love story. The story begins with a young woman trying to handle a situation she finds herself in, hoping love will surpass the problem. Then the story picks up with a fascinating twist that will trick even the most avid reader.
Cheney Reynolds enrolled in Duke University in North Carolina to study, graduate and live the American dream. Smart and intelligent, she meets and falls in love with Larry Thimes, an aspiring attorney. But things get out of hand when she becomes pregnant. Cheney is certain Larry loves her enough to do the right thing, but she soon discovers life doesn't always turn out as expected. Hurt and bitter, she returns to her hometown where she encounters a cast of people who affect her life in many unexpected ways. Angry at the world, she retreats into herself. Will Cheney seek God's guidance despite her bitterness?
Pat Simmons has written a solid and satisfying story that will keep you glued until the last page. The characters are colorful and seem familiar. GUILTY OF LOVE describes friendship across racial lines, brotherly love, family issues and religion in a non-preachy format. Successfully merging a variety of topics into the storyline, Simmons has included information on forgiveness, love, black history and spirituality.
Pat Simmons is a fine writer. I look forward to reading more of her work.
Reviewed by R. M. Jackson
for The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
*************************************
GUILTY OF LOVE
(4+) Tricia-Ann Blades for Romance In Color
Pat Simmons has created a powerful novel in Guilty of Love. This novel weaves the story of a young woman who has been ridden with the guilt of her past actions but with the unexpected love of the present she is able to gain victory in her life.
Through this novel Pat Simmons explores the themes of forgiveness, love, guilt and the importance of relationships to man.
But Cheney realizes that she cannot continue to live her live this way. She tries to make amends, but closed doors are sometimes the hardest to open. Here Pat Simmons does not leave her character hanging but shows that love can arise in the most unexpected places and when it does, especially if it is persistent, it can form new relationships to replace the old and develop the whole man. It is through this character that the writer shows the power of God’s love to give the oil of gladness, the garment of praise instead of ashes and glory in the place of despair.
But soon Parke realizes that when the spirit makes a divine connection that there is no preconceived plan that can change the course of destiny. Simmons uses this character to bring the oil of gladness to the main character.
Contrasting characters come in the form of a couple who appears to have love, forgiveness, understanding and all the basic ingredients of the prefect love affair. But Hallison is a prodigal daughter, running from her true nature, moving from her Father’s house, believing that all would be well. She has found love in Malcolm but when she enters into her Father’s house, she is unequivocally drawn back into His presence, leaving Malcolm hanging and broken……
Non-Christians could enjoy this story without feeling like that were being beat in the head about their sins and choices in life. The author really outdid herself with this novel...as her first novel you can be sure that her gift is of God. I would have expected this work to have come from a more experienced author. And you know that a sequel is a MUST!
Idrissa Uqdah, AALBC.com Review Team, 5 Stars
Riveting tale,
by Martiwalker (Florida)
I really enjoyed this book! I don't want to give away the story, so I'll limit my comments to how I felt about the book. The descriptions were so good, I feel like I know the characters and can see them in my mind's eye. I know not just how they look, but who they are underneath.
When I would take a break from reading, I sometimes looked around and wondered where they were. When I finished the book, I yearned to know more about them. That interest means the characters are "real" to me, and thats because of the wonderful author! Pat has a winner in "Guilty of Love" and I look forward to her next book.
*********************************
Give me the sequel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,
| By | Tortolagirl - |
A Walk With God., The only one that knew what was really going on was her best friend Imani.
After five years of loneliness, she decides to move back home to St. Louis to reconnect with her family. Cheney moves into a historical neighborhood enriched with African American history. The house she bought was old, worn down, and needed a lot of work. Cheney soon realized that it was more of a challenge to rebuild her relationship with her family than to restore her new home. With the help of her nosy neighbor Mrs. Beatrice Tilley Beacon a.k.a. Grandma BB, she realized there is someone on her side who truly cares for her.
Then she meets Parke Kokomuo Jamison, who is a descendent of a royal African Tribe. Parke is handsome, smart, and looking for his African Queen. The two bump heads and realize that the qualities they were looking for in a mate they found in each other. At times, Cheney would submit to her own guilt and Parke would soon realize that he wasn't as suave as he thought. With the love of Christ, they are drawn to each other spiritually and are destined to be together.
In the book Guilty of Love, I was intrigued as to how Pat Simmons was able to intertwine African-American History throughout the book. I really admired how she took each character through their spiritual walk with God. The scriptures she chose were perfect, and you can see the religious transformation each person was going through. Guilty of Love will have you questioning your own walk with God and whether it's a good one or a bad one. I was kind of upset with the way the story ended, but overall, Guilty of Love is a very good read.
Reviewed by Jackie
for Urban Reviews
********************************
Great read, | By | R. Crossley (St Louis) - |
*****************************
Awesome Book, *********************************
Kudos to Pat Simmons, | By | P. K. Thomas - |
I admired most your gallant account of the spiritual and religious transformation of each character. I can think of a few Annette's, whom I dodged in my life. However, there was no dodging here and as a result, I realized I needed to "face my demons". I encountered lots of hopeful, soul-searching and laugh out loud moments. GREAT READ!!! I'm looking forward to your next piece.
********************************
Stunning Debut, GUILTY OF LOVE is a novel that has it all. I was awed by the way the author wove together spirituality, Black history, family, forgiveness and love. From the minute I picked up this novel, I became engaged with the author's ability to pull me in to the emotions of the characters and not let me go. So many of the journeys in this novel are ones that many can relate to. T
he author shows us a variety of characters in various stages of their walk with God and uses the Word with stunningly accurate and right-on accounts of what it is like to grapple with one's spirituality. The messages abound and they touch the reader in such a subtle way that it one would be hard pressed not to close the book in the end with a desire to get right with Him. The relationship between Cheney and Parke grows in a wonderful and believable pace.
I love that Parke realized first that Cheney was the woman for him. And I love the way the author portrayed this strong African prince of a man. The way he helped Cheney battle her demons was not only commendable, but also romantic as all get out. And Grandma BB... Wow! What a character. She popped off the page from the moment we meet her in the book and quickly became one of my favorites. The major theme I took away from this was the way God uses people around you to bring forth his blessings.
When Cheney's family all but turns their back on her, she finds that God is placing family all around her to help her heal. And once she accepts them and God she is redeemed and renewed. The spiritual enlightenment and the strong love story make GUILTY OF LOVE a very enjoyable read from beginning to end. I LOVED this book and I don't feel in the least bit guilty about it. I can't wait to read more from Pat Simmons. She is an author to watch!
******************************
Yvette Taylor, | By | Yvette Taylor "Myvision" (St Louis) - |
This book is a reality check for people to look at themselves and stop pointing fingers.
The best part of the entire book is when people started giving their lives over to God.
Enjoyed the book for beginning to end. Can't wait for the sequel.
*********************************
Broken Heart, | By | OOSA Online Book Club "O.O.S.A." (World Wide Web, USA) - |
I loved the fact that Pat Simmons used genealogical lines. I learned valuable information about black history. "Guilty of Love" was a very good read. However, I did not like the way the book ended so abruptly! I felt like I was trapped on a cliff left hanging by the rescue helicopter. So there had better be a part two in the works! It has to be! I need to know what happens with the little secret.
Reviewed by: Carmen
******************************
Guilty of Love****
***************************
DATE OF REVIEW: AUGUST 16, 2007
Contemporary, African-American
GUILTY OF LOVE
Pat Simmons
4 stars
Simmons’ sometimes whimsical approach to delivering the message
of salvation is anchored by opportune scriptures. The author boldly tackles issues like abortion, child abuse and anger toward God, adeptly guiding readers into romance, reconciliation and restoration as this novel flows effortlessly from haunting pasts to delectable happiness.
SUMMARY: Steeped in his African heritage, Parke is seeking his queen. His neighbor Cheney is supposedly too tall and independent for him, but he’s smitten anyway.
Parke commits his soul to helping Cheney defeat her personal demons as
a nosy, elderly neighbor proves to be a bridge between what we see on the outside, affairs of the heart and, ultimately, our relationship with Christ. (Urban Christian, Sep., 360 pp., $14.95)
Robin R. Pendleton
www.romantictimes.com
*********************************
Review from Inspirational Romance Writers:
Book Review Ratings Overall: 8 Sensuality: 2 Realism: 8
This is an Official Review by a Inspirational Romance Writer Official Reviewer
Review for Guilty of Love Author: Pat Simmons
Date of Review: 06/24/07
Reviewed by: Lettetia Reviewer
Comments: Five years earlier, Cheney Reynolds, a college student on full scholarship at Duke University discovers she’s pregnant with her boyfriend Larry’s child. He, a fellow student, has no sympathy or time for Cheney’s problem; he pressures her to have an abortion. Little did she know how that decision would affect her life.
Having become reclusive in North Carolina and cutting all ties with her once close-knit family, Cheney suffers alone through the most traumatic time of her life. Now she has returned to Missouri and a dilapidated house she is renovating herself. She hopes to pick up the pieces of her life, form a connection with her family again, and maybe stop the recurring nightmares that plague her. What she doesn’t plan on is her nosy neighbor, Mrs. Beatrice Tilley Beacon aka Grandma BB, a busybody who likes nothing better than to butt-in where she isn’t welcome. She freely gives advice from decorating to landscaping, to child rearing.
Cheney doesn’t expect Parke Jamison VI; an irritating sort-of neighbor who keeps turning up at the most awkward times. He’s gorgeous and charming and Cheney is immune to his lines. He is descended from African Kings and expects his prospective bride to have a lineage worthy of his roots. She must be petite, gorgeous, intelligent, and feminine; she isn’t Amazon, Cheney Reynolds! He knows it will take a lot of research to find “the one” so he is a serial dater, allowing no more than a few dates per woman.
Once he runs into “Survivor contestant” Cheney, he can’t seem to stay away, though; she is hiding something and he feels like he has to uncover it, no matter if she is his ideal woman or not. A fast paced and entertaining story with very likable characters; GUILTY OF LOVE is one of those stories that draw the reader in from the get-go. The prologue of Cheney’s struggle with an unplanned pregnancy and the pressure to abort was an emotional one. Her subsequent guilt and remorse is well portrayed; realistic and heartfelt.
The subtle slide into love between Parke and Cheney is enchanting; both are determined to avoid each other and yet, they are drawn together repeatedly. The secondary romance between Malcolm and Hallison adds that little extra romance readers will enjoy. Overall, a fine example of Inspirational romance; I was captured from the beginning and was well satisfied to the end.
Reprint courtesy of Inspirational Romance Writers
