By Her Shelf

In this episode, we get to know spoken word artist and author Jasmine Sims by her shelf.

We chat about:

-Her book, Done Being Strong

-The difference between spoken word poetry and written poetry

-Strength as identity and "not something we can take off and put on as necessary"

-Why "one's survival and success is dependent on one's ability to be most like water."

The By Her Shelf Podcast is BACK! Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to Kim Patton, author, mom to 2 adorable daughters, and host of the podcast Book Therapy. In today's episode, Kim and I chat about why she prefers non-fiction over fiction, what books she loves reading with her daughters, and how she uses reading as a coping mechanism along with confronting deep emotions. If Kim is one of your bookish kindred spirits, check out her podcast, Book Therapy with Kim Patton.

Today's episode is a very special one. Today I'm sharing the title, description, and heart behind my upcoming bible study, Altered: Redefining Womanhood Through 10 Encounters with Christ. Friends, I'm so excited for this book to be on shelves and discussed in bible studies. Hopefully this episode will get you just as pumped to have it in your hands. You can find out more about Altered on my website, www.byhershelfmedia.com

Today is our epic finale to the 12 Books of Christmas 2020. This book was my introduction to an author I’ve wanted to read for some time. Book 12 is based on the author’s personal experience and the R. Kelly scandal. It involves a young black woman who aspires to be a singer, and someone she meets who could possibly make her dream come true. But their meeting has devastating consequences for both of them. Think you know which book I'm featuring today? Tune in to see if you're correct, and possibly add this New York Times Bestseller to your TBR pile.

Book 11 is a rerelease from one of my favorite authors. It’s a romance with fantasy elements that centers around a guardian angel who’s desperately trying to right her wrongs and bring a hero home. Think you know which book I'm featuring today? Tune in to see if you're correct, and possibly add this fantasy laced romance to your TBR pile.

Book 10 is a literary fiction novel and my introduction to a well-known, award-winning African American author. She’s well known for her memoir, but book 10 is a split narrative. It centers around a sixteen-year old’s coming of age party and the custom-made dress she wears—a dress designed for her mother that her mother never got to wear. Think you know which book I'm featuring today? Tune in to see if you're correct, and possibly add this lush literary fiction novel to your TBR pile.

Book 9 is an inspirational second chance romance by an award-winning author in the genre. It involves an Amish woman harboring a tragic secret, and the man she left behind. Think you know which book I'm featuring today? Tune in to see if you're correct, and possibly add this Amish inspirational romance to your TBR pile.

Book 8 is a memoir looking at different aspects of hope written by a fellow Hope*Writer. Hope*Writers is an online community for writers of hope. This book tells the story of the author’s personal journey with hope in difficult situations. Think you know which book I'm featuring today? Tune in to see if you're correct, and possibly add this beautiful memoir to your TBR pile.

Book 7 is a debut Middle Grade novel authored by someone I follow on Instagram. It centers around a young girl who stumbles upon an abandoned graveyard, and the spirit that attaches itself to her. Think you know what book I'm reviewing today? Tune in to see if you're correct and possibly add this stunning debut to your TBR pile.

Today, we're getting to know Cindy LaFavre Yorks by her shelf.

Cindy LaFavre Yorks is an award-winning writer whose articles have appeared in hundreds of magazines and newspapers, including the LA Times, New York Daily News, Chicago Tribune and People Magazine. After decades of covering celebrities, fashion and the red carpet circuit, she traded in her stilettos for sandals and entered her own side door of special needs parenting. Married to husband Ben for 35 years, she is now the empty nested mother to two sons and lives in Orange County, California. The Side Door: Welcoming God's Divine Detours is the first in Cindy's trilogy of devotion books. Connect with her at www.cindyyorks.com.

In this episode, Cindy and I chat about:

Why movie versions of books often disappoint readers

Marie Kondo for book lovers

Binge reading

Why being in a room with these two authors would be her version of Dante's Inferno.

**Since recording this episode, Cindy has released the other two books in her Door Trilogy. The Trap Door released in December 2019, and The Vault Door released December 18th!