Tia McCollors launches Days of Grace romance series May 1...

Whitaker House 1030 Hunt Valley Circle New Kensington, PA 15068 800-‐444-‐4484 www.WhitakerHouse.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Cathy Hickling, 800-444-4484 x384, [email protected] Tia McCollors launches Days of Grace romance series May 1 Fictional Friday Night Love offers couples practical help and hope

Award-winning, Essence bestselling author Tia McCollors’ new book Friday Night Love releases May 1. Not a typical romance, the action begins when a distraught wife kicks her unfaithful husband out of the house. The marriage seems doomed until friends invite the dueling duo to a weekly couples meeting called “Fright Night Love.”

They reluctantly agree, and a journey begins. Initially filled with anger, betrayal, and remorse, the plot is creatively held together with a thread of hope and redemption that McCollors cleverly weaves through a maze of crazy circumstances, colorful characters, plot twists, and the weekly Friday Night Love meetings.

The end result has Christian fiction fans overwhelmingly applauding. Early reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and B & N – all five-star to date – enthusiastically recommend the book. Leslie Hudson writes, “Friday Night Love is refreshing, entertaining, and inspiring,” adding, “This book could easily be a manual on how to have a great marriage.” Reviewer Arlena Dean calls it “a very good story that will help anyone who is going through this type of situation.” She said she found it to be “a powerful read that will leave you laughing and shedding some tears – yes, it’s one of those novels that will even stay with you long after you’re finished.” McCollors is grateful, but not surprised at the early reviews in that they reflect what she’d set out to accomplish: “I wanted to show not only the painful emotions of a betrayed wife, but also the spark of hope that empowers her to choose to fight for her marriage,” McCollors said. “Unfortunately, stories of infidelity and divorce are common. But spouses who choose to stand by their unfaithful companions are often criticized, not applauded.” Friday Night Love is the first of McCollors’ three-book Days of Grace series. To learn more about the book: www.fridaynightlove.whitakerhouse.com. It’s also one of three new romances Whitaker House is releasing this spring by popular, award winning black authors. Whitaker House President Bob Whitaker Jr. announced last fall that the company was expanding its line of contemporary Christian romances aimed at African American readers, a growing demographic he feels is growing, yet underserved.

Whitaker House released No Easy Catch by Pat Simmon in April; Feels like Heaven, by Vanessa Miller releases in June. The three authors each have active, independent tours planned and will also tour together when possible. They’re all appearing at the Romance Slam Jam in New Orleans May 8-11. Miller and McCollors are featured authors at the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) in Atlanta in June.

“Besides being great writers, these three authors are strong Christians using their story-telling talents to share the love of Jesus in a unique way,” Whitaker said. “And they’re reaching people! As a company we want to do all we can to support and expand their outreach.”

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For books, press kits, or to set up an author interview, please contact Cathy Hickling, [email protected], 800-444-4484 ext. 283 .


Brief Book & Bio & Question Suggestions Friday Night Love (Days of Grace Series Book 1) by Tia McCollors ISBN: 978-1-62911-010-3; $13.99; Frontlist; Fiction/African American/ Christian; May 2014

Zenja Maxwell’s marriage is falling apart, thanks to a dalliance with infidelity on the part of her husband, Roman. She sets off on a cruise with her best friend, Caprice, prepared to give Roman a dose of his own medicine—on the very day he comes home, making promises to change. Zenja isn’t convinced. But Caprice comes up with a strategy to salvage the marriage—a seven-step plan developed by her ministry and called “Friday Night Love.” Over the course of seven weeks, the plan outlines a series of assignments based on Ephesians 5:33, helping a wife to cultivate respect for her husband. Rekindling their relationship takes a lot of work, especially when the man with whom Zenja nearly cheated on Roman refuses to step out of the picture. Will their commitment to honor God with their marriage pay off in the end?

About the Author Tia McCollors is an award-winning, bestselling author, speaker, and writing coach. She graduated from the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) in journalism and mass communications aiming to make it to a spot as a TV network news anchor. But upon graduation her considerable writing and speaking talents lead her to the public relations

industry where she established a successful career for a decade. She left the corporate arena to start a family and began focusing her creative energies on writing and speaking. Since then, both her family and career have blossomed. Tia and her husband have been blessed with three children and Tia has emerged as a popular, highly acclaimed author, releasing a number of books – both fiction and nonfiction—for a variety of publishers. She found success and acclaim with first novel, A Heart of Devotion (Moody) which was an Essence magazine best seller. She followed the popular debut with four more inspirational novels: Zora’s Cry, The Truth about Love, The Last Woman Standing, and Steppin’ Into the Good Life. In 2012, she released her first devotional book, If These Shoes Could Talk: Devotional Messages for a Woman’s Daily Walk. Tia’s latest book, Friday Night Love (May 2014) kicks off Days of Grace, her first series with Whitaker House.

Book Website: www.fridaynightlove.whitakerhouse.com; Tia’s Website: www.tiamccollors.com

Question Suggestions for Tia McCollors

1. Tell me a little more about you and why you write.

2. So many young mothers these days return to work after having a baby. How did you come to the

decision to leave a successful career when you started your family?

3. How did you come up with the idea for Friday Night Love?

4. One reviewer said, “This book could easily be a manual on how to have a great marriage.” – quite a

compliment, and unusual for a romance novel. Was that your intention?

5. Tell me about the “Friday Night Love” meetings. Where did you come up with the idea?

6. Is there a Scriptural theme to Friday Night Love?

7. What is the main point you’d like readers to take away with them?

8. Tell me about the rest of the series. What’s next?

9. How can people learn more about you? Where can the book be purchased?


About the Author Tia McCollors

Tia McCollors is an award-winning, bestselling author, speaker, and writing coach. She graduated from the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) with a degree in journalism and mass communications and dreamed of one day being TV network news anchor. But upon graduation her considerable writing and speaking talents lead her in a different direction -- to the public relations industry where she established a successful career and worked for a decade.

Tia left the corporate arena to start a family, but continually nurtured her writing and speaking skills. She decided to try her hand at an inspirational romance and found success and acclaim with her first novel, A Heart of Devotion (Moody, 2005), which was her first Essence Magazine bestseller and lead to her being voted “Breakout Author of the Year” by the Open Book Awards of the African American Literary Awards Show in 2006. It was chosen as a Black Expressions Book Club selection, as have all her subsequent titles.

Since the release of her first book, Tia’s family and career have blossomed. She and her husband are blessed with three children and Tia has become a well-known as a significant and fresh new voice in inspirational fiction and as a nonfiction and devotional writer.

Her other books include: Zora’s Cry, The Truth about Love (also an Essence bestseller), The Last Woman Standing, and Steppin’ Into the Good Life. In 2012, she released her first devotional book, If These Shoes Could Talk: Devotional Messages for a Woman’s Daily Walk. She also published shorter works including the novella Knight in Pink Armor for a Kensington anthology, A Million Blessings.

Her essay “Diary of A Stay-At-Home Mom” was published in The Motherhood Diaries (Simon & Schuster) and she’s a regular contributor to the Sisters in Faith imprint of Thomas Nelson/Biblegateway Christian Devotions.

Tia is a founding member of the Anointed Authors On Tour, seven award-winning Christian women committed to writing integrity-based literature and touring together, pooling their gifts and talents for God’s glory. Tia particularly enjoys coaching women of faith, female entrepreneurs, and stay-at-home mothers. She’s a frequent and sought-after speaker at women’s conferences and events. She’s been spotlighted in a growing number of publications, including Black Enterprise magazine, Who’s Who in Black Atlanta, The Good Life magazine, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Tia and her family live in the Atlanta area.

For more on Tia: www.tiamccollors.com

Facebook & Twitter: www.facebook.com/fansoftia and @tiamccollors.

Tia talks about Friday Night Love on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUPBJfEg2L8

For books, press kits, or to set up an author interview, please contact Cathy Hickling, [email protected], 724-334-7000 ext. 283 .


What People Are Saying about… …Tia McCollors and Friday Night Love

In Friday Night Love, I was given a chance to meet

Zenja and Roman. Their marriage is in trouble, but God is in the mix. A wonderful, inspiring read, I was presented with several quotes that made me underline the text in the book and I NEVER write in my books! A book well-‐worth reading. I learned another value: the importance of married, saved couples having married, saved friends! Anointed writing.

Real Talk love it!!!,By michelle (greensboro, nc United States) -‐ This novel is guaranteed to capture audiences who enjoy reading a good drama.

These characters deal with real issues faced in relationships. Tia captured me from beginning to end. I love not knowing what happens next. This novel will blow your mind get ready for an exciting roller coaster ride.

The Best Book Yet By Stacy Lawrence-‐Campbell (Indianapolis, IN) -‐ Friday Night Love is Tia McCollors' latest work and the best by far. From the moment I read the first line, I was fascinated, intrigued, and had to know more about the man who got what he wanted but lost what he had. McCollors introduces us to Roman and Zenja, a Christian couple whose love is tested by one of Satan's age-‐old tricks. In the midst of the ebb and flow of love, Roman makes a critical mistake that triggers a reevaluation period for the married couple. McCollors takes us through the raw range of emotions estranged couples experience when they've been let down and disappointed. What I loved about the book was the portrayal of true Christian fellowship and how important it is to have accountability partners-‐-‐ people who speak the truth in love but aren't afraid to call you on the carpet when you aren't following God's word. Every woman of God should have a Caprice, and every man of God should have a Duane. (You have to read the story to understand the references.) The Friday Night Love concept for the women should be required in women's ministries. What a brilliant take on Ephesians 5:33.Well done, Tia. Well done!!!!!

A wonderful read! Reviewed By: Arlena Dean (Broken Arrow, OK, United States) -‐ "Friday Night Love" by Tia McCollors was a beautiful Christian fiction. The author presented the readers with a wonderful well written story of the Maxwell's...Zenja and Roman. "Friday Night Love" was really a very good Christian story that will even help anyone who is going through this type of situation. I found it the novel a powerful read that will leave you laughing at some it, along with even shedding some tears...yes it was indeed one of those novels that will even stay with you long after you have finished the read. Would I recommend? Yes, it is definitely one of those good reads. WHAT I REALLY ENJOYED ABOUT THE READ was not only the hero and heroine's story but the issue that seemed to be solved between the daughter in law and mother in law was quite intriguing story after it was all was cleared up. To understand more with that you will have to pick up: "Friday Night Love."

Friday Night Love,By The Rice Review (Port Charlotte, FL) In Friday Night Love, I was given a chance to meet Zenja and Roman. Their marriage is in trouble, but God is in the mix. A wonderful, inspiring read, I was presented with several quotes that made me underline the text in the book and I NEVER write in my books! A book well-‐worth reading. I learned another value: the importance of married, saved couples having married, saved friends! Anointed writing.

Read it in ONE day-‐-‐ I couldn't help it By B_4Beloved -‐ I really enjoyed Tia's previous novels-‐-‐ especially Heart of Devotion, so I was excited to read Friday Night Love. I started it Sunday evening, and I couldn't stop! I really enjoyed reading Roman and Zenja's story and connected with them even though I'm not married and have never been. I am excited to read more of Tia's novels and follow more of her characters. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story that pulls at your heart strings.


Great read!By Leslie Hudson -‐ Tia McCollors never disappoints. Friday Night Love is refreshing, entertaining, and inspiring. This book could easily be a manual on how to have a great marriage. Readers you will be blessed reading Zenja and Roman's story of forgiveness, redemption, and restoration. Love does cover a multitude of sin.

A GREAT read,By JT (Conyers, GA, US) -‐ So, I've been a fan of Tia Webster McCollors since her first book deprived me of sleep! She is an INCREDIBLE author and her characters are so real, I found myself praying for them -‐ for real, I was! And then I caught myself -‐ LOL!! Anyway, Friday Night Love, her newest release DID NOT DISAPPOINT!! You simply MUST get your copy now. Trust me, you will be glad you did! The characters, the issues, the conversations, they are so real! And Tia is such a great writer you feel like you KNOW these people.

Michelle Lindo-Rice In Friday Night Love, I was given a chance to meet Zenja and Roman. Their marriage is in trouble, but God is in the mix. A wonderful, inspiring read, I was presented with several quotes that made me underline the text in the book and I NEVER write in my books! A book well-worth reading. I learned another value: the importance of married, saved couples having married, saved friends! Anointed writing.

Tia McCollors Friday Night Love Tour – interviews, events, reviews April Woman of Character Book Club selected title

May 3 – Seasond Readerz Book Club, speaking, book signing, Conyers GA

May 5-16 Friday Night Love Blog Tour – over 20 participants posting, interviews, reviews, guest blogs daily

May 6 Rev Media Radio, live with host David Yanez, 12:30pm: www.revmedianetwork.com

May 16 Mt. Olive Baptist Church, ARM Marriage Ministry, speaking, booksigning, Stockbridge, GA.

June 1 Daughters of Destiny Book Club, Global Impact, Stockbridge, GA

June 14 Woman of Character Book Club feature: www.womenofcharacterbookclub.com/

June 14 Chavis Library, Greensboro, NC, Discussion and book signing.

June 24 International Christian Retail Show, Atlanta, interviews & book signing

July11 Blog Interview, A Christian Writer’s World with Lena Nelson Dooley

July 12 Faith-based Author Explosion, Simpsonville, SC

July 19 Call to Conquer Bookstore, books signing, New Birth Cathedral, Lithonia, GA

July 20 Bookworm Divas Club, speaking, book signing, Newnan, GA

August 8-10 National Book Club Conference, Atlanta.

Posted Reviews & Interviews: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Friday-Night-Love-Days-Grace/dp/1629110108 Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/friday-night-love-tia-mccollors/1118874959?ean=9781629110103 Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20862906-friday-night-love MissReadItAll: http://missreaditall.wordpress.com/2014/02/18/love-to-read-love-to-write-tia-mccollors /

Tia McCollors launches Days of Grace romance series May 1...

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