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Welcome to Mocha Girls Read book club. Mocha Girls Read is a book club for Black women who love to read, want to read more and meet like-minded women. We are here to inspire women to read, share literature, fellowship, and encourage others in the joy of reading. We meet monthly in 14 cities across the US. We are an eclectic group of women and so are our reading selections. We don’t limit our reading to release dates, gender, race, or genre.  So glad you’re here!

 

Latest from the Blog

Giveaway: HOLLY JOLLY Giveaway Hop 12/01-12/15/2023

Welcome to the Holly Jolly Giveaway Hop hosted by Mama The Fox. This hop runs from 9:00 AM ET on December 1, 2023, through 11:59 PM ET on December 15, 2023 at 11:59 PM ET. The winner will be selected on December 16, 2023.

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Mocha Girls Read is pleased to offer the following prize:

  • One (1) print copy of Sunday Swap by Shalonda McFarland.

To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below. This giveaway is open to residents of the United States. All entries from non-US residents will be disqualified. Void where prohibited by law. (Please check your SPAM/Junk email folder periodically so that you can respond to “you’ve won” emails from the author/publisher/Mocha Girls Read.)

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Prize:

Sunday Swap by Shalonda McFarland

SUNDAY SWAP by Shalonda McFarland book cover: graphic illustration of a Black female wearing a black pastoral robe and a black bearded male wearing a black dress with a red jacket holding a notebook standing in front of a churchTheir playful wish causes them to swap bodies!

Pastor Darnell and Nicole, the church secretary, don’t see eye to eye on things concerning the church but Nicole has been a member of Abiding Grace Church for many years, way before Darnell showed up as the new pastor and started making changes. In their frustration, they each frivolously wish the other could step into their shoes and get a taste of what it’s really like fulfilling their roles in the church. Of course, they never dreamed it could really happen, that they would actually switch bodies! And if they want to be themselves again, they need to learn some hard lessons…and fast.

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To enter this giveaway, use the Rafflecopter form below or click here. This giveaway is open to residents of the United States. All entries from non-US residents will be disqualified. Void where prohibited by law.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.

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Please visit these other Holly Jolly Giveaway Hop participants for more chances to win!

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Book Tour Tuesday: Once Upon a Charming Bookshop by Heatherly Bell (Charming, Texas, #6)

Every week we will introduce to you a new book from various book tour companies. This week’s selection comes from Xpresso Book Tours.

Xpresso Book Tours is run by Giselle of Xpresso Reads. She has been part of the blogging community since September 2011 and launched Xpresso Book Tours in October 2012. Currently, Xpresso Book Tours has successfully completed over 800 blog tours and 3,000 promotional events.

This way we get to find out about new books, discover hidden gems, and explore different genres. It’s an opportunity to broaden our literary horizons and dive into captivating narratives crafted by talented authors. Plus, the authors themselves benefit from reaching a wider audience, gaining recognition, and fostering a vibrant literary community. In essence, it’s a truly advantageous and mutually beneficial arrangement – a true win-win kind of situation. And let’s not forget the cherry on top of the bookish cake – the thrilling giveaway awaiting at the end. I mean, who doesn’t adore the chance to win a coveted book or literary treasure? It’s like receiving a little touch of magic, a gift that nourishes our love for literature and fuels our excitement to embark on new reading journeys. So, embrace the joy of discovering captivating books, connecting with talented authors, and indulging in the thrill of a wonderful giveaway experience!

Once Upon a Charming Bookshop
Heatherly Bell
(Charming, Texas, #6)
Published by: Harlequin Special Edition
Publication date: November 28th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance

Time to rewrite their story?

He’d always simply been her best friend. But when Noah Cahill moved back to town, bookstore owner Twyla Thompson knew something was different. Was it holiday memories of the loss they’d both shared or Noah’s surprising decision to reignite a dangerous career? Their solid friendship had been through so much, yet now Twyla grew breathless every time Noah was near. Why wasn’t Noah—handsome, fun, but never one to cross the line—showing any signs of stopping?

From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.

Charming, Texas

Book 1: Winning Mr. Charming
Book 2: The Charming Checklist
Book 3: A Charming Christmas Arrangement
Book 4: A Charming Single Dad
Book 5: A Charming Doorstep Baby
Book 6: Once Upon a Charming Bookshop

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

EXCERPT:

Then with little warning other than the sudden shine in his eyes, he hauled her by the neck to him and kissed her, square on the lips. It was a deep and long kiss that didn’t seem to have a beginning. Nor did it have an end. He pulled her tight and they were hip to hip, belly to belly. Even through the shock of the totally unexpected, she kissed him back. She sunk her fingers into his hair and kissed him with everything she had in her. With every last inch of longing wrapped up in her, saved over the years and packed away where the raw intensity of the emotion couldn’t destroy her.

She fisted his shirt. She ran her hands up and down his back, feeling the muscles tense and bunch.

It was over just as quickly and then they were both panting, staring at each other.

“I’m sorry.” Noah took a step back, leaving a healthy distance between them. “Yeah, I shouldn’t have done that. That’s wrong.”

Wrong?

“It’s okay,” she stammered because she didn’t know what else to say in the moment.

Yes, it was wonderful, please kiss me again, because I think maybe I’ve always loved you?

“It’s just…that was wrong of me. I don’t feel that way about you.”

Oh, God. There went her heart, pierced and sliced into tiny bits.

I don’t feel that way about you.

No, he was right. This was wrong. And if he had regrets then damn it, so did she.

“Me, neither. I don’t feel that way about you.”

“I know.”

The certainty in his voice broke her heart a little. How could he be so sure she wasn’t straight out lying, trying to save her pride?

She chewed on her lower lip. “So, let’s just forget it. Pretend the kiss never happened.”

“But…we’re okay?”

Worry and regret filled those dark puppy dog eyes. Not long ago, she would have understood. But now she knew what it was like to be kissed by Noah and her heart shattered to think it would never happen again.

“We’re okay. You’re probably right, huh? Bad idea.”

“Yeah, I just don’t want to…you know…” He ran a hand through his hair, looking desperately vulnerable, like a man searching for a lifeline.

And what kind of friend would she be not to throw one to him?

“It was just, well, okay, maybe we’re both lonely. And it’s after midnight. I…got um, confused.” She had no idea what she was saying but it sounded good, and he seemed to be receptive.

“Yeah, so did I.”

“And I’ve got a date tomorrow night so that could be awkward.”

Now she’d lied to her best friend, but she’d also kissed him within an inch of his life, so either way she was in brand new territory here.

He quirked a brow. “You have a date? Who is he?”

“Some guy.”

“Some guy? Does ‘some guy’ have a name?”

“Of course he has a name, Noah. He’s some guy I just met.” She crossed her arms. “Weren’t you leaving?”

He scowled. “Yeah. I have an early day tomorrow.”

“Bye.” She closed the door before he could say another word.

Now she was going to have to find herself a date.


Author Bio:

Bestselling author Heatherly Bell was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama but lost her accent by the time she was two. After leaving Alabama, Heatherly lived with her family in Puerto Rico and Maryland before being transplanted kicking and screaming to the California Bay Area. She now loves it here, she swears. Except the traffic.

Over 200,000 copies of Heatherly’s books have been sold, many of them translated into two languages.

Heatherly also writes sweet and wholesome books under the pen name of Maria Michaels. She is represented by Elaine Spencer of The Knight Agency.

Luke’s unwavering loyalty to Lexi and her family gives this sweet romance unexpected integrity …Readers looking for a tender romance that leans more toward the emotional than the physical will find this very satisfying.” ~ Publishers Weekly/Booklife review on Country Gold.

“Heatherly Bell writes romance that will capture your heart.” ~ Marina Adair, New York Times bestselling author.

“What a thoroughly delightful story. I adored it.” ~ Lori Wilde, New York Times bestselling author on Lucky Cowboy.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram


GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Book Tour Tuesday: Rise Like a Phoenix by Tammy Lowe(The Acadian Secret, #3)

Every week we will introduce to you a new book from various book tour companies. This week’s selection comes from Xpresso Book Tours.

Xpresso Book Tours is run by Giselle of Xpresso Reads. She has been part of the blogging community since September 2011 and launched Xpresso Book Tours in October 2012. Currently, Xpresso Book Tours has successfully completed over 800 blog tours and 3,000 promotional events.

This way we get to find out about new books, discover hidden gems, and explore different genres. It’s an opportunity to broaden our literary horizons and dive into captivating narratives crafted by talented authors. Plus, the authors themselves benefit from reaching a wider audience, gaining recognition, and fostering a vibrant literary community. In essence, it’s a truly advantageous and mutually beneficial arrangement – a true win-win kind of situation. And let’s not forget the cherry on top of the bookish cake – the thrilling giveaway awaiting at the end. I mean, who doesn’t adore the chance to win a coveted book or literary treasure? It’s like receiving a little touch of magic, a gift that nourishes our love for literature and fuels our excitement to embark on new reading journeys. So, embrace the joy of discovering captivating books, connecting with talented authors, and indulging in the thrill of a wonderful giveaway experience!

Rise Like a Phoenix
Tammy Lowe
(The Acadian Secret, #3)
Publication date: November 22nd 2023
Genres: Time-Travel, Young Adult

When Elisabeth London travels back in time to the 14th century, she is transported to a world straight out of the pages of a fairy-tale. Swept away by the adventure and romance, Elisabeth follows her heart—and Aquarius—into this whole new world.

But Elisabeth soon learns her father has discovered where (or rather when) she is. He’s sent a bounty-hunter to bring her home. Although a million questions buzz through her mind, there’s one thing she’s certain of—her parents will never let her hang out in the 14th century with a guy she met in Ancient Rome.

With her heart at stake, can Elisabeth avoid the bounty-hunter and find a way to stay in this fairy-tale world?

Or is her love-life about to take a rather grim twist?

Find out in Elisabeth London’s timeless story of love, danger, and adventure.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

EXCERPT:

When Crooked Nose punched, David blocked. Then, with a quick elbow movement, he smacked the man’s face with the end of the rope before stepping back. The effect was rather comical.

Crooked threw another punch.

David pounced, wrapping the rope around the man’s wrist. Yanking the tied arm back made him double over. His eyes turned cold and hard. “Who sent you?”

The man’s breath sawed in and out. “You’ve no idea whose daughter you’ve run away with, do you?”

He pulled Crooked’s arm straight back some more. “Enlighten me.”

“Make her tell you,” he hissed.

David swallowed a lump in his throat. “She hides nothing from me.” He then snapped the man’s arm at the elbow, and grabbed Elisabeth’s hand, pulling her to a run.

Her breath hitched, and the colorful bouquet of wildflowers dropped.

“By the gods!” David led the way through a field of grazing sheep, toward a grove of trees. “Your father is here?”

“No…” She shook her head in denial. “No, he can’t be…can he?”

“You tell me!”

Elisabeth let out an uncontrollable whimper.

If Dad found out she was time-traveling—she was so grounded.


Author Bio:

An adventurer at heart, Tammy has explored ruins in Rome, Pompeii, and Istanbul (Constantinople) with historians and archaeologists.

She’s slept in the tower of a 15th century castle in Scotland, climbed down the cramped tunnels of Egyptian pyramids, scaled the Sydney Harbour Bridge, sailed on a tiny raft down the Yulong River in rural China, dined at a Bedouin camp in the Arabian Desert, and escaped from head-hunters in the South Pacific.

I suppose one could say her own childhood wish of time traveling adventures came true…in a roundabout way.

Website / Goodreads / Instagram


GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


December 2023 Monthly Book Selection: Verity by Colleen Hoover

7 days of nominations! 7 days of voting!

And now we have a winner for the December Monthly Book Selection.

The Mocha Girl Read December 2023 Monthly Book Selection is Verity by Colleen Hoover. Take a minute to see what this book is all about.

Take a minute to see what this book is all about.

Whose truth is the lie? Stay up all night reading the sensational psychological thriller that has readers obsessed, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of It Ends With Us.

Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish.
 
Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity’s notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn’t expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity’s recollection of the night her family was forever altered.
 
Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents could devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen’s feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife’s words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue loving her.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-four novels and novellas. Hoover’s novels fall into the New Adult and Young Adult contemporary romance categories, as well as psychological thriller. 

Colleen Hoover is published by Atria Books, Grand Central Publishing, Montlake Romance, and HarperCollins Publishers.

In 2015, Colleen’s novel CONFESS won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance. That was followed up in 2016 with her latest title, It Ends With Us, also winning the Choice Award for Best Romance. In 2017, her title WITHOUT MERIT won best romance.

Her novel CONFESS has been filmed as a series by Awestruck and is available on Prime Video via Amazon and iTunes. Katie Leclerc and Ryan Cooper star in the series.

Colleen founded The Bookworm Box, a charity bookstore and book signing event, with her family in 2015. The Bookworm Box hosts a book signing (Book Bonanza) each year which features over 200 authors as well as an annual auction to raise funds for food banks and other charities across the nation. To date, The Bookworm Box has donated over $1,000,000 to help those in need.

BUY THE BOOK

Click the picture to purchase your copy for the next book club meeting.