JUNE
2011

Greetings From Rochelle

Happy Father’s Day!

This is the month for Father’s Day, June weddings, proms, high school and college graduations and the official start of summer. The flower of the month is a rose and the pearl is the birthstone. It is also the month to celebrate Juneteenth and Cancer Survivor’s Day. There is also Beautician’s Day – June 26. Don’t forget to thank all those men and women who hook our hair up so that we can maintain our diva status.

Happy Father’s Day to dads, single moms and dads who are both mother and father to our precious children. And, a very special shout-out to President Barack Obama. Thanks for being an awesome father. You make us proud.

Speaking of pearls … I’d like to congratulate Vanessa Riggins of Springfield, Illinois as the contest winner. Vanessa was the third place contest winner, but because the winners of the first and second prizes did not respond she won by default. I even waived contest rules for the response time when I gave the winners an extra two weeks to email me their addresses.

There will be another contest. This one will be tied to Capital Wives. Contest rules will be made available closer to the October 2011 release date. An incredible book trailer will give you a glimpse into the lives of three very different women with spicy secrets guaranteed to keep you turning pages until the last word.

I had no idea when I’d sat down to pen Capital Wives of the number of politicians whose exploits would become fodder for tabloid gossip, while dominating the national news. At a meeting with my editor last week I’d committed to follow up Capital Wives with Capital Husbands. I can reassure you the men will be a lot naughtier and more scandalous than their female counterparts.

I am gearing up to attend RWA National in New York – June 28th through July 1st. For those who plan to attend I would love to see you at the free-to-the public literary signing at the Marriott Marquis near Times Square.

On a more somber note … I would like everyone to put bestselling author Leslie Esdaile on their prayer list. Some of you may have seen this, but for those who haven’t …

It is with profound sadness that we have to inform you that our beloved sister and friend, Leslie Esdaile, (“L.A. Banks”) is most gravely ill. She is facing an uphill battle in her struggle with serious illness. Please know that as Leslie needs all of her energy in this fight, she is absolutely not able to receive visitors, answer emails, texts or phone calls, or receive flowers. What she is able to receive is your continued prayers.

Also, Leslie’s medical expenses are mounting at an astronomical rate. If you wish to assist Leslie, a fund has been established to help with these ever increasing expenses. If you wish to send donations (please note that donations are not tax-deductible) to help Leslie, please see the information listed below:

Leslie Esdaile Fund
Account #81538801
Police and Fire Federal Credit Union
Operations Center
901 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107-2404
215-931-0300

If you live in Philadelphia, PA, you may take donations directly to any Police and Fire Federal Credit Union branch. Please be sure to note the account number. You may also send them to the P.O. Box listed below*.

Police and Fire Federal Credit Union Branch Locations:

Main Branch:

901 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Additional Branches:
Leo Mall, 11705 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19116-2515
Davisville Shopping Center, Street Road, Philadelphia, PA
Andorra Shopping Center, Ridge and Henry Avenues, Philadelphia, PA
City Avenue Shopping Center, 7604 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19151-2007 Mayfair Branch on Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Northeast Branch, 7500 Castor Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Grant and Academy Shopping Center Branch, Philadelphia, PA

You may send good wishes and cards to*:
Leslie Esdaile
c/o Tina Ryan Wise
P.O. Box 37189
Philadelphia, PA 19148-9998

On behalf of Leslie, her daughter Helena, her sister Liza and all of her family and friends, we sincerely thank you for all of your continued prayers and support.

Tina Ryan Wise
Tinarwise@gmail.com

Until next month … don’t forget to read, love, live romance and pray for Leslie.

Words to the Wise

If it weren’t for the dark days, we wouldn’t know what it is to work in the light – Earl Campbell

In This Issue

1) Words to the Wise
2) Cooks Corner
3) Reader Spotlight
4) Love Notes
5) Happy Birthday
6) Coming Up

Cooks Corner

Cookout or BBQ – it doesn’t matter what you call it, but I always look forward to cooking outdoors. Everything seems to taste better and don’t forget the delicious aromas wafting throughout the neighborhood. And nothing smells or tastes better than the ubiquitous hamburger. Below is the recipe for the classic hamburger and several of my favorite variations. For juicy burgers, handle the meat as little as possible. Overworking makes them tough. Warning: for those on a low sodium diet – omit the salt. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Happy Birthday

To all my readers born in the month of June. Below are some notable celebrities who celebrate their birthday as well.

Morgan Freeman – 6/1
Heidi Klum- 6/1
Wayne Brady – 6/2
Dennis Haysbert – 6/2
Anderson Cooper – 6/3
Angelina Jolie – 6/4
Kennen Ivory Wayans – 6/8
Kanye West – 6/8
Faith Evans – 6/10

Reader Spotlight - Angel Cason

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. (Nothing too personal)

Born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. I work for a federal government agency (EPA) training regional staff in travel and payroll systems, policies and procedures. I'm aspiring to complete my first story/book by early next year. I'm an avid reader of all books, but my favorite genre is romance.

2. What is your favorite Rochelle Alers' book and why?

3. How has reading romance changed your life?

Romance helped me to find a purpose in my life, to get people to read, and to share great books with others. I remember doing book swaps with my friends who'd turned down their noses at "romances" thinking they were a waste of time and not worth the paper they were printed on.

They changed their minds when African-American and Multi-cultural romances began filling the bookstore shelves. There was something about seeing people who looked like us on the covers and who had something in common with us that got their attention. And on the inside of the covers, these people represented our lives and /or gave us hope to aspire to be like that - not stereotypical images that we see represented in the media.