OUT AND ABOUT

Tags

COVID 19, Ghana, Haiku, lockdown, Muse, Publication, Stardust Haiku, writing history

Hello dear friends and loved ones. I’m out and about now. 🙂! And it feels good. The cares of this world kept me hiding out, even as my muse left me in limbo. Throughout the lockdown, I could not string a line of haiku or even a sentence for my novel in progress which I started ages ago.

But I read and read and read and still reading my books piling up on the shelves of my study I ranted about months ago. It felt and feels so good to just relax in the arm chair with the AC on full blast (after all President of Ghana is paying half the cost of electricity for us for three months), reading a Joel Rosenberg or a Daniel Silva. Real cool indeed and mind you, hard cover. Though Kindle is convenient, there is nothing like reading a physical book, in your hands, occasionally caressing the cover while giving it a sneak peek.

 

But come out I should and did with this haiku of mine published in the Stardust Haiku online Magazine edited by Valentina Ranaldi- Adams. Very much appreciated Valentina. 🙂

I guess with this, dear friends, my muse might be back in full swing. At least I hope so. 🙂

echoes of silence

reverberating . . .

empty tomb

Celestine Nudanu – Ghana.

Cover Reveal: Expecting Ty’s Baby By Empi Baryeh

Tags

Africa, Black Opal Books, Contemporary Multi-cultural romance, Empi Baryeh, From Ghana with Love, Ghana, romance

Author: Empi Baryeh
Series: From Ghana With Love #2
Stand-Alone: Yes
Publisher:Black Opal Books
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Multicultural
Heat Level: Sensual / Expected Publication Date:  March 23, 2019/Cover Artist: Kim Killion

#WTMOETB

Abandoned by her father at a young age, beauty therapist, Patricia Owusu, has learned the hard way that men can’t be relied on. She’s determined to make it on her own without falling into the cultural trappings of marriage. However, when she finds herself pregnant after a torrid love affair with African-American financial consultant, Ty Webber, she discovers one man’s resolve to stick around.

When Ty discovers Patricia is carrying his baby, he offers marriage; because real men take responsibility for their actions. He isn’t prepared for Patricia’s stubborn determination to make it on her own. But nothing will prevent him from claiming his child or the woman he considers his.

Can Ty convince Patricia to take a chance on him to help provide a loving home for their baby, or will Patricia’s mistrust lead her to miss out on true love and rob her child of the type of father she never had?

Add (Expecting Ty’s Baby) to Goodreads

Available  March 23, 2019

Missed Book 1 in the series?

Grab it in ebook, paperback or audiobook formats

 (+ meet Ty and Patricia from book 2):

Black Opal Books |Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | All Other Buy Links

Book 1: Chancing Faith

He didn’t do short-term relationships…

American ad exec, Thane Aleksander, doesn’t date co-workers either—until business takes him to Ghana, West Africa, and he meets Naaki. Now he’s at risk of breaking all the rules. Can he stop this headlong fall before it’s too late?

Until he met her!

Naaki Tabika has a burning need to prove, to herself and others, that she’s more than wife and mother material. To do so, she’s prepared to give up everything for her job. Meeting Thane, however, makes her want to get personal. But falling for her boss could destroy her career. Will she be willing to risk it all for the one thing that can make her truly happy?

Two divergent cultures, two different races, two career-driven professionals, only one chance at true love—will they find the faith to take it, or will their hearts be sacrificed on the altar of financial success?

Add (Chancing Faith) to Goodreads

Empi Baryeh is the award-winning author of Most Eligible Bachelor (Book of the year, 2017 Ufere Awards). She writes sweet and sensual African, multicultural and interracial romance, which happens to be her favourite genres of romance to read. Her interest in writing started around the age of thirteen after she stumbled upon a YA story her sister had started and abandoned. The story fascinated her so much that, when she discovered it was unfinished, she knew she had to complete it. Somehow the rest of the story began to take shape in her mind and she’s been writing ever since.

She lives in Accra, Ghana, with her husband and their two lovely kids.

CONNECT WITH EMPI

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

LINKS

*(only use links if the linked texts above don’t work on your blog)

​Website: https://www.empibaryeh.com/

Blog: https://empibaryehauthor.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empibaryeh

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/EmpiBaryeh

Google+: https://www.google.com/+EmpiBaryeh

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/empibaryeh

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empibaryeh/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5625111.Empi_Baryeh

 

 

Songs – a Cherita, and an Award

Tags

Accra International Book Festival, award, Celestine Nudanu, Cherita, Ghana, Haiku

Hello to you all my lovely friends and a wonderful New Year to you 🙂 It’s good to be back here with you once again. I know I’ve missed a lot and it will take me ages o catch up, if ever I do at all. 🙂 So, here is a small cherita to start my 2019 blogging. Enjoy! 🙂

O yes. I’m excited to announce that my book, Haiku Rhapsodies, Verses from Ghana, has done it again. Haiku Rhapsodies, Verses from Ghana, has won the Accra International Book Festival (AIBF) Literary Awards 2018 under the coveted First Book Award Category. Yay. 🙂 🙂

Songs – A Cherita

beyond velvet
blanket of skies

your song beckons
ululating
enchanting my waking dreams

I sleep no more

Celestine Nudanu
28/01/19

 

Amazon

Amazon.co.uk

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Amazon

Amazon.co.uk

Goodreads

Barnes & Noble

Whispers of Dawn Gets Another 5 Star Review

Tags

Cherita, Ghana, Publication, review, Whispers of Dawn

Whispers of Dawn: A wonderful book you’ll keep coming back to! 🙂 So says Brendon Kent, Author and poet from the UK. Thank you my friend. 🙂

Cherita is relatively new in the grand scheme of poetry having only been created in 1997 by Ai Li. It is a poem which consists of 6 lines and tells a story.
At the beginning of the book, Cherita is defined as follows:
“Cherita is the Malay word for story or tale. A Cherita consists of a single stanza of a one-lined verse, followed by a two-line verse, and then finishing with a three-line verse. It can be written solo or with up to three partners.”

Whispers of Dawn is a wonderful collection of these short story poems by Celestine Nudanu.The book is broken down into 6 themes; Whispers, Making Love, The Dark Side of Love, Death, Saving Grace and Random Thoughts. There are 85 poems in this collection. All poems in the book are centralized with one poem per page.
Celestine is not afraid to tell it as it is…her stories are real, heartfelt and soul-searching.
In the Whispers section, the beautiful;

the way

the petals open
to reveal sunlight

this morning
your smile opened the door
to a new beginning

In the Making Love section;

see me

fall to pieces
as you strum

on the breeze
andante
andante

and in the Dark Side of Love section;

the day you left

you left
with the sunshine

how time flies
this sunshine
in my baby’s smile

The next section is Death;

dark clouds

billowing curtains
close his days

I watch, helpless
as his breath fades
with my memories

In the Saving Grace section;

in my distress

I seek your face
beyond the blue vastness

a whisper, just a breeze
will do
for this soul on fire

and finally in Random Thoughts this very apt poem;

today

you and I will sing
with the wings

for with the storm brewing
a tomorrow
is not certain

Whispers of Dawn is a collection you will want to read and reread…I know I will be!

Brendon Kent
author and poet

Please order your copies now and don’t forget to leave a review on Amazon. 🙂  🙂 Thank you. 🙂

Book Release: Path To Passion By Nana Prah

Tags

Ghana, Harlequin, Nana Prah, New release, Path To Passion, romance

My friend and fellow Ghanaian, Nana Prah, a multi cultural romance writer who also blogs at http://nanaprah.blogspot.com/ has just released her eighth book. Did you read that? Eighth book. Yeah, Nana is really making Ghana proud. And guess what I had the privilege of having lunch with her and another romance writer friend Empi right opposite my workplace. A possible Romance Writers of Ghana (RWOG) in the making? 🙂 Just make sure you get yourself a copy of this fabulous Path To Passion I will be reviewing soon. 🙂

Title: Path To Passion

Author: Nana Prah

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Print Length: 224 pages

Publisher: Harlequin Kimani Romance; Original edition (August 1, 2018)

Publication Date: August 1, 2018

 BLURB

The man who broke her heart . . .Is the man she now needs more than ever!

Heir to his family’s global empire, branding genius Miguel Astacio turns everything into marketing gold. Only his best friend’s sister seems immune to his magic touch. Until Tanya Carrington comes to him to save her floundering nightclub. Miguel is ready to rectify past mistakes. But will his supreme sacrifice win the heart of the woman he loves?

Add to Goodreads: https://goo.gl/hbCASz

BUY LINKS

Amazon US: https://goo.gl/nbTvYU

Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/jkwRjj

Barnes and Noble: https://goo.gl/5gx7Mx

iBooks: https://goo.gl/cLpN6p

Kobo: https://goo.gl/YwVpWN

EXCERPT

Miguel’s blood heated as she gave him a wavering smile. She was just too beautiful, with clear skin marked only by a dark mole at the corner of her nose, angled dark eyes and full lickable lips.

“I mean,” Tanya continued, “I won’t even be able to recognize the place when it’s completed. Everything sounds incredible, but I may have to draw the line at the cages for dancers.”

He thought she might. “Trust me, if we charge people to dance in them, they will pay. The one rule is that they have to keep their clothes on.”

 “We’ll see.” She stared at the screen again with her eyes unblinking “Um…” She rubbed the back of her neck and a light sheen of sweat broke out on her forehead. “How much will this cost?”

Now for the heavy convincing. He got up and stood beside her to point at the CCTV screen showing the dance area, which had filled up a little more in the hour they’d been going over his ideas. “I can see this place packed, people waiting all the way up the street trying to get in. VIP area filled with actors, musicians and pro athletes flying in to experience it.”

Unable to resist, he leaned close so they were almost cheek to cheek. Her heat and honeysuckle perfume floated into him, and he turned his head so his starving lips could caress her one more time. He kissed along her jaw until he met the sensitive area of her neck, where he teased her with gentle nips until she moaned. She sprang as far away from him as the room would allow.

What had he been thinking? Why did she affect him this way? She took away his willpower like no other woman had ever done. Thinking became almost impossible when she was around. The desire to smooth his hands over her incredibly silky soft skin drove him to get closer, but he stayed rooted to the spot, watching her rub the goose pimples from her arms.

“Answer the question, Miguel.” He was pleased to hear her voice quiver. “How much will it cost?”

He’d rather discuss the turbulent heat swirling between them, but if she wanted to ignore it then he should, too. “You’ve heard the saying that you have to spend money to make money, right?”

Her slow nod brought her hair forward. He watched as she brushed back the strand she wanted to filter his fingers through, bringing her close so they could fall into the attraction drawing them together.

CONNECT WITH NANA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NanaPrah.Author/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NanaPrah

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nanaprahauthor/

Website: https://www.nanaprah.com/

 

Review: Seduced Hearts by Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku

Tags

Africa, Forgiveness, Ghana, love, marriage, Nigeria, Relationships, romance, Seduced Hearts, Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku

Title: Seduced Hearts
Author: Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku
Format: Kindle
Genre: Romance
Publisher: Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku
Pages: 202
Publication Date: November 2015

Reason for reading: Verified Purchase. (love a good romance)

Blurb

Is a lovely marriage enough?

Ghanaian designer, Efua Flonta has a marriage and a life many women dream of. Her heart lies with her racy husband, Xavier and two young children. Her marriage vows are sacred until she meets a man who threaten everything she holds dear.

Sexy formula one racing champion, Xavier Flonta wants nothing more than to please his beautiful wife and children. When an old friend stops over, he does not bargain for one weekend of trouble. Will Efua and Xavier pull together to save their marriage in time for Christmas or will the hurt be too painful?

My Thoughts

Marriage can be a beautiful experience or journey if all the cards are played right and the partners involved love each other genuinely. For Efua and Xavier Flonta, everything is perfect, or so it seems. They both have damaging secrets that even their steamy nights and days cannot overshadow.

I read this book overnight. Fast paced just like the formula one driving Xavier, full speed and when I finished I knew I had really landed with a whoosh. 🙂

Stella has written a romance that makes one question the validity of one’s marriage vows especially in the face of such agonising and explosive revelations by the parties. But in the end, forgiveness becomes vital to keep the marriage together.

What is striking about Seduced Hearts is the strong extended family links. In Ghana, we say when you marry a person, you marry the whole family; Xavier and Efua have strong links to their extended families and the two entities are pivotal in the reconciliation, though in the end, Xavier and Efua have to fight their own demons, come to terms with their flaws and ultimately decide to let love prevail. Yes, as I mention flaw, let me add that both characters are nicely flawed and that make them human. Did I love the characters?  Hmm, Xavier is my man, and when you read the book you will know why. 🙂

I give Seduced Hearts five ‘heart-shaped’ stars and highly recommend it to all lovers of romance and those who are interested in knowing about Ghana

AUTHOR BIO

Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku is a fun-loving mother of two teenagers, married to her gorgeous husband and best friend who indulges her romantic habits. Writing contemporary and historical romance novels is an exciting adventure for her. Out of curiosity and belief that love conquers all, she has written several Interracial & Multicultural Romance Novels.

In 2010, Stella created Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels, a collection of toe-curling, intriguing, and skin-tingling romance with compelling characters who have heart and soul and jump off the pages of the book. All her stories are dotted with twists and turns and are set in fascinating Africa, enticing Europe & enchanting America.

To experience and enjoy an intense emotional ride, pick up a copy of any of her novels: Loitering Shadows, Beyond the Lady, The Gardener’s Ice Maiden, Sparkling Dawn, Husband to Rent, Stolen Valentine Kiss (Holiday Series #1), Kiss My Lips (Holiday Series #2), Forbidden Dance, Stolen Valentine Kiss & Kiss My Lips (Holiday Series 2~ Books ~ in ~ 1), Tempting Desire, Seduced Hearts, Red Velvet Rose and Wild Whispers. Stella’s first historical/suspense/mystery romance, Royal Cowries (Cowries Series #1) will give you an insight into a different Africa.

A luxury home by the seaside is on Stella’s wish list. In her spare time, she loves to swim on her back like a starfish, watch TV, go to the movies with her family and read romance novels.

 

 

 

Haiku My Heart: Shells

Tags

Afriku, Cherita, Ghana, Nature, Publication

Hurray! My second poetry collection and first book of Cherita is now available both in Paperback and Kindle format on Amazon. 🙂

(linked to Recuerda Mi Corazon.)

Empty Shells

billowing shores

the echo…

in empty shells

© Celestine Nudanu
20/07/18

Amazon

Amazon.co.uk

Goodreads

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Amazon

Amazon.co.uk

Goodreads

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Haiku My Heart: Sunset

Tags

Celestine, Cherita, Death, Ghana, Nature, Paul Lenzi

(linked to Recuerda Mi Corazon.)

sunset

the fading glow

of hibiscus

(For Paul Lenzi – RIP)

© Celestine Nudanu
13/07/18

* On a lighter note, Whispers of Dawn is now live and available for purchase in Kindle Format on Amazon.

Purchasing Links

Amazon

Amazon.co.uk

Barnes & Noble

Purchasing Links

Amazon

Amazon.co.uk

Goodreads

Barnes & Noble

Whispers of Dawn Now Available in Kindle

Tags

Amazon, Celestine Nudanu, Cherita, Ghana, Kindle, Whispers of Dawn

Good News to all my friends out there! Whispers of Dawn, (A book of Cherita) is now live and available for purchase in Kindle Format on Amazon. Yay. 🙂 Please download your copies and kindly leave a review on Amazon for me after reading. Thank you all so very much for your lovely support over the years. 🙂 God richly bless you. 🙂

Amazon

Amazon Kindle

Amazon.co.uk

Barnes & Noble

Whispers of Dawn Gets Another Top Review

Tags

Cherita, Ghana, Gillena Cox, Publication, review, Whispers of Dawn

Here is a wonderful review of my book Whispers of Dawn from my blogging friend in Trinidad & Tobago, Gillena Cox.

Yes she has done it again! Celestine Nudanu has dipped into her conscious yin and yang pulling out some trinkets for us; some sparkly as fine-cut diamonds, some dark as somber onyx. She has spilled across pages more than 50 poems called cherita. Telling her personal stories and sharing her cultural essence.

Choosing this concise genre to detail issues such as love, longing, despair, gratitude, death and self-realization, is no easy task, yet this is the holy grail that this poet embarks on, and succeeds in her attainment, as ‘Whispers of Dawn’

The cherita is a 6 line poem which tells a story, in fact it is a Malay word meaning story and is a form created by Ai Li.

Ai Li, in her foreword of this collection remarks, “The cherita genre could almost have been created just for Celestine, for her to gift to us her stories”

Best wishes with your outreach pursuits for a fine collection of poems, dear Celestine. Certainly, this is not a book you can read only once.

THANKS FOR AGREEING TO BOOK SWAP Celestine [ i have sent her a copy of my ‘Pink Crush’.
much love
gillena

Purchasing Links for Whispers of Dawn (A Book of Cherita)

Amazon

Amazon.co.uk

Barnes & Noble

Purchasing Links for Haiku Rhapsodies:

Amazon

Amazon.co.uk

Goodreads

Barnes & Noble