ReShonda Tate Billingsley is a former general assignment reporter for KRIV-TV, the Fox affiliate in Houston, Texas.

ReShonda is the national bestselling author of 21 titles [as of 2011] (Eight adult novels, eight teen novels, one non-fiction, three anthologies and one poetry book). Her sophomore novel, Let the Church Say Amen, is being made into a movie of which she is Executive Producer and actress Regina King is the director. Her teen books, Nothing But Drama and Caught up in the Drama are also being made into movies.

Sinners & Saints
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by ReShonda Tate Billingsley & Victoria Christopher Murray

Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Touchstone; Original edition (January 10, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1451608152
ISBN-13: 978-1451608151


TEAM JASMINE or TEAM RACHEL?

Bestselling and award-winning novelists Victoria Christopher Murray and ReShonda Tate Billingsley bring their favorite heroines together in a novel that will delight their legions of fans.

Jasmine Larson Bush and Rachel Jackson Adams are not your typical first ladies. But they’ve overcome their scandalous and drama-filled pasts to stand firmly by their husbands’ sides.

When a coveted position opens up -- president of the American Baptist Coalition -- both women think their husbands are perfect for the job. And winning the position may require both women to get down and dirty and revert to their old tricks. Just when Jasmine and Rachel think they’re going to have to fight to the finish, the current first lady of the coalition steps in . . . a woman bigger, badder, and more devious than either of them.

Double the fun with a message of faith, Sinners & Saints will delight readers with two of their favorite characters from two of their favorite authors.

Say Amen, Again
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Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Gallery Books; Original edition (July 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416578064
ISBN-13: 978-1416578062

WINNER of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work - Fiction

The spirited Houston congregation featured in ReShonda Tate Billingsley’s Let the Church Say Amen and Everybody Say Amen has a major scandal unfolding—and, as always, the outspoken Rachel Jackson Adams is at the heart of the drama.

As the First Lady of Zion Hill, Rachel is not only Pastor Lester Adams’ wife—she’s currently his eight-months-pregnant wife, who’s going toe-to-toe with Lester’s onetime mistress, congregant Mary Richardson, also pregnant. Her baby may or may not be Lester’s, but Mary’s doing all she can to win sympathy and turn her fellow churchgoers against Rachel—even threatening to blackmail Pastor Adams with a paternity agreement. After all, where can an unmarried mother-to-be go but to the Lord? Rachel has a few choice answers for exactly where Mary can go . . . but as these expectant moms do battle, hostilities erupt into a drama unlike anything Zion Hill has ever seen! Something has to give, and while Rachel contemplates everything from transferring her lifelong church membership to packing up and leaving Lester, she knows deep down God is calling her to forgiveness. Will the arrival of the new babies bring a new understanding? Or harden forever the anger that’s dividing them? 

A Good Man Is Hard to Find
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Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Gallery Books; Original edition (March 22, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439183503
ISBN-13: 978-1439183502
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches

#1 national bestselling author ReShonda Tate Billingsley takes off on an adventure of romance, passion, and just a touch of suspense . . . set in one of the world’s most exotic locales.

After her company is bought out by a tabloid magazine, career-driven journalist Ava Cole is less than thrilled to be covering celebrity fluff stories—even if her first assignment sends her to Aruba for the high-profile wedding of pop star India Wright. Maybe a solo excursion far from home will help her forget about her crazy family and her suddenly ex-boyfriend, who seems to have trouble with two simple words: “I do.”

It doesn’t take long for the steamy island atmosphere to work its magic, and Ava finds herself enjoying a sexy flirtation with Cliff, the photographer shooting the singer’s nuptials. Just as their attraction heats up, Ava uncovers a bombshell of blackmail, deadly deceptions, and international intrigue that will all but destroy India Wright. With ominous threats closing in after the story leaks, whom can Ava trust with her explosive information, her heart—and her life?

Holy Rollers
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Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Gallery; Original edition (July 6, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416578056
ISBN-13: 978-1416578055

From #1 Essence bestseller, ReShonda Tate Billiingsley, a touching and funny story of faith, love, and tenacious friendship.

Looking for Love . . .
Lifelong friends Coco, Nita, and Tia have spent years looking for love in the arms of flashy pro athletes, hoping to land a baller but ending up with a stream of failed relationships. The beautiful and demure Coco has endured years of physical abuse from her boyfriend, Sonny, while Tia, a single mother, has dated her fair share of cheaters and yearns for a stable companion who will be a father figure to her son. And feisty, seductive Nita is tired of being the million-dollar mistress and wants to settle down if she can find someone worth coming home to.

Changing the Game . . .
Now that the women are approaching thirty, they're finding it harder than ever to compete with the pro groupies. Determined to change the game and find some worthwhile men, Tia hatches an outrageous plan. Soon the trio is "holy rolling," masquerading as God-fearing churchgoers at a local conference for young ministers in the hopes of snagging a prominent pastor. But will their big gamble pay off? Men of the cloth are still just men, after all. As the three friends meet their potential life partners, they will have to decide how far they want to take their holy rollers scheme'each risking heartbreak while taking a chance on finding a reliable, responsible man to love and cherish, flaws and all.  

The Devil Is a Lie
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Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Pocket; Original edition (July 7, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416578048
ASIN: B003A02X70
Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches

4-7-14-17-21-25. Those numbers, printed on a slim paper ticket, are about to change the lives of two couples, lovers past and present, in Houston. When Nina Lawson wins $16 million in the Texas Lotto, the real estate executive and her fianc', personal trainer Rick Henderson, ecstatically begin planning their future -- from paying off their credit card debt, to setting their wedding date, to a spontaneous, spare-no-expense island getaway.

But while counting her millions, Nina didn't count on one other astounding twist of fate: her ex-husband, Todd Lawson, isn't her ex anything -- since the paperwork for their divorce was never officially filed. Now he's shown up with his money-hungry girlfriend, Pam, to claim half of Nina's winnings. Add to this the relatives coming out of the woodwork to seek a payday for themselves, and Nina must ask herself if scoring a fortune in cash comes with too high a price tag. With a little bit of luck, Nina will discern the real wealth in her heart, not just her bank account -- or risk losing everything -- to find out what matters the most.

Can I get a Witness?
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Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Pocket (July 15, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416521674

She thought she was through with love and marriage.
But a renewed faith may just change her mind. . . .

Vanessa Colton-Kirk has seen it all in her notorious divorce court. But she never thought the drama would make its way into her own marriage. However, that's just what happens when Vanessa's husband Thomas tires of his career-driven wife'.and turns to Alana Irving to give him what he needs, and wants ' a baby. But Alana has ulterior motives. She's out to take Vanessa's man, her money and her life'all in a quest for revenge. Now a woman scorned, Vanessa thinks her only relief will come in paying back her husband and his mistress. But just when she thinks she's won, fate steps in and helps her see things in a whole new light.

Vanessa's not the only one hell-bent on revenge. Her sister, Dionne is looking to show her cheating boyfriend a thing or too. But when her payback plan goes horribly wrong, Dionne's life may end up in shambles.

Two sisters will discover that they need a lot more than revenge to heal their hearts'they're going to need a whole lot of faith.

The Pastor's Wife
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Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Pocket (November 20, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416521666

An Essence Magazine Bestseller!

Most men barely survive one mother, but Terrance Ellis has three -- his aunts. His grandmother Essie's sisters -- Eva, Dorothy Mae, and Mamie -- lovingly raised him after Essie died in a tragic accident. They made sure that troubled young Terrance got on the right path and made something of his life. And now that he's all grown up and the rising pastor of Houston's Lily Grove church, the endlessly argumentative sisters agree on one thing: Terrance needs to find a wife. And not just any wife -- but the right young woman to stand beside him as First Lady of Lily Grove at the fast-approaching one-hundredth-year Christmas service.

Humble and handsome, Terrance is focused on preaching more than dating and has kindly fended off the advances of more than a few perfectly available ladies. So why, of all women, is outrageous, flirtatious Savannah McKinney drawing him in? Seeing Terrance falling under her seductive spell has got his aunts frantically matchmaking since time is running out and gossip is flying. Who will be the pastor's wife? Only heaven knows for sure...and before he finds her, some surprising and dramatic revelations are in store for Terrance, his congregation, and the three aunts who love him most in the world.

Getting Even
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Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Pocket (April 22, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 141655873X

The fourth book in The Good Girlz series'

One guy is leading them on'

Best friends forever, Camille, Alexis, Jasmine, and Angel always stand up for each other. So when Camille runs into boy problems, Jasmine is ready to settle the score! Camille convinces her it's not worth it, even though she was attacked by some girls who are jealous of the attention's she's getting from Vic, a cute guy Camille met at a football game. But Camille's boy troubles are just starting'

Should they forgive'or make him pay?

Alexis is dating a guy named Anthony, and it doesn't take long for Jasmine to discover that he's Anthony Vickers- the very same Vic that Camille has fallen for! When the truth comes out, the girls cook up a scheme for payback, something that will teach a two-timing guy the error of his ways. But their dramatic plan may be backfiring, tearing at the bonds of their own friendship, and showing them that the price for revenge is very high' for everyone.

Everybody Say Amen
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Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Pocket (July 10, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416521658

Gold Pen Award'winning author ReShonda Tate Billingsley returns to the Houston congregation of her #1 Essence magazine bestseller, Let the Church Say Amen, in this warm and powerful sequel.

Rachel is back....and this time, she's running things!

Voted a top ten Summer Sizzler by USA Today!

An Essence Magazine Bestseller!

When her husband hears God's call to become a preacher, Rachel Jackson Adams is distressed'she grew up a preacher's daughter, and knows how difficult life under the microscope can be for a reverend's family. But hot-headed Rachel has toned down her wild ways, and for the sake of her marriage and her two children, she is now the reluctant first lady of Zion Hill, unafraid to rock the boat with her unconventional ideas for revitalizing the church. When her son Jordan begins fighting at school, Rachel turns to the boy's father, Bobby'Rachel's first love from years ago. Married now himself, there should be nothing between them except their concern for Jordan'so why does seeing Bobby again feel so distractingly tempting? With her brothers facing dramas of their own, (Jonathan's fighting to see his son and David just found out his crackhead girlfriend is pregnant), and her father, Reverend Simon Jackson, recovering from illness, Rachel must listen carefully to discover what God truly wants for her'and to decide if Bobby is the lover of her dreams or the devil in disguise.

With Friends Like These
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Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Pocket; Pocket Books Trade Pbk. Ed edition (April 10, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416525629

The third book in an exciting and inspiring new series from national bestselling author ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Only one girl will be chosen....

In the year since Camille, Alexis, Jasmine, and Angel joined Rachel Jackson's church youth group, the four best friends have bonded over boys, pitched in on community projects, and shared their deepest secrets. There's nothing they don't know about each other -- or is there? When a special guest arrives at Rachel's group and announces auditions for a television talk show, the girls will come to know a side of each other they never knew existed. And they may not like what they see.

Will the four friends become enemies?

The race to find the perfect host for KRCP's Teen Talks is heating up -- the competition is fierce, and so are the lies the girlfriends tell about each other in order to win the coveted spot. But more painful than any lies they can concoct is the cold, hard truth: none of them will reach their ultimate dreams if cutting each other down is how they choose to get ahead. Is winning a place in the spotlight worth losing their friendship?

Blessings in Disguise
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Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Pocket; Pocket Books Trade Pbk. Ed edition (January 9, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416525610

The second book in an exciting and inspiring new series from national bestselling author ReShonda Tate Billingsley
They share a precious gift. . . .

Joining Rachel Jackson's church youth group has been a lifesaver for Camille, Alexis, Jasmine, and Angel. The fabulous four share everything from juicy gossip to mentoring school kids. But their loyalty is put to the test when two of the girls get caught up in problems of their own -- and may drag their girlfriends down with them.

Will they forget who their friends are?

Wealthy Alexis seems to have the perfect life -- but no one can see her fear as her parents head for divorce. Meanwhile, Jasmine is tired of being the glue that holds her mother and siblings together, and she escapes by moving in with her father. Both girls are tempted to do something drastic to get the attention they crave, and both need to hear Rachel's hard-won advice on why stealing will only get them more trouble. But when it comes to winning back Camille and Angel's trust, Alexis and Jasmine will have to find the answers in their own hearts.

Nothing But Drama
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Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Pocket (November 7, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416525602

The first book in an exciting and inspiring new series from national bestselling author ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Their lives are nothing but drama. . . .

Camille can't believe her bad luck when she's ordered to join a church youth group after hiding her boyfriend from the police. She'll bide her time if that's what it takes to get everyone off her back, but it's the last place she ever expected to make a new friend. Angel has a secret that's got her running scared, so when she sees a flyer for the group, she heads to the church, hoping to find an answer to her problem. Now Rachel, their group leader, has a task for them that may just end their daily dramas and give them a whole new beginning.

They just have to take a leap of faith. . . .

Along the way, they meet tough-as-nails Jasmine and society-darling Alexis, forging friendships built on strength, loyalty, and faith. As the girls take up Rachel's challenge to honor their parents, they find that walking a new path isn't always the easiest way to go. But together, Camille, Angel, Jasmine, and Alexis will embark on adventures that only the best of friends can share.

I Know I've Been Changed
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Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Pocket Star (January 30, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416511989

Sooner or later forgiveness becomes a part of every family

Raedella Rollins left the dusty town of Sweet Poke, Arkansas on a Texas-bound bus with four mismatched suitcases, a newsroom job offer, and a promise to herself: never look back. Now, less than a decade later, she's a top-rated talk show host and fianc'e to Houston's star councilman. The future looks bright for Rae, and Sweet Poke is nothing more than a distant memory.But now that she's reached the top, her ragtag family comes knocking. Mama Tee, the grandmother who raised her, calls with unwelcome family updates, and Shondella, her jealous older sister, guilts her into sending money. To Rae, nothing could be worse than an unexpected reunion with her over-the-top relatives. But when her picture-perfect life turns out to be an illusion, Rae's family calls her back to Sweet Poke and to the life she left behind. Can Rae let go of the heartache of her childhood and open her heart to the healing that only faith and family can provide?

Help! I've Turned Into My Mother
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Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Strebor Books; First Strebor Books Trade Pbk. Ed edition (December 6, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1593090501

Deny it. Defy it.
Sooner or later you must admit it'you've turned into your mother

Admit it. At some point, you've looked into the mirror and saw your mother looking back. Or maybe you caught yourself talking, laughing, simply exhibiting some of her traits.

Don't be ashamed, you're not alone.

Help! I've Turned into My Mother takes on the transformation we all hate to face.

Sharing anecdotes of her own drama-filled relationship with her mother, ReShonda interviewed over 500 women who talked about the good, the bad and the ugly of turning into their mothers. Through humor and wit, these women share stories that are bound to not only help you build a better relationship with your mother, but recognize that turning into your mother isn't all bad.

Let the Church Say Amen
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Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Pocket (September 27, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 141651449X

A bold and heartwarming story of family and faith that will inspire readers everywhere.

Reverend Simon Jackson has always felt destined to lead and he's done a good job of it, transforming his small Houston church into one of the most respected and renowned in the region. But while the good Reverend's been busy tending his flock, his family's gone astray. His 19-year-old daughter, Rachel, gives new meaning to "baby mama drama." Crazy in love with her son's father, she's wreaking havoc on the man's life, even though he's about to marry another. David, Simon's oldest at 27, has been spiraling downward ever since a knee injury ended a promising football career. These days he's seeking solace in drugs'even feeding his habit by stealing church offerings. Blessedly, 23-year-old Jonathan, a college graduate and the apple of Simon's eye, is poised to take his father's side as associate pastor'or so everyone thinks.

Let the Church Say Amen is a powerful journey through one family's trials'and a remarkable story of reconciliation and love.

 
Billingsley announces her novel Let the Church Say Amen will be made into a movie beginning July 2008. This clip was filmed by AALBC.com at the National Black Book Festival in Houston, TX during the Houston Black Expo.

My Brother's Keeper
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Mass Market Paperback: 365 pages
Publisher: Pocket Books (June 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416514503

With an engaging and realistic voice, ReShonda Tate Billingsley has spun an irresistible story that will touch every reader's heart.

Aja James is a survivor. Her outward beauty and strength artfully conceal the scars within... Scars inflicted by a horrific family tragedy. Aja has managed to leave her troubled past behind and begin again. The new chapter in her life begins with hope, and one of the most sought after bachelors in town, handsome sportscaster, Charles Clayton. But just when Aja starts to enjoy her new life, she's forced to deal with some old demons. While Aja seems to have rebounded from the family's history, her brother, Eric, a promising NBA prospect, is unable to get past it. His uncontrollable rage and inner turmoil sideline his basketball career and wreak havoc on his own personal relationships. When Aja sees her brother heading down the same violent path that destroyed their family, she makes it her business to stop the cycle --even if it means putting her own life, and love, on hold. Through it all, both Aja and her brother learn a lesson in forgiveness, from their little sister, Jada. Although she was hit hardest by the family tragedy, her resilience proves sometimes you have to forgive in order to find the strength to move on.

My Brother's Keeper is a captivating novel that takes a poignant look at how deep childhood issues can run. Both humorous and heart-wrenching, this exciting debut novel will leave you wanting more.

Have a Little Faith
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Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Pocket (June 6, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 141651676X

Faith, family, and forgiveness are at the heart of this powerful story collection from four bestselling African-American authors. Meet a group of unforgettable women in these tales of hope and inspiration and discover how doors can open if you just

ReShonda Tate Billingsley: Faith Will Overcome

Determined to leave her small town and broken family behind, Faith Logan believes finding a man is the solution to all her problems. But a chance meeting with Darius Williams helps her realize that all she needs is faith to find true happiness.

Jacquelin Thomas: Signs of Light

Businesswoman Lorna Hamilton has always looked down on unemployed single mothers, but she learns a valuable lesson when she befriends devout single mom Brittany Spencer and finds the family she's been praying for.

J. D. Mason: Maybelline

Olivia Phillips's world is falling apart, and the last thing she needs is her elderly neighbor knocking on her door. But kindly Maybelline won't take no for an answer, and an uplifting friendship takes hold thanks to a little persistence and some homemade pie.

Sandra Kitt: Survival Instincts

Even after an attempted mugging, librarian Lynn Hayes is devoted to her work in the bad part of town. Her rescuer, reporter Davis Manning, isn't so forgiving, and it's up to Lynn to show him that it is possible to save a community, one person at a time.

Four Degrees of Heat
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Related Links

ReShonda's Official Website
http://www.reshondatatebillingsley.com/

ReShonda's Myspace
www.myspace.com/reshonda_tate_billingsley

From Cover to Cover Radio Show: Hosted by Pat Tucker and ReShonda Tate Billingsley
www.fromcovertocovershow.com.