Victoria Christopher Murray always knew she would become an author, even as she was taking quite an unlikely path to that destination. A native of Queens, New York, Victoria first left New York to attend Hampton Institute in Virginia where she majored in Communication Disorders. After graduating in 1977, Victoria attended New York University where she received her Master of Business Administration in 1979.
Victoria spent ten years in Corporate America before she decided to test her entrepreneurial spirit. She opened a Financial Services Agency for Aegon, USA where she managed the number one division for nine consecutive years. However, Victoria never lost the dream to write and when the "bug" hit her again in 1997, she answered the call.
In 2000, Walk Worthy Press/Warner Books published Temptation. "It was a long road before my agent was able to find a publisher. However, it has truly been a blessing and now I know that it was all in God's perfect timing. He has certainly opened up the flood gates." Temptation made numerous best sellers list including Emerge and The Dallas/Fort Worth Morning News. It remained on the Essence bestsellers list for nine consecutive months and was nominated in 2001 for an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literature.
JOY, Victoria's second novel was released in October 2001. "This is a story about having to make tough decisions when you're pulled between what you may want and what God definitely wants. JOY reveals how one word from God will change your whole life." JOY has also been an Essence bestseller and won the 2002 Gold Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction.
In 2003, Victoria joined with five authors for the first Christian fiction anthology. Blessed Assurance is a collection of short stories where each author chose a character from the Bible and brought their story into 2003. "I chose to write about Hannah."
Victoria was an Associate Editor with Black Issues Book Review and a contributor to Quarterly Black Review.
Victoria splits her time between Los Angeles and Washington D.C. In Los Angeles, she attends Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church under the spiritual tutelage of Dr. Beverly "BAM" Crawford and in Washington, D.C., she fellowships at Metropolitan Baptist Church under Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr. She is also a member of the Long Beach Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Theta Sorority.
Never
Say Never
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Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Touchstone; Original edition (June 4, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1451695772
ISBN-13: 978-1451695779
Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 inches
In this emotionally charged and inspiring novel about a love triangle,
secrets between best friends threaten to blow up friendships and a marriage
and change lives forever.
When Miriam’s fireman husband, Chauncey, dies while rescuing students from a
school fire, Miriam feels like her life is over. How is she going to raise
her three children all by herself? How will she survive without the love of
her life? Luckily, Miriam’s sister-friend Emily and Emily’s husband, Jamal,
are there to comfort her. Jamal and Chauncey grew up together and were best
friends; Jamal and Emily know they will do all they can to support Miriam
through her grief. Jamal steps in and helps Miriam with the funeral
arrangements and with her children, plus he gives her hope that she has a
future. But all the time that they spend together—grieving, sharing, and
reminiscing—brings the two closer in ways they never planned. . . .
Friends
& Foes
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by ReShonda Tate
Billingsley and Victoria Christopher Murray
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Gallery Books;
Original edition (March 12, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1451608160
ISBN-13: 978-1451608168
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.3 inches
Bestselling and award-winning novelists ReShonda Tate Billingsley and
Victoria Christopher Murray bring their favorite heroines together in a
novel that’s “double the fun…a match made in heaven” (Grace Magazine).
The drama is still fresh between Rachel Jackson Adams and Jasmine Larson
Bush after each woman attempted to get her husband elected to the coveted
position of President of the American Baptist Coalition. Now, everyone’s
favorite First Ladies are going at it again.
When Rachel learns that Jasmine is going to be featured on a national
television interview—thanks to the publicist she hired—the gloves are off
and Rachel is set to do battle. But unexpectedly Rachel finds herself caught
up in a much more ominous plot—one that involves murder—and must navigate
these troubled waters with her least-expected ally, Jasmine.
Combining light-hearted action with a message of faith, this book is a
delightful read featuring two beloved characters from two exceptional
authors.
Scandalous
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Print Length: 183 pages
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
The #6 Bestselling eBook on AALBC.com for 2012!
Before she was a minister's wife, she was Jasmine Cox, the most prized
dancer at Foxtails. Newly engaged to her high school sweetheart, Kenny
Larson, Jasmine knows it's time to leave her secret life behind and settle
down. But on the night of her bachelorette party, she meets Roman and their
lust-at-first-sight tells Jasmine this man is nothing but bad news. Built
like a god yet sinful as dark chocolate, Roman ignites a passion in Jasmine
that has long since fizzled out between her and Kenny. When a mindblowing
one night stand with Roman turns into another...then another...Jasmine must
face the fact that she's full on addicted to a man who isn't her
husband--and this secret can only lead to trouble.
A prequel to the Jasmine series, written with Victoria Christopher Murray's
trademark twists and electrifying voice, SCANDALOUS is a thrilling peek into
Jasmine's world before she becomes the woman we all love to hate.
Victoria Christopher Murray is the Essence bestselling author of THE DEAL,
THE DANCE, AND THE DEVIL; LADY JASMINE; SINS OF THE MOTHER; TOO LITTLE, TOO
LATE; DESTINY'S DIVAS; and other novels. Visit her at
www.victoriachristophermurray.com.
Destiny's
Divas: A Novel
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Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Touchstone; Original edition (June 5, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1451650469
ISBN-13: 978-1451650464
Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.9 x 8 inches
Click here to read a chapter.
They can talk the talk, but can they walk the walk?
Sierra, Raine, and Liza are Destiny’s Divas, a fresh, new gospel group whose
unique blend of singing and testifying has gained them fans across the
country. They tell the world about how good God has been to them, but
off-stage, each is living a life totally opposite to what she preaches—and
each is harboring a secret that could ruin them all.
Twenty-something Sierra Dixon speaks about the joy of being single and
celibate, though she is anything but, drifting from one relationship to
another. Although she stresses the importance of unconditional love within
the family, Raine Omari has hit her breaking point with her mother-in-law
and is ready to take drastic steps. And when Liza Washington discovers that
her pastor-husband is in the middle of a scandal that could bring down more
than just their ministry, she knows she must do something to stop him. One
fateful evening their secrets are exposed, and one diva commits an act that
could land her in prison for the rest of her life. Each has motive—who
will crack?
Sinners & Saints
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by
Victoria Christopher Murray &
ReShonda Tate Billingsley
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.
The Deal, the Dance, and the Devil
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Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Touchstone; Original edition (June 7, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439194254
ISBN-13: 978-1439194256
What would you do for five million dollars? Adam and Evia Langston have lived in their own little garden of Eden since the two married at the age of seventeen. Working their way up from the humblest of beginnings, the Langstons have thrived beyond anything they could have ever imagined. Now they live in the finest home, drive the best cars, and indulge in all the trimmings that signify their massive success.
But then the recession hits and rips apart the family's financial
stability. Unable to support their three children and other relatives, Adam
and Evia find themselves drowning in financial trouble and teetering on the
brink of complete disaster. With nowhere to turn, the Langstons have no idea
what to do.
Until Shay-Shaunt', Evia's multimillionaire boss, comes to the Langstons
with a five-million-dollar offer that seems so hard to refuse. Will the
Langstons make this deal? Or will they recognize that the glitter of five
million dollars may be far from gold?
Sins
of the Mother: A Novel
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Paperback: 379 pages
Publisher: Touchstone; Original edition (June 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 141658918X
ISBN-13: 978-1416589181
Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
Have the sins of the mother come upon the daughter?Jasmine
Larson Bush is finally living a drama-free life. She's left her
lying, cheating, stealing stripper days behind and is standing
by her husband's side as the first lady of one of the largest
churches in New York City. The Bushes have been blessed with the
best of everything'including two lovely children.
But just when Jasmine has committed her life completely to God,
her daughter Jacqueline is kidnapped from a mall the day after
Thanksgiving. The police and the church community join in the
frantic search to find the four-year-old. As the days pass
without any sign of her daughter, Jasmine begins to crack under
the strain and turns to Brian Lewis, Jacqueline's biological
father, for solace.
Has Jasmine's past finally caught up to her? Will her daughter
be found or will Jasmine pay the ultimate price?
Lady Jasmine: A Novel
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Touchstone (June 2, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416589171
ISBN-13: 978-1416589174
Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 1 inches
She's Back!
Juicy Jasmine Larson Bush is at it again -- battling her past in order to save
her future.
With her own lies, she nearly destroyed her marriage to Pastor Hosea Bush. Why,
Jasmine was forced to reveal every secret she'd ever kept from her husband,
right down to her real age, weight, and shoe size! She thought she had told
Hosea everything.
But when Jasmine is blackmailed with a terrible truth from her past that she
"forgot" to tell Hosea, more than just her marriage is in jeopardy.
Surprisingly, her first instinct is to tell the truth. Jasmine knows, however,
that this is one part of her life that can never be exposed. Determined to keep
the life she fought so hard to save, Jasmine is willing to commit any sin --
even murder -- to leave her past behind her. No one can know the truth about the
First Lady of City of Lights at Riverside Church. No one can know that beneath
the veneer of a redeemed Christian wife, there lies a sinner -- especially not
her trusting husband.
Too
Little, Too Late: A Novel
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ISBN: 1416552529
Number Of Pages: 416
Publication Date: June 03, 2008
Publisher: Touchstone
Jasmine Cox Larson Bush returns to her devious ways in this tale of two
marriages -- each threatened by lies and betrayal.
She took marriage vows to be honest and true, but Jasmine's still hiding secrets
to keep her husband, Minister Hosea Bush, by her side. When Hosea's ex-fianc'e,
Natasia, suddenly appears in New York, Jasmine knows it's not a coincidence. A
former manstealer herself, Jasmine is very aware of Natasia's motives -- even if
Hosea is not.
Complicating Jasmine's life is the secret she's kept from her baby's daddy.
Luckily for her, Brian Lewis has problems of his own. His wife, Alexis, is
convinced he's cheating on her -- but Brian's real betrayal is much worse.
Revealing the truth to his wife could lead him back to the biggest mistake of
his life...Jasmine.
Two marriages are in desperate jeopardy. Will Jasmine be able to scheme to save
her own? Or will she have to choose between protecting her past and compromising
her future? Even if Jasmine and Brian find the courage to stop the lies, it may
be too little, too late....
Diamond
(The Divas Series)
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Reading level: Ages 9 and up
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Pocket; 1st Pocket Books Trade Pbk. Ed edition (March 18,
2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416562168
A Message from the Author
"...on Tuesday, March 18th [2008] the first book of my teen series, The
Divine Divas, will be released. I cannot tell you how excited I am about
this and I hope you'll take the time to meet these four young divas:
Diamond, India, Veronique and Aaliyah. My ladies are fifteen and fine
and they want to be the hottest, hippest new girl group to hit gospel
music. These novels have already been optioned to become a television
series, so I'm excited. Please check the Divine Divas out at
www.thedivinedivas.com.
Now, I'm going to ask you another favor. This is a teen series, but
several adults have enjoyed the story.
Kimberla Lawson
Roby said, "I couldn't believe a teen book held my attention like
that from start to finish." And then,
Parry "Ebony Satin" Brown said, "This first book should be required
reading for every teenage girl in the country!"
I'm hoping that on March 18th, not only will you buy a book for a
teenage girl that you know, but that you'll pick up a copy for yourself,
too. You can read the first chapter at
www.thedivinedivas.com. I'm looking forward to hearing what you
think.
As always, there are not enough words to thank you for all of the
support you've all given me throughout my ten year career. I hope you'll
enjoy this story and I'll see you in June, with my adult novel, Too
Little, Too Late - about Jasmine Cox Larson Bush. She's back......"
Blessings,
Victoria
Jeremiah 29:11
Book Description
Diamond.
India.
Veronqie.
Aaliyah
What does that spell? DIVA!!
The Divine Divas. They're fifteen and they're fine, and they want to be
the hottest, hippest new girl group to hit gospel music. First they'll
have to win the team talent competition. But with looks, energy, and
voices like theirs, they are sure they'll go right to the top.
Diamond Winters is the one who formed the Divas. With her wealthy,
loving parents and an endless supply of charm, she's always been able to
sweet-talk her way into anything. But this time, has Diamond talked her
way right into trouble? Diamond has support for her group from her
family and church, but she has a lot going on. She's made it onto the
school's varsity cheerleading squad, and she's caught the eye of the
totally cool senior Jason Xavier. Jax is sweeping her off her feet, but
Diamond is starting to feel as if she's in over her head.
Diamond has always been so sure she's in control. Will she have the
courage to ask for help and guidance when she needs it? And will the
Divas even manage to stay together long enough for the first round of
the talent competition?
Too Little, Too Late
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Touchstone (June 3, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416552529
Jasmine Larson Bush returns to her devious ways in
this tale of two marriages -- each threatened by lies
and betrayal.
She took marriage vows to be honest and true, but
Jasmine's still hiding secrets to keep her husband,
Minister Hosea Bush, by her side. When Hosea's
ex-fianc'e, Natasia, suddenly appears in New York,
Jasmine knows it's not a coincidence. A former
manstealer herself, Jasmine is very aware of Natasia's
motives -- even if Hosea is not.
Complicating Jasmine's life is the secret she's kept
from her baby's daddy. Luckily for her, Brian Lewis has
problems of his own. His wife, Alexis, is convinced he's
cheating on her -- but Brian's real betrayal is much
worse. Revealing the truth to his wife could lead him
back to the biggest mistake of his life...Jasmine.
Two marriages are in desperate jeopardy. Will Jasmine be
able to scheme to save her own? Or will she have to
choose between protecting her past and compromising her
future? Even if Jasmine and Brian find the courage to
stop the lies, it may be too little, too late.
The
Ex Files
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Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Touchstone (June 19, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416535519
There are four ways a woman can handle heartbreak. She can fall apart, seek revenge, turn cold, or move on. The Ex Files is the story of these four women:
When Kendall Stewart finds her husband and her sister in bed together, she vows to never let anyone get that close again. But when she is faced with saving the life of the woman who destroyed hers, will she be able to forgive?
When an NBA superstar tells his mistress, Asia Ingrum, that he's decided to honor his marriage vows, her shock quickly gives way to revenge...but her decision may come back to haunt their five-year-old daughter.
Every night Vanessa Martin wonders why her husband committed suicide. Even worse, she contemplates joining him in eternity. Will Vanessa be able to gather the strength to live again?
Sheridan Hart is finally finding her way after a lie destroyed her seventeen-year marriage. Her new love is ready to get married, but will she commit to this younger man or is her ex-husband taking up too much space in her heart?
When their pastor asks Kendall, Asia, Vanessa, and Sheridan to meet weekly for prayer, they can't imagine they will have anything in common. But then a devastating tragedy strikes and these strangers are forced to reexamine their choices. Will they find true friendship, or will prayer -- and their union -- fail them?
Sin
and a Shame
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ISBN: 0743287371
Format: Paperback, 400pp
Pub. Date: May 2006
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group
After fleeing Los Angeles when her attempt to break up her best friend's marriage fails, Jasmine is now a changed woman...and a Christian. She vows to attend church every Sunday, swears off married men, and begins her search for the soul mate she is sure God has for her. Now living in the Big Apple, she has shed twenty-five pounds, shaved ten years off her age, filled her expensive apartment with designer clothes...all to begin her man-finding mission.
She quickly meets her dream mate -- a preacher -- who falls head over heels in love with her. Surely, God is good! But things start slipping when another man from Jasmine's past refuses to stay there, and an unexpected pregnancy threatens to sabotage all of her dreams. Will Jasmine's lying and scheming continue? Or will she finally learn that honesty is the only path to redemption?
Truth Be Told
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ISBN: 0743255674
Format: Paperback, 416pp
Pub. Date: July 2004
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group
The author of Essence bestsellers Temptation and Joy returns with a story about one woman's personal and spiritual journey to overcome the consequences of her husband's dark secret.
Grace Monroe has the ideal life: a devoted husband, adoring daughters, and a booming career in politics. Newly elected on a Christian platform to the Los Angeles city council, she is determined to put her mistakes behind her and focus on her bright future. But when a secret from her husband's past is revealed, setting off a chain of attacks that threaten to rip her family apart, Grace must face a dilemma that will force her to question her life and her faith.
Blessed
Assurance: Inspirational Short Stories Full of Hope and Strength for Life's
Journey
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Amazon
Contributors: Victoria Christopher Murray, S. James Guitard, Terrance Johnson, Patricia Haley, Maurice Gray
ISBN: 1929642121
Format: Hardcover, 310pp
Pub. Date: June 2003
Publisher: Literally Speaking Publishing House
With all of the chaos, confusion, and uncertainty of life, we all need to know of the blessed assurances that God has for our lives. Blessed Assurance is an enjoyable, empowering, engaging, and encouraging example of the everlasting truth that God can move us from heartache to healing, burden to blessings, depression to deliverance, and from trials to triumphs.
Fast-paced, witty, entertaining, and inspirational, the writings are modern day renditions of historical stories. In the short story, The Best of Everything, based on Hannah, you gain a better level of appreciation and thankfulness for what God has already done in your life, which will provide you with strength to endure in the midst of a crisis as well as give you patience as you await new blessings. Lust and Lies, based on Samson and Delilah, reminds us of the temptations of lust, the importance of honesty, the dangers of sin and the significance of repentance. Traveling Mercies, based on the parable of the Good Samaritan, teaches us not to place limitations on how and through whom God may send a blessing, and our responsibility to help people whom we often do not know.
Baby Blues, based on Abraham and Sarah, lets us better understand the importance of timing, patience, and consequences of operating in God's permissive will versus God's perfect will for our lives. A Sprig of Hope, based on Tamar, acknowledges that tragedy, sadness and betrayal are an unfortunate part of life, and yet ultimately there is healing, restoration and happiness if you place your trust in God. Sword of the Lord, based on Jephthah, confirms that your past can't define you if you give your future to God and that everyone at some time or another needs to forgive as well as receive forgiveness.
ISBN: 0446679445
Format: Paperback, 384pp
Pub. Date: October 2002
Publisher: Warner Books, Incorporated
2002 Gold Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction
Anya Mitchell has it all: a successful L.A. financial services company, a loving fianc', and an unshakable trust in God-until she is attacked in her office by a stalker. Her fianc' helps her deal with the horror, but when a painful truth is revealed, Anya is faced with a serious dilemma: either she chooses a future with her fianc' clear of this tragedy, or she follows the path on which she believes God has placed her-even if it means losing the man she loves.
Temptation
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ISBN: 0446677833
Format: Paperback, 400pp
Pub. Date: September 2001
Publisher: Warner Books, Incorporated
An Essence Best-Selling Book
Kyla and Jefferson Blake count their sixteen years together as a wonderful blessing from God. Their marriage is passionate, their daughter is a joy, Jefferson's medical career is prospering, and they have loyal friends. Kyla knows her newly divorced and lifelong friend, Jasmine, is desperately unhappy and no amount of prayer or encouragement seems to help. Yet what Kyla doesn't know is that Jasmine has a plan to move her life forward with the type of man she feels she should have married in the first place. A man like Jefferson.
Related Links
Victoria Christopher Murray - Official Web Site
