Kwanzaa Books

All three stories were well written. These stories deserve their own stand alone novel! They were great. All the stories pulled you in and you hated to see the characters go! I would love to hear more about Erin and Raimi as well as Tre' and Dr. Summer Lane.

All three stories were great. Francis Ray's story was about Samantha Clark, a former manager of a bed and breakfast. Samantha answer an ad for a housekeeping position and never expects to find the handsome Ethan Rawlins, a man still in pain. Shirley Hailstock's story is about a woman that was hurt when her prom date stood her up. Now he has returned and she is trying to fight the attraction that still lingers. Donna Hill's story is about a radio relationship expert that has no relationship of her own, when she meets the handsome program director, will all of that change?

If you only had one wish for Christmas, what would it be? Would it be something materialistic, or would it be to find love with that special someone, on the day that is set aside to celebrate the birth of the one who is the epitome of unwavering love? In WINTER NIGHTS, an anthology with stories from such notable authors as Francis Ray, Donna Hill and Shirley Hailstock, we are treated to three endearing stories of true love at its finest.

Though each story was your typical romance with the happily ever after ending, the authors managed to portray deep emotions that have you rooting for the characters as they embark on that often bumpy, but ultimately rewarding, road to love and happiness. Next time you're feeling blue and need a little something to bring a smile to your face, or you want to escape from the pressures of life, pick up a copy of the newly re-released WINTER NIGHTS. You're sure to come away with a full heart and the knowledge that true love really does conquer all.

Reviewed by Renee Williams
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Again my girl Ray out did herself with another great read! "Winter Nights" kept me up all night! I encourage everyone to go out and get a copy. They even have it in paperback now!

Francis Ray's, "Until Christmas" is a touching novella about a young woman who not only touched the heart of the high school principal, Ethan Rawlings, but Samantha also won the hearts of Ethan's twins, Alan and Alex. Samantha, aka "Sam," was hired as a combination housekeeper, babysitter temporarily, but only until Christmas. At least, that is what Ethan told the twins and Sam, as well as himself. However, it was much too late for all of them to abide by this decision. Each was starved for the other's affections and each had become too attached to give up. The twins, not only saw Sam as their housekeeper/babysitter, but they saw her as a friend. She could play ball and was not afraid of their dog. The twins' affection went deeper still. Although they were in contact with their grandmother, they were still minus a mother figure. Sam with her winning ways, not only because she was a good cook and let them help her in the kitchen, but because it was who she was, had become special to them and they wanted her with them full time. Not only had Sam become special to them and the twins had become special to Sam, but Sam had also affected the twins' dad. Ethan's feelings for Sam were more than that of an employer, more than that of a friend. Somehow, in that short time, Sam had imbedded herself into Ethan's heart. Was he willing to allow a new love interest into his life or was he still shadowed by the deceit and experience of his ex-wife and the deceased mother of his twins. Ethan thought he had a solution to the problem when he reluctantly agreed to keep Sam, "but only until Christmas." However, love does not have a set time to go away. Therefore, until Christmas, turned out to a lifetime of love for Sam, Ethan, Alan and Alex. "Until Christmas" was the best. Way to go, Ms. Ray.

"Kwanzaa Angel" was a sweet remembrance into the past with a chance to correct the future. Erin had been hurt in the past by Raimi, who had reentered her life. Would Erin give in to her feelings that never dissolved for Raimi and become involved in a new relationship or would she revert back into the past? "Kwanzaa Angel" was about the Kwanzaa celebration, but with a twist of love for Erin and Raimi. Good story.

"'Round Midnight" was about the New Year's celebration. I loved the story of Dr. Summer Lane, the psychologist who now has a job at the radio station as a counselor on the air. Her show airs around midnight. It is at the radio station where Summer meets Tre Holland, one of the bosses. Everyone thinks Summer is a snow or ice maiden because Summer stays to herself and does not socialize with the others. However, Tre is attracted to Summer and sets out to melt the snow. Summer also has feelings for Tre and wants the ice to melt from around her heart. However, after getting together, somewhere while the ice is melting another freeze comes along and the ice around Summer's heart becomes another block of ice. Summer and Tre suffer heartship and are temporarily separated. Tre sets out to recapture Summer's love and to permanently melt the ice. He knows a new year will be approaching and is determined to be in Summer's life when the new year begins. So, he sets out around midnight to make it happen. Will Tre succeed in his endeavor? Read "'Round Midnight" and see what the New Year has in store for Summer and Tre. Great story with just the right amount of heat.

As a person who has celebrated Kwanzaa for a couple of decades and as the creator of several kwanzaa products myself, I found the book 'Kwanzaa: From Holiday to Every Day' to be a very informative book on this growing celebration.

The book offers historical info on Kwanzaa and illustrates how the celebration connects people of African descent around the world with our cultural roots.

The book shows you how to organize a Kwanzaa celebration of your own and has a lot of great contacts for Kwanzaa music, books and supplies.

I recommend it for anyone interested in learning about Kwanzaa. I also recommend it for those who already know of and celebrate Kwanzaa as a way to reinforce its concepts and its meaning to you.

This book explores not only the holiday of Kwanzaa, but how to incorporate the values of Kwanzaa into your everyday life without going outside of who you intrinsically are. You are already a person who is creative, caring, conscientious and interested in African inspired cultural values, then this book can expand and enhance your practices.

Ms. Angaza's journalistic style takes the reader on a historical voyage as well as a personal one. Her sense of prose will dazzle the reader as well as make him ponder of why it is so important to celebrate such a holiday. This book has even inspired me to throw my first Kwanzaa event this year.

I picked up Ms. Angaza's text, Kwanzaa: From Holiday to Every Day,and have begun to read it like a novel. I thank Ms. Angaza for penning this positive vibration and upliftment. Her prose is smooth and rational. It puts into perspective the cultural repression and damage to the psyche of Africans worldwide while also providing numerous examples of our triumphs, successes and committment to our cultural heritage.

I laughed out loud at the passage where she exposes the cultural bias inherent in the debate over hyphenated identities and the kiss me i'm Irish example. She's crafted a blend of history, social commentary, practical applications, call to action and inspirational vignettes that can be beneficial to all. I reccommend purchasing this text just for the resource section - simply phenomenal. The resource seciton could be used as a life long self study core curricula. Don't overlook the recipes - yummy. She presents things so honestly (sans pretext) that I think people will be encouraged to try out many of the book's recommendations. A Complete guide is an apt subtitle for this work.

I thoroughly recommend this book to everyone! Were I able to give it 6 stars, I would have given it 7. This book is not simply a nice read... it is an Absolute Need. Seriously, this piece comes at a time when our communities & our families are in dire need of self-realization and a reconnection to the roots and core values that make African people unique. One of the things that was most impressive to me was the level of research that was done to compile this work. Who knew that so many people in so many countries across the world are celebrating Kwanzaa and adapting it's principles. Myself and my mate have even discussed beginning to travel each year during the holiday so that we may expose this tradition to our children as it is celebrated throughout the world. If you have never celebrated Kwanzaa, have celebrated all your life or think that this book is not for you... Buy this book! It is for you and you will absolutely not be dissapointed. The Resource pages toward the back are worth the purchase alone.

This is a good book to give people who are sincerely curious about Kwanzaa--but would (for various reasons) feel uncomfortable learning about it bookwise from something which is geared towards only kids.

So many other explaination books I've come across were only for kids. And that's a missed opportunity for bringing people together.

After having attended a Kwanzaa celebration while enrolled in college, I wanted to explain this celebration to friends and family members. But I hadn't found anything which was inclusive of older readers--and my experience/perspective---until now.

Kwanzaa is based on the universal principals of the Creator God and these principles are the part of every person's life, regardless of their culture or ethnicity.

This is another great reference source by Riley. She writes and tells everything about the holdiay that anyone needs to know. The book is organized in such a way that you can read a section, gain information, put it down and come back for more. I love this book and the cover is beautiful.

I have used the paperback copy for the past two years during Kwanzaa. Each year I find something I missed before. It is the best book for all ages on the subjects. It tells you everything you want to know.

There are 3 different stories and each story is better than the one before. Highly recommended. I truly could relate to so many of the situations that occurred. It's a must read. It was very informative as far as the celebration of Kwanzaa. I now have a better understanding of Kwanzaa and I learned a lot more about the 7 principles of Kwanzaa.

Bridget Anderson,Carmen Green,and Margie Walker each wrote a fantastic story about Kwanzaa and love. Each lesson on the principles of Kwanzaa help the people to learn a new way to share, and a new way to show love. For those of us who are trying to decide if we want to start celebrating Kwanzaa these stories are a must.

Bridget Anderson's "Imani" takes city girl Natalie back to her hometown for the holidays after ending a three year relationship with a controlling boyfriend. While helping at her aunt's shop she meets country boy Roderick Taylor who is weary of so-called city life after the woman he hoped to marry chose it over him. Logistics however, can not hinder the budding love between Natalie and Rod as they find themselves faced with a long distance romance. But, the spirit of sharing Kwanzaa with her country relatives helps Natalie make a decision that will affect her and Rod for a lifetime.

Widower, businessman Cedric Hamilton meets teacher Iman Parrish in Carmen Green's "Whisper to Me", Iman teaches more than just the celebration of Kwanzaa to Cedric and his twin daughters. Surrounded by things accumulated with the prestige of his wealth, Cedric learns what is truly important when he shares in the true spirit of the holiday and his heart to the promise of love, happiness, and the family he has always desired.

Margie Walker's "Harvest the Fruits" was my favorite. Free lance photogragher Sterling Washington literally saves journalist Selinae Rogers from uncertain harm. Selinae shares with Sterling the magic of Kwanzaa, and they both share their hearts to the magic of love. Sterling continues to offer his strength and protection as Selinae confronts the demon that has bound her family with 15 years of pain. Together Sterling and Selinae learn to apply the principles of the Kwanzaa spirit for the freedom that promises to heal a family for generations to come.

This book is a good introduction to Kwanza for children and yes adults too. It explains the meaning of Kwanza, The symbols, and the terminolgy associated with this cultural festival.

This is a great way to introduce children to other cultures, and specifically to Kwanzaa. One child, excited about celebrating Kwanzaa, learns that it is not about just her, but about Umoja or unity with others.

I was searching for adult quality gift ideas when I found this gem-- Kwanzaa Crafts. The photos, stories, format and ideas captured my attention. I only wish the author included a how-to for at least one of the beautiful quilt designs.

Next edition, maybe . . . .

This book was not only helpful, but it is so beautifully done. It is colorful and vibrant. i read it over and over. it as so many wonderful ideas for Kwanzaa while also providing a very meaningful understanding of the occasion. It is a very inspiring book. It makes me proud to be Affrican American and have at my disposal so many ways to demonstrate the principles of Kwanzaa to family and friends. The handmade gifts encourage the creativity in all of us. I enjoyed each section immensely. Thanks You

I haven't finished reading this book yet. There is a chapter a week, and it takes you through 52 weeks of growth. In the first few weeks, you do simple exercises to reveal your true calling and purpose. This book has been so powerful for me in my life, as it has helped me to reveal my true calling. I recommend this to ALL women! Especially if you want inspiration in your life.

Each week there are journalling exercises, so make sure you buy a fresh journal too!

A Plentiful Harvest is an incredible read!!! Terrie Williams inspires one to live, love, and give to experience an abundant life. The principles she gives walks you through step by step in an effort to teach you how to grow day by day, week by week. She advises you to journal as a way to keep you in touch with yourself and your journey in life. I absolutely love it and will continue to read it over and over again. Thank you Terrie Williams for blessing us with your wisdom.
Healing Connection: Poems and Psalms that Heal the Soul

A great book to share and explain Kwanzaa values. I am participating in a library program and this tales of selfishness and unity from an African folklore is a wonderful way to explain the principle of Umoja. The illustrations are beautiful with rich and bold color. This is a story I will never forget.

A friend shared this book with me when we were in a discussion of Africa's Kente cloth, woven with bright colors in narrow strips and then sewed into wider fabric. Seven Spools... is a delightful tale well told and beautifully illustrated. The moral lesson of cooperation is clearly shown. I have ordered it to be a great addition to my group of African books for children and adults.

All You Need to Know to Celebrate Kwanzaa is an audiobook step-by-step guide to partaking in Kwanzaa, an African-American cultural holiday. Seven key principles and the objects needed to enhance the celebration are discussed at length, and a walkthrough of a typical Kwanzaa celebration is also present. A friendly, easy-to-follow resource sure to answer any and all questions families have. 1 hour 30 minutes.

This book is an excellent resource for those learning about this relatively new African American holiday. Middle to upper elementary students (3rd-6th) will find it chock full of clearly written information, including the history, traditions, symbols and activities that make up the Kwanzaa celebration. Teachers can use this book to benefit lower elementary students by using the many superb photographs and paraphrasing the text. Pronunciation is given immediately following difficult words making read-aloud a cinch. The tone is positive and uplifting throughout. This book is on my Christmas wish list.