This Day in History April 6, 1712

I had never heard of this event in U.S. history, but on this date in 1712, the New York Slave Revolt occurred.  In the colonial days, New York had the highest amount of slaves--one in five were enslaved.  They were not plantation workers (as they were in the South), but they were skilled workers like carpenters, stone masons, and fishermen.  A group of these African slaves held a midnight tavern meeting, and they expressed their great discontent at the abuse and treatment they had been receiving from their white masters. They whole purpose in revolt was to get their fellow slaves to join them.  Twenty-three slaves started a fire at a home, and so the fight began.  Nine whites were killed.  Seventy blacks were arrested and jailed. Six slaves did commit suicide before they could be arrested.  Twenty-five were convicted which resulted in hanging or being burned alive.  One was even executed by being tied to a wagon wheel and having all bones and organs being separated from each other (yikes!).  Eighteen were acquitted, and six were let go.  This revolt did lead to stricter slave laws in New York.

For more info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Slave_Revolt_of_1712
http://keywestlou2.blogspot.com/2012/06/1712-slave-revolt-in-new-york-city.html
http://maap.columbia.edu/place/34.html
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/slave-revolt-new-york
http://www.blackpast.org/?q=aah/new-york-city-slave-uprising-1712

This Day in History February 22, 1965

I had not realized that Tennessee was not as pro-Confederacy as the other Southern states.  In fact, it was only the narrowest margin that caused this state to secede.  Interestingly enough, on January 13, 1965, Andrew Johnson (who became Lincoln's vice-president but months later), sent a message to the president announcing an amendment to the state constitution that forever banned slavery within their state.  And on this date in 1965, the citizens of Tennessee voted to approve this measure.  Unfortunately, later on that year, the Ku Klux Klan also began in this state.

For more information:
http://famousdaily.com/history/the-us-state-of-tennessee.html
http://www.newsinhistory.com/blog/tennessee-convention-bans-slavery-after-%E2%80%98spicy-debate%E2%80%99
http://www.tnhistoryforkids.org/stories/emancipation

"Dead Running" and "Dying to Run" Blog Tour: Review/Guest Post/Giveaway (Ends 1/31) WW

Blog Tour Schedule

Dead Running

Cassidy Christensen is running.
Running from the mercenaries who killed her parents.
Running from a scheming redhead intent on making her life miserable.
Running from painful memories that sabotage her dreams of happiness.

With two very tempting men competing for her attention, she hopes she'll finally have someone to run to, but can she trust either of them? When secrets from her past threaten her family, Cassidy decides to stop running and fight for her future.








Dead Running by Cami Checketts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It seems that human trafficking has become something that has become a popular theme of books.  I have lost track of how many books I have read about this horrible crime in recent times, and I sometimes forget how prevalent this truly is.  Books like this are fantastic for pointing out the horrors of this slave trade.

I was completely immersed in this book from the beginning.  I almost could not put it down.  I found myself on the edge of my seat for the last third of the book.  I kept saying, "I just want to find out what is going on."  Because Cami Checkette has woven a story with so many twists and turns that you will not be certain who is on which side.  It will definitely keep you guessing.

I loved Cassie, and most of the story was told from her perspective.  Once in a while the author steps in and fills in some "holes" in the story.  This story has so many elements to it--marathon racing, romance, truth vs. fiction, and much more.  And guess what--the book is clean!  That's right--no sex, profanity, or any gratuitous violence.  You can read this, and your teens can, too.  There are so many positive messages throughout the book.  Cassidy learns that she is not a quitter, and she can follow through.  She works very hard, and she accomplishes more than she could ever imagine.

I am grateful that the author threw in some good humor.  I found myself laughing out loud a couple of times.  Oh, and the romance is never sappy.  I think the book is too action-packed for anything to be called cheesy or sappy.  I would invite anyone who likes an action-packed romance to pick this book up today!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.


View all my reviews

Dying to Run

Cassidy Christensen wants to run.

Captured by the traffickers who killed her mother, her only hope is Dr. Tattoo, a man she loves but nobody trusts. When she finally gets a chance to run, someone else she cares about is taken. Running might be her only chance at survival, but she won’t allow another family member to be killed in her place.

This must-read sequel to Dead Running will have you laughing, biting your nails, and hoping for more.






This review will be forthcoming.  I am certainly looking forward to it!

Purchase

Dead Running * Dying to Run

Guest post by the author

How did you get started as an author?

I’ve always loved books, but never dreamed I could be an author. After the birth of my second son, I suffered from postpartum depression. My mom found me in bed in the middle of the afternoon. She told me, “Get out of bed and go write me a book.” I’m an obedient child. I got out of bed and started writing a book. Haven’t had time for a nap since.

Describe your typical writing process.

I am an unorganized mess. I start writing a story after I’ve had a nightmare about the inciting incident. Then I start daydreaming scenes and writing them down or using old and new nightmares to flesh the book out. When I get everything written I have to go back and revise. I joked with one editor that I was on revision #27. Sadly, it isn’t much of a joke. Someday I’m going to plot and outline. But where’s the fun in that?

Thanks for having me on the blog!

 

Author Cami Checketts

Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction.

Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. Cami teaches strength training classes at her local rec and shares healthy living tips on her fitness blog: http://fitnessformom.blogspot.com.

Cami and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn't snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing.

Links

Website * Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Fitness Blog

Blog Tour Giveaway!

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash from Author Cami Checketts
3 Sets of iFrogz Earbuds & Armbands


Ends 1/31/13
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.





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"Dilemma" by Jacquie Johnson Book Review

Romantic Suspense

Title: Dilemma

Author - Jacquie Johnson

Date Published: 7/22/12

Synopsis:

    

In Chicago, the name Jon Elliott garners attention. When the legal mastermind offers to mentor Alexis Winters, Bingham, Elliott and Bright’s newest associate, she jumps at the opportunity sure this will launch her career. But Jon has a dark side, one that demands unquestioning loyalty and a willingness to defy the spirit of the law, if not the letter.  

Thrust into Jon’s world and expected to play by his rulebook, Alexis grapples with her conscience. On several occasions, Jon’s orders are at odds with what she learned in law school, and she finds herself trapped between her profession’s ethical rules and her own values. When Jon’s biggest client appears to be engaging in questionable activities and he orders her to ignore the behavior, Alexis investigates on her own. Suddenly, she is not only a witness to a horrible crime but a victim in her own right. Going underground, she turns to the one person she can trust, investigative journalist Ryder Prescott, a childhood friend. Together, Ryder and Alexis work to solve a puzzle that crosses socioeconomic classes, political parties, and international borders.  

Embroiled in a global conspiracy that costs her the only family she has left, Alexis must decide how far she will go to defend truth and justice. Is she willing to sacrifice life, liberty and the possibility of love?  

Dilemma by Jacquie Johnson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is now the third book I have read within a couple months that deals with the topic of human sex trafficking.  I have discovered that this is a real problem in our world, and it is thanks to books like this one.  I can only hope that with books like this being written that organizations who practice this horrible crime will be stopped.

This book was engaging from the beginning.  In fact, I honestly didn't think it could be about sex trafficking because these was nothing about that.  I thought I had possibly read the wrong synopsis.  I figured it would be a typical lawyer book.  And maybe have a little romance thrown in.

I will not give out spoilers, but this was a book that ends up being completely different than I expected it to be.  Yes, there was some profanity and some limited sex scenes, but the book was quite enthralling.  It was an easy read with a powerful message.

If you are a lover of romance, you will probably like this book because the romance is hot, heavy, and real!  Alexis and Ryder and hot in the bedroom (I almost didn't mind reading these scenes in spite of the moralistic implications).

Looking for mystery?  This book has that, too.  In fact, I think this book may just satisfy everyone's interest!  And most importantly, the book reminds us that we need to do what is right and remain true to who we are even when the circumstances are against us.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compesnated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

View all my reviews

Author Bio:

Jacquie Johnson fell in love with books on her mother’s knee. From Dr. Seuss to Carolyn Keene to L.M. Montgomery, she continued her affair until her teenage years when she began reading authors ranging from Tom Clancy to Nora Roberts to Johanna Lindsey. She’s still an avid reader but now carries an e-reader instead of a paperback in her purse. Mysteries and suspense are her favorite genres, but she enjoys romance, historical fiction, and non-fiction as well.  

She graduated from Harvard and Indiana University School of Law. After ten years practicing labor and employment law, she retired to homeschool her daughters. She lives in Northwest Indiana with her husband, three daughters, and a spoiled cocker spaniel named Princess. 

Contact Links:

 Website

Goodreads

Facebook

Purchase Links:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

If you would like to read a guest post by the author and a guest post from the author, please clcik here.

"The Deliverer" by Kathy Macias Book Review

Summary (from goodreads): In book three of the "Freedom" series, the main character, Mara, finds herself the object of her uncle's revenge. From a life sentence in prison, Uncle Jefe, who held her as a sex slave in his San Diego brothel, uses his underground connections to kidnap and drag Mara back into the dark shadows of human trafficking. Now in the struggle for her life and her ultimate freedom, Mara finds herself kidnapped and experiencing something she never dreamed possible. She finally finds herself yielding to the One who can truly set her free--not only from her past life and all the fears and scars that go with it, but from herself and her own sin. This time her choice delivers her from the shadow of her name's meaning, "bitter," and into the light of true joy. At New Hope Digital (newhopedigital.com) you can find study questions for each book in this series and an "ideas and resources" list to help educate readers and enable them to apply what they've learned and become actively involved in this massive and ongoing human tragedy--Trafficking in Persons.


The Deliverer by Kathi Macias
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an amazing book!  Very rarely do I have the opportunity to read books that affect me so emotionally and spiritually, but this is indeed one of them.  Tears don't come easily to me when it comes to books, but this was a book that brought the tears on many occasions, and I was reminded of the way God works His plans at all times in all situations.

The prayers in this book touched my heart again and again.  Although they were being voiced by fictional characters, they were so real.  To see characters who prayed to and relied on God for everything was an encouragement to me.  And to have God speak back to them was a good reminder to me that prayer is a 2-way conversation.

This is the second book in a row that I have read about human sex trafficking, and I was horrified to discover that this is still something that is so prevalent in our world--even our country.  I can't imagine how often this happens, and we know nothing about it.

I was pleased to see that even though the book was basically a "happy ending" book (no spoilers here), it was realistic.  And is showed God's faithfulness in every situation, even when it makes no sense to us.  This is a quick, inspiring read that I would highly recommend to anyone!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.


View all my reviews

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 40 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business.

Follow the author at all of the following places:

http://kathimacias.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kathi-Macias/75996188045
https://twitter.com/alandkathi
http://pinterest.com/kathimacias/

This Day in History November 5, 1831

Ever heard of Nat Turner and his infamous slave rebellion?  This day in history was significant in his life.  Read on about this courageous African American.

Nathaniel "Nat" Turner was born October 2, 1800 in Southampton County, Virginia.  Benjamin Turner, his owner, was kind enough to teach him to read.  Through reading the Bible, Nat Turner studied Christianity in depth and came to believe that it was wrong.  His people tended to see him as a prophet, and he basically kept to himself while devoting his time to prayer, fasting, and study.  He was also known for seeing visions from God that told him what to do and how to do it.

When he was 21, he ran away from his owner, but he returned a month later due to one of these visions from God.  He continued to preach to his people and even to white people about repenting and turning to God.  I could spend a long time going over his visions and many things that happened to him before the rebellion, but you can do that by checking out the links below.

In 1830, he was sold to Joseph Travis.  Even though his owner was nice to him, Turner was awaiting the go ahead from God to slay those who had enslaved him.  It was an eclipse of the sun in February 1831, that confirmed to him what God intended for him to do.  The rebellion began on August 21 of that year.  He and his men went from house to house murdering entire slave-owning families while they slept and any other white men they found on their way. (That is absolutely horrible!!)  They freed slaves as the slave owners were killed.  About 40 slaves ultimately joined with Turner. 

Within 48 hours, the rebellion was squelched, but Turner was not captured for months.  He and his fellow slaves killed about 55 white people.  He was finally discovered on October 30, and he was turned over to the authorities.  His court-appointed lawyer published The Confessions of Nat Turner as a way of explaining Turner's way of thinking.

It was on this day in 1831 that Nat Turner was tried and convicted for the slave rebellion.  It was but a week later that he was hanged.  They skinned his body and gave it out to the white people at the hanging as souvenirs (that is horrible too!). There were several accounts as to how many blacks were hanged as a result of the rebellion. At least 18, but one site says 55.  It was estimated that about 75 slaves participated in this rebellion.  The really sad thing is that over 200 slaves who were innocent and did not even live in Virginia were murdered by white mobs because it was claimed that these slaves had a connection to Turner.  Of course, it was just an excuse--it was really retaliation.

While I believe with all my heart that slavery is wrong, what Nat Turner did was wrong, too.  I am reminded of Martin Luther King, Jr.  No matter what you may think of him, you cannot deny the fact that he advocated peace.  He would never have condoned what Turner did.  Yes, both men essentially paid the same price for their actions, but who is remembered in a positive light?  King, not Turner. 

For more information, check out these informative sites:

http://blueandgraytrail.com/event/Nat_Turner_and_the_Slave_Revolt

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part3/3p1518.html

http://www.blackpast.org/?q=aah/turner-nat-1800-1831

http://teluudailies.blogspot.com/2010/08/nat-turners-slave-rebellion.html