Get To Know Us

 

WELCOME! WELCOME!! WELCOME!!!

Welcome to SCBookGal & Friends Chat, the official blog of SCBookGal & Friends — your go-to hub for celebrating diverse voices in literature, uplifting Black authors, and creating authentic connections between writers, readers, and creatives from all walks of life.
Here, we’re not just talking about books — we’re building community, one page, one voice, and one conversation at a time.

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🌟 Our Mission

SCBookGal & Friends is dedicated to promoting a love for literature by spotlighting diverse voices — with a special emphasis on uplifting Black and Brown authors, indie writers, and creators whose stories deserve a front-row seat in the literary world.
Through engaging book reviews, thought-provoking interviews, live chats, podcasts, creative giveaways, and vibrant social media content, we aim to empower, entertain, and educate. Our goal is to foster a dynamic literary community that celebrates cultural richness, amplifies underrepresented narratives, and makes space for stories that truly matter.

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👩🏽‍💼 Meet Our Founder: Patrice Grimball

At the heart of this movement is Patrice Grimball — a dedicated literary advocate, librarian specialist, podcast host, mother, and fierce supporter of community storytelling.
Born and raised in South Carolina, Patrice’s lifelong love of books was matched only by her passion for creating space for people to be seen and heard.
As the founder of SCBookGal & Friends, Patrice has built a brand that does more than talk about books — it uplifts the authors behind the words, fosters reader engagement, and opens doors for literary exploration through curated events, panels, and digital media.
From hosting live shows and author panels to organizing community book drives and literacy events, Patrice is a force in the world of books and beyond. She believes in the power of literature to transform lives — and she created this platform to be a space where every voice matters.

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📌 What You’ll Find on SCBookGal & Friends Chat

Here’s a taste of what you’ll find in this blog space and across our platforms:

📖 Honest & Heartfelt Book Reviews
Focusing on Black authors, indie titles, memoirs, romance, street lit, children’s books, and everything in between.

🎤 Author Interviews & Features
Candid Q&As and live conversations with writers about their journeys, challenges, and victories.

🎙 SCBookGal & Friends Podcast Recaps
Missed an episode? Catch highlights, deep dives, and guest features right here.

📝 Writing & Publishing Resources
Tips for aspiring authors, self-publishing advice, and spotlights on small presses.

🎁 Giveaways & Exclusive Content
Win books, merch, and access to special events.

✊🏽 Literacy & Community Programming
Coverage of events like Celebrations for the Culture, toy drives, back-to-school prep, and more.

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🌐 Let’s Stay Connected

We live and breathe community. Stay plugged in across all our channels:

🖥 Website- www.scbookgalandfriends.com

📺 Live Podcast Every Tuesday at 8 PM EST- Streaming on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch

🎧 Listen Anytime- Available on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms

📘 Facebook Group- SCBookGal & Friends Readers Page

📸 Instagram- @scbookgalandfriends
→ Book stacks, live updates, author reels, giveaways & daily literary vibes

🎵 TikTok- @scbookgalandfriends
→ Behind-the-scenes podcast clips, bookish trends, reviews with attitude, funny takes, and author shoutouts

🧵 Twitter/X- @SCBookGal
→ Real-time commentary, book drops, podcast conversations, and literary hot takes

📧 Email- scbookgalandfriends@gmail.com

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🔥 Why We’re Different

SCBookGal & Friends isn’t just a book blog — it’s a full literary experience.

✨ We spotlight the real people behind the pen.
✨ We give indie authors the stage they deserve.
✨ We don’t just review — we discuss, relate, and build community.
✨ We support literacy, advocacy, youth engagement, and creativity.

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📣 Get Involved!

Want to be featured? Got a book to review? Interested in sponsoring a giveaway or appearing on the podcast?

📩 Email us at: scbookgalandfriends@gmail.com
📚 Or visit www.scbookgalandfriends.com to submit a feature form or join our mailing list.

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Let’s build something beautiful together — one book, one voice, one story at a time.
With love and pages,
✨ SCBookGal & Friends Chat ✨

Author Profile: Author Patricia J. Williams/ Book Giveaway

 Author Patricia J. Williams

Prophetess Patricia J.Williams is a dynamic voice seasoned with wisdom, humility, compassion, revelatory insight, and transparent candor. She has a unique gift for translating profound spiritual truths into relatable, everyday language that empowers individuals to walk in purpose and reach their fullest potential.

Born and raised in Pineville, Louisiana, she is a devoted mother to one daughter and a proud grandmother of three. She continues to reside in Pineville and serves faithfully under the leadership of Dr. Joshua Joy Dara, Sr. at Zion Hill Family Church. An ordained minister of the Gospel, Prophetess Patricia has dedicated her life to ministry and mentorship.

A prolific author, she has published 14 books, all available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Lulu.com, The Book Patch, Kindle, and other major platforms. On June 14, 2025, she celebrated a major milestone with the debut of her first stage play, The Hidden Love Affair, which received outstanding acclaim.

Prophetess Patricia holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Colorado Technical University and a Master’s Degree in Theology from Deeper Bible College in Lancaster, California. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Christian Ministry at Liberty University.

She is a proud member of the African American Female Authors of America and serves on the Board of Directors for both Jeremiah's Dream, Inc. Youth Center and The ARC of Rapides. Additionally, she is the founder and owner of Exquisite Publishing & Designs, LLC, where she continues to support and amplify creative voices.

When did you write your first story or book?

        2014

What are your goals for your writing career?

        My goal is to become a screen writer and one day one of my books will become a movie.

How did you come up with the title of your book?

        Through the writing process the title was birth. I wanted something to catch the people’s eye. Basically, the title will come forth through the body or text of the book.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

        I love family time, traveling, basketball, fishing, playing videos games with my grandchildren, sitting on the beach and bbq’s.

Who is the target audience for your book?

The target audience are men and women over the age of 16 years. Christians and Non Christians. Those who want to see change in their lives

What traits from motherhood help you along your writing journey?

        The traits that helped me was compassion, empathy, placing myself in the person’s position.

What was your favorite book as a child?

        Curious George

How did you find your agent or publisher?

Search the internet and compared the pro’s and cons between traditional and self-publishing.

Follow Author Patricia J. Williams on social media:
Instagram: J64130
Amazon: Patricia J. Williams
Facebook: Prophetess Patricia J Williams
X: Musik1022
LinkedIn: Musik1022
Website: www.patricia-j-williams.com

🎧 Watch now on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform!

Enter to win a copy of 

How to Flourish in the Spiritual Seasons of Your Life

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review Alert: This Time Around by Kay Shanee

 

Book Review Alert: This Time Around 
Author: Kay Shanee
Kindle Edition
Published: March 2024
Publisher: Black Odyssey Media
ASIN: B0DZP9S445
ISBN-13: B0CPTP1ZJ1
 Rating: 4 out of 5 pens 🖊️🖊️🖊️🖊️

Kay Shanee delivers a heartfelt and mature love story in This Time Around, where the past meets the present in unexpected ways. This is more than a second-chance romance—it’s a story about emotional growth, choosing joy, and facing the truth with courage.

💫 Story Summary

Dr. Tessa Howard appears to have it all together: she’s a tenured African American Studies professor, the proud mother of a grown daughter, and engaged to a stable—if uninspiring—man. But beneath the surface, Tessa is weary. 😩 She’s tired of living according to others’ expectations, especially those of her traditional mother. A decision to call off her engagement sets her on a new path—one she didn’t know she needed.

Meanwhile, Dr. Cypress Boone, newly hired at Black Elm University and fresh out of a broken engagement, is looking for a fresh start. 🧳 A blind date set up by his goddaughter takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself face-to-face with Tessa—the woman he never forgot from a fleeting, passionate encounter over two decades ago. 💥

Their reunion stirs up old emotions and buried truths. Tessa holds a secret 🤐 that could change everything, and as the two reconnect, they must decide if love after all these years is worth the risk. ❤️‍🔥

💕 Why It Works

A Mature Take on Love

This isn’t a fairytale romance. 👑 Tessa and Cypress are in their 40s, carrying the weight of life experiences, heartbreak, and lessons learned. Their bond is tender yet powerful, rooted in emotional vulnerability as much as physical attraction. Shanee portrays their rekindled love with authenticity and care. 💏

A Realistic, Relatable Heroine

Tessa is a deeply layered character. 🎓 She’s accomplished, loving, and worn down by the silent sacrifices she’s made over the years. Her story reflects the complexity of being a Black woman expected to “hold it all together.” Watching her reclaim her voice and rediscover herself is both inspiring and relatable. 💪🏾👑

Family Ties That Matter

One of the most touching aspects of the novel is the bond between Tessa and her daughter, Cyrah. 💕 Their relationship is honest, affectionate, and at times hilariously candid. 😂 Cyrah isn’t just background—she plays a crucial role in both the emotional and narrative progression. The generational contrasts between Tessa, Cyrah, and Tessa’s mother also add depth to the story. 👩🏾‍👧🏾👵🏾

Emotional Depth and Redemption

The novel doesn’t shy away from difficult emotions. 😔 Tessa and Cypress both wrestle with regret, unresolved feelings, and what it means to forgive—not just others, but themselves. The emotional journey is compelling and resonates long after the last page. 🧠💔➡️💖

A Celebration of Black Culture and Excellence

Set against the backdrop of academia, the story proudly highlights Black excellence, professional achievement, and cultural pride. ✊🏾📚 The university setting isn’t just decorative—it supports the novel’s themes of identity, legacy, and personal growth.

🌀 Where It Slows Down

• Mid-Book Lull: While the emotional introspection is necessary, the pace lags in the middle as both characters spend a lot of time in their heads. 💤

• Delayed Reveal: Tessa’s long-held secret remains hidden for much of the story. Some readers may find the wait a bit drawn out, but the emotional payoff is worth it. 🎭

🎯 Final Verdict

This Time Around is a beautifully told love story about what it means to grow up, grow wiser, and still believe in love. 💘 With relatable characters, touching family moments, and a culturally rich backdrop, Kay Shanee crafts a romance that is both grounded and heartwarming. 🥰📖

If you’re looking for a story that honors second chances, emotional healing, and mature Black love, this novel deserves a place on your bookshelf. 📚💞 It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes the love we thought we lost was just waiting for the right time to return. ⏳❤️

Reviewed by Patrice for MUBC Reviews

SCBookGal & Friends Presents: Summer Reading 2025 Contest

 📚 SCBookGal & Friends Presents: Summer Reading 2025 – Read, Track, Win!

Dates: June 18 – August 31, 2025

Summer is the perfect time to unwind with a great book—and this year, your reading could literally pay off! The SCBookGal & Friends Summer Reading Contest is officially underway, and we’re inviting readers of all ages and genres to join us for a fun, motivating way to enjoy books and win prizes.

Whether you’re flipping through novels, poetry, memoirs, or comics—every page you read counts toward weekly entries to win Amazon Gift Cards.

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🌟 How It Works:

1. FIND THE POST
   Visit www.scbookgalandfriends.com and look for the post labeled “SUMMER READING 2025.” This is where you’ll track and report your weekly reading totals.

2. READ & TRACK
   Log every page you read this summer. Whether you're diving into fiction, nonfiction, or even graphic novels, it all adds up!

3. CLICK- Click the link to log your books: https://forms.gle/v845B7JR7bxb56PV7 

4. EARN ENTRIES

   • ✅ 1 entry for every 50 pages read

   • ✅ Bonus entry if you include the Secret Code Word of the Week

5. SUBMIT WEEKLY
   Be sure to report your total pages read by Saturday night each week using our online form.

6. TUNE IN TUESDAYS
   Want the weekly code word? Catch the SCBookGal & Friends Podcast live every Tuesday at 8:00 PM EST on Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook to boost your chances of winning!

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🎁 Weekly Prizes:

Each week, one lucky reader will be randomly selected to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card! More entries = more chances to win. So keep reading and submitting those pages!

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🗓️ Important Dates:

• 📚 Contest Dates: June 18 – August 31, 2025

• 🏆 Winners Announced: Every Tuesday at 8:00 PM EST during the SCBookGal & Friends Podcast

• 📡 Streaming live on: Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook

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👥 Who Can Join?

Anyone! It doesn’t matter your age, reading level, or genre preferences—if you’re reading, you’re eligible.

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📲 Get Social with Us!

We’d love to follow along on your reading journey! Share your updates, reading goals, or current reads using the hashtag #SCBookGalReads2025 and tag @SCBookGalAndFriends for a chance to be featured on our pages.

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So what are you waiting for?
Grab your favorite book, set your summer reading goals, and join a community of readers who are turning pages—and winning prizes—all summer long. 🌞📖

Let’s make this the most rewarding reading season yet!

Book Review Alert: The Ha “Bitch” ual Liar by Blaque Diamond

 

Book Review Alert: The Ha “Bitch” ual Liar
Author: Blaque Diamond
Kindle Edition
Published: March 5, 2025
Publisher: Independently published
ASIN: B0DZP9S445
ISBN-13: ‎979-8313072241
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Blaque Diamond’s The Ha“bitch”ual Liar is a raw and emotionally intense urban fiction novel that delves into the tangled web of lies, love, liberation, and mental health. If you're wondering how all of those elements could possibly coexist in one narrative, this book shows you exactly how.

At the center of the novel is Chyna, a woman seemingly living her best life. But don’t mistake her for your typical protagonist. Chyna is seductive, calculating, and unapologetically bold. She knows how to get what she wants—and how to make men give it to her. But having control doesn't mean having peace. Behind the fierce attitude and polished appearance lies a woman who is broken, emotionally and spiritually.

The image that she has created starts to unravel and the cracks she has been hiding for years start to show. What is making her fall apart? Will she be able to bring it all back together before she hits a brick wall? 

Who am I? Who are? 

These haunting question serves as the backbone of Blaque Diamond’s bold and emotionally charged narrative. This isn’t just a story about lies—it’s a raw, soul-stirring deep-dive into trauma, self-preservation, and emotional warfare.

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📖 Plot Overview

Chyna’s life is a maze of trauma-induced decisions, toxic relationships, and deep-rooted emotional scars. Her upbringing was marked by abandonment, betrayal, and a lack of consistent love—planting seeds that would later bloom into dysfunction. Lying becomes her defense mechanism, her shield, and eventually, her prison.

Through failed romances, unhealthy friendships, and internal battles, Chyna’s journey is both captivating and cautionary. Some people in her life genuinely want to help her heal. Others only deepen her pain. But at the heart of it all is one crucial question: Will she break the cycle, or will the lies consume her for good?

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💔 Character Development

Blaque Diamond doesn’t just create characters—she dissects them. Chyna has to be one of the most complex characters that I have ever read about. One minute, I am rooting on the one and the next I am feeling so sorry for her. The supporting characters are not just extras in Chyna’s life—they’re mirrors reflecting her struggles, growth, and pain. Each person adds emotional texture to the story, revealing how relationships can either heal our wounds or deepen them.

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🧠 Emotional & Psychological Themes

What sets this novel apart is its psychological and emotional depth. Through Chyna’s lived experience, Diamond masterfully tackles:

The impact of childhood trauma on adult relationships

Codependency and emotionally abusive cycles

The thrill and chaos of toxic love

Self-sabotage and emotional numbness

The battle between vulnerability and protection

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💬 Reader Impact

Readers who’ve faced emotional trauma, abandonment, or inner conflict will feel seen in Chyna’s story. Her pain is real, her flaws are honest, and her journey is unforgettable. This book might trigger some—but it will also offer healing and reflection. It’s the kind of story that lingers in your heart and mind, long after the final page.

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✍🏽 Writing Style

Her voice is equal parts streetwise and soul-deep. The dialogue is authentic, the pacing tight, and the emotions raw. Just when you think you’ve figured it all out—she flips the script and leaves you breathless.

_________________________________________________________

⭐ Final Verdict: 4.8 / 5 Stars
The Ha“bitch”ual Liar is a bold, brutally honest novel that will shake you, move you, and stay with you. Blaque Diamond doesn’t just tell a story—she issues a challenge. She invites us to confront our own truths, question our defense mechanisms, and imagine what healing could look like if we dropped the mask.

Reviewed by Patrice "SCBookGal843" Grimball

📚 Book Review: I Should Have Worn a Curtain by Samyra Alexander

 

Book Review Alert: I Should Have Worn a Curtain

Author: Samyra Alexander

Audiobook Edition

Published: January 24, 2023

Narrator: Nikki Barnes

ASIN ‏ : B0BSZY2PGG

Overall Rating: 🖊️🖊️🖊️🖊️ (4 out of 5)

Samyra Alexander’s I Should Have Worn a Curtain is a raw and courageous memoir that chronicles her deeply personal journey from pain to purpose. 💔➡️🌟 With striking honesty and poetic reflection, Alexander uses her voice to illuminate a struggle many silently endure—battles with body image and self-worth.

🎭 Title & Themes
The title alone—I Should Have Worn a Curtain—is enough to stop you in your tracks. It’s intriguing, thought-provoking, and sets the stage for the emotional ride ahead. Once you dive in (or, like me, listen to it), the significance of the title becomes heartbreakingly clear. Alexander opens up about her experience with obesity in a way that’s intimate, unapologetic, and refreshingly rare, especially coming from an African American perspective. 🌺

🎨 Cover Art
The cover is a powerful visual metaphor for the story. As I listened to the first chapter, I glanced at the design and immediately felt the connection. It's minimalist yet moving—striking the perfect balance of subtlety and strength. 💡🖼️

🎧 Audiobook Experience
I had the privilege of experiencing this book through its audiobook version—and it did not disappoint. The production stands out, especially the thoughtful use of sound effects that breathe life into the narrative. One moment that stuck with me was during Shaena’s inner dialogue; her tone shift was so vivid, I felt like I was right there with her. The sound design adds an immersive layer, making this a standout choice for audiobook lovers, especially those with visual impairments. ✅🎧

👩🏾‍🦱 Character Development
Shaena's journey is one of transformation. At a pivotal crossroads, she confronts not only her addiction but the roots of her pain. Her vulnerability, growth, and healing are both relatable and inspiring. We see firsthand how change doesn’t come from outside validation—it begins within. 🌱➡️🌻

✨ I Should Have Worn a Curtain is more than a memoir—it’s a mirror, reflecting the internal battles many carry in silence. Samyra Alexander has penned a powerful, necessary story that speaks truth to pain and offers hope to anyone learning to love themselves again.

Reviewed by Patrice “SCBookGal843” for MUBC Reviews

Book Review Alert: Heart of a Thug: Omar and Keisha’s Tale by Keely

Book Review Alert: Heart of a Thug:
Omar and Keisha’s Tale

Author: Keely

Kindle Edition

Published: October 29, 2024

Publisher: Wahida Clark Presents Publishing, LLC

ISBN-13: 978-1957954639

ASIN ‏ : B0DP3CDFJH

Overall Rating: 🖊️🖊️🖊️🖊️ (4 out of 5)

📚 Heart of a Thug: Omar and Keisha’s Tale by Keely is a raw and emotionally charged urban romance that dives deep into the complexities of love, loyalty, and survival. Keely takes readers straight into the heart of the streets, where Omar—a man hardened by life’s harsh realities—and Keisha—a woman caught between passion and the pursuit of something greater—fight to define their connection.

From the first page, the chemistry between Omar and Keisha sizzles. Their bond is powerful yet fraught with complications—past trauma, buried secrets, and constant threats of betrayal. Keely handles their relationship with gritty honesty, crafting a love story that is passionate, messy, and deeply human.

What sets this story apart is its perfect blend of toughness and tenderness. Omar isn’t just a “street dude”—he’s layered, emotionally vulnerable, and surprisingly introspective. Keisha, too, is more than just a love interest. She’s sharp, resilient, and determined not to lose herself to a toxic cycle. Together, their journey is full of struggle and growth, a testament to the possibility of love in even the most unforgiving environments.

Keely’s writing shines with authenticity. The dialogue is real and unfiltered, and the emotions are vivid. While a few plot points could be tightened, the strength of the characters and the emotional depth carry the story beautifully. Themes of redemption, trust, and resilience elevate this book beyond your typical urban romance.

🖤 For readers who crave urban fiction with heart, grit, and unforgettable characters, Heart of a Thug is a standout. Keely delivers a compelling reminder that love can survive—and even thrive—when tested by fire.

🔍 Book Cover Art:
The cover design leans into the familiar street-lit aesthetic. While it fits the genre, I believe the cover could have done more to reflect the emotional depth and character development found inside. A visual focus on Omar and Keisha or a powerful scene from the story might’ve better captured the book’s essence. Cover Art Rating: 3 out of 5.

🛠️ Editing & Professionalism:
This area was well executed. The book reads smoothly with only a couple of minor typos that didn’t distract from the flow. It felt like watching a movie unfold on the page. Great pacing and readability.

👥 Character Development:
Keely, you nailed it here. The characters are beautifully developed—real, flawed, and emotionally layered. Watching them navigate their struggles felt honest and relatable. It’s clear you poured your heart into these characters and their journey.

Reviewed by Patrice "SCBookGal843" for MUBC Reviews.

Book Review Alert: Dent In My Halo

Book Review Alert: Dent In My Halo

Author: Obsession

Kindle Edition

Published: September 7, 2028

Publisher: N/A

ASIN ‏ : B07H6MRT6Y

Rating: 5 stars

Andrea is not your typical preacher’s wife — not by a long shot. She made a promise to God to become a better woman... but she had no idea what she was stepping into when she married Pastor Denny. 👀 Let’s just say, when the mouse is away, the cat will definitely play. But here’s the real question: Who will the her cat end up playing with? And will Andrea finally get the satisfaction she craves — and deserves? 🔥💋

This book right here? Whew! It’s a full-course meal. 🍽️ For a novella, it gave me everything I needed in a juicy, spicy, drama-filled read. 💅🏾

Obsession — baby, you need to be first in line at the altar ⛪ because the things you did in this story? Straight-up sinful. 😈📖