Renee Allen McCoy's Blog

A Test of Faith (The True Love Novellas, Book 3) In the coming days my tenth book will be released! What an awesome privilege it is to write for the Kingdom of God. Have you reserved your copy yet? Here's some information about it:
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church… ~Ephesians 5:25 Joshua and Gayle were the model couple. After years of dating, Joshua romantically popped the big question to his college sweetheart. It was the proposal Gayle had always dreamed of. It didn’t matter that Joshua had been drafted by the NFL and was a part of the prominent Maxwell family of Lewiston Springs; Gayle desired to be his wife simply because she loved him. Their relationship was a solid rock, storybook romance … that was until Joshua’s trust for his wife turns to suspicion. As Gayle struggles to piece together the broken fragments of her life, she tries to maintain her dignity around the high class people she once called friends. The vows she made to Joshua before God on their wedding day were true, but is love enough to keep their marriage out of divorce court? A Test of Faith is the third book in The True Love Novellas series. Read excerpt…
 *Reserve your copy today! Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes | Google Play

Happy Holidays!
This is indeed the most wonderful time of the year. There's just something about a year in review. It presents so many opportunities to thank God for His many blessings. Not to say that you shouldn't do that year round, it's just that when others collectively praise God with you there's instant harmony. 
Also when the Christmas season is upon us, there's an inclination to give a little more. Ministries receive their end of the year donations, toys are collected for little girls and boys from donors who would not ordinarily receive them, and food banks distribute groceries at a higher rate than throughout the other seasons of the year.
As we give, it reminds me of what Jesus said in Matthew 25: 34-40:
34  Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
This prompted me to think about what an awesome gift it is to the giver knowing that we are not only extending our time, money, and service to another human being, but to the Savior Himself. 

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing," John 15:5.

In the spirit of giving, I've offered several giveaways through my mailing list and Facebook Readers & Supporters group:A $25 Amazon Gift CardAn Edible Arrangement ($29 Retail Value)A $25 Applebees Gift Card 
If you're not on the list, consider joining today by visiting my website: www.ReneeAllenMcCoy.com. But whether you're on the list or not, you can still enter this brand new giveaway for 8 Free Autographed Copies of My Books (Over a $100 Retail Value). I would offer all ten titles, but one (A Test of Faith) hasn't released yet and the other (Once Upon a Sunday) is an eBook already being offered for free through various sales channels, including Amazon. 
Here are the books being given away:
The Fiery Furnace series - The Kiss of Judas, Confessions, The Eleventh HourThe True Love Novellas (2 current titles) - The Christmas Beau and Single, Saved, & SearchingIn the Presence of My EnemiesSoul Ties: Breaking Up with a Past That's Killing Your FutureA Time to Praise: A Christmas Anthology
If you have all of these books, great! Either way, you can still get them and give away as an awesome gift for that avid reader in your life. To learn more about each title, visit www.ReneeAllenMcCoy.com. 
If you would like to enter the drawing, just click this link for a chance to win all 8 books! I'll notify the winner by the end of the day December 21, 2016. 

September 27, 2016
FaytheWorks Publishing
FaytheFiction ImprintGreetings,
It's been a while since I've published to this blog site, but I plan to be more active in the near future. Raising little ones is pretty time-consuming, especially when living states away from family. But nonetheless, I praise God for the experience and the lives entrusted to my care. 
Over the past year and a half, I've collaborated with several new authors and one familiar literary voice (Sonya Visor) to help develop stories dedicated to the Christmas season centered on the goodness of the Lord. My vision for this project was to present clean Christian fiction for an audience that wants just that. Nowadays, it's sometimes hard to tell if a "Christian" novel is truly a Christian story. Yes, Christians make mistakes and fall short, all humans do, but the difference is that we don't wallow in our sins and justify our behaviors … at least not the true Christians. 
I've learned that many Christians want to read stories that are real, but not dirty; edgy at times, but not nasty. There's a way to tell a great story with realistic problems and issues without profanity and explicit sex scenes. God designed sex. It's not a dirty act, but when exploited it may be viewed as such. The focus should be on exposing sin, not glorifying it. There's a difference. But I don't want to get too deep about that here. (See my non-fiction book, Soul Ties, for more detail on that topic.)
Here, I share my latest holiday release,  A Time to Praise , co-authored by Sonya Visor, Camille Gipson, Lisa Antley, and Renarda Williams. In this anthology, there are five unique short stories that celebrate the love, joy, and peace of Christmas. 
Below is a little bit about each story:
Miracle From on High by Renée Allen McCoyFour lives intersect at a crossroad, prompting each to seek God’s direction. Benjamin and Susan grapple to accept their path while Trevor and Danielle struggle to cope with theirs.
Giving You the Best of My Love by Sonya VisorThree years ago, Chase Anderson was hauled off to jail, leaving his wife, Nicole, drowning in a lake of trouble. Despite the strong love they once shared, will they be able to overcome life changing obstacles?

His Calling and My Desire by Camille Gipson
How does a single mother fight to protect her country and her children at the same time? Ruth is torn as she leaves one battle only to face another.
Blessings in the Storm by Lisa AntleyTonya Phillips has almost everything she could ever imagine … except a good man. In a dark moment of her life, she soon discovers “He” has always been there.
The Greatest Christmas Present Ever by Renarda WilliamsAs Ikedi Ataya, a black State Justice, is honored for his career, he reflects on his “Christmas gift” to a close-knit New Orleans community threatened by greedy developers. 
                                                # # #
The stories will make you laugh, cry, and identify with some of the characters. Most importantly, you'll be pleasantly reminded that not only during the holidays, but it's always a time to praise God! 
Until Next Time, 
Happy Holidays and as always, Happy Reading...
Renée 


FaytheWorks Publishing
Audiobook 2015
Christmas is still a few months away, but for me it's always a pleasure to hear a sweet holiday romance. And this year God has blessed me to produce my first audiobook for the story, The Christmas Beau. So many readers have been very supportive with the eBook version over the years and I pray the same, well, even better for my new audiobook. Through the links listed here, you can get this new audiobook for free! If you are a regular audiobook listener (or even a first time listener) and want to add my book to your library for free, just click here: Amazon.comor Audible.com(an Amazon company). For Apple users the audiobook is also available for sale on iTunes.

Now, to get this audiobook for free, you will have to join Audible, but this membership is also free for thirty (30) days. The retail cost of the audiobook is $14.95 ($13.08 on Amazon), but with the Audible membership it’s free for the first month. You can cancel at any time. Sounds like a deal to me! Besides, to offer the audiobook for free helps others to find out that my work exists. There’s a sea full of authors, some good and some bad, why don’t we share the stories that actually make sense and support our Christian faith, right?
I have prayed to God for more Christian works to saturate the entertainment market. It’s sad that horror movies and shows laden with profanity get so much publicity while some Christian books, movies, and shows fade into the background. With so many professed Christians in the world we should unite and support works that reflect our faith.

Thanks in advance for supporting this new venture of mine!  I appreciate the love and support shown to me over the years and greatly appreciate the overwhelming support of my last release, Once Upon a Sunday , published Easter weekend. All I can say is that God is good!

Again, thank you for the love and support. I pray God’s best for you…

FaytheWorks Publishing
FaytheFiction Imprint
Released April 5, 2015Easter weekend is a wonderful time to collectively celebrate the Risen Savior. Actually, every day presents an awesome opportunity to celebrate Jesus Christ and what He did for us. I am so grateful for what was accomplished on that Cross so many centuries ago. Jesus Christ died for our sins so that we could be free and have a right to the tree of life. He died so that we may live eternally. He loves us that much.When I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior, my life forever changed for the better. He has saved my soul and I share the Gospel with others so that they too may experience the freedom that I have. Are you saved? Have you experienced the goodness of what it truly means to be a child of the Most High God? Try Him today...In honor of Resurrection Sunday, I released an inspirational short story titled, Once Upon a Sunday. In this book, Good Friday started off as anything but that for Melinda Black. After losing her job and self-dignity, a series of events cascade her onto an emotionally charged roller coaster ride that drastically changed her life forever. Find out if Melinda will be able to handle the pressure when she stands to lose what's most important in her life?It is on sale for only $0.99 on Amazon Kindle, Barnes & NobleNook, Google Play, as well as through the Apple iBookstore, Kobo, and Smashwords. Feel free to share this information with family, friends, or anyone who you feel would enjoy a good read. When you sign up for my newsletter, I offer many of my books for free or at a reduced sales price. If you would like to join, click here or visit my official website at www.ReneeAllenMcCoy.comThanks for taking some of your valuable time to read about my new release. I truly appreciate it. Until next time, happy reading!

Aside from Black History, the month of February is also known as the Love Month. Just walk into a store, just about any store during this time of the year, and you���ll find the shelves lined with teddy bears, balloons, and heart shaped candy boxes dressed in that telling symbolic color of red. Love is in the air, there are engagements waiting to happen, but what are some things you should do before you actually say those famous words, "I do"?
If you are contemplating an engagement, consider the following:
Be transparentListen to what they are saying, not what you want to hearTrust your instinctsTalk about moneyIntroduce them to your family
I don���t claim to be the guru of dating or the ���go-to��� person for singles. But I do remember what it was like to be single ��� and waiting. I know what it is like to date someone, think he is the one, only to discover some characteristic flaw that I was not willing to compromise on. Then again, why should I? Why should anyone ���settle��� for less than they really want from a mate? When you get married, there are enough compromises that are to be made, but the decision to be with someone for the rest of your life ��� the rest of your life , requires some deep thought and intense consideration. At least it did for me because when I decided to get married. The option for divorce was well ��� not an option. So, with that being the case I had to be wise in my decision to whom I was to marry.
So, you may already have your own ideas of what to do before you actually utter those words ���I do���, committing yourself to someone legally as well as spiritually. Let me offer my two cents on the matter. I met my husband (then an unknown person to me) and we dated for four months, and then was married. It did not take five years, it did not include empty promises; it simply involved two people who were transparent enough to allow the other to see them for who they truly are. We talked for hours at a time, we went out on dates as well as stayed in and watched rented movies. We went to church together and we visited each other's families during the holidays. This is where you really get to know someone. Meet up on a holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas and observe the extended family members in action. There is bound to be someone around that will share a story or two that may interest you. Hopefully, this will make a positive impact on your relationship.

Be sure to talk about what you have and don���t have. Do you have bad credit? Do you have a stable, consistent income? Do you have a savings account? Is there money in that savings account? Sometimes you have to be specific about the questions you ask. You don���t want to later find that the savings account they said they had only has $5.00 in it. Or even worse, a negative balance! This was not the case with my husband, praise the Lord. I���m just offering some due diligence advice for those pondering marriage. Don���t assume anything, especially since you will be trusting this person with everything that you have.
Other important questions: Do you have children? Please don���t assume that because you don���t see children or pictures of children in their house that they don���t have any. Do you want to have children? Don���t be misled by the fact that they turn to mush around other people���s children that they want some of their own, ask specifically.
My husband and I both agreed on having children before we got married and we stuck pretty close to the timeline in which we wanted to have them. Today we have been married eight years, now with two toddlers running around the house.
So, you see, when you are open enough to let that person know you for who you are, your strengths and weakness, during your fashionable days as well as not so chic moments, and they still see the natural beauty beneath a made-up appearance, you've got yourself a winner! Be your own champion. It does not take compromising your principles to keep him or her. It does not take your pretending to be something you���re not to please them either. It takes an honest look at who you are and what you expect from that other person. Don���t marry with the hopes of they will change. Ninety-nine percent of the time, you are dating a person at their best. So, what comes after the vows is a work in progress.
                                                                              * * *






Some of these topics are touched on in Single, Saved, & Searching (True Love Novellas, Book 2). Do you have your copy? 
This title is available on Amazon, BN, and wherever books are sold.
                                                                    

Aside from Black History, the month of February is also known as the Love Month. Just walk into a store, just about any store during this time of the year, and you’ll find the shelves lined with teddy bears, balloons, and heart shaped candy boxes dressed in that telling symbolic color of red. Love is in the air, there are engagements waiting to happen, but what are some things you should do before you actually say those famous words, "I do"?
If you are contemplating an engagement, consider the following:
Be transparentListen to what they are saying, not what you want to hearTrust your instinctsTalk about moneyIntroduce them to your family
I don’t claim to be the guru of dating or the “go-to” person for singles. But I do remember what it was like to be single … and waiting. I know what it is like to date someone, think he is the one, only to discover some characteristic flaw that I was not willing to compromise on. Then again, why should I? Why should anyone “settle” for less than they really want from a mate? When you get married, there are enough compromises that are to be made, but the decision to be with someone for the rest of your life … the rest of your life , requires some deep thought and intense consideration. At least it did for me because when I decided to get married. The option for divorce was well … not an option. So, with that being the case I had to be wise in my decision to whom I was to marry.
So, you may already have your own ideas of what to do before you actually utter those words “I do”, committing yourself to someone legally as well as spiritually. Let me offer my two cents on the matter. I met my husband (then an unknown person to me) and we dated for four months, and then was married. It did not take five years, it did not include empty promises; it simply involved two people who were transparent enough to allow the other to see them for who they truly are. We talked for hours at a time, we went out on dates as well as stayed in and watched rented movies. We went to church together and we visited each other's families during the holidays. This is where you really get to know someone. Meet up on a holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas and observe the extended family members in action. There is bound to be someone around that will share a story or two that may interest you. Hopefully, this will make a positive impact on your relationship.

Be sure to talk about what you have and don’t have. Do you have bad credit? Do you have a stable, consistent income? Do you have a savings account? Is there money in that savings account? Sometimes you have to be specific about the questions you ask. You don’t want to later find that the savings account they said they had only has $5.00 in it. Or even worse, a negative balance! This was not the case with my husband, praise the Lord. I’m just offering some due diligence advice for those pondering marriage. Don’t assume anything, especially since you will be trusting this person with everything that you have.
Other important questions: Do you have children? Please don’t assume that because you don’t see children or pictures of children in their house that they don’t have any. Do you want to have children? Don’t be misled by the fact that they turn to mush around other people’s children that they want some of their own, ask specifically.
My husband and I both agreed on having children before we got married and we stuck pretty close to the timeline in which we wanted to have them. Today we have been married eight years, now with two toddlers running around the house.
So, you see, when you are open enough to let that person know you for who you are, your strengths and weakness, during your fashionable days as well as not so chic moments, and they still see the natural beauty beneath a made-up appearance, you've got yourself a winner! Be your own champion. It does not take compromising your principles to keep him or her. It does not take your pretending to be something you’re not to please them either. It takes an honest look at who you are and what you expect from that other person. Don’t marry with the hopes of they will change. Ninety-nine percent of the time, you are dating a person at their best. So, what comes after the vows is a work in progress.
                                                                              * * *






Some of these topic are touched on in Single, Saved, & Searching (True Love Novellas, Book 2). Do you have your copy? 
This title is available on Amazon, BN, and wherever books are sold.
                                                                    

Greetings,

It's a new year and along with it comes new possibilities and opportunities. This year I have already begun to make some changes, admittedly, some are considered minor, but necessary in my book. I've started to update my mailing list. It has been a long time coming, let me tell you. After having two children and being busier that I have ever been in my life (with lack of sleep, might I add), God is teaching me to be a better steward of my time. The time He has afforded to me ... and to you is valuable.
So, I begin this year by organizing my contacts. If you haven't already joined the new, updated mailing list and would like to, simply click here. Here is where I will announce book giveaways and contests first before I do anywhere else. It is my way of thanking my readers for their support. If you decide to join, keep in mind that you will have to confirm your email address after doing so. This is a way that I will know that emails are valid and those who sign up truly want to hear from me. I thank you in advance.
As many of you know, about a month ago I released my seventh book: Single, Saved, & Searching (The True Love Novellas, Book 2). And since then I have received glowing reviews delivered to my inbox, over the phone, through social media, as well as a few posts on Amazon. If you have read this book (or any of my titles) and enjoyed them, consider posting a review. This just might encourage someone else to read a book that may help them in their own lives. After all, it's not about me, it's about God, touching lives for His glory.
For those who are hearing about Single, Saved, & Searching for the first time, here's a little bit about the book:

He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord. ~ Proverbs 18:22

"She’s getting married too?" asks the beautiful, intelligent, and single Elisha Maxwell who just received a wedding invitation from her last single best friend and her younger sister in the same week. As she stacks both invites on her kitchen counter, she wonders when it will be her turn.

Challenged by a string of disappointing relationships, Elisha’s hope of finding Mr. Right leaves her feeling desperate and confused. Does such a man exist for her? In the wake of the most terrifying experience of her life, she is more determined now than ever to find him.

When she embarks upon a quest to change her single status to married, she finds something much more important along the way. Will she embrace the man of her dreams who seems the least likely of them all or go with someone who appeared to be her perfect match?

Single, Saved, & Searching is the second book in The True Love Novellas series.
Book Trailer for Single, Saved, & Searching



This book can be purchased from Amazon, BN, Google Play, Kobo, and wherever books are sold (ebook and paperback).

* * *
Again, I thank you all for reading my work and if there is any question I can answer for you or if you'd just like to connect, feel free to contact me: renee@reneeallenmccoy.com  or connect with me on Goodreads. 
Have a great day!

FaytheWorks Publishing LLC
November 29, 2013
Some dreams are worth the fight...
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies..." Psalm 23:5.
Kara Bentley, the child prodigy from a small southern town, has grown into a talented and beautiful young woman living in New York City. With hopes of attending Juilliard to become a world class pianist, Kara is on the fast track to winning the hearts of many, especially the one of up and coming film director Wendell McGuire. But will the advances of another woman steal the hopes of them ever being together?
Melissa Peterson serves as a strong support system and best friend to Kara. She’s there to offer moments of encouragement as Kara faces the evils from an oppressive home life with her guardian sister, but will their friendship last when Kara uncovers a heavily guarded affair? 
Determined to defeat all odds stacked against her, Kara struggles to make it to the top. Will her determination prove to be enough as unrelenting trials attempt to suffocate any hope she has of leaving the projects, love for the man of her dreams, and most importantly the faith she has in God?
#  # #
In the Presence of My Enemies is my sixth book and fifth novel. It is only by the grace of God that I've made it his far. Many obstacles stood in my way as I attempted to complete this book (that I started writing about four years ago), but when God says that it is time to complete—it is time. And although it had been tough to write through illness while caring for a toddler, I was able to finish this novel. 
It is an honor, no, a blessing to have others interested in my work. I hope that you all enjoy the story and consider sharing it with others. I thank everyone who pre-ordered autographed paperback copies and those who await links for the eBook (scheduled to go live next week). The official release date is November 29, 2013.
Again, thank you so much for your continued support and the precious time you spend on reading my stories.
Happy Reading, Renée

The commemoration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. seeks to remind every individual of his staunch leadership in a pivotal point in history. Although we recognize today as Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, our attention is called to more than just his birth, but more so what he accomplished for this nation during his life. This was a man who carried the torch of freedom during the Civil Rights Movement, inciting others to do the same, the activist who marched on Washington, the leader who stood strong in the very face of fear, and the minister who spoke the Word of God in confidence. We are celebrating a leader who died so that you and I could enjoy the freedom that was already enacted in the United States Constitution by way of the 13th Amendment.
With much adversity, Dr. King fought to abolish the Jim Crow laws of his time, a racial caste system erected where black people were separated from white people and considered inferior simply due to the color of their skin. Although the Emancipation Proclamation signed on January 1, 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery where millions of slaves were freed, still one hundred years later in 1963 Dr. King had a dream. He had a dream where both white and black people alike would live in harmony; a dream where his children would be judged not based upon the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. His vision was prophetic in nature. Note the words of Dr. King on the night before he was tragically killed: “I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”
In that same speech, Dr. King noted that we would have difficult days ahead, but that wasn’t reason to abandon the “promised land.” The promised land that was pledged when this nation was formed. Just as his wife, Coretta Scott King, said just days after his demise: “If you give your life to a cause in which you believe, and if it is right and just, and if your life comes to an end as a result of this, then your life could not have been spent in a more redemptive way. I think that is what my husband has done.”
The torch to continue the fight was passed through the hands of many who made countless sacrifices, even with their own lives. Today, more than forty years after that famous I Have a Dream speech we are still witnessing history being made as President Barack Obama begins his second term as the first African American President of the United States. President Obama’s presence in the White House as a biracial, black and white, American is reminiscent of the words Dr. King spoke decades prior. The leader of our nation symbolizes what took years of rallies, marches, and sit-ins to get us to where we are on today. We must continue to forge ahead, remembering how much it took for us to arrive where we are, understanding that the freedom we now enjoy really wasn’t free.
                                                                            # # #
This was a day of great reflection. In me, it prompts a motivation to do more, to share more, and to be more appreciative. Dr. King had a dream that impacted the world around him. This was a dream that could not have been achieved first without God, and secondly without those supporters around him. He had a dream for change; change for the better. The question today is do we have a dream? And if so, what are we going to do about it?