If I Were Your Woman by LaConnie Taylor-Jones

On this blog tour, hosted by Renee Williams of All That Buzz, LaConnie Taylor-Jones talks about how her own love story and devastating journey led to the creation of this book:

I came up with the premise for If I Were Your Woman during the summer of 2007. And of all the stories I've written or will ever write, this one will always be near and dear to my heart.

    

This story features how the love between Raphael Baptiste and Dr. Laney Olivia Houston is tested. Readers were introduced to Raphael in my two previous titles, When I’m With You and When A Man Loves A Woman. And for those who've followed the Baptiste Clan know that Raphael is a world-class player extraordinaire. As a writer, I knew Raphael had to face a challenging conflict in order to truly understand the power of a woman's love.

And his conflict is cancer.

I completed this story during an extremely difficult period in my life. In January 2008, my husband, Colin was diagnosed with colon cancer.  So while we were at chemo three days a week,I lugged my laptop with me and wrote.  I didn’t realize it then, but my personal experience with cancer helped me write Raphael and Laney's story from a much deeper perspective.  Sadly, Colin lost his battle with cancer on January 13, 2009.

However, the incredible love Colin and I shared for over thirty-five years is depicted in this story.  After readers finish this book, they'll better understand the depth of the love Colin and I shared through Raphael and Laney. They'll discover how two complete opposites are able to love even in the face of death.  They see how two people can be committed to each other in spite of their shortcomings. They'll understand how a man learns to honor and respect his woman with his whole heart and demand the same from others on her behalf. They'll see a woman cry with and for her man. They'll learn how two people can celebrate their joy and pain, together. And finally, they’ll learn what it takes for two people to entrust their darkest secrets and deepest fears with each other, knowing they'll always be safe.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tinsel Town is about to learn a few lessons from a Southern doctor with the courage to win the heart of a man who swore no woman ever would. If it doesn’t have a scientific basis, Dr. Laney Olivia Houston doesn’t believe in it —and that includes love at first sight. But she meets Raphael Baptiste. One encounter is all it takes; and she realizes her life is changed forever. Jazz musician, Raphael Baptiste is no stranger to women or their beds. When an illness strikes, his life is thrown into turmoil. But the quiet Southern belle sees beyond his past and bitterness. She sees a man who could love. . .

Purchase the Kindle formatted book here.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author, LaConnie Taylor-Jones, a native Memphian, is a health educator consultant and holds advanced degrees in community public health and business administration. The mother of four and resides with her family in Northern California.

For over twenty-five years, Ms. Taylor-Jones has been an avid romance reader. In the summer of 2003 a challenge from her husband made her seize the opportunity to blend her enthusiasm for teaching health, social responsibility and social justice with her love for reading the genre. Her experience as a health educator sparked a multitude of storylines and her romance, which she defines as the spirit of adventure, played a pivotal part in her road to publication. In a little over four years, she’s authored three full-length novels. In 2008, Ms. Taylor-Jones was the recipient of the 2008 Romance Slam Jam Emma Award for Debut Author of the Year for When I’m With You.

Ms. Taylor-Jones is an active member of the Contra Costa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the African American Community Health Advisory Committee and the Black Women Organized for Political Action.

Website – http://www.laconnietaylorjones.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/laconnie.taylorjones

Follow the tour all week, leaving a comment at each stop, and be entered to win a new Kindle Fire HD courtesy of LaConnie!

Follow the tour

October 15 – Written Voices
October 16 – Literary Wonders
October 17 – SORMAG
October 18 – Readin & Writin with Patricia
October 19 – APOOO

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia

Stay focused. Be deliberate. Believe.