Naleighna Kai's Literary Cafe Magazine November Edition | Page 54

Christian Book
Lovers Retreat
Shannan Harper
One of the best experiences in my life happened in
Charlotte, North Carolina. The Christian Book Lover’s
Retreat combines two of my loves, Jesus and books. I
have been to several conventions over the past several
years, and even though I’ve enjoyed the others because I
was around like-minded people, the atmosphere at CBLR
is pleasantly different.
This event is in its second year and spearheaded by the
fabulous Vanessa Miller Pierce, a Christian Fiction author
who started out self-published before received book deals
with both an imprint of Kensington as well as Kimani/
Harlequin. CBLR started off Thursday Evening with a
reception featuring the amazing Jacqueline Thomas,
who was one of the first authors to write in the Christian
Fiction genre and one of the first ones I’ve read. I also ran
into my other book friends, The Sweet Soul Sisters who
also attended The Cavalcade of Authors, another fantastic
literary event held in Chicago.
Shannan is pictures with Pat Simmons, Kim Cash
Tate and Unoma Nwankwor
After Breakfast on Friday Morning, I was able to meet
several authors that I’ve known on Facebook for years and
have been reading their work even longer. Among them
are Kim Cash Tate, Unoma Nwankwor, Michelle Lindo Rice
(I just love her West Indies accent), Michelle Stimpson, and
Cassandra McLaughlin. Not only was I able to have lunch
with these lovely ladies, Kim was our luncheon speaker
and admonished us on how to Cling to God, which is also
the title of her nonfiction bible study book.
Vanessa Riley who writes Regency romance with women
of color, held several sessions of her own. We participated
54 | NKLC Magazine