Celeste O. Norfleet
Celeste O. Norfleet (born February 11, 1959 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a contemporary African American novelist of romance and young adult novels.
Early years
Norfleet was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She attended public schools, then received her B.F.A. degree in fashion illustration from Moore College of Art and Design. She spent the next years working in the advertising field, first as a graphic artist and later as a creative art director.
Writing
In 1991 Norfleet moved to Northern Virginia A few years later she read a romance novel while at home with her young children. After reading many novels from this genre, she wrote one herself in 1999. Priceless Gift, her first romance novel, was sold to BET Books in 2001 and published March 2002. Priceless Gift began the Mamma Lou Matchmaker continuing series. Norfleet has since written over twenty novels.
In 2007 Harlequin Kimani TRU released Norfleet’s first young adult novel, Pushing Pause. Receiving positive reviews and continuing to sell out, The Kenisha Lewis Series is written for both teens and adults. The series continues with Fast Forward and Gettin’ Played.
Norfleet now writes romance novels full-time. Her stories are realistic with some humor, depict strong sexy characters involved in unpredictable adventures. She writes dramatic fiction for young adults, reflecting current issues facing African American teens.
Acclaim
Norfleet's books have received critical acclaim and positive reviews, including nominations for The Rose Award, Romantic Times Bookclub Reviewer’s Choice Award and RSJ Author of the Year. Celeste currently writes for Harlequin’s Kimani Press Arabesque, Harlequin Kimani Romance and Kimani Press TRU (young adult) lines.
Personal
Celeste lives in Virginia with her husband and two teenagers.
Bibliography
Romance
- Priceless Gift, 2002
- A Christmas Wish, 2002
- Since Forever, 2003
- One Sure Thing, 2003, (featuring winner of the 2002 Arabesque Man cover contest)
- Reflections of You, 2004
- Irresistible You, 2004
- Only You, 2005
- The Fine Art of Love, 2005
- A Taste of Romance in Back In Your Arms (with Sandra Kitt and Deidre Savoy), 2006
- Love After All, 2007
- Following Love, 2008
- When Love Calls, 2008
- Sultry Storm, in Mother Nature Matchmaker (with Brenda Jackson and Carmen Green) 2009
- When It Feels So Right, 2009
- Love Me Now, 2009
- Cross My Heart, 2010
- Heart’s Choice, in Millionaire Matchmaker (with Donna Hill and Adrianne Byrd) 2010
- Flirting With Destiny, (Kimani Hottie Series) 2010
Young Adult Novels
- Pushing Pause, 2007
- She Said, She Said, 2008 (with Jennifer Norfleet)
- Fast Forward, 2009
Getting Played 2010
Recognition
- Nominated - Rose Award, Since Forever 2003
- Nominated – Romantic Times Book – Reviewer’s Choice Award – Best African American Romance (2004)
- Nominated – Romantic Times Book – Career Achievement Award (2009)
- Nominated - Romance Slam Jam – Best Steamy Romance (2009)
- Nominated – Romantic Times Book - Author of The Year (2009)
- Finalist - YALSA - Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers List (2009)
References
External links
- http://www.urban-reviews.com/insideout-celesteonorfleet.html
- http://www.eharlequin.com/author.html?authorid=438
- Official website