About The Book
Amelia, daughter of the last independent King of Danhomè, King Gbèhanzin, is the apple of her father’s eye, loved beyond measure by her mother, and overprotected by her siblings. She searches for her place within the palace amidst conspirators and traitors to the Kingdom. Just when Amelia begins to feel at home in her role as a Princess, a well-kept secret shatters the perfect life she knows. Someone else within the palace also knows and does everything to bring the secret to light. A struggle between good and evil ensues causing Amelia to leave all that she knows and loves. She must flee Danhomè with her brother, to south-western Nigeria. In a faraway land, she finds the love of a new family and God. The well-kept secret thought to have been dead and buried, resurrects with the flash of a thread of gold beads. Amelia must fight for her life and what is left of her soul.
Set during the French-Dahomey war of the late 1890s in Benin Republic and early 1900s in Abeokuta and Lagos, South-Western Nigeria, Thread of Gold Beads is a delicate love story, and coming of age tale of a young girl. It clearly depicts the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversities.
About The Author
Nike Campbell-Fatoki was born in Lvov, Ukraine to Nigerian parents. She spent her formative years in Lagos, Nigeria, listening to stories and folktales told by her maternal Grandparents. Her fondest memories were the weekends her mother took her and her siblings to Kings Way, on Lagos Island, returning back with bags of story books.
Though a social science major, she found great pleasure in taking literature classes. She graduated magna cum laude in Economics from Howard University and further went on to receive a Master of Arts degree in International Development from American University, Washington, DC. She worked for several years in International Development field working with International Development consulting firms managing projects and programs overseas.
Presently, she is a Budget and Finance Manager in the municipal government in the Washington DC area. She is an avid reader. She loves traveling, watching movies and listening to music. She is also the Founder of Eclectic Goodies, a party favors and gifts packaging company. She lives in the Washington DC area with her husband and three sons.
Book Trailer http://youtu.be/yc6V8nM7k2k
Book Comments by Linda Fegins
Thread of Gold Beads by Nike Campbell-Fatoki was an enchanting novel and an enjoyable easy read. The events that occurred in Amelia’s, the heroine, life are a testament to God’s grace and that with a belief in God and perseverance we all can overcome adversity in our lives and be victorious. This historical fiction romance was elegantly and seemingly effortlessly told while subtly addressing issues about the role of women, true faith, betrayal, overcoming, colonization, and worshipping one true God and the love of God. I enjoyed experiencing the lives of others from another culture.
Interview Questions for Nike Campbell-Faktoki by Linda Fegins
Describe yourself for our visitors.
I am Nike Campbell-Fatoki, wife, mother of three, author of Thread of Gold Beads. I work full-time as a budget and finance manager for a law enforcement agency in the Washington DC area. I am also the Founder and Creative Director of Eclectic Goodies, a home décor, party favors and gifts company. I was born in Lvov, Ukraine, and raised in Lagos, Nigeria.
How do you find time to connect with God?
My commune with God is all day. I also make carve out time in the evening to read the Bible and meditate.
What inspired you to write this book?
My family loves to tell stories, particularly my grandparents. I would sit for hours listening to them tell stories about where and how they grew up, their families and challenges. My grandmother’s story about her grandmother’s flight from war-torn Dahomey was one of the many stories that stayed with me even after she passed away. I was inspired by her will to survive. It inspired me personally because it proved that anyone of us can overcome challenges, no matter how difficult they are. The events that occurred in the heroine’s (Amelia) life are a mixture of true events and fiction.
Who are your favorite authors and why? Favorite books?
I have a list, but just to name a few– Sefi Atta, Buchi Emecheta, Ngugi wa Thiong’ Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe and Ayi Kwei Armah. They all have their own unique writing styles but what makes them stand out is their ability to get their message across in such effortless ways.
I have a plethora of favorite books, but two top ones are The Beautyful Ones are not Yet Born by Ayi Kwei Armah, The Lion and the Jewel by Wole Soyinka.
Tell us about your journey to publication.
I began my research and writing seven years ago. It took about three years to finish my first draft. Being historical fiction; I needed to do more research and sought out Beninoise who could assist with more research. It was a labor of love on their part. I learned so much along the way. I had two more drafts after that prior to self-publishing.
Tell us about your current book.
Thread of Gold Beads is my current book. It is a historical fiction novel set in the late 1890s to early 1900s. It chronicles the tumultuous life of Amelia, daughter of the last independent king of Dahomey across two countries risking life and love and finding in the midst of it all realizing the love of God, a new family, and the will to live surpasses all. Its major themes are the role of women, slavery, colonization, war and displacement, faith and religion, love and betrayal.
How did you come up with ideas for this book?
The idea came from the stories my Grandmother told me about her Grandmother’s quick departure from the war-torn kingdom of Dahomey (present day Republic of Benin). I was inspired by her will to survive. It inspired me personally because it proved that anyone of us can overcome challenges, no matter how difficult they are. The events that occurred in the heroine’s (Amelia) life are a mixture of true events and fiction.
What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book?
I hope readers will realize that they are stronger than any situation or circumstance. When life deals us blows, we can always get up and continue. The main character in this book had so many trials, but she managed to keep going. She found the strength and the faith.
What’s next for you?
I am currently working on a compilation of contemporary short stories. I also have another historical fiction down the line.
Where can visitors find you online?
My website – www.nikecfatoki.com
www.facebook.com/nikecfatoki
www.facebook.com/ThreadofGoldBeads
On twitter: @nikecfatoki
My blog: www.nikecampbellfatoki.blogspot.com
When did you begin to realize you wanted to write?
I always loved reading from a young age, so it felt natural to transition to writing. It was a way of expressing myself and it also felt comfortable. I began writing when I was nine/ten years old.
Connect with the Author
Email Address: nikecampbellfatoki@gmail.com
Website www.nikecfatoki.comTwitter link www.twitter.com/nikecfatoki Twitter Hashtag: #GoldBeadsTour
Facebook link www.facebook.com/nikecfatoki
Facebook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/ThreadofGoldBeads
Buy Links
CreateSpace: https://www.createspace.com/3958444
Amazon US http://www.amazon.com/Thread-Gold-Beads-Nike-Campbell-Fatoki/dp/0988193205/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374941148&sr=8-1&keywords=thread+of+gold+beadsAmazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thread-Gold-Beads-Nike-Campbell-Fatoki/dp/0988193205/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353952597&sr=8-1
Link to Tour Schedule http://wnlbooktours.com/nike-campbell-fatoki/