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CBLR In-Person Retreat – October 26-29, 2023

Faith, Fun, Fellowship and Books

Don't Miss This Retreat An Experience Like No Other



 

 

About Christian Book Lover's Retreat

At The Christian Book Lover's Retreat We Inspire God's People To Live Their Best Life NOW!

Join us for the 2023 Christian Book Lover's Retreat - October 26-29, 2023

The Christian Book Lover's Retreat is an ALL-INCLUSIVE retreat. Simply put, there is no extra charge for any of the events you will attend at the retreat... and we plan a lot of events just for YOU! Don't miss the 2021 CBLR because we have events that will uplift your spirit while pushing you forward towards your God given destiny.This retreat is designed to help our attendees de-stress, relax and rejuvenate... while hanging out with some of your favorite Christian authors. It's the most fun you can have this side of heaven. Guaranteed!

Why you should attend the CBLR...

The Christian Book Lover's Retreat is built on the principles of Faith. Fun. Fellowship... and a whole lot of books. With this in mind we bring our attendees faithfilled events such as the Prayer Journey, Morning Glory and praise and worship. For fun we have a craft party, pajama party, book release parties, gameshows, a pampering session and so much more... You will have the time of your life at the 2023 CBLR as you enjoy our many events and fellowship with other attendees.

We do everything with the EXPERIENCE in mind. So, you won't just get a regular party out of us... we like to theme it up. In 2018 we did the White Party, in 2019 we did the 70s Party (check out the photos to see some of the 70s gear). At the 2021 retreat we went back a hundred years and did a Roaring 20s party. In 2022 we did a Kingdom party and dressed in African attire. This year we are doing an 80s Gospel party. It will be a fabulous celebration that you won't soon forget. So join us for Faith. Fun. Fellowship... and a whole lot of books!

~For the reader in you, we also have a huge book fair on Saturday afternoon

~ Special guest speakers: kimberla Lawson Roby, Jacquelin Thomas, Tiffany Warren, Piper Huguley and Toni Shiloh.

The CBLR keeps on growing and it's all because of YOU!

There's a lot to do at the Christian Book Lover's Retreat. You don't want to miss a moment of it. This retreat is not just the most fun you can have this side of heaven, it's a move of God that will lift your spirit! Join us and discover why the Christian Book Lover's Retreat has been rated as Amazing! Awesome! Wonderful! and Inspirational! and in 2023 we are taking this retreat to another level, don't believe that's possible... join us, and discover the difference. 

We also offer writing workshops and sessions on the business of writing that are designed to help Christian and inspirational authors build their brand, grow their audience and increase their writing skills.

Christian Book Lover's Retreat - October 26 - 29, 2023 in Charlotte, NC

Bring your husband, your mom, your best friend, book club or church group members... you will all have the time of your life at the Christian Book Lover's Retreat. The place for Faith. Fun. Felllowship... and a whole lot of books!

2023 CBLR and COVID19 Safety Precaution

The COVID 19 pandemic has afflicted our nation and this a very real issue that we must contend with. Therefore, we are asking all CBLR attendees to get vaccinated before attending the retreat. If you are not vaccinated you will be required to provide a negative test that was taken within 24-72 hours of arriving at the CBLR. Other precautions that we are taking for the safety of our attendees include, but not limited to:

- Masks are requested

- We will have hand sanitizer, lysol, and clorox wipes for attendee use

- We will sanitize rooms

- We wil have gloves at the buffet station and require attendees to use gloves before touching utensils

Please note: We will do everything within our power to ensure a safe environment but we cannot guarantee complete safety. It is each persons responsibility to ensure that masks are worn and that you keep your distance and allow others their own personal space. 

 

  


Download the Sponsorship Package.

Click this link to see Additional Sponsor / Vendor Options.


 

Click: Hotel Information

Hilton Airport Suites Hotel

 

In 2023 the CBLR will be held October 26-29, 2023 at the Hilton Airport Suites Hotel in Charlotte, NC. The hotel fee is just $141 with breakfast included. You will receive all necessary information needed to complete your hotel reservation after registering for the 2023 Christian Book Lover's Retreat. This info will be included in the WELCOME Email.

Hilton Airport Suites Hotel
 2800 Coliseum Centre Drive,Charlotte, North Carolina 28217 USA   +1 704-357-1414


HOTEL DESCRIPTION

When you stay at Hilton in Charlotte, you'll be near the airport, within a 15-minute drive of Charlotte Convention Center and Bank of America Stadium. This hotel is 6.8 mi (11 km) from Spectrum Center and 6.9 mi (11.1 km) from EpiCentre.

ROOMS
Make yourself at home in one of the 275 newly renovated, air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and Smart televisions. All suites hotel with pillowtop bed that comes with luxurious bedding, and all rooms are furnished with sofa beds. Satellite programming provides entertainment, and wired and wireless Internet access is available for a surcharge. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature designer toiletries and hair dryers.

AMENITIES
Take advantage of recreational opportunities offered, including an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a sauna. This hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands. Getting to nearby attractions is a breeze with the complimentary area shuttle that operates within 3 miles.

DINING
Enjoy a meal at the restaurant, or stay in and take advantage of the hotel's room service (during limited hours). Buffet breakfasts are served on weekdays from 6:30 AM to 10 AM and on weekends from 7 AM to 11 AM for a fee. However, as a CBLR attendee (staying at the hotel) you will receive a buffet breakfast each morning at no extra fee.

Check in:  4pm

Check out:  12pm

 

If you are attending with the CBLR you are entitled to:


*Free Parking
*Free Wifi
*Free Airport Shuttle


Other Amenities Include:


All Public Areas non-smoking
gift/newstand
concierge Desk
Fitness Center
Indoor Pool
Onsite Restaurant
Room Service

 

HOTEL DINING

Restaurant


Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinner Dress code: Casual

 

Authors

We are excited that you have decided to attend the CBLR. The first 50 authors can participate in our bookfair. After you register for the CBLR, please complete the Book Fair Submission Form. Please list the books you intend to sell at the book fair and certify that the books adhere to Christian standards because that is the expectation of the CBLR attendees (no profanity, no explicit sex scenes, no glorification of sin).

Authors are expected to donate 5 books to CBLR when sigining up.

Please Email @info@christianbookloversretreat.com for the Book Fair Attendance Form and the Workshop Attendance Form.

Please remember:

  • -We are looking for fun events that will engage a group.
  • -Multi-author proposals are welcome.
  • -Please include in your proposal any special requirements like audio visual needs.
  • -Hosts of parties & socials must agree to provide food for attendees if needed. The hotel menu will be provided in order to pick food items for party.

You must be registered for the Christian Book Lover's Retreat BEFORE submitting the Book Fair Submission form or the Workshop/Party Proposal form.

 

We also have a limited number of sponsor opportunities for authors:

All registered authors have the opportunity to sponsor any of the following:

  •   Color Advertisements in the Retreat Souvenir Booklet
  •   Ad spaces on the Promotional Goodie Bag
  •   And other opportunities.

Download 2023 Sponsor Package 

Click this link to see Additional Sponsor / Vendor Options.

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Schedule

2023 CBLR Conference Schedule... Coming Soon

Vast number of different workshops
and activities



2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Registration Desk

Check in at the CBLR registration desk and pick up your name badge, souvenir booklet, tote bag and other items.

4:00 PM-4:30 PM
Welcome and Logistics

Join us for this informative meet and greet as we provide logistical information for a weekend of Faith. Fun. Fellowship... and a whole lot of books at the Christian Book Lover's Retreat.

CBLR Board Members: Vanessa Miller Pierce Rhonda McKnight Pat Simmons Vanessa Riley Angela Anderson Kenyatta Ingram
8:30 AM-9:50 AM
CBLR Prayer Breakfast

The word of God says, "If my people, which are called by My name would humble themselves and pray, seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and I will heal their land. Please join us for a buffet breakfast, prayer and a message from Author, Unoma Nwankwor.

Author Unoma Nwankwor
10:00 AM-10:45 AM
Mastering Nutrition for a Healthier You

The secret to sustainable weight loss is...well, you know. If you don’t, join Michele Wilson as we breakdown how to easily achieve your wellness goals. You will learn about macros and the importance of balancing them in your meal planning. You will get recipe ideas, exercise tips, and other tools to take home with you to help you on your wellness journey.

Michele Wilson
10:00 AM-10:45 AM
The power of WORDS

Your words have power beyond your wildest dreams. After all, that is why you read books. Love is in the words. God is in the words. Power is in YOUR words. In this interactive motivational workshop will be explore written text, verbal words, and how to harness the POWER of Words.

SheNell
10:55 AM-11:40 AM
Let's Go Fishing for the Right Catch/Guy

Calling on the single ladies and those helping a friend. During this fun workshop, discover the similarities between fish behavior and men. Grab your group of friends to form your 3-person or 2-person team. Using a fun game of bingo, you must get as many matches as you can to win as many clues as possible. Each match earns one clue. The more clues you win, you have more chances to choose the right CATCH (GUY). The entire time, there will be five guys standing in front of the group. Can your team choose the correct one? Come and help your team take home the grand prize! Along the way, we will laugh, learn, and have lots of fun!

Dr. Velma Bagby
11:50 AM-12:45 PM
How Stella Got Her JOY Back

Are you tired of being over-whelmed, distracted, frustrated, hurt, or misunderstood? How Stella Got Her JOY Back is a high energy, interactive workshop for everyday women, who wear many hats to gain clarity on which hat to wear, how long to wear it, and where to wear it. Participants are guaranteed to walk away with renewed confidence in who God created them to be and how to communicate that effectively.

Joy K. Massenburge
11:50 AM-12:45 PM
God is in the Room

Reading and/or writing inspirational books can be a wonderful time of reflection and somewhat therapeutic if you open yourself up to the idea that God is in the room with you. Reading and writing can be a type of healing and deliverance. Let's explore that in this workshop.

Pamela Mshana
2:30 PM-3:45 PM
Book Release Party

Join us at the book release party for The Christmas Switch written by author Zoey Marie Jackson and the Reunion by author Natasha Frazier. There will be food and games and giveaways. So come hang out with us.

Zoey Marie Jackson Natasha Frazier
4:00 PM-5:30 PM
Paint Party - Part 2

We have a surprise for you. Not only will you be painting an African theme portrait on Thursday night, but once the paint dries, you will be adding African fabric to the painting during part 2 of our paint party. You will love the end result of this painting!

Michelle Stimpson
4:00 PM-6:00 PM
Mancave

This event is for the MEN! Wear your favorite sports jersey and come enjoy, food, games and fellowship.

Minister David Pierce
8:30 PM-10:30 PM
CBLR Kingdom Party

Oh, what a time we will have at this fun for all African themed party. Please dress in African attire and come ready to take plenty of photos at the royal kingdom, the safari, in Egypt and more. All in good fun.

8:30 PM-9:00 PM
CBLR Mystery Theater

Please note: Clues will be given during events on Thursday & Friday, the mystery will then be solved at the Kingdom Party on Friday night. So, get to the Kingdom party on time if you want to experience this fun event. You might be the criminal. Who knows, you'll have to be there to find out.

8:00 AM-9:00 AM
Morning Exercise

Early morning exercise at the CBLR... Let's get moving!

Michelle Wilson
9:15 AM-9:30 AM
Praise and Worship

Join the CBLR Praise team as they take us higher in the Lord with their anointed voices.

9:30 AM-11:00 AM
Breakfast with Books

Join us for buffet breakfast and a bit of fun as we do author speed dating with readers.

Numerous authors
10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Straight Talk for Men ONLY

This year's straight talk, 'Don't Forget Your Armor, Man!' is a time of prayer, faith and spiritual growth for the men.

Minister David Pierce
11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Pioneers and Pillars: Celebrating 25 years of Black Literary Excellence

Black Christian fiction novel was written? This is something that deserves a celebration. This session will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the publication of contemporary Black Christian literature. It will recognition of the pioneers and pillars of the literature including authors and publishers.

Shewanda Riley - workshop
11:00 AM-11:00 PM
Museum Celebrating Pioneers of Christian Fiction Opens

Take a moment to visit the Pioneers of Christian Fiction Museum. You will see the original covers of the first books of Black Christian fiction that were published from 1997-2000. It is a moment to appreciate the gifts that have been given to us, the readers and writers of this beautiful genre.

5:00 PM-7:00 PM
CBLR Reader Appreciation Gala

Come dressed in your finest for this gala. We will be celebrating 25 years of Christian fiction giving out awards to our readers and our keynote speaker will be Vanessa Miller.

Keynote Speaker: Author Vanessa Miller
9:00 PM-11:00 PM
CBLR PJ Party

Laughter is good like a medicine, and you will get plenty of our must-attend pajama party. Come hang out and be ready to play games, have fun and laugh like you haven't laughed in years.

Michelle Stimpson
11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Morning Glory

Join us for our last event on Sunday morning for the preached word of God.

Denise Walker

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CBLR
2023 Reader Registration (In-Person)
$295.00
  • Unlimited Workshops/Parties
  • Book Fair
  • Craft Party
  • Special Party
  • Prayer Breakfast
  • Reader Appreciation Banquet Included
  • You can add a Banquet Ticket for your Spouse or Guest(s)
  • You can add a Man Cave Pass for your Husband or Male Guest(s)
Buy now
AUTHOR
2023 Author (In-Person) Registration
$295.00

Book Fair Has Limited Spots Available. (Authors must Apply with books that comply with CBLR Book Policy.)

  • Unlimited Workshops/Parties
  • Book Fair
  • Craft Party
  • Roaring 20s Party
  • Prayer Breakfast
  • Reader Appreciation Banquet Included
  • You can add a Banquet Ticket for your Spouse or Guest(s)
  • You can add a Man Cave Pass for your Husband or Male Guest(s)
BUY NOW
Group
2023 Bookclub Large Group Registration
$1743.00

This is $249 per person.

  • Unlimited Workshops/Parties
  • Book Fair
  • Craft Party
  • Special Party
  • Prayer Breakfast
  • Reader Appreciation Banquet Included
  • At Least 7 Reservations must be completed at One Time
  • You can add Banquet Ticket(s) for Guest(s)
  • You can add a Man Cave Pass for your Husband or Male Guest(s)
Buy now
Add 2023 Man Cave Only
Limited Package for Men Only
$99.00
  • Man Cave with Food Provided - Men Only
  • Straight Talk Event for Men Only
  • Welcome Reception
  • Special Party
  • You can add a Banquet Ticket for your Spouse
  • Can only be Purchased with a Full Registration
Buy now
Add 2023 Banquet Tickets
Bringing Guests to Banquet
$55.00
  • Can only be Purchased with a Full Registration
Buy now



You can make a deposit to hold your space Click Here!
TESTIMONIALS

What People are Saying about CBLR:

The fellowship is unbelievable.
Vanessa Riley
I have never felt the presence of God so much at a single event outside of church and I have attended a lot of Christian conferences within the area I live.
CBLR Attendee 2018
I saw an advertisement for the Christian Book Lover's Retreat on Facebook and immediately paid the full registration fee before I could change my mind. Not only did I enjoy the retreat. But I have learned so much about myself good and bad. Also, within this week I have had God move in BiG ways.
CBLR Attendee 2018
After attending CBLR, I had a sense of peace that I had not felt prior. I needed those few days of just communing with God and with other Christians. I want to encourage you to continue this work that God has given you. I will be there next year!
CBLR Attendee 2017
I am in awe of this retreat and I felt very honored to be among so many beautiful and talented authors
Author 2017 CBLR
Excellent event, great people! I loved worshipping with others.
Stephanie 2016 CBLR Attendee
I cannot give this retreat a # from 1-10. I will say INFINITY... the goodie bags, the structure of author appearances, the workshops and parties... everything was a blessing.
Laverne 2016 CBLR Attendee
Great event; well attended; lots to do. Yippee! Woohoo! Kudos! Amazing presenters.
Valerie 2016 CBLR Attendee
There were a lot of great things that were planned. All of the speakers were DYNAMIC! This was my first time, but I will definitely be back!
Monica 2017 CBLR
It was not just one "event" that touched my mind and my soul at the retreat. It was the love, friendliness, compassion, togetherness, camaraderie-- I could go on and on. Don't stop! Keep this retreat going. It is truly a blessing.
Felicia 2017 CBLR Attendee

CBLR

 

Join us October 26-29, 2023 for the Christian Book Lover's Retreat! This is an event for readers, writers and people who love God and want to be around like minded people. Pre-Registration is open now until November 30th. Get registered now at the lowest rate you'll see all year long.

 

 



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