Three minutes and twenty-seven seconds: God, Where Were You? by Lakisha Johnson

 

Book Excerpt:

"Three minutes and twenty-seven seconds. That's all it took to change Skylar Parks' life forever.

After walking away from a three-year relationship, thirty-six-year-old Skylar Parks makes a quiet promise to God that she'll trust Him completely. She recommits her heart, surrenders her plans, and pours herself into rebuilding her life.

But in three minutes and twenty-seven seconds, everything changes. When a man she trusted violates her in a way that doesn't just wound her body, it shatters her sense of safety, her identity, and her faith in the God she believed would protect her.

Now, sleep is replaced with anger, and her prayers turn into arguments with the God she once trusted. Because while her faith whispers, " Trust God, her pain screams, " Where were you?

Torn between bitterness and belief, Skylar must decide if she'll hold on to God in the midst of her pain or let go of the faith she once clung to."

Title:  Three Minutes and Twenty-Seven Seconds:  God, Where Were You?

Author:  Lakisha Johnson

Publisher:  Twins Write 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'Three minutes and twenty-seven seconds:  God, Where Were You? by Lakisha Johnson

My Review:  

'Three minutes and twenty-seven seconds: God, Where Were You?' is a great book that you won't want to put down. The characters, situations, scriptures, and sermons make you want to keep reading to find out what happens to Skylar.

In Sickness and In Health: What Did You Vow? Kindle Edition by Lakisha Johnson

Book Excerpt:

"Jade and Alex met as children in the foster care system, overcoming obstacles and beating the many odds stacked against them. Over the years, people and life disappointed them. Yet, the one thing they could always count on was each other.

Even when jobs and school separated them, they always found their way back to each other. Seven years ago, they stood before a justice of the peace vowing never to give up on each other or themselves.

Then a tragic accident leaves one of them fighting to live. The other is thrust into the role of caregiver to a patient whose body, mind, and faith were all left broken.

Will their marriage survive the hardship and mental torment of trauma or will the In Sickness and In Health part of the vows shatter when they are put to the test?"

 Title:  In Sickness and In Health:  W

Author:  Lakisha Johnson

Publisher:  Twins Write 2hat Did You Vow?

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

'In Sickness and in Health' by Lakisha Johnson

My Review:  

'In Sickness and In Health: What Did You Vow' was an excellent read, with scriptures that blended seamlessly with the story. Jade and Alex were truly memorable characters who left readers with a thought-provoking narrative to consider after finishing the book.  

The author reveals what is meant by 'In Sickness and In Health.' Observing these two navigate their partnership after Alex's accident was fascinating. I appreciated how Jade reached out to God amid their trials, and I found Mrs. Cora's portrayal engaging throughout the story. Will Alex manage to regain his footing so they can achieve happiness?

At this point, I recommend you pick up this captivating book to see how the author ties the threads together. It is a delightful read.  

Until Death Do Us Part: What Did You Vow? Kindle Edition by Lakisha Johnson

Book Excerpt:

"Nehemiah found his good thang in Eden Lynette Crawford. They met, dated, and married all within six months. Eleven years later, while they are thriving in their careers — Nehemiah as Executive Pastor of Unlimited Grace Church and Eden as an Investigative Reporter with JMT Broadcasting — the fire has gone out in their marriage bed.

Eden can't understand why, and Nehemiah isn't eager to rekindle it. Frustrated, tired, and without answers, the last time Nehemiah pushes her way is the first time Eden walks away.

Until she returns home early from an out-of-town trip to discover Nehemiah has been keeping a secret. One that may just test their vow of Until Death Do Us Part.

In the final book of the What Did You Vow series, find out if Nehemiah and Eden's marriage survives or will Until Death Do Us Part be taken to heart."

Title: Until Death Do Us Part: What Did You Vow?

Author: Lakisha Johnson

Publisher: Twins Write 2

Series: What Did You Vow? Part 6

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Until Death Do Us Part: What Did You Vow?" by Lakisha Johnson

My Insight:

All I can say is 'Wow... this book left me breathless from start to finish.' The author masterfully illustrates the complexities of a love that, while deep, can falter without the foundation of communication. In the end, despite all they shared, Nehemiah's silence becomes a chasm between him and Eden. He thought he was shielding her from his struggles, not realizing that the very act of sharing his burdens could have helped heal the rifts that had grown between them. When the truth began to unravel, it moved me to tears.

Until Death Do Us Part is a poignant story that everyone should experience; it beautifully highlights the vital importance of honesty and connection in any relationship. The writing is both compelling and impactful, leaving a lasting impression. The story is one you must read to appreciate how well the author delivered it. You will gain a great deal from it. Thank you to the author for an outstanding read!

 A heartfelt thank you to the author for delivering such an extraordinary read.

The Marriage Bed Kindle Edition by Lakisha Johnson

 Book Excerpt:

"Lynn and Jerome Watson have been together since meeting in the halls of Booker T. Washington High School in 1993. Twenty-five years, a house, business, and three children later, they are on the heels of their 18th wedding anniversary and Lynn's 40th birthday.

Her only request was a night of fun at home with her husband and maybe a few toys.

Lynn thinks their marriage bed is suffering and wants to spice it up. Jerome, on the other hand, thinks Lynn is overreacting. His thoughts, if it ain't broke, don't break it trying to fix it. Then something happens that shakes up the Watson household, revealing secrets, but Jerome's biggest secret is that his lips are sealed.

The Bible says in Hebrews 13:4, "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous." But what happens when life starts throwing daggers, lies, turns, and twists?"

Title:  The Marriage Bed

Author:  Lakisha Johnson

Publisher:  Twins Write 2 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"The Marriage Bed" by Lakisha Johnson

My Perception:  

The author gives the reader another good read...'The Marriage Bed.'  One would think Jerome would have been more brilliant than he was in having a wife like Lynn and knowing she would not put up with his mess after they had been together for over twenty-five years. Especially when Lynn comes to him and lets him know that something is wrong in their marriage. And for Jerome to do this with a friend of theirs from church. Jerome had a problem, and he really needed some professional help. As we can see from the read, he continued this mess and was supposedly trying to get his wife back. Pick up this good read to see what I am talking about. I wasn't surprised with the ending!

I agreed wholeheartedly with what the "Bible says in Hebrews 13:4, "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous." However, when your life starts throwing all the mess in from 'daggers, lies, twists, murder, and turns all over the place,' as it continues, it may be time to separate, and divorce is evident.

Bitter and Sweet A Novel by Rhonda McKnight

 Book Excerpt:

"From the beloved author of The Thing About Home comes a dual timeline tale of family, grief, secrets, and the sweet redemption within the bonds of sisterhood.

-The Present-

When summoned to Georgetown, South Carolina, sisters Mariah Clark and Sabrina Holland assume their ailing grandfather's health has gotten worse. Neither expects their grandmother's undeniable request to save the family restaurant.

Mariah is at a crossroads in her life. After being dumped by her husband and forced to walk away from the diner that she helped rescue from bankruptcy, bitter feelings consume her. Even though the restaurant has been in the family for eighty-six years, she doesn't want to give her all to another struggling business.

Living out of her van and striving for a fresh start, Sabrina yearns for stability for herself and her daughter and a chance to turn her baking hustle into a bona fide business. The family restaurant may be just the blessing she needs, but as old tensions and angry disagreements resurface, Sabrina wonders if her sister will let her have a say.

-The Past-

After falling victim to a love she thought would last a lifetime, Tabitha Cooper finds herself away from home and struggling to survive in Charleston in the early twentieth century. She is determined to turn corn into cornbread and take care of her children the best way she knows—by serving food that's good for the soul—and along the way, she forges a path that leaves a legacy of success for generations to come.

Through letters that reveal Tabitha's complicated past, the sisters discover truths that might be the right recipe to mend their hearts--if they can find a way to savor today's blessing and leave the bitter aftertaste of old memories behind them."

Title: Bitter and Sweet
Author: Rhonda McKnight
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Bitter and Sweet" by Rhonda McKnight

My Perception:

'Bitter and Sweet' was an interesting, powerful story about grief. The main characters gave the reader much to think about long after reading. We are given a story of 'several generations of a family that had their secrets, struggles with marriage, life, disappoints, self-discovery, forgiveness and healing, grief, sorrow, redemption, and struggles.' The story was about how this grandmother tried to restore peace and love in this family. Will it happen? I enjoyed reading about Mariah, Sabrina, and Tabitha's stories. These Gullah people were very interested in reading about their recipes and community way of life in the trials and tribulations that families endure. I loved how the power of forgiveness turned out to be such a wonderful thing for this family.

You must pick up this good read to learn why these two sisters came home in the first place.

Thank you, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley, for allowing me to read this book.

Praising Past My Flaws: A Christian Romance Novel (Faith.Flaws & All Book 3) Kindle Edition by Taretha Jones

 Book Excerpt:

"Trudy is a fashion model living her best life in sunny Los Angeles. She shops on Rodeo Drive and can afford it, owns an expensive home, and has a circle of family and friends who love her. However, Trudy needs more than just an ordinary model. Nope, she wants to be a SUPERMODEL…one on par with Naomi Campbell or Tyra Banks. With faith, prayer, and humbleness, Trudy has kept her Godliness intact in Tinseltown, even when many other aspiring models haven't. But when one of the biggest movers and shakers in the fashion industry offers her the world on a pretty platinum platter, will Trudy exchange her holiness for success? And when an unforeseen situation changes everything for her, will she be able to keep praising despite her flaws?"

Title: Praising Past My Flaws
Author: Taretha Jones
Publisher: Firstman Publications
Series: Faith, Flaws, and All Book 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Praising Past My Flaws" by Taretha Jones
Beautiful Read:

'Praising Past My Flaws' book 3 was indeed an excellent read of how this will turn out when you let God be the one that leads you as he did for Trudy. Yes, she truly wanted to be a Supermodel, but God had something even better for her. Will she receive it through her 'faith, prayer, and humbleness? I will stop here and say you must pick up this novel because this author did an excellent job bringing it all out of how God is sending up what we need at the right time.

For Richer and For Poorer: What Did You Vow? Kindle Edition by Lakisha Johnson

 Book Excerpt:

"Imagine making a vow you're now being tested to keep.

Reginald and Georgia Harden have been enjoying their life together. Things have been great, from dating to proposal to marriage, designing and building their dream home, and finding out they're having a baby.

Until Reginald loses his job and his 401k savings on the same day.

Now, the happy life they've been creating is overshadowed by arguing, anger, debt, and misplaced blame.

In Book 3 of the What Did You Vow Series, find out if this marriage survives when part of their promise, "For Richer and For Poorer," is tested.

Title: For Richer and For Poorer: What Did You Vow?
Author: Lakisha Johnson
Publisher: Twins Write 2
Series: What Did You Vow Mini Series: Book 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"For Richer ad For Poorer: What Did You Vow? by Lakisha Johnson

My Thoughts:

This was my favorite of the three series in What Did You Vow that dealt so well with the rich and the poor. It was hard to see how Georgia treated her husband, Reginald, but as you read, you will understand why she acted the way she did. It was good that Georgia finally listened to her friend and got the help she needed with her issues. Yes, Georgia needed therapy, and it was so good when she finally realized she needed help with how she acted. Had a lot of this come from the way she had been raised as a child after her father died? This story is very thought-provoking in how it all comes out for this couple. Now, I wonder if many of us need help in how our world is going, especially in the title 'For Richer and For Poorer: What Did You Vow?' The author did an excellent job of bringing the readers a good read that many can relate to.

For Better and For Worse: What Did You Vow? Kindle Edition by Lakisha Johnson

 Book Excerpt:

"Yolanda and Leland Martin have been married for over eleven years. For the past ten, things have been great. She's thriving in ministry and her role as a Professor at McHarry Theology, while Leland is enjoying his position at the Art Consortium.

Until things suddenly change for the worse.

No matter how much Yolanda tries to talk to her husband, she hits a brick wall. Fed up and tired, she confronts him and gets the shock of her life.

Now left to deal with the aftermath, she has to decide if this is the FOR BETTER AND WORSE she vowed or if she should simply bow out gracefully.

In Book 2 of the What Did You Vow Mini-Series, follow Leland and Yolanda's journey to see if they'll keep the vow... for better and for worse."

Title: For Better and For Worse: what Did You Vow?
Author: Lakisha Johnson
Publisher: Twins Write 2
Series: What Did You Vow Mini Series: Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"For Better and For Worse: What Did You Vow?" By Lakisha Johnson

My Thoughts:

This author gave us quite an excellent read of Yolanda and Leland. They had been married for over eleven years, but Yolanda knew something was wrong for the past six months. When she asked her husband what was going on, Leland said nothing. However, as things began to come out, Yolanda was shocked. This is when: 'For Better and For Worse' comes out. Will they be able to keep the vow after all is said and done?

I don't want to tell too much of the story. I would like you to read this good book by this author. It will give you something to think about long after the read.

Love Lifted me Above my Flaws: A Christian Romance Novel (Faith.Flaws & All Book 5) Kindle Edition by Taretha Jones

 Book Excerpt:

"Nobody's perfect; everybody has a flaw or two, right? Yes, Olivia Johnson knows this all too well, but at the same time, she knows that some people carry more burdensome flaws than others. Because Olivia has ADHD and is nowhere near as quick-thinking as her smart-as-she-wanna-be sister, Lyric, Olivia understands this fact more so than most. However, being a woman of faith, Olivia also wholeheartedly believes that God never puts more on a person than they can bear. So, with the help and love of her closest friends and family members—well, most of them—twenty-something- Olivia has made molehills out of the mountains that have stood in her way in life. What Olivia wants most is the career and husband of her dreams. With God's love and a pinch of faith, maybe she'll end up with both!"

Title: Love Lifted Me Above My Flaws
Author: Teretha Jones
Publisher: Firstman Publications
Series: Faith, Flaws & All & All Book 5
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Loved Lifted Me Above My Flaws" by Taretha Jones

My Thoughts:

'Love Lifted Me Above My Flaws' was indeed a beautiful story. The story showed how God can work in one's life, as it did for Olivia, who had ADHD and a learning disability. But as you read this remarkable story, one can see how God gave her just what she needed and at the time she needed it. I loved how Olivia put God first in her life, and He was always there for her, helping her with the many situations she had to go through. Ultimately, God delivered to her just what she had always wanted. To get all this story, you must pick up the excellent novel this author gives the reader.

A Christmas to Remember A Novel by Beverly Jenkins

 Book Excerpt:

"NAACP nominee and USA Today bestselling author Beverly Jenkins returns to her beloved Blessings series with a Christmas wedding in Henry Adams, Kansas.

Ever since Bernadine Brown bought the town of Henry Adams, her relationship with diner owner Malachi "Mal" July has had its ups and downs. But now they're finally ready to say, "I do."

Or are they? As wedding preparations go into full swing and families, both local and extended, begin to gather for the festivities, that long-awaited walk down the aisle looks like an obstacle course.

But Mal and Bernadine's relationship isn't the only one being tested.

Preston Mays, aka Brain, loves his girlfriend as much as he does physics, but his heart is broken when she decides being a couple is no longer a good thing. Will connecting with his bio dad's family ease his pain?

Reverend Paula Grant has patiently waited for God to send her someone to share her life. When the town's charming new chef arrives, she wonders if he could be the one.

And then there's former mayor Riley Curry, who throws a parade with his hog Cletus! There's always a lot going on in Henry Adams, and this will be a Christmas to remember."

Title: A Christmas to Remember
Author: Beverly Jenkins
Publisher: Avon and Harper Voyager, William Morrow Paperbacks
Series: Blessings Book 11
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"A Christmas to Remember" by Beverly Jenkins
My Sentiments:

'A Christmas to Remember' was a lovely read about what happened during this Christmas season in the small town of Henry Adams, Kansas. The story was standalone; however, I suggest that you read the series because there are many characters that I would like to know more about. This is series eleven. But it was still quite an exciting story. It had plenty of drama with emotions all over the place where we see people coming and going in the fantastic town along with some great people.

It was a beautiful read of how this town showed the reader how this place was getting ready for this holiday season...with couples that found love, forever homes for foster children, and big plans for this Christmas season. How will things go for Henry Adams as the new chef, Thornton Webb, who arrives a little early? I don't want to leave out Mayor Sheila, Rev. Paul Grant, Bernadine Brown, Malachi July, Tina Craig, and other interesting characters that give the readers one fantastic series. This was indeed 'A Christmas to Remember' for the town of Henry Adams.

Thank you to Net Gallery and the publisher for the early ARC read and for giving my opinion.

Grace After The Rain: A Christian Romance Novel (This Far By Grace Book 1) Kindle Edition by Taretha Jones

 Book Excerpt:

"Thirty-something, Shawntriece is a well-paid executive at a Fortune 500 corporation. Her life is practically perfect — at least to her, it is. She has a beautiful home, an expensive car, a family who loves her, and two adorable twin daughters to cherish and spoil. However, despite everything she has in the material world, she's sorely lacking in the spiritual realm. When life throws her a curve ball, will it be the chance she needs to return to Christ? Will the relationship she develops with a saved, good-looking, single father grow into much more? Somehow, some way...will Shawntriece snatch herself a piece of grace after the rain that has fallen in her life?"

Title: Grace After The Rain: A Christian Romance Novel
Author: Taretha Jones
Publisher: T. J.
Series: This Far by Grace Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Grace After The Rain" by Taretha Jones

My Sentiments:

'Grace After The Rain' was a lovely Christian romance featuring Calvary and Shawntrience. It was beautiful seeing how this author brought these two together, with it all being from the friendship with their children. With Calvary being such a good person and serving the Lord, he was just what Shawntrience needed in her life. Shawntrience had been dealt a hard life of what had happened to her as a teenager. And for Calvary, he had lost his wife through death. By Calvary becoming involved with Shawntrience, it was beautiful how God came in for her. Due to what happened to her, will faith and trust be brought back into her life? As we read, we see that through this friendship, so will love be felt between the two? As everything was going well for these two, you know how the devil will bring in something to destroy the essence of it all.

Now to get the story, you must pick up 'Grace After The Rain' to see how it all comes out for these two. It was a good read of how, with 'Calvary's prayers and Shawntriece's renewed faith in God, there be a b healing for both of them.'

The Pastor's Admin Kindle Edition by Lakisha Johnson

 Book Excerpt:

"**DISCLAIMER** This is Christian FICTION, including some sex scenes and language. ***

Daphne' Dee' Gary used to love being an admin … until Joseph Thornton.

She has been his administrative assistant for ten years, and each year, she has to decide whether it will be his secrets or her sanity.

And the choice is beginning to take a toll.

Joseph is the founder and pastor of Assembly of God Christian Center, and he is, hell, there are so many words Daphne can use to describe him, but none are good. He does things without thinking of the consequence because he knows Dee will be there to bail him out. She has to because … it's her job, right?

A job she has been questioning lately.

Daphne knows life can be challenging, and flesh will sometimes win, but when she has to choose between HIS SECRETS or HER SANITY, this time, will she remain The Pastor's Admin?"

Title: The Pastor's Admin
Author: Lakisha Johnson
Publisher: Twins Write 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Pastor's Admin" by Lakisha Johnson

My Sentiments:

'The Pastor's Admin' was quite some read where this Pastor had severe problems, a loving wife, and one heck of a good administrator that helped things go as smoothly as she could. But with all of that... things got out of hand, and all that is left to say... this is one read you will have to pick up and see how well this author brings it all out by the end. The ending was quite a shocker because I didn't see that one coming; however, with the way, things were going for this Pastor... I wasn't surprised because what is hidden in the dark will come to light.

All Churched Out...The Weary Wife Of The Pastor, Book 1, By Denise Cook-Godfrey

Book Excerpt: 

"This book is being written with a passion for stirring the hearts of the "church" as we know it. Relationship over religion is an underlying theme that needs to be revisited over and over as we mature as Christians. Traditional mindsets and thinking patterns make the Word of God ineffective in our lives. Synopsis Lea Westchester-Jackson is a woman torn between two worlds. One of those worlds revolves around God's unique gifts and passions from within her, but the other revolves around chaos, betrayal, legalism, and hypocrisy. Walking in the shadows of her late mother as the First Lady of Shady Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Lea loses a sense of restraint when her heart is shattered into millions of pieces. At that point in her life, she plummeted onto a journey where she searched for completion outside the traditional church's walls. Lea, who seemed to have never fully bonded with her mother due to emotional issues suffered by her mother during the postpartum depression, lives a life filled with a low self-image, fear, and an inferiority complex. Just when happiness appears to be on the horizon after marrying Kyle, her expectations and desires fade as he steps into the position of Pastor. Being the daughter of a Pastor, Lea and her sister Rebbie vowed never to marry a Pastor after witnessing their mother's pressure and pain during their childhood. Everyone's expectations for Lea and the "church" life cause triggering events from Lea's past to resurface. This resurfacing of past pain drives Lea into a world of seeking her identity desperately. The lack of a maternal bond causes more pain after her mother's death. This is the compelling story of a woman scorned while tempted to define true worship, spirituality, and love. "Lea," whose name means "weary," portrays the kind of character who takes the term "level up" to a new level."

Title: All Churched Out...The Weary Wife Of The Pastor
Author: Denise Cook-Godfrey
Publisher: Denise Cook-Godfrey
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"All Churched Out...The Weary Wife Of The Pastor" by Denise Cook-Godfrey

My Assessment:

After reading this excellent novel, all that is left to say is WOW! This author did a fantastic job with this storyline. However, I am not sure who I felt sorrier for after all was said and done. One sure thing...all needed prayer from our Heavenly Father!

All of the characters from this story... Pastor Joseph Westchester, his wife, Agatha, his daughters, Leah and Rebbie, son-in-law, Kyle, Aunt Zelle, the sister-in-law, Deacon & wife, and a few others...I left out to keep one's interest to the very end.

With all that goes on in this story...one will be shaking their head and saying oh my God. But, as I was reading, I felt poor Leah needed therapy all by herself to talk freely with someone who would listen to her. This situation reminded me of a time in my life when treatment was needed, and the first thing I said to my therapist was I want to talk, and you listen. One can be left thinking, was this what Leah needed?

Yes, Leah had reason to be angry because of how her mother and father had treated her, along with that husband, and let us not leave out the sister Rebbie but surely Leah will not turn from God. All I will say about Leah's husband Kyle and Rebbie [her sister] left me shaking my head and saying ... wow! But as things were going on in this story, I wasn't too surprised at what had happened between the two. I don't want to tell too much of the story, so you will pick up this read and see how well this author brings it all out.

To say who started all of this mess was definitely with Pastor Westchester, who thought he was doing right in picking out Leah's husband... Kyle. But after Pastor Westchester found out what was going on, there is so much more to this picture with Kyle...who was a piece of work, and so was it with Leah's sister Rebbie. So all that is left to say is that they all need help from God!

After the family finally decides to talk about this horrible situation, what will happen next for Leah as she leaves her home and stays at a hotel for a few weeks? What will come of it when Leah is dining at the restaurant and gets a note from someone telling her..."Your sister was not the only one you know! Poor little Leah…always getting the short end of the stick! First, your mom didn't, and now your husband scorned you." Directly, who sent this to Leah, and why would someone be so cruel?

Will "Leah be able to find the strength to move beyond the pain and betrayal that she has encountered from her husband and sister? What about her past hurt and bitterness?" To get more of "All Churched Out," the reader must pick up Book 2 to see how well this author brings more of this story out to the reader. There will be a total of three Books on this story..."All Churched Out...The Weary Wife Of The Pastor," so there will be much more interesting information as the story continues.

Almost Destroyed Kindle Edition by Lakisha Johnson

Book Excerpt:

"Ava Gentry met Andre thirteen years ago when he was the officer who responded the night she was attacked. Yet, years later, he's still treating her like that scared and broken girl with no self-esteem in need of saving. Every chance he gets, he tries to destroy her with his words and actions leaving her feeling unworthy of love and respect.

The sad reality was it wasn't the first time she's felt this way. From being abused by her grandfather to even worse foster homes, suffering has almost destroyed her identity and ability to love herself.

But she's had enough.

Finally standing up for herself, Andre throws her out, destroying her belongings while almost destroying her. On her own and starting over, she realizes the first thing she needs, besides a place to stay and a job, is a relationship with God. Yet, things prove more complicated than she ever imagined, especially when trouble won't let go, and neither will Andre.

In Almost Destroyed, follow Ava's journey from heartache and brokenness to restoration and finding the strength to love herself again."

NOTE: This is book 1 of 2

Title: Almost Destroyed
Author: Lakisha Johnson
Publisher: Twins Write 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Almost Destroyed" by Lakisha Johnson
My Assessment:

Wow! What a read this author delivers to the reader. Poor Ava had it had, but in the end, will she be able to see the blessing that God has restored in her life. Ava went through quite a struggle, and for some reason, things kept on happening to her...from her ex-boyfriend that wouldn't take no for an answer and a job that tried so hard to discredit her in her knowledge of what was going on. The story leaves one to say Wow and at the end, just after her baptism, what Ava found out from a friend leaves the reader with a cliffhanger that we will have to pick up in the next series to find out what in the world is coming next for Ava. It seems like Satan is around the corner every step of the way for Ava; however, we know that there is a God that will protect her in it all.

The author did an excellent job with this story in that it will help many people if they trust in God and don't give up.

 

Dangerous Confessions (Serena Manchester Mysteries Book 2) Kindle Edition by Tyora Moody

 Book Excerpt:

"The case from last month is still far from over for private investigator Serena "Rena" Manchester. Not just because she found herself in yet another life-threatening situation, but because the fall-out still has not been dealt with by the authorities. Determined to see justice to the end, Rena steps up her investigation along with her attractive young associate.

Rena runs into a very unpleasant woman from her past life as a reporter during a surveillance job. A few hours later, when the woman falls to her death from a beach condo balcony, Rena switches directions with her investigation. The more she digs into her past news story, the more she sees parallels to her current case. Her revelations are drawing her closer and closer to someone who's not happy about her relentless digging.

Title: Dangerous Confessions
Author: Tyora Moody
Publisher: Tymm Publishing LLC
Series: Serena Manchester Mysteries Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Dangerous Confessions" by Tyora Moody

My Assessment:

We are given by this author another good mystery about the now private investigator Serena' Rena' Manchester. What will be on this next journey as Rena, while on a surveillance job, runs into an 'unpleasant woman from her past life as a reporter and ends up falling to her death from a beach condo balcony.' What will happen as it seems the authorities think Raee may know something since she had talked with this woman earlier?

However, from this news, Rae 'finds herself switching directions from her previous investigation,' and by doing this, it seems like there is some connection from a past new story. Will Rae and Amir [her sidekick] be able to find out what all is going on as the story seems to parallel quite a bit from her current case? As people continue to be murdered, it is worth finding out what is going on in this case.

All that's left is for the reader to sit back and take it all in as these two continue to investigate and get to the bottom of what is going on in this intriguing mystery story.

With Every Step (McCall Family Series Book 2) Kindle Edition by Natasha D. Frazier

Book Excerpt:

"Born and groomed to be CEO, Darius is ready to run the family business, except Jeffrey McCall has reserved that position for the oldest son.

Darius McCall's CEO ambitions have driven his choices since junior high school. He's worked alongside his father, preparing for the position most of his life.

When Jeffrey McCall names Andrew, Darius' older brother, as McCall Resorts' new CEO instead of him, Darius becomes furious. He's determined to prove that CEO is his rightful place - and spearheading the construction of their new Houston resort is just the way to do that - except Kennedy Slaughter may be a bigger distraction than he expected.

Kennedy Slaughter becomes Slaughter Construction Inc.'s President after the sudden death of her twin brother. She now bears the weight of the company's success on her shoulders. When McCall Resorts hires her company to build their Houston facility, she works to make her brother proud. She fights against anything that will hinder the project's success - including the undeniable attraction between her and Darius McCall.

What will it take for Darius and Kennedy to secure the success they desire and balance the growing emotional bond between them?"

Title: With Every Step
Author: Natasha D. Frazier
Publisher: N.D.F.
Series: McCall Family Series Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"With Every Steph" by Natasha D. Frazier

My Assessment:

'Every Every Step' was a lovely read, not just for the two main characters but the this McCall Family in the way things worked out for all of them. When Darius McCall finds out he will not be CEO of his father's company, his brother Andrew has been given this pleasure. Will Darious find out before it's too late what he wanted wasn't precisely wanted he needed to be happy?

What was Darius's reaction after meeting Kennedy Slaughter? Will there be a transformation that Darius will go through throughout this read? All that's left to say is it was so cute how this family came into play through love and support in getting these two together. You will have to pick up this good read to see how well this author put it all together for the reader. Also, I enjoyed reading the Christian aspect of the read. So be ready to good read about 'family, business, and finally love coming for Darius and Kennedy.'

Rocky Road Dreams: A Christmas Novel (The Candy Beach Series Book 5) Kindle Edition by Cecelia Dowdy

 Book Excerpt:

"♥The Candy Beach Series ♥

Melanie used to be in love with Kyle's identical twin. Could she really have feelings for Kyle - or does she like him because he reminds her of his brother?

Lawyer Kyle Baxter had a secret crush on Melanie Richards for years, but she was smitten with his identical twin brother, Keith. So recently sober, he takes a Christmas-time hiatus from his law firm. Instead, he rents a beach house - right across the street from Melanie. As he uncovers secrets about his past, he's determined to learn more about his mother, who died when he was a baby.

Obese as a child, Melanie Richards is now slender and beautiful. She owns an herbal health food store. However, having her own business comes with a high price. Her uncle agrees to finance her shop as long as she decides to mentor Chloe, her drunken, wayward, 21-year-old cousin. Chloe's erratic behavior wreaks havoc in Melanie's life. Can a Christmas road trip help them solve Kyle's and Chloe's problems? Is Melanie attracted to Kyle because he resembles his twin, or does she love Kyle for himself?"

Order this delightful, tasty Christmas story today!
Books in The Candy Beach Series
Caramel Kisses - 0
Chocolate Dreams - 1
Milk Chocolate Kisses - 2
Bittersweet Dreams - 3
Coffee and Kisses - 4
Rocky Road Dreams (A Christmas Novel) - 5

Title: Rocky Road Dreams:  A Christmas Novel
Author: Cecelia Dowdy
Publisher: Divine Desserts Publishing LLC
Series: The Candy Beach Series Book 5
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Rocky Road Dreams" by Cecelia Dowdy

My Assessment:

"Rock Road Dreams" was another of this author's good reads. The read goes right along with the rest of the series. The story was very inspiring that will keep one turning the pages to see what was coming next for Kyle and Melanie. It felt for Kyle as he was trying to work with his struggle with alcoholism as Melanie was working with her weight and job problems and her family conflicts with her uncle and cousin. While the story continues with Kyle having had feelings for Melanie, would she be able to comply with his feelings for him after she finds out more about his struggles? It was so good to see Kyle now having a relationship with his twin brother as he tries to work his problem. And whr\at all comes out after Kyle goes through his mother's things? Will Kyle and his brother Kevin get the answers they wanted about their mother? Yes, we all have 'faults and weaknesses,' but what will happen when it all comes out? Will Melanie and Kyle finally get their HEA?
To get the inside of this beautiful story, one will have to pick up this good read and see how well this author brings it all out. So be ready for a good read in the midwest blizzard, which will have decisions that will be made along with eating some sweet chocolate candy.

In the story...there was a mention of Kyle making 'Rocky Road Dreams,' which was candy...and I bet it was as good as it sounded!