Slowly Unwrapped [A Very Short Christmas Story] By: Victoria Vane

Book Description....

"A FREE READ FROM THE AUTHOR
This VERY SHORT but equally sweet Christmas story featuring Wade and Nikki from SLOW HAND is guaranteed to bring some holiday cheer! SPOILER ALERT: Because it takes place the day after SLOW HAND ends, there is a bit of a spoiler. Having said that, everyone should already expect Wade and Nikki to get a happy ending! You can download this story directly from Goodreads, Smashwords or Victoria's web site."

Title:  Slowly Unwrapped [A Very Short Christmas Story]

Author:  Victoria Vane

Publisher:  Vane Publishing LLC

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Slowly Unwrapped" by Victoria Van

My Thoughts....

I loved it. This author gives the reader a sweet short story.  Will Nikki be able to give Wade that something-something for the holiday?  What two items will Nikki bring to the party that Wade will love?  This was another part of this author's 'Slow Hands' which was also good read.  

World of de Wolfe Pack: Breton Wolfe (Kindle Worlds Novella) (The Wolves of Brittany Book 1) By: Victoria Vane

Book Description.....

"She vowed to defy him to her dying breath... but passion blurs the line between love and hate...
The bluest blood and the hardest heart... at least when it comes to marriage... The daughter of a duke and granddaughter of a king, Adele of Vannes was bartered at birth in a marriage treaty for the sole purpose of producing a royal heir. When her philandering husband is slain by Norse marauders, Adele’s only desire is to retire to the peace and solitude of a cloister—until coerced to wed a savage Norseman. Adele knows that her beloved Brittany needs a strong hand to survive, but how can she ever reconcile her bitterness and hatred with the desire she feels for her avowed enemy?
She’s the jewel he seeks for his Breton crown...A Barbarian bent on building a dynasty, Valdrik Vargr, ‘the Norse Wolf,’ is renowned for both his bravery in battle and shrewdness in statecraft. Setting his sights on claiming the kingdom of Brittany, he knows that siring sons from royal blood would solidify his hold, but the woman he would claim as his queen refuses to have him. Will he fuel her hatred by taking her to his bed, or will the man who strikes terror in the hearts of men be reduced to wooing his bride?"

Title:  World of de Wolfe Pack:  Breton Wolfe 

Author:  Victoria Vane

Publisher:  Kindle Worlds Novella

Series:  The Wolves of Brittany Book 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Breton Wolfe" by Victoria Vane

My Thoughts....

This was a interesting historical Viking fiction romance.  I did find it somewhat predictable but
still  the read will keep your attention to the very end.  It was something to read how this 'Norse Hunter' [Valdrik] would be able to gain the attention of Duchess Adele especially now that he was now over the 'Kingdom of Brittany.'   Now, that the Duchess Adele husband has died will she be able to except what Valdrik had to offers her?  I found the characters very well developed, colorful and oh so believable helping to make the read definitely a quick descriptive, colorful page turner.  When it all comes together at the end will these two [hero and heroine] ever be able to fully trust each other? This is where I say to get the whole story the reader will have to pick up "Breton Wolfe" to get the whole presentation of a good story.

Thank you for the novel from the author for my honest opinion.

Our Curious World of Mirror Images: Reflections on how Symmetry Frames our Universe, Empowers the Creative Process and Provides Context to Shape our Lives, By: Titus joseph By Titus Joseph

Book Description....

"From ancient philosophy to the big bang, quantum physics, and cosmology, Titus Joseph takes us on a mind-stretching journey through time and space to unveil a new law, positional symmetry (requisite mirror image), that explains how all things come into existence through the curious symmetries found everywhere in nature.



This exciting new model of the universe draws on concepts from ancient philosophy and weaves together quantum mechanics with relativity, through the observable symmetries found in nature. Our Curious World of Mirror Images sheds new light on what it means to be human in a world in which all things are interrelated.


• Introducing a whole new way of looking at our world

• A universal theory combining profound scientific facts seamlessly with philosophy

• Written in an easy to read format with many illustrations so that anyone may understand

• Reconciles the intractable problem of duality

• Marries quantum theory with relativity in a relationship that works to explain reality

• Provides a compelling account of spacetime that makes sense of the arrow of time

• Demonstrates how all things come into being

• Provides a broad overview of the cosmos as a whole entity

• An eye-opener to the meaning of God

• Reconciles eastern paradigms with western views

• This book could change the way you see the world"


Title: Our Curious World Of Mirror Images
Author: Titus Joseph
Publisher: Balboa Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

'Our Curious World of Mirror Images" by Titus Joseph

My Thoughts....

"Our Curious World of Mirror Images' was a 'whole new way of looking at our world.' The author really gives us a theory of some profound scientific facts which will center with philosophy. In a well written, structured, logical and easy to read, the reader will find many interesting illustrations that will keep you on the course of this read as one will receive some complex concept experience. Readers be ready to learn a lots about science as well as philosophy and if you are able to look at life in a different way, you maybe even get a lot more. This was indeed one interesting read...that sheds new light on what it means to be human in a world in which all things are interrelated."

I liked this from a quote from the author... from page 3...

"If you are serious about your life and read
this book with an open and thoughtful mind,
you will experience signs in your personal
reality that will confirm fro you -in your own
private views-that this new paradigm is real
and thus meaningful to your life. Your way of
thinking may even change as a consequence
of experiencing meaningful perceptions
affirming the knowledge disclosed in this
book."
-Titus-


And, I will say from just reading that from the author I was able to look at the world in a all new way. Would I recommend "Our Curious World of Mirror Images?" YES!

Facing Our Future: Building Strong Black Men in the Twenty-First Century, By: Jeremiah Hopes & Zack Reynolds, Jr.

Book Description....

"It is no secret that the plight of the African American male in America has reached epidemic proportions. Poor education, social injustice, substance abuse, gang violence, incarceration, uncultivated talents and skills have taken their toll.
Facing Our Future: Building Strong Black Men In The Twenty-First Century is not about recounting dismal statistics, making excuses or casting blame. This book is focused on facing our future (our young black men), providing solutions, and harnessing our collective energies and efforts to make a difference instead of wasting time and energy pointing the finger.
Within the pages of this game-changing work black men and boys, parents, educators, mentors, counselors, and community members at-large will find numerous solutions-focused topics such as: *The Essentials of Manhood, *Barriers to men being mentors, The Five Must's of A Mentor, and the Three Key Areas Where Mentoring Is Required, *Strategies For The Resident and Non-Resident Father, * What If I Can't Dribble, Dunk, Run, Or Rap?, * Let's Talk About Sex (Dating and Safe Sex In The Twenty-First Century), *How To Be Mission-Driven vs Money-Driven, *Entrepreneurship and The Multiple-Streams Of Income Mindset, *Education: Are Black Boys Brilliant Or Broken?, and *A Man's Greatest Asset And Liability
There are two things we are convinced of:
1. Blaming does nothing to solve the problem.
2. We are not the only ones that want to be a part of the solution.
In order to change the narrative, close the belief gap, and see black men as the leaders and assets that they truly are, we must be willing to roll up our sleeves and do the necessary work. The legacy of the black family of tomorrow rests in the work we do to build strong black men today. You are either part of the problem or part of the solution. If you are solutions-focused, this book was written for you!"

Title:  Facing Our Future
Authors:  Jeremiah Hopes & Zack Reynolds, Jr.
Publisher:  Real Models Publishing
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review:

"Facing Our Future: Building Strong Black Men in the Twenty-First Century"  Jeremiah Hopes & Zack Reynolds, Jr

My Thoughts...

I will say I am a black female and was given this read by one of the authors ....to read and give a honest review.  All I can say is wow, this is one excellent read on its subject.  These authors really put it all out their for our 'black men.'  Now what do I mean by that?...Just pick up this read "Facing Our Future' and you will see how well this novel is laid out for our 'Black Men in the Twenty-First Century.'  The read starts with a foreword by Chance W. Lewis, A note to our Readers and Introduction. Then the reader is given a Part 1 [Man Your Facturing Men, It's Called MENtoring For A Reason & The Man Of The House]...Part II [What If I Can't Dribble, Dunk, Run Or Rap? Let's Talk About Sex, & Handle Your Business], Part III [Brilliant or Broken & Don't Get Mad...Get Busy!] then the Epilogue.  All I can say after all is said and done...you must read this novel for yourself to see how well these authors put it out there for the 'Black Man.' I found this read full of some good advice.

Will we be able to build strong black men in our generation?  Will their be older and wiser  people out there to be able to help, mold and shape us into what is needed for the black man today?  One thing for certain...we need to push forward.  And from this read the reader will get all of that and more.

I  love this quote I read from the epilogue...

"...It is our aim to help them to help them to be the imitable leaders, husbands, fathers and mentors that they are designed to be....The young black males of today are our future and they are worth the effort that it will take...We must not stand back and complain about the plight of black males when we can use the same energy to create positive change.  It is only when we take personal ownership of the problems facing the black male community that we can begin to see  statistics reversed and mindsets changed.  In order for the black lives to matter to others, they must first matter to us!"

There is so much more in this read that is so very good to read. Would I recommend "Facing Our Future: Building Strong Black Men in the Twenty-First Century, by:  Jeremiah Hopes & Zack Reynolds, Jr.?"   YES,YES and YES!  This is a wonderful good novel for all 'Strong Black Men' to read.


I was given this novel during the BWABC Literacy Festival on September 19, 2015 to read and give my honest opinion.  Thank you to the author for such a good read.

Wild Cherry By: K'wan

Book Description....

"Gina is married to a man who more than takes good care of her, but her life of luxury comes with a price that she’s not sure she can pay anymore.  Princess’ man doesn’t see her as any more than dollar signs—as long as she keeps using her body to bring in the stacks. When Gina and Princess meet and realize that they share a common problem, they sent into motion an unforgettable plot that will solve all their problems…"

Title:  Wild Cherry
Author:  K'wan
Publisher:  St Martin's Griffin
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Wild Cherry" by K'wan

My Thoughts....


Wow, what a dysfunctional couple, with friends and a brother...all making this one heck of a good short read. What will happen when two childhood friends get tired of their abusive men?   The author really keep the readers attention and keep you turning the pages with all of the twist and unexpected turns that this novel gives the reader. The novel had a interesting storyline and then that ending was off the chain ...good and unexpected shocking ending.  I loved that this author was able to give the reader a good read all in one read.  Thank you, thank you...thank you!

The Red Church [Sheriff Frank Littlefield # 1] By: Scott Nicholson

Book Description....

"The church was constructed in the 1860s under the guidance
of Reverend Wendell McFall. His sermons declared the existence of God s Second Son- whose mission is to undo all of Jesus work on Earth. McFall had the church painted red to summon the First Son to defeat the Second. But when he sacrificed a child to support his rantings, his congregation hung him from the rafters of his own sanctuary...

For twenty years, the red church has stood empty. Crumbling to ruin, it has become a site for Halloween pranks and the setting for ghost stories- including one about the thing that lives in the bell tower, a creature being blamed for a brutal murder that occurred in the church s graveyard...

Now, Archer McFall has purchased the church to house his Temple of the Two Sons, whose zealous worshippers will stop at nothing to see the Second Son return to his rightful glory..."

Title:  The Red Church 

Author:  Scott Nicholson

Publisher: Smashwords Edition

Series:  Sheriff Frank Littlefield # 1]

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"The Red Church" by Scott Nicholson

My Thoughts.... 

I will say this isn't my favorite genre but I took it on and after a few chapters I will say this was a interesting horror story with some deep fantasy /paranormal and  some suspenseful mystery.  I was even kept reading because it seemed like a compelling story in this small town that will definitely keep your attention all the way till the end following who had been murdered and what was going to happen next.  Be ready for a disturbing read, filled with the story of evil that is on loose in 'Whispering Pines,' scary to creepy.  Along with all of that their were some very interesting characters that will give the reader some read.  So, if you are looking for a novel of mystery, suspense along with a lot of scary things going on...then you have come to the right place because this author will give it to you and more.  

When You Wish By: Deidra D. S. Green

Book Description...

"Sex is the foundation of many relationships. But what if sex was no longer on the table?

Alexis Bradley and Chance Eubanks have been a couple for nearly three years. Alexis said yes when Chance proposed marriage, but Alexis is struggling. She loves Chance true enough, but her sanctified upbringing and the shameful looks from her parents have made her reconsider the current dynamics of their relationship. Convicted by the sins of 'loving' her fiance, Alexis proposes celibacy for the 30 days preceding their nuptials. Chance balks at the proposition, but doesn't want to risk losing Alexis completely. Does Chance honor his promise to remain celibate or does he cave in to temptation? Find out in When You Wish..."

Title:  When You Wish
Author:  Deidra D. S. Green
Publisher: Rathsi
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"When You Wish" by Deidra D. S. Green

My Thoughts....


A short story that deals with a wish for Alexis and in the end will she get it?  This was a interesting good read that will make you ponder with it all in the end with how will Alexis and Chance make it
out of this dilemma.