Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Justice for the Miller Brothers: A Miranda Chase Legal Thriller (Miranda Chase Legal Thriller Series Book 1) Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood


 Book Excerpt:

"To save them, she'll have to face the past she's tried to forget…

Highly reputable lawyer Miranda Chase knows all about surviving trauma. But when she takes on the "Miller-Killer" case, she doesn't expect to see herself in the two brothers accused of murdering their parents.

Caught in a storm of twisted family secrets and relentless media scrutiny, Miranda dives deeper into a horrifying legacy of abuse. But as she fights to defend the brothers, she questions everything—even their innocence.

Someone wants the truth buried and will stop at nothing to make Miranda abandon the case. But nothing can prepare her for the secrets waiting to be uncovered in court…

Title:  Justice for the Miller Brothers
Author:  Freya Atwood
Publisher:  Cobalt Fairy LLC (November 6, 2024)
Series: Book 1 of 1:  Miranda Chase Legal Thriller Series  
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review:
"Justice for the Miller Brothers" by Freya Atwood

My Insight:

'Justice for the Miller Brothers' was quite an engaging read, showcasing lawyer Miranda Chase's efforts in the Miller Brothers' case. The novel also delves into the haunting abuse that Miranda and her brother endured. In this criminal trial, the question arises: can Miranda clear the names of these brothers, Paul and Brian, who are accused of murdering their father?

To truly grasp how well Miranda navigated this complex case, readers must turn the pages, uncovering the author's thought process and experiencing how the narrative unfolds brilliantly.





Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Identity Crisis (a Lawyer's Tale): How Divorce Nearly Ended My Life Kindle Edition by Robert Wegman


 Book Excerpt:

"Identity Crisis (A Lawyer's Tale): How Divorce Nearly Ended My Life is a gripping, heart-wrenching memoir that takes you on an unforgettable journey through the depths of personal despair and the heights of human resilience. Robert L. Wegman, Esq., a distinguished lawyer and former military officer, lays bare his soul in this candid account of his battle with identity loss and self-doubt following a devastating divorce. In these pages, you will find a raw and powerful narrative that transcends the typical memoir. Mr. Wegman navigates the reader through the darkest corners of his mind and heart, revealing how his seemingly perfect life unraveled and how he fought to reclaim his sense of self.


This story is about survival, transformation, and triumph against overwhelming odds. With profound insights and a touch of grace, Identity Crisis delves into universal themes of love, loss, and redemption. It offers invaluable lessons on coping with life's most challenging transitions and finding strength in vulnerability.

Whether you're facing a personal crisis or simply seeking inspiration, Identity Crisis is a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit. Discover how one man's journey through the abyss can inspire us all to find light, even in our darkest moments. Identity Crisis is more than a book—it's a lifeline for anyone striving to rebuild and thrive in the face of life's uncertainties."

Trigger Warning:

This book contains sensitive content that may be distressing to some readers. It addresses topics such as divorce, emotional distress, mental health struggles, and suicidal thoughts. Readers affected by these themes should proceed cautiously and seek support if needed."


Title:  Identity Crisis

Author:  Robert Wegman

Publisher:  Fruition Publishing Concierge Services® (September 16, 2024)

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Identity Crisis" by Robert Wegman


My Perception:  


"Identity Crisis" is a touching and relatable book about the pain of losing love and the journey of starting over after a difficult divorce. It illustrates how divorce can be devastating but ultimately lead to personal growth and strength.


The story conveys valuable insights and offers solid advice. It encourages readers to persevere through their struggles, hoping for brighter days. It reminds readers there is a path to recovery and renewal even after hitting rock bottom.




Forsaking All Others: What Did You Vow? Kindle Edition by Lakisha Johnson


 Book Excerpt:

"Raven loves her husband Russell and the life they've created over the past nineteen years with their two children. He'd always kept his promises since meeting her senior year of theology school. He kept his word when they stood before God, vowing to forsake all others, and she had no reason to doubt him. He was right there when she stepped out on faith and planted Faith Covenant Church five years ago.

Until lately.

Lately, he's been different. Russell says he's not cheating, but then he calls her name. Peah. Peah is his weakness and the one he runs to. She's the one he'll lie to protect. She's the one who truly has his heart. And Raven won't contend with that.

In Forsaking All Others, will Raven and Russell's marriage survive when the vows made before God, family, and friends no longer seem to hold the weight they once did?"

Title:  Forsaking All Others:  What Did You Vow?
Author:  Lakisha Johnson
Publisher:  Twins Write 2 (November 13, 2024)
Series:  What Did You Vow Book 5
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Forsaking All Other: What Did You Vow?" by Lakisha Johnson

My Perception:  

'Forsaking All Others: What Did You Vow?' is an engaging read addressing addiction's struggles. The author skillfully incorporates scriptures, prayers, and character development, making this story powerful and relatable. It offers hope for anyone seeking to transform their life.

Secrets of the Courtroom: A legal thriller collection Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood


 Book Excerpt:

"Three Gripping Legal Thrillers. Three Unstoppable Lawyers. One Fight for Justice.

Tears of Innocence

To uncover the truth, she must challenge the powerful—and risk everything. A highly respected attorney, Amanda Stoll never expected to return to her hometown to defend her own family. But when her cousin is accused of terrorism, Amanda finds herself at the center of a deadly conspiracy involving influential leaders and politicians. Caught in a web of lies and deceit, Amanda must uncover the truth before it's too late—before someone silences her for good.

Frozen Truth

A murder case brings her face-to-face with the past—and a haunting personal reckoning. Lawyer Spencer Adams thought she'd left her dark past behind, but when social media influencer Kevin is accused of killing his girlfriend, she's thrust into the courtroom spotlight. As she fights for justice, Spencer must navigate public outcry and the dangers of the digital world. One misstep, and she could lose more than the case—she could lose everything she holds dear.

Cursed Lawyer

A hopeless case. A mysterious cult. A lawyer who refuses to give up. After losing his wife and daughters, John Crox dedicated his life to defending the innocent. When a homeless woman is accused of brutally murdering the town's priest, John takes her case despite overwhelming evidence against her. But as John digs deeper, he uncovers a secretive cult lurking within the church. The more he investigates, the closer he gets to the truth—and the deadlier the danger becomes.

This a collection of three exciting legal thrillers. Each book is approximately 90.000 words (around 450 pages), written by Freya Atwood and published by Cobalt Fairy.

Title: Secrets of the Courtroom
Author: Freya Atwood
Publisher: Cobalt Fairy LLC (October 24, 2024)
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Secrets of the Courtroom" by Freya Atwood

My Perception:
Tears of Innocence:

Amanda Stoll has returned to Twin Peaks after being gone for twenty years and working at a law office with two other lawyers, Rebecca and Harriett. So why did Amanda return after all of this time? It had something to do with her brother Harry which seemed to be a pain in the..., however, she loved him. And it looks like she is needed as it looks like her cousin Laura is being charged with terrorism. How will all of this work out for Amanda? Also, she has an ex-boyfriend who does not take no for an answer.

As Amanda continues to work on the case, she finds out a lot about this town she had grown up in and that things were not as it seemed for what was going on in this corrupt system that involved a judge, along with some in the police department and who else that went along in all of this chaos. Will Amanda break this all down and get her cousin acquitted? How will all of this corruption come out? You must pick up this good read and see how well this author brings it all out.

Also, it seemed that her brother Harry was involved in something criminal. He was not right about what he was doing or who he was dealing with in this position. Will Amanda be able to help him get out of that situation?

Be ready for an exciting read of how this story showed the importance of family and what happens when corruption hits the town. There will also be an extended epilogue that does add to complete the story.

Frozen Truth:

'Frozen Truth' was another one of this author's crime legal thrillers that will keep one's attention till the end. Will prosecutor Spencer Adams and her associate Melody be able to prosecute this case against Kevin Orton, who was a celebrity where there was evidence of him being an abuser of his girlfriend who had been murdered? Also, what was up with the video evidence of this boyfriend dropping off blood-stained clothes in a dumpster? To get into this compelling case of what is going on in the 'Frozen Truth' story, which was quite an emotional rollercoaster ride, pick up this read to see how well this author brings this legal crime thriller out.


Cursed Lawyer:

'Cursed Lawyer' was another of this author's good reads that will keep one's attention turning the pages to see what has gone on in this Canyonville town. We find the lawyer John Crox had been through a lot after losing his wife and daughters. After that tragic event, he started picking up his life again, opening up a non-profit law firm when a priest was murdered. John takes on the job pro bono of helping Camilla Rockwell, a black homeless woman who had been accused of the murder. It seems like everyone has her convicted even before this trial begins. The plot will be interesting as this church seemed involved in 'a mysterious cult.' Were there secrets being hidden about this priest? When there seems to be no one who answers many of the critical questions, how will John solve this uphill battle in all of the courtroom drama? Be prepared with many twists and turns that keep one interested in who this murderer could be. After the verdict has been delivered, will the reader be surprised at whom the murderer was?

With the extended epilogue, you can get the whole story and more. Pick up "Cursed Lawyer" to see how well this author presents it to the reader; you will not be disappointed.

These were three well-written legal thriller collections.

Innocent Law: An Alex Peterson Legal Thriller (Alex Peterson Legal Thriller Series Book 6) Kindle Edition by Ellis Keler


 Book Excerpt:

"When Alex Peterson's son becomes a criminal, the seasoned lawyer must risk everything to protect him.

With powerful enemies closing in and buried secrets threatening to surface, Alex faces an impossible choice: betray the law he swore to uphold or sacrifice his son's future.

Justice has its price, and Alex Peterson will stop at nothing to shield his family—even if it means losing everything."

Title:  Innocent Law
Author:  Ellis Keler
Publisher:  Cobalt Fairy LLC (November 6, 2024)
Series:  Alex Peterson Legal Thriller Series Book 6
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Innocent Law" by Arlena Dean

My Perception:  

'Innocent Law' was a good series in which we found Alex Peterson having to defend his son Lucas from the murder of his girlfriend, Madeline.  Will he be able to do this?  All that is left is for you to pick up this good read and see how well this author brings it out to the reader.  It was excellently done from start to finish.  

The Perfect Home by Daniel Kenitz

Book Excerpt:

"Fixer Upper meets Gone Girl in this suspenseful and witty domestic thriller set in home renovation TV—featuring a woman who becomes public enemy #1 after a horrifying discovery prompts her to flee her celebrity husband with their twin babies.

Dawn Decker is an American everywoman and the salt to her husband Wyatt's sweet, media-friendly charm on their Tennessee-based home renovation reality TV show, The Perfect Home. While Dawn bristles at the trappings of their D-list celebrity status, Wyatt hungers for greater fame. The couple also faces infertility issues stemming from Wyatt's low sperm count. He secretly orders experimental fertility drugs, and they conceive, but his personality takes a dark turn—he becomes moody, withdrawn, and even cruel.

When Dawn discovers his horrifying plot to manufacture a tragedy to skyrocket their celebrity status, she takes their infant twins and goes on the run. Wyatt ears on national television to turn the public against her, painting Dawn as an unstable kidnapper suffering from postpartum psychosis. His character is so compelling that even Dawn's closest friends doubt her. She must dig deep into the past—hers and Wyatt's—to find allies, protect her children, and beat this beloved all-American celebrity at his own game.
Told from dual perspectives by both husband and wife, this smart, captivating, and twisty thriller is a fun, addictive read from the first page."

Title: The Perfect Home
Author: Daniel Kenitz
Publisher: Scribner
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"The Perfect Home" by Daniel Kenitz

My Insight:

"The Perfect Home" is an intriguing thriller that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next for Dawn and Wyatt, who star in a reality TV show called "The Perfect Home." But was their life really perfect?
Daniel Kenitz delivers an engaging read. Wyatt's charm and good looks contrast sharply with Dawn's role as the decorator. However, Wyatt's desire for a picture-perfect family leads him down a dark path. The story takes a shocking turn after Dawn gives birth to twins, discovering sinister truths about her husband that compel her to flee. The tension escalates as Dawn strives to protect her children from Wyatt, especially as some who claim to be her friends turn out to be less trustworthy.

Kenitz has crafted well-developed characters and a captivating plot that hooks you from the start. I highly recommend picking this book up to see how this suspenseful and entertaining story unfolds. It's definitely worth the read!

Thank you to NetGalley, Daniel Kenitz, and Scribner for this ARC.

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Soul Star (Soulmates Book 5 Kindle Edition by Aja

Book Excerpt:

"Zhara is a star now, but at one time, she was flesh—learning to love herself and the man given to her to endure life with—Immanuel.

In 1959, Zhara Williams moved to Pittsburgh with her family, hoping for a fresh start in a new city. Instead, she finds judgment, self-doubt, and an unexpected chance at love. Immanuel Green, a steadfast carpenter, sees Zahra's quiet strength and chooses to stand by her, no matter the cost.

As their love blossoms, Zhara uncovers the legacy of the women who came before her—a legacy written in the stars."

Includes a unique 
BONUS SCENE.

Soul Star is the newest addition to Aja's bestselling Soulmates Series. Visit ajathewriter.com for more information.


Title: Soul Star
Author: Aja
Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing LLC, 1st edition (December 20, 2024)
Series: Soulmates Book 5
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Soul Star" by Aja

My Perception:
"Soul Star" is an impactful read that follows Zhara William as she navigates her life after becoming pregnant. Will she be able to manage without the person she had fallen for, who was absent during her time of need? With her family relocating from Alabama to Pittsburgh, what challenges will she face during her pregnancy?

However, there is hope for Zhara. While attending church, she meets Immanel Green, who brings a new perspective to her life. I'll stop here to avoid giving too much away, but this story is incredible from start to finish. I especially loved the epilogue, which provides insight into the lives of the great-grandparents, parents, and even Zhara herself.

"Soul Star" beautifully wraps up the Soulmates series, making it a worthwhile read. I highly recommend reading the entire series; you won't regret it.







 

Justice for the Miller Brothers: A Miranda Chase Legal Thriller (Miranda Chase Legal Thriller Series Book 1) Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood

 Book Excerpt: " To save them, she'll have to face the past she's tried to forget… Highly reputable lawyer Miranda Chase knows ...