The Sweetest Return by Aja

 Book Excerpt:

"Eight years apart. One HBCU Homecoming. And a first love their bodies never forgot.

Eight years ago, Imani Bennett chose the future she had worked for and lost the man she thought was forever. Now she's back in Pittsburgh for her HBCU's Crown Weekend, and Andre “Dre” Jones is impossible to avoid: retired football star, successful businessman, and still the only man who can make her body remember before her pride catches up.

One Homecoming weekend brings the heat rushing back. But if these college sweethearts want more than a scorching reunion, they'll have to build a second chance big enough for two ambitious lives—and brave enough to survive being seen."

Title: The Sweetest Return

Author: Aja

Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing 

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'The Sweetest Return' by Aja

My Review:

'The Sweetest Return' is another wonderful, beautiful novel by this author, Aja. This story, featuring the characters Imani and Andre, is beautifully presented and gives the reader a lot to think about throughout the read.  I loved Imani's strength in this story and how much communication was needed, which made for a magnificent read.  I loved this second-chance love story, handled so well that it kept me turning the pages till the end, as you will admire all the love it gives. It has so many ups and downs that, if you know anything about love, you know they can happen too, but if you hang in there...this is where I say you must pick up 'The Sweetest Return' to get the whole story, so well described and presented.  

Thank you to the author; another wonderful read.  Keep on bringing them on to us!

Mr. Blackwood by Cassie Verano

 Book Excerpt:

"Power. Money. Authority. He has everything he wants—and he always gets what he wants.

Real estate and financial investment magnate Jabari Blackwood is enthralled the moment he sees the stunning new tenant in one of his office towers. Bright, ruthless, and unimpressed by his reputation, Camilla Valentine is unlike any woman he's ever met.

As publisher of a successful magazine, her only mission is to land the exclusive story that could launch her publication to the next level. Camilla doesn't know that the elusive tycoon she's been hunting for a story is also the owner of the new building where she's relocated her company.

When Jabari asks her out, Camilla accepts for one reason only: access. If she can step inside his world, her chances of exposing the enigma surrounding the formidable billionaire will be better. But what begins as a strategic move quickly becomes something far more dangerous. Beneath the façade of Jabari’s imposing presence is a seductive, passionate, and captivating man who awakens feelings she has never experienced.

When Camilla’s secret is exposed, Jabari is devastated to learn that her interest in him wasn't sincere. Rather than walk away, Jabari is determined to punish her for what he perceives to be the ultimate betrayal. Camilla is determined to prove that the woman he met has fallen hopelessly in love with the man behind the empire.

While submitting to the desires of Mr. Blackwood may be the only way to prove her love, she just may lose herself and her business playing a game she’s ill-equipped for."

Title: Mr. Blackwood

Author: Cassie Verano

Publisher: C. V.

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Four 

Review:

'Mr. Blackwood' by Cassie Verano

My Review:

Will Jabari Blackwood get Camilla Valentine, since he usually gets 'everything he wants'? It was quite a read to see how these two meet up, with Camilla having only one thing on her mind: finding out what she needed for her story about that particular billionaire. Readers will find this interesting, especially as Jabari questions Camilla's realness toward him. I will stop here and say this is a read that will keep the reader turning the pages to see what comes next. Will things change for Camilla as he learns more about Mr. Blackwood? You must keep reading to see whether Mr. Blackwood can prove his love.  

 

  

Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure Novel by Rhys Bowen Adventure

 Book Excerpt:

"Blindsided by betrayal in pre-WWII England, a woman charts a daring new course in this captivating tale of resilience, friendship, and new love by the bestselling author of The Rose Arbor and The Venice Sketchbook.

Surrey, England, 1938. After thirty devoted years of marriage, Ellie Endicott is blindsided by her husband’s appeal for divorce. It’s Ellie’s opportunity for change too. The unfaithful cad can have the house. She’s taking the Bentley. Ellie, her housekeeper Mavis, and her elderly friend Dora—each needing escape—impulsively head for parts unknown in the South of France.

With the Rhône surging beside them, they have nowhere to be and everywhere to go. Until the Bentley breaks down in the inviting fishing hamlet of Saint Benet. Here, Ellie rents an abandoned villa in the hills, makes wonderful friends among the villagers, and finds herself drawn to Nico, a handsome and enigmatic fisherman. As for unexpected destinations, Saint Benet's simple paradise is perfect. But fates soon change when the threat of war encroaches.

Ellie’s second act in life is just beginning—and becoming an adventure she never expected.

Title: Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure

Author: Rhys Bowen

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Five 

Review:

'Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure by Rhys Bowen

My Review:  

'Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure' turned out to be a really enjoyable book. I don’t usually pick up novels like this, but I gave it a try and ended up liking this WWII story. The way France was described and the setting made it hard to put down, and the characters were especially interesting. If you’ve ever wondered what someone might do when their husband of 30 years asks for a divorce, this book shows how Elle Endicott handled it. I enjoyed following her journey and meeting the memorable people along the way.

When We Ride on Our Enemies by Roy Glenn

 Book Excerpt:

"Roy Glenn returns with his bestselling Mike Black saga, which has continued to excite readers for two decades.

When Shayla Clark murders Giovanni Folliero, a made man in The Montanari Family, it forces a sit-down between kingpins Mike Black and Salvatore Marino. At that meeting, Marino tells Black, “There will be no peace until Shayla Clark is dead and you hand over her dead body.” But Black refuses to give Shayla’s name up, instead choosing to lead The Family to war—one in which they are outmanned and outgunned. Is this the one thing they can’t survive?"

Title: When We Ride on Our Enemies

Author: Roy Glenn

Publisher: Urban Books

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

'When We Ride on Our Enemies' by Roy Glenn

My Review:  

When Shayla Clark kills Giovanni Folliero, a made man in the Montanari Family, kingpins Mike Black and Salvatore Marino come together. Marino delivers a stark warning: "There will be no peace until Shayla Clark is dead and you hand over her dead body." Black refuses to give up Shayla, choosing loyalty over safety, and marches The Family into a war they are ill-prepared to win. The Family's very existence now teeters on the edge. This was a good read.

When She Was Ours: A Novel by Anna Nordberg

Book Excerpt:

"Thea Erickson, a renowned surgeon, is filled with both joy and grief as her family gathers at their home on a summer night in 1995. Her elder daughter Phoebe is getting married, but even the happiness of the day feels bittersweet, as Thea grapples with a terminal cancer diagnosis. She worries she won’t be around to support her younger daughter Astra, who’s still in college, but even Thea cannot foresee what is to come—a terrible accident the night of the wedding that changes Astra’s life forever.

In a last-ditch effort to protect her family, Thea arranges a secret meeting with an old family friend and extracts a promise that will reverberate long after she’s gone.

Years after her mother’s death, Astra has moved forward with a career and relationship, but she still struggles with her grief. When a man reaches out to her and Phoebe, offering a window into their mother’s past, Astra must make a choice, and her decision forces her to face what it means to love someone after they’re gone, who we decide to forgive, and how families reckon with the past."

Title: When She Was Ours: A Novel 

Author: Anna Nordberg

Publisher:  ‎Lake Union Publishing 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

'When She Was Ours' by Anna Nordberg

My Review:  

I really enjoyed reading When She Was Ours and found it hard to put down. The story is very emotional and explores themes like grief, loss, family, and the bonds between mothers and daughters. It felt like a unique experience.

The Christmas Yes List A Heartwarming Holiday Novel by Melissa Ferguson

 

Book Excerpt:

"All she wants for Christmas is a rejection.

Chloe Hollis is done people-pleasing. After one too many bad decisions--including a job that asked her to cross a line she couldn't--she's determined to change. Her plan? Collect ten nos before Christmas by asking strangers for the most ridiculous favors she can think of.

It should be easy.

But then? Then she meets James.

Instead of shutting her down, the charming out-of-towner keeps saying yes—to Christmas karaoke, to small-town holiday traditions, to every spontaneous, hilarious, totally chaotic idea she throws his way. And the more he says yes, the harder it becomes for Chloe to stick to her plan... or protect her heart.

Because James has a reason for saying yes to everything, too—and it might cost them both more than they bargained for.

As their opposite missions collide in a swirl of festive mishaps, unexpected courage, and undeniable chemistry, Chloe starts to wonder if the biggest risk isn't rejection after all... but saying yes to something real.

Title: The Christmas Yes List

Author: Melissa Ferguson

Publisher: Thomas Nelson Fiction

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

'The Christmas Yes List' by Melissa Ferguson

If you are looking for a good Christmas read...'The Christmas Yes List' will give it all to you, from being a good romance story with plenty of laughter through all of their banter together.  So, get ready for a good read, especially during the Christmas holiday.  What will happen when Chloe meets James at the airport? Now, what will develop for these two characters?  This is why you'll want to pick up this Christmas read: to see how Chloe and James handle it all, and how they develop and grow together.  

The author also leaves us with a wonderful epilogue that fits so well with this wonderful, heartfelt Christmas love story. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas Nelson, for the excellent read.

 

Church Fellas by Shelia E. Bell

 Book Excerpt:

"TV IN A BOOK!

Another "Perfect story about imperfect people like you...and me!
In "Church Fellas," the 15th installment of the My Son's Wife series, Hezekiah, Stiles, Khalil, and Christian each battle their own demons. Hezekiah McCoy can't seem to let go of a past relationship, even though it landed him in prison. Stiles Graham must bury a ghost of his past if he wants to move on with a new love. Khalil McCoy's adulterous affairs destroyed his marriage, and now he must face the painful reality that the woman who once loved him most now despises him. Christian Black stands at a crossroads where temptation knocks, and everything he holds dear depends on the choices he makes.

Four men. Four battles. Will they find redemption before it's too late...because even men of God have battles no one sees... and not every battle is won in the sanctuary."

Title: Church Fellas

Author: Shelia E. Bell

Publisher: S.E.B.

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'Church Fellas' by Shelia E. Bell

My Review:

'Church Fellas' was definitely one of those reads that you can't put down until the very end.  Let's see: we have four men who were friends, and some were family members, who, even though they were involved in church, still had a real battle staying right with God. By the way, this was the author's 15th installment of the My Son's Wife series.  So, to really understand what's gone on earlier, I suggest you read the whole series for a better understanding of what is up with Khalil, Stiles, Hezekiah, Mason, Christian, and I don't want to leave out some of the women...Eliana, Fancy, Pepper, Sister Mavis, Rianna, Detria, Mya, Sophia, Luna, and Wendi.  Yes, there were a lot of characters in this story, so you will have to keep up with all of who, why, and where to the very end.  

Will there be an affair that destroys a marriage? Will this couple be able to fix this situation before it's too late? Will there be forgiveness, and will new pastors be assigned to churches when it's all said and done? Will the father and son be able to forgive each other? This is where I say, from my reading, a lot of this happens even in our churches, whether we want to admit it or not, after it's all said and done. I want to stop here and not give too much away.  I want you to read it for yourself to see how the story comes out by the end.  

This author did a wonderful job bringing this story to life.  I really enjoyed the read and hope you will pick up 'Church Fellas' and see how well this story comes out.  You will enjoy it...I am more than sure you will. 

Thank you to the author, Sheila E. Bell.  You did a wonderful job with this African American Christian Fiction.