Beautiful Lies

Author:  Jessica Warman
Published By:  Walker Childrens
Age Recommended: 16
Reviewer:  Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 4
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Reveiw:

"Beautiful Lies" by Jessica Warman was a good YA mystery novel which was full of many twist and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.  This story is of twins(The Foster's) that were identical and even their  aunt Sharon  and uncle Jeff ....that raised them  since their parents had died were not able to tell them apart.  Rachel was the  normal twin....quiet and studious  while Alice had a wide side, who was a artist as a 'psychic.'  While the twins were out...one of the twins...Alice disappears and it becomes Rachel's  plot to figure out just what as happened and why. Since this was not the first time that Alice has disappeared...their aunt and uncle don't seem too concerned. But what had happened to Alice?  Now, this is the time that I say you must pick up "Beautiful Lies" to find out just what is going on.  Where had Alice gone or is this Rachel?  'With one of the twins actually having the ability to sense the other things people could not...she's a sensitive." Was Jessica able to feel emotions and pain the other one is experiencing? Is Alice suffering somewhere?  Now, what is that about? Again you must  pick up "Beautiful Lies" to find out! As I said earlier there will be many twist and turns and if you are able to  stay with "Beautiful Lies" ....it will all come out as a very good mystery novel.  

From ...disappearance of sister.... dreams... birth of kittens....lots of blood... to stolen money...the other house on Pennsylvania Avenue... where money was stolen.... and this novel takes off  until  the end.  Be ready because things will start to happen fast!

The characters were all very interesting...Rachel, Alice, Aunt Sharon, Uncle Jeff, Charlie, Holly, Kimber, Nicholas, Mr. Hahn Jill Allen, TJ(Tom), Officer Martin, Robin, Jamie Slater, Homeless Harvey(David Monroe),  Mr. and Mrs. Ray Gardil, Sean,  Officier Balest and Robin.

"Beautiful Lies" was a very unsettling novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.  You will be definitely asking the question????.... who am I with now ....Rachel or Alice (monochorionic monoamniotic twins)? If you are in for a good intriguing mystery with plenty of twist and turns..."Beautiful Lies" would be recommended to you. 

Beneath the Shadows

Author:  Sara Forster
Published By:  St. Martin's Press
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewer:  Arlena Dean
Raven Rating:  5
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Review:


"Beneath the Shadows" by Sara Forster was a wonderful good Gothic mystery thriller. You will be guessing from the start till the end on how this author creates such a crafty story.  You will be found not wanting to put down  "Beneath the Shadows" as you journey through this ride with  Grace.
"Beneath the Shadows" opens  with Grace, Millie  and her husband Adam who have just inherited their home from Adam's grandparents. The story takes place in the 'English Moors'...Adam has now disappeared....only leaving Millie(their baby girl) on the porch.  Now, Grace has returned to the isolated cottage from France where her parents live to go through boxes and things that belonged to her husband Adam. For Grace the only thing on her mind was just  where was her husband and why had he left her?  Ms. Forster will keep you guessing from chapter to chapters...and you will only find out in the end.  This is where I say you must pick up "Beneath the Shadows" to find out what
has happened to Adam.... so get started reading! "Beneath the Shadows" is a very fast-paced with a lots of twist and turns.... a excellent mystery that will keep you interested and on the edge of your seat.

The characters were all good.... some a little strange but mostly likable and interesting.  There was Grace, Adam, Millie, Annabel,Jake, Meredith Constable Niall Edwards, Constable Barton, Ben, Bess, Claire, Jenny, Veronica, Rachel, Jonathan Templeton( Jonny), Dan, Stephen, Carl, Emma, Jake, Liza,
Josephine, Timmy(ha-ha),  Feathery Jack and I am sure I have left a few out.  However, one thing for sure is that Grace as some character...brave, strong and was determined to find some closure for herself and her daughter, Millie.  And if you pick up this wonderful  read...you will not be disappointed. 

If you are in for a wonderful gothic mystery... you have come to the right place ....for "Beneath the Shadows"  and  I would recommend this novel to you as a excellent read.

Just a little Faith

Author:  Amy J. Norris
Published By:  Astraea Press
Age Recommended: Adult
Rating: 5
Blog For: GMTA

Review:

"Just a little Faith" by Amy J. Norris was truly one of the best reads that I have truly romantic read in a very long time.  This author Ms. Norris did s very good job with her storytelling of "Just a little Faith.  It was truly a novel of a strong family sense of faith.  With all of that just add the humor that I found that this read had and you will find a well written dialogue being very easy to read.  Along with a good story comes the wonderful characters...Paxson, Sebastian, Jim, Lincoln, Traci, Durango, Rich  and Tori really made this novel come alive for me. In your read you will see 'Seb and Pax will go through difficult times that will have to be dealt with.'  "Just a little Faith" really did drew me in that I wasn't able to put it down until I got to the end finding this novel definitely being a 'combination of love, death, struggle, hope and most of all Faith in God.'

If you are in for a excellent read "Just a little Faith" and yes I would recommend this wonderful read to you.

 

Knee Deep

Author:   Jolene Perry
Published By:  Tribute Books
Age Recommended: YA
Reviewer:  Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 5
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Review:

"Knee Deep" by Jolene Perry was a very emotional, heartfelt, wonderful, direct and easy read. This author was able to show the abuse that was touched  by Ronnie only to be seen from the very start of this read. The  girl Ronnie Bird was thought to have had it all..great parents, friends, doing OK in school and most of all ....the love of her life?  But was this all really true?  Shawn had been Ronnie's
'soul mate' since she was fourteen. 

The author does a wonderful job with "dealing with the sensitive issues of abusive relationships and how women, especially teens" do make excuses for the behavior for the one they love who they think loves them. I did like the fact that the author presented such a wonderful  well written novel that was even a fast paced read.  You will soon see how the transformation of Ronnies' thoughts as  she falls into the pattern of being the abused woman including blaming herself for Shawn's behavior. Was this from his background coming from a abusive home?  "One day his anger escalates into physical aggression when he grabs her wrist and bruises it. However, Ronnie is still blaming Shawn's situation for Shawn's added pressure he is experiencing is from his job and his problems at home.  But, Ronnie feels like she can't live without Shawn!  But is that  it? Again, you must pick up this read to see what is going on.   
      
The characters actions and  emotions were all very realistic to just what was going on at that time.  There was Ronnie, Shawn, Mindy and Luke. From this will come something like a love triangle...between Ronnie, Shawn and Luke. Luke is Ronnie's best bud..the guy she can confide in before she goes to her girlfriends. All I can say or will not say any more because it is the time that I say you must pick "Knee Deep" to find out just how this will all play out.  What does Romeo and Juliet have to do with all of this?..Now  with Shawn's outbursts....are now ending up with bruises on Ronnie?  Can you believe this? What was going on with Shawn and Ronnie? What was a little surprising for me was that Ronnie's mom seemed very unobservant to just what was going on
in her daughter's life. 

Be ready for a very mature content read... for "Knee Deep" will present attempted date rape... which is a violence against women. This read is one that is a story of love, strength and survival.  

I would definitely recommend this"Knee Deep" for any  High School read.  For I feel it would help this person not feel so pressured in doing things one really doesn't want to do. Pick up "Knee Deep" and you will may think this will be a sad ending...SURPRISE!

SCARS

Author: Cheryl Rainfield
Published By: West Side Books
Reviewer: Arlena Dean
Age Recommended: 12+
Rating: 5
Blog For:  GMTA

Review:

"Scars" by Cheryl Rainfield was some very  fast, interesting, and realistic being very raw and emotional read that will leave you thinking WoW! This is a very powerful and intense read so please ... be aware of that.

Ms. Rainfield ....the  author did a wonderful job with her main character...a strong character Kendra..she was a victim of abuse, a cutter, a artist, a lesbian and now getting help from a therapist. Now  there is a lot of information that will be presented in this novel... so get ready. A lot of time these topics are very hard to discuss but this author does a good job at her presentation of
"Scars" .....this novel...not sugar coating any of it. This novel  read was a good look at self-mutilation...friendship (with Sarah...then Meghan) that was formed and was a well written story of a horrible ordeal for this girl named Kendra. I found "Scars" to be a realistic read containing a 'wealth of resources for abuse survivors'... very compelling and emotional....definitely a page turner. 


I would recommend "Scars" to any youth that is or has gone through abuse, cutting, and suicide...plus the parent(s) dealing with their child who has gone through any of these issues. 

The Boarding House

Author:  Sharon Sala
Published By:  Belle Bridge Books
Age Recommended: Adult
Rating:  5
Blog For: GMTA

Review:

"The Boarding House" by Sharon Sala was some real tough well written read. This is a subject that a lot of people don't want to talk  or read about..'child abuse' but it is something that must be addressed and this author did a wonderful job at it.  This was done with such a compassion and skill that the reader is left only feeling the emotions for this person..Ellie Wayne. Wow was all I could say in the end." The Boarding House: was definitely a heartbreaking story with a twist toward the end that will only leave you thinking and saying  ....OMG!

"The Boarding House" was a story that  of surprises that will keep you on the edge of  your seat.  Get ready for a unbelievable ride. I don't want to tell you too much...it was a very difficult read for me with this child being a victim of child abuse and the molestations coming from a parent...and her feeling that she had no one to turn too?


I would recommend this wonderful  novel to anyone (adult) who  would like to see what  this author wrote to make this  such a  excellent read dealing with child abuse. 

True Colors

Author:  Natalie Kinsey-Warnock
Published By:  Random House Children's Books
Age Recommended:  8+
Reviewer:  Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 5
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Reveiw:

"True Colors" by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock was a very good novel for the young readers and I (adult) enjoyed it also.  This author did a wonderful job with "True Colors." Be ready for a lot of secrets that  will come out.   

True Colors" was of a girl named Blue...she had been left wrapped in a quilt in  a 'copper kettle that Hannah Spooner grew her marigolds in." This just happened to be the day that the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in December, 1941.  A  sweet lady named Hannah(who was elderly) ...took in Blue and she was raised as her very own. As Blue grew older she spent a lots of her time  delivering to homes
baked items that Hannah  sold to the town people.  Now, Blue had began to wonder just who she really was..where was her mother?  Why had her mother left her in a copper kettle? What if Hannah hadn't found her? Now, this is when I say you must simply pick up the novel to see how Blue  in "True Colors" will come out in all of this novel. 

There will be  a lots of drama that will be  in "True Colors."  Get ready....  to see how this  best friend named Nadine treats Blue......but was she a friend? Who was divorcing, Stealing, setting fires writing a column for the town's newspaper and the animals that Raleigh had saved.

The characters were simply wonderful ... all of them and their were many...Blue, Hannah, Nadine, Keith Mr. and Mrs. Tilton, Mr. Gilpin, Dennis & Wesley Wright, Mr. Wright, Raleigh, Mr. and Mrs. Appleby,  Mrs. Gray, Mr.Hazelton, Raymond Lapointe, Mrs. Wells, Mr. Roy Allard, Mrs. Willson, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Paisley, Esther,Mrs. Barclay, Mr. and Mrs. Potter only to name a few..because I am sure I have left someone out. Each of these characters really added to the storyline. Will Blue find what she has wanted to know all of her life...what secrets did Hannah have? What had happened to Myrtle Rose? ..again you must pick up "True Colors" to find out.  You will not be disappointed because this is a wonderful  well written read. 

If you are in for a good solid  read... "True Color" is definitely a good read to pick up to read. 
I would recommend this one to the young person for a good read. 

Tempting the Best Man

By:  J.Lynn
Published By:  Entangled Publishing:  Indulgence
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewer:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Blog For:  GMTA

Review:

"Tempting the Best Man" by J. Lynn was a nice romance novel that was somewhat predicable, however it still was a pleasant delightful read. This novel was definitely one of those novels that you would call hot, sexy and good fun read. In this novel we find that Madison(Maddie) has had a crush on this Chase guy since childhood.  Chase was Maddie's brothers best friend and also the best man in upcoming wedding. Chase had always believed that Maddie was too good for him so...he had her place off limits...since she was the sister of his very best friend.   As the wedding is  getting ready to take  place Chase and Mattie finds themselves living together due to a  big mistake that had been made. But this a mistake?   Now this will be the time that I say that you must  simply pick up "Tempting the Best Man" to see how this all will turn out for these two people.

The two main people in this novel were somewhat frustrating to me  at times in that they seemed to make a lot of stupid mistakes... mainly in not being able to communicate their real feelings with each other... Oh,  well..I did find  a lot of humor in a lot of  this novel. The drama presented were  very good... that  kept me on the edge of my seat... just  wondering where this author was taking me next ....and in the end be prepared for a good read with all  of the characters being very interesting
read that will only leave you wanting more. 

I did enjoy some of the quotes in "Tempting the Best Man"....here is one....
“God, there needed to be an anti-sex pill or something for when she was around him.”

If you are in for a good romance then "Tempting the Best Man" will be a good  short quick read for you that I would recommend.

TWANG

Author:  Julie L. Cannon
Published by:  Abingdon Press
Age Recommend:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Raven Rating:  5
Blog Review For: GMTA

Review:

"Twang" by Julie L. Cannon was a interesting fiction read of  a twenty-three year old Jennifer Clodfelter who was from Blue Ridge, Georgia......who  just knew she was to a a country  music star...but what she found... was rejection even after all of her determination with her demo homemade tapes...still rejected by each and every music label in Nashville, Tennessee.  However, even after all these rejections Jennifer would not give up and after three years it looked as if she was on a journey that would only lead her  to the fame that she had wanted.  Only was this really want Jennifer wanted?...now having all the fame and glitz and  even the number one hits...what was up for her now?  A decision would have to be made for Jennifer to "whether to sing her pain to a loving audience or find the courage and faith to face the music in the private studio of her heart."  Now, this will be the time that you will have to pick up "Twang" to see what will happens to  and for  Ms.  Jennifer  Anne Clodfelter to be later known as Jenny Cloud.  Honky Tonk Tomcat was Jenny's first single.  "After 5 years, dozen of hit songs, two platinum albums and one particularly ugly romantic realationship".... was Jenny really happy?

The author did  present a air  of  'trusting in God and being able to forgive'  was really  the root of the story "Twang."  I loved the frist person dialogue when the author was  relating the Nashville floods that  did have great  affect of  this storyline.

The characters which were well presented  and seemed very real ..... Roy Durden (friend)  Mike Flint (manager) and  Tonilynn (hairdresser and friend), Bobby Lee, and Aint Gomer.

At first as I was reading through this novel I wasn't too sure I was going to enjoy "Twang"  because it starts out a little  slow but I am so glad that keep on reading because what I got from this novel left me in tears.  Truly by the time I got to 'When the Music Calls Me Home' I was a goner!  Now, I will stop here and only say please pick up this read... you will not be disappointed in the end.

This was a real heart felt read and if you are in for a good fiction read then I would recommend "Twang" for you.

WHAT YOU DIDN'T SAY

Author:  Keary Taylor
Published by:  CreateSpace
Age Recommended:   YA
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 5
Blog Review For: GMTA

Review:

"What I Didn't Say" by Keary Taylor was a very emotional, sad, happy and  believable YA novel relating to HS.  To have grown up  in Jake Hayes family was truly a wonderful thing in how much the family enjoy and showed love for each and everyone.  After a bad decision that was made with (Jacob) Jake getting into the truck with some other friends who were all drunk from alcohol.... his life changes forever.  Just being alive was something , after Jake's accident where a t-post is driven  into his neck that literally rips out his vocal chords and he is no longer able to speak.  It looks like all of Jake's dreams has be just ripped away from Jake, but he has a love for a certain girl named Samantha  who was able to help him with his disability. For Samantha (Sam) life hasn't  been dealt her a great number of cards in that her mother dies leaving her to have to fend for herself.   How will she be able to do this on her own?  Will  Jake and Sam become a item it seems that Jake's change in life may not be so tragic  after all? 

All of the characters were off the chart good...  Jake, Sam, Jordan,  Kali, Rain, Jamie, Blake Shaw, Carter, John, Jenny, Norah Hamilton, Mr. Carol, Mr. Hill, Dr. Calvin Johnson and I am sure there  are a few others that I have left out... but all were simply great.

"What I Didn't Say" is truly a story about life and how this family was able to make it through this challenge which comes  from the love that was shown...'closeness' which explain why Jake reacted the way he did.    Some of the main topics in the novel that were presented were  'teenage and adult  drinking, homelessness, death of a loved one'  that were  all being handled very well in this writing of this novel. The author did a wonderful job with this.
    
I enjoyed"What I Didn't Say" and would recommend as a excellent novel for the YA to read.  The novel is definitely one that will make you think long after the read.              

WORTH THE RISK

Author:  Robin Bielman
Published By:  Entangled Publishing 
Age Recommend: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating:  5
Blog Review For:  Great Minds Think Aloud

Review:

"Worth The  Risk" by Robin Bielman was a wonderful romantic read.  The author did a wonderful job  presenting these two people. Wow, is all I can say for a well written romance.  Certainly,  Ms. Bielman knows how to bring out the plot,  good dialogue, sex, and the adding other good characters.. to only present  a good contemporary romance and we get a wonderful sweet read.  This is definitely a page turner that was well written dialogue. These two people... Samantha and Dean had been apart for five years, but after a rush for a historic preservation job they are now back together again.  Will the sexual tension and chemistry be the same as it had been before?  What will come of this? ... Will they get back together?  Now, this is where I say you must pick up "Worth The Risk" to find out will the guy get the girl? 
 
All I can say is get ready for 'steamy scenes and the dramatic tension that comes from these two hard working, passionate people who are competing for the same job.'   Just who would get this job...again
you will have to get this read to find out!

If you are a romance lover you will simply enjoy this quick short read.  I like this novel because it was fun and sexy and I would recommend "Worth The Risk" to you as a good  adorable read. 

WITCHES

Author: Kathryn Meyer Griffith
Published By:  Damination Books
Age Recommend:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 5

Review:

"Witches" by Kathryn Meyer Griffith was quite some new  read for  me and I enjoyed this paranormal read.   Be ready for some horror, mystery and a little bit of romance to see how Ms. Griffith well cover the storytelling in "Witches."

There was two witches...a good witch who was Amanda Givens..white witch in that used her powers for only good living in a cabin in the wood of Canaan, Connecticut with her cat, Amadeus.  However, life for her would be turned ugly in that she was wrongly blamed for murders that had been committed by a Satanic Cult... 'drawned back in time by this ghost of Rachel Coxe, who was a dark witch who had drowned for being involved in black magic during the 17th century.' All of this end up being a true good vs. evil....light versus dark.  The difference between good witches and bad witches...and then enters Karma which will be in the end ...then the concept of the Guardian is something now that comes.  Now, just  what am I talking about... trying  not to spill any of this......  so,  this will be the time that I say you must pick up "Witches" and see just what it is  all about.  This will be a  very interesting read for you.    Be ready for some fun stuff like magic.. ... Amanda had a cat... her sister (Jesse) had a mouse...which was funny with  its cowardly lion impression and squeaky voices ..oh well... pick up the read!


I found this a excellent book which offers witchcraft with  love, lot and lots of adventure.  If you are in for a good paranormal magic with many weird twist with some elements of romance and even some family blending......I would recommend "Witches" as a good read to you.

The Last Vampire - Revised Author's Edition

Author:  Kathryn Meyer Griffith
Published By:  Damnation Books LLC
Age Recommend:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Raven Rating:  5
Blog Review For: GMTA

Review:

"The Last Vampire:  Author's New Revised Edition" by Kathryn Meyer Griffith was a excellent paranormal romance read. Only  Ms. Griffith can present vampires in a world that has gone to hell
and keep the reader on the edge of there seat. 

The character ...Emma was simply off the chart... leaving me only say... this was some woman.
After her friend Larry, her husband and children were all died.... after returning home and grieving .... just how would Emma be able to make it in this world?  Would she starve?....moving to caves and
finding dead skeletons...she hated not having food, water and shelter that had been taken from her...now being stalked....now what would she do....she kept moving... never stopping... raiding homes for food...she kept moving...then the men who had raided her shelter found Emma...what was going to happened?...would they try to rape her?...With her knife she was ...well  damn good but the
bad men had taken her....until a man comes to her aid and kills them.....Who was this man? It was Byron who was a vampire/werewolf.  Byron "brings her into his lair, turns her into a vampire, and takes her under his wing. Byron ends up dying, from drinking bad blood leaving Emma alone, hence the title ‘Last Vampire.'  Emma finds another survivor, who had been shot..she takes care of him....as and he was  Matthew Whitefeather who was a 'Cherokee Indian like Emma had lost his wife during this onset of the apocalypse and Emma saves him.  They instantly bond  and begins to make there way East.... and then fall in love however,  "Emma  keeps her ‘vampirism’ a secret by hunting animals for  blood at night. She gives herself one rule, never drink human blood." Now....this is the time that I say to find out  the answers to any questions you must pick up "The Last Vampire" and find out how Emma comes out of all of this ...for  this it is  a  interesting read that  only Ms. Griffith can truly deliver to the reader.  


I found this novel to be  a well written descriptive  novel of vampires/werewolfs, and  Indians... with a trace of a love story that was simply a good read.  If you are in for a good paranormal romance then I would recommend "The Last Vampire" as a excellent read that had been updated from its originally published novel in 1982.            

Trouble in Paradise

Author:  Stephanie Norris
Published by:  One Tale Publishing
Age Recommend:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Raven Rating:  5
Blog Review For: Author

Review:

"Trouble In Paradise" by Stephanie Nicole Norris was a amusing romantic read with a lot of drama, suspense and action....loaded   with twist and turns that kept me reading on till the very end... I stayed up to finish this one!

In "Trouble In Paradise"  you will find this novel  a love story involving some very interesting  characters ...some likable.... some NOT ... starting with Victoria Mathis, Joshua Eubanks,  Ms. Danielle Shumaker, Caroline Banks,Rebecca, Shayla (Shay) Morrison, Leon, Greg, Detective Sanchez, Dantae and I may have left some other important ones left  out...but I am sure you will find  who they were in your read. I found that each of these characters gave a emotional high ride that kept the reader pulled into the storyline. The two main characters were Victoria...  who was becoming a psychologist after her internship in Chicago and Joshua who was in real-estate agent.  These two sweethearts take off for Chicago to start a new life but obstacles  keep presenting  big problems for this couple  who are now engaged.  Were you looking for a 'Happy Ever After?'  Well... It seems like a former girlfriend of Joshua has come to Chicago to get her man back...and now  this novel takes off and  OMG what a bumpy ride!   How will this all come out?  Now, this is the time that I say you must pick up the good read ..."Trouble In Paradise" to find out.

This author worked her magic in being able to bring out ...so much in these pages.   Be ready because there will be a lots of interesting elements going on in this novel... such as stalking, lying, rolled joints,  cheating, sex, guns, secrets,  revenge, lovers triangle, obsession,  love, hate, friends, betrayal, crazy person, passion, killing  and even a 'Cliff Hanger Ending' that will have you thinking... Will their be a Part Two?... I hope so!
 
I found the author to be a  talented storyteller which left  me thinking Wow what a read!  If you are in for a good romantic fiction with a lots of drama and details...you have come to the right place...for "Trouble In Paradise"  will  be a good read that I would recommend to you. Setphanie Nicole Norris is a new up and coming romance fiction author and I think she did a wonderful job with this novel.

Torn, Sixty Days of Calabosse ( A Fictional Memoir)

Author:  Tracy James Jones
Published by:  T. J.
Age Recommended:   Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 4
Blog Review For: GMTA

Review:

"Torn, Sixty Days of Calabosse" by Tracy James Jones was a fictional diary  of Adrian Bailey that has been incarcerated under false pretenses. Adrian has been locked up in the "local county jail (United Rural Farmers Detention Center)  for the first time in his life."   OMG!  What does he have to fear this this place?...Mostly  well ... everything.....'including prejudice from someone of his own race'  so there is only one thing for him to do and that was 'to succumb to whatever means necessary in order to survive in this place.' Wow!   Adrian (Biscuit- his jail name) learns early on that he must  "navigate the rocky waters of his incarceration... finding the most amazing array of human emotions
in himself and his fellow inmates...hope, love, humor, courage and the  limits of sanity."  However, even with all of this against Adrian he was still able to still believe in love and that one day he would be free. Now, this is the time that I say pick up "Torn, Sixty Days of Calabosse" to see for yourself how and what happens in this good read.

The characters that this author portrayed were simply off the chart....playing with all the emotional struggles that can go on in ones mind. All of the characters made this a very intriguing read that I would not put it down until the end.   Definitely this author worked it with this wellwritten travel in this dark place and when it's all said and done  you are left  thinking 'could  this really happen! Wow!

Quote:
"Within a minute I realized that one of our boys was definitely going to catch the chain" meaning departure from within was soon.

Yes, this is a gay novel and if you can enter into "Torn, Sixty Days of Calaboose" then be prepared for a good  emotional read.   I am sure this read  will be helpful to many!  This is a Adult read and I would recommend as a good read.

The Land Of Darkness (The Gates Of Heaven # 3)

Author:  C. S. Lakin
Published By: AMG Publishers  
Age Recommend: YA
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating:  4
Blog Review For:  Great Minds Think Aloud

Review:

"The Land of Darkness" (The Gates of Heaven # 3) by C. S. Lakin  was a very good read and happens to be Ms Lakin third in a series "following the quest of a twelve year old girl named Jadiel and her unlikely companion, a woodworking apprentice who is obsessed with finding a legendary bridge."

In this novel you will find it a very enjoyable read featuring...suspense, drama, morality and even emotion.  This good vs evil that steals men's souls...was just greatly delivered to the reader along with
the Scriptures in this novel was simply wonderful.   As a matter of fact I see that this novel was  a 'fairy-tale, fantasy quest and a Biblical allegory.' 

One can clearly see the authors has a wonderful imagination and really does a great job at putting this all to paper for us readers to simply enjoy.


I would definitely recommend "The Land Of Darkness" to anyone because I feel like it will offer you family, friendship, love and faith.  So, I would recommend "The Land of Darkness" as a good read.
 

Death in the Delta: Uncovering a Mississippi Family Secret

Author:  Molly Walling
Published By:  University Press of Mississippi
Age Recommend:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 4

Review:

"Death in the Delta:  Uncovering a Mississippi family Secret" by Molly Walling was indeed some interesting read.  This author upon acquiring information that her father had killed a black man back in 1946 in Anguilla, deep in the Mississippi Delta and it seems that her Dad got away with this  'scot-free.'   Now Ms. Walling was talking to different people over what and how this happened...only she gets many versions of the story....now she wants to find out which one of these stories are the truth.  When you are trying to look into 'family secrets' what do you really expect to find?  Wasn't her father one who had come from the war  and then worked for the paper...seeing all kinds of things going on...Yes this was the pre-civil right area....Wow!  and definitely not a good time for the black man.

The author worked  hard in bringing out different perspectives in her book that really bringing  out a well written read.  Does this author uncover the truth behind this big family secret?  Now, this is the time I will say you must pick up "Death  in the Delta: Uncovering a Mississippi Family Secret" to see will Ms. Walling expose her  father's guilty agency in the deaths of Simon Toombs and David Jones?"
Shot down because they would not run!

We will probably never know but I give it to the author for a least trying to set something that was  wrong .... right even though she had gone against the advice of the family.  As I read through this
novel this author really went through a lot herself with her dad..the shaving of her legs....Wow.... the alcohol only leading to more disaster. Was this one of the secrets?  Also it was interesting how Molly dealt with black people in getting the information that she was  needed. Just what was true and what was lies...Wow!  I found all of the people that were involved in this read were eally very intriguing people.

I thought this novel was some read and if you are in for a kind of  non-fiction auto-biography of how racial tensions were high in the 40's ....in that hom (s).... then I would recommend to you  this good interesting  read.

DEAD TIME

Author: Anne Cassidy
Published By:  Walker and Company
Age Recommend:   YA
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 4

Review:

"Dead Time" by Anne Cassidy was a good YA mystery series 'The Murder Notebooks #1 .....setting in London that was during the common law marriages...bringing to life... the siblings.... Rose who was 12 and  her step brother Joshua was 14.   Rose's mother and Joshua's  father went out to dinner and simply never returned.  What happened to them?  Rose and Joshua separate and then later after Joshua attends the university where Rose now 17  lives with her grandmother. They are now trying to form a
relationship that proves to have become complicated. Roses has excepted what the officials had said of her mothers death but Joshua hasn't and continues to investigate which causes problems for Rose.
On top of this Rose witness another murder and she takes off to find the killer her her classmate not knowing that there would be a lick to the disappearance of her parents.  Now this mystery takes off and this is where I say You must pick up "Dead Time" to see how this will all turn out.  I found it quite interesting read and I did like the third person narrative that  helped keep things quite a mystery.  The characters were all really interesting... especially Henry and Skeggsie.


If you are looking for some mystery,  intrigue and danger you have come to the right place..."Dead Time" will give you all of this and I would recommend this novel to you as a good YA read.

Broken Angel Volume One

Author:  Christina Worrell
Published By:  Midnight Hour Publishing
Age Recommend:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Raven Rating:  5
Blog Review For: GMTA

Review:

"Broken Angel Volume One" by Christina Worrell was truly a wonderful read of twenty-two poems for anyone who has or is feeling defeated.  The author really know who to get our attention with feelings that help you sort through life and then let them all out.  Being able to capture the feelings  of sad, down, and out... for  we have all felt sometime in our daily life often not able to really let those
feelings out.  Most times we are able to handle this depression and deal with these feelings with time and much care...even if that means seeking medical help from your physician.

All of the poems were wonderfully  written and my favorite one was ... 'Unloved.'  I can truly say Ms. Worrell did a wonderful job with these poems and I can understand why it took her  so long to share this poetry. I found this poetry a touching collection of very deep emotions coming from love, heartache and suicide.

I found "Broken Angel Volume One" a very helpful read for me and I would like to recommend this to anyone that is dealing with depression as a excellent read.  You are not alone.

Trusting the Law

Author:  Kendall Evans
Published by:  Astraea Press
Age Recommend:  16
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Raven Rating:  4
Blog Review For: GMTA

Review:

"Trusting the Law" by Kendell Evans was a good short novel.  The time was 1922 in Chicago where the prohibition was in tact....being that it was against the law for operate a bar that was offering liquor. However, for Grace felt that this was her only way... in order to  pay the daily bills and the medical bill for a uncle that had raise her.  Just how far would you go to help those you love?

 When Grace runs into Paul who was a Chicago policeman (Paul) and that is when this story picks up.  How will this turn out?  Now, this is the time that I say you must pick up "Trusting the Law" to
find out.  You will find it a very sweet read!

If you are in for a short emotional romance... I would recommend  "Trusting the Law"   as a good read for you.
 

DROWNED

Author:  Therese Bohman
Published by:   Nordstedts Forleag
Age Recommended:   Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 4
Blog Review For: GMTA

Review:

"Drowned" by Therese Bohman was a literary, psychological, and chilling -thriller novel. 

"Drowned" is of a university student from  Stockholm,Marina, visits her older sister on vacation.   Stella who is a horticulturist  and her husband Gabriel....who is a charismatic older man and a writer.  Marina is attracted to Gabriel and senses something very strange in her sister's 'idyllic life' which she will end up caught up in the feelings of sensuality.  A vacation that you would have thought to be relaxing soon becomes something very dark and forbidding."  OMG!  This  will definitely  leave the reader to wonder what was really going on in this more complex well written story. This is where I say you must pick up "Drowned" to read.

The author does a wonderful job as her descriptions and details  the sensual and darkness ...the surroundings... of Marina's childhood  memories..showing who she is and the relationship she had with her  sister, Stella.

"Drowned" was rather a quick short read that did keep my attention till the end.  The ending will be somewhat a surprise WoW!  If you are in for a story with plenty of twists...then you have come to the
right place and I would recommend this  thriller novel for you. 

COME TO THE TOWER, LOVE

Author:  Lisa Greer
Published By: Gothicked Books  
Age Recommend:  16
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating:  4
Blog Review For:  Great Minds Think Aloud

Review:

"Come to the Tower, Love" by Lisa Greer was a delightful Gothic romance novel that was simply sweet. 

Morgan Peer inherits Woodmere Manor in the Hudson Valley in New York ...a home with dark past... having secrets and even creepy stuff...like "ghosts and learns bout the tortured history of the house....and its five tower rooms" in a small town from a father that she had little contact with.  Morgan is a former history teacher that has 'big plans  for the future' for this mansion, however,  
after meeting two men (Owen and Noel) things become even more complicated. Was someone trying to mess with Morgan mind?  Well, this is the time that I say that you must pick up this good read and find out out just what is going on in "Come to the Tower, Love."


If you are in for a good novel of  ghost and history with some insanity you have come to the right place and I would recommend "Come to the Tower, Love" to you as a good read. 

Tomorrow Blossoms

Author: Joyce DeBacco
Published By:  Joyce DeBacco
Age Recommend:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 5

Review:

"Tomorrows Blossoms" by Joyce DeBacco was a real good read that I really enjoyed from the first page until the very last centering around family life with plenty of trials and tribulations that come
from all of it. 

"Tomorrows Blossoms" starts with Kate Beecham from a very shy young girl and ends as a mature woman.  The author is able to relate to its readers all the feeling and emotions through her good dialogue of writing for this novel.  There was definitely a feeling for Kate in all that she loss of a husband and  family issues with two young adult daughters with many problems of their own and that she is so involved in.  Will Kate ever find peace and joy in her life?  Well, this is where I say you
must pick up this wonderful read to find out.


In this novel the author is able to hit all the following issues.... teenage pregnancy, beautiful marriage, death, AIDS and then a reuniting of the past. I found "Tomorrows Blossoms" was a excellent family read with the author bringing out the many issues that we face and deal with on a daily basis and each of the "characters strengths far outshine their weaknesses."  I would recommend this novel to all as a wonderful read.

The End the Book: Part One

Author: J. L. Robb
Published By: WestBow Press A Division of Thomas Nelson
Age Recommend: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 5
Blog Review For: GMTA
Review:


"The End The Book: Part One" by J. L. Robb was some excellent read. I was very skeptic about the title.... having some fiction, non-fiction, even Bible quotes and verses(and this isn't over done
in any way). I was not able to put this novel done until the end!

I found that J. L. Robb was able to really work it for the readers....in that "The End" was frightening, amazing and even humorous all rolled up together.

You will be left wondering could these things really happen bringing terrorism to us in our own back yards and religion being pitted against one another.... leaving one to say only "WoW and then in "The
End" we all all destroyed? This novel was well written story that will only make you think .... about the apocalypse and they way we have gotten there. There was a lot of research in this novel that
gives us to to date events...along with the Bible being the guide and you will receive a lot of food for thought. The main characters were solid and the plot was simply great.

If you are in for a very well written novel with humor, thrills and even some imagination in a modern day approach with details then you have come to the right place. I would definitely recommend "The End The Book Part One" to you....so sit back and be ready for a great read to truly enjoy!

The Glimpse

Author:  Claire Merle
Published by: Faber & Faber
Age Recommend:  Adult
Review By:  Arlena Dean
Raven Rating:  4
Blog Review For: GMTA

Review:

"The Glimpse" by Claire Merle was some chilling read.  It took me a minute or two to get into this novel but once in and by the ending I was hooked...it was a captivated  well written novel.  "The Glimpse" was full twist and turns that the reader was simply left astonished.   This author will leave you surprised with this very enthralling and well thought out provoking novel of a London dystopian society.  You will be given scares of not being normal,  some thrill of romance and even some glimpse into the near future and the setting was  from the UK.
 
I found the characters  were all interesting,  brilliant and even some  were  predictable........   Ana(Ariana) ...a real smart- strong- good person ...Jasper was to marry Ana...however, what was he involved in? I will not say ... and Cole ....one of the Crazies, handsome... Tamsin,  Lila and Ana's Dad .....now you must read it for yourself to see  how this all comes together. You may be surprised! 
There is a lots to understand about this novel...sometimes I was a little lost  at the   detail and dialog and some what complicated   ... but if you can stick with the read   you  will get a good read of a society that focuses on mental health.   I must  say that I was  surprised how this author managed to bring on many surprises in this well written novel. 

If you are in for a chilling, controversial,  inventive, intriguing, dystopian,  romance and mysterious all caught up together in a read   then The Glimpse" is for you.  For you  have come to the right place and I would recommend this captivating read.

BURN

Author:  Heath Gibson
Published by:   FluxNow
Age Recommended:   YA(some Language*)
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Raven Rating:  5
Blog Review For: GMTA
Review:

"Burn" by Heath Gibson was some read that I  simply will not forget that did  keep my attention to the very end.  You  will get the feeling of anger  and even laughter as you read through the many twist and turns.

In "Burn" you will be drawn into a Alabama  preacher's Baptist  family... Pastor Tucker... who is  devoted and committed  to his church that takes up most of his time ....thus producing the abandonment of his sons and his fermented wife...... the life of their  son.... William... known as Wee-Wee, who just  lives to put out fires.....adrenaline is invigorating which is a addiction for him.....there is also another a brother (Steven) who had up till now been considered a bit dashing....now  has confirmed he is now gay ......then there is a new black girl named Samantha Johnson from Iowa  who is new at the school.  Now put this all together and get ready for a good read that will not only shake up this little Alabama town but to find out else happens you must pick up this good read "Burn" to find out.  Be ready...it is really a interesting good  read finding out just what is going on with William, Steven and Samantha.
I found this characters all amazing... William(Wee-Wee), Steven, Fred & Joy Ehler, Mandy Pearman, Mrs. Pearman, Billy & Seth  Parker, Marcus Woubley, Chief Griffin, Leroy Toupes, Terry Brumfield, Mrs. Whitmore, Mrs. Inez, Mr. Thompson, Thad, Ms. Gale, Samantha Johnson, Ms. White, Mr. Jerry, Pastor Tucker, Connie Tucker, Nikki Macalusso, Mr. Simmons, Leonard, Paul, Mrs. Trahan,  D.J Trahan,  Debby, Buck, Mr. Daniels, Brett Toler, Mr. Edwards, Mrs. Teschner, Ms. Deana Hartley, Mr. Dunn, Mr. Cronyer,  Mr. Whitehead and I am sure I have left out someone....you will have to find out who they are.

There was a quote that repeated several times  from the Pastor to his boys..."Remember who you are" meaning you are the pastor's son..... so be aware! 

I believe "Burn"  will be a good read for the  YA teen boys who would like to be a hero, however sometimes this can  get you in to trouble especially if you take the wrong road to achieve it.   Yes, this guilty character was so very desperate for praise and recognition...but at what price?
I would recommend "Burn" as a good read as a good  read for the YA's and be ready for a very interesting ending. OMG!