Hollywood Swinging

Author: Chicki Brown
Published By: C. B.
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5

Review:

"Hollywood Swinging" by Chicki Brown was a good read.  This was the sequel to  'Hot Fun in the Summertime' which was also a good read.  I found the main characters very interesting and believable ....Shontae and Devin.....along with Phe, Devin's parents, Monica, Vaughn, Julius and a few others that will only have  you keep turning the pages until the very end.

"Hollywood Swinging is the story of a newlywed couple who are trying to make a life for themselves in a new city."  Will there be any problems? Yes, Yes and Yes!  When you pick up this wonderful read be ready  for all the glitz, glamour, romance, in-laws, two careers, mystery, drama, stalker and even suicide... that
you can only imagine in Hollywood. I do not think you will be disappointed! Be ready for a interesting ending!

Ms. Brown writes  well written dialogues  with believable characters and that is
why I enjoy  all of her novels.  With that being said...YES, I would recommend "Hollywood Swinging" as a excellent read. 

Hot Fun in the Summertime

Author: Chicki Brown
Published By: C. B.
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5

Review:

"Hot Fun in the Summertime" by Chicki Brown was another one of her good old romance ovels...showing relationships with family and friends. This novel was
written in first person making it very easy to follow.  Ms. Brown was able to bring out each character...Shontae, Linda, Devon, Doc, Kinnik, Walter, Jo, Kip and a few others with all of their interwoven unique personalities and strong
bonds that made this a phenomenal 'Jersey Shore' read. I liked how this author brought a group of friends together to rent a summer house on the Jersey shore.

In this read "hearts are on the mend, new loves begin, old scars serve as a
reminder of pain that has led to strength, and friendships grow stronger. It
is a story of love, hope, and renewal." Be ready for lots of drama, suspense
and romance...having many twist and turns with these seven people(four women & three men) who walk very different life's that come together for two months...sharing chores, fun, friendships, romance, lots of tension and tragedy.  Will they all be able to work together to finds out the real meaning of love and friendship?   Will they have fun and relaxation on the beach? This is where I say to find out the answers to these questions and more you must pick up this read to find out just what all is going in this read.

If you want a good laugh and a excellent read...you have come to the right place for "Hot Fun in the summertime" would be my recommendation for you.  Ms. Browns' sequel to this book is 'Hollywood Swinging' and the story
continues....

Have You Seen Her?

Author: Chicki Brown
Published By: C. B.
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5

Review:

"Have You Seen Her?" by Chicki Brown was a wonderful well written romance novel with some twist and turns dealing with domestic violence, drugs,  and lies.  This novel was a very easy read that held you on the edge of your seat and kept me  turning the pages until the very end. This author unfolds such a good storyline dealing with this subject of domestic abuse in a marriage...told measures to leave this life behind and start a new life for herself. This was a good read in how this author was able to show.."one woman’s desire to be free from the life threatening clutches of an abusive husband." During this read you are able to feel the pain that this main character felt. Some of the characters were are very realistic, interesting, likable and even relatable in many ways.  In the ending  one may be a little surprise of its ending. Now, this is where I say you must pick of "Have You Seen Her?"... to see how this all works out.  It will be a interesting read seeing how this person dealt with domestic  abuse and her empowerment to leave it behind and start a new life for herself. 
 
This was a good read with great characters and the author did a wonderful job
dealing with this domestic abuse and I would recommend "Have You Seen Her? as a good read.

A Heart Not Easily Broken

Author:  M.J. Kane
Published By: 5 Prince Publishing
Age Recommended:  Adult
Rating: 5
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Review:

"A Heart Not Easily Broken by M.J. Kane was truly a wonderful romantic well written read.  This novel is the first of many of Ms. Kane's...'The Butterfly Memoirs' and I enjoyed  it...and that being ...'change...the shedding of the old and bringing  out the new.'  This was definitely a page turner...even though I had read several excerpts... from some of the chapters... but starting with Chapter one till the end you will find this novel a captivating excellent read.  How this author was able to do this was simply a work of art.

The story was of a young lady named Ebony was "smart, sexy, career-oriented black woman who was focused on her career to get her D.V.M. degree...and now was there love and romance coming into this picture.  Ebony had two best friends... Yasmine and Kaitlyn...who talk her into going to a night club and it was there that she meets Brian..who wasn't black but white. Now what will come of this?  Will her life change because of this?  Things are looking good for Ebony but changes will come..such as her personal problems with her mentor at work. How is this going to affect her training that was needed in order to make it through her last year of school?  During  this interracial relationship that was developing with Brian...Ebony fell short when it came to trusting Brian...well she really didn't want to bother him with her problems because he was at this time working on a plan for his 'dream job.'  Things seem to go from bad to worse for Ebony ...losing her part-time job..finance...income is  not  there...possible losing some hours needed to graduate and she keeps  all of this a secret.  Why" Ebony's life doesn't stop there .... now Brian has left for a three months on a promotional tour and what else can and will happen to Ebony? JAVAN SIMMONS!  Now, I don't want to tell any more because at this point I want you to want to read "A Heart Not Easily Broken" to see how this will turn out. What decision did Ebony make that changed the course of her life?  Will Ebony be able to get her two best friends and Brian to believe her?  Will Brian's 'Heart Not Easily be Broken?'  What was the solutions for Ebony and Brian?  You will only find out by picking up this excellent read.

The characters of "A Heart Not Easily Broken were are all  very intriguing  and captivating ...showing emotions through the whole novel...from Ebony, Yasmine, Kaitlyn, Brian, Javan to a few others that I have left out keeping you on the edge of your seat and not being able to put this novel down until the end.
Be ready for some  hurt,  trust issues, career and family problems, rape but in the end finding a true love.

I really enjoyed "A Heart Not Easily Broken" and if you are in for a excellent romance  read I would recommend this to you!

Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing

Author:  Chicki Brown
Published By: C.B.
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5

Review:

"Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" by Chicki Brown was a very good romantic
well written read.  It being of a interracial couple that  focused on problems
 that can come up between two individuals who loved each other, however was the trust really there.  The story is a very real one that deals with the pain of infidelity and only through Gods' help with  the power of forgiveness becomes very important in these two peoples life.  This author also showed much understanding and compassion in her storytelling of "ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing."

The characters especially Michael and Dee... I will say were all simply off the
chart...good making all of them...Rita, Krista, Sue and others...they seem to
simply come alive.  This novel  was a  wonderful novel to read and you will
not want to pick it down until the end.  There is definitely a lesson that will be learned in being successful in keeping this family together and this is where I will say you must pick up the excellent read to find out just how Ms. Brown gets this story out to its readers that will show how true love will be there for you and will always win  when you let God into it.

If you are in for a good christian romance then you have come to the right place
for "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing" I would recommend to you.    

Peyton's Playmate

Author: Tracy James Jones
Published By: T.J.J.
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Blog For: GMTA
Review:
 

"Peyton's Playmate" by Tracy James Jones was a sweet quick short story of how a player gets fine tuned  by a real playmate (woman).  I loved this  novel because it was truly a game to this handsome young man that lived next door but in the end guess who win the whose affections.  Will  the   final outcome be that Peyton Henderson will find her perfect playmate? Will  Jared Davy learn how to become man? Now, this is where I say you will just have to pick up "Peyton's Playmate and see how this story ends. You will not be disappointed!

I thought Peyton's Playmate was a very captivating short read and I would recommend it to you as a excellent read.

Thy Neighor: A Novel

Author:  Norah Vincent
Published By: Viking Adult
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  ArlenaDean
Rating: 4
Blog For: GMTA
Review:

"Thy Neighbor" by Norah Vincent was some read from the start to the  finish. There is a lot to absorb in this read from Nick Walsh. I found him truly a sad person...why?  Well apart from the fact that he was jobless,  his parents had died in a apparent murder-suicide at home....with him now spying on his neighbors with via spy cameras that he installed in their homes...only to discover that he is also being watched.  Then there is his drinking..at home or in the local bar...why is that?   Nick has a friend Dave only if you can call it that and then there is a woman who enters his life...Monica...but was she a real girlfriend..what did he know about her? 

"Thy Neighbor" moves at a very slow pace until you are able to uncover just how these tragedies are put together with these weird characters and there will

be a whole lot of strangeness going on but in the end I thought it was different and definitely a original. I found it a hard novel to enjoy in that how this character was so unlikeable.. due to his cynical, disillusioned and so  deeply flawed.  However, why was he like this....this is where I say you must pick up this read and find out what this novel is all about.  Be prepared to be disturbed from the read that could make one uncomfortable...and some of the scenes were somewhat disgusting. This is not a quick read so be prepared. I am not saying this in a negative way...for it took me a while to get into this
storyline of its development of this particular human behaviour.

Now if you are interested in a different type of read you have come to the
right page.  I must say due to the subject matter  I would only recommend this to the adult audience due to its foul language and scatological content.

The Gangster's Daughter

Author: Kendall Evans
Published By: Astraea Press  
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Blog For GMTA
Review:
 
"The Gangster's Daughter by Kendall Evan was a very good short romantic
read about a FBI agent who was able to save the daughter of a notorious gangster, Antonio Donnatelli. The very thought of a gangster family being killed was not unheard of during the 1920's in Chicago. For many reasons this gangster was killed along with his sons but the daughter was left alive.Why was this?   After Maria's father and brothers had been killed there were still other people who  wanted Maria dead especially..... Carli Blanchi.  How was Jack Malone...the FBI agent able to keep Maria safe? Was there something going on between Mr. Malone and Maria? Now, this is where you will have to pick up this short story read of "The Gangster's Daughter" to find out.  Will the guy get the girl?

If you are looking for a quick read then you have come to the right place..."The
Gangster's Daughter" I would recommend to you.

 

Out of the Fire & Into the Light

Author: Lori Frisch
Published By: iUniverse.com
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 5

Review:

"Out of the Fire & Into the Light" by Lori Frisch was a real serious read of a story of survival.This was truly a excellent read.   This is a true story of a author that shares her life with us and it was not pretty.  I enjoyed the scriptures that this author shared with the reader...each one really being presented at the right time during the read.

For Lori Frisch and her two boys....having to lived though all of the abuse and able to be able to heal from this ordeal was really something...definitely it was through the power  and faith  in God that they were able to make it out of all of this abuse sane.

 "Out of the Fire & Into the Light deals with abortion, domestic abuse..child abuse.. death, fires, beatings, family member's betrayal, suicide and healing. This is definitely a novel for anyone is or trying to heal and would like to know of how this person  was able to came out of this situation a  much better and healed person .... with the determination to survive.  All of this was with the help of God  was who  Ms. Frisch relied on ... and this is where I say you must pick up this novel and see for yourself how Ms. Frisch comes "Out of the Fire & Into the Light."

Ms. Frisch wrote a  well written book that is here to help anyone that needs
healing and I would recommended "Out of the Fire & Into the Light" as a excellent read.   

Widow's Might

Author:  Sandra Brannan
Published By: Greenleaf
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 4
Review:

"Widow's Might" by Sandra Brannan was a awesome mystery novel.  The "Widow's Might" is the third book in the Liv Bergren Series and this novel will continue on with some of the same characters from the previous reads.   Be ready for a lot of action that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you edge into the meat of this novel about the 'Crooked Man' that has striked once again. This series is how "Liv gets swept up into the investiagion of the rancher's murder along with her trailing dog ...protecting a terminally ill woman and helping in the cold case of The Crooked Man Murders."
  
The characters are so real from Liv, Helma, Elizabeth, Streeter, Jack Linwood, Enif,Tommy Jasper, Beulah, Lisa Henry, Dr. Morgan, Agent Blysdorf, Hester Moore, Steve Preston, Paula Pierce, Agent Jenna Tate, Senator Billings, Pastor Keeley, Congressman Bergen, Nurse Sandy, Gilbert, Mark Godshell, Jens, and Frances to some others that I have left out that you will only find if you pick up this wonderful read of "Widow's Might."

This author gives its reader a real good flavor of the area of the  Black Hills of South Dakota showing a lot of its colorful history of the state in this good read. Be ready for some of Liv's family, Beulah, Helma, Elizabeth and the OMG  what a ending!  For in the end you will get to see who sacrificed their life for Liv and her sister Elizabeth... and yes Beulah helped too. This is where I say you must pick up this good read to find out what this is all about.


If you are a mystery lover who loves history I would recommend "Widow's Might" for you.

The Secret Life of Copernicus H. Stringfellow: Surreptitious Superhero

Author:  Lorin Barber
Published By: SweetwaterBooks 
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Review:

"The Secret Life of Corpernicus H.Stringfellow:  Surreptitious Superhero" by Lorin Barber was a very interesting enjoyable read of a man who became rich, brilliant and had great powers. Copernicus(Nick) Stringfellow was true genius who was kind and wanted to make good... always trying to set things right around him. Sometimes it seem like Corpernicus had all the different languages and OMG that random trivia...but he got through it all  by meeting and helping the right ones that needed his help. I loved his outlook on life..for Nick would make friends with those who needed him..."he would help anyone without wanting anything in return.
 
The author offers the reader quite a list of themes being introduced throughout  the novel like: murder, harassment, child and domestic abuse, plane crash, some romance, and even some family dynamics going on....  so be prepared for those topics that will come up. And when picking up the read you will find out what's up with those 'TWINKIES that Nick loved?'

The characters were really something...some comical, serious and unique...from
Nick, Prescilla, Dr.Theodore Furney, Molly, Natalie, Jamie Preston, Jemima, Tilly,
Cassy, James, Cathy, Chuck, Carole, Yukiko, Monica Furney, Brad Clawson, Mrs.Lebon, Mrs. Dealva, Gina, Detective Terry Kimura, Frank Brunk, Russ Pauley, Uncle Stan, Aunt Lily,Dr.Cyris Vashkow, Lisa, Dr.Tanner, Matt,to Brian and I am sure I have left several people out so...this is where I say you must pick up the good read of "The Secret Life of Corpernicus H. Stringfellow"  and see just  what secret he held so close.

This author does a wonderful job as grabbing your attention and keeping you turning the pages till the end...and wow what a ending. Yes, Nick may be considered a odd ball but but he is also very lovable and yes a super hero in every sense of the word.

If you are looking for a hilarious, touching and interesting read you have come to the right place. "The Secret Life of Corpernicus H.Stringfellow:  Surreptitious
Superhero" I would recommend to you as a good read.

Deadly Phine

Author: Darrell King
Published By: Darrell King Productions
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5

Review:
"Deadly Phine" by Darrell King was a believable story that had one true
thought in the end and that is AIDS and HIV is a serious virus that is deadly and was a intentional spread of one of the worse diseases ever!  I found this novel that was told in two parts...all  very educational in more  than one way
that truly left you saying OMG and Wow!  This was sort of what I thought when I heard about the Tuskegee Oklahoma experiment from 1932-1972.  Why? This is certainly a subject that many of  us are afraid to address and that we should all be aware of. Why?  Unprotected sex is deadly! Mr. King did a wonderful job  providing us with informational facts about this deadly virus? I really like how this author opened up each chapters with a true "occurrences...some  of people purposely infecting others with this HIV/AIDS virus" and even telling us of Brian Stewart "who intentionally infected his son with this virus because He did not want to pay child support." Now, can you believe that?  This novel definitely gives you a very "realistic look at this epidemic that has plagued the person that has had unprotected sex and now wished they hadn't."

The novel will take you from Virginia, Washington DC, California to Puerto Rico and back. There will be a lots of twist and turns that you may not see coming but if you stick with it...it all come out and you may be left wondering just how many Lucian Valentino's are out there in our world because one has been blinded my smooth talk and supposed love.  Now, I hope you are asking just what is this "Deadly Phine" is  all about... because you can only find out by picking up this good read and find out just who is  this Larry a.k.a Lucien Octavius Valentino (who knowingly goes around infecting women with this deadly disease) ....and just what else he brings to this read.  Get ready for a  good read that will only leave you asking...will there be another sequel to "Deadly Phine?"  There were some very interesting characters in this read...some I did liked and others I was left saying OMG  I don't believe this!

"Deadly Pine" is a interesting, intriguing  page turner...full of terror, crime and drama.  After reading this novel you are able to see how this story has a "terrifying reality that many people do not take safe sex serious and without this basic communication, one could fall victim to someone else's bad choices."

The ending will give you cause to think and be aware of that pretty face with all
of those materialistic things...and even a  smooth talker.  Yes, I did like this read and and found it very informative.  I would definitely recommend "Deadly Phine" as a excellent read.

RIGHT BEFORE MY EYES

Author: Michelle MRob Robinson
Published By: AuthorHouse
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5+

Review:

RIGHT BEFORE MY EYES by Michelle MRob Robinson was some read that will stay with
me forever. Why? Because it was so realistic and emotional that will only leave you saying Wow...what a wonderful read! This author was able to bring a real story that you could feel the spirit... the realness of each and every page of the read. I laughed, cried and even got upset at certain {going ons} but in the end when I thought all was truly being worked out however, there was a shock at the end that left me hopefully thinking that there will be a sequel. Ms. Robinson don't leave us with this being 'The End.' Anyway, I will say this was a excellent read that comes to us from the California area...from Chapter 1 ..Alright.... till the end... to Chapter 34... Gangsta Party.... I was on edge of my seat. I also loved the crankberry {cell} phone conversations throughout the read and how about all of those Facebook reads.

The storyline was about a group of ordinary people who just wanted to be loved, cherished ...wanting that special person that would love this unconditionally. Let me start by introducing you to these wonderful characters....Journee {Nee}Faith Bell{twin} was truly a diva that had involvements with Andre Lee Mills(Drew), Mario, Jason Moses Smith, Sean Fisher and finally Julius {Jules}. Now, her roommate was her best friend...Derrick Long known as {Funnyman}. The girl friends {divas} were: Najah, Chelsea, Kalena, Ashley and Joydyn Marie Bell {the other twin} and they truly were a tight group of ladies. I was also taken with and even reacting to...Mama Len, Mama Sand,Todd, Greg, Chris, Brandon,and Pastor Claybon Lea to name a few. Now, I hope I have your attention because I want you now asking.......What is this novel all about? YES!

I was made to really feel at home with the wonderful MUSIC that you were made to hear .....all during this wonderful read... {about 4 hours..it took for me}....starting with Ledisi...Alright, then it continues on..I Get Around by Tupac, Take It Easy by Mad Lion, then there is Luther, Gap Band, Jodeci, India.Arie, One More Chance, by Biggie, Angel by Chaka Khan, R Kelly's ..Step In the Name of Love, Jay Z's American Gangster, Marin Sapp.. Never Would Have Made It, Seperate by Rahsaan Patterson, Halfcrazy by Musiq, Kenny Loggins, Doobie Brothers, The Bee Gees, There Goes My Baby by Charlie Wilson, Eric Benet, Your The Only One I Need, Zoom by the Commodores, Lovi' You by Minnie Ruperton, Lovely Day, Lady In My Life by Michael Jackson, With You I'm Born again, Never to Much by Luther Vandross...Dance With My Father... Turn Off the Lights by Teddy Pendergrass, You Know How To Love Me by Phyllis Hyman, Blow the Whistle by Too Short to Faith Evans...Faithfully! Wow! What really surprised me was that I have most of all of those CD's. I will go even further to say I could see this novel being made into a beautiful movie...Oh my, my, my....let me continue on.

Will these ladies find the love that they wanted just for them? OK, who is in jail, gay, pregnant, getting married, sleeping around, a slap, really hurting the
relationship with their parents, twins, a real fist fight, a hairdresser, a godson, a comedian, and even death?? Do I have your undivided attention? .....Now this is where I say I will not tell you because I want you to pick up this wonderful novel..."Right Before My Eyes" and read it for yourself. I do not think you will be disappointed. I certainly was not! For you will find out just who Nee will turn to in the end besides God. I did enjoy how this author presented God into this read...from the sermon of Pastor Claybon Lea..'What Happens to a Dream Deferred?" ...Hold On to Your Hope..Go To Bed in Hope and Wake Up in Hope. Leaving you only to say Amen!

I think you all know by now... that I thoroughly enjoyed this read "Right Before My Eyes" and yes I would recommend it to any one that likes a good romance that is so full of soul, forgiveness, prayer and love. Be ready to take a wonderful ride that will leave you only wanting more. Good Job Ms. Robinson!

Vengeful Intentions

Author: Stephanie Norris
Published By: Create Space
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Vengeful Intentions" by Stephanie Norris was a wonderful read that I thoroughly enjoyed.  This novel was well written with such plot and deliverance that will keep you only reading till the end.  How this author was able to get this story out with all  of the details were truly a work of art. This novel is the sequel  to 'Trouble In Paradise" and if you haven't read this book you must do so. We have waited and Ms. Norris did deliver to us a great dialogue that can only be thought of as great piece of work.

It was asked:"What will happen when Love Crosses the Line?"....well you will get all kinds of craziness from a cast of characters that I can only say 'Off The Chart' GOOD starting with  Danielle Shumaker..just out of jail...after being charged with "voluntary manslaughter, burglary, kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, vandalism and resiting arrest"...all dismissed...why?  The evidence had disappeared?... Now will Danielle leave well alone and go back to Memphis"...no...she has plans on finding out where Josh was located...but will this be blocked somewhat by Sheila...a cousin of the late Leon Taylor?  Now, just what was  going on with Victoria, Joshua, Greg, Caroline, Shayla, Dantee, and Brandon.  Now, I don't want to give away too much of the good read but will Victoria still continue to have problems with Joshua and he with Greg still being a fixture that seems to stay close to Victoria.  How will Caroline handle herself still being in love with her husband that has feelings for another woman? Was her anger getting the best of her?   There are so many twist and turns that will simply blow your mind in this read. You can only do one thing and that is pick up "Vengeful Intentions" and find out just what all is going on!

FROM THE NOVEL...here's a little...

It started out as a "love affair that started out as a one night stand for revenge
that turn into something else...leading to "Vengeful Intentions."

Victoria said.."lying, cheating, unworthy...so yeah you should get a taste of
your own medicine"...now who was she talking too and why? Now, as for  Josh I can only say that if he hadn't done what he did in the first place...maybe none of this would have happened ..so that's all I will say about him  and about that!
I will only let you decide from the read for yourself.

There were still a few other characters that really helped make this read good
from... Tim Clayton, Steve Wilshine, Stanley Cooper, Judge Raymond Faragosse, Barry Grounds, Officer Peters, Aunt to Uncle Joe...only making this a very interesting read.


End the end ..."will these couples be able to forgive and  let bygones be bygones or will this love story end in tragedy?"  Now you will only be able to get these questions answered by picking up Stephanie Norris  "Vengeful Intentions" ...you will not be disappointed and I would recommend this novel to you as a excellent read.  You will be only left saying Wow what a good read!

A Reckless Heart

Author:  Amy Clipston
Published By: Zondervan 
Age Recommended:  Pre-Teen
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Blog For GMTA

Review:

"A Reckless Heart" by Amy Clipston was wonderful interesting read. There will
be illness, misunderstandings, sadness, lots of conflict, faith, family, loyalty
and love.  The glossary at the front of the book with all of the Amish phrases was real good add giving you the definitions of many of the hard pronounced words.

The novel is set from a modern day Amish community with the oldest of four
(Lydia) children has the a lots of  responsibilities put on her due to the fact
of a illness of a younger sister battling leukemia.  Their  mother has to leave to take care of the younger child, Ruthie who is in hospital and the father has to  who works overtime and still has a finance problems. Lydia who is sixteen year old wants to date and be with her friends but this is not to be and this has made her very unhappy.  It seemed that all is  falling on Lydia...but was it?  There was help from family and Amish friends.  I really enjoyed seeing how this community came in with their assistance, however, Lydia felt that it was all on her so she gets into many situations that really she should not have by not listening and obeying the rules ....of her father and even the Amish church which was to obey and respect. Many things come upon Lydia....her drank with Mahlon and his friends where she lied to save her friendship...then meeting the English boy(Tristan) whose family had moved recently into the  community..however, was she supposed to be alone with him? Yes, you can see that this was a difficult time for Lydia but sometimes I wondered
if she caused some of this because...well, I will stop and just say you must pick
up the excellent read that this author did with "A Reckless Heart" to see how this story will turn out for Lydia .... her reputation,  sister,  family and future who was only yearning for the 'normal' life Lydia once had.  Will she get it back?
Will she be able to face these challenges?

This was be a new read for a lot of us ...being Amish, different...and coming
to us from a young  Amish view.   Being a teachers' assistant and also working
the other times in her grandmothers bakery..    now having to take care of two younger siblings and the home...and even giving the family her money... Lydia earns to help her family...  Wow!  that was a lots for Lydia...Will she be able to
handle all of this and what about her friendship with Joshua?

The characters were for the most part very realistic and intriguing.  I was kept
turning the pages to see what was going to happen next.


This was a excellent christian novel that has a glossary in the front of the read and Amish recipes at the end. Oh! I really like the pray chains that were so active in the read.  OK, yes  I enjoyed the read and learned a lot so..... I would recommend "A Reckless Heart" to any Preteen...YA.... and even Adult ....Enjoy!

Secrets and Lies

Author: Tracy James Jones
Published By: T.J.J.
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Blog For: GMTA
Review:

"Secrets and Lies" by Tracy James Jones was indeed a wonderful
relationship read. This author really as a great writing dialogue that simply
 keeps you fully interested bringing the characters to life.  Ms Jones  presents
a unique story that shows human emotions. You will find expectations, deception,  hiding, ambition, attitude, male to female, to trust .... all will be found in this great read of "Secrets and Lies."  Be ready to be surprised as the secrets are exposed that will keep you guessing till the end.

The characters were all simply off the chart: GOOD! All showing a  human side with emotions .....from Camilla, Ulanda, Troy, Kenny Jr., Brently (Bren), (granny), Ken Sr., Allyson Goodwin-Jordon, Jalinda, Joe, to  Wade and I am sure I have left someone out but that is where you will find out who...by picking up the novel  "Secrets and Lies" to  find out.


If you are looking for a very powerful book with many surprises  that will keep
 you on the edge of your seat until the end...you have come to the right place
..."Secrets and Lies" would definitely be recommended to you. 

Breaking Lauren

Author:  Jordan Deen
Published By: Black Rose Writing
Age Recommended:  YA
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 4

Review:

Breaking Lauren" by Jordan Deen was a YA read that took you on a very intense
ride that kept my attention until I was finished. How this author was able to
get these two... Danny and Lauren together with all of the problems each one had. The storyline was able to really suck you right into the the first person view
of two of the main characters....Lauren and Danny.

Lauren is fifteen, new in town and wanting her family troubling incidents from
her family past...put way behind her and to become popular...than a older sister
had been... who is now in college from back home.  Lauren wants to also  lose
weight..why?... become a cheerleader...and date the most popular sports hero in school ...just like her mother?  This is quite different for Danny... he has been
in jevie, loves to fight...drinks has a lots of girlfriends.  Now, how will this author get these two together? Was it the little looks or thoughts...even though these two spend a lots of time arguing or not speaking to each other... however, was there chemistry between these two at times?  Now, this is where I say you must pick up "Breaking Lauren" to see just what is going on in this delightful read. 

The novel  was really telling how this flawed young man was now wanting to be good for this girl...could this really happen?  Danny may have done some horrible things and made some mistakes, but his atonement and transformation was beautiful in this read.  Now with Lauren... you must pick up this read to find
out!

I must say the ending  of this novel was somewhat shocking...definitely not want I expected....and here I will say again.... you must pick up "Breaking Lauren" to see just  what all is going on.  There are so many twist and turns...so get ready for a very interesting read that I would recommend. 

Call of the Sea

Author:  Rebecca Hart
Published By:  InkSpell Publishing
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Blog For: GMTA
Review:

"Call of the Sea" by Rebecca Hart was a very enjoyable  fantasy, romance
read. This author did a wonderful job with the mythological of the selkie...with pirates, sailors, romance and murder. This novel was of two different people who are brought together from childhood to adulthood by their love of the sea. The novel starts  may start out a little slow however, it picks up and wow...what good read the "Call of the Sea" turns out.
 
This author wrote a very intriguing story that will draw you in and keep you
hanging for then shoe to drop. With the heroine...Elysandra "Ellie" Winters
who was some character...independent..stubborn ..strong-headed...sometimes even selfish however, by the end of the novel some maturity was seen.  The hero.. Daniel was so sweet, kind, loving, hard worker and simply loved Ellie. Now, just how these two were able to come together .... you will have to pick up "Call of the Sea" to find out how this story will end. All of the characters were off the chart good that really kept the story moving along.

With the author taking her setting for the "Call of the Sea from the Newquay,
England area  really helped with the descriptions that showed up in this read. You were really made to feel like you could hear the bustle of the wharf as the
captains prepared to go to sea.


If you are in for a good fantasy read with some romance and mythology, the "Call of the Sea" would be recommended to you.