Thursday, November 29, 2012

The King's Pleasure

Author: Heather Graham
Published By: Open Road
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 4
Review:

"The King's Pleasure" by Heather Graham was a good historical fiction romantic that I found very interesting as well as a entertaining long read.  "The King's Pleasure" can be found to be well written that will keep you reading till the end. This hero Adrien and the heroine Danielle were really made for each other but will this work out?     Be ready for a 'tug of war' that seems to go on continually in this read...whether its on the battle fields ..of the Scotsmen, Englishmen,  Frenchmen... and  as these two people  that will only keep you on the edge of your seat reading to find out what is going on.

Each of the characters were very "spirited and independent" but also a bit complexed in the way they maintained their own loyalties.  Be ready for a read of long fighting scenes that shares a real description of this historical time. 
What secrets will finally come out from this novel?  This is where I say you must pick up "The King's Pleasure" to get all the these questions answered  and  just what is going on in this good read. 

If you are looking for a good long historical fiction romantic that is full of action with many twist and turns ...you have come to  the right place and yes I would recommend "The King's Pleasure" for you.  


Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Until the Knight Comes

Author: Sue Ellen Welfonder
Published By: Forever Yours
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Blog For: GMTA
Rating:4

Review:


"Until the Knight Comes" by Sue Ellen Welfonder was a good medieval historical romance with some fantasy.  This novel was definitely a 'Scotland Sensually romantic' with Sir Kenneth Mackenzie was a fierce knight and Lady Mariota MacNichol comes together...both being fiery with such passion.  This novel was
somewhat a highlander story that was full of twist and turns that will keep you turning the pages till the end. This author does a good job in her descriptions of the sexy Scotsmen and the ladies that tame the gracious knights. As a reader you are lead to be enchanted and charmed with this read. You will find each character to be well developed and even showing the smallest details that really makes this story come alive for its reader. This novel was of two people who were afraid of the commitment of falling in love.  Now, I hope I have your attention in that you will pick" up this good read of "Until the Knight Comes" to find out just what all in going on this this read.   It will be a interesting read.

If you are looking for a good novel that is full of sexy Scotsmen and feisty ladies... you have come to the right place and I would  recommend "Until the Knight Comes" as a charmed and enchanted good read. 

Monday, November 26, 2012

Forbidden



Author: Nicola Cornick
Published By: Harlequin HQN
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 4

Review:

"Forbidden" by Nicola Cornick was a good historical romance that I enjoyed.  Forbidden" was the last book in the Scandalous Women of the Ton.  This novel was definitely on that would draw you into the world of England complete with heirs, heiresses, lords, ladies and let's not leave out the heroes, heroines with all of its romantic fever. This particular novel was of Margery and Henry and it sort of reads like a fairy tale...with the heroine being very stubborn while the hero is so desirable.  However, I did find this novel interesting and entertaining read that would keep you turning the pages till the end.  I also found this novel
somewhat predictable but it did leave you wanting to know just who the bad person was going to be. And this is where I say you must pick up "Forbidden" to say how this romance will turn out.

If you are in for a good historical romance you have come to the right place and I would recommend "Forbidden" to you as a good read.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Shattered Dreams: A Short Story

Author: Tyora Moddy
Published By: Tymm Publishing,LLC
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5

Review:

"Shattered Dreams:  A Short Story"  by Tyora Moddy was truly a wonderful good read.  This is how a the Eugeena Patterson has been given a shock from one of the family members.  Will this family be able to come together and move on with their life's after what has gone on.  There had been a serious situation that has become known all the Patterson family. There is the mom and wife, Eugeena...the husband (Ralph) who was a doctor....a daugther (Leesa) and two bothers.  Now what really comes to light was the big secret that  really wasn't considered one however, Eugeena had kept this from her children?  I know at this point you are wondering what this is all about. This was definitely a..."dysfunctional family during the week, but all smiles on Sunday when we walked into the sanctuary."  Well, you only have to pick up this excellent read "Shattered Dreams: A Short Story" to just find out just want is going on with this novel.

 It was truly prayer that was able to help Eugeena because only God knew she needed help.  I loved the way this author was able to put it all together and present to the reader a wonderful read. I did enjoy reading "Shattered Dream: A Short Story" because it presented such a real life situation that could and I am more than sure has happened.

 If you are looking for a very interesting read you have come to the right place...and I would recommend "Shattered Dream:  A short Story" as a excellent read. "This short story is the prequel to the Eugeena Patterson Mystery Series. Readers can take a sneak peek of Chapter 1 from Deep Fried Trouble (June 2013)."  

Friday, November 23, 2012

Fire Down Below


Author: Gwynne Forster
Published By: Gwendolyn Acsadi
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Fire Down Below" by Gwynne Forster was a interesting novel containing five  wonderful reads.  Only Ms. Forster can make her reader keep interested in her well written works.

(Four short stories) just a little bit...

#1:  First Thing Monday Morning:  "Never declare war unless you mean to do battle".... well for Lettie Harrison this was some words that she will not forget!

#2:  Waking Up Slowly:  Will Tami Louise Swindell ever be the same after her surgery?

#3:  Fire Down Below: For Basil Crotch... a psychiatrist who could only demonstrate his techniques  so well for Ms. Angst that will only kept her coming back for more.

#4   All That Glitters:  Will Patsy Wilmington find her a Cowboy in Texas?

and finally a novella.....

 The Summer of Their Discontent: This one was my favorite reads ...a very arrogant husband,  a father...losing his great  job...has been and is verbally abusive to wife...even rejects own son but have 'spoiled and pampered' his  daughter Alycen.  Now, what will happen to the lives of the Rutherford's?

Now, to find out what is going on in each one of  these stories...you will
have to pick up "Fire Down Below" to see how this author delivers such
a good read to  us.  I found each and every one of these stories were well written and will give you some thought long after each read.

With saying all of this,  yes.... I would recommend "Fire Down Below" as a
excellent Gwynne Forsters novel reads.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Elly In Bloom

Author: Colleen Oakes
Published By: Create Independent Publishing Platform
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5

Review:

"Elly In Bloom" by Colleen Oakes was truly a wonderful well written novel that
had me crying and even laughing.  This author really has a way that just takes
the reader into the novel presenting  it so very descriptively  and with such emotions. This  'Big  Beautiful' thirty-two young woman has a bad time with her heartbreak and insecurities but by end of this read  will she comes out of this so much stronger individual? This lady (Elly) has just lost her mother through death and now she has found her husband in bed with a much younger and thin red head. Now, I know you want to know what's going to happen next.  Well, I can only say you must pick up this excellent read "Elly In Bloom" to see just how life will unfold for Elly.

This was very interesting read how  this author puts this all together.  I must say I only could hope for such friendships that Elly developed after she started her new life in St. Louis.  These friends....  characters were simply off the chart good...especially Elly,  Kim, and the 'Snarky Teenager' only to name a few.  I laughed and even cried  so hard at all the goings on in  this novel.  Each and everyone of these characters made the novel a wonderful read.

"Elly In Bloom" was a very heartwarming novel where you found the heroine...pretty , somewhat heavy but seeing her able to pick herself up with the help of her friends was simply wonderful. I don't want to give away too much of the novel other than saying you must pick up this novel "Elly In Bloom" to see why, how  Elly will make a new life after her life seems to be all in shambles.

IF you are in for a good read chit lit, romance and humor you must pick up "Elly In Bloom" and yes I would definitely recommend this novel as a excellent
read.  Thank you Collen for your gift .... I really enjoyed the read!

Sunday, November 18, 2012

The Season of Sin

Author: Stacy Deanne
Published By: In The Storm Publishing, LLC
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"The Season of Sin" by Stacy Deanne was a excellent suspense and mystery novel definitely a Wow... good read! I simply loved the novel Ms. Deanne. I must say you really know how to hold the readers interest with it's fast pace read keeping you on the edge of your seat till the very end. Yes, you will find this read with a good plot, that has been well written and even some romance in all of this mystery.

The two detectives...from the Albany P.D..Brianna(Bree) Morris and Steve Kemp will really had their hands full with this murder mystery... having at once been in a relationship together... now two detective partners.  Who has  murdered Brianna's friend...Dr. Nadia Hollister and had left her alive with just a  blow to the head? How  will these detectives  solve this mystery with all the characters that seem to be all guilty in one way or another...from Bruce, Aunt Jasmine, Shanoon, and  Mr Swaggert to only name a few?    I did find each character so well developed and you will be very caught up on this crazy ride by the time you finish this excellent read.

There are so many secrets leading to many twist and turns that by the time I got to the end I was surprised who the guilty one had been. Now, to find out the who, why and everything else you must pick up the novel: "The Season of Sin" to find out just what is going on.  I am sure you will not be disappointed with this wonderful read. The detectives both will  find out "that the world Nadia was living was full of more sin than they ever imagined and no ones life will be left untouched when the truth behind her killing is revealed."

If you are looking for a excellent suspense mystery that is truly captivating, you have come to the right novel and yes I would recommend "The Season of Sin" as a read for you.  Thank you very much Ms Deanne for a complimentary electronic copy of your novel.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

A Patchwork Christmas Collection


Author: Judith Miller, Nancy Moser & Stephanie Whitson
Published By: Barbour Books
Age Recommended:  YA
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 5
Review:
"A Patchwork Christmas Collection" by Judith Miller, Nancy Moser and Stephanie
Grace Whitson were three  wonderful historical Christmas stories.  These three authors were able to present stories and in the end the reader is treated with a bonus... with recipes and even a craft pattern that you can make that relates to something in the that particular story.

Seems Like Love was by Judith Miller was of woman who had hope of marriage and children but this was changed...Why?

A Patchwork of Love, by Stephanie Grace Whitson was about a lady and her sick daughter were  headed to a better life but was this to go the way she thought it would go?

and last....

The Bridal Quilt, by Nancy Moser was of  "where an accident brings two old acquaintances back together with an orphan that they rescued from a near fatal accident. Will they understand their meeting was not a coincidence?" Now, what will happen with this situation?

This is where I where I say you must pick up and read "A Patchwork Christmas Collection" by these three authors and see how amazing each and everyone of these stories are so very uplifting.  Each historical story was very well written and showing romance and love even through some difficulties.


This is definitely a holiday read and I would recommend "A Patchwork Christmas Collection" to you as a excellent read.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Memoir of the Sunday Brunch

Author: Julia Pandl
Published By: Algonquin Books Of Chapel Hill
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 5

Review:

"Memoir of the Sunday Brunch" by Julia Pandl was a simple well written memoir that I did enjoy.  I found myself laughing at a lots of this funny and heart warming read. This is just a wonderfully written personal memoir of Julia Pandl's
family growing up in the Pandl Family Restaurant business.  This memoir pays great attention to this eccentric father, George.  Julia was the youngest of nine children which left her with her parents ageing  just when she is getting more involved more with the family restaurant endeavors. Yes, there was some dysfunctions going on, but isn't in present in most families?  It was good to see how this family was able to come together when certain situations were presented.  You will find this wonderful novel sometimes not so happy, then down right hilarious and always full of love that played out  with great affection. You will find this a personal memoir that will bring out all of the quirks out in  this family.

I did like the way this author did a part 1 and part 2 of this memoir .Not wanting to tell to much more I would definitely suggest that you pick up this
excellent read "Memoir of the Sunday Brunch" to see what all this is about in its
touching tribute of Julia's wonderful parents.

If you are looking for a good novel that is full of laughter,some  crying and maybe just find yourself  smiling....you have come to the right novel and I would recommend "Memoir of the Sunday Brunch" to you as a excellent read.

Sunny With a Chance of Homicide

Author: T R Stoddard
Published By: Great Minds Think Aloud Independent Publishing
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 4
Review:

"Sunny With A Chance of Homicide" by T R Stoddard was a real intense read for me.  This was definitely a man with a very dark deep scars and I was left wondering  during the read would be ever be able to be reformed. It seems that this man has had "odds stacked against him from the beginning. For example: he pretty much peaked in high school but since then has been living in his younger and more handsome brother's shadow-a fact his mother won't let him forget. While his brother graduated from Harvard and is engaged, Randall is working a boring 9-5 job and is for the most part without a relationship. Poor Randall-with only Mr. Snuggiekins for comfort-an adorable little tabby cat-of course he'd feel lonely."  So,  you can see that there may have been something going on .... a difference made between these two brothers....jealousy?  Now, just what was up with their Mother?

 Now if you can get through that .. what comes on later...reading   this  ride in "Sunny with a Chance of Homicide "  will either make or break you in this read.
 Be ready for some scenes that played in this poor guys (Randall) head...with the  reader seeing just  how really tormented ...while finding himself in solitary confinement awaiting death.  Now, this story takes off  for Randall and omg... Amanda and Allison. Now, was Randall the only mad one in this novel?
This novel is not for the weak hearted/stomach because it does turn dark...very dark.  You will be caught with what is really reality and a figment of this man's imagination that will only keep you wondering how this will end because this guy is really mad. Be ready for creepy, deeply twisted, horror with some mixed fantasy,with goriness and lots of twist and turns.

I will say this was not a book that I would normally read but since I had choose it ...I felt that I had to complete it and I did!

If you are into wanting a read that will chill you to the bone in more ways than one ..."Sunny With a Chance of Homicide" I would recommend this only to you.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

The Age of Desire

Author: Jennie Fields
Published By: Pamela Dorman Books
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 4

Review:

"The Age of Desire" by Jennie Fields good historical-biographical fiction novel  read.  This storyline main character was Edith Wharton that really kept you on a roller coaster ride.  I didn't know whether to like her or not .... this just depends on what is going on at the time. Ms. Wharton employee... Anna was really some employee and best friend.  I would love to have had  her friendship!

I do not want to ruin this novel for you but just saying it was a good novel that
will keep you interest from the start till the finish however, sometimes I did
become bored but I hung in there and it was worth it in the end. 

"The Age of Desire" was told from the point of view of two women in the early 1900's.  One of the view points of Edith Wharton and the other from Anna, Edith's governess when growing up and on to now her personal secretary. You will have to pick up this novel to see the how, what and why of it all.  Be ready for a beautiful atmosphere of this novel with 'the French Salons, parties
in London, the gossipy people, the bourgeois lifestyle, and yes the sex.'


If you are interested in a well written read, you have come to the right place for
"The Age of Desire" will be  recommend as a good read for you.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

A Lady In The Making

Author: Susan Page Davis
Published By: Barbour Books
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 5

Review:

" A Lady In The Making" by Susan Page Davis was a well written novel... the Prairie Dreams series that I thoroughly enjoyed. As this novel starts...
Millie(formerly con artist) has changed  her life..now what does that mean? By picking up "Lady In The Making" we will see if Millie will be able to convince
others that she has hurt....that she can turn her life away."She set out to repay those she's stolen from and restore what misdeeds she can."  Now that David Stone has run into Mrs. Evans...will he be able to trust her away?  Will they have a future together? You will find out all of the answers to these questions and even more in this good read.  Will they have a future together after all has happened?  What all is going on back in England for David to now be going  back there?

I found "A Lady In The Making" a good adventurous novel with such great characters. This was really one of those books that I couldn't put down until the very end.  "A Lady In The Making" was truly a "woman's journey to restitution and redemption."  Be ready to  complete this  circle...outlaws, stage-coaches, trains, forgiveness, steamboats,  that leads to trust and love.


I enjoyed this novel and I would definitely recommend this one to you as a excellent read.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

The Inn at Rose Harbor

Author: Debby Macomber
Published By: Ballantine Books
Age Recommended:  16+
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 5

Review:

"The Inn at Rose Harbor" by Debby Macomber was a excellent book that I found
a very enjoyable read that did present promise and hope.  If you are one of
Debbie Macomber's fans you will not be disappointed in this  wonderful well written Cedar Cove series read.


The novel deals with a woman named Jo Marie that has loss her husband and has purchased a Bed & Breakfast and two people will come to stay at this Inn ...one a woman who had loss her best friend and the other was a man (Josh) who had loss his mother and stepbrother...now his stepfather is dying. Will they be able to reconcile before it is too late?  Now to truly understand this
you will have to pick up this excellent read to see how Ms. Debbie Macomber is
able to bring this altogether into a very delightful read.  All three of these
characters are looking to something in their life that will give them hope for
the future and  making peace with the past. 

If you are looking for a fun and eventful read you have come to the right place
and I would recommend "The Inn at Rose Harbor" as a excellent novel to read.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Beside Two Rivers

Author: Rita Gerlach
Published By: Abingdon Press
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 5

Review:

"Beside Two Rivers" by Rita Gerlach was a wonderful story of love and forgiveness. This wonderful story took place in England and Maryland just after the Revolutionary War.  This novel is a series book...only adding to how good the other novels have been.  Ms. Gerlach presents such wonderful writings and her characters are off the chart..good....well driven...making this a great read! I was simply not able to put this novel down. There is so much happening in each and every page with  twist and turns... leaving you only to  say Wow I didn't see that coming!  This is where I say you must pick up "Beside Two Rivers" to see
from the beginning to the end how Ms. Gerlach will keep you interested. The scenes and descriptions are so well visualized...with all the history that was presented was simply beautiful.


If you are in for a good read that is full of forgiveness, romantic tensions and the message of God's love..."Beside Two Rivers" would be recommended as a excellent read for you.

The Three Letters

Author: Robert Ruisi
Published By: Amazon Digital Service, Inc.
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 5

Review:

"The Three Letter" by Robert Ruisi was a wonderful short letters to his three daughters....taking the time to say, "I love you."  Those three words were 
presented in a  fairytale....once upon a time.  This would definitely be something that his daughters would have a appreciate forever this keepsake and could even pass on to their daughters. I felt the author of "The Three Letter" was really trying to get across his real feelings for each of this daughters....'I love You'..... Good Job...Mr. Ruisi!

I would recommend this as a excellent read to my readers as a excellent read.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Undercover Alliance (The Confederacy Treaty # 3)

Author: Lilly Cain
Published By: Carina Press
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 4

Review:

"Undercover Alliance" by Lilly Cain was a good fantasy science fiction erotic romantic read that I found very interesting read.  This is the third novel in the Confederacy Treaty series which was a sexy sci-fi read. I found this novel a very good one starting with the main character who was Sarina.  Sarina was a alien called Inarrii..that had sexual species that  were called L'inar that run along their entire bodies.  These were nerve endings that make ones sexual encounters very lovely and also this helps the Inarrii to reach their sexual completion.   When the story begins, Sarina is damaged; her external nerve system that defines her race has been severed, and she's unable to reach a sexual climax, which her people determine is necessary to their mental health.  Now, if you are wondering just what all that is about I will stop here and say you must pick up the good read "Undercover Alliance" to find out just what this has to do with Sarina.  Will she get this back?

I did enjoy this fantasy read and found it hard to put  down until the end which wasn't bad because the whole novel was about 100 pages.


If you are looking for a good fantasy science fiction erotic romantic read...then I would recommend "Undercover Alliance" as a good read for your enjoyment.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Tigers in Red Weather


Author: Liz Klaussmann
Published By: Little, Brown & Company
Age Recommended:  Adult
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Blog For:  GMTA
Rating: 4

Review:

"Tigers in Red Weather" by Liz Klaussmann truly was  a intriguing read that left me saying Wow what a story. It wasn't a happy cheery book...but one of gloom and much doom.  However, I did find it realistic being very true to a way of life.
This was definitely one of those families that looked good on the outside but
when you explored deeper sometimes you never know just what is going on behind closed doors.  What is even more important sometimes everyone in the house may not really know what is going on either.  "Tigers in Red Weather" was of two woman Nick and Helena whose lives will be changed forever during this period of World War II.

I loved the way this author chose to explain this to its reader using five different
people's perspective. ...each were able to explain and recall different incidents
that really made this wonderful read believable.  You will find a lots of tangled webs of lies and many disappointments entwined in this read.  I even was able to laugh a some of it.  It was one of those reads  that was hard to put down because you were left wondering what was coming up next.

The ending  with that wried Ed...well what  would you expect leaving you with a very creepy unsettling end.  Will there be a sequel?

Now with that all said...I recommend you pick up "Tigers in Red Weather" to check out this good  entertaining read with much depth.

The Fatal Defence: An Ethan Hunter Legal Thriller (Ethan Hunter legal thriller series Book 2) Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood

 Book Excerpt: " Amid the mystery of his wife's death, lawyer Ethan Hunter regains his purpose after a courtroom triumph. But fate ...