Monday, March 30, 2015

Behind The Clutter [Truth. Love. Meaning, Purpose] By: June Saruwatari Saruwatari

Description:

"You are already a masterpiece Have you ever wanted to know the secret to creating a life you love? How do you discern what’s really standing in your way of becoming all you were born to be? In Behind the Clutter, June Saruwatari opens her home and her heart to reveal the transformative decluttering approach that has kept her in demand as a lifestyle, business & relationship coach, and professional organizer to investment bankers, attorneys, judges, artists, politicians, writers, rabbis, university professors, doctors, mothers, children, Hollywood producers, and celebrities. The key to your best life is to master the spaces of your body, mind, soul, and heart, and let go of the clutter within and without. In this part spiritual memoir, part self-help book, June vulnerably and relentlessly examines her own internal and external “stuff” through her unique fourfold lens of TruthLoveMeaningPurpose: • TRUTH: What is the truth of my current situation? • LOVE: Do I absolutely love this? • MEANING: What is the meaning of this for me? • PURPOSE: What purpose does this serve in my life? With fearlessness, vulnerability, and childlike enthusiasm, June digs deep to uncover the thoughts, feelings, memories, and beliefs that lay behind the clutter – and shares effective strategies to identify both internal and external clutter, let it go, and create space for miracles. As you go behind the clutter with June as your guide, you’ll discover that you are your own best expert at designing your life, learn to apply your own TruthLoveMeaningPurpose to all the “stuff” of life, and uncover the masterpiece of yourself that’s been there all along."

Title:  Behind The Clutter [Truth.Love.Meaning.Purpose]
Author:  June Saruwatari
Publisher:  Morgan James Publishing
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Behind The Clutter" by June Saruwatari

What I loved about this novel...

One thing for sure I learned the meaning of: 'Truth, Love, Meaning and Purpose' as this author was able to present that so well to the readers.  When it all said and done you are given a good look at yourself..what really makes you want to hold on to things that are so unimportant to your life.  You will be taken a a journey... a path that is met just for you.  In this read you get a little of it all of just how all this stuff can either help you or it can hold you back.  This author really lays it all out for the reader giving one the tools to use...exercise with challenges that will help your reasoning process for your stuff and even how it can help or hinder you understand it and even the emotions behind it all.  Be ready for some important tips that will be there to help you remove the clutter from ones life.  This was a very informative read  that I would definitely recommend  this novel to any one who have clutter in their life's.








Thursday, March 26, 2015

Trinidad & Tobago: [The Island Hopping Series Book 2] By: Janice Ross




Book Description....

"On the surface, the Island Hopping series is a remarkable journey of Sakkara Riley’s quest to locate her parents. What she learns is so much more than was ever expected. In Island Hopping: Trinidad & Tobago, Sakkara enlists the help of a local elderly historian, Natalia Day and her doting grandson, Anthony Lam. Equipped with her parcel of artifacts and a determined bravado, Sakkara uncovers more than she ever thought possible."





Title:  Trinidad & Tobago
Author:  Janice Ross
Publisher:  Cultural Cocktails
Series: The  Island Hopping Series Book 2
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review:

"Trinidad & Tobago" by Janice Ross

What I liked about this novel....

"Trinidad and Tobago" was a very well written story of Sakkara Riley who wanted so badly to find her true roots. This novel was the second in this author's series...'The Island Hopping.'  We find from the read that this author puts in quite a bit of research in putting this novel together as there will be a search from New York to some beautiful countries as this 'Island Hopping' will go...France, Trinidad & Tobago.  There will be some very interesting characters that will be presented that are well developed, well portrayed and even believable giving this read such a read that you will not want to put it down until the end.. only to be left wanting more!

Being adopted and wanting to find your birth mom and in the end will Sakkara's journey be for nothing? And to find out that your adopted mom ....well this is where I will say you must pick up the novel to get the whole story as it will be well presented to the reader.  I found the read somewhat complexed but very engaging as you follow the story of Sakkara's family history as it comes out.  Be ready for some twist and turns on this journey!  How this author was able to bring out the island's culture was done so beautifully.

Will Sakkara find out just 'who she is and  where she came from' as she searches for answers as Sakkara's journey continues on in this author's next novel. ...'Island Hopping:  Grenada?'  










Damaged Girls III By: Janice Ross


Book Description....

"Damaged and corrupted was only the beginning of this journey. Jessica Rodney and Jillian McConnell had traveled this road for years. All that linked the two, a selfish male with a taste for youthful flesh, Steven Briggs (AKA Stevie). As if he’d not ruined enough lives, Stevie adds to the equation. Tension builds, drama unfolds and love crumbles. Secrets have been unveiled, deep dark lives exposed. And with the revelations comes redemption.

As the Damaged Girls series comes to an ending, Jessica and Jillian are able to finally address their demons and move on. Does it come at a price? Most certainly. With an end to their defeat and victimization comes a pathway to finally becoming drama-free."

Book Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wf8B...


Title:  Damaged Girls III
Author:  Janice Ross
Publisher:  Cultural Cocktails
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review:

"Damaged Girls III" by Janice Ross

What I liked from this read......

Wow! What a read.  This was this author's third urban fiction that dealt with 'Damaged Girls' and it was indeed a interesting journey especially for Julian and  Jessica.   I will miss these characters plus a few more  because they brought a lot to this captivating series, especially II and III.  I was especially happy to  see some growth from  a few of the main characters as they take and gain control of their own life's that was so important for them to have by the closing  of this story.













Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Dying To Be Fine By: Hood Chronicles

Book Description....

"Hailing from Baton Rouge Louisiana, Yasmine is a young women forced into the harsh reality of life on the streets. After being pushed out of her mother’s home, she learns that survival without help in sight is not an easy task.
Facing trials and tribulations, she manages to make a glamorous life for herself in the entertainment industry, but only after undergoing cosmetic surgery. With her new astronomically sized assets, Yasmine finds herself the envy of women and the desire of men.
Taking her younger sister into her household, she teaches her the tricks of the trade, and attempts to teach her the lessons she herself learned the hard way. Coming of age, the defiant sibling has plans of her own, and feels that Yasmine's adamant rules stem from a hidden jealousy.
Delving into the black market, Yasmine and her sister meet the one person who will teach them that everything that glitters ain’t gold, and you can fall just as quickly as you rise.
Follow Yasmine's gripping story as she takes you on a mesmerizing trip with karma, sacrifice, and full-blown suspense!"


Title:  Dying To Be Fine
Author:  Hood Chronicles
Publisher:  World Haven Agenda
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Dying To Be Fine"  by Hood Chronicles

What I liked from this story....


This was a very powerful read by this author that was simply off the chart VERY well written so very GOOD!  Yes, it was a short read but it  gets to the point up front for the reader that your attention will be held all the way through this story. "Dying To Be Fine" really fits this  title because for this poor child [Yasmine] thinking her body would give her all the happiness she wanted but in the end well...and bringing her sister [Stacy] into all this with her dramatic emotional life was really quite something to  read about. With their mother [Cheryl] trying to lead them on the right path...but will she be able to do this?  I liked how in the end their mother was now "devoting her life to young women all across America as a motivational speaker on one main topic...a women's worth... helping other women avoid the path that her children had taken teaching these women to value themselves and making wiser decisions." I don't want to tell too much but to say you must pick up  this good novel to see how this author presents such a vivid picture so well to the reader.  I only hope all that reads this novel gets the message.

What I especially loved about this story.

 I loved  at the end  of the story where we find this author writes .... "Hood's Takes on a Women's Worth and the Interview with Moma Hood [Ms. Ramona]."  This was written so beautifully it brought tears being so well present to the readers .  Thank you, thank you  to the author Mr. Hood Chronicles for such a rich emotional read that will stay with the reader long after the read.  





















Sunday, March 22, 2015

The Man Who Loved Too Much [ Book 2: Entendre] By: John Rachel

Book Description...

"The Billy Green saga continues! Billy’s challenging, sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic, always unpredictable journey.

He was more determined than ever to find meaning in life and comfort in love.

Billy came to know one thing for sure.

Love is real.

He could now with the absolute cocksure confidence of pure enlightenment, scoff at the naysayers and spit in the face of the purveyors of romantic nihilism, the cynics who say that love is an illusion.

Billy knew the real score.
Love is the light that never dims.
Love is a wine that flows in our hearts.
Love is a wonder that has no beginning or end.
Love is a master key that opens the gates of perfection.
Love is the language our souls use to speak to one another.
Love is the trafficking of fantasies and transcending of mortality.
Love is an energy that can neither be created or destroyed.
Love is God Allah Yahweh Shiva Qat Aphrodite.
Love is touch smell feel taste listen pray.
Love is the poetry of the senses.
Love is metaphysical gravity.
Love is the gift of oneself.
Love is sweet tyranny.
All you need is love.

Descartes. You almost got it right.
Je aime, donc je suis.

Yes. That’s how it should go.
I love, therefore I am.

Valentines Day solipcism.

But does it ever turn out the way we planned? The way we hoped and dreamed?"






Title:  The Man Who Loved Too Much:  [Book 2:  Entendre]
Author:  John Rachel
Publisher:  Literary Vagabond Books
Series:  Book # 2 of 3
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"The Man Who Loved Too Much: [Book 2: Entendre]"  by John Rachel

What I enjoyed from this read.....

Wow! All I can say is this was some read. I must say I would suggest you read this author's first novel 'The Man Who Loved Too Much [Archipelago #1]' before reading this novel which continues on from book one. I found in 'Book 2: Entrendre' was quite a continuous journey of life as it was for Billy Green. I liked how this author was able to bring it all out with this person being so innocence and naive truly giving us a quite a read of just what all Billy Green had to through. Will Billy come out of all that is presented to him and still be the 'good' Billy Green as his mom sees him as? Will Billy really find the true meaning of just what 'Love Is' as he goes on with his life that seems not to be going the way he would like. But one thing for sure is that Billy was loved by his sweet Mom. Sorry I had to slip that in and at a point in the read he needed some love. I loved how this author was able to bring that relationship out so well to the readers. I will say the reader will be presented with some real interesting characters in this read ...some continues from the 'book one' and then 'book two' which there were some that were likable ones however, there were some not so likable ...and I can name three or four right off the bat.... as you continue to read from the novel. From the story we get quite a interesting well written story that will keep your attention in this read. I don't want to spoil it other than say you must pick up this novel to see what else will go on in Billy Green life as he seeks to find out or should I say will he truly find out what real true love is with the and main question being will he ever get what he really wants in life? It was quite interesting how this author deals with and brings what all is going in the life of Billy Green as he will leave one area and go to another. What is that all about? Will Billy find what he is looking for from this major move? Again, pick up this novel where all of these questions and much more will be answered. So, if you are looking for a 'challenging, humorous, tragic and very unpredictable' story then you have come to the right place for "The Man Who Loved Too Much Book 2: Entendre" will be a good read that I would definitely recommend to you. I will be looking for the next book 3 to get the end of it all of this story of Billy Green.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Ten Good Reasons By: Lauren Christopher



Book Description....

"In the latest Sandy Cove romance from the author of The Red Bikini, ten good reasons aren’t enough to keep Lia and Evan apart…

With a crazy eighty-hour-a-week job, an almost-boyfriend who’s left her for Bora Bora, and way too many terrible bridesmaid dresses in her future, Lia McCabe needs a change of pace before the imminent crush of the big 3-0.

First up, Lia is determined to help make sure her friend Drew’s whale-watching business takes off. But when an accident leaves him unable to man the boat, Lia’s only option is to convince Drew’s brooding, sexy brother to captain the ship (and save her butt).

For the last two years, Evan Betancourt has been sailing around the world to avoid the ghosts of his past. But when he pulls into Sandy Cove for a brief stop, Lia makes him an offer she won’t let him refuse.

And as these two opposites figure out how to work together, the murky waters between denial and attraction are creeping up fast…"


Title:  Ten Good Reasons
Author:  Lauren Christopher
Publisher:  Berkley
Series:  Sandy Cove # 2
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Review:

"Ten Good Reason" by Lauren Christopher

What I enjoyed by this novel....

This author really knows how to hit it out of the ball park...truly this second series 'Sandy Cove # 2'
was a perfect hit.  I loved how this author was able to put two opposites together...Evan and Lia.  This author know how to hold your attention because you will be kept on the edge of your seat turning the pages till the end even made to feel as if you are right there.  Lia knows what she has to do in order to save this whale watching business...for Drew and that was for her to get help from someone who is not interested, has a dark mysterious past and sexy as hell hulk... would Lia be able to pull this all  off  by getting Drew's brother Evan to help after his motorcycle accident?  What had Evan being doing lately?  He had been sailing  around the world with all of his tragic pass that was there to trouble  him.  Now you have the jest of the story. It will he a interesting read of just how Lia will convince Evan to help his estranged brother out of this predicament. Will this deal make or break Evan?   As this story goes on and Evan and Lia are together will their be an attraction for each other?
I loved this part of  how this author was able to put Lia out there in such a way and in the awe of the life in the sea that for him it seemed to have a  hold Evan so much that when Lia was gone away from him was he was still left thinking of beautiful Lia. Was Evan beginning to come down somewhat? Were they finally figuring it all out about themselves?   Now to truly understand this and so much more you will have to pick up "Ten Good Reason" to read and see what the author conveys it to the reader. It will be a good read!

There will be some interesting characters from this read... some you may like and others not so much but one thing is for sure the reader will be able to capture all the emotions...from sadness to even some humorous moments of this captivating journey of the read.
     
What I especially liked from this novel...

I loved this well written author's description of this type of life on the sea, the scenery, experiences of the whale watching in this beautiful world of marina's and coastal living was simply beautifully and was breathtakingly done.  In the end will we get a happily ever after? ....Well you will just have to pick up "Ten Good Reasons" to see.






So Much a Part of You By: Polly Dugan



Book Description...

"Two young women who've dated the same man navigate love, destiny, loss, and choice in this powerful debut.

Anna Riley and Anne Cavanaugh have had a lover in common, but it's not until a pivotal moment in one of their lives that their paths unforgettably converge. "Beautiful and connected in unexpected ways...." (Jodi Angel), the linked stories in So Much a Part of You "read like whispered secrets." (Scott Nadelson)

Peter Herring was the center of Anne's universe in college, and now, a few years later, he's become the center of Anna's, and merely a minor player in his ex-girlfriend's world. That is, until Peter and Anna are invited into Anne's parents' home to visit with her dying mother, and he finds himself drawn back into her orbit. Years later, when her own mother is dying, Anna will find herself yearning to reach out to Anne, with whom she had shared such a brief but intimate bond, and find solace in that moment from long ago.

Perspective evolves with time, and so with time, what Peter means to each woman-as lover, as friend, as connection to the past-also evolves. Through exploring Anne's and Anna's ties to Peter and unfolding the narratives of the people who weave meaningfully in and out of their lives, Polly Dugan reveals the power of family secrets, the ripple effects of her characters' emotional choices, and how poignantly their intertwined relationships shape who they are and how they love.

Possessing that rare ability to write the sweep of emotion with tenderness, Polly Dugan invites readers to witness the moments that define her characters-the moments that come back full circle to comfort or haunt them, or both. So Much a Part of You will break your heart and still have you asking for more."


Title:  So Much a Part of You
Author:  Polly Dugan
Publisher:  Little, Brown and Company
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Review

"So Much a Part of You" by Polly Dugan

What I thought about this novel...

This author presents to the reader a collection of tales where the story will connect to one another in one way or another.  I will say I did have a little trouble understanding some parts of this novel's connection however, before  I had finished reading  the novel I was able to understand and see its connection.    Most of these stories took place around the 1980's during the depression era where we found life somewhat much simpler and then it weaves on to the present time. The story was well written as the author give us a story of Peter who had quite a moral issue with two women that loved him.  All the way through the read all these issues will find that these three will explore relationships, loyalty, families and even love.  I found it interesting how this author was able to give the reader stories that weaved the past and present together as they are interconnected together giving the reader a look at their emotional, physical and psychological lives.  As you read from each short story you will see how the characters that are well presented having been weaved into the very next story which was very well done by the author. Be ready for a collection of stories that are linked together that will have a little bit of it all from some tragedies, from accidents, grief, anxiety, to one night stands, friendships, alcoholism to even an abortion.  Now,  will all these stories be something you can identify with in your life?...Well, you will have to pick up this read to see if  this  collection to see.   It will be a interesting read that may still leave you wondering.  









Independently Wealthy By: Lorraine Zago Rosenthal



Book Description....

Independently Wealthy is "soapy, fast-paced fun."

~Kirkus Reviews

"It's delicious fun."

~People Magazine - People Picks: "The Best New Books."

"In the sequel to New Money, Savannah Morgan delves into the mystery of her late media-mogul father’s death and uncovers more than she ever expected.

In New Money, Savannah Morgan was thrust into high-society New York when she learned she was the sole heir to her father’s billion-dollar fortune. In Independently Wealthy, she is living her dream life on the Upper West Side, excelling at her job as an editorial assistant, and enjoying her handsome new boyfriend, Alex.

Everything in Savannah’s life should be perfect—but she can’t ignore the questions and scandal surrounding her father’s fatal accident. Her hopes of solving this mystery are shared by Caroline Stone—her newfound sister who is slowly becoming a friend. Savannah decides to investigate, although not everyone wants her to discover the truth. Her domineering older brother, Ned, has his own problems, including a lingering regret over his recent divorce, the constant pressure of running the Stone media empire, and managing a playboy bachelorhood. As Savannah's quest for justice becomes complicated and dangerous, she is led to Washington, D.C., an alluring stranger, and more surprises, trouble, and changes than she ever could have imagined."


Title:  Independently Wealthy
Author:  Lorraine Zago Rosenthal
Publisher:  Thomas Dunne Books
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 4.5
Review:

"Independently Wealthy" by Lorraine ago Rosenthal

What I liked about this novel....

This was a well delivered intriguing novel of Savannah's search for many unanswered questions of her father's death. "Independently Wealthy" is the sequel to this author first novel of 'New Money' and  I did find some of the characters from  it in this second novel.


It was quite a read of about Savannah who learns about her father after his death along with learning that this Edward Stone had been a billionaire  media mogul leaving her his fortune. However, with learning all of this her father had also left some stipulations in his will and that was that Savannah would have to move from South Carolina to Manhattan, N.Y to work at his new corporation.  Now, why was this?  Well, I liked this idea...because there were two other half siblings involved in all of this.  After arriving in N.Y. Savannah begins to love the idea that she is now rich but also finding herself wanting answers to what had happened surround her father's death,  I liked how she set out to find out the answers of this car accident that had taken her father's life.  I also  liked all of the twist and turns that were brought about from the half  brother Ned and it was interesting seeing them playing detective to solve this mystery as it seems that this did becomes Savannah's obsession. This author present so well this relationship that will come about  as  Savannah, Caroline and Ned will   grow and develop through the read.  It was of great interest to how well Savannah wanted to find justice for the father she had never even met as questions will be answered from the story.

 Be ready for a read which will be suspenseful as it goes into some scandalous cases, many enemies come forth, murder, to affairs to a few other issues and  even many surprises will come  from this read. This is definitely one of those reads that you will find hard to put down because there will be so much going the readers attention will easily stay very focused on just what will happen next.  I found this characters were pretty much well developed, engaging, well portrayed and somewhat believable where the author was able to bring out to the reader by the end of the read  just how and why they were the way they were.  This author was definitely able to give the reader enough conflict in all that was going on in this story to keep your interest and making it  seem like it was a real  story that could have happened.

The story settling will start  from South Carolina, on  to  New York and to D.C. where you will find
"Independently Wealthy"was a contemporary read  that was a little long but it was fast paced, realistic, with some humor, drama, mystery, intriguing and even some  romance and in the end I am left saying that  I would I recommend as a enjoyable read.



 




























Love Gently Falling By: Melody Carson



Book Description....

"Rita Jansen is living her dream as a hairstylist in Hollywood when her father calls with news that her mother has suffered a stroke. When she gets home to Chicago, Rita finds her mother is healing but facing a long recovery. Worse, without being able to run their family-owned salon, her mother could lose the business. Rita decides to help, but she only has until Valentine's Day to come up with a plan.
As Rita takes her mother's place at work, the nearby skating rink she loved as a child brings back fond memories. Rita also finds herself renewing friendships with her childhood best friend, Marley, as well as her classmate Johnny. Although they now lead such seemingly different lives, Rita is surprised by how well she and Johnny connect and how far he will go to help her. Though Rita believes Johnny is only being kind, with romance kindling in the air and on the ice, their friendship may just fall into something more." 


Title:  Love Gently Falling
Author:  Melody Carlson
Publisher:  Center Street
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Love Gently Falling" by Melody Carson

What I liked about this novel....

This was a good read of how one family member really makes a difference in her life after her mothers has had a stroke.  I loved how this author show such affection that she [Rita] had for her family. We find that Rita was a hair stylist in  Beverly Hills and  has come back home  to Chicago to be with the family due to the fact that her mom has had a stroke. What I especially liked about this read was after seeing how the bad conditions were in her mom's hair shop Rita decides to do something about it in just the few weeks Rita was to stay in Chicago.  I liked how Rita felt that since her Mom had supported her dreams it was now her turn to help out.   Now, what do you think Rita was wanting to do?  Now, this is the part where I say you will have to pick up "Love Gently Falling" to see what all Rita has in mind to do and will she be able to do it?    It was a great story interest in how Rita was able to get the tasked done in just the short time she was there in Chicago.    I found all the the characters for the most part were all well developed, defined, well portrayed and very believable giving the reader a well told and written storyline.

The story will also dwell on old friendships...well this is the part that gets somewhat sticky for me. Were these really all her friends?  There was one  that  seemed sort of flaky at times, Johnny was a likable person ... [could Rita find love with him?] and then their was another one that wasn't really a pleasant person.  Now, what was really going on in all of this? Were there some fences that needed to be mended and if so by whom?   All I will say is that you will have to pick up the read to see for yourself who really was Rita's friends.

By the end  of "Love Gently Falling" will Rita be able t get her Mom's shop 'Hair and Now' in top shape?   Will she renew old friendships and possibly get a different future than she had planned?  One thing for sure you will get a ending that will have you wondering...at lease it was for me?  

What else I liked...

I found this author wrote a quick, very sweet light hearted love story that was in time for the Valentine Holiday that really fitted very well with the story. Also I liked how including  the return of the skating Ice Ring that had reopened after all these years  that was located outside the 'Hair and Now'  hair shop...would this be  there for Rita to find love?  If you are looking for a clean read where loyalty to the family comes first then you have come to the right place for good read  "Love Gently Falling" that I would recommend as a good read.

























Saturday, March 14, 2015

Extreme Circumstances By: Brenda Smith

Book Description....

“Extreme Circumstances,” the third book in the Circumstances series traces the life of Caroline Jackson, Brandi and TJ Pennington’s relative. The registered nurse finds herself tangled in a web of lies, deceptions, and abuse. The woman’s ability to maintain her sanity, survive, and move forward becomes questionable. She flees from her dangerous and twisted spouse, Dennis, and turns to her Claxville relatives for temporary respite. Extreme circumstances occur while she is with the aged and infirmed couple, ones leaving her homeless, penniless, and troubled. The couple who rested childless acquired an heir to the Pennington’s properties."



Title :  Extreme Circumstances
Author:  Brenda Smith
Publisher:  XLIBRIS
Book # 3
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: five
Review:

"Extreme Circumstances" by Brenda Smith

What I liked about this novel....

Hopefully you have already read this author first two books:  'Insane Circumstances and Unforeseen Circumstances' and now we have her last novel ..... "Extreme Circumstances."  I loved how this author was able to tie up any loose ends with this last novel...with the storyline being concentrated mainly on Caroline Jackson along with Brandi and TJ.  All I can say is this was quite some story about Caroline, Brandi's younger sister who really went through a lots of  trauma while also taking her family along with her.  Then their was Brandi and T.J's situation with all of his health problems.  I will say when it was all said and done I learned some very interesting facts about 'spousal abuse,  schizophrenic, bi-polar, dementia and Alzheimer disease.'   This author really gives the reader a  captivating read of the 'Brown and Pennington' family.  I would definitely suggest  for the reader to read these author's novels in order so that you will be a able it get it all in this well told and well written story.  

Unforeseen Circumstances By: Brenda Smith



Book Description....


"In spite of her parents' protests, Brandi Leigh Brown went to Claxville University, a recently integrated college. Faced with a series of what she later calls insane circumstances, the girl questions her ability to stay, graduate, and be successful. The young woman is rescued by TJ Pennington, a taxi driver who becomes her hero, and she experiences an all-consuming love in this extraordinary man. The woman reveals more of the saga of the Browns and the Penningtons in Unforeseen Circumstances, a contemporary fiction, which begins, "And when they were older . . . "

Title:  Unforeseen Circumstances
Author:  Brenda Smith
Publisher:  XLIBRIS
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: five
Review:

"Unforeseen Circumstances" by Brenda Smith

What I liked about this novel.....

This was a truly a amazing story about Brandi and her life with her husband TJ.  This is the second novel by the author with 'Insane Circumstances being her first novel that continues on  with "Unforeseen Circumstances."  I loved how this author was able to give the reader such a intriguing a captivating read that you will not want to put it down until the end.  It seems from the time Brandi meets TJ there will be a change in Brandi's life and oh what a good life it was for her.  But as life goes on there will be hard changes in TJ's life and having Brandi their for  TJ ....well you will just have to pick up the good read to see how this author presents it all to the reader.  This was  a truly well written read that will leave you thinking about it long after the read.  This will definitely be a 'Unforeseen Circumstances' that one would have never thought would happen, but it did and all I can say is that I loved how this circumstance was handled being dealt with so beautifully.  Thank you to the author for  giving the reader a very provoking good read!  Now, I only have one more thing to say and that is the author next book Extreme Circumstances is the next novel in the series and I will be looking forward it its read to see what else we will find out about this family.  

Embryo 5: Silver Girl [Embryo: A Raney & Levine Thiller] by J.A. Schneider

A Series:

Embryo ..... Is a malignant genius tinkering with women's bodies?
Embryo 2: Crosshairs ... A killer stalks women & an unborn baby.
Embryo 3: Raney & Levine... A religious zealot targets a child & the hospital caring for him.
Embryo 4: Catch Me ... A serial killer just targets couples.

and NOW....Embryo 5: Silver Girl ... A beautiful young TV star dies mysteriously...



Book Description:  

"A beautiful young TV star, Jody Merrill, dies mysteriously and police are stumped. They are even more at a loss when the grisly remains of yet another actress, Jody's co-star, are found.

Detectives request the help of doctors Jill Raney and David Levine, police friends and detectives on their own. For Jill and David this is personal; they are heartbroken since both murdered young women were their friends. Furiously they resolve to find the killer: to skirt the law as they always do in cases of sex crimes, child abuse and murder; helping where cops' hands are tied ("No warrant? No problem!"), or in ways that police forensics never imagined.

The killer, capable of unspeakable savagery, must commit more murders in order to hide...possibly behind the glitzy cover of Show Biz Hell. As Jody Merrill called it, "That gorgeous, sparkly bubble that closes you in, bloats your ego in some weird, alternate universe where you lose all bearings, lose yourself. Fame is unhealthy."

Title:  Embryo 5: Silver Girl
Author:  J.A. Schneider
Publishers: J.A.S. & R.G.S.
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: five
Review:

"Embryo 5:  Silver Girl" by J.S. Schneider

What I liked about this novel....

What will happen when a friend of Jill and David ends up dying after being brought to Madison Memorial emergency in critical condition?  Will this be another one of this author's Raney & Levine suspenseful  thrillers?  YES!  For Jill and David maybe Doctors however they are definitely a crime fighters who get the bad guys too.    How will these two find this horrible killer so that there will be no more gruesome deaths?  Well, to get all of those answers and more you will have to pick up 'Embryo 5: Silver Girl' to find out and noting that is  this author's fifth Embryo series.  Be ready for another one of this author's excellent thrillers as she takes you from the beginning to the end giving the reader a fantastic thrill of a  read with some off the chart well developed characters..some old ones from other series and especially Jesse who is now eighteen months old.  If you are looking for a love-betrayal glamorous side of TV stardom  mixture you have come to the right place for a very interesting thriller that I would recommend as a good read.  



Sunday, March 8, 2015

A New Season: The Fortunes of BLUES and BLESSINGS BOOK II By: Karen Sloan-Brown



Book Description....

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. A New Season begins with Diana attempting to revive her singing career. She has a son, Caesar, who she leaves in search of her dream. She dies and her mother, Maia, takes Caesar to Nashville to live with his father a former Fisk Jubilee Singer. The story continues in Nashville with Caesar caught in conflict between his father, David, and stepmother, Grace. After high school, Caesar travels to New York where he gets a job in a hotel and learns to cook. He joins the National Guard and becomes of member or the Fighting 369 regiment in WWI. After the war is over her returns to Nashville and marries the sister of one of war buddies. They eventually have a set of twin boys they name, Caesar Blue and Caesar Bless. The story follows the brothers as they grow up near the thriving Jefferson Street attending Fisk and Tennessee A& I."

Title:  A New Season  The Fortunes of Blues and Blessings Book II
Author:  Karen Sloane-Brown
Publisher:  Brown Reflections
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  five
Review:

"A New Season:  The Fortunes of Blues and Blessings Book II"  by Karen Sloan-Brown

What I loved from the read....

This is this author's second novel that continues on from 'The Fortunes of Blues and Blessing' that was truly a amazing read and now we have her next novel.... "A New Season:  The Fortunes of Blues and Blessing Book II that was also a good historical read.  Even though this is a fictional  read it still has some history that does ring so truthful  in what what going on in our country at that present time.  I really loved how this author was able to present to the reader such a story line with such interesting characters that were well developed, well portrayed and believable that flowed so well in this well told story.  I found that I was not able to put this novel down until the end.  This story really starts from this author's first novel and this 'book 2' will put the icing on it all explaining so much that you will feel caught up in this intriguing and captivating read. I would definitely recommend the reader to read the first novel because it explains so much that had happened earlier in the present story.   I do not want to spoil any of this story other than to say you will have to pick up the amazing read to see for yourself how well this author brings it all out to the reader.  Very well done to the author.  You  have truly written two amazing interesting reads!










Friday, March 6, 2015

Soft Target: A Cybertech Thriller By: John D. Trudel



Book Description....

"Soft Target: A Cybertech Thriller The 21st Century started off dangerous and got worse. America is working its way back, wounded, but recovering and rebuilding. Exceptionalism is a memory, but embers glow in the darkness. Hope is alive. A maverick scientist, GERRY PATTON, works alone behind tight security. Her wild card project could ensure government survival if Washington was destroyed, but it's being sabotaged. MIKE MICKELSON ("Twenty Mike"), a Marine, was gravely wounded when his command post in Yemen was overrun. Now unfit for combat, he's assigned to help Gerry. Unknown enemies are watching. An attack is planned, a coup orchestrated by officials in our own government. Gerry's program could hamper their plans. Why take a chance? She's a Soft Target. Can Mike save Gerry? Can she help him heal? Can they prevent a paralyzing WMD attack?"

Title:  Soft Target:  Cybertech Thriller
Author:  John D. Trudel
Publisher:  Create Space
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  five
Review:
"Soft Target:  A Cybertech Thriller" by John D. Trudel

What an interesting cybertech thriller read!  Even though this is not one of my favorite genres however I will say that this author was able to keep me interested and captured in this novel until the very end with all that was going on in this fictional fast paced thriller read.  This author really knows how to impart to the reader the realism to it all  through his own technical education and  experiences.  Be ready for a lots of action in this cybertech thriller that will only leave you only wanting to know more.   The characters in this novel are simply off the chart...well developed, well portrayed and oh so well believable.  By the end of the read you have quite a intriguing technological plot with some unforgettable characters where we see 'heroes vs a tyrannical government' .... and even a love interest will come into play.   By the end of the read this author really gives the reader something to think about long after reading "Soft Target"  and will leave one thinking are we 'soft targets?'











Smoke N' Stroke: Four20 Bae Kindle Edition by Aja

 Book Excerpt: " Have you ever met a man who sets your soul on fire… and you also hate him? Yes, no, maybe? Well, for me, that man is Z...