The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton

 Book Excerpt:

"A kaleidoscopic fictional oral history of the beloved rock ’n’ roll duo who shot to fame in 1970s New York, and the dark, fraught secret that lies at the peak of their stardom.

Opal is a fiercely independent young woman pushing against the grain in her style and attitude, Afro-punk before that term existed. Coming of age in Detroit, she can’t imagine settling for a 9-to-5 job—despite her unusual looks, Opal believes she can be a star. So when the aspiring British singer/songwriter Neville Charles discovers her at a bar’s amateur night, she takes him up on his offer to make rock music together for the fledgling Rivington Records.

In the early seventies New York City, just as she’s finding her niche as part of a flamboyant and funky creative scene, a rival band signed to her label brandishes a Confederate flag at a promotional concert. Opal’s bold protest and the violence that ensues set off a chain of events that will not only change the lives of those she loves but also be a deadly reminder that repercussions are always harsher for women, especially black women, who dare to speak their truth.

Decades later, as Opal considers a 2016 reunion with Nev, music journalist S. Sunny Shelton seizes the chance to curate an oral history about her idols. Sunny thought she knew most of the stories leading up to the cult duo’s most politicized chapter. But as her interviews dig deeper, a nasty new allegation from an unexpected source threatens to blow up everything.

Provocative and chilling, The Final Revival of Opal & Nev features a backup chorus of unforgettable voices, a heroine the likes of which we’ve not seen in storytelling, and a daring structure, and introduces a bold new voice in contemporary fiction."

Title:  The Final Revival of Opal & New

Author: Dawnie Walton
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"The Final Revival of Opal & Nev" by Dawnie Walton

My Opinion:

It is an interesting mythical read where one can be drawn to Opal and Nev's rock and roll duo history. Be ready for some unique characters that are well-developed and well-defined in each of their own ways. I liked how this author uses a journalistic style [Sunny] who wrote the biography of these two... Opal and Nev. Opal Jewel was some amazing character who defied the accepted views of the 1970s and refused only to be herself!

The author gives us quite a read from the 1960s through 2016 of 'the history of Detroit, the religious sister, manager and promoter, other record artists, family connections, romance, systemic racism, integument, mystery, and a good look behind the scenes of the music industry.' This was definitely controversial looked that showed the racism and sexism that was very prevalent at that time with a unique way that tells a story from many POV's. Can one believe many of these deals with some of the same racial injustice issues that we still see today?

'The Final Revival of Opal & Nev' will be one of those reads that will definitely keep you reading where you will find some humor, heartbreak, and still thought-provoking long after the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon, and Schuster for the ARC!

GIVING VOICE TO TRUTH God’s Heart for Racial Unity Pastor Erven A. Kimble

 Book Excerpt:

"The real purpose and reason I decided to engage in this project are to promote the transformational life of Christ that affords every believer a spiritual new identity as a child of the King. I hope that this work will highlight Jesus Christ as the only answer to this historically unmatched blight on human civilization caused by slavery in America and the remnants of systemic racism that continue to plague our culture today. To get a sense of the division and strife around this topic, one needs only surf the cable news channels or the internet. One thing that rings clear is the heightened level of racial divisiveness in our country's culture; the separation lines are clearly drawn. Have you ever wondered: What is it that is really at play here? There seems to be an ever-widening increase in the differences between racial lines in America and even the rest of the world. It is evident that amid these challenges expressed in each news cycle, there is no clear Christian expression — there are hardly any declarations that reflect “The Voice of God.” There is no doubt that some religious leaders speak out; however, many voices speaking on this issue express their own social or political points of view. When it comes to how our culture should address the issue of race in America, the voice of God is deafeningly silent. The public dialogue continues without much or specific input from the contemporary Christian community. The body of Christ in America, as a whole, is quite divided along racial lines; this is reflected in the split within the contemporary Church along political party lines and social policies. There is preaching about how we ought to, how we should, or how we want to treat one another as children of God. Each voice declares that they are on the right side of history or the right side of the political spectrum — but what about being on the right side of God?"

Title: Giving Voice To Truth God's Heart for Racial Unity
Author: Pastor Erven A. Kimble
Publisher: E.A.K.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Giving Voice To Truth God's Hear for Racial Unity" by Pastor Erven A. Kimble

My Opinion:

The author did a wonderful job "to promote the transformational life of Christ that affords every believer a spiritual new identity as a child of the King." I could agree to get a sense of the division and strife that exist from this topic; all that is needed is to go on the internet and the news cable channels that we watch daily. And yes, one will be able to see the 'racial divisiveness' that is in our culture where the lines of separation are very much shown. So, what is this 'ever-widening of differences that are there along the racial lines all over the world? Are there "any declarations that will reflect the Voice of God?" I agree that "when it comes to how our culture addresses the issue of the race in American, the voice of God is very silent on that issue." Why are we as 'the body of Christ, divided along racial lines?' I agree that this has to do with the 'reflected in the split with the contemporary Church along the political party lines and social policies.' Yes, "we are preached about how we ought to, how we should, or even how we want to teach one another as a child of God but are they on the right side of history or the right side of the political spectrum...but in the end, I must agree isn't it about being on the right side of God?" I received much of the above information from this author's description, and the reader will give one much to ponder over long after the read.

I enjoyed reading through "Giving Voice to Truth" in how the author gives it to the reader in six parts:

In each of these parts, there is something for us to think long and hard about...

Part 1: The Challenge: The Motivation, The Importance of Having Difficult Conversations

Part 2: Revelation: Willing to See What We Really Don't See, Closet Racist: My Encounter, Prideful Mentality, Victim's Mentality, Greed Mentality & Fear Motivation

Part 3: Illumination: The Complicity: Slavery and Racism, Recent Apologies for Slavery and Racism, The Catholic Church, The Southern Baptist Convention, United Methodist Church, The Episcopal Church, The Nest Step for the Church & What Is the Cost for the Local Church to Speak Out

Part 4: Unification Vs. Integration: The Call to the Church, The Failure of Desegregation, The Value Proposition, The White Culture and Assimilation, The Challenges to Unification, Living Between Two Worlds, Confession/Release/Forgiveness & Forgiving a System Vs. Forgiving a Person

Part 5: No Longer the Son of a Slave: The Sons of Slaves and the Sons of Slave Masters, Liberating the Sons and the Daughters, Deliverance From a Slave's Mentality, From Sons of Slaves to the Children of the King, & No Longer the Son of a Slave

Part 6: Conclusion: Overview, What Must Happen? What's Next?

From this author, yes, most people understand "the irrefutable reality is that there is systemic racism in America," which is so sad to say. "Giving Voice to Truth God's Heart for Racial Unity" was truly a "good book that was aimed at a Biblical premise and approach to establishing an unfeigned dialogue in addressing the issue of systemic racism in America."

If you are interested in how well this author gives his interpretation of this good read of "Giving Voice To Truth: God's Heart of Racial Unity," you should pick up this read and see for yourself how well this author brings it all out to the reader. To get it all, you will have to pick this up and see for yourself how well everything is brought out to you.

I liked this quote: "Do read this book! You will understand so many things so much more fully if you do."

The Sweet Taste of Muscadines A Novel by Pamela Terry

 Book Excerpt:

"A woman returns to her small southern hometown in the wake of her mother’s sudden death—only to find the past upended by stunning family secrets—in this intimate debut novel, written with deep compassion and sharp wit.

“A deeply moving work of Southern fiction that will appeal to fans of Where the Crawdads Sing . . . a story to remember long after the last page is turned.”—Susan Wiggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lost and Found Bookshop 

Lila Bruce Breedlove never quite felt at home in Wesleyan, Georgia, especially after her father’s untimely demise when she was a child. Both Lila and her brother, Henry, fled north after high school, establishing fulfilling lives of their own. In contrast, their younger sister, Abigail, opted to remain behind to dote on their domineering, larger-than-life mother, Geneva. Despite their independence, Lila and Henry know deep down that they’ve never quite reckoned with their upbringing.

When their elderly mother dies suddenly and suspiciously in the muscadine arbor behind the family estate, Lila and Henry return to the town that essentially raised them. But as they uncover more about Geneva’s death, shocking truths are revealed that overturn the family’s history as they know it, sending the pair on an extraordinary journey to chase a truth that will dramatically alter the course of their lives. The Sweet Taste of Muscadines reminds us all that true love never dies."

Title:  The Sweet Taste of Muscadines

Author:  Pamela Terry

Publisher:  Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine    

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"The Sweet Taste of Muscadines" by Pamela Terry

My Opinion:  

'The Sweet Taste of Muscadines' was indeed a delightful, good family mystery read that will keep you turning the pages in this southern drama.  I enjoyed how Lia finally found answers that would give her the peace she so needed.  The story really turned from an unexpected death that would lead Lila and Henry to Scotland to get all of the answers needed to complete this well-told story.  One thing to get out of this story was that one never knows about one's kinfolk and when the secrets come rolling out!  I will say that 'The Sweet Taste Of Muscadines' will pull one 'in just like the taste of sweet tea and southern charm.'  So be prepared for a read about a 'family, their history, drama, and oh yes, dysfunction' in one way or another.

This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wishing for a Cowboy by Victoria James

 Book Excerpt:

"From New York Times, bestselling author Victoria James comes a heartwarming love story about family, forgiveness, and the true meaning of "home."

Janie Adams has been a single parent to her nephew since he was a baby. Fifteen years later, she’s finally found out who his father might be, so the two of them travel across the country to find him. She’d do anything for this kid. But when they arrive in the small town of Wishing River, Montana, and Janie finally meets the ruggedly handsome cowboy she’d been told had abandoned his son, his shocked response changes everything.

Aiden Rivers can’t dispute this is his kid when he sees his own features staring back at him, but he had no idea Janie’s sister was pregnant when she left him. He didn’t even know she had a sister—clearly, they’d all been lied to. Now he has fifteen years of fatherhood to make up for and no idea how to be a dad. This was never in his plans.

Janie sticks around to help him ease into parenting, everything from showing him how to lure a sulky kid out of his bedroom to keep up with the latest teen-speak. Together, they surprisingly make a good team, this city girl and country boy. But when the past catches up with them, Aiden and Janie must decide what’s best for the boy who's connecting them, not only for each other…which could mean splitting them apart."

Title: Wishing For A Cowboy
Author: Victoria James
Publisher: Entangled: Amara
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Wishing For A Cowboy" by Victoria James

My Opinion:

Wishing for a Cowboy" was an enjoyable and emotional story where we find Aiden the cowboy get a shock at finding out that he has a fifteen-year-old son, Will. And guess who he got this information from...his ex-girlfriend's sister, Janie, the aunt. I enjoyed all of the characters presented in this story [except 1], bringing out a well-told story from the start till the finish.

It will be quite a read as Aiden and Janie work together navigating co-parenting and guess what...by the end, will they fall in love? Now, be prepared for there to be trouble that will come up for these two as hidden secrets will come out as they try to solve this situation that they are going through.

This is where I say you will have to pick up "Wish for a Cowboy" to see how well this author brings it out so well to the reader. The story will definitely warm one's heart and leave you with a smile on your face.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing LLC. for the advanced ARC of this book. The opinions stated are my own.

Unbroken (Devil Dogs Book 1) Kindle Edition by J. Haney (Author), S.I. Hayes (Author)

 Book Excerpt:

"Shattered promises make for broken people.

Fight for freedom, for the country, and for love. That was my MO, but after the ultimate betrayal, I put my life on hold.
My Name is Joshua McLaren, and between being a Hospital Corpsman, EMT, and father, I have no room in my life for relationships. Women weren’t even on my radar. Work, eat and sleep. That’s it.
It was just supposed to be another answered call. Routine in its entirety. Then, I held that little girl in my arms. Saw the damage done at another’s hands. Felt the pull to my soul. I can’t let them go. I can’t leave Magnolia Gossett alone. The protector in me needs this. Needs to do something, make it right.
In helping her, I’m finding that love matters, and some promises may have to be broken."

Trigger Warning
Violence
Erotic Elements
Strong Language
Paranormal References

Title:  Unbroken

Author:  J. Haney & S. I. Hayes

Publisher:  Haney/ Hayes Books                               

Series:  Devil Dogs Book 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"Unbroken" by J. Haney & S. I. Hayes

My Opinion:

Be ready for a little bit of it all as we see Joshua Mc Laren will 'fight for freedom, for the country, and for the love' of Magnolia Gossett and her two children.  I enjoyed how well this story was put together as we see how Joshua was drawn to Magnolia's problem that she was going through. Joshua being a 'Hospital Corpsman and EMT, what did he find from answering a call from Magnolia's home?  Will he be able to help Magnolia in her time of need?  Why is Joshua so compelled to want to help Magnolia?  What did it take for Magnolia to know she needed help?  

Where this is one of those stories that you will have to pick up 'Unbroken' to see how the story comes out...oh wait, there will be even more as we will come to this cliffhanger, and you will have to get the need series to get the rest of the story.  I will say that part I didn't like...I hate cliffhangers! However, do pick up the story to get many of the above questions answered.

The characters in this story were all well-developed and so defined, giving the reader quite an interesting read.    

Be ready for 'trigger warnings, violence, erotic elements, strong language and paranormal references' as we read through this series, all giving the reader a good read that will leave you on the edge of your seat waiting for more.  

 

Never Knew Love Like This: A Second Chance Romance (Love Bites Book 1) Kindle Edition by Shani Greene-Dowdell

 Book Excerpt:

"They say if you love something, let it go. If it comes back to you, it’s yours. If it doesn’t, then it was never meant to be yours.

Because of a misunderstanding, college sweethearts Ryan Rogers and Chrissy Underwood have torn apart. A year later, they reconnect at Valentine’s Day Masquerade Party. With the lights low, the music humming, and their faces hidden underneath a mask, they’re still able to recognize one another. And the love they once felt is still there and strong as ever. As they sway to the music and reminisce, Ryan can clear up the misunderstanding that forced Chrissy to leave.

However, will Chrissy have the guts to reveal the secret she left town with?"

Title:  Never Knew Love Like This:  A Second Chance Romance

Author:  Shani Greene-Dowdell

Publisher:   Imperial Publishing House      

Series:  Love Bites Book 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"Never Knew Love Like This" by Shani Greene-Dowdell

My Opinion:  

A sweet and short romantic read that featured Chrissy and Ryan.  From the read, these two had great chemistry with some interesting characters in the story.  However, I did get somewhat tired of the heroine where she appeared to be rather childish in her behavior, definitely very immature of a twenty-some-year-old.  When the problems came into play, a lot of it was from childlike immaturity that can happen in any relationship.  Will these two ever be able to talk to one another and get back together?  Well, to find out what all is going on with these two, you will have to pick up 'Never Knew Love Like This' to see how it will come out.  

Tangled Up In Blue (Grey Gulls Landing Book 1) Kindle Edition by S.I. Hayes

 Book Excerpt:

"Sutton‌ ‌Bishop‌ has always dreamed of a career in law enforcement. After years stuck in a loveless marriage, she finds herself divorced and a top graduate of the Academy. She is determined to juggle her life as a mom and a new recruit to the Steel Head family, even if her partner is an ornery jerk.

A sexy ornery jerk.

Marcus Cameron was once an esteemed member of the K9 unit until his canine partner was lost in the line of duty. He’s hardened his heart and tightened his britches to move on. Tasked with a babysit, he just wants to do the job and go home so he can drink and fish.
When the pair encounter a key player in an ongoing DEA/FBI investigation, it doesn’t matter how unhappy he is or how green she may be-all all bets are off, and hearts toe the line as they find themselves tangled up in blue."

Title:  Tangled Up In Blue

Author:  S.I. Hayes & J. Haney

Publisher:  S. I. H. & J.H.

Series:  Grey Gulls Landing Book 1                     

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

Tangled Up In Blue" by S.I. Hayes and J. Haney

My Opinion:  

Interesting story of a police investigation, along with a steamy romance of two agents [Sutton & Marcus] who were divorced with a total of six children together.  How will this story all come together for them after an affair involving Sutton's father comes to light, and these two families will have to go undercover and investigate?  What will happen when Sutton and Marcus seem to have feelings for one another, and then there seems to be another problem...is she pregnant?   Be ready for many things that will go on between the two adults, and let's not leave out the humorous conflicts that will come from their creative children.  You will have to pick up "Tangled Up In Blue" to get the whole story that will only leave the reader wanting to know more of what will happen next for this family.  

While I Slept by Lakisha Johnson

 Book Excerpt:

"Everything I thought about my life turned out to be a lie.

The plans we made and prepared for, wiped out in the blink of an eye.
In the morning and during the day, things seem fine except ...
Plans were being made to end my life while I slept.

In this quick, suspense short read, come along on the journey of Corah and Tyrone Patrick as one of them finds out how life can change drastically while they sleep."

Title:  While I Slept

Author:  Lakisha Johnson

Publisher:  Twins Write 2                   

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"While I Slept" by Lakisha Johnson

My Opinion:

Wow, this was some good reading that will keep you turning the pages till the end.  Truly this short story will have many twists and turns before what is happening happens.  How will this all end up for Corah Patrick, who is put through quite a bit before she wakes up to what has gone on in her life?  To find out all the answers to these questions and more, you will have to pick up 'While I Slept' to see how well this author brings it all out to the reader.

Soul Love (Soulmates Book 3) Kindle Edition by Aja

 Book Excerpt:

"Zoe comes from a line of clairvoyant, empathic women. Each one, including Zoe, is deeply connected to the world around them. Zoe's gifts are much more intense and hard to go unnoticed by those who get close to her, so she often hides what she knows to avoid being seen as unstable. She's always known who the love of her life was going to be; she just hadn't met him yet. He could live halfway across the world for all she knew. But if she saw him... or if she met him ... she would know she was meeting her soul mate. The man for her. Her man to love ... Rashaad.

Rashaad only wants two things: to play his music and explore the world, and women, while he does it. So far, he's been managing that very well until he is pulled to the less than bustling, more like unassuming, city of Pittsburgh. He figures he can just get in and get out and move on, but getting in, is more about love, and getting out, would be about leaving it. He doesn't know how to make that decision when it involves Zoe, someone new. His once in a lifetime."

Soul Love is book three of the Soulmates series. ♥

Visit ajathewriter.com for more information about Aja, her work, or specifically the Soulmates series...

Title:  Soul Love

Author:  Aja

Publisher:  She Loves Words Publishing LLC 

Series:  Soulmates Book 3

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Soul Love" by Aja

My Opinion:

"Soul Love" was a beautiful story; we find Zoe was soon to graduate from culinary school and guess what she was near to accomplish a goal set for her, and that was finding her soul mate, Rashaad.  Rashaad was one gifted musician that was being well sought out in the entertainment business, and for some reason, he had been drawn to the Pittsburgh area. How will these two meet?  That was truly something as these both lived in the same building, and we find Zoe employed as an apprentice cook that worked at the same place where Rashaad played his gig at this local spot.  

This was one captivating story as these two come together.  How did Zoe know that this was her soulmate? There will be some family issues [father issues]  that both will struggle with that they will have to overcome.  Be ready for a hot relationship that will let you know these two are made for each other.  So, you must pick up the last series, 'Soulmates Book 3,' to find out all of what goes on with Zoe and Rashaad.  

I loved the final chapter and that epilogue...'The Stars' was beautifully done!

Yours For The Taking (Falling For A Rose Book 12) Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris

 Book Description:

"Outspoken, daring, assertive—Nothing stands in Carla Jones’s way when she has her mind made up. Carla’s witty personality is a breath of fresh air to those around her. And someone who admires Carla from afar happens to be the only person that’s invaded her dreams and awakened her passion for love. The problem is whenever their paths cross, it’s for a stimulating fleeting moment. When those moments end, his silence makes Carla wonder if their chemistry is a figment of her imagination. Clueless about his disposition, Carla decides to leave her options open for love even when her soul yearns for the man of her distant dreams.

It was his heart he couldn’t ignore.

World-renowned Architect Jacob Alexander Rose wants to stick to his daily routines and career-driven focus. Relationships are a thing of his past, and they never worked in his favor. But with every event he attends, so does the one who rules his cognitive mind—Carla Jones. Sensuous thoughts of her bombard him at every turn, making Jacob wonder if colliding with Carla is a part of his future he’s determined to fight off.

Consumed with an ever-present dripping heat when their proximities converge, Jacob is torn between exploring their attraction or allowing the pain of a disappointing history to take precedence over what could’ve been."

Title:  Yours For The Taking

Author:  Stephanie Nicole Norris

Publisher:  Love Is A Drug Ink LLC 

Series:  Falling For A Rose Book 12

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Yours For The Taking" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Opinion:  

Carla and Jacob's story really put the icing on the cake when they finally could connect completely, and oh what sweet passion!  When these two got together, there was no holding back as they confessed their love to one another.  Be ready for a wonderful finale, with this novel being the ending of the Falling For A Rose series. If you haven't read the whole Falling for a Rose Series, then you must do so!  It is indeed a beautiful series! 

Pretty Shattered Soul Kindle Edition by Robbi Renee

 Book Excerpt:

"Trauma left her captivating, sweet soul flawed, distressed, disconnected, and shattered. Savvy and effortlessly beautiful, Syncere James concealed her heartache, finding security and refuge in her career as a successful real estate agent. Refusing to lose control, Syncere dictates and schedules every aspect of her life, including her relationships with men. The pretty princess never desired the love of a prince, then she met a King.

Wealthy construction company owner, King Cartwright, could have the heart of any woman in Haven Point, but he only has eyes for the gorgeous and complicated Syncere James. Navigating her complex layers, will his persistence and protection win her love? Or are Syncere’s unreasonable barriers and immeasurable pain too much for King to make her his queen?"

**Sensitive Material

Title:  Pretty Shattered

Author:  Robbi Renee

Publisher:  Love Notes by Robbi Renee

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:
"Pretty Shattered" by Robbi Renee

My Opinion:  

This story was definitely an amazing, phenomenal read that can reach so many different areas of one's life as it did for Syncere.  We find Syncere's life was put on quite an emotional roller coaster ride some ten years later until she met King.  And even after meeting him, there was emotional healing that still needed to be done in so many different ways.  However, meeting King was a plus in Syncere's life, and having her G-ma and cousin, Symphony [prima], who were both there for her in all she had been through.  There will be a heavy subject, but I will not go into it other than to say this is where you will have to pick up the good read to see how well this author brings it all out to the readers.  I will say I loved how well it was handled and done with a good state that will leave one knowing its solution.  I also loved the story's parts that will give one a good feel, laughter, and ever maybe a tear.   I don't want to leave out the many well-developed and defined characters that really made this story awesome; well, there were two that I didn't care for.  

This story gave way at the end to want to know of Symphony's story.  All in all, this was a wonderful read that will definitely keep you turning the pages till the end.  

The Incredible Winston Browne by Sean Dietrich

 Book Excerpt:

"Beloved writer Sean Dietrich—also known as Sean of the South—will warm your heart with this rich and nostalgic tale about community, kindness, and the meaning of every day incredible.

In the small, sleepy town of Moab, Florida, folks live for ice cream socials, Jackie Robinson, and the local paper’s weekly gossip column. For decades, Sheriff Winston Browne has watched over Moab with a generous eye, and by now, he’s used to handling the daily dramas that keep life interesting for Moab’s quirky residents. But just after Winston receives some terrible, life-altering news, a feisty little girl with mysterious origins shows up in his best friend’s henhouse. Suddenly Winston has a child in desperate need of protection—as well as a secret of his own to keep.

With the help of Moab’s goodhearted townsfolk, the humble and well-meaning Winston Browne still has some heroic things to do. He finds romance, family, and love in unexpected places. He stumbles upon adventure, searches his soul, and grapples with the past. In doing so, he just might discover what a life well-lived indeed looks like.

“Sean Dietrich has written a home run of a novel with The Incredible Winston Browne. Every bit as wonderful as its title implies it’s the story of Browne—a principled, baseball-loving sheriff—a precocious little girl in need of help and the community that rallies around them. This warm, witty, tender novel celebrates the power of friendship and family to transform our lives. It left me nostalgic and hopeful, missing my grandfathers, and eager for baseball season to start again. I loved it.” —Ariel Lawhon, New York Times bestselling author of I Was Anastasia."

Title: The Incredible Winston Browne
Author: Sean Dietrich
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Incredible Winston Browne" by Sean Dietrich

My Opinion:

"The Incredible Winston Browne" was that it was quite a good read that will keep you turning the pages till the very end. Just imagine living in this small town of Moab, Florida, and having the camaraderie that went on in this touching story of the main character Winston Browne. We find Winston is the town's local sheriff who can do some very extraordinary things.

However, what will happen when a person is told he is dying? Will he be able to get done some things that were so important to him before his death sentence? Be ready for a load of some well-developed cast of characters that will have you in tears, laughing at some of the funny things that go on in this story.

This author knows how to brings a story to life as this story is so enriched with human emotions where one is trying to live without any regrets while dealing with mortality. Along with the story about Winton Browne, there is another story about Jessie. What was that all about? To find out what is going on in this story, I would recommend you pick up "The Incredible Winston Browne" to get the whole story.

The scene of this town of Moab, set in the panhandle of Florida, close to Pensacola in 1955, where the Brooklyn Dodgers beat the reigning NY Yankees in the World Series.' So, if you are a baseball lover, this would be a good read for you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Shut'em Down: Black Women, Racism and Corporate America Kindle Edition Presented by Carey Yazeed

 Excerpt:

"Shut’em Down is the battle cry of Black women who have suffered abuse and trauma at the hands of corporate America. Composed of the stories of 20 Black women who have been impacted by racism in the workplace, this anthology not only offers us conversation starters on how to combat racism on the job but also transformative ideas to create safer workspaces for Black professionals."

Title Shut'em Down: Black Women, Racism & Corporate America
Author: Tara Hines-McCoy & Presented by Carey Yazeed
Publisher: Shero Productions, LLC
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating; Five
Review:
"Shut'em Down" by Tara Hines-McCoy & Presented by Caret Yazeed

My Opinion:

Wow! This was some interesting read as you read of 'twenty Black women who have been impacted by racism in the workplace.' As I read about each of these women, all I could do was shake my head, knowing the truth was all over the place; yes, I am a black woman and could identify with many stories. I was left hoping that this novel will get into the hands of white people who need to read this book. It will definitely give you how many of us 'Black Women' feel about the 'White Privileged' as it applies to these racisms and corporate America stories.

I loved the conclusion of 'Shut'em Down' ... "Where Do We go from here?' 'Will there be a change in corporate American when it comes to the treatment of Black women?' All that is left to say is there is hope! But in reality??? There is still a lot left on the table that still needs to be done. We definitely need to know just who our friends are... Black, as well as White. Now, I know I have probably hit some sour areas for many for saying that, but the truth is all right there in front of you, especially if you are a 'Black Educated Woman' and any of these stories have hit you in the face.

Pick up the read and see for yourself how well-written these stories are presented. I am sure you may be able to identify with many of the 20 stories. Thank you to Dr. Carey Yazeed and to all that presented their stories and many I could identify with upfront and center. Hopefully, one of these days, we will be able to say, 'Shut'em Down all the way down!' And that sounds good to me!