When Two Souls Defy Destiny: A Historical Western Romance Book Kindle Edition by Aurora Hanson

 Book Excerpt:

"Melinda’s twin sister may be utterly in love with a local man, but her family is set on her becoming a mail-order bride. As Melinda is saying her final goodbyes to her beloved sister, a brilliant yet risky idea presents itself. Melinda will take her place on the train instead, allowing her sister to stay in town and have a chance with her love. By the time their ruse is discovered, Melinda will be walking down the aisle with her future husband…

What could possibly go wrong with such a perfect plan?

Reginald Dawson started out in life with nothing and built a fortune from the goldfields in Cripple Creek, Colorado. Now, with a large hotel and success within his grasp, he is on the brink of having it all. When he posts an ad looking for a wife, he only has one thing in mind: to find someone sweet and genteel to be his companion and partner in life. With a lady of refinement at his side, even his tainted past could be overlooked, right?

The problem is, lies have a way of being exposed...

Both Melinda and Reginald have their fair share of secrets and neither is what the other expected. Melinda’s daring new husband seems to have a sinister secret in his past and Reginald’s perfect wife turns out to be a feisty suffragette. With danger looming and past mistakes catching up to them, can they even dare to imagine a chance at true love?"

"When Two Souls Defy Destiny" is a historical western romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Title: When Two Souls Defy Destiny
Author: Aurora Hanson
Publisher: A. H.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"When Two Souls Defy Destiny" by Aurora Hanson

My Opinion:

"When Two Souls Defy Destiny" was quite an adventurous, captivating, curious read featuring a twin, Melinda for Chicago, and Reginald, a Cripple Creek Hotel owner in a mining town from Colorado. What will happen when Reginald sends for a mail-order bride, thinking he is getting a twin named Margaret but ends up with her twin sister, Melinda? What will happen when he finds out who this Melinda wasn't Margaret? It will be a long story with lots of twists and turns because even Reginald has a checkered past that he was carrying around for a long time. So be ready for an entertaining storyline and characters that will keep you turning the pages to see what was coming next. What will happen as these two finally discover each other? Will they find HEA? Well, this is where I say you will have to pick up the read, along with the extended epilogue, to find out.

WHY AND HOW WOMEN ARE EXPLOITED BY MEN WORLDWIDE Kindle Edition by Tolu

 Book Excerpt:

"Do you often find yourself not being able to keep a man or get your own man? If so, in this book, you will find the tools to keep a man addicted to you. Learn how men think, and acquire the skills to continuously keep themselves sexually, emotionally, financially, and mentally satisfied. Let this book serve as one of your personal life guides, and start living a happier life today. This book is the gift that keeps on giving."

Title: Why and How Women are Exploited by Men Worldwide
Author: Tolu
Publisher: Tolu2Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"WHY AND HOW WOMEN ARE EXPLOITED BY MEN" by Tolu

My Opinion:

I can say what a read this author gives the readers to think about long after the read. The table of contents says it all as the author gives a personal life guide for all women starting from [table of contents] ...A Woman's Work, Empty Magnum Wrappers, The Male's Need to Control, Cultural and Legal Practices, Break Me off a Piece, Father's Roles in Determining Daughter's Self-Worth, Are You on the Same Page, Women's Participation in the Enabling of Other Women's Exploitation, My Babies' Dady, Goals Diggers, Pressing Flesh, Trading One Kind of Footblinding for Another, Who Is Thy Vessel, Before You "Jump the Broom," Love Him But LeaveYour Assets in a Trust, Everybody Loves A Winner, Know When to Fold Them, Just Stop Talking About Other Women's Business and Life to Men, Reflections in the Mirror, Mount Rather Than be Mounted and lastly Covering Your Backside- to Quick Reference. From this read, I was left shaking my head and saying this is a read that 'empowers women of all ages to take and stand, no one's power, claim and safeguard it.'

The read gives one 'personal life guide for females from 9 to 109' that all women should hear at least one time in their lives. I enjoyed how the author explores this subject from all around the globe that is there for all cultures to read and relate to. The reading may seem a little harsh on the male side of things, but as one keeps on reading, what is being said is possibly true as one more or less accepts the male as the dominant figure.

The author wants the women to open their eyes and see what is happening around them and, above all, "encourages women to stop, look, listen, and change the way things have always been."

"Why and How Women Are Exploited By Men" would be a book recommendation for any culture, as many of one's questions will be answered for the reader why the author thought and said what she provided the women.

For Such a Time as This Kindle Edition by W Mason Dunn

 Book Excerpt:

"Keisha Jackson‘s peaceful life is about to change!

Her mother receives military orders to Afghanistan. Keisha goes to live with her grandparents in Magnolia, Florida. The new high school principal is far more concerned with protecting her career than protecting innocent students. When Keisha unintentionally breaks the school's zero-tolerance policy, she enters the school-to-prison pipeline.

Will Keisha muddle in the injustice of it all? Or will she become a conduit for change?"

Title: For Such a Time as This
Author: W. Mason Dunn
Publisher: W.M.D.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"For Such a Time as This" by W. Mason Dunn

My Opinion:

'For Such a Time as This' was indeed a good story of what happened to Keisha after her mother, Shirley Jackson, took her to live with her parents[Ernest & MildredWyatt]...after she had 'received marine military order to Afghanistan.' What will happens after 'Keisha unintentionally breaks the school's zero-tolerance policy and ends up in the school-to-prison pipeline?' The author did a wonderful job that showed what can happen through the 'injustice of it all' if there is no change. With the help of Keisha, her grandparents, the lawyer, and some friends, Christopher, Darren, Maddie.. with petitions being presented, will there be a break in this chain in this school system? Be ready for a good read to find out all the answers to these questions and more. I like the discussion questions that were included at the end of the read.

Their Childhood Promise (The Heart of Dorset Series: Book 3): A Clean & Sweet Regency Historical Romance Novel Kindle Edition by Fanny Finch

 Book Excerpt:

"

When she was forced to betray him, she became miserable. But now she has the chance to change that.

When William Stanley attended his sister’s wedding he shared his first kiss with his true love Theresa Brooks. They were both at a tender age and they ended up promising to wait for each other until they are old enough to marry.

Four years later, William has finished school and will be going to university. During his visit home, he learned that Theresa has gotten married. He had planned to study for a couple of years and return soon, but this changed his plans. He, finally, decided to extend his stay in Oxford.

A few days before William turned twenty-four, he returned to take his place as the Duke of Dorset. His sisters convinced him to throw a grand ball for his birthday, and they mentioned that he should invite his friend, Theresa, saying that her mourning period has been long over. William was stunned as he had not heard that Theresa was widowed, but he was still disappointed at her for breaking her promise and never even sending a word.

William and Theresa’s first meeting at the ball is tense, they are distant and polite. But afterward, all the feelings they had both buried resurfaced.

How will they manage to overpass this betrayal as they meet during the season?"

Title:  Their Childhood Promise

Author: Fannie Finch

Publisher:  F.F.                                

Series:  The Heart of Dorset Series:  Book 3

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Their Childhood Promise" by Fannie Finch

My Opinion:    

"Their Childhood Promise" was a sweet read that featuring William and Theresa. Who knew what will happen for these two when they presented their love for each other at William's brother-in-law's wedding at such a young age? And a promise is made, but things will take a turn as he goes off to school. Then we find out that Theresa's brother forces her into marriage with another man. What will happen when William finds out about this marriage that breaks his heart? This author does a beautiful job at giving the reader some well-developed and defined characters that will keep your attention as pages are turned. What will happen when things get to be set right for William and Theresa? Be prepared for lots of drama, twists, and turns, along with excellent family connections and love. It was good when Theresa finally sees her brother for who he was that did open her eyes to what he had been doing for most of her life, Sorry he wasn't punished for what he had done to his nephew's trust fund. All in all, this was a good storyline, and the extended epilogue put the icing on the cake as the story ends with there being a new addition to the Stanley family with a HEA.

The Red Bike by Tara Delaney

 Book Excerpt:

"When wildlife photographer Abbey captures the protective bond between a gorilla and her newborn baby, she becomes determined to restore her relationship with her own mother. Unfortunately, the anger she holds after her mother's affair has bled into Abbey's romantic relationships, stopping her from embracing love. Shortly after she returns to Austin, her mother is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. The secret layers of her mother's life are peeled away, and unsettling truth is revealed. Will this new revelation allow Abbey to forgive her mother and release the hurt and anger that has held her back from living her life?"

Title: The Red Bike
Author: Tara Delaney
Publisher: Treaty Oaks Publishers, AuthorBuzz
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Red Bike" by Tara Delaney

My Opinion:

"The Red Bike" was quite an exciting story about Abigail Gallagher and her mother Rebecca, who couldn't get along. Now, why was this? Well, believe it or not, sometimes children are placed into a situation of hearing things they should not have heard! And this is what had happened to Abigail, and it seemed to mess up her life with anger toward her mother. This author works to get the reader to understand what had gone on earlier from the read; it is found that maybe there is more to this story that Abigal thought she knew, but had she gotten it all wrong? While all of this is going on, it seems that Abigail has problems with commitment. What was going on with her and Ryan? Was she committed to the relationship with Ryan or not? One would feel sorry for poor Ryan because one could tell he loved Abigail, but the way she acted still had a lot to do with her upbringing. As the story continues, Abby finally realizes how wrong she had been about her mother's past. It was so good to see that ...well, I will stop here and say this is a story; I would recommend it being picked up and see how well this author brings it all out with a great understanding of how much love and protection this mother had for her child. The interweaving about 'The Red Bike' was so beautiful as it is brought into the story of its essential. All in all, this story will keep your attention as one keeps turning the page to see what is coming next.

Thank you, NetGalley and Treaty Oaks Publishers, for the opportunity to read this novel and leave my review.

Courageous Faith A Lifelong Pursuit of Faith over Fear by Debbye Turner Bell Net Gallery Aug 24th

 Book Excerpt:

"When you feel like giving up, seek God and ask for Courageous Faith. Setbacks, failures, and fatigue impact us all. And at times we don’t feel like going on. But we must! In this book, you’ll discover faith-filled principles to use as a blueprint for perseverance and a new definition of success for your life."

Title: Courageous Faith
Author: Debbye Turner Bell
Publisher: Our Daily Bread Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Courageous Faith A Lifelong Pursuit of Faith over Fear" by Debbye Turner Bell
My Opinion:

'Courageous Faith' was a beautiful story by Miss America 1990. The story gives the reader of Debbye Turner Bell, who 'shares her life principles that lead to her success.' The chapters start with Faith and move on to Determination, Excellence, Authenticity, Courage, Purpose, Patience, Overcoming, and Perseverance. Each chapter was emphasizing what and how Debbyne was able to make it through that particular situation. Debbye's mother, Gussie Turner, taught her well that prayer and faith were essential in the life that continued with her through all of the struggles that came upon her as she succeeds in success.

The read was indeed a good story of 'Courage Faith' where it's not the absence of fear but being able to move forward despite it as it was for Debbye who made it through it all as God will never leave or forsake you on your journey.

Thank you to Daily Bread Publishing and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Following an Untamed Heart: A Historical Western Romance Book Kindle Edition by Aurora Hanson

 Book Excerpt:

"As the daughter of a Scottish trapper and a Native woman, Kanu Abey’s life is shared between two worlds. She is always in demand as a translator and as a trader of goods to the white people. When she finds an unconscious white man in the forest and brings him back to her tribe, the careful balance of her life is shattered… Kanu never expected her heart to be captured by this stranger, but she can't ignore the fact that there is something special about him. With his presence causing increasing tension, will she dare to stand up to her own tribe for a chance at love?

John Maclean’s love of adventure and riding horses has led him to the northwest, working on a wagon train. Yet his biggest adventure is about to start when he wakes up in a teepee with a Native woman caring for him and no memory of anything before this moment. His first glimpse of Kanu takes his breath away and in time he is enthralled by her kind spirit and unfaltering strength. As he recovers, he immerses himself in the ways of her tribe, and before long a yearning for love and life awakens in him… Will he be strong enough to follow his heart’s desire when echoes of his old life come chasing after him?

Kanu and John’s paths cross serendipitously and their fates take an unexpected turn that changes them forever. Caught up in a whirlwind of battles, separations, and unforeseen dangers they will need to find the courage to face the consequences of their feelings. Can they bridge the chasm between their two worlds and find a soul mate in one another, against all odds?"

"Following an Untamed Heart" is a historical western romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Title: Following an Untamed Heart
Author: Aurora Hanson
Publisher: A.H.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Following An Untamed Heart" by Aurora Hanson

My Opinion:

"Following an Untamed Heart" featuring Kanu Abey was the daughter of a Native American Indian woman and a Scottish trapper and finding an unconscious man, due to head injury, John Maclean. He was white, and Kanu brings him back to her Perce tribe [lover of horses] from the forest. While with this tribe and healing, what will happen as a relationship develops between Kanu and John? Be ready for an action, adventure, romance, thrilling, suspenseful, and captivating story of fighting rogue Indians. The army forces Indian tribes onto reservations, along with some horrible white men causing chaos. While reading this story, one will see how the story had some exciting parts...' good, bad, and ugly' that will keep one turning the pages.

The secondary characters, especially how one mother from New York, brought in an intriguing part of the story that showed just who she was and how well she fitted in this story. The extended epilogue added to the story showed 'happiness and good fortune,' giving the reader a good and inspiring ending.

Love and a Little White Lie (State of Grace) Kindle Edition by Tammy L. Gray

 Book Excerpt:

"January Sanders grew up believing karma was more reliable than an imaginary higher power, but after suffering her worst heartbreak in 29 years, she's open to just about anything, including taking a temporary position at her aunt's church. Keeping her lack of faith a secret, January is determined to use her photographic memory to help Grace Community's overworked staff, all while scraping herself off rock bottom.

What she doesn't count on is meeting the church's handsome and charming guitarist, who not only is a strong believer but has also dedicated his life to Christian music. It's a match set for disaster, and yet January has no ability to stay away, even if it means pretending to have faith in a God she doesn't believe in.

Only this time, keeping secrets isn't as easy as she thought it would be. Especially when she's constantly running into her aunt's landscape architect, who seems to know everything about her past and present sins and makes no apologies about pushing her to deal with feelings she'd rather keep buried.

Torn between two worlds incapable of coexisting, can January find the healing that's eluded her or will her resistance to the truth ruin any chance of happiness?"

Title:  Love and a Little White Lie

Author:  Tammy L. Gray

Publisher:   Bethany House Publishers 

Series:  State of Grace

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Love and a Little White Lie" by Tammy L. Gray

My Opinion:  

'Love and a Little White Lie' was a read that would be hard to put down. I felt sorry for January Sanders in the way she had been raised by a mother who was an atheist. So, it wasn't surprising that January [Jan] had problems understanding God in her life. And with what had happened between the two sisters,[ her mom and aunt Doreen] and with what had happened with Jan's ex-boyfriend, it was understandable why religion had not been discussed with Jan. But to have a job working in a church as Jan had undertaken due to her aunt's help was something in how she now had begun to seemed somewhat happy. Now, why was that? It was interesting seeing Jan grows in this story where starting as a nonbeliever. Meeting Cameron, Dillon, and others from well-developed secondary characters added quite a bit to the story. The reader will find out from picking up 'Love and a Little Lie' is that the title tells the whole story. What will happen when this 'little white lie,' which had been a big secret in Jan's life, comes out? After all, is said and done, the romantic relationship that switched was made proving to be what it is to be will be, giving the reader a truly 'gripping, thoughtful, and romantic' story.  

Let Your Love Fall Like Rain Kindle Edition by Mya

Book Excerpt:

" From childhood trauma and neglect to become a prominent figure in the corporate world, Alana Allen was never one to complain about the obstacles life put in her way. One night, she allows temptation to get the best of her, betraying one of the few people who had her back through it all. 000000,,

Charles Davis was every woman’s dream man. He was wealthy, handsome, a loving father, and had a sex drive out of this world. The only problem was that his wife, Christina, did not see eye to eye when pleasing him. With an unsatisfying marriage, Charles feels neglected and suffocated in his marriage, wanting more. One fateful night, he succumbs to the temptation of another woman, allowing her to fill a void in his life that made him feel whole again.

Rain comes out of the blue in unexpected waves. It’s brutal and blinding if one falls victim to the storm, similar to the love shared by Alana and Charles. One minute he’s a happily married man, the next, he’s having an affair with someone half his age. Lust and temptation combine to create a passion-filled tale of a forbidden romance. Will they get their happy ending?"

Title: Let Your Love Fall Like Rain
Author: Mya
Publisher: B. Love Publications
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Let Your Love Fall Like Rain" by Mya
My Opinion:

"Let Your Love Fall Like Rain" was quite some read that kept me shaking my head and saying, wow! It was hard to conceive that an adult would want to have a relationship with a child such as Alana was to him, especially with his own daughter's best friend. After some thirty years with his wife Christiana, how could this happen...but it did. The outcome of it all seemed to have worked out after the daughter Cari who was out of control for a bit, finally came around, but still, the story left me in awe of it all—and then moving on with Alana's parents...oh my goodness, what a mess! If you love drama, then this one is for you because drama is all over the place in this story. If there are lessons to be learned...well, you will have to pick up this one to see for yourself if you can find one. The author gives the readers a story that will provide much thought to ponder over after the read.

Walking Crooked with Christ Kindle Edition by She Nell

 Book Excerpt:

"Jas’Mia knows God, but she also knows death, loneliness, struggle, and pain. Jas’Mia thinks she has lost the love of her life, Bobby, to Shelby, the woman he has decided to marry. Jas’Mia seems to have lost everything, but soon blessings appear. Carlos is everything a woman could want in a Godly man. Money falls like rain and washes her struggles away but doing the right thing is not easy to do when wrong feels right. Can Jas’Mia walk with Christ if her steps are crooked?"

Title:  Walking Crooked with Christ

Author:  She Nell

Publisher:  S.N. 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"Walking Crooked with Christ" by She Nell

My Opinion:  

'Walking Crooked With Christ' was an intriguing story of what can happen when you let God lead you.  For God will show you His love as it did for Jas'Mia.  I kept wondering from the story what in the world did Bobby see in Shelby and what did Jas'Mia see in that Carlos?  Well, it didn't take long for the hidden stuff to come out.  I was sorry that Jas'Mia in what she did to Rico.  I had hoped there would be some mending in that situation [over the money].  But when all is said and done, at least Bobby and Jas'Mia finally found...this is where I will stop and say you will have to pick up this good read to see how this author brings it out to the reader seeing how God will give one the desires of their heart.   

Rescue Mission (Lunch Break Suspense Book 2) Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris

 Book Excerpt:

"Rescue Mission is a short story that was released on my blog in 2013. Then - it was titled Hot Stakes. It is the same story revised, repackaged, and re-edited. So, if you haven't read this story, dive in! It's available for your reading thrills right now!

--
Melissa never knew being at the wrong place at the wrong time would be her first night on a new job. But when a gang approaches her boss demanding answers he can't give, Melissa is caught in a situation that could end her life. With moments to spare before her cell phone dies, Melissa makes a desperate phone call to her boyfriend, hoping that he would hear her cry for help before it's too late."

Title:  Rescue Mission

Author:  Stephanie Nicole Norris

Publisher:  ‎ Love Is A Drug Ink LLC

Series:  Lunch Break Suspense Book 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"Rescue Mission" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Opinion:  

'Rescue Mission' was a quick read of what can happen when you are in a lot of danger, as it was for Melissa and her friend Latasha.  When it all comes out, maybe this situation could have been handled differently, but all in all, the two ladies came out of it ok due to Mellissa's boyfriend, Jonathan.  However, Latasha was shot, and I guess her guy friend ...well, you will have to pick up this read to see how the rest of the story comes out.  The story was a 'Lunch Break' read, so it wasn't a long read...just forty pages.  

Head Over Heels For A Chi-Town Heavy Kindle Edition by Jade Jones

Book Except:

"A JUICY STANDALONE FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR, JADE JONES

After a ten-year relationship ends in tears, Aspen finds herself trying to find closure and heal her shattered heart. Singlehandedly running her own small business to make ends meet, she is just starting to find her footing as a single mom when she meets Heavy. An arrogant bad boy with a reputation, Heavy willingly lets down his walls to prove to Aspen that he’s not like the other men who have walked in and out of her life.

While Aspen is discovering the true meaning of devotion, her best friend Kira struggles to stay afloat. She vowed to make things work with her insecure and controlling boyfriend Stoney until an ex, who she still carries a torch for, steps back into the picture. Kira is suddenly faced with a tough decision. Should she stay faithful to Stoney? Or should she give her old flame a second chance?

Packed with drama, betrayal, and suspense, “Head Over Heels for a Chi-Town Heavy” is an African-American romance about second chances and learning to love again."

Title: Head Over Heels For A Chi-Town Heavy
Author: Jade Jones
Publisher: Jade Publications
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Head Over Heels For A Chi-Town Heavy" by Jade Jones

My Opinion:

'Head Over Heels For A Chi-Town Heavy' was a good read where there was sadness that came, and even some karma but all in all, this author does what she does best and that giving the reader a story that will leave one thinking about it long after the read. Like what would have happened if Kira and Aspen had settled their disagreement, Heavy[Henrix] sharing with Aspen about his accident, that Stoney, well, he did get what was coming for him, and then there was Wesley, Blaise, and even Kent. Oh, well, this story was quite a moving one where bad things did happen to good people.

All that's left to say is you will have to pick up this story to see how each person turned out on this rollercoaster and suspenseful read.

 

Complications: A Novel by Danielle Steel

 Book Excerpt:

"Scandal and tragedy erupt against the backdrop of an exclusive Paris hotel in Danielle Steel’s riveting novel.

Known for its luxurious accommodations and bespoke service, the Hotel Louis XVI has been the most lauded boutique hotel in all of Paris for decades, attracting an international clientele of the rich and famous. Now, after four years of renovations and the death of its legendary and beloved manager, it is set to reopen its doors at last. An esteemed group of loyal returning guests is set to descend upon the hotel, joined by a number of new faces who have managed to secure coveted bookings in the wake of last-minute cancellations.

Awaiting them all is Louis XVI’s new manager, Olivier Bateau, an anxious man whose lack of experience leaves him unprepared. He and his level-headed assistant manager, Yvonne Philippe, both strive to continue the hotel’s tradition of excellence. But they quickly realize that anything can happen at any moment, and on one cool September evening, everything does.

A successful art consultant arrives at the hotel for the first time since her brutal divorce and is surprised to find a new love—if she is willing to risk her heart again. A new guest contemplates ending his life and saves a life instead. A couple finds their once-in-a-lifetime trip interrupted by a tragic medical emergency, leaving the idyllic future they’ve long waited for hanging in the balance. And one of the hotel’s most high-profile guests, a French politician and assumed presidential candidate, holds a mysterious meeting in his suite that will threaten his life and legacy. Rocked by the events of this one fateful night, guests and staff alike brace themselves for the aftershock, as it quickly becomes apparent that more dramas and misfortunes are still in store.

Danielle Steel tells an unforgettable story about a famed hotel, where a few complications quickly escalate into a matter of life and death, changing the lives of everyone who passes through its doors."

Title: Complications
Author: Danielle Steel
Publisher: Ballantine
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Complications" by Danielle Steel

My Opinion:

'Complications' was just what this story was all about...the reopening of the infamous Louis XVI hotel. Will anything ever be the same for this Paris hotel, Louis XVI, after being renovated and under the new management, Olivier Bateau, and Yvonne Philippe, who is running it? What will happen after the guest starts checking into the hotel and the problems and drama occur? We have an American art consultant Gabrielle Gates, a divorcee; Alaistair, an internist with health problems; a man who suffers a heart attack; and a politician running for President whose lover is blackmailing. How will all of this come about...an emergency [heart attack], and a suspicious death that will take place, bomb scare, romantic love, destruction by rock stars, suicide, planned divorce and recovery from a divorce...that will throw management into quite a tailspin along with the hotel's Louis XVI's reputation? One thing is for sure...the reader will be drawn into the world of this 'Parisian Hotel' as the secrets with all of its drama start coming out. So be prepared for 'love, friendships, loss of life, overcoming trauma, and drama.' To get it all, you will have to pick up "Complications' to see how well this author will bring it all out to the reader giving them one heck of a good read. Paris, London, and even New York were extensively detailed, including well-defined characters with an intriguing storyline.

I was provided a free advance reader copy from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books in exchange for my honest review on Net Galley.

Sweet Tea A perfect heartwarming romance from Hallmark Publishing by Piper Huguley

 Book Excerpt:

"A perfect heartwarming romance from Hallmark Publishing

Althea Dailey has succeeded beyond her wildest dreams. So why doesn’t she feel more excited about it? She’s about to become the only woman - and the only Black person - to make partner at her prestigious law firm in New York City. When she has to travel South for a case, she pays a long-overdue visit back home to Milford, Georgia. To her surprise, a White man she’s never met has befriended her grandmother. 

Jack Darwent wasn’t interested in the definition of success dictated by his father and Southern high society. His passion for cooking led him to his current project: a documentary and cookbook about authentic Southern food. Althea’s grandmother is famous for her cooking at the historically Black Milford College, especially the annual May feast meal. But Althea suspects Jack of trying to steal her grandmother’s recipes. 

Although Althea and Jack don’t have the best first impressions of one another, they discover they have more in common than they’d guessed...and even as they learn about one another’s pasts, they both see glimmers of a better future."

This heartwarming romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe.

Title: Sweet Tea
Author: Piper Huguley
Publisher: Hallmark Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Sweet Tea" by Piper Huguley

My Opinion:

'Sweet Tea' centered around Althea Dailey [Tea] finally finding her way back to her family and getting a little bit of romance added to it. How this author puts this story together was interesting because the two, [Tea and Jack] seemed so very diametrically different. We find Tea had left her small hometown, along with her grandmother [Granda] Ada and her parents, who had passed on. Upon Tea finding out that Jack Darwent, a filmmaker, had come to Milford to work on his documentary that involved Tea's grandmother's who was a renowned chef who worked for the local HBCU, emphasizing African American cooking, so she decides to come back home to make sure of Jack's intentions. Tea didn't care that her grandmother was sharing her recipes with this filmmaker. Being a high-powered lawyer from New York, Tea worked on a case involving a sweet tea recipe. Seeing how these two [Tea & Jack] butted heads were quite something to read as it soon became apparent there was something else going on. So be ready for a read that will give you a little bit of 'romance, family dynamics, loss, grief' to one living up to what was natural for them. As the story progressed, it was a delight to see how Tea and Jack changed their lives, including Tea's Granda.

Hungry Hill by Eileen Patricia Curran

 Book Excerpt:

"Grace Cavanaugh is intelligent, kind-and a bit of a wise-ass. Lately, though, she's also something else: completely lost and just a little crazy. Her entire world had collapsed since Valentine's Day, when her husband, Michael, died unexpectedly after a romantic dinner celebrating their devotion. With her world turned upside down, she abandons the couple's gorgeous Victorian mansion and retreats to a cramped apartment with their three dogs in tow. Living in misery, barely finding the energy to walk the dogs, Grace succumbs to her sorrow.

Just as she hits bottom, a relative she hasn't seen in years calls out of the blue. Maggie Reilly, her eighty-six-year-old great aunt who still lives in the house she was born in, has her own troubles. She desperately needs a family member to take care of her, so she reaches out to Grace, hoping the bond they shared decades ago remains strong enough to bring her great-niece back home.

Hungry Hill is a story navigating the complexities of love in its many forms and how it endures. It explores our desire to belong to each other and to live a life of connectedness. It also reminds us to keep our sense of humor no matter what life brings and to never underestimate the power of a great pair of shoes."

Title: Hungry Hill
Author: Eileen Patricia Curran
Publisher: Kinsale Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Hungry Hill" by Eileen Patricia Curran
My Opinion:

'Hungry Hill' was a good read that had me laughing out loud and tearing up with this likable, true-to-life story of what can happen when a loved one dies. As this was for the heroine of our story, Grace Cavanaugh had suffered both ways in losing her husband, Michael, and her great aunt Maggie Reilly. What will happen when her aunt asks Grace to come and take care of her due to her illness? The author gives the reader quite a read as one watches a loved one suffer and slowly pass away. The supporting characters like [Matt, Henry] were all well-developed and well defined, helping to give the reader an understanding of the emotional complexities of what it means when one has lost to love and grief as it was for Grace. This was a beautiful story of one dealing with grief and moving on. Oh, and the dogs, Ellen and Stogie, were quite a part of this story that would put a smile on your face. Grace was really something with her sassy attitude but finding comfort in helping her great-aunt was really something that presented a realness to the story.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for a requested advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.