With Every Breath (McCall Family Series Book 1) Kindle Edition by Natasha D. Frazier

 Book Excerpt:

"She has nothing to lose, but loving her could cost him everything. Is he willing to risk it all a second time around when she has less than thirty days to live?

Renowned motivational speaker Nina Marie Robinson has received a grim prognosis. With the little time she has left, she's giving one last commencement speech at her alma mater Jackson State University and taking a well-deserved vacation to the Bahamas. Nina is also determined to show her college sweetheart she's still in love with him, but can she convince him to drop everything and board that plane with her?

Andrew McCall is one step away from being promoted to professor at Jackson State University. If anything goes wrong, Andrew will find himself in the last place he wants to be—the chief executive officer of McCall Resorts as his father's successor. When Nina comes to town and requests that he accompany her to the Bahamas, will he have to choose between the woman he's always loved and everything he's worked for?"

Title: With Every Breath
Author: Natasha D. Frazier
Publisher: N.D.F.
Series: McCall Family Series Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"With Every Breath" by Natasha D. Frazier

My Opinion:

'With Every Breath' was quite a story with many twists and turns in this second chance romance read. It was inspirational and entertaining how these two [Nina and Andrew] got back together. Finding out that you have a terminal disease that will take your life was sad in all Nina had gone through with those doctors who were wrong, and I will stop there, bringing in a past relationship and dealing with Andrew's toxic family. But, will there be 'compromise, communication, and yes, learning to lean on God' to get them to their happy place? Oh, well, this is one story that you will have to pick up to see how things can change with God in the midst of it all.

Fighting Temptation: A BWWM Romance Limited Edition Collection Kindle Edition by Peyton Banks (Author), Sydney Aaliyah Michelle (Author), M'Renee Allen (Author), Karine Saint Jacques (Author), Yolanda Olson (Author), Amarie Avant (Author), Reana Malori (Author)

 Book Excerpt:

"A Fighting Temptation is a collection of sexy, BWWM romance that will light a fire in your soul.

These sizzling stories will keep you captivated for hours on end. Be prepared to be led into heart-thumping, breathtaking romances that will leave you craving for more.

The heat from these steamy enemies to lovers' romances will leave a lasting impression on you. So please don't say we didn't warn you! This compilation is exclusive and can't be found anywhere else.

Don't wait.

This box set will only be available for a limited time before it is gone forever!

Note: Fighting Temptation contains material for mature readers (18+ and older) only.

Authors featured:

Peyton Banks

M'Renee Allen

Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

Karine Saint Jacques

Yolanda Olson

Amarie Avant

Reana Malori

* * * * * * * * * * *

Title: Fight Temptation: A BWWM Romance
Authors: Peyton Banks, M'Renee Allen, Sydney Aaliyah Michelle, Karine Saint Jacques, Yolanda Olson, Amarie Avant, and Reana Malori
Publisher: RNB Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Fighting Temptation" by Authors: Peyton Banks, M'Renee Allen Sydney Aaliyah Michelle, Karine Saint Jacques, Yolanda Olson, Amarie Avant, and Reana Malori

My Opinion:

Be ready for seven anthologies...

Amarie Avant: Dirty Takedown

This story is a beautiful story of how these two people were once 'enemies to lover romance' as it was for Renee Riley and Jhang Li. This author does what she does so well, and that is to give the reader one hot steamy read.

Peyton Banks: Unfortunate Hero

What will happen when Travis's childhood friend's sister Kassidy starts working for the Eagle Force? Why did Travis not want Kass to work there, and why was he so overprotective of her? What will happen when these two finally realize that there is a mutual attraction between them? To find the answers to all of these questions...you much pick up a good read.

Sydney Aaliyah Michelle: Misconstrued

Will Collin and Harford, who had been school sweethearts be able to get back together after what Collin had spoken during an altercation during a fight? After seven years had passed and Collin and Hartford had met up again, would he be able to own up to his mistake? Find out through this good story how 'love and forgiveness' come together for these two.

Reana Malori: Compulsion

It's so true that these two... Janice and Steven were made for each other. Why? Because as one could see, even though it seemed like they hated each other, something else what definitely in the picture going on for these two. Why did the uniform bother Janice so much? When it all comes to a head, wow is all that can be said to describe what happens for these two.

Yolanda Olson: Vicious Saint

Well, all I can say about this one is that you will have to pick up to see what happened between a brother and stepsister in teaching her a lesson. This one left me saying, wow!

Karine Saint Jacques: Dirty Logan

Will Logan and Olivia be able to heal from what had happened between these two many years ago? Will Olivia be able to get her book published about the ordeal that she had gone through with dealings with Logan? Get ready for an exciting story of what happens when there is no trust.

M'Renee Allen: Dangerous Vows

With Andrei's life being so caught up with the Soldiers affiliation and a contractual marriage, will he be able to get the woman whom he loved? Andrei had an adorable grandmother whom he listened to about the three fates rule. Will this come true for him?

I am not sure if I had a favorite anthology because all of the stories kept my attention turning the pages to see...all of the 'heat, chemistry, angst, and back and forth from enemies to lovers.' However, there was one that did give me cause to wonder somewhat about its story.

I have read from all of the authors except two and was glad to finally read what they offered in this hot BWWM Romance filled with enemies to lovers.

If the reader likes to see how these enemies became lovers through many twists and turns, then you have come to the right place to get a little bit of it all of how it all comes about for these heroines and heroes.

A Year of Loving Kindness to Myself by Brigid Lowry

 Book Excerpt:

"Named one of Apple Books' Best Books of 2021 so far.

A beautifully presented and uplifting collection of contemplative, wry, sometimes funny essays about living thoughtfully and with care amidst life's challenges. If you're struggling to maintain grace and good humor amidst daily potholes and pitfalls, Brigid Lowry may be just the warm, wise, and witty companion you need. Informed by contemporary psychology and Zen Buddhism, Brigid's essays offer reflections on everything from friendship to grief and gratitude to self-care. Give this audiobook to a friend or gift it to yourself. A Year of Loving Kindness to Myself is all the encouragement you'll need to nurture yourself and those around you._

Title: A Year of Loving Kindness To Myself
Author: Brigid Lowry
Publisher: OrangeSky Audio
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"A Year of Loving Kindness To Myself" by Brigid Lowry

My Opinion:

Wow, what good audio read. 'A Year of Loving Kindness To Myself' was well-written about this person deciding to live her life no matter what all she had gone through from her horrible childhood with some strange parents to being who she is today. It was good to see how she changed, which was good for her ... making life peaceful for her and accepting things the way the universe is... what can be done about it. The story is quite a good read, even short but having something go to say about life...'ideals, job, loving-kindness, friendship, grief, gratitude, self-care, sadness, fun, loneliness, two failed marriages, and let's not leave out some priceless poetry' that was well presented in the read. Month by month, she told the reader what was going on at that present time. I laughed at that speeding ticket...excepting it, paying the ticket, and going on with her life.

One thing enjoyed was how she spoke about staying out of other people's business managing hers was more than enough. Amen to that! The saying ... I have enough... I am enough when shopping...do I need this at this time? Why try to impress others... Let go of unnecessary stuff, do things myself, give away things I don't use and can't wear, research first, and present love and kindness to myself...

Looking after one shelf is essential, but one's family is important too, even the animals, and let's not leave out dear friends that sometimes one has to say no.

Staying busy can help keep one's mind free and get some joy out of life and fun. But after all is said and done, we all have troubles of some sort. Dealing with it well... know everyone does have some problems and how we handle it is well...? She learned she didn't have to apologize for being herself ... she is stronger and happier. After all, she had been through...' now a strong one, a funny one, the smart one, loving mother, the joyous grandmother, loyal friend, dreamer, seeker, optimist, writer, wow...moving forward...not a fixer project'...appreciating all that is around her. Doing healthy things...any things that drain you stop...May she get those green velvet slippers with roses on them...Wow, this was one read that I couldn't put down until the end... A good read for anyone wanting to love kindness for themselves.
There is a lot more left in this story that gives one a different way of looking and dealing with life, with this being a good collection 'of contemplative, wry, sometimes funny assays about living thoughtfully and with care amidst life's challenges.' So, pick up this read and start reading.

"A Year of Loving Kindness to Myself" would be a wonderful gift to give to a friend.

Thank you, NetGallery and OrangeSky Audio, for an audio read and my giving you my review.

Stray Bullets 2 Kindle Edition by Niki Jilvontae

 Book Excerpt:

"A single bullet can be the catalyst for chaos in the lives of various people. The actions of one person can inadvertently impact a family for years to come. That is a startling reality all the people in the second part of this turbulent story must face. Each with their own problems and fears must soon find out what happens when emotions become involved, and the innocent is left to face the consequences and catch the…STRAY BULLET!"

Title: Stray Bullets 2
Author: Niki Jilvontae
Publisher: N. J.
Series: Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Stray Bullets 2" by Niki Jilvontae

My Opinion:

To understand what has gone on, you should pick up the first novel ... Stray Bullets, because Stray Bullets 2 brings out all the drama for the reader to fully know what has gone on previously in this emotional read. There will be many characters, but the noticeable ones will be Lonney, Marshay, Alicia, Kadeem, Curtis, Stacy, Shanicia, Ms. Pearl, and Sheila, to name a few. It was good to see a specific person finally getting what was so deserved. In the end, what was done for this community was something for the neighborhood and hopefully putting an end to all the trauma of 'No More Stray Bullets.'

An Unexpected Bride at the Wagon Train: A Historical Western Romance Book Kindle Edition by Cassidy Hanton

 

Book Excerpt:

"A well-bred eastern girl

Olivia Davis, an intelligent eastern-born woman, became a bride to a wealthy man in the Wild West. But what she and her father did not calculate was the crime that would find her on her way there. When a group of bandits attacks her train, Olivia is left for dead. Until a handsome stranger comes to her rescue…

A redeemed outlaw

The day Levi Miller saves her is the day her life changes forever. Levi is a wanted man and a bandit, that is. He's dangerous, intimidating, and could very much be her demise. But what no one knows is the pain he holds and the reason why he's a criminal. And only through Olivia can he genuinely change for the good Christian man he really is.

An unplanned adventure in the west

As they're stuck together, Levi offers to take her to the man Olivia is really supposed to marry. But as they travel through three different states, learning more about the west each time, they never expect to fall in love.

What happens when Olivia reaches her destination? Will she choose a safe life or one of true love?"

*This is Cassidy's 21st novel, a Western historical romance novel of 80,000 words (400 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.

Pick up "An Unexpected Bride at the Wagon Train" today to discover Cassidy's incredible new story!

Title:  An Unexpected Bride at the Wagon Train

Author:  Cassidy Hanton

Publisher:  C.H. 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"An Unexpected Bride at the Wagon Train" by Cassidy Hanton

My Opinion:  

The story will keep one's attention due to so many twists and turns, adventure, and heroism that Olivia Davis had to go through until she got the happiness and love she so desired.  It was hard trying to figure out Olivia's father, who sent her off alone on a cantankerous horse to marry Charles Duncan [through an arranged marriage], who they didn't even know. Oh, but he was wealthy. What will happen when Olivia runs into some bandits? Who was Levi Miller, who had been traveling for six years with no particular purpose?  But as fate would have it, after Olivia meets this remarkable man who was just what ... well, I will stop here and say you will have to pick up this novel ' An Unexpected Bride at the Wagon Train' to see how this author brings it all out to the reader.  I loved how Levi Miller was there and came to Olivia's aid agreeing to take her to the fiancé.  The characters were well-developed defined, giving the reader a good definition of good and evil, including a horse and a dog. Will Olivia and Levi be able to find love and happiness in a HEA?  The reader will need to read the extended epilogue to get the rest of the story, which puts the icing on the cake for these two.  

Oh William! A Novel by Elizabeth Strout

 Book Excerpt:

"Pulitzer Prize winner Elizabeth Strout explores the mysteries of marriage and the secrets we keep, as a former couple, reckons with where they’ve come from—and what they’ve left behind. 

“Elizabeth Strout is one of my very favorite writers, so the fact that Oh William! may well be my favorite of her books is a mathematical equation for joy. The depth, complexity, and love contained in these pages is a miraculous achievement.”—Ann Patchett, author of The Dutch House.

I would like to say a few things about my first husband, William. 

Lucy Barton is a writer, but her ex-husband, William, remains a hard man to read. William, she confesses, has always been a mystery to me. Another mystery is why the two have remained connected after all these years. They just are. 

So Lucy is both surprised and not surprised when William asks her to join him on a trip to investigate a recently uncovered family secret—one of those secrets that rearrange everything we think we know about the people closest to us. What happens next is nothing less than another example of what Hilary Mantel has called Elizabeth Strout’s “perfect attunement to the human condition.” There are fears and insecurities, simple joys and acts of tenderness, and revelations about affairs and other spouses, parents, and children. On every page of this exquisite novel, we learn more about the quiet forces that hold us together—even after we’ve grown apart. 

At the heart of this story is the indomitable voice of Lucy Barton, who offers a profound, lasting reflection on the very nature of existence. “This is the way of life,” Lucy says: “the many things we do not know until it is too late.”

Title: Oh William!
Author: Elizabeth Strout
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group - Random House
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout

My Opinion:
What a good read from this author that gives a good viewpoint of Lucy, who was William's ex-wife. In this read, we learn about 'William's quirks, good and rough times, three marriages, and his family.' Why was 'Hansel and Gretel' referred to as Lucy and William in this story? Well, you will have to pick up "Oh William!' to find out just why that was. At times I felt sorry for Lucy as she had PTSD that came from her childhood. And all of this didn't help with her failed marriage to that William. However, moving on with her life, Lucy did meet and marry David, and that seemed to be the love of her life until...but having earlier putting up with her ex with his philandering ways, their children, his ex-wives...what will be left for Lucy? Will Lucy help William through some trying times with his situations as he calls upon her and she tends to come running? The characters and the secondary ones were all well-developed. They defined that brought in the story that kept the reader wanting more on this emotional journey for Lucy and William.

The ending was somewhat strange, but it seems that Lucy can't help but be there for William. For a man in his seventy's, he was something else and would probably remain that way. So he calls, and she comes!

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchanging my honest opinions.

Carefree Black Girls A Celebration of Black Women in Popular Culture by Zeba Blay

 Book Excerpt:

"An empowering and celebratory portrait of Black women—from Josephine Baker to Aunt Viv to Cardi B.

In 2013, film and culture critic Zeba Blay was one of the first people to coin the viral term #carefreeblackgirls on Twitter. As she says, it was “a way to carve out a space of celebration and freedom for Black women online.”

In this collection of essays, Carefree Black Girls, Blay expands on this initial idea by delving into the work and lasting achievements of influential Black women in American culture--writers, artists, actresses, dancers, hip-hop stars--whose contributions often come in the face of bigotry, misogyny, and stereotypes. Blay celebrates the strength and fortitude of these Black women, while also examining the many stereotypes and rigid identities that have clung to them. In writing that is both luminous and sharp, expansive and intimate, Blay seeks a path forward to culture and society in which Black women and their art are appreciated and celebrated."

Title:  Carefree Black Girls A Celebration of Black Women in Popular Culture

Author:  Zeba Blay

Publisher:  St Martin's Press

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Carefree Black Girls A Celebration of Black Women in Popular Culture" by Zeba Blay

My Opinion:

This author gives the reader a beautiful collection of essays that will leave you to ponder over long after the read. Wow, she hits it when giving us a good explanation of what pressure and what it's like to have a black body and see how our world sees all of the expectations that have been set on them in our society and pop culture... Now, why is that?  

This novel gives the reader input on 'subjects such as racism, colorism, fatphobia, mental health, sexuality and what it means to be a black girl.' It was engaging learning about this author's persona regarding her own experiences, thoughts, and how well they relate to the subjects so well in an honest way. For it is essential that this type of information is put out there to be shared.  

Be ready for a well-written read that shares a 'reference section that includes articles, songs, and names that the author presents in the read along with her commentary that will give one a deeper exploration of topics and issues' that is fascinating and a must-read. 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

M.E.M.P.H.I.S.: Making Easy Money Pimpin Hoes Is Serious Kindle Edition by Niki Jilvontae

 Book Excerpt:

"Crime, poverty, death, and pain are all a recurring theme for many people who live in Memphis. This urban, inner-city jungle is known for chewing people up and spitting them out, draining all hope for a happy life out of their minds. This harsh reality is true for most, including Moses Josiah Walker known on the streets as Big Moe. Big Moe was raised in the streets by his father Pimpin Black and his mama Trina, Pimpin Black’s bottom hoe. After years of coaching to carry on his father’s legacy, Big Moe steps into his rightful position as the top pimp on the streets. However, his climb to the top won’t be easy with sneaky hoes and ruthless niggas plotting to take him out and take over his empire. Before long Moe finds himself trapped in a web of murder, lies, violence, and deceit; destined to die at an early age in the mean streets of Memphis or rot behind prison walls. Come with me on this turbulent ride through the streets of Memphis and into the mind of Big Moe, Mr. Break A Hoe!"

Title: Memphis: Making Easy Money Pimpin Hoes Is Serious
Author: Niki Jilvontae
Publisher: N.J.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"M.E.M.P.H.I.S.: Making Easy Money Pimpin Hoes Is Serious" by Niki Jilvontae

My Opinion:

Wow, what a hard read this story was for me to read! I don't know whom I felt more sorry for, but for certain the direction this young man was going, one could tell that karma was coming for him. And to see how a parent could teach their child this horrible way to live...by PIMPING.. was just sad. I wish Big Moe had listened to his mother...oh well...I know Rachel was upset because she wasn't able to get the love she wanted but what happened from her help and talking ... all that's left to say is I wouldn't be surprised if karma isn't coming for her too. There was so much going in this read that ... OK, I will say you will have to pick up this read to see for yourself how it all comes out for Big Moe.

 

Where Hope Grows Kindle Edition by Aja

Book Excerpt:

"This is not a romance. I repeat it's not a romance.

Hope Chandler holds the weight of the world on her shoulders. She is a wife and mother of two and the caregiver to an ailing mother fighting an advanced stage of cancer. In the midst of helping her mother with the battle she is fighting, Hope must learn to win the war raging inside herself. The one having trouble believing all things are possible. The one struggling with allowing someone who loves her to hold her through her fears. The battle Hope must win is the one she is fighting with herself.

Where Hope Grows is a story of inspiration, hope, and unfailing love for the people we cherish most in our lives, including ourselves."

Title: Where Hope Grows
Author: Aja
Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing LLC
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Where Hope Grows" by Aja

My Opinion:

'Where Hope Grows' started somewhat sad, but by the end of this short story, it was quite a different story, as it turns out for Hope's mom Marie. I was glad this was a short story because the way the story starts, I am not sure I would have made it through. But, for some reason, Hope felt like she had to do it all even though her mother tried to tell her she would be alright... for Hope to go home and take care of herself and her family. However, it was so good seeing Hope finally realizing and accepting help that had been there for her all along this journey. All she had to do was ask for it.. with Hope having a wonderful husband who was willing to help. And with this doctor giving out a different diagnosis... well, this is where I will stop and say you much pick up this good read and see how well this author gives us a story that one will think of about it long after the read. For this story, the genuineness and realness of what can happen when diagnosed with any disease, especially battling cancer and their caregiver.

 

Trifling Chronicles: All in the family Kindle Edition by Linette King

 

Book Excerpt:

"Everybody goes through pain, but one person can only take so much. The only difference is how we handle it once we've reached our breaking point. After being betrayed by her sister and husband, Evelyn decides that she's done accepting that with love comes pain. Find out what happens when Evelyn finally takes karma into her own hands in this short story, All in the family.

Title: Trifling Chronicles: All in the Family
Author: Linette King
Publisher: L.K.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Trifling Chronicles: All in the Family" by Linette King

My Opinion:

The story had me shaking my head, and oh no way, wow! But, by the end, it all came out for all...Ethan, the husband, Teresa, the sister-in-law, and the wife, Evelyn. It sounds like all were crazy in what all they were doing to each other, and now someone is... and a little child is in the world with his..., and this is where I say you will have to pick up this 'Trifling Chronicles' to see who will survive in the end. The title says it all "Trifling Chronicles: All in the family."

Trial of Duty: A Legal Thriller (Laura Jones Legal Thriller Series Book 3) Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood (Author)

 Book Excerpt:

"Laura Jones thought she had seen everything. But no one could prepare her for the arrest of her son, who is accused of the worst crime America has ever seen.

With no other choice, she struggles to prove his innocence. But what she didn't expect was the image of her son shattering before her eyes. As piles of evidence surface against him, she knows she could lose this case and the only family she has ever known. Until the day a threatening letter reaches her door...

Trial of Duty is Freya's 3rd novel in the Laura Jones series of blood-pumping legal thrillers. If you are an avid fan of strong female leads, action-packed courtroom drama, riveting characters, and mind-blowing murder mystery, then you'll love Freya's intriguing story."

Buy "Trial of Duty" today to discover Freya's new intriguing crime mystery!

Title: Trial of Duty: A Legal Thriller
Author: Freya Atwood
Publisher: F. A.
Series: Laura Jones Legal Thriller Series Book 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Trial of Duty" by Freya Atwood

My Opinion:

'Trail of Duty' was indeed an excellent legal thriller read that will keep one turning the pages for more. But, when one thinks that this lawyer Laura Jones has been through it all...something else bigger comes for her. Now, it's her son, Bryan, who has bitten off more than he could chew this time as he has been arrested for murder, and naturally, he calls for his mother. An as Laura digs into getting information about Bryan being accused of this horrible crime, she finds out that her ex-husband is involved. But how could this be...Tommy DeLuca hasn't been involved with them...or so she thought. It looks like Tommy has had dealings with their son Bryan for quite a while...unknown to Laura.
How hard will it be to prove that Laura's son was not guilty of this murder 'as piles of evidence surfaces against him.' Who was sending 'a threatening letters that reach her door?'

Be ready for a story 'of a strong female lead, action-packed courtroom drama, riveting characters, and a mind-blowing murder mystery' that will leave one in awe of it all.

It was an enjoyable extended story of what came next for Laura. She definitely needed this break; after all, she had gone through this horrible mess with not only her son but that other person. So, to get the rest of the story, you will have to pick up the good read and see how well this author gives us another good extended story.

Both Are True by Reyna Marder Gentin

 

Book Excerpt:

"Judge Jackie Martin's job is to impose order on the most chaotic families in New York City. So how is she blindsided when the man she loves walks out on her?

Jackie Martin is a woman whose intelligence and ambition have earned her a coveted position as a judge on the Manhattan Family Court—and left her lonely at age 39. When she meets Lou Greenberg, Jackie thinks she's finally found someone who will accept her exactly as she is. But when Lou's own issues, including an unresolved yearning for his ex-wife, make him bolt without explanation, Jackie must finally put herself under the same microscope as the people she judges. When their worlds collide in Jackie's courtroom, she learns that sometimes love's greatest gift is opening you up to love others."

Title: Both Are True
Author: Reyna Marden Gentin
Publisher: Moonshine Cove Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Both Are True" by Reyna Marder Gentin

My Opinion:

'Both Are True' by this author gives the reader quite a dramatic, entertaining story featuring Jackie Martin and Lou Greenberg where we find these two living together and in some romance that ends quickly with Lou walking out. We find Jackie was serving as the youngest Manhattan Family Court Judge, and Lou divorced and a journalist. Lou was emotional support for Jackie in all that she was going through in family court, especially not having her children. But it seems like Lou was seeking something from his past and end up back at his ex's [Tara] door and leaving Jackie to question her own life decisions. And as one knows, life can give us something as it was in this story that will bring Jackie and Lou back together due to issues with his stepdaughter, Bryn. And this story will pick up from here.

Be ready for some strange characters that will shake their heads but give the reader a good story. [from the ex-wife, Tara, stepdaughter...Bryn Jackie's sister...Mindy and Mike, to name a few].
The ending was interesting with ended up with who...and I will stop here and say you will need to pick up this read and see for yourself how this author brings it all out.

Thank you, NetGallery and Moonshine Cove Publishing, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Petticoat Spy (Charleston Brides Book 3) Kindle Edition by Elva Cobb Martin

  Book Excerpt:

"A Charles Town belle and a blockade runner ignite fireworks in more ways than one during the American Revolution.

To Anna Grace Laurens, the war is like a distant bad dream, until her family’s Charles Town plantation is burned and her parents murdered by those loyal to the king. She flees on horseback and leaps into the Cooper River to escape her pursuers.

As John Cooper Vargas sails his sloop down the river, he spots a woman diving into the water. After firing on the Tory raiders chasing her, he rescues her and offers to take her with his parents to an island hideaway for the duration of the war. But she has other plans, including revenge for her parents’ deaths. She insists he drop her off in Charles Town, even with the British planning a massive attack by land and sea to retake the city, the Pearl of the South.

John employs his sailing skills for the patriots, risking capture and death, but he enjoys his skirmishes with the British navy blockade to bring goods from the islands to aid the cause. When Charles Town falls to the British, he docks his ship in a secret cove and joins Francis Marion's militia. This decision lands him wounded on a harbor prison ship where more men die than on the battlefield.

Anna Grace braves the deprivations, first of a city barricaded against the British, and then one surrendered and ruled by fists of iron under the English flag and injustice. At great risk to her, she spies on the British officers garrisoned in her house and seeks a way to rescue John before it's too late. As both American and English armies gather near Yorktown, Virginia, for a pivotal battle, can John and Anna's love for each other and their faith in God preserve them and help forge a new nation?"

Title: The Petticoat Spy

Author: Elva Cobb Martin

Publisher: Wild Heart Books; 1st edition

Series: Charleston Brides Book 3

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: 4

Review:

"The Petticoat Spy" by Elva Cobb Martin

My Opinion:

"The Petticoat Spy" was a historical read of the American Revolutionary War [1780] in Charles Town, later known as Charleston, SC. The story featured Anna Grace and Captain John Vargas, where we find the captain saving Anna as she was escaping from the British military who had killed her family.

As Anna Grace will go and live with a family from Charles Town, John will join the famous Swamp Fox in the military who 'provided a resistance force to harass the British supply lines.' From this war.. there will be 'Swamp Fox, spies and both sides of the conflict'...and those stories that give the reader quite a read of this horrible time in history.

The two [Anna Grace and John] will interact back and forth until she is asked to spy among the British for John, which was a dangerous thing to have done, especially if caught doing this. But with them starting to develop feelings for each other...of course, she wanted to help out in this situation.

The author gives the reader many historical details that make the read rather enjoyable but sad due to this wartime situation.

Even though there was a lot of sadness, the ending was sweet, giving the readers a good feeling about how the story will turn out. If the reader is looking for an adventurous historical read with a bit of romance, 'The Petticoat Spy' will give it all to you and more.

The Santa Suit Author: Mary Kay Andrews

 Book Excerpt:

"From May Kay Andrews, the New York Times bestselling author of Hello, Summer, comes a novella celebrating the magic of Christmas and second chances in The Santa Suit.

When newly-divorced Ivy Perkins buys an old farmhouse sight unseen, she is definitely looking for a change in her life. As the farmhouse is called, The Four Roses is a labor of love—but Ivy didn't bargain on just how much labor. The previous family left so much furniture and junk that it's a full-time job sorting through all of it.

At the top of a closet, Ivy finds an old Santa suit—beautifully made and decades old. In the pocket of a suit, she finds a note written in a childish hand: it's from a little girl who has one Christmas wish, and that is for her father to return home from the war. This discovery sets Ivy off on a mission. Who wrote the note? Did the man ever come home? What mysteries did the Rose family hold?

Ivy's quest brings her into the community at a time when all she wanted to do was be left alone and nurse her wounds. But the magic of Christmas makes miracles happen, and Ivy just might find more than she ever thought possible: a welcoming town, a family reunited, a mystery solved, and a second chance at love."

Title: The Santa Suit
Author: Mary Kay Andrews
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Santa Suit" by Mary Kay Andrews

My Opinion:

"The Santa Suit" was one sweet Christmas romance that featured how one person's purchase changed so many people's lives in a story as it was for Ivy Perkins. The author did an excellent job giving the reader a little magic in how well this story will come together. After a horrible divorce, we find Ivy and her dog, Punkin, and five baby chickens moving to a new place in Tarburton, NC., and purchasing a farmhouse that needed some work. This is when Ivy makes friends with the townspeople and where the magic will be thrown in. What will happen when Ivy finds a Santa Clause suit on the closet shelf with an old letter to Santa from a little girl named Carlette? How will this Santa suit affect her life and some of the people she has met in the town? Like Erza, Phoebe, and others in the story, the characters were all well-developed, which added so much charm to the story where one will find a little bit of mystery and some sweet romance. This story will be a 'delightful, heartwarming, and captivating' story that will put a smile on one face, and it may even become one of your favorite Christmas holiday stories.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Griffin and Netgalley for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for an honest review.