Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Sleeping in Sin: The Lesson Kindle Edition by Cornelia Smith


 Book Excerpt:

"Zakiya, a heartbroken, Christian, southern girl, leaves her small hometown and her faith for the Big Apple. Chasing her dreams, she slips into the arms of the most powerful and ruthless man in New York, Jarlath. After a night of Passion with Jarlath, Zakiya is informed about his wife. Determined to seek better, she takes her dignity and secret to big and better things; Khalon, New York's finest detective. Believing that she has found a perfect love with Khalon, she gives her heart to the perfect stranger. Unfortunately, Zakiya is stuck in the middle of a dangerous love triangle on this roller-coaster. This suspense thriller is filled with deceit, murder, lies, and the trigger, love. Cornelia Smith gives you a novel that will keep your eyes glued to the pages as you turn to learn the lesson Zakiya learns from Sleeping in Sin."

Title: Sleeping in Sin: The Lesson
Author: Cornelia Smith
Publisher: The Book Plug LLC; 2nd edition
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Sleeping in Sin: The Lesson" by Cornelia Smith

My Assessment:

'Sleeping in Sin: The Lesson' was quite a read that will keep the reader turning the pages. The lesson learned in this story is that who in the world would you trust when it came to men that Zikaya cared about? Be ready for twists all over the place, especially regarding Bailey, Jarlath, and Ronnie. This story will have a little storyline from:'love, hate, family issues, enemies, friendships, sex, murder,' and let's not leave out the mystery and drama all over the place. 'Sleeping in Sin: The Lesson' will be a ride that will leave the reader wanting more, and there will be several series until the end. So, be ready for more good reading!



The Lawyer’s Plea by Freya Atwood

 

Book Excerpt:

"When a young woman dies in a brutal case of murder, everyone wants the killer dead. But James Jacker, a lawless lawyer, believes he might be innocent…

After the murder of his daughter, Lawyer James Acker spiraled out of control. But there's one thing keeping him sane: fighting for justice. And once James finds out about the case, he decides he'll defend Daryl, the main suspect, even if it means reliving the most painful moments of his life. 

But things get complicated. Defending Daryl won't be so easy, not when he hides a dark secret from him and not when the case nearly falls apart."

Title: The Lawyer's Plea
Author: Freya Atwood
Publisher: Cobalt Fairy LLC
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Lawyer's Plea" by Freya Atwood

My Assessment:

'The Lawyer's Plea' was on legal crime thriller that kept your attention through the story. Will lawyer James Acker be able to defend Darryl Sanders in the needed way? With this lawyer having gone through quite a bit with his daughter being killed, his wife leaving, and the secret he held, how will this all work out for him? What was happening with James's brother Elliot, a detective, and why didn't he want James to take this case? What was it about this case that James worked on that seemed like he was 'reliving the most painful moments of his life? The story is one that the reader will have to jump in and keep up with as James tries to figure out what is going on with this Darryl he is defending. Plenty of twists and turns, suspense, and drama with some very intriguing characters will leave one shaking their head as the story continues. Will James be able to save his client from the death penalty? What will happen when James learns the chilling truth about his client? And after all is said and done, how will it happen after James shares his secret with his brother Elliot? To get all of these questions answered and more, the reader must pick up this well-written story to get it all answered.







Thursday, August 25, 2022

Living Inside The Testimony (3rd Edition) Kindle Edition by Betty Collier


Book Excerpt:

"Betty Collier engulfs readers with heartfelt authenticity and sincerity, permeating the pages of her inspirational narratives. The stories are written as if you are sitting at the kitchen table sipping your favorite beverage while listening to Betty recount surprising victories and daily life struggles. She showcases her unique storytelling ability with humor and unwavering faith that God has orchestrated her life's path every step of the way. As she shares memories of trauma and triumph, you will discover that blessings are all around us. Learn how to view life from a different perspective of thankfulness while acknowledging that God will see you through life's trials and tribulations.


You will be instantly drawn into Betty's faith-filled outlook on life as she puts her Christian values on full display in a wonderfully unexpected way. You will be moved as she talks with a refreshing sense of Love and exuberance about meeting her future husband in middle school only to face a near-death experience that shattered her heart a week before high school graduation. Her emotional diary to her unborn child and how she accepted and embraced God's plans for her life as a wife and mother will tug at your heartstrings.

Discover the faith within you, and be encouraged to share it to inspire others."

Title: Living Inside The Testimony
Author: Betty Collier
Publisher: Independently Published
Series: 3rd Edition
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Living Inside The Testimony" by Betty Collier

My Assessment:

"Living Inside The Testimony" was an excellent read about this author, Betty Collier. I was left in awe of it all as she gave the reader such an inspirational read of he life. No, it wasn't easy for her, for there were struggles and victories in this unique Christian story.

I enjoyed reading about how she met her future husband in middle school and, yes, off and on, but due to a horrible accident...they came back together and have been with each other for many years. God bless these with two children that are adored and blessed by God. God has been with Betty over her life; she shared with the reader how some of it happened with her husband and children...during her working time, helping others... buying a new home, and much more. The presentation of the read was beautiful. I especially loved how she thanked people who had helped her through situations.

"Living Inside The Testimony" was beautifully read and a testimony of God's amazing Love and abundant blessings."

I implore all to pick up and read this book...the reader will not be disappointed because one will "Discover the faith within you, and be encouraged to share it to inspire others."

The Birthday Gift By: Betty Collier

Book Excerpt:

"What a shining beacon of hope in a time of global uncertainty and unprecedented change! Be uplifted and inspired as you discover your own faith while experiencing the gift of a lifetime so cleverly embedded within the pages of this Book Excellence Award-Winning Book.

An unexpected knock on the door derails a birthday celebration as Mrs. Williams recalls the mysterious events that prevented her beloved husband from flying back home with their daughter's priceless, life-changing gift he discovered at a flea market in the Middle East. In the opening scene, she learns dramatically that the absolute love of her life was murdered en route to Los Angeles. Her faith and fortitude are unimaginably tested, but Mrs. Williams ultimately realizes that she possesses the greatest gift inside of her.

This exceptionally thought-provoking and intriguing story takes the reader on an emotional journey of profound heartbreak to surprising hope for the future. Although a catastrophic loss occurs, one comes away with a great sense of hopefulness in this increasingly violent world. The author intricately weaves this drama, leaving readers in suspense until the end.

This is the first book in 
The Birthday Gift book series featured in Terry Gurley's John 3:16 Global Placement Mission. The audacious plan is to install a symbolic gospel monument in all nations around the globe. As the reader discovers what the actual birthday gift is, it will become very apparent how that gift is the centerpiece of this global movement to share the most important message God has ever given man . . . Jesus was Promised, Died, Rose and is coming BACK!!!"

Title: The Birthday Gift
Author: Betty Collier
Publisher: Independently Published
Series: Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Birthday Gift" by Betty Collier

My Assessment: 'An exceptionally thought-provoking and intriguing story of heartbreak and hope.'
'The Birthday Gift' was an enjoyable, uplifting, inspirational story; although it had sadness, this novel offered 'love, faith, belief, emotions, hope, and forgiveness.'

Be ready for a 'thought-provoking and intriguing story' where one will see the hope for the future in this increasingly violent world.' I do not want to give any of this read away, but I like the reader to pick up this excellent read and see how well this author brings it out to the reader.

My favorite was the novel's Chapter 8, Restoration ... Psalms 23 [which is my favorite verse]: where every verse is explained so very well, and at the time of reading this...I needed it! Here is the quotation referred to:

"God says to you, "I will restore your soul. I will reach into the deepest part of your soul, to the place that nothing else can touch, and I will restore your soul. I will heal your heart. I will refresh your spirit." You need that, don't you? The Birthday Gift Book 1 28 When you are weary and burdened, you need your soul restored. When you are overwhelmed and undone, you need your soul restored. When you feel guilt and shame, you need your soul restored. When you are assailed by fear and worry, you need your soul restored. When you feel wounded and hurt, you need your soul restored. When you feel alone and rejected, you need your soul restored. When you feel angry and rejected, you need your soul restored. At all of these times and more, you need God to do for you what you cannot do for yourself: heal your soul. Nothing else can do it. Not entertainment. Not a weekend off. Not sports. Not exercise. Not television. Not a vacation. Not shopping. Not your hobby. Nothing else can restore your soul. But the God who created the universe, the God who breathed life into Adam—he can do it. He can breathe life into your soul. He can make you alive again. It happens when you meet with God. When you connect with God. When you draw close to God. When you are alone with God. When you gather with God's people and worship. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, says to you even now, "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Christ can restore your soul."

This novel will keep you reading and turning the pages until the end. And seeing 'The Birthday Gift' is book 1...a series... the readers will be left looking forward to reading book 2 'Dear John.'

The Birthday Gift was an excellent read.



 

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

Charity's Gunman Kindle Edition by Aedan Sayla


 Book Excerpt:

"He was cashing out. First the bullet and now the death of his closest friend. It was time to go out with a bang.


The deed is done; even as rocks fly, he has the peace of at least knowing he'd made his last few moments count for something. At least he'd gotten his revenge, anyway.

Waking up was a shock. Even more so to find himself tied down and being operated on by a woman alone, who had to be plumb crazy out of her mind to help him. You didn't fix an animal like him. You put him down with a bullet to the brain before he could turn and devour …..everything."


Charity's Gunman is a sensual, for ***Adults Only***, story of what can happen when one is unexpectedly given a second chance. As tales go, it has lots of emotion, romance that lasts, eroticism that mesmerizes, and a timeless message.

A Couple of Notes from the Author:

#1 
Absolutely, no cliffhangers in this story. It is a HEA, and I even give a complete final chapter that is set ten years down the road into the future to even further tie the story up for you, My Dear Reader, as well as myself, the Author, who loves a good story that is complete as much as you do.

#2 I have no plans for a sequel to this book. It's a story that stands on its own, but if you have suggestions otherwise, I am open to reconsidering my stance. You can contact me via any of the ways listed within the Book Detail Page of my book. I rarely, if ever, fail to respond to positive comments.

#3 
If you read my book and enjoyed it, please consider leaving a review or rating. Having read the story, you know that how I write is unique. Wouldn't it be nice if other people could find that out for themselves all because of you, Dear Appreciated Reader of my Erotic Fiction? Yes, I think so too."

Sincerely,
Aedan Sayla


Title: Charity's Gunman
Author: Aedan Sayla
Publisher: Origins of Love Company; 1st edition
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Charity's Gunman" by Aedan Sayla

My Assessment:

If you are looking for a sexual, read about second chances...along with 'lots of emotion, romance that lasts, eroticism that mesmerizes, and a timeless message,' the reader has come to the right place. To not tell too much about this read but know that Luke was definitely taking care of Charity. Pick up this read to find out what happens when Luke awakens to find out he is being taken care of by an angel. Yes, there are a lot of sex scenes [because it is an erotic read], but it is all exceptionally well-written in how well this Author brings it out to the reader and gives an ending of a beautiful HEA.

Breathless 7: In Love With an Alpha Billionaire Kindle Edition by Shani Greene-Dowdell


 Book Excerpt:

"When he said he would do anything for her, he meant it.


CEO billionaire, Jacob Turner, is in desperate need of the safe return of his wife.

Destiny Turner is caught in a battle of money, power, and status that goes horribly wrong.

When she's dragged to the back of a minivan, tossed in, and handcuffed to the seat, she doesn't know what's happening or how to break free. She has children to live for and couldn't imagine dying surrounded by big, evil-looking men she doesn't know.

Going mad without her, Jacob's heart is ripped out of his chest when he finds the one clue of who might have taken her. He has to decode this clue and get to her before it's too late. A wrapped gift in her drawer makes finding her all the more urgent.

Two problems: One of the suspects to bring chaos to their life is in prison. The other is happily married and growing a family of his own.
The billion-dollar question is, who would want to hurt one of Atlanta's most prominent couples…and why? Jacob has to dig deep to find answers, so get ready to travel down the road of the dark side of greed, money, power, and status."

Title: Breathless 7: In Love With an Alpha Billionaire
Author: Shani Green-Dowdell
Publisher: Imperial Publishing House
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Breathless 7: In Love With an Alpha Billionaire" by Shani Greene-Dowdell

My Assessment:

'Breathless 7' was another excellent series read featuring Jacob and Destiny. We find that Jacob loved his wife and would do anything to keep her and his family safe. What will happen when his wife is missing? With this story being of a close-knit family, it was so good seeing everyone there in the time of support that was needed at that time. By the end of the story, it was good seeing everything return to normal.






Tuesday, August 23, 2022

The Sugar Baron's Governess (Charleston Brides Book 4) Kindle Edition by Elva Cobb Martin


 Book Excerpt:

"She needs a new start...He knows a reckoning is coming.


Banished from Charleston for his misdeeds years earlier, Joshua Becket built a new life on both sides of the law in Jamaica. As a sugar plantation owner and member of the governing British Assembly, he's known and respected on the island. But he guards a secret identity. As swashbuckling Captain Jay, he leads daredevil privateering exploits on his ship, the 
Eagle, when the mood suits him. He needs a governess for his young daughter, whose mother has passed.

Widowed gentlewoman Abigail Welch accepted the governess position, leaving behind her disintegrated life in Charleston. This new start in Jamaica might finally help her find healing for her broken heart after losing her husband in the Revolution and their infant son to yellow fever.

Joshua's precocious, undisciplined daughter is the drawing card that brings him and Abigail together like clashing cymbals of disagreement...and fiery attraction. Can love and the miracle power of God give them a new beginning and a happily ever after?"


Title: The Sugar Baron's Governess
Author: Elva Cobb Martin
Publisher: Wild Heart Books; 1st edition
Series: Charleston Brides Book 4
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Sugar Baron's Governess" by Elva Cobb Martin

My Assessment:

"TheSugar Baron's Governess" was a very adventurous, intriguing romance read featuring Joshua Becket and Abigail Welch. We find Becket was now living in Jamaica since being banished from Charleston, and owner of a sugar plantation and also a member of the governing British Assembly However, Becket also had a secret identity...as a 'swashbuckling Captain Jay, who leads privateering exploit of his ship, the Eagle.' He also had a young daughter named Jade, whose mother had died, so he had sent for a governess by the name of Abigail Welch from Charleson to help in that situation.

It was quite a story of how Becket meets Abigail, and now the governess was living at Becket's home in Jamaica and doing her governess duties for Jade. All seemed to be going well, especially after Becket and Abigail discussed keeping his secret.

As the story continues, the story lets the reader know what had happened with Becket's family, with his father being a pastor who had prayed hard for his prodigal son. What had made him turn from God in Becket's life? What had happened to Abigail, a widower whose young son had died? So, now she was there in Jamaica, wanting to start a new life with the faith she carried close to her heart. Along the way, after attending church Abigail meets the minister Mark Gardner and there seems to be some interest; however, Becket also appears to have some interest in Ms. Abigail. Now how will that work out?

As time goes on, there will be some twists and turns that the reader will have to keep up with, not wanting to tell too much. But as the story goes on, Becket hears from his brother back in Charleston that his father is ill and wants to see him. With all that was going on with the government and the Maroons there in Jamaica, Becket had started praying to God...something he hadn't done in a while. So Beckett thought it was time for him to return to Charleston and make amends for what he had done in his past. At the same time, it seems like Becket was getting close to Abigail, and he even asked for her hand in marriage. How will this turn out, especially when Abigail thinks Becket is interested in a neighbor? Be ready for some interesting, well-developed, and secondary characters that will keep one turning the pages to see what is coming next.

The story will continue, and all that is left to say is to pick up 'The Sugar Baron's Governess' and get the whole fascinating love story of how 'trusting in God, having faith, and turning one life around' will make it all go the right way as it did for Joshua and Abigail.

Would I recommend "The Sugar Baron's Governess?" YES!
 





Friday, August 19, 2022

Lunchtime Chronicles: Tequila Sunrise Kindle Edition by Amarie Avant


 Book Excerpt:

"Tequila mixes well with everything except… decisions, and I'm old enough to know better.

ESSENCE
Antonio Emmanuel Rivas pushes all my buttons with a face chiseled in arrogance. The younger artist acts like my gallery, and everything in it belongs to him.
Including me.
Secretly, I crave Antonio's dominating hands all over my body like I'm one of his signature pieces.
But he's a tyrant. A monster. Trouble.
He's dangerous for my business and heart.
While the beast chases me relentlessly, I wonder if the man I should hate is also my soul can't live without.

ANTONIO
I'm only gentle with a paintbrush, and Essence Traver's cruel, luscious mouth has incurred my wrath.
I respect Essence's curation acumen. However, the pulse between her thighs and her throat leaps in defiance when my name is involved.
There's no secret I imagine adorning every inch of her body with . . . paint.
So while Essence intends to keep me at arm's length, I'll have my obsession in my arms soon enough.
All men have a vice; mine happens to be tequila and a blank canvas.
Until her.

Common themes in this Black Woman Latin Man (BWLM) romance include older woman younger man age-gap romance, a strong female lead, and steamy, passionate romance!"



Title: Lunchtime Chronicles: Tequila Sunrise
Author: Amarie Avant
Publisher: A.A. ‎
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Lunchtime Chronicles: Tequila Sunrise" by Amarie Avant

My Assessment:

Indeed Antonio and Essence were both artists and were destined to be together in this Lunch Time Chronicles. With each chapter getting hotter and hotter for these two, one could see how Antonio and Essence came together in this enjoyable short story. Definitely, their chemistry was off the charts.

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Justice for Loretta (The Thin Blue Line Series Book 1) Kindle Edition by LeeAnne James


 Book Excerpt:

""A methodical murder mystery with a shocking twist." –BestThrillers.com

Carter Mills was a successful and well-known investment broker. He and his wife Loretta had an ideal marriage with three kids, a beautiful home, and even a condo in the Dominican Republic. But their storybook life ended on the day that Loretta fell in the shower and died. Carter tried to save her, he'd even tried to do CPR, but it wasn't enough. His beautiful wife and the mother of his children were gone.

When the police were called to the Mills home on a reported unconscious person after a fall, Sgt. Steve "Mac" MacIntosh knew in his bones that something wasn't right. Loretta had a deep gash in her skull that seemed too extreme to have happened from a fall. In addition, he noticed bruising on Loretta's body and a black eye that was so swollen that her eye was shut.

No. This wasn't an unfortunate accident. This was a homicide that had been staged to look like an accident. And now it was up to Mac to fit together the puzzle pieces that would lead him to the killer so that he could find justice for Loretta."

Title: Justice for Loretta
Author: LeeAnne James
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Series: The Thin Line Series Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Justice for Loretta" by LeeAnne James

My Assessment:

'Justice for Loretta' was quite a mystery-thriller read that had a lot going on from 'domestic abuse, greed, betrayal, dramatic twists and turns, a murder, and I don't want to leave out that court case.' The story was a sad read with an ending that would make you think...really; however, I don't believe that end happened as the accuser said because he was such a liar. So, you will have to read this good story and see what you think about it and how this author brings it to a close.






Starting Again (Starting In Henderson County Book 2) Kindle Edition by Pamela Q. Fernandes


 Book Excerpt:

"A sweet holiday romance in Henderson County.

When Dawn starts prepping for the Christmas season, little does she know that it will be her last in Henderson County. But, first, Dawn wants to flee with the announcement of her ex-boyfriend's wedding.
Until she meets Gage Baxter. He's everything she wants in a man, except she has no plans to stay here anymore, and Gage seems too good to be true.
One stormy night, she finds out that one secret Gage kept to himself caused her to waste twelve years of her life waiting. Or was it destiny?"

Title:  Starting Again
Author:  Pamela Q. Fernandes
Publisher:  J & M Publishing 
Narrated By Madeline Starr
Series:  Starting In Henderson County Book 2
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review:
"Starting Again" by Pamela Q. Fernandes

My Assessment:

'Starting Again' was a sweet holiday romance in Henderson County but ended in Germany. The story features how Gage and Dawn finally came together in love through letters. Letting go of a childhood love will be hard for Dawn, but when the heart finally lets one see who was there that really loved her, will she be able to accept it? To read how this all turns out for Dawn and Gage after a secret comes out, the reader will have to pick up this Christmas Holiday read to see how well this author brings it all to light.

Starting Over (Starting In Henderson County Book 1) Kindle Edition by Pamela Q. Fernandes


 Book Excerpt:

"Cara Wallace is stunned to find Nathan Reynolds back in Henderson County. His sudden arrival brings unresolved questions of what might have been.

How could she unwrite the past?
How could she undo the mistakes?
How could she unlove him?
Nathan Reynolds can't understand why Cara chose to stay in this small town. How could she sacrifice her career, her future, and their love for a small run-down cottage in the middle of nowheresville?
Nathan intends to find out whatever her reasons and start over again!"

Title: Starting Over
Author: Pamela Q. Fernandes
Publisher: J & M Publishing
Narrated By Madeline Starr
Series: Starting In Henderson County Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Starting Over" by Pamela Q. Fernandes

My Assessment:

'Starting Over' was a sweet love story featuring Cara Wallace and Nathan Reynolds, who had been school sweethearts until it was time to leave for college. After some ten years, Nathan returns with a girlfriend and finds Cara had gone to college and was keeping her niece. As time passes, Cara ends up working for Nathan, and little by little, Nathan learns why Cara didn't let him know why she hadn't gone to college back then. Finally, will these two be able to get back together after Nathan has discovered a secret? At this point, the reader must pick up 'Starting Over' and see how well this author brings out how and why Cara did the things she had to do for her family.








Tuesday, August 9, 2022

Falling For The Cowboy by Soraya Lane


 Book Excerpt:

"A sweet, small-town cowboy romance


Rodeo champion turned single dad Lark Anderson is the new cowboy in town. A fall ended his marriage and career, leaving him to raise his daughter alone.

The small town in New Zealand he moves halfway across the world to is just a little suspicious of their new rodeo star resident, so local sweet 
heart Sophie Baxter is chosen to keep an eye on the hot-tempered cowboy. Sophie is battling her own troubles, which means that Lark is a welcome distraction, and he certainly has all the locals talking.

Only Sophie hadn't expected to fall in love...

Seeing Lark with his daughter tugs at her heartstrings in ways she never expected, and suddenly she wonders if there's a place for her in Lark's little family."


Title: Falling For The Cowboy
Author: Soraya Lane
Publisher: S.L.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Falling For The Cowboy" by Soraya Lane

My Assessment:

"Falling For The Cowboy' was a sweet love story featuring Lark Anderson and Sophia Baxter. It all starts with Sophia helping Lark with some run-away horses. With Sophie working with animals for a shelter, she was able to help Lark with that situation that came up with the police. As Lark and Sophia worked with the animals, they both had issues from their past that plagued both of them, With Lark having a pass with an ex and Sophia losing a young patient and choosing not to have a child[abortion]. What will happen when these two become involved? And especially when Sophia discovers he has a daughter living with him. We find Lark had been injured during his cowboy stunts and was no longer able to continue in that way of life...all was left was for him to take his daughter Lucy and find a place for them, and he chose New Zealand. After meeting Sophia, will there be something for them, especially with Sophia having a problem being around children due to what had happened to her? What will happen when Lark finds out that Sophia is a pediatric surgeon? How will this all turn out for Lark, Sophia, and Lucy? The story will be one that the reader will have to pick up and see how well this author brings it all out to the reader. It will be indeed an excellent sweet read!



Bend Toward the Sun A Novel by Jen Devon

Book Excerpt:

""Heart-warming, sensual, beautifully written." –New York Times bestselling author Ali Hazelwood

Jen Devon's Bend Toward the Sun is a gorgeous, emotional love story about taking unexpected paths, accepting loss, and finding strength in the transformative power of love.

Rowan McKinnon believes love isn't real. She thinks she has everything she needs with a botany Ph.D., two best friends who embrace her social quirkiness, and some occasional no-strings sex. But she hides deep wounds from the past—an emotionally negligent mother and a fiancé who treated her like a pawn in a game. The only love she's ever known came from her grandmother Edie, who taught her to care for all things that grow.

After a chance encounter at a future winery, Rowan takes on the restoration of the property's abandoned vineyard, immersing herself in nurturing the grapes back to their former glory—and trying not to think about Harrison Brady.

An obstetrician profoundly struggling after losing a patient, Harry Brady no longer believes he can keep people safe. Reeling from the loss and his crumbled romantic relationship, Harry leaves Los Angeles to emotionally recover at his parents' new vineyard in Pennsylvania. He'll work to get the place ready to open and try to pick up the pieces of his heart.

As soon as he meets Rowan, sunlight begins to crack through the darkness smothering Harry's soul. He's compelled to explore the undeniable pull between them. But, after spending a lifetime protecting herself from feeling anything for anyone, Rowan tries to keep things casual.

But even she can't ignore their explosive connection.

A powerful, emotional novel about how love can change your life, Bend Toward the Sun is an unforgettable romance and a feast for the senses and the soul."

"This is a book to be savored."—Rachel Lynn Solomon, bestselling author of The Ex Talk.

Title: Bend Toward the Sun
Author: Jen Devon
Publisher: St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Bend Toward the Sun" by Jen Devon

My Assessment:

'Bend Toward the Sun' was quite an emotional, unique, and enjoyable storyline that featured Rowan McKinnon and Harrison Brady, who both had real-life issues. Rowan was a botanist hired to help restore a vineyard that needed much care, and Harrison, a doctor back home seeking refuge from a traumatic experience that had happened to him while living in LA. What will happen when these two meet at a turning point in their lives with all the baggage they carry? The characters, especially the Brady family and Rowan's two best friends, were enjoyable with all the bantering in the story. Indeed this was a story of 'how love can hurt us and also how it can heal us.'

Be ready for a beautiful love story that was 'romantic, satisfying, sensual and unforgettable' that would be recommended to read.

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced e-book in exchange for my honest review.

Monday, August 8, 2022

In The Heart of A Valentine: A Collection of Short Stories Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris


 Book Excerpt:

"In this collection are updated stories from some of your favorite Valentines.

Weekend On The Isle - Hunter
Table For Three - Raphael
Reindeer Games - Kyle
A Love So Sweet - Lance"

Title:  In the Heart of A Valentine
Author:  Stephanie Nicole Norris
Publisher:  Love Is A Drug Ink LLC 
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"In The Heart of A Valentine" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Assession:

'In The Heart of A Valentine' was a wonderful collection of short stories that gave the readers a wonderful, sweet read that involved:  "Weekend On The Isle - Hunter, Table For Three - Raphael, Reindeer Games - Kyle, and A Love So Sweet - Lance."

Each of these short reads lets one know how much these Valentine's men loved their wives.  I don't want to give out anything other than saying you will have to pick up this collection and see how well this author gives it to the readers.  It will be an enjoyable love read.



Daycare Santa, By J.L. Campbell

Book Excerpt: " The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but Regina Wright's world is unraveling. A split with her busi...