Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Maame A Novel by Jessica George

 


Book Excerpt:

""An utterly charming and deeply moving portrait of the joys––and the guilt––of trying to find your own way in life." ––Celeste Ng, #1 New York Times bestselling author


"Meeting Maame feels like falling in love for the first time: warm, awkward, joyous, a little heartbreaking, and, most of all, unforgettable." ––Xochitl Gonzalez, New York Times bestselling author of Olga Dies Dreaming

Maame (ma-meh) has many meanings in Twi, but in my case, it means woman.

It's fair to say that Maddie's life in London is far from rewarding. With a mother who spends most of her time in Ghana (yet still manages to be overbearing), Maddie is the primary caretaker for her father, who suffers from advanced-stage Parkinson's. In addition, her boss is a nightmare at work, and Maddie is tired of always being the only Black person in every meeting.

When her mum returns from her latest trip to Ghana, Maddie leaps at the chance to get out of the family home and finally start living. A self-acknowledged late bloomer, she's ready to experience some important "firsts": She finds a flatshare, says yes to after-work drinks, pushes for more recognition in her career, and throws herself into the bewildering world of internet dating. But it's not long before tragedy strikes, forcing Maddie to face the true nature of her unconventional family and the perils––and rewards––of putting her heart on the line.

Intelligent, funny, and profoundly affecting, Jessica George's Maame deals with the themes of our time with humor and poignancy: from familial duty and racism to female pleasure, love's complexity, and friendship's life-saving power. Most importantly, it explores what it feels like to be torn between two homes and cultures and celebrates finally finding where you belong."

Title: Maame
Author: Jessica George
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Maame" by Jessica George

My Sentiments:
'Maame' was one profound story that would be humourous and sad. All that Madeleine Wright, 25 years old, living in London, had to go through was quite painful, losing one's father [to Parkinson;s disease] and having an absent mother [living in Ghana] and brother [who also lived there in London]. Maame had to be the caregiver to her father, who was ill until her mom returned from Ghana. Now, why was this ... story going in the direction it did, where we find Maame's life was torn between her life and her family. We find Madeleine was the one that sacrificed her family, her home, her jobs, and her friends. And while at home, where were her mom and brother? It was interesting to learn more about her mother, brother, and even father, who loved his daughter and had to become a woman too soon. We find Maame [who met a woman] was also busy working on 'self-development, handling grief and struggling to find love and acceptance.'

The story will feature 'racism, dysfunctional family, and grief, with one finding their way in life, family, friends, and culture.' Will Madeleine [Maame] make it out of this situation she has been placed in by the end? This story will be long, so be prepared for a read that leaves everything by the lot.

This is where I say the reader will have to pick up this author's first novel, "Maame' to see how well this author brings it all out to the reader.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, St Martin's Press, for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.








Monday, January 30, 2023

The Chosen One Kindle Edition by Deborah Camp


 Book Excerpt:

""Grant Who Can't."

Alexander Grant has earned that title because he's been engaged three times and never married. Instead, he's chosen Number Four and has no intention of becoming her husband. Instead, he's only buying time to convince his father that being married has nothing to do with being a capable CEO of the family's company.

Olivia Barnes goes along with this scheme for her own reasons and has no intention of becoming Grant's wife.

They don't intend to enjoy each other's company so much and crave each other's kisses and caresses. What starts off as an advantageous lark somehow morphs into a relationship neither one expected. But what's real and what's pretense? When lies bind two people, how can they trust their foolish hearts?"

Title: The Chosen One
Author: Deborah Camp
Publisher: D.C.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Chosen One" by Deborah Camp

My Sentiments:

Alexander Grant had been given no choice in what his dad had planned for his son, which was to get him married so he could take over as CEO of the family business. However, after several times Alexander had problems with certain ladies to match, he decided to put a plan that would work for him, but will it work out for Alexander and Olivia Barnes [the lady Alexander had chosen]? There will be many twists and turns in this story, so you will have to keep up with the story to see what happens, as Alexander's relative will help cause many problems in this whole situation.

Again, will this work out for Alexander and Olivia? Will Alexander get his chosen one? You must pick up this good romantic HEA read to see how well it all comes out.

Zeek Book 1: The Flex Series Kindle Edition by Celeste Granger


 Book Excerpt:

"Tragedy drove Genesis Knight, medical examiner, to a new place, a different opportunity. Zeek Wilson, Captain for Elite Security, was already there. Genesis relocated alone and, in her aloneness, sought to understand the demise of others for those that remained. Zeek was a protector by nature. His job reinforced that, and he was dedicated to protecting his clients from harm. Yet, he couldn't protect the one person who meant the world to him. Each pushed themselves. Still, each reconnected to the horror that drove them, that plagued them, that worried them in their dreams. When Genesis and Zeek's paths crossed, an awakening transpired. A cosmic shift elevated the atmosphere and insulated a bond of unimaginable love that would be tested, tried, and proven."

Title: Zeek Book 1
Author: Celeste Granger
Publisher: C.G.
Series: The Flex Series
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Zeek Book 1" by Celeste Granger

My Sentiments:

"Zeek" was a security guard of the Mafia St Clair clan in this Flex Series. We find Zeek is very helpful to his family and those he loves. Genesis enters the picture after moving from Denver to Las Vegas. She has lost her best friend who had died, which was her grandmother. Geneva Ann Knight. Now living in Las Vegas, Genesis is a coroner [medical examiner]. What will this job entail for her, especially after he meets Zeek, who happens to be a neighbor, and there is that instant attraction? Will this love be dangerous for these two? With Zeek having problems of his own due to his mother's illness, how will this turn out after he and Genesis become more than just friends? Then after Genesis has problems with her job and finds out what type of security guard Zeek is, will there be problems between the two? How will these two be able to make it work out for them due to their lines of work? To find out how this story comes out and how well Zeek protects those he loves, the reader will have to pick up this read and see how this author brings it out so well to the reader.







Thursday, January 26, 2023

His Main Attraction: Elite Alliance (The Clark's of Northshire Bend) Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris


 Book Excerpt:

"As an emerging star with her girl group Genesis Rising, lead singer Tina Braddon's career elevates at every turn. She has the best of friends and her close family she cherishes more than anything. Beautiful, healthy, and a lover at heart, Tina absorbs all the goodness life has to offer--including her healthy competitiveness to win. But the man of her dreams is the one person who remains out of her reach. He's here today and gone tomorrow, and Tina can't help but wonder if it's for the best.

CIA operative Malik Anthony Clark has a jones in his bones for the stunning lead singer of Genesis Rising. But his top secret missions keep him in the shadows—only able to watch her from afar while longing for her like a figment of his imagination. However, when an opportunity arises for Malik to give Tina his undivided attention, Malik never looks back, taking a chance on a love that he hopes will last an eternity."


Title:  His Main Attraction:  Elite Alliance

Author:  Stephanie Nicole Norris

Publisher:  Love Is A Drug Ink LLC 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"His Main Attraction:  Elite Alliance" by Stephanie Nicole Norris


My Sentiments:



"His Main Attraction" was a beautiful read about Malik and Tina. His love for her was undeniable, seeing that Malik had finally found someone to love. The story showed how well this family of brothers, including Langston and Tristan, truly loved their mom despite what had gone on with their father. Seeing their mom find a king who seemed to make her happy was so good. Also, we find Tina's aunt Loretta was giving her some trouble in what was going on in her life with just getting older. How well this story all comes; together; you will have to pick this story to see how well this author presents it to the reader. Indeed it was a good read. 












The Clark's of Northshire Bend: A Prelude: Elite Alliance Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris


Book Excerpt:

You met them in the Valentine and Rose series. In this prelude, I will formally introduce you to Malik Anthony Clark, Tristian Neil Clark, and Langston Jamal Clark.

*You met Derek James Clark, who married a Rose in Her Naughty Suitor.*

Title:  The Clark's of Northshire Bend
Author:  Stephanie Nicole Norris
Publisher:   Love Is A Drug Ink LLC 
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review:
"The Clark's of Northshire Bend: A Prelude:  Elite Alliance" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Sentiments:  
This was an excellent prequel story of the Clark family..Malik, Langston, Tristan, Cynthia, and Fredrick. With each of the boys having such unique and challenging jobs, what could go wrong for them in their love life, where secrets start to come out all over the place? And what's up with Fredrick? The reader will have to be ready for quite an intensed journey, as this story will keep one turning the pages wanting more.











A Circus of Lies: An Allison King Legal Thriller (Allison King Legal Thriller Series Book 1) Kindle Edition by Ellis Keler


 Book Excerpt:

"The scent of alcohol forces Allison to confront her darkest challenge…

As the Circus Royale mourns the loss of its most renowned clown, lawyer Allison King takes on the case of defending Otis, accused of the murder.

Fighting against her alcoholic husband at home, Allison begins to suspect that the deceased clown's influence extends beyond the grave, an unseen hand manipulating events.

But if she doesn’t discover the truth soon, the hand will strangle her…

A Circus of Lies is an exciting blood-pumping legal thriller written by Ellis Keler and published by Cobalt Fairy.

If you are an avid fan of strong characters, action-packed courtroom drama, and mind-blowing murder mystery, then you'll love Ellis' intriguing story."

Title: A Circus of Lies
Author: Ellis Keler
Publisher: Cobalt Fairy LLC
Series: Allison King Legal Thriller Series Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"A Circus of Lies" by Ellis Keler

My Sentiments:

We find from 'A Circus of Lies' that Allison has a lot to endure in this story. From an alcoholic husband who beat her, a son that had some drug problems, and handling a murder case from a client [Otis] that didn't want to cooperate with his lawyer. So why was Otis not more forthcoming about his situation with his lawyer? And who was this Simon that seemed to perfect? With Allison's assistant Evelyn, and an investigator, will they be able to solve this case?

This is one legal thriller that will keep one's interest as Allison will have a lot on her hands, and she goes through this case with Otis, her son, and let's not leave out that husband. Things seemed to start well for Aliison and her husband, but by the end, you will have to see for yourself; all things that look good may not turn out so well in the future.



To Be Silent (The Lewis Series Book 4) Kindle Edition by Niki Jilvontae


Book Excerpt:

"In the last book, the trilogy of The Lewis Series, we got the pleasure to Meet Norman, who is a brand new breed of a psycho killer. Norman's son Dahmer showed us that some Misfits kill and enjoy the flavor of flesh. In this book, Star is back following the execution of her mother, looking for revenge! But, after being tortured by Abaddon, she has a new kind of rage that grows in silence. Come on to this new part of the journey, The Misfits, and witness as Star falls in love through murder and discover how the crew lets their lights shine… silently!"


Title: To Be Silent
Author: Niki Jilvontae
Publisher: N. J.
Series: The Lewis Series Book 4
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"To Be Silent" by Niki Jilvontae"

My Sentiments:

Wow, what a series...' To Be Silent' was seeing how Star is back and 'looking for revenge for the execution of her mother.'

Star had been through a lot being tortured by Abaddon. As the story continues, we will see how the Lewis family and Misfits come together, and this author will give the readers quite a story with many twists and turns, as their aim was getting Abaddon. Also, has Star fallen in love?

To fully understand this story, one must start with books 1, 2, & 3 so you will stay aware of what has gone on earlier in this good story by this author as the games begin.

The Jailed Lawyer: A James Acker Legal Thriller (James Acker legal thriller series Book 5) Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood


 Book Excerpt:

"As the clock ticks on, will lawyer James Acker's fate be sealed, or there's still hope to reclaim his life as he knew it? Only time will tell...


While James's brother and his best friend, Oliver, work tirelessly to help him, he navigates the harsh realities of life behind bars, still desperate to clear his name once and for all.

Just days before his trial, things seem as bleak as they can be when an attack on the jail threatens to derail his entire defense…."

The Jailed Lawyer is an exciting blood-pumping legal thriller written by Freya Atwood and published by Cobalt Fairy.

If you are an avid fan of strong characters, action-packed courtroom drama, and mind-blowing murder mysteries, then you'll love Freya's intriguing story.

Buy "The Jailed Lawyer" today to discover Freya's new intriguing crime mystery!

Title: The Jailed Lawyer
Author: Freya Atwood
Publisher: Cobalt Fairy LLC
Series: James Acker Legal Thriller Series Book 5
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"The Jailed Lawyer" by Freya Atwood

My Sentiments:

"The Jailed Lawyer" was a fascinating legal thriller about what happened to Lawyer James Acker who had killed the person that had murdered his daughter, Helen. We find he is in prison, where there is lots of drama, and let's not leave out the suspense that James will have to endure while there. The story will keep the reader turning the pages, and, lastly, after receiving the extended epilogue, lets the reader know what is in store for James as he is now back in prison as he promises to get Gavin Celeste if that is the last thing he does.



Buzz Books 2023: Spring/Summer by Publishers Lunch


 

Book Excerpt:

"Buzz Books 2023: Spring/Summer is the 22nd volume in our popular sampler series. As always, Buzz Books presents passionate readers with an insider's look at 55 of the buzziest books due out this season. Such prominent bestselling authors as Ryan Holiday, Nancy Horan, Kate Morton, and Abraham Verghese are featured, along with literary greats Jamel Brinkley, Eleanor Catton, Patrick DeWitt, and Cathleen Schine. Other sure-to-be readers' favorites are a fiction debut by celebrated nonfiction author Helen MacDonald and an adult debut by acclaimed YA author Elizabeth Acevedo. At the end of most excerpts, you will find a link to the full galley on NetGalley!


Buzz Books has had a particularly stellar track record with highlighting the most talented, exciting, and diverse debut authors, and this edition is no exception. Shelly Read's Go As A River, one of a bumper crop of 23 debuts titles, has already been sold to 27 countries. Among the others are Monica Brashears, Tembe Denton-Hurst, Katherine Lin, Janika Oza, and Tyriek White.

Our robust nonfiction section covers such fascinating subjects as the native peoples in America; a literary memoir of growing up with a reggae musician father who was a member of a strict Rastafari sect; and a definitive biography of Martin Luther King, Jr. Bestselling stoicism guru Ryan Holliday offers wisdom for dads, while David Von Drehle provides insight from a 109-year-old.

Finally, we present early looks at new work from young adult authors, including: Throwback by Maurene Goo, Queen Bee by Amalie Howard, and Lucha Of The Night Forest by Tehlor Kay Mejia.

Be sure to look out for Buzz Books 2023: Fall/Winter, coming in May.

Title: Buzz Books 2023: Spring/Summer
Authors: Publishers Lunch
Publishers: Publishers Lunch BUZZ BOOKS
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Buzz Books 2023: Spring/Summer" by Publishers Lunch

My Sentiments:

Be ready for 55 books this spring and Summer of 2023. These are some exciting reads from 'Fiction, Nonfiction, Essays, Biography & Memoir, Politics & Current Events, Social Issues, History & Crime, Business, and Science & Technology, Young Adult, and Debut authors' that will keep one finding the read you like.
Checkouts these good reads to see what is coming out. The reader will likely find something of interest to add to one's wishlist.

Thanks to NetGalley and Publishers Lunch for a preview copy.

Friday, January 6, 2023

All Churched Out: The Weary Wife of the Pastor-Book 3 (A Christian Fiction Thriller) Kindle Edition by Denise Cook-Godfrey


 Book Excerpt:

"After experiencing the shock of hypocrisy, legalism, infidelity, and many other soul-crushing experiences, Leah chose to leave the confines of the traditional church to find fulfillment and define true worship, spirituality, and love. Unfortunately, when things appear to turn in her favor, Leah experiences another painful blow.

Leah and her sister Rebbie are blindsided by a terrible, heart-wrenching secret that leaves both women dejected and in despair. Will these unfavorable events trigger an even greater attempt for Leah to detach from her former responsibilities to the church? Will she seek to repair the broken pieces of her life using crystals and other metaphysical practices?

This is book 3 and the finale of the "All Churched Out" series. Will the Pastor's Wife finally become relieved of her soul weariness through the rest offered only under the shadows of the Almighty? The saga continues."

Title: All Churched Out: The Weary Wife of the Pastor-Book 3
Author: Denise Cook-Godfrey
Publisher: D. C. G.
Series: A Christian Fiction Thriller Book 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"All Churched Out: The Weary Wife of the Pastor Book 3" by Denise Cook-Godfrey

My Assessment:
After reading books one and two, one can be assured that book three will put the icing on the cake. I am still determining to whom I feel sorrier...Leah or her sister Rebbie especially after their father passed. The reader will have to follow the story closely because there will be twists and turns everywhere. Leah's involvement with Chaka, Evander, Zane, Kyle, and Leah before the funeral, the family gathering during the funeral, the diary, the Epperson's, the church meeting with the board, [the big secret revealed], and the ending.

"All Churched Out: The Weary Wife of the Pastor-Book 3" series will leave one shaking their heads and saying wow...what a read. Is there a lesson to be learned from this excellent story? Yes! Please pick up all three of these reads to see how well this author brings up how the devil can enter one's life and after all is said and done, all [secrets] come tripling out in the end, and we get the whole truth.

This author gives the reader quite a read...as secrets come out, how will Leah, Rebbie, Kyle, and Aunt Zelle come out from all of this situation in the end. I don't want to tell too much more, but it was quite a blessing seeing the change and showing what can happen when God comes into the fold of it all.

To find out what comes to this story [and there will be a lot!]…the reader will have to pick up the novel to see how it all turns out, especially for Leah, Robbie, Kyle, aunt Zelle, Zane, and let's not leave out Shady Hill Church. That epilogue was quite a read about how things can turn around when God comes in and what a change is made for all involved in this story. So be ready for an excellent read of how God came through for these characters.

Her Exception 3: A Fake Relationship Romance (The Office Series) Kindle Edition by B. Love

 Book Excerpt: " Depending on who you ask, Jeremy Phoenix is either the hero or villain in their story. Growing up privileged did not c...