A Good Family A Novel by Matt Goldman

 Book Excerpt:

"New York Times bestselling author and Emmy Award-winner Matt Goldman's A Good Family is a gripping, emotional thrill ride about the secrets hidden underneath a picture-perfect neighborhood.

Katie Kuhlmann's marriage is falling apart. But she has a secure job, her children are healthy, and her house, new construction in the prestigious Country Club neighborhood of Edina, Minnesota, is beautiful. She can almost ignore how her husband, Jack, has been acting--constantly checking his phone, not going to work, disappearing from the house only to show up again without explanation.

Tension in the Kuhlmann house only worsens when Adam "Bagman" Ross, a mutual friend from college, happens to be in the neighborhood and needing a place to stay. Jack is quick to welcome him into the sanctity of their home, but Jack's strange behavior only worsens, and Katie fears their new guest is also harboring a dark secret. As she begins to uncover the truth, she realizes that something is terribly wrong--and she must race to protect her family as danger closes in."

Title: A Good Family
Author: Matt Goldman
Publisher: Tor Publishing Group, Forge Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"A Good Family" by Matt Goldman

My Sentiments:

We find this story quite intriguing while being a dramatic domestic suspense-thriller that deals with Kate Kuhlmann, her husband, Jack, and their two children [Elin & Kaleb]. Everything seemed to be going ok for this Kuhlmann family that lived in Edina, Minneapolis [on the outside...perfect couple, house, and neighborhood] until her husband started acting strange and getting worse as the marriage continued. Was t his job, or was he having an affair? Yes, ate had formed a friendship with a guy that started because she loved skiing, and it seemed like her husband had no time for her being 'touchy, angry, and so secretive,' and this was even to the two children. This was funny because he had the nerve to be concerned about her relationship with her ski buddy. Then this family has a friend from college, Adam Bagman Ross, that came for an uninvited visit and ended up staying with them. As the story continues, something is quite strange about this marriage, her club friends, neighbors, the man not living with them in his particular place... all was strange. Finally, promo ng Kate to ask for a divorce because she knows that something is wrong. She couldn't get any answers that she believed from Jack. What was this big secret that Jack was hiding with their friend Adam that had moved in and lived over their garage in their guest house? This story will be long, but by the end, the reader can see why the reader will have to keep up due to so many twists and turns coming out of this story. I liked the flashback of Katte's life with her parents and twin brothers. I guess she thought that marrying Jack would solve all of her problems [due to the fact he had money], different from living with her grandparents after the death of her parents. I loved how Kate fooled her husband, naming the kids after...well, I will stop here and say you must pick up "A Good Family" and see how this author brings it out, giving us a wow of a good ending for the reader.


Thank you, NetGalley, for eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Garnett Girls A Novel by Georgina Moore

 Book Excerpt:

"In this brilliant debut novel full of heart and warmth, three sisters and their free-spirited mother must grapple with life, responsibilities, and family secrets.

"Gorgeously written and utterly absorbing…a rare and wonderful delight." — Lucy Foley, New York Times bestselling author

Love makes you do things you never thought you were capable of…

Forbidden, passionate, and all-encompassing, Margo and Richard's love affair was the stuff of legend—but, ultimately, doomed.

When Richard walked out, Margo locked herself away, leaving her three daughters, Rachel, Imogen, and Sasha, to run wild.

Years later, charismatic Margo entertains lovers and friends in her cottage on the Isle of Wight, refusing to ever speak of Richard and her painful past. But her silence keeps each of the Garnett girls from finding true happiness.

Rachel is desperate to return to London but is held hostage by responsibility for Sandcove, their beloved but crumbling family home.

Dreamy Imogen feels pressured to marry her kind, considerate fiancé, even when life takes an unexpected turn.

And wild, passionate Sasha, trapped between her fractured family and controlling husband, is weighed down by a secret that could shake the family to its core…

The Garnett Girls, the captivating debut novel from Georgina Moore, asks whether children can ever be free of the mistakes of their parents."

Title:  The Garnett Girls

Author:  Georgina Moore

Publisher:  Avon

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"The Garnett Girls" by Georgina Moore

My Sentiments:  

'The Garnett Girls' came from a dysfunctional family where we find that the parents, Margo & Richard, had split up the three girls... Rachel, Imogen, and Sasha were quite a hand full. The story tells the reader about their miserable lives as they grew up. I'm not sure who I felt sorrier for...the Mom or the sisters with their husbands. I did not even enjoy the read in the beginning, with all the messiness that was going on with the family members and some other characters from the read; only if they would talk to each other! But I continued reading, hoping to get something from each of their particular stories.

However, these situations these girls endured go on in many families, and there may be a lesson for each of these girls' concerns that they went through along with their husbands and mother. By the end of the read, one is asking whether children can ever be free of the mistakes of their parents.

If it's drama you want, you have definitely come to the right place because 'The Garnett Girls' will give it all to you.

Thank you, NetGalley, for eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Lawyer's Vengeance: A James Acker Legal Thriller (James Acker legal thriller series Book 8) Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood

Book Excerpt:

"James Acker's plan to finally bring his enemy to justice hits a significant obstacle when his brother is attacked in jail.

As James strives to uncover the truth about the attack, he makes a shocking discovery. A traitor lurking within his inner circle has provided his archenemy access to his most closely guarded secrets.

As time ticks away, he finds himself in a race against the clock to salvage his plan. Yet, the question remains: will the criminal mastermind escape punishment yet again?

The Lawyer's Vengeance 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 mystery, then you'll love Freya's intriguing story."
 

Title: The Lawyer's Vengeance
Author: Freya Atwood
Publisher: Cobalt Fairy LLC
Series: James Acker Thriller Series Book 8
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Lawyer's Vengeance" by Freya Atwood

My Sentiments:

It was a good series; in book 8 of the James Acker legal thriller...' In The Lawyer's Vengeance, the reader finally sees a specific person getting his karma. However, before all of this happened during this court case involving Gavin Celeste, Elliot was attacked in prison. Hopefully, you, the reader, have kept up with what has happened in this thriller. Now, as the story winds down... You will have to pick up book 8 and see how well James and Taylor worked hard on this trial case of Gavin Celeste. If you have kept up with the story, you will notice one lawyer from the team needs to be included. What happened? Again, you must pick up 'The Lawyer's Vengeance' to see how well this author brings it out to the reader.

So, in the extended epilogue, one could understand why Elliott didn't want his brother James involved with that horrible person anymore. But if you know anything about James, he will not quit, so I don't see what Eliott was thinking!

Sins of Thy Mother 4: Maybe I'm Just Like My Mother Kindle Edition by Niki Jilvontae

 Book Excerpt:

"The Lewis saga began with three broken children suffering at the hands of their deranged mother, Denise. Throughout their childhoods, Tisha, Terricka, and Sha endured physical, emotional, and mental abuse unfathomable to the ordinary mind but deathly true to them. Then one day, they slay their dragon and move on to greener pastures while still carrying the Sins of Thy Mother. Will adult Tisha, Terricka, and Sha overcome all that happened to them as kids? Or will one of the trio find themselves wondering...Maybe I'm Just Like My Mama!"

Title: Sins of thy Mother 4: Maybe I'm Just Like My Mother
Author: Niki Jilvontae
Publisher: N.J. ‎
Series: Book 4
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Sin of Thy Mother 4: Maybe I'm Just Like My Mother" by Niki Jilvontae

My Sentiments:

'Sins Of Thy Mother 4' book 4 was quite a sad story featuring the three siblings...Tisha, Terricka, and Sha. One would think that after the killing of their 'deranged mother, Denise,' things would go better for the three. However, that was not to happen, especially for Terricka. As stated earlier, this was quite a sad story for them in all they endured trying to help Terricka. I will have to say, YES, she was definitely like her mother, Denise...crazy! But, one could see that when one isn't ready to get the help they need, it's hard to get them to see they need help. as it was for Terricka. It was too bad that the story ended, but at least some lives were saved from this horrible situation.

Boss'd Up With A Big Stepper Kindle Edition by Jade Jones

 Book Excerpt:

"Mecca and Naomi are worlds apart, but their apparent distinctions bring them together. He's a loud and reckless criminal, while she prefers her life to be less chaotic. Although their upbringings and lifestyles differ, there's an undeniable spark between them from the moment they meet. Despite obstacles in front of them, he sets out to make it work with Naomi—even if it means upsetting those closest to them.

But when things turn for the worse and become a matter of life or death, their feelings deepen, and the stakes become much higher than they initially thought. Will they be able to prove that true love really can conquer anything? Or will they fail before they even have the chance to find out?

"Boss'd Up With A Big Stepper" is an exhilarating rollercoaster filled with romance, danger, and shocking revelations that will leave readers stunned."

Title: Boss'd Up With a Big Stepper
Author: Jade Jones
Publisher: Jaded Publications
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating; Four
Review:
"Boss'd Up With A Big Stepper" by Jade Jones

My Sentiments:

This was one of those stories that seemed all over the place. From Mecca and his brother Israel working for their father Knight, this was some story, along with their mother getting ready to be released from prison... of why she was there in the first place. We find Mecca meeting Naomi; however, finding out she is married, and his ex, Ashley, seems to be hanging around, causing trouble for the couple.

Along with this, we find Israel and his woman Tafari was crazy, fighting all the time about mess along with their little boy Levi, but was it Israel's child? This story will continue until the end, making little sense other than finding out what Knight had his older son doing to his brother Messa and their mom.

So, to get it all, this story is one to pick up and see this rollercoaster ride that will continue in another read, I guess?

Gone off his Game: A Standalone Novel Kindle Edition by Jade Jones

 Book Excerpt:

"A fast-paced, jaw-dropping standalone from Jade Jones, author of the bestselling Cameron series!

Spirit has always lived a difficult life as a single mom, struggling to get by and maintaining her morals as a stripper. To make matters worse, the man she loves is married to another woman. So the ball has never been in her court--or so it seems. That is until she meets a bad-tempered, sexy redhead named Shooter. Despite their circumstances and character differences, the two fall hard and fast for each other. But with secrets, drama, and tragedy standing in the way of their bliss, to face obstacles that could potentially sabotage their happily ever after.

"Gone "ff His Game" is an" African American standalone that will transport you into a fast-paced world of crime, betrayal, drama, and romance."

Title: Gone Off His Game

Author: Jade Jones
Publisher: Jaded Publications
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Gone Off His Game" by Jade Jones

My Sentiments:

'Gone Off His Game' was a story that was all over the place. So, keep up. I am not sure whom I felt more sorrier for...Spirit..or Darling, her best friend. Poor Spirit just wanted someone to love; her choices were not good in messing with Gucci, a married man, and Shooter, a murderer for hire]...what could you expect from either one of those characters? From a baby daddy who was living more than a double life to her kidnapper who was crazy?

The ending was way off the chart. I will stop here and say...pick this one up if you are into drama craziness off the chart with all of the revenge! Spirit thought she was choosing wisely going from Gucci to Shooter, but the turn by the ending says it all!

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

 Book Excerpt:

"Special Agent Tristan Neil Clark has been with the FBI for over a decade, and he's known for his sharp investigative skills and unwavering dedication to his job. But one thing terrifies him more than any criminal: falling in love.

Tristan's heartbreak still haunts him, and he's convinced he's not meant for love. That is until he meets the famous singer, Chelsea Bellamy, who saves his life during their impromptu meeting.

Chelsea is everything Tristan never knew he wanted—beautiful, funny, with a voice that captures his heart and the hearts of millions.

Despite Tristan's reservations, he can't help but be drawn to Chelsea, and their paths continue to cross as she becomes the target of a dangerous killer.

As his obsession ignites, taking a chance with the woman he adores could cause irreversible damage, and saving her might mean losing himself."

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

My Sentiments:

It was a good read, 'Igiting His Obsession: lite Alliance' featuring Tristan and Chelsea. They had attended many of the same gatherings, but it wasn't until Tristan volunteered for a charity that these two were brought together. However, these two had met earlier when Chelsea had saved his life. Who would have thought, with Tristan working for the FBI, that he would have to protect Chelsea? This was an exciting story that the reader would keep turning the pages to see what was coming next. Be prepared for a lot of twists, drama, action, steamy romantic scenes, and crime in the story, especially bringing in who this 'cupid killer' was and why it happened as it did.

Forever Us Kindle Edition by Charleigh Harper

 Book Excerpt:

"Always feeling unseen, unwanted, and unloved, Daniella always had one person in her corner, her best friend. Finally, 19 years of friendship allowed Daniella and Lu to build a bond and be everything each other needed. After committing to only being forever friends, what happens when one-night secrets are told, and confessions have been spoken? Come along on the journey on the shift from best friends to something more."

Title: Forever Us
Author: Charleigh Harper
Publisher: Charleigh Harper
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Forever Us" by Charleigh Harper

My Sentiments:

My sentiments about this story were that Daniella's [Ella's] parents were a piece of work. How in the world did they treat a human like that? But, on the other hand, it was so good that Ella had a friendship with Lu that did turn into more as the story went on. Now with Lu's father...who seemed for a minute to have some problems with him, however, things changed after an illness. The story gives one a lot to think about...having parents who reject you for no real reason and, on the other hand, a parent who wanted his son to work for him...and was that to be? But, as the story continues, this author gives us a good story of what came for this couple, uniting them in the end, with Ella's siblings giving her much love along with Lu's family.

Tonight's Promise : A Stedman's Love Chronicle Kindle Edition by Malay Reneè

 

Book Excerpt:

"The universe tends to throw us curve balls, and when it does, we have two options: we either give in to the obstacles or take full control of our lives.

For Akeem Sanders, life gave him more than he could chew. Still mourning a life from his past, he's been fighting himself to move on to new and better things. When his friend pushes him to visit one of the best-kept secrets of Syracuse, his mind slowly changes. Stedman's becomes his escape from reality. A one-night fantasy of Tonight's Promise becomes a lingering thought on his mind… a thought he doesn't see himself shaking.

Smile more, talk less. Carrington Kennedy has always been a good girl. She has been one of her mother's most prized possessions. Becoming one of the city's top therapists, helping others tap into their better selves, Carrington slowly realizes one of the things she teaches her clients seems to be the one thing she can't master herself—standing on her own two feet. With her upcoming nuptials, Carrington finds herself trying to please those who don't seem too concerned about her true happiness. In the time leading up to her wedding, Carrington finds solace in a man she has no business attaching herself. A man who is not only her father's new prodigy but a man who is also her new client.

In a short time, many rules are broken, and boundaries are crossed. With so much happening right under everyone's noses, these two are left wondering if they feel a wave of lust or the act of love embedding itself within them. Join these two as they find comfort in forbidden arms.

Title: Tonight's Promise: A Stedman's Love Chronicle
Author: Malay Renee
Publisher: B. Love Publications
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Tonight's Promise: A Stedman's Love Chronicle" by Malay Renee

My Sentiments:
Even though Carrington and Eric were finally engaged, it didn't seem like a loving relationship. Not until Carrington started counseling Akeem did it seem like something was there. I wasn't surprised about the Stedman's place that brought them together, even though, at the time, it was unknown. With Carrington's mother trying to get something she didn't have in her life for her daughter, it was sad she didn't recognize what a mess she was making for her daughter. It was good to finally see Care opening her eyes and getting what she wanted. Will it be Eric or ... this is where you must pick up 'Tonight's Promise' and see how this author will end this particular story to the readers.

Outrunning God's Love by Karen Adams

 Book Excerpt:

"A story of sheer test and triumph, outrunning God's Love is a journey that displays the power of truth and living God. Dealing with sexual abuse, rejection, and drug addiction--Karen Adam's journey is a testament that God's love always has the final say. God performed incredible miracles in Karen's life, and he can do the same for you."

Title: Outrunning God's Love
Author: Karen Adams
Publisher: K.A.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Outrunning God's Love" by Karen Adams

My Sentiments:
'Outrunning God's Love' was an excellent read that covered the subject matter from its: Introduction, Necessary Forgiveness, Looking for Love, Mending Mistakes, Turning Point, Still Running, Endless Cycles, Broken People, Broken Places, Held Together, Trouble Won't Last and final Prayer giving the reading quite an outstanding read coming from this author: Karen Adams.

I got from this read that Karen's life had been quite challenging with her mother not showing love to her. With Karen being molested at three years old...wow! From being abused often by men up until the age of 11 years old, it didn't stop there as Karen's sexual abuse went on with all of the men that she was involved with. Getting marriage at 14 and pregnant [however, her mother had it annuled]. But then pregnant at around 17 years old.

As her life went on...she had two friends...Klarke and Mom C. were with her through her up and downs, and believe me, she had lots of those, but it was God that was her whether she knew it or not. These friends were some praying ladies who truly loved God. I loved how Karen had these two friends who would drop whatever they did to pray and help her any way they could, especially let's not leave out Mom C's hugs. By the way, Karen when to church as a child.

Karen learned a lot over the years, and one thing was for sure even though you may be a church member doesn't make it a sure thing; you know it all. Yes, church people can hurt you! This is where you trust only in God. I am not saying all Christians are like this, but I will say there are many strange Christians around that can cause all kinds of problems and are not of God.

We see that Karen also had an addiction, which involved drug problems [after meeting several of her men friends], several nervous breakdowns, surgeries, therapy, and also in mental hospitals over her duration before she could come out of all of these situations.

What was really going on with Karen? Oh, she had two sons and three daughters. I really felt for her sons in how they were treated... especially the first one, all due to how Karen had been treated by the men she had been with over the years. So, she was an abuser.

I love the question God asked Karen...'What have I done to cause you to separate yourself from me?' We find Karen would go to church, and she talked to many pastors...but it seemed like whenever he did go to church, there would always be something that would stop her...people were talking about her! Did she not know that's what some people TALK about? Who she should have been talking to was GOD! And then, LISTEN! And let's now forget those best friends she had [Klarke and Mom C, who were constantly praying and trying to help her!

What Karen wanted was someone to LOVE Her! Didn't she know that these bags of bomb men she was getting with were not worth the time of day...but she wanted to be married so that she would find a married one or that Useless one that would lie to her, and she believed it.

One thing is for sure...Our God is Perfect. Forgiveness is the path that did finally help Karen with her mom and sons. No one should 'except verbally, physical or sexually abuse'...this is not OK!

Wow, this was some read that had me in tears at times, but seeing Karen finally gets the meaning of having God in one's life and depending only on him. If you want a husband...pray for God to give you one that will love HIM first, and it will all come together for you.

There is so much more I would love to say...but I will stop here and say pick up 'Outrunning God's Love' and see how it all did come out for Author Karen Adams. Well done story, and one will learn from this, especially if you are going from any of these situations.

Karen Adams, may our God ever bless and keep you in his will. Thank you for your telling your story. This story will help many people, so please pick this one up to read.

Late Bloomers A Novel by Deepa Varadarajan

 Book Excerpt:

"An Indian American family is turned upside down when the parents split up thirty-six years into their arranged marriage in this witty, big-hearted debut.

"Equal parts funny and heartbreaking, Late Bloomers is a charming story about starting over, stumbling, and finding yourself at any age."—Jennifer Close, author of Marrying the Ketchups.

"I have a soft spot for underdogs. And late bloomers. You've told me many things about yourself, so let me tell you something about me."

After thirty-six years of a dutiful but unhappy arranged marriage, recently divorced Suresh and Lata Raman find themselves starting new paths in life. Suresh is trying to navigate the world of online dating on a website that caters to Indians and is striking out at every turn—until he meets a mysterious, devastatingly attractive younger woman who seems to be smitten with him. Lata enjoys her newfound independence, but she's caught off guard when a professor in his early sixties starts flirting with her.  

Meanwhile, Suresh and Lata's daughter, Priya, think her father's online pursuits are distasteful even as she embarks upon a clandestine affair of her own. And their son, Nikesh, pretends at a seemingly perfect marriage with his law-firm colleague and their young son but hides the truth of his relationship. Over the course of three weeks in August, the whole family will uncover one another's secrets, confront the limits of love and loyalty, and explore life's second chances. 

Charming, funny, and moving, Late Bloomers introduces a delightful new voice in fiction with the story of four individuals trying to understand how to be happy in their own lives—and as a family."

Title: Late Bloomers
Author: Deepa Varadarajan
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Late Bl"omers" by Deepa Varadarajan

My Sentiments:

'Late Bloomers' was an intriguing story of an Indian American family of a divorced couple [Suresh & Lata] after 36 years of an arranged marriage, with a grown daughter [Priya] and son [Nikesh]. What had happened with this arranged marriage that, after so many years, they decided to call it quits? This couple had problems, and their grown son and daughter also had some issues. Be ready for a family of lots of drama and complicated dynamics that will keep one turning the pages to see what is coming next for this family. One of their biggest problems was the secrets that the son & daughter kept from their parents.

Be ready for a story told in four voices... Lata, Suresh, Priya, and Nikesh make the story enduring in many ways giving the reader a heartwarming storyline about this Indian family and also forgiveness, courage, along with its bravery. It was indeed engaging to see how the parents and adult children could adjust to this new life ahead of them by starting over.

Thank you to Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC of Late Bloomers!