Love You, Mean It A Novel by Jilly Gagnon

 Book Excerpt:

"A playful romantic comedy featuring dueling delis, fake dating, a shockingly excellent ex, and just the right amount of amnesia

“[A] delightfully tropey rom-com . . . This is a sweet confection."—Publishers Weekly

Ellie Greco wishes she weren't stuck in Milborough. For a few brief, shining years, she escaped her hometown to pursue her dream career—designing beautiful, elaborate costumes for theater—until her father's death five years ago called her home to run the family's decades-old deli. She loved the place but always thought she was meant for more exciting things than stocking the right tinned fish. But when Ellie hears that a local landlord is planning to rent to Mangia, the glitzy gourmet food department store, the very existence of Greco's Deli is suddenly in jeopardy.

She tries to plead her case to Theo Taylor, the scion of the property management firm about to put her out of business. Still, their meeting goes from bad (it's not her fault he's infuriating) to worse (no one expects the ceiling to literally fall in).

With Theo out cold, Ellie panics and claims to be his fiancée . . . and almost passes out herself when amnesia means Theo seems to actually believe her. Soon, the effects of the head injury wear off, but Theo proposes that their "engagement" stick around. If they manage to convince enough people, they might get what they want: an end to the Mangia deal. Ellie doesn't trust him (after all, if Theo Taylor wants it, how can it be good for her?), but seeing no other option, she reluctantly agrees.

And miraculously, the fake engagement seems to be working—even Ted, Theo's shrewd, cold father, seems convinced—until Sam, Theo's ex-fiancée, reappears on the scene. Not only does she see through their ruse, but she proposes an arrangement of her own, forcing Ellie to decide between a blossoming friendship, her family legacy, and the burgeoning romance she frankly never asked for."

Title:  Love You, Mean It

Author:  Jilly Gagnon

Publisher:  Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Dell

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Love You Mean It" by Jilly Gagnon

My Thoughts:  

I enjoy how these fake romances can turn into quite a read after all is said and done. When it looked like Ellie Greco and Theo Taylor had a fake romance going to try to fool everyone, there was one person who didn't believe it. Why was that, especially being Theo's ex and even his father? The story will give one a lot of drama from this little bit of amnesia that Theo had from what had fallen on him. How far would this story go on about this fake romance?  

To understand how this story will go with Ellie trying to save her family's Greco Deli business, it looks like Theo's family [father] was getting ready to sell the Mangia deal that would lower prices for the mom-and-pop shops in the area. What will happen when Theo goes along with the fake engagement?  

The story will continue, so be ready for a long story. However, by the end, the reader is given a decent story that will come out. Pick this one up to see how the author brings it out, which will be surprising. Be ready for a good read that will keep you reading till the end.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Swans of Harlem by Karen Valby

 

Book Excerpt:

"At the height of the Civil Rights movement, Lydia Abarca was a Black prima ballerina with a major international dance company—the Dance Theatre of Harlem, a troupe of women and men who became each other's chosen family. She was the first Black Company ballerina on the cover of Dance magazine and an Essence cover star; she was cast in The Wiz and in a Bob Fosse production on Broadway. She performed in some of ballet's most iconic works with other trailblazing ballerinas, including the young women who became her closest friends—founding Dance Theatre of Harlem members Gayle McKinney-Griffith and Sheila Rohan, as well as first-generation dancers Karlya Shelton and Marcia Sells.

These Swans of Harlem performed for the Queen of England, Mick Jagger, and Stevie Wonder, on the same bill as Josephine Baker, at the White House and beyond. But decades later, there was almost no record of their groundbreaking history. Out of a sisterhood that had grown even deeper with the years, these Swans joined forces again—to share their story with the world.

Captivating, rich in vivid detail and character, and steeped in the glamour and grit of professional ballet, The Swans of Harlem is a riveting account of five extraordinarily accomplished women. It celebrates their historic careers and the sustaining, grounding power of female friendship and is a window into the robust history of Black ballet, hidden for too long."

Title:  The Swans of Harlem

Author:  Karen Valby

Publisher:  Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, Pantheon

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"The Swans of Harlem" by Karen Valby

My Thoughts:  

This was my first read about these five black ballerinas, 'The Swans of Harlem.' I found the story very interesting, especially about their lives, the founding dancers of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, and their work with Arthur Mitchell. These women and even men danced on the stages of the United States and Europe, and we learned some of their culture and history through their contributions to the art. These ballerinas were fascinating dancers, although they were not accepted during the Civil Rights Movement. This story was a beautiful and essential part of our Black History Arts.

'The Swans of Harlem' was a fascinating story, and I am so glad I could read it. And oh my, that ending was superb. A must-read, that is all that is left to say about this novel.

Thank you, NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

  

Closer to Home Kindle Edition by Jill Hannah Anderson

Book Excerpt:

"Joleigh Moore lives an almost-reclusive life on her small farm in Missouri. But when she witnesses the murder of her boyfriend, Mack, she worries the assailants will come after her next.

Planning to hide out until Mack's killers are caught, Joleigh stows away in a neighbor's station wagon and lands in a small Minnesota town. Later, she discovers a large amount of cash in her journal and realizes Mack must have hidden his drug money there. Joleigh now has what the men were willing to kill for.

Joleigh takes a summer job and moves into an old, run-down cabin in the woods. As she gets to know the townspeople and becomes increasingly involved with them, the place she once considered temporary could be her chance for a new beginning. But before Joleigh can have a future, she'll be forced to deal with her past."

Title:  Closer to Home

Author:  Jill Hannah Anderson

Publisher:  Red Adept Publishing, LLC

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Closer to Home" by Jill Hannah Anderson

My Perception:  

 'Close to Home' was an excellent small-town and rural fictional read. This author gave the reader a captivating story that will keep you turning the pages until the end. The main character, Joliegh Moore, was faced with many challenges in her life, including the death of her parents, foster homes, her adopted mom [Unity] dying, seeing her best friend [Mack] murdered, and moving to a new area to try to survive and start a new life. Will life get any better for Joliegh after the move to this new community? Will Joliegh be able to heal after all that has gone on around her, stay true to herself, and get just what she wanted out of life, which was to be loved?

To find out all the answers to these questions, you must read 'Closer to Home' and see how well the author explains it to the reader.

Be ready for a read with some suitable lessons being taught, and let one see some good people are willing to come to one aid to help. Many times, the help may not come from blood-related family members. As one reads this story, one will see how it all works out for Joliegh.  Will she get the love she so wants for herself by helping others?

I enjoyed the epilogue that added to this captivating story. 

 

Smoke N' Stroke: Four20 Bae Kindle Edition by Aja

 Book Excerpt:

"Have you ever met a man who sets your soul on fire… and you also hate him? Yes, no, maybe? Well, for me, that man is Zaire Booker. I can't stand his guts, and yet I crave feeling his large hands roam all over my body nearly every moment of every day.

Professionalism and passion intertwine as Zaire Booker and Nala Jackson offer therapy to the patients who depend on them at Higher Pathways Counseling Center. Zaire, accustomed to taking the unconventional route, finds himself intrigued by Nala's adherence to traditional methods. Meanwhile, Nala, who loves following the book, struggles to find a diagnosis in the DSM V for what burns inside her for Zaire.

In the battle between professionalism and passion, Zaire and Nala are discovering a whole new world of ecstasy. As they explore the depths of their desires, they realize that love is the wildest therapy of all.

Four20 Bae... When couples burn together from one end to the other. Make sure you check out all the stories in this multi-author series.

Smoke N' Stroke is Aja's latest workplace romance. Other titles include For Once, Eight Naughty Notes, and Mr. Big Stuff. Visit ajathwwriter.com for more information about the author and her work.

Title: Smoke N'Stroke: Four20 Bae
Author: Aja
Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing LLC
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Smoke N' Stroke: Four 20 Bae" by Aja

My Perception:

At first, 'Smoke N' Stroke' started a little slow, but it picked up, and we were given a good story that showed two people [Nala and Zaire] who were clinical therapists finally came together. Be ready; these two didn't start too well, especially for Nala. Now, why was that? It was attractive how this author brought in the use of cannabis as a medication form for some of their patients. What was something was how their boss, seeing the big picture between the two, brought them together by sending them on a trip together at a company meeting. What will happen during this company meeting? To understand how this will all come together, you must pick up this good read to see how it happens for Nala and Zaire.

When Willows Weep: (Installment 2 of "The Sin-N-Me", a Stand-Alone Series) Audible Logo Audible Audiobook – Unabridged Denise Cook-Godfrey

 Book Excerpt:

"Haunted by the abandonment of her mother and father, Willow embarks on a relentless quest for answers, driven by an unfillable void within her soul. But as she confronts buried secrets that threaten to unravel her world, she must overcome relentless opposition that could destroy everything she holds dear. Like a resilient flower breaking through life's concrete constraints, Willow carries a name bestowed by her estranged mother—an aspiration for her to mirror the strong willow tree, flourishing against all odds. Battling childhood bullying fueled by her devotion to church traditions, Willow's journey intertwines with Titus, a young man from a different ecclesiastical world.

Their rare and blossoming love faces a relentless challenge from denominational customs and suffocating legalism. The rigid mindsets within Willow's respective church erected an insurmountable barrier between them. Post high school, Titus and Willow take separate paths, attempting to forge ahead and leave their shared history behind. Yet, within Willow's journey, there's Paxton, her husband of three years, and an unyielding pursuit of her long-lost mother, unearthing a concealed secret behind her disappearance.

As suspense thickens, love, drama, and redemption converge in this gripping story. Will the courage to embrace their present season without being entangled in the past allow Titus and Willow to find solace? Their journey unravels a riveting narrative, brimming with emotions that will captivate readers until the final revelation. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions as the threads of love and destiny weave through a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat."

Title: When Willows Weep
Author: Denise Cook-Godfrey
Publisher: Cook-Godfrey Productions
Series: Part 2 of The Sin-N-Me
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"When Willows Weep" by Denise Cook Godfrey

My Perception:

I found this story to be wonderfully written. I read it twice to see if I missed anything, and when I thought I had, I could find the answer I was looking for in that chapter or the next one.

The author covers the characters superbly… I loved Willow and her friends Luna and Alana, who were with her through the thick and thin of the story. Then there is Willow and her husband Paxton, who need much help in their marriage. Keeping secrets like they did was not a good thing in any marriage. Then comes Titus…who is very well brought into the picture and was a childhood HS friend and a lover of Willow.

The story covered all of the vital points so very well. As you read the story, you can see how it was going, especially for poor Willow. Then, Willow's mother, Cassie, found and brought up the incident, which showed what had happened to her while growing up under the roof when she lived with her mom and dad. This was who had reared her daughter Willow… Grandma Dean & Papa Land [Orlando]. The reader must pick up this good read to see how that all comes together. I don't want to tell too much, but I was hoping you could pick up this good read and see for yourself.

Finally, will we see how Willow gets what she wants—finding her parents and having someone to love her? Keep on reading. One thing that puzzled me was how Cassie's mother went on about church may not be the only answer to the problem. We may have to search a little deeper. At least if it wasn't for poor Cassie growing up with her parents, Willow, and her grandparents, who supposedly lived at the church, but something was missing from that situation at the Holiness Apostolic Church. The main question that will be answered is what kind of love these parents and grandparents show love to their kids. Even after Willow and Paxton attended another church in the area, was love shown at Mt Moriah Church? Please read it and see what you think. We will see that Willow had marriage problems as the story went on. We noticed that Paxton indeed needed counseling, too, and I believe in the end, he knew ... I will stop here and say you must pick up this good read to see what that was all about. With each one [Willow and Paxton] having secrets…how will this come out? Will they both come clean since, surprisingly, they love each other…but is this love? Why didn't Paxton understand how important it was for Willow to find her mom and dad? At least Paxton had an uncle and step-aunt who raised him, giving him a good life. However, Paxton did have demons, too, from what had happened to him as a teenager. Again, you must read to see what that was all about. This was a good story that will give one much thought long after the read. I may have skipped around quite a bit, but it will all come together if you pick up this good read.

The novel was an excellent read. It shows some everyday problems that happen not only for Willow but also begin with her mom, Cassie. Pick up 'When Willows Weeps' and see how well-written this story is presented.

Killing Me Softly With His Word: (Installment 1 of "The Sin-N-Me", a Stand-alone Series) Audible Logo Audible Audiobook – Unabridged Denise Cook-Godfrey

 Book Excerpt:

"In a community built on tradition and religion, Chloe Rhodes struggles to reconcile her identity with the expectations of her church and family. The fortifying walls guarding her most intimate life story are about to be torn down by a single message that will shake her world.

Chloe, a spirited and fiercely independent young woman, has always known she was different. Yet, the mere thought of revealing her truth to her conservative community fills her with fear and trepidation. Determined to live an authentic life, she embarks on a journey to convince her loved ones to accept her lesbian lifestyle.

However, Chloe's quest for acceptance is not without its internal conflicts. Her past is riddled with traumatic experiences that have left scars on her soul, making it difficult for her to fully embrace her own identity. As she navigates the complexities of her emotions, she finds herself drawn to the captivating words of a young minister named Aaron.

Aaron, a passionate preacher and believer in the transformative power of scripture, becomes a beacon of hope for Chloe. Yet, their budding connection only intensifies her inner turmoil.

"Killing Me Softly with HIS Word" is a gripping novel that delves into the depths of human experiences. It takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, redemption, and the pursuit of personal truth, regardless of the price. This story is part of the stand-alone series, "The Sin-N-Me," which explores the tension between human desires and the transformative power of scripture, capturing the essence of Romans 7:17."

Title: Killing Me Softly With His Word
Author: Denise Cook-Godfrey
Publisher: Cooke-Godfrey Productions
Narrator: Virtual Voice
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
'Killings Me Softly With His Word' by Denise Cook-Godfrey

My Perception:

Reading this story will keep one's attention as you turn the pages to see what is going on with Chloe, the main character, along with some secondary characters: Kennedy, a cousin; Aunt Macy [Chloe's aunt]; Starla and Reginald [Chloe's parents]; and Nikki and Minister Aaron. These characters make up the story so very well that it will give one much thought long after the read.

As one reads through "The Sin-N-Me Series: Killing Me Softly with HIS Word," the reader will get a story of how God comes into a situation... where HE does an excellent job for Chloe in the case she was in. We found that Chloe needed someone to talk to about what was going on with her. And not knowing that Chloe's parents had problems they were dealing with at this time. Will she finally find the right person to talk to? As the story begins...Chloe goes to summer camp and college... Then, while in college, who will she meet that will profoundly influence her life? After graduating, she worked as a minister of ASL for the hearing impaired at the church...that she and her parents belonged to. Chloe meets Minister Aaron from the church, and the reader will find that each section of this story gives the reader something to ponder long after the read. Yes, each of these sections will be important in this read. This all had to do with what was going on in Chloe's and a few others' lives, and it is brought out so well in the story that the author presents to the reader.

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI Audible Logo Audible Audiobook – Unabridged David Grann (Author), Will Patton (Narrator), Ann Marie Lee (Narrator), Danny Campbell (Narrator), Random House Audio (Publisher)

 Book Excerpt:

"#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A twisting, haunting true-life murder mystery about one of the most monstrous crimes in American history, from the author of The Wager and The Lost City of Z, "one of the preeminent adventure and true-crime writers working today."—New York Magazine NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST SOON TO BE A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE

"A shocking whodunit…What more could fans of true-crime thrillers ask?"—USA Today

"A masterful work of literary journalism crafted with the urgency of a mystery." —The Boston Globe

In the 1920s, the wealthiest people per capita in the world were members of the Osage Nation in Oklahoma. After oil was discovered beneath their land, the Osage rode in chauffeured automobiles, built mansions, and sent their children to study in Europe.

Then, one by one, the Osage began to be killed off. The family of an Osage woman, Mollie Burkhart, became a prime target. One of her relatives was shot. Another was poisoned. And it was just the beginning, as more and more Osage were dying under mysterious circumstances, and many of those who dared to investigate the killings were themselves murdered.

As the death toll rose, the newly created FBI took up the case, and the young director, J. Edgar Hoover, turned to a former Texas Ranger named Tom White to try to unravel the mystery. White put together an undercover team, including a Native American agent who infiltrated the region, and together with the Osage, began to expose one of the most chilling conspiracies in American history.

Title:  Killers of the Flower Moon:  The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI

Author: David Grann

Narrators:  Will Patton (Narrator), Ann Marie Lee (Narrator), Danny Campbell (Narrator)

Publisher:  Random House Publisher 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

My Perception:

'Killers of the Flower Moon' was quite a sad read of what happened to the Osage people a hundred years ago. I was left saying, wow... this occurred in the U.S. Can one believe this? Are we finally seeing how there is so much evil and corruption in our American government that happened so long ago still going on in some form, even today? Oh yes, I can. I am an Afro-American, and I know it has happened here in the U.S. not only to my race but to other races, too. Thank you to this author for bringing this story about the Osage people to light.

This author did an excellent job explaining what happened in 'The Reign of Terror and the Osage Murders of Killers of the Flower Moon.'  David Grann's research, recordings, documents, and photographs were very well presented, giving the reader quite a good read.  

What gets me is how these people [white] got away with this for so long. Oh, no, really, we know why that happened! It was so good to finally see things come to a head, only to find out later that there was still important information that had not been presented. Now, what was left out?   This is where you must pick up this read to see what that was and how it was brought out. But was anything done about it? Oh, I know, it was too late; they all were dead by then! Thank God for the wonderful character, Tom White, an FBI agent who cared; I will leave it at that. 

This story was an alarming piece of history that some wouldn't want to come to light, but it did! The reader will see how the Osage people were horribly treated by [white] people, which left me .. well, I will stop here. All that is left to say is this has happened not only to the Osage but to many other races. All that is left to say is that this is the America we live in, like it or not.

The Lawyer's Wife by Freya Atwood

 Excerpt:

"Determined to uncover the truth behind his wife's murder, Alex Peterson abandons his career and embarks on a relentless quest for justice.

With each clue unearthed, Ethan edges closer to the dark heart of the mystery. But the deeper he delves, the more he realizes that the shadows concealing his wife's killer also shroud his own darkest secret.

He must confront the demons of his past and the monsters of his present as he discovers that the human mind is a labyrinth of deception and betrayal. But in the end, only one question remains: can he handle the truth?

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

Title: The Lawyer's Wife
Author: Freya Awood
Publisher: Cobalt Fairy LLC
Series: Ethan Hunter Book of 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Lawyer's Wife" by Freya Atwood

My Perception:

'The Lawyer's Wife' was quite a complicated story as Alex Peterson 'abandons his career' to find out what happened in his marriage and the death of his wife. We find from this story that Alex will have to go deep into this mystery as he seeks to find out who was involved in his wife's death. If you are into drama and mind-blowing mystery, this story will intrigue the reader. As the story ends, we see this person is still out there. What will this cause Alex to do now, as the truth is out there? The extended epilogue is essential and proves there is much more to this story. The next series will be more about what happens as the three people get more into this case of finding the person who caused all of this mess.

I will leave it here and say you must pick up this read, leaving you wanting an ending soon!

The Kiss Countdown by Etta Easton

 Book Excerpt:

"In this starry debut, a struggling event planner and a sinfully hot astronaut must decide if their fake relationship is worth a shot at happily ever after.

Risk-averse event planner Amerie Price is jobless, newly single, and about to lose her apartment. With no choice but to gamble on her shaky start-up, the last thing she needed was to run into her smug ex and his new, less complicated girlfriend at Amerie's favorite coffee shop. Panicked, she pretends to be dating the annoyingly sexy man she met by spilling Americano all over his abs. He plays along—for a price.

Half the single men in Houston claim to be astronauts, but Vincent Rogers is the real deal. What started as a one-off lie morphs into a plan: Amerie will play Vincent's doting partner in front of his loving but overly invested family for the three months leading up to his mission. In exchange, she gets a rent-free room in his house and can put every penny toward her struggling business.

What Amerie doesn't plan for is Vincent's gravitational pull. While her mind tells her a future with this astronaut is too unpredictable, her heart says he's exactly what she needs. As their time together counts, Amerie must decide whether to settle for the safe life—or shoot for the stars."

Title:  The Kiss Countdown

Author:  Etta Easton

Publisher:  Berkley

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"The Kiss Countdown" by Etta Easton

My Thoughts:

'The Kiss Countdown' was an excellent fake-to-real dating story that has quite a turn to its story. How Amerie  [an event planner] and Vincent [an astronaut] met was cute as he followed Amerie's plan to be her boyfriend. There was more to this as these two came together...Amerie meets Vincent's family. However, Amerie needed clarification, mainly due to her mother's illness.  

Will these two come together by the end of the story? You must pick up 'The Kiss Countdown' to see how this author unfolds this cute, fantastic story.  

Thank you to Net Galley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC!

The Spare Prince [Prit Replica] Kindle Edition by Sarah Mc White

 Book Excerpt:

"Lenox didn't have a lot, but she was loyal, loved with her whole heart, and was there for anyone who needed her. Those are the reasons she willingly answered the call to assist in taking care of her sister's children when she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's.

Three years later, she still cares for her nieces and nephew because her sister's husband is nowhere to be found. As if that wasn't enough to deal with, her long-time boyfriend, Akoni, decided it was too much for him to handle and left her to return to his hometown in New York.

Faced with the challenges of a sister deteriorating before her eyes, a boyfriend who wasn't as loyal as she thought, and the parent of three children, Lenox has to make some decisions that will impact her life for good.

As everything seems to be crushing her, a strong, handsome man of consequence walks in. After hours at the diner she served, Lenox serves a gentleman. Alexander has the confidence and swagger she needs to distract her from all the outside noise in her life. He is kind and patient and has a certain air that makes Lenox swoon like never before.

When she feels confident enough to stand independently, she has to contact Akoni for guidance and support. Experience the conflicts Lenox faces with her new man of consequence and old flame. What will Lenox do?"

Title: The Spare Prince
Author: Sarah Mc White
Publisher: Dizzy Emu Publishing; 1st edition
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Spare Prince" by Sarah Mc White

My Perception:

'The Spare Prince' is a long but interesting read that will keep your attention throughout. At times, I felt sorry for Lenox in what she was going through...her sister being ill, suffering from Alzheimer's, having to care for her nieces and nephew, having a boyfriend that left her at a time she really needed him, and having to work two jobs. However, Lenex was made friends by various friends where she worked, especially one who told her Lenex was required to take care of herself. Will Lenex listen to what is being said to her?

The story has many parts, and the reader must keep up and follow it to see how well the author combines them all.

We have Lenox meeting a new friend, but then her ex-boyfriend reappears. How that turns out will be a story in itself. I loved how Lenox put that ex in his place for what he had done to her. The characters in this story helped the story to be well-developed, giving the story the boost needed to keep the story going so well.

By the end of this story, will Lenox finally get what she deserves? Well, from the epilogue, you will see how the story ends. This is where I will stop and say you must pick up the good read to see how it all comes out for Lenox in the story of 'The Spare Prince.'

The Husbands A Novel by Holly Gramazio

 Book Excerpt:

"When Lauren returns home to her flat in London late one night, she is greeted at the door by her husband, Michael. There's only one problem—she's not married. She'd never seen this man before in her life. But according to her friends, her much-improved decor, and the photos on her phone, they've been together for years.

As Lauren tries to puzzle out how she could be married to someone she can't remember meeting, Michael goes to the attic to change a lightbulb and abruptly disappears. A new man emerges in his place, and a new, slightly altered life re-forms around her. Realizing that her attic is creating an infinite supply of husbands, Lauren confronts the question: If swapping lives is as easy as changing a lightbulb, how do you know you've taken the right path? When do you stop trying to do better and start actually living?"

Title: The Husbands
Author: Holly Gramazio
Publisher: Doubleday Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"The Husbands" by Holly Gramazio

My Thoughts:
'The Husbands' was quite an exciting read. Lauren Strickland comes home from a bachelorette party to find a man named Michael in her apartment who was supposed to be her husband. But she didn't know of him because she had never been married. This is one of those stories that went in many different directions; you must keep up with how this author presents this fun read to the readers. This story was interesting as different guys came out of the magic attic. To understand all of this, you must pick up 'The Hustbands' to see what I am talking about as you see the 'humor and crazy differences between the characters of each world' that are presented.

If you are looking for a read that is not only funny, unique, and somewhat charming but also very thought-provoking, this book will keep you turning the pages to see what will happen next for Lauren as the story jumps between husbands. What will happen when Lauren finally 'figures out a drastic way to settle on just one man?' The story had an exciting ending.


Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Old Flames and New Fortunes by Sarah Hogle

 Book Excerpt:

"Fibs and squabbles and spells . . . oh my...

A small, magical town tucked away in rural Ohio, Moonville is the perfect place for floral witch Romina Tempest to use the language of flowers to help the hopeful manifest love in their lives. After giving up on her big romance eleven years ago, she can bask in others' happily ever afters.

When the shop's potential financier shares news of his wedding, Romina jumps at the opportunity to discuss the business . . . even if it means she has to fake-date her chaotic colleague Trevor to get an invitation. But all hell breaks loose when she discovers Trevor's soon-to-be stepbrother is none other than Alex King, her high school sweetheart. Her greatest love. The boy who broke her heart.

What starts as an innocent misunderstanding becomes a weeklong fake-dating scheme, as Romina quickly finds out she can't deny her connection with Alex. Caught between her livelihood and her heart, Romina must decide if taking a second chance on first love is worth the risk."

Title:  Old Flames and New Fortunes

Author:  Sarah Hogle

Publisher:  G.P. Putnam's Sons

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"Old Flames and New Fortunes" by Sarah Hogle

My Thoughts:  

If you are into 'fake dating, second chance romance, scavenger hunts, small town, florists and weddings', family dynamics, and sister's relationships,  then you have come to the proper novel to get a little bit of it all from this story. Also, if you are into the magic and fantasy this author brings to the story, you will also be in for a delightful read. The part I enjoyed best was the various descriptions of the flower arrangements presented since I love flowers. This novel may be riveting if you want an easy romantic second chance read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for gifting me a copy of OLD FLAMES AND NEW FORTUNES in exchange for my honest review.

The Doctor's Bride: A Historical Clean and Wholesome Inspirational Christian Romance Novella (The Romance Bride Series Book 2) Kindle Edition by Cecelia Dowdy

 Book Excerpt:

"Pennsylvania, 1870

Deborah was in love with Timothy years ago, but he married her sister Eve instead. Now, Deborah is a schoolteacher and widower. Timothy is back as the town's doctor. Her feelings for him are rekindled as he helps her study for a college entrance exam. Will Timothy return her affections?

Title:   The Doctor's Bride

Author:  Cecelia Dowdy

Publisher:  Divine Desserts Publishing LLC 

Series:  The Romance Bride Series Book 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five
Review:

'The Doctor's Bride' by Cecelia Dowdy

My Thoughts   

'The Doctor's Bride' was an exciting read of how Deborah and Timothy finally got together after it seemed like her twin sister had something to do with that. Now, to get the whole story of what had happened, once Deborah and Timothy had been friends, it seemed like something had come between them. To find out what that was all about, you must read the novella to see what can happen when the enemy comes in. All that is left to say is when something is for you, our God will give it all to you and more, as what happened to Deborah.

The Baker's Bride (A Novella): A Historical Clean and Wholesome Inspirational Underground Railroad Romance Novella (The Romance Bride Series Book 1) Kindle Edition by Cecelia Dowdy

 Book Excerpt:

"Ruth's beau died - simply because he was a slave.

She is determined to help other enslaved people as she assists with the Underground Railroad. Recently freed and illiterate, Ruth is hired to bake mouth-watering delicious bread in a Philadelphia bakery. Her boss, Joseph, is kind, handsome, and determined to end slavery. She feels emotionally connected to him as they work together for a common cause. His presence is like a fresh splash of spring rain on her parched soul.

However, Joseph has plans. He's determined to make some significant changes in his life. He desperately wants to escape from his overbearing mother and leave the family business behind forever. As his mother tries to match him with beautiful Francine, an upper-class Black woman, he feels trapped and unhappy."

Title: The Bakers Bride
Author: Cecelia Dowdy
Publisher: Divine Desserts Publishing LLC
Series: The Romance Bride Series Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
"The Baker's Bride" by Cecelia Dowdy

My Thoughts:

'The Baker's Bride' was an excellent novella with a little mystery, history, romance, and scripture during this time of the underground railroad. After all that was said and done, will this story bring together a mother, son, and someone else—the newly hired baker's helper? The mom seemed to have someone else in line for her son to marry, but was that to be now that he had met Ruth? This helper had been placed at this spot at the right time and knew how to bake bread. The secondary characters were interesting in how some helped develop the story to keep the reader turning the pages in this short story.

By the time we got to the end, we were given a heartwarming story of how this underground railroad story ended.