The Volcano Daughters A Novel by Gina María Balibrera

 Book Excerpt:

"El Salvador, 1923. Graciela, a young girl growing up on a volcano in a community of Indigenous women, is summoned to the capital, where she is claimed as an oracle for a rising dictator. She meets Consuelo, the sister she never knew, who was stolen from their home before Graciela was born. The two spend years under the cruel El Gran Alcan regime, unwillingly helping his reign of terror until genocide strikes the community from which they hail. Each believing the other to be dead, they escape, fleeing across the globe, reinventing themselves until fate ultimately brings them back together in the most unlikely of ways…

Endlessly surprising, vividly imaginative, and bursting with lush life, The Volcano Daughters charts a new history and mythology of El Salvador, fiercely bringing forth voices calling out for generations."

Title:  The Volcano Daughters

Author:  Gina Maria Balibrera

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

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"The Volcano Daughters" by Gina Maria Balibrera

My Perception:  

'The Volcano Daughter' was a fascinating historical and magical realism fiction about two El Salvador sisters [Consuelo & Graciela]. This heartbreaking story has a little bit of everything: revolution, corruption, dictatorship, terror, genocide, violence, grief, trauma, rawness, challenging reading, and then some joy and hope. I enjoyed seeing how the author delivered the different forms of history the vivid characters encountered, making the story compelling and exciting. The story was a little slow at times, but it made up its time by the time it finally was completed, explaining it all about the two sisters in the end.    

Ultimately, one will get one unique story when it's all said and done.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Till Death Do Us Part by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn

 Book Excerpt:

"The author of The Girls Are All So Nice Here returns with a thriller set in the vineyards of Napa Valley. It asks what happens when the husband you thought died years ago shows up alive.

Ten years ago, June's beloved husband drowned on their honeymoon, and his body was never found. Now, a decade later, June is finally ready to move on. She owns a natural wine bar in Brooklyn and is engaged to a patient, a supportive man named Kyle. She's excited to finally begin a new chapter and start a family.

But out of the blue, she sees him—Josh, her first husband. Is this just a hallucination from the guilt June carries about finally moving on, or is it possible that her husband never died in the first place?

June tries to forget about this vision, chalking it up to grief and nerves, but soon enough, she stumbles across a website for a winery in Napa, and the owner in the photo is identical to her dead husband. June secretly flies to Napa for answers with her upcoming wedding looming and a fiancé worried she hasn't entirely left her past behind. But she's not prepared for all the secrets she's about to unlock because everything she thought she knew about her first love is a lie."

Title:  Till Death Do Us Part

Author:  Elizabeth Flynn

Publisher:  Simon & Schuster 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

'Till Deth Do Us Part' by Elizabeth Flynn

My Perception:  

"Till Death Do Us Part" was interesting because the author gives the reader something to think about long after they read this Wine story. We find out that June has married Jost, but he drowns during their honeymoon. Quickly passes away after one week of their marriage. What was even stranger... Josh's body was never found. After ten years, she becomes engaged to Kyle,  but something strange happens. It seems like June is seeing her first husband, Josh, who is supposed to be dead. That's when this story picks up...as June starts digging into Josh's past. What is up with that? The reader must keep up with this read to fully understand what is going on or has gone on. Be ready for many twists and turns, grief, secrets, friendship, heartbreak, and drama in this thriller as you continue to read this story, as shocking revelations come out at the end and the horrible truth emerges! I will stop here because I don't want to give out any more spoilers. Be ready for two stories that come together in the end.

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley.

Southern Belle 2 Kindle Edition by Diamond D. Johnson

Book Excerpt:

"They say that after every storm comes a rainbow. We've all witnessed what Rudy's storm consisted of. Childhood trauma, verbal and physical abuse from her husband, along with family secrets that just emerged from the dark, after years of her life being one complete lie. Rudy has been in the eye of the storm since she was brought into this world. She deserves to have her rainbow in the end.

With five children and a marriage that she's been in for the past 14 years of her life, can Rudy even survive without Zacardi? The best thing would be for Rudy to leave her marriage, but when you're married to a monster like Zacardi, how do you plan your escape? Who will be her protection? We all know that her momma and Mimi will never support her giving up on her marriage.

The finale of this book will take you through the last phases of the storm. Not every secret has been revealed. Not every tear has finished falling from Rudy's beautiful face. For Rudy to get that attractive rainbow she deserves, she must stand up, break those chains she's so determined to break and use the strength that God gave her to be the new woman she's set out to be."

Title:  Southern Belle 2

Author: Diamond D. Johnson

Publisher:  D.D. J.  

Series:  Book 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Southern Belle 2" by Diamond D. Johnson

My Perception:  

After you have read part 1 of 'Southern Belle,' please pick up part 2 of this story to get the whole story that will not leave you hanging.

I wondered if Rudy would ever have enough sense to leave that horrible Zacardi. Well, that finally happened after another beating.  

I want to tell only a little of the story because I want you to read it for yourself and see how well this author brings the story together—one by one! I will say a particular person got what he deserved, and I'm sorry. I couldn't feel a bit sorry for him. It's too bad he didn't get the help he needed, but this is what can happen if you do wrong by hanging with the gangers who deal with drugs, and he knew better.

The story did turn out well after all that had happened to poor Rudy. I am still trying to decide if I liked Ruby's one sister, but hopefully, it will work out. At least Ruby can care for her five children, being an interior decorator, which is very important to her.  

This turned out to be a good story that will keep you turning the pages till the end. But be sure you read not only part 1 but part 2 of 'Southern Belle.'

By the end, you will definitely get the following questions answered:

Unanswered questions might include:

- Why did Rudy stay with her abusive husband, Zacardi?

- What was the relationship between Rudy, her mother, and her grandmother?

- How does the story unfold in part 2 of the novel?

Southern Belle by Diamond D. Johnson

 Book Excerpt:

"Rudy Rae is her name. She also goes by Minnie. She's a Southern girl, born and raised in Albany, Georgia. Strong women raised her, although some might challenge that statement and view the women who raised her as weak because of how they allowed their husbands to treat them. At the tender age of thirteen years old, she was taught how to sit up straight, fix a man's plate, and be the submissive wife that she needed to be. In her teenage years, Rudy wasn't interested in these teachings. Instead, she had her head in her books and was determined to be the complete opposite of the women in her family. She wanted to go to college, graduate, and work in a promising career field where she could take care of herself. In this thing called life, things sometimes go differently than we plan.

Years go by, and Rudy is officially a woman. Her dreams and desires have fallen by the and been replaced by the duties of a proper southern wife and mother. She's now married to Zacardi Marshall, the mayor of Atlanta, Georgia. Zacardi is the perfect husband and father from the outside looking in, but he can be a monster behind closed doors.

This book will take you on a journey of lessons. The seeds planted in Rudy's head as a child played a significant role in how she bloomed as an adult. The same women she vowed to be nothing like might be the women she holds the most in common with."

Title:  Southern Belle

Author: Diamond D. Johnson

Publisher:  D.D. Johnson

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Southern Belle" by Diamond D. Johnson

My Perception:  

"Southern Belle" was some read that kept me shaking my head and saying I can't believe this!

There were so many things going on in this book that you had to keep up. Please read the 'Trigger Warning' because it may answer many questions that needed to be fully addressed in the story that seemed to be left out in part 1. But wait, part 2 of 'Southern Belle' will answer all the questions needed in this series. I wondered why there was no epilogue until I saw it was part two of this story! That husband who was a mayor Zacardi, why did Rudy stay with this horrible man who beat her? She had a wonderful friend, Iris...but she didn't listen to even her.   What was up with Ruby's mother and grandmother? You will learn much about those two as you continue reading part 2 of this novel.   

Yes, please keep on reading!!! This story goes on and on, and that ending from part 1 is off the chart, but there is much more when you pick up part 2, where you will discover everything from start to finish.  

Okay, all that is left to say is to pick up part two after reading part one. You will see how well this story comes together, and all questions will be answered.   

A Dying Town Kindle Edition by Mary Casey Walsh

 Book Excerpt:

"When Sheri Meadows moved to what the realtor called "a dying town" on a stretch of US Highway, she didn't expect the residents to start dying around her. The town matriarch, hated and feared by nearly everyone, is the first to be killed. Will the small-town police chief find the murderer before he strikes again - and again?"

Title:  A Dying Town 

Author:  Mary Casey Walsh

Publisher:  M.C.W. 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:
"A Dying Town" by Mary Casey Walsh

My Perception:  

'A Dying Town' was quite a riveting Cozy Culinary Mystery. It seemed like people were dying all over the place: Mrs. Minerva Miller, a homeless person, and Dr. Owens.

This was a small town where Sheri Meadows had moved to and opened a Thrift store in Oakvale. Now that people were dying, what was going on? It all seemed to revolve around the Miller family and what a mirage of characters they were. And let's not forget the other characters from this story who loved all of the gossip that seemed to surround this whole story.  

As we reach the end, will we find out who did this killing? You must pick up 'A Dying Town' to find out what happened in this Oakvale storm.

Burden of Proof (A Rain City Legal Thriller Book 1) Kindle Edition by Stephen Penner

 Book Excerpt:

"Some people would kill for a fresh start.

Seattle attorney Daniel Raine is going through some challenging life challenges. He's getting divorced, and his law partner is leaving him to become a judge. If he can't find a way to stay, he'll be helping the law out of his car.

Then, the perfect opportunity comes —a wealthy socialite named Abigail Willoughby arrives at his door, wanting to divorce her even richer husband.

Raine is thrilled to take the case but gets more than he bargained for when he is forced into an unlikely alliance with high-powered realtor Rebecca Sommers, who has her own motives for wanting to get close to his wealthy client.

What seems like a straightforward case quickly turns to chaos when Abigail threatens her husband, Jeremy, in front of dozens of witnesses. That same night, Jeremy is discovered murdered in their home.

All the evidence points to Abigail as the murderer. But she swears she is innocent, and Raine believes her. Together with Sommers, he races to find out who really killed Jeremy and to save his client from serving a lifetime behind bars for what she didn't "do."

Title:  Burden of Proof

Author:  Stephen Penner

Publisher:  Inkubator Books

Series:  A Rain City Legal Thriller Book 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Burden of Proof" by Stephen Penner

My Perception:

Attorney Daniel Raine has his hands full with personal and professional challenges, making his journey in "Burden of Proof" a compelling and intense read. Adding estate agent Rebecca Summers as a private eye adds an intriguing dynamic to the story. This legal thriller is a must-read, especially to uncover the unexpected twist in Abigail Willoughby's murder case. The interactions with the judge and prosecutor add more suspense to the narrative. "Burden of Proof" is a riveting book that keeps the reader guessing until the end.

Surrender: The Arranged Hearts Series Kindle Edition by Kimberly Brown

 Book Excerpt:

"Kachelle Lewis is tired of waiting for love. As a successful Pediatric Orthodontist, she has everything else going for herself, but the one thing she desires most seems out of reach. Coming home to an empty home has gotten old, and Kachelle longs for companionship. After dating every wrong man, she's decided to put the fate of her love into the hands of Arranged Hearts, a professional matchmaking service, but there is a catch. While she'll be paired with what she hopes is the man of her dreams, she will know nothing about him until she meets him at the altar.

Jacob Mitchell lives a very comfortable lifestyle. As a highly successful author and illustrator of children's books, he's traveled the world and found happiness in material things. For Jacob, all the money in the world can't buy him the one thing he desires most, the love of a good woman. Tired of the shallow side of the dating pool, Jacob is ready to jump into the deep end. When he enlists the help of Arranged Hearts, he isn't sure what he's getting himself into, but he's hopeful that it will lead to him finding the love of his life.

Armed with hope, Kachelle and Jacob meet at the altar. Their attraction is immediate, but is it enough to marry a stranger? If their pairing succeeds, they could live a long and happy life. If it isn't, both could be heartbroken. Will the arranged hearts commit forever, or will "I do" turn into "I Don't?"

Title: Surrender

Author: Kimberly Brown

Publisher: K.B.

Series: The Arranged Hearts Series

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Surrender" by Kimberly Brown

'Surrender' is a beautiful romance in which Jacob Mitchell and Kachelle Lewis come together with the help of matchmaking services...Arranged Hearts. We find that both of their parents weren't for them doing this; however, they were firm in what they wanted and, most of all, trusted God. Jacob and Mitchel had jobs and were well over the age of knowing what they wanted, so it was up to them if they chose to go this route. Parents may often think they know the right way, but after it is said and done, it's up to the couple to do as they want, and we find that is what these two did. I loved how Jacob took charge of both of the parents. Thank God Jacob's sister was in his corner. After reading this story, was it the right way for them? Pick up this read to find out.

As said earlier, this story was a beautiful read; everything comes together very well by the end. You must pick up this first series to see how well this author gives it to the reader. It will be enjoyable.

THE DIVIDEND WAS DEATH an unputdownable legal thriller (Gripping Legal Thrillers Collection) Kindle Edition by William J. Coughlin

Book Excerpt:

"Hard-hearted attorney Stonewall Jackson Walsh is having a lousy day. His law practice is losing clients and losing cases.

When Lamar Kobency demands an immediate appointment, Walsh can't refuse him.

But Kobency's request is unusual. He's seeking a defense for murder . . . a murder that he hasn't yet committed.

Kobency's young daughter has appeared as the centerfold of the men's magazine White Tie. How did his beautiful, sheltered daughter come to this?

Kobency thinks he knows, and he's determined to make someone pay.

Walsh persuades the hot-headed father to sue the magazine's publishers for a million dollars instead.

But the ink on the contract is barely dry before Kobency is found with bloodied clothes and a body at his feet.

He claims he's innocent.

This will be Walsh's most formidable challenge yet to prove it."

Title:  The Dividend Was Death

Author:  William J. Coughlin

Publisher:  Lume Books Crime, Thriller & Mystery, A Joffe Books Company 

Series:  Gripping Legal Thrillers Collection

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'The Dividend Was Death' by William J. Coughlin

My Perception:  

"The Dividend Was Death" is an exciting story that combines crime, thriller, and mystery. Get ready for a powerful storyline that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next to Stonewall Jackson Walsh, an attorney working on the Lamar Kobency case. The case takes unexpected turns, keeping the reader engaged with mayhem, twists, well-developed characters, and a well-told tale of who did what and why by the end. 

Last Chance in the Keys (Book 2 Key West Series) Kindle Edition by Sage Parker

 Book Excerpt:

"She's searching for her missing best friend…and longing for a change.

Before Molly went missing, April thought her life was simply ordinary. Their days were spent dealing with annoying customers at the café and laughing about her string of disastrous dates.

However, with weeks passing and no leads from the police, April decides to take matters into her own hands. She quits her job and travels to the sleepy vacation spot where Molly was last seen Key West.

While investigating the disappearance for herself, April follows the clues of Molly's last movements and finds herself falling for Alex – the handsome owner of a local seafood restaurant. She's thrilled when he offers her a job and a place to stay while she's in town.

But that was before she found out Molly had accepted the same offer right before she vanished.

Does Alex know more than he's leading on? Can he help find her best friend? April won't give up until she gets answers, no matter where that leads her.

Join April in her quest to discover the truth in this mystery romance set among Florida's gorgeous white sandy beaches and turquoise waters."

Title:  Last Chance in the Keys

Author:  Sage Parker 

Publisher:  S.P. 

Series:  Book 2 Key West Series

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

'Last Chance in the Keys' by Sage Parker

My Perception:

I'm glad you enjoyed "Last Chance in the Keys"! It sounds like a thrilling read with lots of drama and suspense. April's determination to find her missing friend Molly in Key West makes for an intriguing storyline. The plot twists and the introduction of a character who knew Molly as Olivia add an extra layer of mystery to the story. This book sets the stage for more captivating developments in the series, and I'm looking forward to learning more about this strange and intriguing story.

The Thick of Things (In Medias Res Book 1) Kindle Edition by J.L. Campbell

Book Excerpt:

"Life has a way of going awry when you least expect it, and Khalila Skyers learns this lesson the hard way.

In one devastating blow after another, she loses her cozy existence. Then Douglas Blythe overtakes her life like a flood, and she's not equipped to deal with an attraction that seems forbidden and overwhelming. But her body and heart want what they want, and she wonders if she ever knew herself.

Douglas is determined to help Khalila move beyond her obsession with the past and reach for love again.

No matter how long it takes. No matter the distance. He's going to prove he's worth the risk."

Title:  The Thick of Things

Author:  J. L. Campbell

Publisher:  The Writer's Suite 

Series:  In the Medias Res Book 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"The Thick of Things" by J. L. Campbell

My Perception:

"The Thick of Things" is a compelling story about the meeting of Douglas and Khalila and the changes that occur in their lives as they come together. The book explores how these two individuals, both dealing with past relationships - with Khalila on the verge of divorce and Douglas already divorced - navigate finding love. Additionally, we learn that Khalila has experienced the loss of a child, leading to her grief and blaming her ex-partner. The story takes readers on a journey from Montego Bay, Jamaica, to Miami as the author skillfully brings these two characters together for a second chance at love. It's a captivating read that delves into whether Khalila will ultimately find the love she needs in her life.