The Christmas Ring A Holiday Romance by Karen Kingsbury

 Book Excerpt:

"Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

While searching for her family's long-lost heirloom ring, military widow Vanessa Mayfield meets handsome antique dealer Ben Miller. The two are drawn to each other and forge a friendship that soon becomes a profound and breathtaking romance. But neither are sure that what they've found can last.

As Vanessa organizes her annual Columbus Cares Christmas Military Dance, she looks forward to her daughter's return from college. But Vanessa hasn't told Sadie about Ben. After all, Vanessa hadn't anticipated finding love again after losing her husband. And now she wrestles with feelings that are becoming hard to ignore.

Just as Ben is about to declare his love for Vanessa, he learns more about her missing Christmas ring: her great-grandfather found it in France on D-Day, and engraved on the band is a single meaningful word. The details confirm a terrible truth, one that Ben cannot ignore.

Certain he now knows where Vanessa's ring is, Ben leaves town in a frantic rush. But can he stop a certain sale, or will Vanessa's ring be lost forever? Days before Christmas, when all seems hopeless, Ben and Vanessa learn an important eternal truth: Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Title: The Christmas Ring
Author: Karen Kingsbury
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Fiction
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
'The Christmas Ring' by Karen Kingsbury

My Insight:

'The Christmas Ring' is a heartwarming holiday Christian romance that will keep you turning the pages, eager to discover what's next for Vanessa and Sophie. Vanessa Mayfield, a widow, has found love with Ben Miller, a fellow widower who owns an antique shop. However, she has yet to reveal this to her daughter Sophie. The story also revolves around a lost family heirloom ring. Will this ring be found, and how will Sophie adapt to her mother's new relationship? To find out, immerse yourself in this heartwarming read, 'The Christmas Ring.'

Prepare to be inspired by 'The Christmas Ring', a captivating story with a rich cast of characters. This tale is a tapestry of 'military spouse, devotion, faith, redemption, friendship, and love.' It's a story that is steeped in prayer and scripture, seamlessly woven into the Christmas narrative, offering a source of inspiration and hope.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an advance copy for my honest review.

I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm by Mariama J. Lockington

Book Excerpt:

"When snow falls, sparks fly in this irresistible queer romance from Schneider Family Book Award and Stonewall Honor winner Mariama J. Lockington—for fans of She Gets the Girl and Jennifer Dugan.

High school senior Lyric has always found Christmas to be the hardest season. While other kids got presents and family time by the fire, she was in and out of foster care. An up-and-coming make-up influencer and aspiring cosmetology student who loves a bold lip, Lyric definitely isn't looking for romance—not when opening up to someone feels a lot like asking to get hurt.

Christmas is Juniper's favorite time of year. At least, it was, until her moms' separation. They're back together now, and Juniper hopes they'll stay that way. Because if they're happy, that means Juniper can leave for her gap-year trip after graduation (the one she has yet to tell her parents about, and can't really afford without their help).

When a chance meeting brings these two opposite personalities together, they should clash . . . only they don't. Instead, Lyric strikes a deal with Juniper: pose as her fake girlfriend in a series of holiday-themed social media posts, and they can split the money from her beauty sponsorships. But soon the lines between what's real and what's not start to blur. Are sparks flying both in front of the camera and behind it?

Told from dual perspectives, one in prose and one in verse, I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm is a cozy and modern love story from acclaimed author Mariama J. Lockington that's perfect for the winter holidays or all year round."

Title: I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm

Author:  Mariama J. Lockington

Publisher:  Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" by Mariama J. Lockington

My Insight:  

"I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" was an enjoyable and charming read set during the winter holidays. Although I don't typically read this genre, I was drawn to it by its beautiful cover. The themes of fake dating, queer chaos, and holiday connections were quite engaging. I loved the characters, especially Lyric, a foster care survivor, and Juniper, who is vibrant and filled with holiday spirit. They felt relatable, and I appreciated how they navigated their relationship, ultimately finding their way thanks to their love. The dynamic of their fake dating added an interesting layer to the story! 

Thanks to @netgalley, the publisher, and Mariama J. Lockington for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Best Worst Thing A Novel by Lauren Okie

Book Excerpt:

"From a stunning new voice in romance, Lauren Okie's The Best Worst Thing is an intimate story about starting over, second chances, and two people who cannot help falling into each other's orbit once again.

Nicole Speyer has a fantastic life. At least that's what she tells herself. She's got a beautiful house, a relatively successful fertility podcast, and a perfect husband, Gabe. The only thing that's less than ideal is her years-long struggle with infertility—and how, with every passing day, she and Gabe seem to drift a little further apart.

But then, mere hours after a Hail Mary embryo transfer to her gestational carrier, Nicole discovers Gabe's been sleeping with their dog walker, and her world turns upside down. Suddenly, a jobless, childless, and now-husbandless Nicole finds herself at the doorstep of somebody she tried to say goodbye to a long time ago.

Logan Milgram: a former colleague with serious golden retriever energy who happens to be laugh-out-loud funny, a colossal nerd, and legitimately hot. When Logan opens his door that night, it's like no time has passed. And as they fall back into each other's lives, Nicole starts recognizing herself in the mirror again. She even begins to like what she sees. And then, like a cruel joke, she gets the news she's spent a lifetime waiting for: her surrogate is finally pregnant. 

As her relationship with Logan evolves from a casual fling into something deeper, Nicole finds herself struggling to balance her past, present, and future. Racing against the clock, she must learn to forgive her body for falling short and recognize that sometimes, it's the biggest betrayals in life that set us free. With everything on the line, can Nicole accept love from the most incredible man she's ever known . . . even if it's nothing like the story she'd written for herself?"

Title:  The Best Worst Thing 

Author:  Lauren Okie

Publisher:  Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"The Best Worst Thing" by Lauren Okie

My Insight:  

"The Best Worst Thing" is a profoundly emotional and heartwarming romantic read. The main character, Nicole, faces numerous challenges, including infertility, a cheating husband named Gabe, and a divorce. Throughout her journey, she not only finds love again but also discovers herself. What a powerful story this is! It takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, but the banter between Nicole and Logan is delightful and adds charm to the narrative. Prepare yourself for a novel with short chapters that is hard to put down until the very end. I highly recommend it!

 Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for offering the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oct 7th Overdue A Novel by Stephanie Perkins

Book Excerpt:

"Ingrid Dahl, a cheerful twenty-nine-year-old librarian in the cozy mountain town of Ridgetop, North Carolina, has been happily dating her college boyfriend, Cory, for eleven years without ever discussing marriage. But when Ingrid's sister announces her engagement to a woman she's only been dating for two years, Ingrid and Cory feel pressured to consider their future. Neither has ever been with anybody else, so they make an unconventional decision. They'll take a one-month break to date other people, then they'll reunite and move toward marriage. Ingrid even has someone in mind: her charmingly grumpy coworker, Macon Nowakowski, on whom she's secretly crushed for years. But plans go awry, and when the month ends, Ingrid and Cory realize they're not ready to resume their relationship—and Ingrid's harmless crush on Macon has turned into something much more complicated.

Overdue is a beautiful, slow-burn romance full of lust and longing about new beginnings and finding your way."

Title:  Overdue 

Author:  Stephanie Perkins

Publisher:  St Martin's Press

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"Overdue" by Stephanie Perkins

My Insight:  

'Overdue' is a charming read, promising a romantic and humorous journey that may unfold at a leisurely pace. What will happen when Ingrid and her long-term boyfriend, Cory, finally discuss marriage? And how will things change when her sister gets engaged? With Ingrid and Cory deciding to date other people for a month, the story takes a humorous turn. And when Ingrid starts dating Macon, her coworker, the situation becomes even more entertaining. Stick with it to experience the enjoyable ending. Brace yourself for a 'slow-burn romance' as 'Overdue' finally arrives.

Thank you, NetGalley & St. Martin's Press, for the advanced ebook copy of this book.

Mind of Milya Kindle Edition by Bess Hendrick

Book Excerpt:

"When a woman chooses complete autonomy, what does that mean for the man who loves her?

Confident and adventuresome, Milya Hart plunges into life with arms open wide. Chris Nelson, drawn to Milya's unconventional style, happily accepts her preference for a relationship free of formal commitments.

When Milya takes a chef's position in Anchorage, everything changes. Chris, who stays behind in Olympia to run his new bookstore, needs the security of a more traditional arrangement. Milya won't even consider it, declaring that things are good the way they are.

As the couple struggles to find common ground, Mind of Milya opens a window into the family legacies and personal experiences that mold their beliefs about relationships—experiences that will either lead to new growth, or break them apart."

Title:  Mind of Milya 

Author:  Bess Hendrick

Publisher:  B.H.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Mind of  Milya" by Bess Hendrick

My Insight:

The pages of *Mind of Milya* pulse with energy, compelling readers to dive right in and experience the journey. The characters are vibrantly crafted, each showcasing unique traits that make them both endearing and relatable. Bess Hendrick brilliantly weaves rich descriptions that highlight the delicate balance between love and independence, inviting readers into the heartfelt emotional journeys of the characters. The narrative strikes a deep chord, examining life choices and the complexities of human relationships that resonate strongly in our own lives.

If you're seeking an engaging and thought-provoking read, *Mind of Milya* excels on every level, leaving you with plenty to ponder long after you've turned the final page. It's a journey worth taking!

THE GARBAGE MAN by Tessa Pacelli

 Book Excerpt:

"What if your dream job became a nightmare without end?

Fresh out of Harvard Business School, Kayla Mousavi lands a coveted job at General Recycling, beating out thousands to work for Americaʼs hottest tech company and its legendary CEO, Frederick Douglass Monahan. It seems like a golden opportunity. GRʼs trash-eating bacteria gobble up refuse, rescuing a world choking on garbage. And her job, as the right-hand analyst of a global business celebrity, guarantees a glittering future. But Kayla should have remembered what her father, in prison for insider trading, always said. Inside every great company is a great crime.

It's not long before Kayla stumbles onto the kind of dirt that not even the magic GR bugs can disappear. Soon, she's witness to a professional hit — a hit meant for her — and on a collision course with the truth behind the trash: deep in the bowels of a Wall Street darling is an extraordinary and terrifying business that will reshape everything we believe about psychology, security, privacy, and human nature. Now, to live, Kayla will have to outsmart a ruthless genius with unlimited resources. A man who absolutely intends to change the world…just not exactly as advertised."

Title:  The Garbage Man

Author:  Tessa Pacelli

Publisher:  Tessa Pacelli | Zero Day Books, LLC

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"The Garage Man" by Tessa Pacelli

My Insight:

"The Garbage Man" is a fascinating blend of suspense, thriller, and science that truly sparks curiosity! While you might need to stay alert to follow the twists and turns, the journey is enriching. Kayla Mousavi, our determined protagonist, brilliantly unravels the mysteries she encounters at General Recycling. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure that promises to surprise and delight you by the end. You won't want to miss this captivating techno-thriller experience!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC and for my giving my honest opinion of the read.

Buzz Books 2025: Romance by Publishers Lunch

 Book Excerpt:

"Welcome to Buzz Books: Romance 2025! This edition of our longstanding, much-beloved Buzz Books series includes 18 excerpts from some of the buzziest upcoming romance titles of the year. Whether you are an avid romance reader or are curious about this fast-growing genre, this edition has something for everyone. At the end of most excerpts, you will find a link to download or request the full galley—exclusive to the NetGalley edition!

Discover compelling stories from acclaimed authors, including Alexandria Bellefleur, Kate Clayborn, Emily McIntire, Lauren Rowe, and Nikki St. Crowe, alongside exciting debuts from Taylor Esposito, Jessica M. Felleman, Jaclyn Rodriguez, and Edward Schmit.

This diverse collection spans young adult, new adult, and adult romance across multiple beloved subgenres and tropes: sports romance, contemporary romance, dark romance, romantasy, Greek mythology retellings, Western romance, enemies-to-lovers, second chance romance, and more.

New for this edition of Buzz Books Romance, we've not only given you a guide to the age category of the titles, but also a heat level. We hope this guides your reading choices.

Finally, if you love this edition, be sure to keep an eye out for our following publication, Buzz Books: Spring/Summer 2026."

Title:  Buzz Books 2025

Author:  Publishers Lunch

Publisher:  Publishers Lunch BUZZ BOOKS

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Buzz Books 2025" by Publishers Lunch

My Insight:  

"Welcome to Buzz Books: Romance 2025! This edition of our beloved Buzz Books series includes 18 excerpts from some of the most anticipated upcoming romance titles of the year. Whether you are an avid romance reader or simply curious about this fast-growing genre, this edition has something for everyone. At the end of most excerpts, you will find a link to download or request the full galley, which is exclusive to this NetGalley edition! Discover compelling stories from acclaimed authors, including Alexandria Bellefleur, Kate Clayborn, Emily McIntire, Lauren Rowe, and Nikki St. Crowe, along with exciting debuts from Taylor Esposito, Jessica M. Felleman, Jaclyn Rodriguez, and Edward Schmit. This diverse collection spans young adult, new adult, and adult romance across multiple beloved subgenres and tropes: sports romance, contemporary romance, dark romance, romantasy, Greek mythology retellings, Western romance, enemies-to-lovers, second chance romance, and more. New for this edition of Buzz Books Romance, we've provided not only a guide to the age categories of the titles but also a heat level. We hope this assists you in making your reading choices. Finally, if you enjoy this edition, be sure to keep an eye out for our next publication, Buzz Books: Spring/Summer 2026."

FIGHT FOR YOU: A Standalone Scottish BWWM Romance (MacKenzie Crime Family) Kindle Edition by Amarie Avant

 Book Excerpt:

"He promised to save me. Then he left me behind....

JORDYN

Jamie MacKenzie was my light in a childhood of captivity—until his clan ripped him away and left me in the dark.
Now, he's back. No longer a boy, but a battle-hardened ex-Marine, armed with vengeance and regrets.
He says he'll burn the world to the ground to free me—even if I fight him every step of the way. But I'm not just haunted by my past... I belong to a ruthless Bratva tsar who branded me as his. And he won't let me go without a war.

JAMIE

I failed Jordyn once. I'll never make that mistake again.
She doesn't trust me. Doesn't want saving.
But I'm done letting others hurt her.
I'll go to war with the Russian who owns her—or the family I was born into—if that's what it takes.
Clan MacKenzie doesn't forgive betrayal. And neither do I.
 
This fierce, emotionally charged BWWM romantic thriller is packed with heart, vengeance, and high-stakes redemption. While this story contains mature themes, including trafficking and the loss of a child, these elements are handled with care and sensitivity; reader discretion is advised. At its heart of the suspense is a story about finding light in the darkest places—and the fierce, unrelenting fight to reclaim hope, love, and freedom."

Title:  Fight For You

Author:  Amarie Avant

Publisher:  A. A.

Series:  MacKenzie Crime Family

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

'FIGHT FOR YOU: A Standalone Scottish BWWM Romance (MacKenzie Crime Family), by Amarie Avant 

My Insight:

"Fight For You" offers a breathtaking love story set against the fascinating backdrop of the Scottish mob. The profound bond between Jamie and Jordyn radiates throughout their emotional journey, especially as Jamie fiercely fights to rescue Jordyn after her kidnapping. Their path to healing and personal growth unfolds with grace, delivering an uplifting message about the incredible power of love.

Get ready for a thrilling rollercoaster of emotions—suspense, romance, and drama come together with themes of betrayal and mistrust. The author skillfully spins a captivating tale centered around the mysterious MacKenzie Crime Family, perfectly immersing readers in a world where love stands strong against life's challenges. Prepare to be swept into an unforgettable adventure!

This is a review after listening to the audiobook.

JORDYN... Jamie MacKenzie was my beacon of hope during a bleak and oppressive childhood—my refuge amid the darkness of captivity. For years, he was my closest friend and ally—until his clan tore him away from me, leaving me alone in a nightmare. Now he has returned, transformed from the innocent boy I once knew into a battle-hardened ex-Marine, his spirit forged in the fires of conflict and carrying the weight of vengeance and regret. He swears he'll set the world ablaze to save me, even if I resist him at every turn. However, I'm not only grappling with memories of my past; I am also bound to a merciless Bratva tsar who sees me as his property. He won't release me without a fierce struggle that could ignite a war.

JAMIE... I failed Jordyn once, and I refuse to make that mistake again. Though she may not trust me and resists my attempts to save her, I am determined to shatter the chains that bind her. This time, I will fight with everything I have, standing against the ruthless Russian who claims her as his own—or against the clan I've always known if it comes to that. Clan MacKenzie does not forgive betrayal, and neither will I. This gripping, emotionally charged BWWM romantic thriller dives deep into themes of love, vengeance, and redemption. It's a story rich in intensity and heart, exploring the shadows of trafficking and the painful loss of a child with the utmost care and sensitivity; reader discretion is strongly advised. At its core, this narrative is a powerful journey about finding light in the most desolate places—a relentless battle to reclaim hope, love, and freedom against all odds.

The story is compelling, and it is also available as an audiobook. The narrators did an excellent job of bringing the events to life, keeping listeners engaged as they follow the journey of Jordyn and Jamie.

'Fight For You' was an excellent story that this author gives the reader that you will enjoy from start to the very end.

Sinful Submission: A Dark Why Choose Trilogy Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris

Book Excerpt:

"Three men. One woman. When danger and desire collide.

They thrive on the thrill of the chase, unapologetic in their pursuit to consistently hit their mark—or get their woman. Businessmen by day, hitmen by night, these frat brothers live, work, and kill together. They're dangerous, raw, and too ruthless for their best friend's little sister, who should be off-limits to them, especially with an enemy who is constantly circulating in their orbit. They could get her killed if they aren't careful. Yet, one by one, they each get sucked deeper into her intoxicating web as the morally gray lines begin to blur and they realize that the only way to move forward is to succumb to their desires ... and share her.

Resort tycoon Titan Valentine is a merciless, beautiful monster in a tailored suit who dances the thin line between power and danger. Santari Lake mistook his quiet, commanding presence for survival, but she didn't realize she'd become the flame he aches to be consumed by. Every time he holds back, it's not mercy... It's foreplay. And when she finally offers her submission, he loses the hold on his control completely."

Title:  Sinful Submission

Author:  Stephanie Nicole Norris

Publisher:   Love Is A Drug Ink LLC

Series:  A Dark Why Choose Trilogy

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Sinful Submission" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Insight: 

'Sinful Submission: A Dark Why Choose Trilogy' is a complete and satisfying read, offering a window into the world of the Valentines, with a spotlight on Titan and Santari.   The story is presented in a way that will keep you turning the pages, with all your questions answered in this incredible narrative.  To fully appreciate the series, I recommend reading the entire trilogy.  

His Royal Enemy: Elite Alliance (The Royals of Kéra Asnela) Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris

 Book Excerpt:

"The crown awaits Prince Remington Winthrope as he prepares to become King of Kéra Asnela. When assassination attempts threaten not only his life but the stability of his kingdom, he turns to the most unlikely royal: Princess Izara of Myriad, the daughter of his imprisoned enemies.

Brought to Winthrope Estate Palace as both informant and prisoner, Izara finds herself caught between loyalty to her homeland and an unexpected attraction to the man who holds her family captive.

Their verbal vitriol creates a hostile relationship, but proximity breeds a dangerous desire that threatens everything they've fought for."

Title: His Royal Enemy

Author:  Stephanie Nicole Norris

Publisher:    Love Is A Drug Ink LLC

Series:  The Royals of Kéra Asnela

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"His Royal Enemy: Elite Alliance" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Insight:  

'His Royal Enemy; Elite Alliance' was another excellent read from this author, offering readers some wonderful romance stories. In this series, we are given well-developed characters with a storyline that will keep readers turning the pages to the end, leaving them wanting even more. The storyline of Remington and Izara, who were enemies full of distrust, is so engaging that it will captivate you from the first page. You must pick up this good series to see how it will all turn out for them in the end.

Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare: A Young Adult Teen Drama (Blooming Book 1) Kindle Edition by Dominique Davis

Book Excerpt:

"One Tree Hill meets Friday Night Lights in this binge-worthy series where a teen's homecoming sets off a chain reaction through the community.

After her mother's death, 16-year-old Sloane Crawford reluctantly returns to her childhood home and the drama-filled small town she left behind. Moving in with her estranged father only reopens old wounds from his affair that destroyed her family.

Back at school, tensions flare as Sloane reconnects with old friends who resent her for abandoning them. Especially heated is her rocky relationship with her former best friend, Emory, the daughter of the woman her father betrayed them with.

As Sloane struggles to adapt to her new normal, long-held grudges threaten to boil over. To move forward, she'll have to confront the fractured bonds left in the ashes of her family's traumatic history. But finding forgiveness won't be easy in a place where the past refuses to stay buried."

Title:  Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare: A Young Adult Teen Drama

Author:  Dominique Davis

Published:  D.D.

Series:  Blooming Book 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

'Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare' by  Dominique Davis

My Insight:  

'Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare' weaves a complex web of relationships that leaves Sloane in a challenging situation. After witnessing her father's affair with the mother of her best friend, Emory, and the passing of her own mother, she is forced to return to her father's home. There, she must navigate the intricate dynamics with the woman who ruined her life and the stepsister who was once her closest friend.  The story delves into the complexities of love, friendship, and betrayal, keeping readers intrigued.  

Will Sloane be able to reclaim the love and friendship she so desperately craves, or will the betrayal she experienced continue to haunt her? 

The characters and storyline of 'Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare' are crafted to keep the reader engrossed, eager to see how the author weaves this compelling narrative. The story, filled with love, friendship, and betrayal, will leave readers with much to ponder long after they've turned the last page.

 

My Bully, My Aunt, & Her Final Gift Kindle Edition by Harold Phifer

 Book Excerpt:

"Every Villain doesn’t wear a mask. Sometimes she’s your aunt! Maybe, closure doesn’t come with silence, but with Reflections, Truth, & A Touch of Humor!

In "My Bully, My Aunt, and Her Final Gift", Hal revisits the complicated relationship he shared with his late Aunt Kathy, a woman who stood as the antithesis of positivity in his life. Despite her domineering and often cruel behavior, her passing left Hal with an unexpected opportunity for humor, healing, and reflection.

As he plans her memorial—a gathering that no one seems eager to attend—Hal's childhood memories resurface, pulling him back into a world shaped by his aunt's unpredictable rules and twisted philosophies. Blending heartfelt truths with laugh-out-loud moments, Hal weaves a tale of resilience, self-discovery, and ultimately, redemption. This memoir offers a lighthearted yet honest look at how even the darkest relationships can leave behind gifts of wisdom and self-awareness."

Title:  My Bully, My Aunt, & Her Final Gift

Author:  Harold Phifer

Publisher:  BookBaby

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"My Bully, My Aunt, & Her Final Gift" by Harold Phifer

My Insight:  

"My Bully, My Aunt, and Her Final Gift" enveloped me in an emotional journey that lingered in my thoughts long after the final page was turned. Hal's tumultuous experiences with his seemingly pious yet cruel aunt were both shocking and profoundly eye-opening. It’s astonishing to witness how someone could embody such wickedness beneath the polished facade of righteousness. Despite the oppressive shadow cast by his aunt, Hal's resilience radiates brightly, illuminating his path as he navigates this complex and challenging relationship. This powerful narrative compels us to delve deeper into the stark realities of such situations. It truly prompts a haunting question—could this occur in real life? Absolutely! I wholeheartedly recommend this captivating read to anyone yearning for a thought-provoking and emotionally enriching experience!

Possessing the Secret of Joy (The Color Purple Collection Book 3) Kindle Edition by Alice Walker

 Book Excerpt:

"An American woman struggles with the genital mutilation she endured as a child in Africa in a New York Times bestseller, "as compelling as The Color Purple" (San Francisco Chronicle).

In Tashi's tribe, the Olinka, young girls undergo female genital mutilation as an initiation into the community. Tashi manages to avoid this fate at first, but when pressed by tribal leaders, she submits. Years later, married and living in America as Evelyn Johnson, Tashi's inner pain emerges. As she questions why such a terrifying, disfiguring sacrifice was required, she sorts through the many levels of subjugation with which she's been burdened over the years.


In Possessing the Secret of Joy, Alice Walker exposes the abhorrent practice of female genital mutilation in an unforgettable, moving novel.

This ebook features an illustrated biography of Alice Walker, including rare photos from the author's personal collection."

Title:  Possessing the Secret of Joy

Author:  Alice Walker

Publisher:  Open Road Media

Series:  The Color Purple Collection Book 3

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Possessing the Secret  of Joy" by Alice Walker

My Insight:  

"Possessing the Secret of Joy" courageously tackles the challenging issue of female circumcision, and the author's sensitivity in addressing this complex topic is truly impressive. Although I found it to be a demanding read, I am so thankful I decided to dive in. For those who enjoyed "The Color Purple," you'll be delighted to encounter Tashi, the daughter-in-law of Celie, who makes a heartfelt appearance in this story.

I don't want to give too much away, but I genuinely encourage you to explore "Possessing the Secret of Joy." The author has a unique gift for bringing tough themes to life, and their storytelling is nothing short of extraordinary.

As we navigate the narrative, we are reminded of the tragic reality that many children have suffered due to this practice, with some losing their lives or facing lifelong challenges. While it may be a challenging read, it is incredibly meaningful and opens our eyes to crucial truths that deserve our attention. You won't regret picking this one up!

The Temple of My Familiar (The Color Purple Collection Book 2) Kindle Edition by Alice Walker

 Book Excerpt:

"The Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Color Purple weaves a 'glorious and iridescent' tapestry of interrelated lives in this New York Times bestseller (Library Journal).

Includes a new letter written by the author

In The Temple of My Familiar, Celie and Shug from The Color Purple subtly shadow the lives of dozens of characters, all of whom in some way deal with the legacy of the African experience in America. From recent African immigrants, to a woman who grew up in the mixed-race rainforest communities of South America, to Celie's own granddaughter living in modern-day San Francisco, all must come to understand the brutal stories of their ancestors to come to terms with their own troubled lives.  


As Walker follows these astonishing characters, she weaves a new mythology from old fables and history, a profoundly spiritual explanation for centuries of shared African American experience.


This ebook features an illustrated biography of Alice Walker, including rare photos from the author's personal collection.


The Temple of My Familiar is the 2nd book in the Color Purple Collection, which also includes The Color Purple and Possessing the Secret of Joy."

Title:  The Temple of My Familiar

Author:  Alice Walker

Publisher:  Open Road Media

Series:  The Color Purple Collection Book 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"The Temple of My Familiar" by Alice Walker

My Insight:  

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Temple of My Familiar"; it’s a captivating historical novel that intricately weaves together themes and narratives, making it a remarkable continuation of the author's poignant storytelling first introduced in "The Color Purple." For the most enriching experience, I highly recommend diving into that book first, as it lays a robust foundation for understanding the depth of the characters and their journeys. 

While some sections are layered and complex, I assure you that if you persevere, everything will beautifully converge by the end. Prepare yourself to encounter a rich tapestry of fascinating characters, each with their own unique stories and insights, alongside thought-provoking themes that resonate long after you turn the last page. The unforgettable storyline is filled with emotional twists and turns that will keep you eagerly turning the pages, lost in its world. You're truly in for a literary treat! I thoroughly enjoyed "The Temple of My Familiar." It’s a captivating historical novel that intricately weaves together themes and narratives, serving as a remarkable continuation of the author's poignant storytelling first introduced in "The Color Purple." 

Blessings and Disasters A Story of Alabama by Alexis Okeowo

 Book Excerpt:

"In Alabama, we exist at the border of blessing and disaster…."

'Alexis Okeowo grew up in Montgomery—the former seat of the Confederacy—as the daughter of Nigerian immigrants. Here, she weaves her family's story with Alabama's, defying stereotypes about her endlessly complex, often-pigeonholed home state. She immerses us in a landscape dominated today not by cotton fields but by Amazon warehouses, encountering high-powered Christian business leaders lobbying for tribal sovereignty and small-town women coming out against conservative politics. Okeowo shows how people can love their home while still acknowledging its sins.

In this perspective-shifting work that is both an intimate memoir and a journalistic triumph, Okeowo investigates her life, other Alabamians' lives, and the state's lesser-known histories to examine why Alabama has been the stage for the most extreme results of the American experiment.'

Title:  Blessings and Disasters

Author:  Alexis Okeowo

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Blessings and Disasters" by Alexis Okeowo

My Insight:   

'Blessing and Disaster' was well delivered by this author, especially if you are interested in the' history of understanding the intricate layers of the resilience of its people' in Alabama. Now, if you did not live in the South, I know this will be an eye-opener for you, reading how this author gives us a clear picture of this painful history of how one grew up and was shaped into who they are now. This story may be a little hard to read, given its history of the slave trade, civil war, and racism, but if you can get through it, it will be a compelling and unforgettable read.   All that's left to say is that it's history, whether we like it or not, of what happened as Alexis Okeowo, who lived through it, growing up there.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Henry Holt and Co. for my ARC copy.