Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Until Death Do Us Part: What Did You Vow? Kindle Edition by Lakisha Johnson


Book Excerpt:

"Nehemiah found his good thang in Eden Lynette Crawford. They met, dated, and married all within six months. Eleven years later, while they are thriving in their careers — Nehemiah as Executive Pastor of Unlimited Grace Church and Eden as an Investigative Reporter with JMT Broadcasting — the fire has gone out in their marriage bed.

Eden can't understand why, and Nehemiah isn't eager to rekindle it. Frustrated, tired, and without answers, the last time Nehemiah pushes her way is the first time Eden walks away.

Until she returns home early from an out-of-town trip to discover Nehemiah has been keeping a secret. One that may just test their vow of Until Death Do Us Part.

In the final book of the What Did You Vow series, find out if Nehemiah and Eden's marriage survives or will Until Death Do Us Part be taken to heart."

Title: Until Death Do Us Part: What Did You Vow?


Author: Lakisha Johnson


Publisher: Twins Write 2


Series: What Did You Vow? Part 6


Reviewed By: Arlena Dean


Rating: Five


Review:


"Until Death Do Us Part: What Did You Vow?" by Lakisha Johnson


My Insight:


All I can say is 'Wow... this book left me breathless from start to finish.' The author masterfully illustrates the complexities of a love that, while deep, can falter without the foundation of communication. In the end, despite all they shared, Nehemiah's silence becomes a chasm between him and Eden. He thought he was shielding her from his struggles, not realizing that the very act of sharing his burdens could have helped heal the rifts that had grown between them. When the truth began to unravel, it moved me to tears.


Until Death Do Us Part is a poignant story that everyone should experience; it beautifully highlights the vital importance of honesty and connection in any relationship. The writing is both compelling and impactful, leaving a lasting impression. The story is one you must read to appreciate how well the author delivered it. You will gain a great deal from it. Thank you to the author for an outstanding read!

 A heartfelt thank you to the author for delivering such an extraordinary read.


The Girls Who Grew Big A Novel by Leila Mottley


 Book Excerpt:

"Adela Woods is sixteen years old and pregnant. Her parents banish her from her comfortable upbringing in Indiana to her grandmother's home in the small town of Padua Beach, Florida. When she arrives, Adela meets Emory, who brings her newborn to high school, determined to graduate despite the odds; Simone, mother of four-year-old twins, who weighs her options when she finds herself pregnant again; and the rest of the Girls, a group of outcast young moms who raise their growing brood in the back of Simone's red truck.

The town thinks the Girls have lost their way, but really, they are finding it: looking for love, making and breaking friendships, and navigating the miracle of motherhood and the paradox of girlhood.

Full of heart and life and hope, set against the shifting sands of these friends' secrets and betrayals, The Girls Who Grew Up confirms Leila Mottley's promise and offers an explosive new perspective on what it means to be a young woman."

Title:  The Girls Who Grew Big
Author:  Leila Mottley
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"The Girls Who Grew Big" by Leila Mottley

My Insight:

"The Girls Who Grew Big" is a profoundly moving and captivating tale that follows the lives of three young teenage mothers in a small Florida town. Each mother brings a unique perspective shaped by her distinct upbringing, creating a rich tapestry of experiences. The narrative delves deeply into the complexities of pregnancy, birth, motherhood, abortion, and miscarriage, woven together with heartfelt prose that resonates long after you turn the final page. The author paints vivid portraits of these young women's struggles and triumphs, allowing readers to feel their joy, sorrow, and resilience. However, given its sensitive subject matter, this poignant story may not resonate with everyone; therefore, it's essential to consider whether it aligns with your reading preferences.


Thank you, NetGalley and Knopf, for providing me with an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Finding Grace A Novel by Loretta Rothschild

Book Excerpt:

"A twisty, gripping novel that wraps around a profoundly moving love story, from an electric new voice in upmarket women's fiction.


SHE THOUGHT IT WAS F TE. I KNEW IT WASN'T....


Honor seems to have everything: she adores her bright and beautiful daughter, Chloe, and her charming, handsome husband, Tom, even if he works one hundred hours a week. Yet Honor's longing for another baby threatens to eclipse all of it―until a shocking event changes their lives forever.

Years later, Tom makes a decision that ripples through their families' lives in ways he could never have foreseen. As the consequences of that fateful choice unfold, the two women's paths become irrevocably intertwined. But when old love clashes with new, who will be left standing? And what happens when your secrets come back to haunt you?

Blending a page-turning moral dilemma with satisfying emotional poignancy, Finding Grace is a sweeping love story that explores the price of a new beginning, how the ghosts of our past shape our future, and whether redemption can be found in the wreckage of what we've lost."

Title:  Finding Grace
Author:  Loretta Rothschild
Publisher:  St. Martin's Press
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review:
"Finding Grace" by Loretta Rothschild

My Insight:

"Finding Grace" is an enchanting love story that beautifully weaves the lives of Honor, Tom, and Chloe. This novel is brimming with unexpected twists, masterfully exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and family secrets. From the very first page, it grips your attention and pulls you into a whirlwind journey where tragedy strikes and life spirals out of control. By the time you reach the final chapter, you'll be left in awe of how the narrative unfolds, with shocking revelations that will leave you breathless. It's an absolute must-read that showcases the author's extraordinary talent for crafting a compelling narrative, leaving you yearning for more once the last word is turned.


Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance reader's copy.








Prime Suspects (A Rain City Legal Thriller Book 5) Kindle Edition by Stephen Penner


 Book Excerpt:

"A high-society dinner. Served with a side of murder.


When successful real estate entrepreneur Alexandra Pruitt is poisoned at her own retirement dinner, there are many suspects to choose from. Too many.

Alexandra's long-term boyfriend and the five women Alexandra mentored over the years all have reasons to want her dead. The police quickly pick the most obvious, one of Alexandra's mentees, Meredith Beauchamp.

Attorney Daniel Raine thinks they've got it wrong and sets out to prove it.

Who benefits most from Alexandra's murder? The answer isn't as straightforward as it seems. A missing will, forged business documents, and secrets in the past all serve to muddy the waters.

Raine knows he has his work cut out if he is to untangle this web of deceit. But he is willing to do whatever it takes to save an innocent woman from a life behind bars.

Even if that means bending the law a little…"

Title:  Prime Suspects
Author:  Stephen Penner
Publisher:   Inkubator Books
Series: A Rain City Legal Thriller Book 5
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review:
"Prime Suspects" by Stephen Penner

My Insights:

"Prime Suspects" is an enthralling legal thriller that will grip your attention and keep you flipping pages as you wrestle with the question of whether Meredith Beauchamp is truly guilty of two murders. In a race against time, the brilliant attorney Daniel Raine, alongside his savvy private investigator Rebecca Sommer, embarks on a relentless quest to uncover the truth behind the shocking murder of Alexandra Pruitt. As if one murder weren't enough, the plot takes a thrilling twist with the revelation of another death—Alexandra's attorney, which adds a rich layer of complexity to the unfolding drama. With every turn of the page, the story deepens, weaving a tapestry of intrigue that makes it impossible to look away. Prepare to be astounded as the pieces fall into place, revealing how a seemingly innocuous party involving the Fab Five—Meredith, Rebecca, Fiona, Julia, and Caroline—fueled a web of betrayal and ulterior motives. To truly appreciate the brilliant craftsmanship of this narrative, you must dive into "Prime Suspects." The journey taken by Attorney Raine to unearth critical evidence and unravel the reasons behind Alexandra's demise is a captivating adventure. This fifth installment in the Rain City Legal Thriller series is not just a good read; it's an electrifying experience that will leave you breathless and eager for more.

This book, part of the Rain City Legal Thriller series [Book 5], was definitely worth reading.


Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Super Easy Diabetic Air Fryer Cookbook with Color Photos, by Alexander Robinetti


 Book Excerpt:

This is a beautifully told book, especially for those with diabetes.

Title:  Super Easy Diabetic Air Fryer Cookbook with Color Photos

Author:  Alexander Robinetti

Publisher: A.R.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'Super Easy Diabetic Air Fryer Cookbook with Color Photos' by Alexander Robinetti

My Insight:

'The "Super Easy Diabetic Air Fryer Cookbook with Color Photos" is an outstanding resource, particularly for individuals with diabetes. One of its notable features is that it includes recipes specifically designed for air fryers. Many of these recipes are accompanied by color illustrations, making it easy to visualize the final dish.

You'll find a diverse range of recipes that help create well-balanced meals throughout the day.

I plan to get the Claim Your Free Bonus: The Guide to 10 Secret Spices that Enhance Flavor! 
Thank you so very much!

I received a free book from LibraryThing, courtesy of the Author, and these are my thoughts about this wonderful cookbook.


Until Death Do Us Part: What Did You Vow? Kindle Edition by Lakisha Johnson

Book Excerpt: " Nehemiah found his good thang in Eden Lynette Crawford. They met, dated, and married all within six months. Eleven year...