The Heirs By: Susan Rieger

Book Description.....

"Brilliantly wrought, incisive, and stirring, The Heirs tells the story of an upper-crust Manhattan family coming undone after the death of their patriarch 

Six months after Rupert Falkes dies, leaving a grieving widow and five adult sons, an unknown woman sues his estate, claiming she had two sons by him.  The Falkes brothers are pitched into turmoil, at once missing their father and feeling betrayed by him.  In disconcerting contrast, their mother, Eleanor, is cool and calm, showing preternatural composure. 

Eleanor and Rupert had made an admirable life together -- Eleanor with her sly wit and generosity, Rupert with his ambition and English charm -- and they were proud of their handsome, talented sons: Harry, a brash law professor; Will, a savvy Hollywood agent; Sam, an astute doctor and scientific researcher; Jack, a jazz trumpet prodigy; Tom, a public-spirited federal prosecutor. The brothers see their identity and success as inextricably tied to family loyalty – a loyalty they always believed their father shared. Struggling to reclaim their identity, the brothers find Eleanor’s sympathy toward the woman and her sons confounding. Widowhood has let her cast off the rigid propriety of her stifling upbringing, and the brothers begin to question whether they knew either of their parents at all.

A riveting portrait of a family, told with compassion, insight, and wit, The Heirs wrestles with the tangled nature of inheritance and legacy for one unforgettable, patrician New York family. Moving seamlessly through a constellation of rich, arresting voices, The Heirs is a tale out Edith Wharton for the 21st century."

Title:  The Heirs

Author:  Susan Rieger

Publisher:  Crown

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"The Heirs" by Susan Rieger

My Thoughts....

What a story that tell of the well to do family [the heirs of Rupert Falkes] and oh my what is found out after this patriarch passes.  I thought this novel was well written with such a incredible character development that will certainly keep your attention to the end. I liked how this author tell of the wife Eleanor who was Rupert's wife and their five sons [ Will, Sam, Tom, Jack and Harry] who were Princeton educated and so successful and all the grands are girls. What happens when a letter arrives with a women saying that she had two sons by Rupert and wanted them to share in the inheritance?  As Rupert's past is questioned and his secrets surface that simply smears his families reputation what will happen?  How will the family members treat this information?  In the end  as the mystery comes out was there any truth to any of this?    

The author gives the reader quite a good read of family and the lives it touches as it goes through 'marriage, parenthood, fidelity, infidelity, Eleanor's past, even giving the reader some incredible dry wit' along with some surprises.  In the end the reader gets a good  page turner read  of a wonderful saga that is even juicy, entertaining, somewhat humorous times.   

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. So exciting!

Beautiful Entourage By: E. L. Todd

Book Description....

"Standalone. No Cliffhanger. HEA. Remaining books in the series can be read in any order.

Being a professional escort comes with its vices. To keep women from getting too clingy, stop them from dropping their panties, and silence them before they can blurt the L word, Rhett has made certain rules. He never breaks them.

Ever.

1. No Kissing.
2. No Feelings.
3. And definitely, absolutely, no sex.

But when Aspen, a beautiful brunette, hires him to help repair her image to her family, things get complicated. Rhett's never had a problem separating work from pleasure. But now work and pleasure seem to be one and the same."

Title:  Beautiful Entourage

Author:  E. L. Todd

Publisher:  Fallen Publishing

Series:  Beautiful Entourage # 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Beautiful Entourage" by E. L. Todd

My Thoughts....

Good read with a intriguing story with some interesting characters especially Aspen and Rhett.  I loved how things were changed around at the end between the daughter and her father giving the ready quite a surprising ending. I would have liked to have known a little more about that ex and his future bride but since this is a series maybe they will come up at a later time. The reader gets a little bit of it all...from 'sadness, to humor, entertainment  and much drama that will keep you turning the pages to the end.  I thought this novel was a good read and would recommend it to you.

Brown-Eyed Girl [Travis Family #4] By: Lisa Kleypas

Book Description....

"Wedding planner Avery Crosslin may be a rising star in Houston society, but she doesn't believe in love--at least not for herself. When she meets wealthy bachelor Joe Travis and mistakes him for a wedding photographer, she has no intention of letting him sweep her off her feet. But Joe is a man who goes after what he wants, and Avery can't resist the temptation of a sexy southern charmer and a hot summer evening.

After a one night stand, however, Avery is determined to keep it from happening again. A man like Joe can only mean trouble for a woman like her, and she can't afford distractions. She's been hired to plan the wedding of the year--a make-or-break event.

But complications start piling up fast, putting the wedding in jeopardy, especially when shocking secrets of the bride come to light. And as Joe makes it clear that he's not going to give up easily, Avery is forced to confront the insecurities and beliefs that stem from a past she would do anything to forget.

The situation reaches a breaking point, and Avery faces the toughest choice of her life. Only by putting her career on the line and risking everything--including her well-guarded heart--will she find out what matters most."

Title:  Brown-Eyed Girl [Travis Family #4]

Author:  Lisa Kleypas

Publisher:  St. Martin's Press

Series:  Travis Family #4

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"Browned-Eyed-Girl" by Lisa Kleypas

What I liked about this novel.....

This was a one of this author's wonderful Travis romantic love stories featuring Avery and Joe.
'Brown-Eyed Girl' was well written story that will keep you turning the pages to see what this author will bring to the reader.  I loved how this author brings these two together with the heroine being somewhat reluctant due to the fact that had happened to her with her ex fiancee. I love how this sexy alpha hero will go after what he wants which was winning Avery's heart.  Be prepared for some steamy scenes that this author presented so very well.   Now as this story is coming about get ready for another parts of this story that will add some real interest...where you will have to pickup this good read to see for yourself how it will come out.  Add the secondary characters cast and you will find yourself even laughing at a lots of what will go on in this intriguing romantic story.   It was also interesting seeing the development the  relationship of Avery's half sister, Sofia who also will find love in this story.   This is a series number four of the 'Travis Family,' however, this can be read as a standalone read.

Four Friends (Unabridged) By Robyn Carr

Title:  Four Friends
Author:  Robyn Carr
Publisher:  Harlequin MIRA
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  5
Review:

"Four Friends" by Robyn Carr...

Book Description....

"Gerri can't decide what's more devastating: learning her rock-solid marriage has big cracks, or the anger she feels as she tries to repair the damage. Always the anchor for friends and her three angst-ridden teenagers, it's time to look carefully at herself. The journey for Gerri and her family is more than revealing—it's transforming.

Andy doesn't have a great track record with men, and she's come to believe that for her a lasting love is out of reach. When she finds herself attracted to her down-to-earth, ordinary contractor—a man without any of the qualities that usually appeal to her—she questions everything she thought she wanted in life.

Sonja's lifelong pursuit of balance is shattered when her husband declares he's through with her New Age nonsense and walks out. There's no herbal tonic or cleansing ritual that can restore her serenity—or her sanity.

Miraculously, it's BJ, the reserved newcomer to Mill Valley, who steps into their circle and changes everything. The woman with dark secrets opens up to her neighbors, and together they get each other back on track, stronger as individuals and unfaltering as friends."

What I liked about this novel....


This was a beautiful, well absorbing amazing story of four women Gerri, Andy, Sonja and BJ who were all rather a complex bunch as it is discovered that it looks like the whole neighborhood was falling about.  You will find one of the  ladies are just too perfect( a control freak)...definitely one that made me laugh out loud, another one(new to the neighborhood) who has some dark secrets that  has her just wanting to keep to herself, another friend who was working  on her second divorce, however, was she the one that goes after and get  what she wants in the end?... and then last one seems to be the friend that had it all but did she really? What will happen after she finds out that her husband had had an affair some years ago?  So, her marriage isn't as solid as she thought.   This was one captivating read about a friendship and with a little of it all showing 'support, tough love, humor, sarcasm' and in the end  you get a wonderful well written story.  Didn't  these women  have the perfect lives?  What will happen after they discover that some of them didn't have the perfect life after all? Counseling? Now, I will not talk to much  about these ladies men other than say they were all some interesting men ...Phil, George, and Bob.  You will just have to read "Four Friends' for yourself to see what all is up with them!

This author really gives the reader a  story with of these four women's subplots that do combine so smoothly that will give the reader  a great description of each of these ladies struggles and realness of the friendships.  It's a beautiful read as you will see each of the ladies under go such a life changing experience from 'mental, physical, spiritual awakening where in the end will become even more stronger than they were in the beginning...with issues such as 'menopause, abuse, depression, infidelity,  divorce, unfaithful spouses, out of control children, abuse,  heartless exes, keeping  secrets to new friendships.  In the end will these women  get the importance of family, companionship and friendships. I will only say to get it all you must pick 'Four Friends' this author. 

This is definitely one of those reads that if you are reading or listening to it will keep your attention and you will find it hard to put down until the end.  It was quite a interesting read where you see these four strong women find their way from a dark time in their lives.  Would I recommend?  Yes!

After All Is Said and Done By: A.D.

Title:  After All Is Said and Done
Author:  A.D.
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"After All Is Said and Done" by A. D.

Book Description...

"Carol Rodgers never imagined her life the way it has matured over the past couple of months; estranged from her husband and parents, unwanted hospital visits, and having to return to work to support herself.

Jacob Rodgers knew Carol would not stand for his behavior, but he did it anyway. Now he is struggling to get his wife and kids back.

Michele loved Jacob from the moment she met him as a teenage girl. It doesn’t matter to her how much time has passed since she last saw him, or the big secret she kept from him; she’s determined to get him back and keep him this time.

Sheila vowed to never be tied down to one man, but Troy is destined to change that for her.

So many issues and emotions envelop these characters. What will be left of them after all is said and done?"

What I liked about the novel....

This was a captivating short read that had so much drama from the beginning to the very end that will definitely keep your attention.  This author presents the reader with a couple whose marriage had gone very bad. After Carol's third beating will Carol be able to get on with her life?  Having a best friend (Sheila) was there for Carol in her  time of need was so endearing to the read.  Jacob was wanting forgiveness but could he not see that some things are not to be fixed and then their was Michele (his twins mom) who seemed not to take no for an answer?  I found all of these characters were simply off the chart... well portrayed giving the reader a good concept of just what is going on with all the 'issues and emotions' that come up in this read.    In the end there will be some twist in this story....from wife beating, death, pregnancy loss, healing for Carol's parents,  Sheila's drama and then at the end....  You will just have to pick up this well written novel to see for yourself  and I think you will truly say heartily that this  title is very fitting for this novel ...."After All Is Said and Done" novel that I would definitely recommend to you.   

Miracle in a Dry Season By: Sarah Loudin Thomas

Title:  Miracle in a Dry Season
Author:  Sarah Loudin Thomas
Publisher: Bethany House Publisher
Series: Appalachian Blessing Book # 1
Review By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Miracle in a Dry Season" by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Book Description....

"It's 1954 and Perla Long's arrival in the small town of Wise, West Virginia, was supposed to go unnoticed. She just wants a quiet, safe place for her and her daughter, Sadie, where the mistakes of her past can stay hidden. But then drought comes to Wise, and Perla is pulled into the turmoil of a town desperately in need of a miracle.
Casewell Phillips has resigned himself to life as a bachelor...until he meets Perla. She's everything he's sought in a woman, but he can't get past the sense that she's hiding something. As the drought worsens, Perla's unique way with food brings both gratitude and condemnation, placing the pair in the middle of a maelstrom of anger and forgiveness, fear and faith."

What I liked from this novel...


I was very surprised that this was this authors debut novel because I will say this was one excellent read from start to finish.  You will be presented a novel that has miracles, romance, humor and lots of drama and forgiveness .  You will be quickly taken in with Perla Long's story and the way she was treated by the town folks for being a unwed mother. However, Perla had something that many of the town people did not have.  What was that?  The author did a wonderful job at bringing out the description of  the Appalachia area and drawing the reader into the mix of what all was going on. 

I liked how the author was able to bring Casewell Phillips and Perla together which was no easy task.
Now I don't want to give too much away other than say you must pick up the good read to see how the wonderful story will be presented.  After  going through emotions, judgmental characters will there finally be forgiveness and miracles for this small town of  Wise, West Virginia for Perla and her daughter? 

What I especially liked from the read...

By the end of this novel you are made to feel like  this was a good story  of love and faith.
So, if you are looking for a wonderful read of a Christian Fiction setting in 1950's with a light romance then I would recommend "Miracle in a Dry Season" to you. 

Tyree's Love Triangle By: Charmaine Galloway

Title:  Tyree's Love Triangle
Author:  Charmaine Galloway
Publisher: C.G.
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Tyree's Love Triangle" by Charmaine Galloway

Book Description....

"Things aren't always what they seem and that's certainly true for Tyree Bell, a handsome and successful businessman with a wife and child who adores him. On the outside it appears he has it all together. On the inside he's holding onto something so immoral, if ever it's revealed his perfect family could be forever destroyed, but only after he lost his life. How long can Tyree keep his skeletons in the closet? Will he let go of his sin and let God take care of him? Or will he carry his secrets to the grave and go insane in the process."

What I received from this read...

"Tyree's Love Triangle" was a interesting read and once you start reading you will hard to put down until the end.  Be ready for many different emotions during the read of being angry, humorous times and even tearing up some.  I liked how this author was able to give the reader a believable read and letting us know you may never know what all  has gone on  earlier in a person's life that can make their life a living hell.  Wow, what a life  Tyree had to go through.  This author really gives the reader a well written script to truly understanding this character.  I must say I wondered a minute about Tyree's character of being hurt, confused, having an addiction, lovers and so lost but now having read this novel I was able to understand what all had gone on in his life.  This was very well presented by this author.  Hoping not to have given too much away I will just say to truly understand it all  you must pick up Tyree's Love Triangle" to see for yourself  how well this story line is brought out to the reader.  Would I recommend?  YES!   

Shelter Me By Catherine Mann

Title:  Shelter Me
Author:  Catherine Mann
Publisher:  Berkley
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Series:  Second Chance Ranch #1

• Genre: Romance
• Rating: 5
• Review:

"Shelter Me" by Catherine Mann...

From USA Today bestselling author Catherine Mann comes this beautiful, heartwarming novel about a returning military officer, the daughter of his fallen commander, and a very special dog with a mission. For fans of Jill Shalvis and Susan Mallery.

"Nestled in the sunny fields of Tennessee lies the McDaniel family’s Second Chance Ranch Animal Rescue. Two new arrivals are on their way, but only one is the four-legged kind.

Staff Sergeant Mike Kowalski wants only one thing after he gets home from Iraq: to sleep in a king-sized bed with clean sheets. But first, he has to hand off his fallen commander’s dog, Trooper, to his family without handing off his heart to Sierra…

Sierra McDaniel needs a break. Her family life is crazy, and when she’s not mucking out kennels, she’s slogging through grad school. Sierra certainly doesn’t want another dog, especially one that reminds her of her father. And she definitely doesn’t want to see Mike with that charming smile of his…

But Trooper has a mission of his own. Before too long Mike is moving to the ranch to lend a hand—and hoping for his own second chance with Sierra."


What I liked from  "Shelter Me"....

I hesitated  a bit before I picked up this read after reading what this novel was about but I am so glad that I did.  I will say this author really knows how to write a script that puts the reader at ease with the subject line.  Let's just say this was a story that involved the whole McDaniel family. From the father, [fallen commander], his father (the grandfather), wife, daughter, son, dog and a dear friend of  the family. You will find from the read that this is a military family  their has been a death [a dear son, husband and father...with  the surviving family members  have to endure quite a lots pain before this story will end.  A dear friend [Mike]to the family has brought home a dog [Trooper] that had belonged to this fallen commander.  Why, because Mike had  promised to do so.  It seems like this dog was a reminder of a dog that had once been owned by this fallen commander.   Only when Mike had done his job  with delivering Trooper to this family  he they will see that this family needed his help.  With Mike being on leave what could he do but help especially since this would possibly put him closer to Sierra since they had broken up with much earlier before his time over seas. I will let you in on a secret... I even teared  up  while reading some of this good read.  This author really works her magic in showing how each one of these family members were desperately in the need of his help and yet didn't Mike also need help?   Also this author even gave thoughts of  that of the  dog Trooper...yes of  what Trooper was thinking from the read.  Now, you know dogs can't talk or can they?

The primary and secondary characters  were all richly  developed as they seemed to come alive on the pages with each scene and conversation  being so complete and special.  Also those hot, steamy scenes from  a certain couple was off the chart...well done.  I don't want to give too much away but I will say this was a excellent and yes it's a military read. So be prepared for some real issues that can happen and you will find it interesting in how they are handled.  Will they be fixable?  You will just have to see for yourself.  "Shelter Me" was somewhat long read but nothing was over done. When this author brings it to a close at the end of the read all will be wrapped up...well except one situation that will have you wondering.... but you will have to read the next series  to find out what that was.  Would I recommend  "Shelter Me?"   YES and Yes!