Sisters with a Side of Greens Audible Logo Audible Audiobook – Unabridged Michelle Stimpson (Author), Susan Spain (Narrator)

 Book Excerpt:

"From award-winning author Michelle Stimpson: a Southern story of sisterhood and second chances

Many years ago, Rose Tillman gave her sister, Marvina Dewberry, forty dollars to register a business where they would piggyback on their mother's fantastic spice mixture to make their fortune in fried chicken and other Southern comfort foods. Marvina used that forty dollars for a different reason, and the business never got off the ground. It was just forty dollars, but that decision set the course of their lives. Now Rose has retired from a career at the post office and realizes she wants a second shot at her dreams, but she'll have to go through her sister to get that chance..."

Title:  Sisters with a Side of Greens

Author:  Michelle Stimpson

Narrator:  Susan Spain

Audible Logo Audible Audiobook

Reviewed by:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Sisters with a Side of Greens" by Michelle Stimpson

My Thoughts:

'Sisters with a Side of Greens' is a well-written book that sometimes makes readers laugh and even tear up. From the read, one can see how the read brought out what happened between these two sisters, Rose and Marvina, which made them act as they did toward one another. And seeing how their mother brought on a lot of anger between the two girls had me shaking my head.  

With Rose wanting her mom's recipe for this unique spice and only her sister Marvina being able to give it to her, we can see how Rose had no choice but to confront her sister about it. The story is mainly about what will happen with this. Also, will these sisters be able to finally talk and see what the problem was that caused all this rip with them not being able to get along over the years? There will be a lot going on in this story, and one will find out about these two sisters. Their lifestyle, death in the family, husbands, exes, children...[dead and alive], and even helping a young girl with what was going on in her life.  

Be ready for a soulful read that will keep you turning the pages to see what is next for these two sisters and a few other interesting characters from the minister, ex, and others.

I loved the ending, especially how they [the sisters] came up with the appropriate name for this unique seasoning. Were these sisters now getting along? 

If you are looking for a story about family, southern home cooking, exciting side characters, and, above all, a Spice that only one person had..then you have come to the right place to get it all.  

To get all of the story, you must pick up 'Sisters with a Side of Greens' to see how well this author tells it all to the reader.

Yes, I recommend this novel to you.

  

After Hours on Milagro Street A Novel by Angelina M. Lopez

 Book Excerpt:

""A sexy, emotional, and pitch-perfect romance." —NPR on Lush Money

Opposites attract in this rivals-to-lovers romance from Lush Money author Angelina M. Lopez

Guapo pobrecito,, her grandmother calls him. The""poor handsome man""

Professor Jeremiah Post, the poor handsome man, is,, in fact,, standing in the way of Alejand"a "A"ex" Torres turniLoretta'sa's, hgrandmother'sr's bar, into a viable business. The hot brainiac who sleeps in one of the upstairs tenant rooms already has all of her Mexican Americfamily'sy's admiration; swon'tn't let him have the bar and building she needs to resurrect her career, too.

Alex blowing into town has rocked Jeremiah to his mild-mannered core, but the large, boisterous Torres clan is everything he never had. doesn'tn't believe Alex has the best interest of her family, their community, or tbar'sr's legacy in mind. To protect all threhe'll'll stand up to the tough and tattooed bartender with whom he now shares a bedroom wall—and resist the insta-lust they both feel.

But when an old enemy threatens Loretta and the surrounding neighborhood, Alex and Jeremiah must combine forces. It will take her might and his mind to save the home they both desperately need"

"Sparks fly,, and tempers flare in this passionate, un-put-downable rivals-to-lovers romance that launches a sizzling new series...Lopez seamlessly blends high-heat romance with discussionsAlex'sex's heritage and the fascinating history of 19th-century Mexican immigrants to the Kansas plains. This is a treas"re." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

Title: After Hours on Milagro Street
Author: Angelina M. Lopez
Publisher: Carina Press & Carina Adores (Harlequin), Carina Trade
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"After Hours: on Milagro Street by Angelina M. Lopez

My Assessment:

"After Hours on Milagro Street' was quite a read full of secret family lineage, with hidden treasures, a haunted bar, love letters, and omg twists and turns all over the place' including some sexy moments from the two main stars [Alex and Jeremiah] of the story. This was an excellent Mexican-American cultural read of the Mexican immigrant experience... What will happen when Alex returns home to run her grandmother Loretta's bar? I enjoyed how this author gave the reader a good read of love and family along with a good mystery and magical realism weaved into the story, hurt, loss, pain, and less, not leaving out the romance. Be ready for some complex and realistic characters that brought quite an interest and even some dysfunction to this family story. Also, there will be 'racism, alcoholism, and mentions of an abortion [of the past]' from this read. Pick up this read to see how well this author brings it out to the reader, where you will find an alpha heroine, a big family, ghosts, and even some hot sexy sex scenes.

Thanks to NetGalley and Carina Press/Adores for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Where Hope Grows Kindle Edition by Aja

Book Excerpt:

"This is not a romance. I repeat it's not a romance.

Hope Chandler holds the weight of the world on her shoulders. She is a wife and mother of two and the caregiver to an ailing mother fighting an advanced stage of cancer. In the midst of helping her mother with the battle she is fighting, Hope must learn to win the war raging inside herself. The one having trouble believing all things are possible. The one struggling with allowing someone who loves her to hold her through her fears. The battle Hope must win is the one she is fighting with herself.

Where Hope Grows is a story of inspiration, hope, and unfailing love for the people we cherish most in our lives, including ourselves."

Title: Where Hope Grows
Author: Aja
Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing LLC
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Where Hope Grows" by Aja

My Opinion:

'Where Hope Grows' started somewhat sad, but by the end of this short story, it was quite a different story, as it turns out for Hope's mom Marie. I was glad this was a short story because the way the story starts, I am not sure I would have made it through. But, for some reason, Hope felt like she had to do it all even though her mother tried to tell her she would be alright... for Hope to go home and take care of herself and her family. However, it was so good seeing Hope finally realizing and accepting help that had been there for her all along this journey. All she had to do was ask for it.. with Hope having a wonderful husband who was willing to help. And with this doctor giving out a different diagnosis... well, this is where I will stop and say you much pick up this good read and see how well this author gives us a story that one will think of about it long after the read. For this story, the genuineness and realness of what can happen when diagnosed with any disease, especially battling cancer and their caregiver.

 

Take Another Chance: A Sweet Romance with just a Hint of Spice! (Second Chances Do Happen Book 1) Kindle Edition by Pat Fifield

Book Excerpt:

"After being blindsided by her husband’s request for a divorce, Grace vows that raising her teenage daughters must come first. So, she throws herself into her teaching job and puts romance on the back burner. Heck, it leaves the building completely – until a few years later when Doug enters her life. He’s a local bachelor by day and heroic police officer by night. He finds himself being captured by the soft-spoken single mother of two grown children. Grace’s quiet strength attracts him as much as her apparent self-blindness to her own womanly beauty. Yes, she’s certainly not his usual Blond Balboa Beach Babe choice.

When Grace and Doug first meet, there is an instant mutual attraction that Grace immediately fends off. Having been in a relationship where there was little she did that was right (according to her ex) she wasn’t sure she’d be a good match for anyone. Especially the virile male standing right in front of her. But it is sure fun to fantasize about.

Doug is persistent and finally gets Grace to agree to a date. And what a date it is! Sparks fly for both of them. Their friendship deepens rapidly over several weeks. Doug surprises himself by realizing that he’s falling in love, for the first time in his life.

And then unexpected circumstances in both their lives throw up roadblocks to their growing romance.

Can they overcome the hurt? Will Doug’s past ruin his future chances with Grace?

Do they dare take another chance at love?

Enjoy this feel-good binge-worthy tale of love, redemption, and hope."

Title: Take Another Chance: A Sweet Romance with just a Hint of Spice!

Author: Pat Fifield

Publisher: Different Concepts LLC; 2 edition       

Series: Second Chances Do Happen Book 1

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Take Another Chance: A Sweet Romance with just a Hint of Spice" by Pat Fifield

My Speculation:  

I found "Take Another Chance," quite an enjoyable read showing its sweetness, humor, and being a good read that will keep your interest turning the pages to see what was coming next for Grace and Doug. Be ready for emotions coming from all over the place from each of these two main endearing characters. I was not too fond of the way Grace thought of herself not being lovable, but after that ex, I guess I could understand why she would feel the way she did.  

This author did an excellent job of bringing out this heartwarming story showing there can be a new life if one is willing to give it a try. I also liked the secondary character, especially Grace's children. If you are looking for a captivating romantic, sweet story where two opposites come together, you may enjoy "Take Another Chance."  

My Hell (A Twist of Fate Book 1) Kindle Edition by J. Haney

Book Excerpt:

"One night. One kiss and my world went to shit. Shane Hellion or Hell, as I’ve come to call him, has been my best friend for three years. It started off as a working relationship, then evolved into a partnership. Now? Christ, what am I gonna do? I have a little girl to think about. I can’t just- do whatever. 

Between the ex breathing down my back and my house falling apart, how am I supposed to navigate what he wants? What do I want? I want something that can help me escape, my hell."

Title: My Hell
Author: J. Haney
Publisher: Haney Hayes Books
Series: A Twist of Fate Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"My Hell" by J. Haney

My Speculation:

This was a story that will keep you turning the pages to see what all is going on with these best friends [Shane J. Hellion [Hell] & Aria [A. B. Anders]. The story was somewhat unusual in how they went from more than friends to lovers, with each of them having a child [Genevieve [Evie] & Dean]. I will say Evie was spoiled, and Dean had autism.

At times I felt somewhat sorry for the heroine [Avia] in the story. Still, at other times she got on my last nerves as she seemed not to be able to take care of things like with that ex-husband of hers and Aria didn't want any help from anyone..even Hell [Shane] who was her best friend. This situation would bring in some trouble from even her daughter Evie who started acting out due to what was happening due to her father's making. I will say the characters from this story were something else at times, especially Aria's best friend Janette [Jae].

As this family comes together and seems to be working out their lives with the four of them, something unexpected will happen. It looks like the ex-husband Richard Anderson will leave the reader wondering what in the world is going on as it appears that he has named Aria as his next of kin. Why was this? Were they not divorced? So, we will have to pick up the upcoming series to get the rest of how this story. I guess this is where the 'twist of fate' comes into play. 

Three Shoeboxes by Steven Manchester

Book Description...

"The latest emotional rollercoaster of a novel from a master of tearjerkers and family fiction.

Mac Anderson holds life in the palm of his hand. He has a beautiful wife, three loving children, a comfortable home, and a successful career. Everything is perfect—or so it seems. Tragically, Mac is destined to learn that any sense of security can quickly prove false. Because an invisible enemy called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has invaded Mac’s fragile mind and it is about to drop him to his knees. He does all he can to conceal his inner chaos, but to no avail. Left to contend with ignorance, an insensitive justice system, and the struggles of an invisible disease, he loses everything—most importantly his family.

One shoebox might store an old pair of sneakers. Two shoeboxes might contain a lifetime of photographs. But in Three Shoeboxes, a father’s undying love may be just enough to make things right again."

Title:  Three Shoeboxes

Author:  Steven Manchester

Publisher:  The Story Plant

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Three Shoeboxes" by Steven Manchester

My Thoughts...

This was quite a story about someone experiencing PTSD.  It was quite a emotional read of how this author takes the reader through this experience of what  this family endured through these panic attacks.

For it had not always been like this...Mac had a sweet wife Jen celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary... with three wonderful children...a perfect world until things quickly change and all hell breaks it all down...life changes so deeply for this family 'as a misunderstanding  of something Mac finds at home on the counter and he [Mac] losses it and is charged with domestic assault.'  Wow, what had happen to this 'ideal happy life they had once had?  What will happen when Mac loses his parental rights?  Will he be able to reunite his family?  This is definitely one of those reads that you will see from this story one of 'love, sadness, determination, will, anger, hope, love and faith.'  Now how will this all come out for Mac?  To find out the answers to all of these questions and so much more you will have to pick up "Three Shoeboxes" to find out.  Oh, I really liked how the reader is able to understand the title 'Three Shoeboxes' in the way it was so well presented by the end of this extraordinary story.  After the read a reader will truly have a lot to ponder over long after the read.

Mornings on Main Kindle Edition by Jodi Thomas

Book Description....

"From the beloved and bestselling author of the Ransom Canyon and Harmony, Texas series comes a powerful, heartwarming story about generations of family and the ironclad bonds they forge

Jillian James has never had a place she could call home. So when she lands in the sleepy Texas town of Laurel Springs, she’s definitely not planning to stay—except to find a few clues about the father who abandoned her and destroyed her faith in family.

Connor Larady is desperate: he’s a single dad, and his grandmother, Eugenia, has Alzheimer’s. He’s the only one around to care for her, and he has no idea how. And now he has to close the quilt shop Eugenia has owned all her life. When Connor meets down-on-her-luck Jillian, he’s out of options. Can he trust the newcomer to do right by his grandmother’s legacy?

Jillian is done with attachments. But the closer she grows to Connor and Eugenia, the higher the stakes of her leaving get. She has to ask herself what love and family mean to her, and whether she can give up the only life she’s ever known for a future with those who need her."

Title:  Mornings on Main

Author:  Jodi Thomas

Publisher: J. T.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Mornings on Main" by Jodi Thomas

My Thoughts....

This was a rather interesting read that I found rather sad in some ways.  I felt rather sorry for the heroine Jillian James who had lost faith in family due to what had happened to her. I was so glad when she was able to finally meets  someone that seemed to care for her. As Jillian slowly comes into this town where she was looking her father and lucked upon a meeting with Connor Larady, his daughter, grandmother, a few interesting town people and getting a job [working for A Stitch In Time] will give the read some attention. Even though Jillian gave out 'no strings' attachment because I will be leaving in a few months I did feel that she really did start to like these town people and seemed to be a interest  in Connor.  But it seemed she kept in her mine that her primary goal was to be looking for her father who had dropped her off at college ten years ago and simply had disappeared completely out of her life.  So, will Jillian be able to find any of her family history here in [sleepy] Laurel Springs, Texas?  Will Jillian and Connor become a item?  With Connor grandmother who was dealing with her failing memory loss [Alzheimer] what will she say to Jillian during one of her episode that will give light to Jillian situation about her parents?  Will Jillian's search for her pass finally come to a end and not keep following in her fathers footsteps but maybe putting down some roots and able all be willing to take a chance at love with Connor?  To get all of these questions answered you will just have to pick up "Morning on Main" to see how this story will all come out.

One Day You Will (An Attorney Graybourne series) Kindle Edition by Kristofer Clarke

Book Description....

"Syreeta Mercer, a successful Lawyer from Atlanta, lived her life as daddy’s little girl, and she wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. She’s known only one man as her father, but two weeks after laying him to rest, she is startled by the news that this might not be her truth and everyone else’s lie. Against her mother’s wishes and warnings, Syreeta embarks on her own search that may result in more harm than good, revealing a reality from which she has been protected. Is she better off leaving well enough alone? 

Jelani Graybourne was the man of many women's dreams. He’s lived a successful, mistake-free life, until he met the one mistake that was Samantha Wells. She’s made promises she always kept. Now, she’s back, and unlike her first time around, loving Jelani might not be the first thing on her mind. If she has her way, her plan could topple the foundation on which the Graybourne brand is built. Jelani was able to avoid her ruin once, but could he avert her devious plot again? Is there someone else with an equally malicious intent?"

Title:  One Day You Will

Author:  Kristofer Clarke

Publisher:  K.C.                

Series:  An Attorney Graybourne Series

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"One Day You Will" by Kristofer Clarke

My Thoughts....

Wow this indeed was some read!  I am not sure just who I felt more sorrier for.... Syreeta Mercer, Reid, Jelani, Warren, Stanley & Janice Graybourne, Samantha, Peyton, Andrew, Theoni [Germayne] Declerque-Mercer from this story as secrets start to fall out all over the place.  What will happen after Syreeta's father Reid passes and she gets a 'anonymous letter' that lets her know that her father was not the person she thought he was leaving much pain and confusion.  Now, what was this all about and just what does Syreeta do as she takes a trip from Atlanta to Washington, D. C searching for information on her identity?  

Well,  to get it all and I do not want to spoil it for you the reader other than saying 'There were so many casualties of war'  in this read that will truly have you shaking your head saying what in the world as you are turning the identified chapters to see what is happening next in "One Day You Will" to see how all of this will come out. This is definitely one of those reads that will leave the reader to saying  'Karma' is a ..... especially as it was for Stanley Graybourne!   If you are looking for a awesome good read that is truly one of 'deception, intrigue and mystery' with twist and turns all over the place  then you have come to the right place for 'One Day You Will' will give it all to you and so much more.  

Mind Games by Stevie Turner

Book Description.....

"Frances Andrews is sick of her husband Martin’s addiction to pornography, and has lost her trust in him. Martin views porn as a harmless pastime, but when Frances threatens to leave, he is distraught and begs her to go with him for marriage guidance therapy. Counsellor Rhona suggests they take a holiday in the first instance, and start talking to one another again. Frances just wants out of the marriage, but finally agrees to go on a cruise…as long as they have separate cabins.

Told from both Frances and Martin’s perspectives, Mind Games shines a light on the effect that an addiction to pornography can have on a previously happy marriage."

Title:  Mind Games

Author:  Stevie Turner

Publisher:  KDP

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean  

Rating:  Four

Review"

"Mind Games" by Stevie Turner

My Thoughts.....

After a 35 year marriage it looks like this wife has had enough of her husbands addiction to porn and want a divorce.  Now, to fully understand what has gone on with this husband you will just have to pick up "Mind Games" to see how this author presents it to the reader.  As I was reading this story I am not sure who I felt more sorrier for  Frances or Martin.  Definitely there was help that was needed by both but it didn't seem like anyone really wanted it.  Martin claim to have quite this addiction but soon we will find out from the read really was that true?  I could feel Frances need to not want to grow old along but to want to get back with Martin really had me shaking my head and saying REALLY!  As for Martin well I can will say is He Really Needed Some Help!  This story really left me thinking wow!  I will stop now and just stay you will have to pick this one up.  Will these two ever get back to that HEA that they seemed to have had at the beginning of their marriage?  Well, all I will say is wow...Martin certainly think he has it all figured out. But anyone is has an addiction to pornography will definitely need to help.  Now, since Martin tell Frances that he is though with porn and she seems to believe it!  What will happen if Frances finds out really what Martin is hiding and still is up to.  As the story stops here, hopefully Frances will still have her apartment still there for her to return to.  She just may need it!

The Goddesses: A Novel by Swan Huntley

Book Description....

""A haunting story of betrayal and forgiveness" (Kirkus) about a woman who moves her family to Hawaii, only to find herself wrapped up in a dangerous friendship, from the celebrated author of We Could Be Beautiful. 

When Nancy and her family arrive in Kona, Hawaii, they are desperate for a fresh start. Nancy's husband has cheated on her; they sleep in separate bedrooms and their twin sons have been acting out, setting off illegal fireworks. But Hawaii is paradise: they plant an orange tree in the yard; they share a bed once again and Nancy resolves to make a happy life for herself. She starts taking a yoga class and there she meets Ana, the charismatic teacher. Ana has short, black hair, a warm smile, and a hard-won wisdom that resonates deeply within Nancy. They are soon spending all their time together, sharing dinners, relaxing in Ana's hot tub, driving around Kona in the cute little car Ana helps Nancy buy. As Nancy grows closer and closer to Ana—skipping family dinners and leaving the twins to their own devices she feels a happiness and understanding unlike anything she's ever experienced, and she knows that she will do anything Ana asks of her. A mesmerizing story of friendship and manipulation set against the idyllic tropical world of the Big Island, The Goddesses is a stunning psychological novel by one of our most exciting young writers."

Title:  The Goddesses:  A Novel

Author:  Swan Huntley

Publisher: Doubleday
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"The Goddesses" by Swan Huntley

My Thoughts....

What will happen when Nancy want a change in her life as she 'jump starts her family' by moving to Hawaii?  This poor lady had been through so much with that cheating husband Chuck and twin boys that seemed to in into something one way or another.  With all of this drama going on in Nancy's life would moving to Hawaii cause her some happiness?  What happens when she moves to Hawaii with her family?  Who is the woman Nancy will meet and what affect will she have on life?  What will happen when Nancy finally gets out of this disillusion that she had felt so apart of?   This is a interesting part of the read as the story shows just how people often look for happiness in the wrong place.  I will say that was quite a toxic friendship.  Will Nancy learn that one can't live through other people?  Be prepared for lots and lots of drama! I will also say that author really knows how to give the reader a good entertaining read of thrills and  suspense that will keep one reading to see what will happen next in this beautiful Hawaiian setting.  I found "The Goddesses" quite a interesting read that even thought it was captivating it could be somewhat a frustrating read at times too.  

Thank you to Net Gallery for the read.

The Light In Summer By: Mary McNear

Book Description...

"New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Mary McNear brings you home to Butternut Lake and a novel filled with irresistible characters who you will want to call your friends.

It’s summertime on Butternut Lake, where the heat of noon is soothed by the cool breezes of the evening, where the pace grows slower, and sometimes, just sometimes, the summer light makes everything clearer...

For the lovely Billy Harper, Butternut Lake is the place she feels most at home, even though lately she feels the only one listening to her is Murphy...her faithful Labrador Retriever. Her teenage son, Luke, has gone from precious to precocious practically overnight. Her friends are wrapped up in their own lives, and Luke’s father, Wesley, disappeared before his son was even born. No wonder she prefers to spend time with a good book, especially ones where everything ends in perfection.

But Billy is about to learn that anything is possible during the heady days of summer. Coming to terms with her past—the death of her father, the arrival of Cal Cooper, a complicated man with a definite interest in Billy, even the return of Wesley, will force her to have a little bit of faith in herself and others...and realize that happiness doesn’t always mean perfection.

“Butternut Lake is so beautifully rendered, you’ll wish it was real.”—Susan Wiggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author  

“This triumphant story had me reading until the wee hours of the morning.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber on The Space Between Sisters."

Title:  The Light In Summer

Author:  Mary McNear

Publisher:  William Morrow Paperbacks

Series:  Butternut Lake # 5

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review: 

"The Light In Summer" by Mary McNear

What a wonderful sweet emotional romance that I found had many interesting story lines that will definitely keep your interest.  Be ready for a read that features a small 'Butternut Lake town living at its best with angst teenager, and many family dysfunctions'  I found this novel definitely a read for all women who know that they must always be able to face the past before you will be able to move in a forward direction.  The characters [Billy, Luke, Murphy [the dog], and Cal to name a few are all well developed, portrayed and even could be very believable giving this story one that will keep the reader turning the pages.  Billy [the mom] will have her hands full as she is dealing with her troubled son after the death of her father.  Now her son  [Luke] who is wanting to know about his father and that will definitely present some extra worry for her to have to deal with.  Even though this was a rather predictable read it still was a good read. To see how this will all come out I would highly recommend that the reader pick up "The Light In Summer" to see how well this author brings it out so well to the readers. This one is definitely a good fun summertime read.

A Rather Unusual Romance By Stevie Turner

Book Description....

"When Erin Mason gets a divorce, she's left with two teenage sons to care for. Soon after, the doctor diagnoses her with cancer, and her world falls apart.

Not too far away, someone else - Alan Beaumont - is suffering a similar fate.

Their paths come together in this inspiring tale, partially based on actual events. A Rather Unusual Romance shows how love can flourish in the unlikeliest of circumstances."

Title:  A Rather Unusual Romance

Author:  Stevie Turner

Publisher:  Creativia

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"A Rather Unusual Romance" by Stevie Turner

My thoughts...

This was one of those reads that I was a little not sure about reading  due to its subject matter but I will say I am so glad that it did read it.  The story really presents finding love after both of the main characters had health issues [cancer].  How the author was able to give the readers a read that will capture your heartstrings, offering even some humor that seem to helped balance it all out was simply well done. It was definite that these two people were in need of someone who would understand just what they're going through.  With Erin and Alan having this same aliment ['life event'] made their story really look at this picture where the reader could see just what was happening for each other as they went through this ordeal together. Will they find love?  How will each of their children take to the newness in each of their parents new life?  I don't think that Erin's ex should have have had anything to say one way or the other due to what he had done.  To get all of this story the reader will have to pick up this extremely good read and see how well this author gives such a well written story that definitely shows 'how love can flourish even in the unlikeliest of circumstances.' There was really something about this read that I really liked!   Would I recommend?  YES!

Spring Fling (A County Fair Romance Book 3) by S.I. Hayes (Author), J. Haney

Book Description...

"Did someone say, babies?
No one said the pregnancy was easy, but for Fallon Hopkins, it’s downright crazy!
Start with a broken and horny fiancé, sprinkle it with body issues and add a dash of teen angst and you’re in for one hell of a Spring, and that’s just February!
With Nick and Blaine in the mix, there are Gender reveal parties for her lament and baby showers to waddle through.
Follow the Hopkins Clan as they twist and turn through late-night cravings and a little momma who just grows and grows!"

*Erotic Elements
**Homosexual Themes

Title:  Spring Fling

Authors:  S. I. Hayes & J Haney

Publisher:  S.I.H. & J. H.

Series:  A County Fair Romance Book 3

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Spring Fling" By S. I. Hayes & J. Haney

My Thoughts...

These authors give the readers quite another good series...' A County Fair Romance Book 3' in 'Spring Fling that will keep you turning the pages till the end.  I liked how this story picks up from Book 2 in 'Winter Kisses' that involves Fallon, Justin and the other interesting men in her life.  As you read through the story one will find that there will be many issues and insecurities that will befall on Fallon as she finds out about her multiple pregnancies.  What I really enjoyed about this series was all of the help that was there for Fallon whether she wanted it or not.  Some of the stories will have you laughing at some of the banterings that do take place, to even some moments that will leave the reader in tears with some of the family craziness to that deep love for one another in this well written dramatic romantic story. Will there be a HEA and what's next for Hopkins/Blackthorne family?















  

For The Sake of a Child, By Stevie Turner

Book Description....

"Ginny Ford is pleased to win the coveted job of housekeeper to the directors of PhizzFace Inc. However, her joy becomes tarnished by an accidental find whilst cleaning, leading her to suspect that all is not as it should be on the managerial corridor. Delving deeper, she is shocked to uncover corruption and a secret pedophile network that has remained hidden for years, involving the very people she has come to know and trust. Unable to live with her conscience any more, she decides that she cannot keep quiet and that she must find a way of helping all the children involved. However, by trying to help the children she discovers that she has unwittingly put her entire family at risk....."

Title:  For the Sake of a Child
Author:  Stevie Turner
Publisher: Smashwords
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"For the Sake of a Child" by Stevie Turner

My Thoughts.....

What a very interesting novel that brings out quite a read that kept my attention all the way to the end as one see this sadness that can happen with our children this world we live in. I will say this is about pedophiles, neglect and child abuse so I want to warn you up front what this story is about and it isn't a happy one. This author really gives the reader a intriguing story of a type of child abuse that is simply off the chain and so wrong that any person has to go through this.  This author works his magic as he reaches out to the victims and the abusers in this rollercoaster ride with twist and turns in this suspenseful read.  I came away from  the read really wondering how I would feel to be at work feeling safe but to find out that the people you work for are not what they appear to be and they turn out to be involved in one of the most horrible crimes ever!  Now, to get the rest of the story you will have to pick up "For The Sake Of a Child" and see what this story is all about.   In the end the reader will be given a very dark emotional, complexed,  psychological, suspenseful and mystery read that will pull heavily at ones heartstrings when it is all said and done.

Everything We Keep: A Novel By: Kerry Lonsdale

Book Description....

"Sous chef Aimee Tierney has the perfect recipe for the perfect life: marry her childhood sweetheart, raise a family, and buy out her parents’ restaurant. But when her fiancé, James Donato, vanishes in a boating accident, her well-baked future is swept out to sea. Instead of walking down the aisle on their wedding day, Aimee is at James’s funeral—a funeral that leaves her more unsettled than at peace.
As Aimee struggles to reconstruct her life, she delves deeper into James’s disappearance. What she uncovers is an ocean of secrets that make her question everything about the life they built together. And just below the surface is a truth that may set Aimee free…or shatter her forever.
A luminous debut with unexpected twists, Everything We Keep explores the devastation of loss, the euphoria of finding love again, and the pulse-racing repercussions of discovering the truth about the ones we hold dear and the lengths they will go to protect us."

Title:  Everything We Keep:  A Novel
Author:  Kerry Lonsdale
Publisher:  Lake Union Publishing
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Everything We Keep:   Novel"  by Kerry Lonsdale

My Thoughts....

This was quite one of those interesting reads when you may find yourself shaking your head at some of its chapters, with the heroine being so what naive at times but will still finding the general read captivating giving the reader one intriguing good mystery read in the end.  One will find from the read this is one of  'drama,  grief, heartwarming love story, romance, secrets, unanswered questions that bring on suspense, help from a psychic, and then in the end being given one twisted captivating mystery good read' and let's not leave out that quite interesting epilogue that left me saying what?

Everything We Keep was my Kindle First choice for this month. Aimee Tierney was supposed to get married to her childhood sweetheart, but the wedding day turned into a funeral day as her fiance was found dead a few weeks after he goes missing during a trip to Mexico. The book is told from Aimee's point of view and deals with her grief over her loss and things she does with her life over the next two years. She has lots of unanswered questions, including some mysterious circumstances over her fianThank you for the read of Everything We Keep.  This was my Kindle First choice for this month of July, 2016.

The Daughter -In - Law Syndrome By: Stevie Turner

Book Description...
.

"The Daughter-in-law Syndrome investigates the complicated relationship causing much friction between Grandmother Edna Deane and her daughter-in-law Arla. In addition it focuses on the sometimes tumultuous partnership between Arla and her husband Ric.

Arla Deane sometimes likens her marriage to undergoing daily psychological warfare. Husband Ric will never voice an opinion, and puts his mother Edna up high on a pedestal. Arla is sick of always feeling that she comes in at only second best to her mother-in-law, who much to Arla’s fury is never told anything by Ric or his sisters that she would not want to hear.

This novel explores the husband/wife, mother/son, and mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationships. After twenty eight years of marriage, Arla, the daughter-in-law, is at the end of her tether and persuades a reluctant Ric to accompany her for marriage guidance. As they look back over their lives with Counsellor Toni Beecher, Arla slowly comes to realise her own failings, and eventually discovers the long-hidden reason why Ric will never utter a cross word to his mother.

Also, adding to Arla’s stress is the fact that her son Stuart will soon be marrying Ria, a girl whom Arla feels is just looking for a free ride. Arla is convinced that Ria will be no asset to Stuart at all; her new daughter-in-law just wants to be a mother and has no intention of ever working again once the babies start to arrive. After visiting Stuart and Ria for Sunday lunch, Arla is convinced that her son is making the biggest mistake of his life….."

Title:  The Daughter In Law Syndrome

Author:  Stevie Turner

Publisher: S. T.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"The Daughter In Law Syndrome" by Stevie Turner

My Thoughts....


I will say that this author really did some magic with this wonderful read. I found it very well written covering all the subjects of 'The Daughter In Law Syndrome.  I was left only saying Wow...very well done!  The characters from Arla, Ric, that mother in law [Edna] and a few more were well developed, defined, portrayed and so believable giving the reader a read that will definitely keep your attention. Will seeking help after twenty eight years of marriage through a counselor [Toni] be able to  help Arla and Ric in their marriage issues?   Again this author did a wonderful job in presenting how it all starts...and continues on through dysfunction...even passing on to the siblings that can bring on even more disaster to the whole family.

In the end will there be a understanding between Arla, Ric, his mom, his sisters[Val & Jan]?  How will all of this even help Arla with her son and daughter in law[Ria]?  To get these questions answered and so much more I would definitely recommend you pick up this well written read.  This is one those reads that any married woman may be able to relate to.  Thank you to the author for a excellent read!