The Incredible Winston Browne by Sean Dietrich

 Book Excerpt:

"Beloved writer Sean Dietrich—also known as Sean of the South—will warm your heart with this rich and nostalgic tale about community, kindness, and the meaning of every day incredible.

In the small, sleepy town of Moab, Florida, folks live for ice cream socials, Jackie Robinson, and the local paper’s weekly gossip column. For decades, Sheriff Winston Browne has watched over Moab with a generous eye, and by now, he’s used to handling the daily dramas that keep life interesting for Moab’s quirky residents. But just after Winston receives some terrible, life-altering news, a feisty little girl with mysterious origins shows up in his best friend’s henhouse. Suddenly Winston has a child in desperate need of protection—as well as a secret of his own to keep.

With the help of Moab’s goodhearted townsfolk, the humble and well-meaning Winston Browne still has some heroic things to do. He finds romance, family, and love in unexpected places. He stumbles upon adventure, searches his soul, and grapples with the past. In doing so, he just might discover what a life well-lived indeed looks like.

“Sean Dietrich has written a home run of a novel with The Incredible Winston Browne. Every bit as wonderful as its title implies it’s the story of Browne—a principled, baseball-loving sheriff—a precocious little girl in need of help and the community that rallies around them. This warm, witty, tender novel celebrates the power of friendship and family to transform our lives. It left me nostalgic and hopeful, missing my grandfathers, and eager for baseball season to start again. I loved it.” —Ariel Lawhon, New York Times bestselling author of I Was Anastasia."

Title: The Incredible Winston Browne
Author: Sean Dietrich
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Incredible Winston Browne" by Sean Dietrich

My Opinion:

"The Incredible Winston Browne" was that it was quite a good read that will keep you turning the pages till the very end. Just imagine living in this small town of Moab, Florida, and having the camaraderie that went on in this touching story of the main character Winston Browne. We find Winston is the town's local sheriff who can do some very extraordinary things.

However, what will happen when a person is told he is dying? Will he be able to get done some things that were so important to him before his death sentence? Be ready for a load of some well-developed cast of characters that will have you in tears, laughing at some of the funny things that go on in this story.

This author knows how to brings a story to life as this story is so enriched with human emotions where one is trying to live without any regrets while dealing with mortality. Along with the story about Winton Browne, there is another story about Jessie. What was that all about? To find out what is going on in this story, I would recommend you pick up "The Incredible Winston Browne" to get the whole story.

The scene of this town of Moab, set in the panhandle of Florida, close to Pensacola in 1955, where the Brooklyn Dodgers beat the reigning NY Yankees in the World Series.' So, if you are a baseball lover, this would be a good read for you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Christmas Resolution A Novel by Anne Perry

 Book Excerpt:

"A smitten woman is about to marry a dangerous man—unless Detective Hooper and his new wife, Celia, can prevent it—in this wickedly tangled holiday mystery from bestselling author Anne Perry.

Detective John Hooper, William Monk’s right-hand man at the Thames River Police, is blissfully happy in his new marriage to Celia, the victim's cousin in one of the river police’s recent murder cases. Celia wants the same happiness for her good friend Clementine, who’s just announced her engagement to Seth Marlowe, a member of her church. Christmas is nearing, and this should be extra cause for celebration, but when Marlowe begins receiving threatening letters about his first wife’s death, it becomes clear that he is far from the devout man Clementine thought he was. Marlowe accuses Celia of sending the letters in his rage, claiming she wants to ruin Clementine's engagement. At a loss as to how to defend herself, Celia enlists Hooper to investigate the letters’ claims, and what he finds makes her desperate to show Clementine the truth about her soon-to-be husband.

But Celia herself has not always been truthful, especially during the murder trial following her cousin’s death. How can she be believed now, when she lied on the stand? Especially when Marlowe knows that she did and could use it against her. This Yuletide season finds love and faith put to the test—and Celia’s and Clementine’s lives on the line."

Title: A Christmas Resolution
Author: Anne Perry
Publisher: Ballantine
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"A Christmas Resolution" by Anne Perry

My Speculation:

"A Christmas Resolution" was quite an enjoyable read that will keep you turning the pages till the end of this lovely English village. It was interesting how this author presents us with a story that gives us a blend of 'mystery, intrigue, love, redemption, and forgiveness.' The characters and setting were all well developed and well defined. We find Celia, who is married to a police officer, John Hooper. Celia's friend has been told that her friend Clementine is engaged to a much older widow who has a questionable background [Seth], and from there, this story picks up where Seth verbally attacks Celia. Will we see this Christmas season be the time to right a wrong? Well, you will have to pick up "A Christmas Resolution" to find out. Even though this read was around the Christmas season, it could be read anytime.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for my review.

Pale A Novel by Edward Farmer

Book Excerpt:

""Some things just don't keep well inside this house …"

The summer of 1966 burned hot across America but nowhere hotter than the cotton fields of Mississippi. Finding herself in a precarious position as a black woman living alone, Bernice accepts her brother Floyd's invitation to join him as a servant for a white family, and she enters the web of hostility and deception that is the Kern plantation household.

The secrets of the house are plentiful, yet the silence that has encompassed it for so many years suddenly breaks with the arrival of the harvest and the appearance of Jesse and Fletcher to the plantation as cotton pickers. These two brothers, the sons of the house servant Silva, awaken a vengeful seed within the Missus of the house as she plots to punish not only her husband but Silva's family as well. When the Missus starts flirting with Jesse, she sets into motion a dangerous game that could get Jesse killed and destroy the lives of the rest of the servants.

Bernice walks the fine line between emissary and accomplice, as she tries her best to draw secrets from the Missus's heart while using their closeness to protect the lives of the people around her. Once the Missus's plans are complete, families will be severed, loyalties will be shattered, and no one will come out unscathed.

With a dazzling voice and productive emotional tension, Pale explores the ties that bind and how quickly humanity can fade and return us to primal ways."

Title: Pale
Author: Edward Farmer
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Pale" by Edward Farmer

My Speculation:

I found 'Pale' quite an engaging read where we find Bernice going to live with her brother, Floyd, in the 1960s in Mississippi, who worked on a cotton plantation. What a story of how this Missus was one very deceptive, petty, and vindictive person that caused all kinds of trouble for everyone, which included her husband. Yes, what she was trying to do was to soothe her wounds. What will turn out from all of this is after the Missus dies, there will be more secrets and lies of the family that worked for them will come out. Be ready for a story of where "there is a thin line between servant and slave and how revengeful choices can define and change lives for generations." I will say this was quite a sad story even at the end of what happened.

I would like to thank Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion of this book. 

Clothesline Blues Kindle Edition by B. Berry

Synopsis:

"On the fringes of the Jim Crow era, resources for women living in questionable and sometimes dangerous domestic situations were practically non-existent and many women were desperately compelled to take matters into their own hands.

After years of “playing house” with Frank, Hilda has grown weary of his bullish ways and she wants to be free to live in peace. Telling him to leave face to face would be the fair and proper thing to do, and she’s even broached the subject on occasion only to find that once again, her fragile mind and deep-rooted anxiety stopped her in her tracks. Her mental illness that lay just below the façade of sanity wouldn’t allow her to follow through.

As time passed and Hilda’s frustration grew, her thoughts took a dark and sinister turn. She concocted a fool-proof plan to get rid of Frank once and for all, but she couldn’t carry it out alone. She enlisted the help of her dearest friend, Pearl, and although Pearl struggled with matters of her own as she too, searched for peace I. Her own life, there was no way she could refuse her friend’s desperate request.

During the sixties, as the Black Movement was in full swing with up-risings nation-wide and the historical turmoil of Bloody Sunday swirling madly around in the background of their world, will Hilda and Pearl find the peace they so desperately seek?"

Title:  Clothesline Blues

Author:  B. Berry

Publisher:  B.B.                                 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Clothesline Blues" by B. Berry

My Rationalization:  

This is definitely one of those reads that will keep you turning the pages to see what was going to happen next in this salty town.  Now, I will say up front that this story speaks upon the 'Civil Rights Movement, the Jim Crow Era, that leads up to Bloody Sunday' that leads up to horrible tensions of the Black struggle that was going on at that time in the 1950s - 1960s. Yes, it is how many people were treated and yes, in our world as even today a lot of this still is going on.  I definitely saw this as so very sad. This was quite an intriguing story of how this author was able to interweave this story together. Yes, this story is about 'love and war between black and whites in the South during the Jim Crow Era.'  I will say this was a hard read for me but I am glad I was given the opportunity to read this novel even though it was a fictional read I know a lots of it was true in one form or another.   

The story brings in two people Hilda and Pearl who just happened to be the best of friends who bonded well together as they trusted each other.  It was really something in what these two went through in this story that incorporated 'friendship, love, hate, abusive husbands, secrets, sadness, domestic violence, rape, passion, pain, anger, murder, revenge, sorrow, survival, romance and yes even more.        

Now as the story continues there will be a lot of mystery, suspense with some history as the story will take on its form of twist and turns to form its own with some very interesting well-developed characters that will add to this interesting read that was so very 'realistic, and captivating.'   To get it all you will have to pick up "Clothesline Blues" to see how it all comes out in the end.  Definitely, the title tells a part of the story.

Someone to Trust by Mary Balogh

Profile:

"During a rare white Christmas at Brambledean Court, the widow Elizabeth, Lady Overfield, defies convention by falling in love with a younger man in the latest novel in the Westcott series.

After her husband's passing, Elizabeth Overfield decides that she must enter into another suitable marriage. That, however, is the last thing on her mind when she meets Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges, at the Westcott Christmas house party. She simply enjoys his company as they listen to carolers on Christmas Eve, walk home from church together on Christmas morning, and engage in a spirited snowball fight in the afternoon. Both are surprised when their sled topples them into a snowbank and they end up sharing an unexpected kiss. They know there is no question of any relationship between them, for she is nine years older than he.

They return to London the following Season, both committed to finding other, more suitable matches. Still they agree to share one waltz at each ball they attend. This innocuous agreement proves to be one that will topple their worlds, as each dance steadily ensnares them in a romance that forces the two to question what they are willing to sacrifice for love. . . ."

Title:  Someone to Trust

Author:  Mary Balogh

Publisher:  Berkley Publishing Group

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"Someone to Trust" by Mary Balogh

My Thoughts....

I enjoyed this historical romantic fiction that featured Lady Overfield and Colin Handrich, [Lord Hodges].  With Elizabeth being a widow and nine years a senior to Colin it will be quite a interesting read how these two find their way to each other and to think they met at a family Christmas holiday. What will happen when Colin and Elizabeth  start to have feelings for each other?  

However, Elizabeth will accept a proposal from another Lord but after this fiancee verbally treats her badly she breaks that proposal. Why was Colin so determined to make Elizabeth his wife after all of the Society gossiping that was going on about her?   Will Elizabeth give into her feeling even though Society just didn't approve of a older woman marrying a younger man?  

I loved how these two kindred spirits even though this age thing that was taboo at this time were able to get beyond that situation.  I will say there were quite a few relatives in this read so you will have to keep up with all that is going on.  It seems like Elizabeth had some wonderful relatives and friends that were with her but it seems like for Colin, well it was quite the opposite for his family.  I really didn't care for them [Colin's mom and sister] at all!  Well, to get it all you will have to pick up "Someone to Trust" to see how this story will all come out.  At the end I was left wondering a little about who was Colin's father. This was indeed a good read of how one must learn that trust and true feelings is what happiness is all about.      

Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen by Sarah Bird

Profile:

"he compelling, hidden story of Cathy Williams, a former slave and the only woman to ever serve with the legendary Buffalo Soldiers.

“Here’s the first thing you need to know about Miss Cathy Williams: I am the daughter of a daughter of queen and my mama never let me forget it.”

Though born into bondage on a “miserable tobacco farm” in Little Dixie, Missouri, Cathy Williams was never allowed to consider herself a slave. According to her mother, she was a captive, destined by her noble warrior blood to escape the enemy. Her chance at freedom presents itself with the arrival of Union general Phillip Henry “Smash ‘em Up” Sheridan, the outcast of West Point who takes the rawboned, prideful young woman into service. At war’s end, having tasted freedom, Cathy refuses to return to servitude and makes the monumental decision to disguise herself as a man and join the Army’s legendary Buffalo Soldiers.

Alone now in the ultimate man’s world, Cathy must fight not only for her survival and freedom, but she also vows to never give up on finding her mother, her little sister, and the love of the only man strong enough to win her heart. Inspired by the stunning, true story of Private Williams, this American heroine comes to vivid life in a sweeping and magnificent tale about one woman’s fight for freedom, respect and independence."

Title:  Daughter of a Daughter of a  Queen 

Author:  Sarah Bird

Publisher:  St Martin's Press

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen" by Sarah Bird

My Thoughts.....

Even though "Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen was a good read I did find it wasn't a easy read where it was 'Human, emotional, touching and so very raw.'  I will say that after reading this novel I did look up Cathy Williams/Williams Cathay and only find a little about her. Yes, she is a real person!  "Her grandmother was a queen in Africa, but she was kidnapped and ended up in slavery in the southern U.S. Her daughter and granddaughter (Cathy) were born into slavery." Cathy was definitely a very interesting courageous strong black woman.  Well, getting into the story we find that this strong black young lady Cathy Williams was torn from her family and taken by Union soldiers to help the cook General Phillip Sheridan's army where Black Americans faced 'many things not only racism but sexism.  Later she joins up with the US Army as a male 'Buffalo Soldiers [the infantry]disguised as a male for several years changing her name to William Cathay. Cathy had done this after seeing how they were treated. In the end will Cathy find her family?  I found this part of the read quite 'heartbreaking story to the very end.'   I do understand that this was a historical fiction read where if you look this William Cathy up you will find that a lots of the details have been altered somewhat here in this story.  This author gives the reader a fascinating and riveting historical read that you will find it hard to put down and that ending!

You will have to pick up this novel "Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen" to see how well this author delivers this storyline to the reader where you will vision these adventures, conflict, danger, heart wrenching,  friendship, history details, romance, with some humor, twist and turns  and some well developed memorable characters.  In the end the reader will get one good read. 

The Underground Railroad Brides Collection 9 Couples Navigate the Road to Freedom Before the Civil War by Barbara Tifft Blakey, Ramona K. Cecil, Lynn A. Coleman, Cecelia Dowdy, Patty Smith Hall, Terri J. Haynes, Debby Lee, Darlene Panzera, Penny Zeller

Profile:

"Join the journey as nine couples employ daring resourcefulness that leads them along the Underground Railroad in search of freedom and justice for all."

Love Guides Hearts Along the Road to Freedom
 
Nine historical couples walk the road to love even as they dare to escape and help others break free from the injustices of slavery between 1849 and 1860. From Southern states of Georgia and South Carolina to above the Mason-Dixon Line in Indiana and Pennsylvania, they work within the network known as the Underground Railroad.
 
Emma Underground by Barbara Tifft Blakey
Follow the Christmas Star by Ramona K. Cecil
Under the Sails of Love by Lynn A. Coleman
The Bakery Bride by Cecelia Dowdy
Place of Refuge by Patty Smith Hall
Free to Love by Terri J. Haynes
The Winter Quilt by Debby Lee
The Song of Hearts Set Free by Darlene Panzera
Freedom’s Flight by Penny Zeller
 
There is hope for the future when people come together to fight evil, and when men and women find love in the midst of great challenges. And through it all, faith is the key to victory in these stories from nine inspiring Christian authors.
 
Emma Underground by Barbara Tifft Blakey 
Schenectady, New York—1851
Emma Trebor desires to reconcile with her husband, but he is hiding something from her. How could she know the investigator she hires is secretly a bounty hunter and her husband is his target?
 
Follow the Christmas Star by Ramona K. Cecil
Madison, Indiana—1850
Deeply involved in the abolitionist movement, Edith Applegate struggles to reconcile her desire to help bring people out of bondage and her growing affection for a former Southern slave owner.
 
Under the Sails of Love by Lynn A. Coleman
Savannah, Georgia—1860
Charlotte Kimbrel, a Southern Belle, has been smuggling slaves. Captain Zachery Browne’s ship sails slaves to freedom. Hostilities between the states are developing. Will Charlotte successfully travel the Underground Railroad by sea?
 
The Bakery Bride by Cecelia Dowdy
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—1859
Grieving over her beau’s unjustified death, Ruth—a recently manumitted slave who is illiterate—assists her upper-class boss as an abolitionist. Can she heal from the pain of slavery and learn to love again?
 
Place of Refuge by Patty Smith Hall
Abbeville, South Carolina—1857
Underground conductor Hudson Wallace is surprised when Jorgine Emerson asks him to transport her slaves to freedom, but is it a trap? Can Jorgine’s deep conviction win Hudson over?
 
Free to Love by Terri J. Haynes
East Towson, Maryland—1850
Winnie is hiding a secret—Hiram, a fugitive. Their lives cross at an Underground Railroad station. Can they overcome danger and find freedom in love?
 
The Winter Quilt by Debby Lee
Newport, Indiana—1840
Relocated to an unfamiliar town, Coral Martin yearns for stability. Carpenter Josiah Williamson helps her find meaning working on the Underground Railroad. Will their love survive when forces threaten to tear them apart forever? 
 
The Song of Hearts Set Free by Darlene Panzera
Jersey City, New Jersey—1851
Budding abolitionist, Annie Morrison, discovers the man she’s fallen in love with may be a slave catcher in disguise.
 
Freedom’s Flight by Penny Zeller
Tennessee—1850s
When she discovers the handsome Reverend Matthias Sorenson assisting runaway slaves, can Annalise Van Houten convince him to allow her to help? Or will mistrust prove fatal for all involved?"

Title:  The Underground Railroad Brides Collection 9 Couples Navigate the Road to Freedom Before the Civil War
Authors:  Barbara Tifft Blakey, Ramona K. Cecil, Lynn A. Coleman, Cecelia Dowdy, Patty Smith Hall, Terri J. Haynes, Debby Lee, Darlene Panzera, Penny Zeller 
Publisher:   Barbour Books                                
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

" The Underground Railroad Brides Collection 9 Couples Navigate the Road to Freedom Before the Civil War"   By Authors:   Barbara Tifft Blakey, Ramona K. Cecil, Lynn A. Coleman, Cecelia Dowdy, Patty Smith Hall, Terri J. Haynes, Debby Lee, Darlene Panzera, Penny Zeller 

My Thoughts.....

"Nine historical couples walk the road to love even as they dare to escape and help others break free from the injustices of slavery between 1849 and 1860. From Southern states of Georgia and South Carolina to above the Mason-Dixon Line in Indiana and Pennsylvania, they work within the network known as the Underground Railroad."
 
Emma Underground by Barbara Tifft Blakey  
A beautiful love story as a wife who wants to reconciles with her husband.What had happened up to this point to caused this situation for Emma and Paul?

Follow the Christmas Star by Ramona K. Cecil
How will  'Edith Applegate struggles to reconcile her desire to help bring people out of bondage and her growing affection for a former Southern slave owner' all turn out for her in the end? 

Under the Sails of Love by Lynn A. Coleman
What happens when Charlotte Kimbrel finds herself  traveling the Underground Railroad by sea on Captain Zachery Browne’s ship?

The Bakery Bride by Cecelia Dowdy
Will Ruth be able to get over her grieving for Thomas?  Will she accept a new love as she heals from the pain of slavery and learn to love again? 

Place of Refuge by Patty Smith Hall
What will happen when Hudson Wallace is asked by Jorgine Emerson to help her transport her slaves to freedom?  

Free to Love by Terri J. Haynes
What happens as Winnie starts having feeling for the Hiram, who was a fugitive as their lives cross at an Underground Railroad station?   Will  they be able to  overcome danger and find freedom in love?

The Winter Quilt by Debby Lee
What happens when Coral Martin after moving with her parents will want to help Josiah Williamson with the working of the Underground Railroad movement?  

The Song of Hearts Set Free by Darlene Panzera 
Will Annie Morrison, discovers the man she’s fallen in love with may be a slave catcher in disguise?

Freedom’s Flight by Penny Zeller
Why did the Reverend Matthias Sorenson who assisted in runaway slaves need assurance that Annalise Van Houten is to be trusted?  

Now to get all of these questions and so much more answered you will have to pick up this  Barbour novella collections of  'The Underground Railroad Brides' to get all of the answers.  

I found each of these stories so very well written even though some of the reads for me were somewhat painful in all that its particular story was about.  It was very hard reading the lengths both the slaves [runner] and conductors went through in helping these slaves get their freedom.  I will also say I did learn a lot from the read especially in finding out how important Canada was the freed slave.  Overall I will say this was a pleasant read.   I would have liked to have known a little more about the  research accuracy  for each of these historical reads. However, one can tell from the reads that these authors really put in a lots of work in bringing all of this out to the reader in all of the reads having a HEA. So, we are given some history along with some clean sweet faith filled romances[love story] that will keep your interest turning the pages to see what will be coming next.  

Oney: My Escape From Slavery Kindle Edition by Diana Rubino (Author),‎ Piper Huguley

Book Description...

"It is 1793 – a decade after General George Washington led America to victory in its fight for independence from Britain.

With freedom secured, the general has been persuaded to accept a second term as president of the new nation. But in his heart he wants to go back to being a farmer. And being a farmer means he has slaves. Leading a nation is a demanding and often lonely business and Lady Washington is unable to persuade her husband to give up his public ‘duty’.

At least she has help. Oney Judge is her ‘personal servant’ – and soon-to-be confidante. Oney is a ‘quadroon’ – three parts white and one part black. So, unlike the white people who so recently gained their independence from the Mother Country, Oney is not free. She is Lady Washington’s inherited property, though the word ‘slave’ is never spoken. Oney works in “the big house” at Mount Vernon, sewing dresses and serving tea. Lady Washington treats her as well as her own grandchildren. But though she is often mistaken as a Washington relative by visitors, Oney remains in bondage.

In the spring of 1796, Lady Washington tells Oney that she will make her granddaughter Eliza a nice wedding gift. Oney soon discovers this does not mean sewing a negligee or a quilt for a gift. No, it means that she will be the gift.

This is the day that Oney decides to escape – to put her forced bondage behind her and make her bid for freedom. On May 21, 1796, Oney walks straight past the Washingtons and out the front door. Although they make several attempts to capture her, she lives the rest of her life in freedom.

Diana Rubino’s Oney: My Escape From Slavery is a painstakingly re-imagined account of a true and painful story told generations on. At its heart is the paradox of liberty – for an individual, for a race, for a nation. In a modern world where cultures and histories collide, it is a timely reminder of perspectives on ‘slavery’ and ‘freedom’ that we may have become blind to. It is a big, strong, uplifting book with a soul.

Diana Rubino specialises in historical romance, sometimes with a touch of the paranormal, her favourite areas being Medieval and Renaissance England and all American history. A longtime member of Romance Writers of America, the Richard III Society, and the Aaron Burr Association, she recently completed a romantic thriller about Alexander Hamilton and biographical novels about Eliza Jumel Burr and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s wife Sophia.

Piper G Huguley is a two-time Golden Heart® finalist and is the author of Migrations of the Heart, a three-book series of historical romances set in the early 20th century featuring African American characters. Huguley is also the author of the Home to Milford College series. Her new series Born to Win Men starts with A Champion’s Heart, which was named by Sarah MacLean of The Washington Post as a best romance novel selection for December 2016."

Title:  Oney:  My Escape From Slavery

Author:  Diana Rubino & Piper Huguley

Publisher:  Endeavour Media                       

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Oney: My Escape From Slavery" by Diana Rubino & Piper Huguley

My Thoughts....


This story will leave one with so many emotions in this well told historical fiction story about Oney.  These two authors really give  the readers quite a read [escaping from slavery]  where you will see good times and also horrible times that happened around Oney Judge as she seeks her freedom from a most powerful family of the United States. "Oney" is definitely one of those reads that will give you a lot to ponder over long after the read. I will also say this is one of those stories that you will have to be ready for because there is a little bit of it all as one can imagine from the title of the novel "Oney: My Escape From Slavery." 

Struggles of the Women Folk (Tethered Angel) Kindle Edition by TM Brown

Book Description...

"This is the story of Georgie. She is a young black girl growing up in the 1940s in a small, rural town in Virginia. Life is hard and she dreams of a better life. She experiences great loss and heartache. She loses friends and family, as well as the love of her life. And still, she remains strong. This emotional and inspiring story has a gritty dialogue. TM Brown's signature writing style is captivating. You will find it difficult to stop reading once you begin..."

Title:  Struggles of the Women Folk
Author:  T. M. Brown
Publisher:  T.M.B.
Series:  Part I
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five 
Review:

"Struggles of the Women Folk" by T. M. Brown

"My Thoughts.....

What a very captivating read that took place many years ago that will keep your attention all the way to the end. Be ready for a lot of emotions presented in this reading from 'pain, tears,  sorrow, drama, heartbreaking, evilness, and even a little laughter and joy.  The reader will really get caught up in this southern historical read that deals with the post-slavery period in American in all of what this mother had to go through.  I will say this is one of those stories that once you pick up this read you will see how well this author brings it out so very well for the readers.  Truly growing up as Georgie did in Southern Virginia
was quite a good tale of a story.  I don't want to spoil it other than say will Georgie find the love and happiness that she longed for as 'she dreamed of a better life?' There were some characters that were very well developed, defined, portrayed and even believable giving you one amazing good read.  Well, to find out what all has gone on you will have to pick up "Struggles of the Women Folk which was the first of three stories.  So, yes there is more of this story coming...'Tethered Angel.'

The Stolen Marriage By: Diane Chamberlain

Book Description....

"In 1944, twenty-three-year-old Tess DeMello abruptly ends her engagement to the love of her life when she marries a mysterious stranger and moves to Hickory, North Carolina, a small town struggling with racial tension and the hardships imposed by World War II. Tess’s new husband, Henry Kraft, is a secretive man who often stays out all night, hides money from his new wife, and shows no interest in making love. Tess quickly realizes she’s trapped in a strange and loveless marriage with no way out.
The people of Hickory love and respect Henry and see Tess as an outsider, treating her with suspicion and disdain, especially after one of the town’s prominent citizens dies in a terrible accident and Tess is blamed. Tess suspects people are talking about her, plotting behind her back, and following her as she walks around town. What does everyone know about Henry that she does not? Feeling alone and adrift, Tess turns to the one person who seems to understand her, a local medium who gives her hope but seems to know more than he’s letting on.
When a sudden polio epidemic strikes the town, the townspeople band together to build a polio hospital. Tess, who has a nursing degree, bucks Henry’s wishes and begins to work at the hospital, finding meaning in nursing the young victims. Yet at home, Henry’s actions grow more alarming by the day. As Tess works to save the lives of her patients, can she untangle her husband’s mysterious behavior and save her own life?"

Title: The Stolen Marriage
Author:  Diane Chamberlain
Publisher:  Martin's Press
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Four
Review:

"The Stolen Marriage" by Diane Chamberlain

My Thoughts....

Indeed this was quite a interesting gripping historical romance story that this author gives the reader.  We find Tess DeMello from Baltimore, Maryland around 1943 was once engaged to Vincent Russo [M.D.] but breaks off that engagement and marries a complete stranger named Henry Kraft who was from Hickory, North Carolina. Now, why did she choose a loveless marriage?  Whose marriage was stolen?  I liked how this author was able to weave the polio epidemic which was first being treated around that time into this story even making it even more interesting to read and in doing so bringing Tess's former fiance back into the picture.  This was quite a compelling historical fiction that you will have to pick up and see for yourself how well this author brings it all out to the reader.  Will this medical doctor and registered nurse be able to get back together again?  The story offers 'love, loss, race, marriage, secrets,  tragedy and redemption.'  This author does a wonderful job with the main character Tess giving the reader a roller coaster ride full with her emotions and thoughts along with her husband, Henry who was a well respected businessman but very secretive. I don't want to leave out Henry's mother Ruth and his sister Lucy who both had their own agendas in this well told story.  The story even had a little paranormal [conversing with the dead] with the Reverend Sam along with some other host of characters...Hattie, Honor, Adora, Zeke and Jilly and a host of other people in the town. Be ready for some twist and turns that you may not see coming along with a epilogue of ten years later. I was still left with a few questions however it was a enjoyable read, for  it was also a long captivating read that you will have to stay on top of it because there will be so much going on. to see if there will be a HEA.

Dreamland Burning By: Jennifer Latham

Book Description...

"Some bodies won’t stay buried. Some stories need to be told.

When seventeen-year-old Rowan Chase finds a skeleton on her family’s property, she has no idea that investigating the brutal century-old murder will lead to a summer of painful discoveries about the past, the present, and herself.

One hundred years earlier, a single violent encounter propels seventeen-year-old Will Tillman into a racial firestorm. In a country rife with violence against blacks and a hometown segregated by Jim Crow, Will must make hard choices on a painful journey towards self discovery and face his inner demons in order to do what’s right the night Tulsa burns."

From School Library Journal...

"Gr 8 Up—Latham follows up Scarlett Undercover with a rich work that links past and present in a tale that explores racial prejudice. After the remains of a skeleton are found in her Tulsa, OK, backyard, 17-year-old Rowan Chase becomes consumed with finding out the story behind the death. As she digs into the mystery, Rowan's contemporary perspective alternates with that of another Tulsa teen: Will, a 17-year-old in the 1920s. Though separated by decades, the characters' lives intersect as the mystery of the skeleton unfolds in both time periods. Race, social inequalities, and entitlement are subjects the teens grapple with as they enter adulthood, Rowan in the current day and Will during the Tulsa race riots of 1921. Latham's enthralling, expertly paced plot will keep readers engaged, and the detailed imagery creates a strong sense of place in both time periods. The occasional mature language is deftly integrated and realistic for both the situations and the protagonists, who are relatable and well-developed. VERDICT Mystery fans will enjoy this cleverly plotted, suspenseful work, while the broader social issues will draw a wide audience. Educators will also find this title useful as a selection for discussion and cross-curricular lessons.—Tiffeni Fontno, Boston College Educational Resource Center."

My Review....

Title:  Dreamland Burning

Author:  Jennifer Latham

Publisher:  Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Dreamland Burning" by Jennifer Latham

My Conclusion from reading ...'Dreamland Burning'.....

After I saw a news coverage in my area about this author, her new novel "Dreamland Burning" and especially with her being from my area I knew I wanted to read her novel and also met her[and even got her autograph].  I am so glad to say I had that privilege of three things.....meeting this author, reading"Dreamland Burning" and reviewing  her excellent read.

When I was in college...many years ago I did a paper on 'Tulsa's Race Riot 1921' so when I saw and heard what this novel was about I knew I had to read it.  Even though it is a genre as a historic fiction it is mixed with some mystery and truth that I found in the  history of the 'race riot' was fairly right on the mark of what had gone on in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1921.  At that time there was 'extreme racism, discrimination and hate especially toward and against African-Americans'.   This 'race riot' resulted in the death of hundreds of black African-Americans and the destruction of the Greenwood area of town of Tulsa was known to be one of  'the worst incidents of racial violence in the U.S. history.' What shocks me even today is that many people know absolutely nothing of this incident.  It did happen people!

This author really gives the reader some descriptions of certain areas that I was able to pick up and know the area in which was spoken about.  A lots of these locations described in the read are still located in Tulsa today.

My thoughts on how this author presents this story using the past/present version [alternating perspectives in different time periods] was really quite unique in how it was done using two main diverse characters...

Rowan Chase:[as the story is from the present] living in the modern day in Tulsa[2017].... a seventeen year old, bi-racial...her mother  was African -American and her father was white...from a wealthy family...went to private school and they even had a servant's quarters. For Rowan lived in a 'post-racial society and a fairly sheltered life.'  Rowan's mother was a lawyer and her father was a doctor.

And then we have .... a little connection...with these two main characters....The Chase's home where the skeleton [I know I am getting a little ahead of the story] was found had been commissioned to be built by William's parents in 1921.  The money that was used to build this home was however, not from William's father but his Osage mother. Now, why was that?

William Tillman [as the story is from the past] living in Tulsa in 1921 during the Tulsa Race Riot... a bi-racial boy seventeen year old living with ...his mother who was Native American [Osage] and his father is white.  William's father was the owner of a Victrola store. This period of time  of this [past]story was between May 31 and June 1st, 1921 when Jim Crow was at its height.

I loved how this story will alternate back and forth from Rowan to William to Roman back to William all the way to the end of the read.  You get a Part I and even a Part II.   So, nothing is left but for you to do but start reading!  I took several days because I wanted to absorb all of the well written story even though some of the read had such 'virulent hatred that just leaped off the page' that caused me to really shake my head and wonder how can some human beings be so cruel.  But that's the way it was back then or is it still like this for some African-American people in some form or another?

How does this all start....

The present...
Now this author gives the reader quite a story of what happens after Rowan mother gets the 'old servant's quarters' renovated and that is when a century old skeleton is found buried underneath in the backyard on the Chase property. We find Rowan who was a great protagonist setting out to discover who this was and how they died by doing some amateur detective research.  Oh, I will say at this point Rowan had some help with all of her investigating and that was her best friend, James who just happened to be a asexual character [Oh Yes!] and just happened to be 'part Kiowa and part Black.'
What happens while Rowan is interning at a local clinic in Tulsa where there will be issues of racism, and social inequality that turned out to be quite a eye opener for her?

The past...
The story comes in where William who goes to a 'Two -Knock'' with his friend Cletus Hayes and gets upset seeing a white girl [that he liked] being touched by a black man named Clarence Banks. There will be a lots of tension built from this situation ...because this was definitely a no no at this time in history.  Now, what all will become of this situation when it was known at this time in history that.....even

"Glancing sideways at a white woman was near enough to get Negroes lynched in Tulsa. Shot, even, in the middle of Main Street at noon, and with no more consequence than a wink and a nudge and a slap on the back."

This author gives the reader chapter after chapter of the days leading up to the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921 and I will say it wasn't a pretty read at all for me.  As the read goes on we find that William worked in his father's shop where he comes involved with two African-Americans...Joseph and Ruby. Now I will stop here and only say you will have to pick up this good read to see who they were and how they played into this very  interesting story.  I will not say who but their is another character that really I didn't care for and oh ....well I will say just pick this up this enthralling  read and see for yourself who this person was that was one creep as you read through the read.

Now if you continue to read 'Dreamland Burning' you will get one twisted story that will go back and forth giving the reader quite a historical fiction read but it doesn't stray away from the truth of just what was going on [DURING THAT TIME PERIOD].  "What will happen as William must decide which side he is on and what to do about his decision?"

The characters in the past/present were all off the chart [but there were a few I didn't care for at all] but for the most part I found some were well developed but also complexed too, well portrayed, defined and even down right believable.  The the reader is given this 'incredible as well as a astonishing read that will give one something to think about long after you put this  engrossing read down.  I will say even though there was some 'profiling, violence racial slur [n-word] may have been used I felt it was used to give a true understand and the effect of that particular situation at that time.  I thought it was well done by this author and I liked the note the author left concerning why she used those racial slurs in her read.

What will happen when these two versions from different centuries come out and their stories intertwine as harsh truths from the past and present begin to surface?

Now, I know a lots of people may not be interested in this kind of historical fiction read but it was good read about racism all up front and center even as the past/present racism was showed... due to the color of their skin and the injustice that it causes.  This is where I say again you will have to pick up this good read of 'Dreamland Burning' to see how Rowan becomes 'savior of the present day in Tulsa and Williams story of the past that happened in 1921 comes together so smoothly.  All of the questions asked and more will be answered as the reader reads on and on to the very end.

By the end the reader will be given one amazing read...full of historical fiction, ninety year old mystery, murder with some other complex themes that one will definitely be able to relate to its humanity during this social unrest at that time.  The author brings the story all together giving the reader the 'understanding of this history [Tulsa Riot 1921] and its mysterious skeleton.'  I felt that this author did a heck of a good job as she was able to give the reader of "Dreamland Burning' that takes place at two different times/ places  and in the end bringing it all together before us as we are given definitely a eye opening all front and center of what had truly happened in this whole story.

I will say that this author really did some extensive research work giving the readers quite a story even though it is historical fiction but how she brings in two main characters who were bi-racial...dealing with the issue of racism and hate crimes were truly well done with such humility and tack.  It definitely presents the problems that has happened in the  past and even addresses the present in the 'prevalence of the same issues we still see every single day whether one wants to admit that the Tulsa Riot of 1921 did happen. Well done to you and thank you for giving the reader one excellent well thought out riveting read. I hope many who may not have heard of the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921 will know that this did happen right here in great city of Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1921. "Dreamland Burning" is not only a important novel but one smart one that may not have all the answers but ultimately hopeful ones to pull from. Is there room still for growth as our Tulsa society when it comes to race issues?  YES!