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.

Catch Me If You Can, Anita Davis

Book Description.....

"Karen Roberts loves to run, but running will only get her so far. She just wants to be the best sportscaster she can be and fall in love with a man like her father. Is that too much for a girl to ask for? But when love chases her, she’ll have to decide between a love that is safe or one that’s risky.
Karen, along with her friends, will have to learn that in life we don’t always get what we want, how we want it, and as soon as we want it. There are stops signs, winding roads, and sometimes dead ends; so how will the intersection look when all of the characters past and present worlds collide with one another in “Catch Me If You Can”?"

Title:  Catch Me If You Can
By: Anita Davis
Publisher:  Smashwords Edition
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Catch Me If You Can"  by Anita Davis

What I liked about this novel....

Wow,wow, wow ... this was some story that will deal with with four main characters...Karen, Kyle, Melody and Andrew.  You will have to keep up with this read because there is so much going on[secrets]!   The story starts out with girl [Karen]  bumping into a guy [Kyle] on a run and from there a friendship/relationship will start but will this last due to Kyle's past that has caught up with him.Then there is Dennis!  Now, how does he play in all of this?   As the story continues we  will have two best friends of Karen and Kyle who will become lovers [Melody and Andrew]. But for them wow...what comes out will truly have you saying wow...for me I definitely didn't see that one coming for these two. Now, what did Melody's mom have to do with that situation?    I know this review sound somewhat strange but I don't want to give too away to much other than saying  you must pick this one  novel "Catch Me If You Can" to see for your how well this author will give you a read that will  keep you on pins and needles as you are reading through this well written story.  I did have a problem with one of the main characters Karen...she really got on my last nerves quite a bit because of what had happened to her in the past, and now being with .....  but at the end she does redeem herself somewhat for me to understand her thought process. For the most part I found the characters very interesting, well developed, well portrayed and believable [well some] that will help deliver to the reader quite a unique romantic read.   In the end will any of these main characters be left standing in this romance that goes alone so well with this title:  "Catch Me If You Can?

This novel was very well written and I would recommend it as a good read.

Savannah By: Tip

Title:  Savannah
Author: Tip
Publisher: Tip
Series: Part 1
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Savannah" by Tip...

Book Description......

"Savannah Johnson is from a small town in the Delta. She grew up in a single parent home with three older brothers. School was her number one priority. Her best friend De De was all she had when it came to her social life. That all changed one day when she was on her way home and bumped into her cousin. The guy on the passenger side of her cousin’s ride caught her eye. At first she was leary about talking to the guy, but she went against her better judgment and gave in to his charm. What she later found out was that she wasn’t his main chick. She was classified as the side chick and with that, she found things to not always go in her favor. When things began to rock their relationship, she gets the news that would change things forever between them. Will she be able to come to terms with the life she chose? Will she ever become the main chick, or will she remain the side chick with responsibilities. Would she jeopardize her life for the sake of this man, or will she ever become tired of being the side chick and set her goal to become the main chick by any means necessary?"

What I liked about the novel...

I liked this short read that once I start I didn't put it down until I was finished (about 45 minutes).  I did find it somewhat predictable however, there is a message in the read that I hope all the young readers will be able to  get.  I found Savannah a very determined person that from the read you will be able to see her growth of her life's experiences. Most important from the read you will be able to see that Savannah wanted love.  Will she get the happiness she desires?  The author does a good job at keeping the reader captivated and you will get the assurance of trying to understand this main character  of just what she is going through. You may even be able to relate to Savannah.  Will Savannah and Lance be able to have a lasting relationship?  This is where I say you must pick up Savannah to see how this author brings it all out to the reader.   Then, I guess we will have to get part 2 to read the rest of the story. Would I recommend "Savannah?"   YES!

Your Pastor...My Husband By: B. M. Hardin

Title: Your Pastor...My Husband
Author: B.M. Hardin
Publisher: Savvily Published LLC
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Your Pastor...My Husband" by B.M. Hardin

Book Description....

"Is he a Saint...or is he a Sinner?"

"Maxine thought that she had life all figured out. Despite rough beginnings, she could finally say that above all else...she was happy. Her life changed for the better when she married the respected, adored and handsome Pastor Shelton Cartwright.
To her, her husband was nothing less than perfect...at least that was what she'd thought.
But soon Maxine is reminded that even Pastors have a Past.
Maxine's life spirals out of control and little by little she discovers that her Pastor of a husband isn't who he appears to be. Soon she discovers that she doesn't have a clue as to who she's really married to.
Was he really a Saint...or was he still a Sinner?
That's the one question that Maxine was dying to know the answer to. But there was more than one missing piece to this puzzle. And when the answers start showing up at Maxine's front door, all hell breaks loose, and things for the Cartwright's will never be the same.
What's a woman to do when she learns that the one man that she thought was "praying" for her...had all along been "preying" on her?
A full, complete story of lies, deceit...and everything else in between!"

What I liked about the novel....

This author has brought to the readers a very interesting read that once you start reading you will have a hard time putting it down. WOW, Ms. Hardin you have done it again....written a absolutely wonderful story with so many twist and turns. You will be kept on the edge of your seat wondering what is coming next in this intermingled story. Be ready for a story of romance, love, sex, humor(some), secrets, lies and in the end....the mystery of it all, even some suspense and the several surprise twists that you may not see coming. This was definitely a shocker for me because nothing is as it seems as you are reading through this novel. Now, to fully understand what this author has written you must pick up this excellent read and so for yourself how well this will be brought out to the reader.

The two main characters Maxine and Shelton were simply off the chart good as with the secondary characters being so well developed, portrayed colorful defined and believable all helping to give the reader a good script.

What I also liked about this novel...

I liked how this author ended and summed up each chapter in this story.. here are a few ....that I thought were simply wonderful!


~Life will always be exactly what it's meant to be. Never be afraid to try something new. Never e afraid to try again~ Anonymous


~Sometimes, the only person worth trust...entirely...is you~ Anonymous


~Live everyday as though it's your last after all, it just may be~ Anonymous


~Sometimes you have to go through the worst. To get to the Best~ Anonymous


~Some you have to go through the worst. To get to the Best~ Anonymous


My overall impression of this novel...


Thank you Ms. Hardin for a great story that will have the reader thinking on the read long after it's been put down.

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!   

Serenity Inn: Her Guy Friday [ Bed & Bath Series 1] By: Nikki Walker

Title:  Serenity Inn:  Her Guy Friday
Author:  Nikki Walker
Publisher:  N.W.
Series:  Bed and Bath #1
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Serenity Inn" by Nikki Walker...

"Lindsay Morgan is living a life full of secrets and resentment. Deciding to move on with her life, Lindsay makes her dream come true, by opening a bed and breakfast, called Serenity Inn. Hoping to bring a little serenity back into her life, she soon realizes opening a business isn’t so easy. Then a mysterious man arrives to her inn. Could he be her knight in shining armor?

Dr. Chad Lewis has been living with secrets of his own and his past is constantly haunting him concerning one fateful moment that ended his career. On a path of battling his own demons, he finds himself on the front steps of Serenity Inn, looking for forgiveness and peace.

Will the Serenity Inn live up to its name and offer two wounded souls the serenity that they desperately desire? What will the future hold for these two, when Lindsay and Chad realize that their past is intertwined?"



Why I Read This Book?

I was asked by this author earlier  to take a look at her beta read and since this author writes such amazing novels I wanted to see if this novel was as good as the rest of her reads. Well, I found reading "Serenity Inn" and seeing  it all coming together was really something to read about.   I have read all of this author novels  and  guess what?....this one was not any different...it was simply a amazing read that anyone can  sit back and enjoy.


What I Liked:

This was definitely one of those reads that will catch and keep your attention to the very end.  This author really knows to keep your attention as she sweetly delivers to her readers this well written romantic script.  The story line was simple...with two people who were suffering....Lindsay Morgan and Dr. Chad Lewis.  Bringing these two together took some intriguing steps taken by this author where we find Lindsay "is living a life full of secrets and resentment" and most of all not wanting to be controlled  by another man. Why was this?   Chad had " has been living with secrets of his own and his past is constantly haunting him concerning one fateful moment that ended his career." Chad's plans had been to explain about the anonymous check...'confess, apologize and leave but that had not happened.  Why was that?

We find from the beginning of the story that Lindsay is trying to get it all together for her opening up her   bed and breakfast there in Virginia.   Guess who will come to her rescue and that is all I will say about that. I liked how this author was able to get these two people together and seeing them fall in love was sweet but before that could happen secrets and trust issues will have to come out.  How this was delivered  to the reader was so smoothly presented.  I don't want to tell too much more about "Serenity Inn" because I was you to pick it up and see for yourself how this author brings it all out to the reader.  In the end will Linds and Chad become lovers?   Well,  I guess we will have to  pick up this authors next series to find out. 

What I Didn’t Liked:

There was not  any part of  "Serenity Inn" that I did not like....well other than  having to wait to see what will happen in  the next series with Lindsay and Chad.

Overall Impression:

Overall, "Serenity Inn" was  beautifully well written with the two main characters and with interesting secondary characters that  were well  presented  and will definitely draw you into this story.  My of my favorite character was Cook.

The Glass Kitchen By Linda Francis Lee

Title:  The Glass Kitchen
Author:  Linda Francis Lee
Publisher:  St Martin's Press
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Age Recommended: Adult
Rating: 4.5
Review:

"The Glass Kitchen" by Linda Francis Lee was a interesting contemporary romantic read that did have some fantasy interwoven  into it.   I found the read and interesting way his author presented this romance.  It was indeed a interesting read surrounding Portia who after managing through a  horrible marriage and the death of her grandmother Portia will move to NYC broken hearted with two suitcases  along with her grandmother's 'Glass Kitchen Cookbooks and the 'gift' that she no longer wanted.  It was at this point I found somewhat strange but continued on with the read.  Well,
after reading a little further I was able to understand the thought pattern of his author and it was a
good one and I liked it.  'The Knowing' wow, what was that?  Even though Portia has stopped listening to 'The Knowing' which was  the urges to create recipes (dishes) that would tell  her that something will happen...be it good or bad...however, she would never know until it happened.  I enjoyed how this was presented by the author. Those consequences Portia now wanted nothing to do with especially after what had happened to her grandmother. This I could very well understand from the read.  Then life moves on and  takes her to NY where we find Portia wanting to get on with her life in her new place where she thought she would be living with her sisters but to find out....the author goes another direction and presents us with new people... Gabriel Kane and his daughters.  I like how this author tune the reader into  one of the daughter's Ariel as well as Gabriel, who had a few secrets of his own.  I think this really helped  Portia come out of her funk as she will help so much with that situation with Gabriel's daughter... making a connection relationship  with this family.  Also, I can see it...the urging for Portia to get back into the kitchen again even though she still remembers what had happened to her earlier...wow...I liked this part best of the story.  I don't want to tell to much so to spoil the story.  I  will say I thought this author did do a good job with this  well written  story and how is deepens with some secrets being  revealed and surprises that did come out that will keep you truly zoomed into  turning  the pages until the end.  I would definitely see how this one would be a very interesting to the  Women's Fiction or Chick Lit readers.   Oh, and at  if you are into recipes check be sure to  out  the end of this novel  for some wonderful recipes that I  tried (a few) and did love them!