Momma Said, "Hit 'Em Back!" By: Cynthia Amis Dickerson/ Marian Matthews Nance

Title:  Momma Said, "Hit 'Em Back!"
Authors:  Cynthia Amis Dickerson/ In Collaboration with Marian Matthews Nance
Publisher: C.A. D & M.M.N.
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Momma Said, "Hit 'Em Back!"    By:  Cynthia Amis Dickerson/ Marian Matthews Nance

A quote from this read by the author....

"Momma Said, "Hit 'Em Back!" inserted paragraph from Chapter 20:

 

Don't wait! If you know that you are tired of sinning and living a worldly life, give your life to Jesus Christ. Repeat these words. "I know that I am a sinner and I need a Savior. I believe by faith that, Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins. God please come into my life and show me how to live for you."

What I liked from this novel....

I received this novel from the Author Cynthia A. Dickerson at a Book Festival in Memphis where she opened up the book and started reading to me.  I found this novel a short but very fascinating in that it definitely left me wanting to read this novel to see what all it had to offer.  I am so glad I did because I did find this read indeed a excellent read of redeeming hope for this young man named Louvious Johnson.  Being accused of a crime and spending fifteen years in prison...he walks out a free man.  What I loved about this read was how the author was able to bring out how Louvious to was delivered and saved while incarcerated.  I found this novel a very good  one is that you are able to feel the release as this character walks through it all and in the end becoming a....well I don't want to tell to much other than to pick up this is a excellent read of "Momma Said, "Hit 'Em Back!" This was beautifully brought out  of what can happen if you listen and be lead by God will.  You will feel the pain and struggle of this young man and in the end...what a new life that has been given to him.  The reader will be left wondering about the mother(Louvenia) of this young man. Wow, she was quite a character. I am sure we will find out more about her in the next novel by these authors......'Momma's  Journey to Hell and Back.'  

My Overall impression of the read....

Besides this being a excellent read the authors also give the readers more food for thought as they present us at the end of the read with a workbook that "transforms the individual reader through introspection and group  verbal  stimulation that will bring about the insight  to resolve internal and external problems."  Would I recommend "Momma Said, "Hit 'Em Back!"  YES!

Preacherman Blues By: Jihad

Title:  Preacherman Blues
Author:  Jihad
Publisher: Envisions
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review

"Preacherman Blues" by Jihad

Book Description:

PREACHERMAN BLUES is the story of

Best friends...Mega preachers…One good….One evil….

As kids, Terrell "TJ" Money and Percival "PC" Turner had one goal – become big-time preachers. But once they accomplished that goal, heading up One World Faith; the largest church in the Southeast, the best friends disagree on just how they should be leading their flock. TJ is living up to his name and looking to capitalize on a congregation more than willing to shell out big bucks for a “man of God”. Percival tries hard to walk the straight and narrow, but eventually the lure of the bling leads him astray.

Can either survive?

When PC tries to right his wrong ways, the battle lines will be drawn and best friends will see sides of each other they never knew existed. Soon, TJ gets down and dirty – pulling up every trick and devastating secret to keep his holy money train rolling. Will Percival learn the hard way that TJ is a sinner who doesn’t want to be saved? And if he does, will it be in time enough to stop tragedy from turning his own life upside down? When the dust settles someone will definitely be singing the Preacherman Blues.

What I liked about the novel....

Yes, this was a very interesting read in the world of mega churches.  This was a very captivating story  of these two childhood friends who were now pastors of the largest  churches in Atlanta which was a dream to have their ministry and it was called 'One World Faith. AME.'   I loved how this author was able to bring it all out front and center to the reader  when we find from the read that one pastor  was really trying to serve God and his people and then there was the other pastor who definitely was not showing his vindictiveness  in all of his actions.  It seems like when they become rich from their congregation  that 'greed' will become  very ugly front and center.  What will happen when one of the pastor try to right the wrongs that are taking place in the church?  There will be so many twist and turns in the read so get ready for: some 'manipulation, deception, murder, adultery, suspense, greed, lust' and I am sure there is more to add to this list. Be prepared to laugh and even cry at some of the  situations that will go on with these colorful characters.    To get it all from this author you will have to pick up "Preacherman Blues" to see for yourself how this story will all come out.  Believe me, this novel  will be very interesting page turner that I would  recommend.

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

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

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

Book Description...

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

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

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

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

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

What I liked about the novel....

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

Underneath It All By: A.D.

Title:  Underneath It All
Author:  A.D.
Publisher: A. D.
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  4
Review: 

"Underneath It All" by A. D.

Book Description:

"Monica Sutton has spent most of her life detesting her reflection. Her best friends love her no matter what, but she just cannot see the woman they see in her. She finally decides to do something about the way she looks and discovers herself during the process. Her long time crush Keith returns home. They connect, but will a secret from her past hinder her future with him?"

What I liked about the read....

This was a interesting short read that was thoroughly enjoyed how it relates so well to every day life.  I liked how it was an attention grabber seeing I read it all the way to the end in one setting.  Maybe I found "Underneath It All" somewhat predictable however, it was still had a good the story line that had some very interesting characters who were very colorful and believable.  So, will Monica's longtime friend...Keith connect?  Well, to find out the answer to that question and so much more you will have to pick up "Underneath It All" to see how this author brings it all out to the reader.  Would I recommend?   Yes!

K-RHO: The Sweet Taste of Sisterhood By: LaToya Hankins

Title:  K-RHO:  The Sweet Taste of Sisterhood
Author:  LaToya Hankins
Publisher:  Resolute, LLC
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review

"K-RHO:  The Sweet Taste of Sisterhood

Book Description: 

"K-Rho: The Sweet Taste of Sisterhood chronicles the strength of sorority life for three Copper Road University sophomores. Track star Kiara Michaels didn't expect to find two lifelong friends at her sorority membership interview. But life had other plans, leading her to meet Donna-a Bible quoting straight talker-and Gloria-a loquacious high achiever. In the semesters following membership induction, Kiara confesses a festering secret, Donna steers a bumpy course with her unfaithful boyfriend, and Gloria can't find a love match. When a lustful encounter and brutal assault turn Kiara's collegiate experience upside down, the two friends are her saving grace. Fast-forward ten years later and Kiara can't balance life's increasing responsibilities, Donna has departed a broken marriage, and Gloria can't reconcile feelings of attraction for a close friend. Join Kiara, Donna, and Gloria on a dark, clear night at Copper Road to discover how these friends find happiness through sorority redemption, relationship forgiveness, and best friend intervention as you savor the sweet taste of sisterhood."

What I liked about the novel....

 "The Sweet Taste of Sisterhood" was about sorority sisters and was  a very interesting read  that once you start the reader will find it hard to put down until the end.  There was a lots going on this this Kappa Alpha Rho adventure starring Kiara, Gloria and Donna.  It was a trip as these girls join a sorority, learning their love interest, personal developments, along with their bad times as well as their good times too. I liked how the author was able to bring out the loyalty to the sorority definitely showing the sisterhood of strong and unbreakable bonds becoming life long friends.  I love the details and the experiences that this author shared with the reader.  The hazing was quite interesting to read about along with the series of events that were there to test these ladies allegiance.       

What I especially liked about the novel....

I found this novel very well written of these women portrayed lives, diversity, love and  friendship. You will be able to feel the drama, relate to and even laugh throughout the read.  In the end I enjoyed this read of a beautiful friendship and the power of sisterhood.  Would I recommend?  YES!

Let The Games Began By: Laquita Cameron

Title:  Let The Games Begin
Author:  Laquita Cameron
Publisher:  LaFemme Fatale Publishers
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Let The Games Begin" by Laquita Cameron

Book Description....

"Let The Games Begin is an urban fiction try to put their lives together after their love lives become entangled and their intimacy is over the top with kinky actions. Monae is looking for a committed relationship from Porter, but she runs out of patience after their two years of dating, with him refusing to marry her. She ventures off to dating, but meets another guy who is aiding in the revenge on Porter planning to take the one person he loves away. Yvette battles her relationship with her cheating boyfriend. She secretly has affairs with Troy leaving her with an unwanted pregnancy, not knowing who the father of her unborn child is. See how these characters deal with the drama and betrayal they are faced with at every turn. The shocking twists will leave you wanting to read more to find out what the next chapter holds."

What I liked about the novel...

This  was a  quite a urban read that had a lots of it all in the read from lies, drugs, killings,  lust,  greed, craziness,  romance, revenge and if you can imagine yes... there's  much more.   I found the read very captivating and will keep your  attention till the end.  There were so many twist and turns that will keep you turning the pages.  All of the characters are so very real being very scandalous and so vindictive in the story that this author gives  to the reader. Wow, what character: Troy is along with Porter, Deon, Yvette,  Monae and Jazmina to name a few!   I don't want to give any of it away only saying you must pick up "Let The Games Began"  to see how this author will bring it all out to the reader.  If you are into urban street fiction, you have come to the right place because this novel will give it to you and more.  Now, I will only say the reader will be left waiting for part 2.

Serenity Inn 2: Love Embraced (B&B Series Book 3), By: Nikki Walker

Title:  Serenity Inn 2:  Love Embraced ((B&B Series Book 3)
Author:  Nikki Walker
Publisher: N.W.
Series:  (B&B Series Book 3)
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Review: 

"Serenity Inn 2:  Love Embraced" by Nikki  Walker


Book Description: 

"When Lindsay and Chad met at Serenity Inn, there was immediate chemistry, but the timing for love was all wrong in the face of what they had both just gone through. They decide to go their separate ways, but they keep in touch. Now the two have agreed to meet, this time on Dr. Chad’s luxurious home turf, with the feisty Cook along for the ride.

The couple find that they not only still have feelings for each other, but those feelings have grown as though they’d never spent time apart. Their elation is short-lived; however, as they realize that with their burgeoning love comes a new challenge: Chad’s sister-in-law, Eleanor, who makes it abundantly clear that Lindsay is beneath Chad’s station in life. Is Eleanor’s assessment valid or does she have an ulterior motive for tearing Lindsay down?

While Chad deals with Lindsay’s unstable feelings, Walter, who has stepped into Chad’s shoes back at Serenity Inn has had his eye on Elaine for a while. She’s distrustful and secretive, but he still feels drawn to her. She pulls on the protector in him. When she finally begins to open up to him, her past comes crashing into her present and lays bare right at Walter’s feet. Will Walter continue to pursue Elaine, even in the face of her ugly past, which could put them all in danger and disturb their serenity?"

What I liked about this novel....

I thought this author wrote a beautifully told contemporary story of a sweet romance that continues for Lindsay and Chad in this 'Second Chance' read. Lindsay and Cook have come to visit Chad in his home. Will Lindsay be surprise by all the wealth that this doctor has...along with that sister in law...will she enjoy this visit? There will also be lots of surprises of what comes from the trip. Now, along with what is going on with Lindsay and Chad what is going on back at Serenity Inn? Will Walter be able to keep Elaine safe? I really enjoyed how this author was able to bring these two stories together and the end...well this is where I say you must pick up "Serenity Inn 2" to see for yourself how well this author brings it out to the readers. I found all of the characters so richly well developed, likable(some), well portrayed and believable giving the reader a well written inspirational story that will give you food for thought long after the read. Would I recommend? YES!