Seeking Sarah by ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Book Description...

"From the national bestselling and award-winning ReShonda Tate Billingsley comes this gripping and emotional exploration of the complex bond between mother and daughter.

From the time Brooke Green was seven years old, she has lived with the pain of losing her mother. Her father has done the best job he could in raising her, but a piece of her always felt empty. On the day of her father’s funeral, her grandmother breaks the shocking news: her mother, Sarah, is very much alive. She abandoned her family because she claimed she wasn’t fit for motherhood. After doing some research, Brooke discovers her mother is living in Atlanta, enjoying a great career…and a brand new family. Stunned, Brooke doesn’t know if she wants answers or revenge against the mother who abandoned her. When she meets Sarah’s husband, Tony, Brooke sees the perfect way to make her mother pay. But her plan for revenge just may leave everyone in danger, and end up costing Brooke more than she ever bargained for."

Title:  Seeking Sarah

Author:  ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Publisher: Gallery Books

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Seeking Sarah" by ReShonda Tate

My Thoughts...

I loved this story "Seeking Sarah" that was "about finding something you so desperately crave, and losing yourself in the process."

What a good read this story that was conveyed  so well to the readers.  I felt so very sorry for Brooke because I found that she really didn't know how to go about getting what she wanted and that was the love of her mom.  Therefore Brooke went to much from secrets, loss, deception, lies, even revenge and heartbreak that caused so much more than one would ever want to happen.  End the end will Brooke finally get all she wants ...the love of her mother and a husband?  Or will she have to settle for ... well, I will stop here and just say you will have to pick up "Seeking Sarah" to see how this story will all come out.  Be prepared for some twist and turns as the secrets come out and a ending that will leave one shaking their heads and saying wow!  You will definitely be left seeing "how important a parent's love is and how it can not only shape a child's life but also their future."

Thank you to Net Gallery for the read.

Prowl (Nothing Else Matters But Survival Book 1) by Stephanie Nicole Norris & Deidra D. S. Green

Book Description....

"Brooklyn, Drew, Symone, and Leah grew up the best of friends. Their parents co-own and operate Patterson Pharmaceutical Company, a thriving business that has continuously grown over the last ten years. But after the economy took a hard turn, the family business suffered significant losses, leaving the family’s income on pins and needles. To make matters worse, the property the Patterson’s inherited from their late grandparents is up for auction from missed payments the family was not aware they’d missed. With the family’s debt growing and relationships being tested, the four friends decide to take drastic measures to get the funds needed to secure generational survival. Being high-end thieves was not something they agreed on overnight. Taking from the less fortunate they couldn’t stomach, But stealing from those who already had plenty might just save the family from ruin."

Title:  Prowl  (Nothing Else Matters But Survival Book 1)
Authors: Stephanie Nicole Norris & Deidra D. S. Green
Publishers: Rathsi Publishing & Love is a Drug Ink
Series:  Book 1
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Prowl" (Nothing Else Matters But Survival Book 1) by Stephanie Nicole Norris & Deidra D. S. Green

My Thoughts....

What a interesting mystery thriller and suspense read that these two authors gives the readers.  It is definitely one of those stories that you will not want to put down because there is so much going on keeping ones attention.  The whole idea of this story was off the chart being well written involving 'stealing a salt shaker' but only to find out that wouldn't be the end of these four ladies problems.  Not only that but we find that the FBI maybe on them too.  Then the story will get into some twist and turns that will only  leave the reader to a cliff hanger.  So, we will be left wanting to know what has happened to ...!  Well, the reader will have to get Book 2 in "Prowl [Nothing Else Matters But Survival]" to learn what is going on with Brooklyn, Drew, Symone and Leah.

Who Killed My Husband By: Michelle Stimpson

Book Description.....

"Ashley Crandall finally convinced her husband, Allan, to attend the Christian men’s retreat...but he ends up dead there. What happened to him on the campgrounds? Who would want to kill Allan? And why are the detectives pointing fingers at Ashley? In her quest to solve the mystery and clear her name, Ashley will learn something about her husband that she didn’t want to know and something about her Christian faith that shifts her life.
This short work by national bestselling, multi-published author Michelle Stimpson is packed with emotion, suspense, and a her signature way of weaving hope into a story – always a hit with readers who enjoy faith-based reads."

Title:  How Killed My Husband?

Author:  Michelle Stimpson

Publisher: ML Stimpson Enterprises 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Who Killed My Husband" by Michelle Stimpson

My Thoughts....

What a good mystery read as we find out just who killed Ashley's husband.  The author gives us so many different emotions from the read from 'pain of loosing a child, greed, loss, faith shaken, drama, uncertainty, hope forgiveness, betrayal, murder, fear, patience, love and in the end there is redemption and salvation.' The characters were well developed, portrayed and so very believable giving the reader one excellent interesting good short well written christian story.  Thank you to the author for a
wonderful story even though it was sad it was still very intriguing with twist and turns that will keep you turning the pages till the very end.

Trinity Black: Behind Closed Doors By: Theresa Hodge

Book Description....

"Everything is not what it seems, and everyone isn't who they promise to be. Trinity Black craved for love and a happy life. Wishes can sometimes turn into nightmares.
Philip Black walked into Trinity's life, swooped her up and helped her make a better life for herself. Philip was handsome, charming and everything Trinity thought she wanted in a man, she found it intriguing that they even shared the same last names.
Trinity was a loyal and loving wife to her husband despite the abuse she was subject to as a child growing by the hand of her mother. Now she is locked in an abusive marriage with a cold-hearted man who has become a stranger.
This poignant story is full of sorrow, pain, and a will to live through it all. Journey with Trinity as she finds her way through faith, endurance, and bravery."

Title:  Trinity Black:  Behind Closed Doors

Author:  Theresa Hodge

Publisher:  T. H.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Trinity Black:  Behind Closed Doors" by Theresa Hodge

My Thoughts...

What a SAD read!  This author really knows how to mess with our feelings because this was one emotional, dramatic and  abusive read that I have ever read [and please believe me I have read many!].  Both of these characters needed help. For poor Trinity...from that horrible mom and husband and for Philip the husband...he definitely needed lots of help too.  It was nice in the way the story went about Trinity finally coming to peace with all her mother had done to her.  At least the mom was now off of the drugs and had found God.  The story wrapped up in a neat package but I was definitely not satisfied with how that husband got away with so much and it wasn't really dealt with!  It is my understand that a lots of people have been faced with this type of abuse and all that can be said and done is when they finally get feed up hopefully they will be able to get out of the situation alive.  For Trinity it seems like there maybe light through that tunnel for her that she will get a much better life. I am still left  me saying wow that was some read and please understand that this read is not for the 'faint of heart.'

Undisclosed Desire 3: The Contracted Lovers by Falon Gold

Book Description...

"Two people have never clashed more morally than Camron Powers and his personal assistant, Amari Spencer. She was taught to earn everything she gets and treat everyone with respect. He’s never lacked for anything because of the silver spoon he was born with. It didn’t come complete with manners or a heart however, and now, he wants to know how to love someone, specifically Amari.

But it’s too late.

She’s had enough of his indecent behavior in the workplace, will give him two pieces of her mind, quit her job, and start a war that she’s not equipped to fight on a billionaire’s level. She and her family could lose everything that they’ve worked for. Camron is ruthless enough to take it, but he’ll learn some things just can’t be bought, hijacked, or forced.

The heart is one of them.

Can another Powers descendant find happiness and hold on to it? Can Amari and her loved ones survive Camron’s battle for her love?"

Title:  Undisclosed Desire 3: The Contracted Lovers 

Author:  Falon Gold

Publisher:  Nayberry Publications

Series: #3

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Undisclosed Desire 3:  The Contracted Lovers by Falon Gold

My Thoughts.....

What a wonderful ending to this series that dealt with the 'Owens, Nordic-Ford, Spencer and Power's families.'  I loved this love story that had so many complex characters that the reader will find many trust and social issues up front and center.  In this saga  Amari and Camron's contract was really quite a issue for them and that ending was quite well presented. We find Camron was quite the alpha and it is quite interesting seeing how just how Amari was able to help him.

 The epilogue was definitely my favorite as it showed what had happened with many of the family members and friends as the story moved on to the end.  Will Camron and Amari get their HEA?  Well, you will have to pick up this series to see how it will all come out.   This was the ending of this series and I will say it was a very enjoyable read that I would recommend as a good read.

Beautiful Assassin: Revelations (Destiny Awaits Book 2) Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris

Book Description...

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend…

In Beautiful Assassin Hitwoman Celine Briggs came out of retirement seeking vengeance from adversaries from her past. Celine had a score to settle and wouldn’t rest until she’d slain her last mark.

Celine’s allies are few and far between, and her enemies are teaming up to take her and the empire she reigns over down. With an impending war on the horizon, will Celine survive long enough to defeat her rivals or will being in the line of fire consume her? Find out in Beautiful Assassins Part 2. Revelations."

Title:  Beautiful Assassin: Revelations 

Author:  Stephanie Nicole Norris

Publisher:  S.N.N.

Series:  (Destiny Awaits Book 2)

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Beautiful Assassin: Revelations (Destiny Awaits Book 2)" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Thoughts...

Wow, what a wild ride as this author's story keeps your attention as you are turning the pages to see what was coming at you next.  I enjoyed how the second book continues on from where the first story left off giving the reader one heck of a good read.  This was definitely one of those stories that were full of action and the reader will definitely know who is the boss as well as the queen [Brian & Celine].  I would suggest that the reader read the first book before reading this second one for a better understands of just what had happened earlier in the story.  All in all, this was a good fast read.  

Until Ray By: Cheryl Robinson

Book Description...

"Two people in the same city but worlds apart.

Until Ray is an unconventional love story of how two young people transitioning into adulthood find each other and develop a bond that will be tested through three decades.

RAY IS LOST …

He lives in northwest Detroit with his mother. When he’s not at home, he’s either at the mall selling women’s shoes or in the club. In both places, he's focused on one thing—picking up women. Only now he’s ready to make a change but isn’t sure how to do it.

THEN SARITA ARRIVES …

At twenty-four, she has an MBA, is a CPA, and works in upper-level management at GM. But all that success comes at a cost: she’s lonely and craves the one thing she’s never had—attention from men.

Dive into a love story filled with soul-searching drama told from two very different perspectives. Until Ray, the first book of a trilogy, is set in the mid-eighties in Detroit, where the author was born and raised."

Title: Until Ray
Author: Cheryl Robinson
Publisher: Rose Colored Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Until Ray" By Cheryl Robinson

My Thoughts....

What a very interesting read that will keep you turning the pages and leave you by the end wanting more!

When I thought about the story after reading it I found it really sad especially for Sarita. To me the writing was definitely printed on the wall for her to see but for some reason Sarita wasn't able to see it even though she was a very smart person. Sarita had been warned especially by her mother but like so many of us she thought she was following her heart. But was Ray the right man that would truly love Sarita? This author really gives the reader quite a story that you will give one many thoughts long after the read. The characters were simply off the chart...from Ray, Sarita, Solomon, Cynthia, Miss King, Vera, Paw Paw, Boone, Sharon, Faith, Joy, Graham, Tisha, Reid to Veronica to name a few were all well developed, portrayed, defined and believable definitely giving this story a realness that one could feel as if they were there in the mist of it all.

I will not say much about Ray other than ... yes, he let me down and all I can say from that is he definitely needs help! After saying that I will stop and only say pick up "Until Ray" to see how well this author present to the readers such a outstanding read that will leave you shaking your head, saying wow and wanting more! Be prepared for a long well thought out read. It will definitely be interesting how this trilogy will continue on because there are lots of questions that need to be answered and I will look forward to reading more about it. Would I recommend? YES!!