The Art of Hiding A Novel by Amanda Prowse

Book Description....

"Nina McCarrick has it all: a loving husband, two beautiful boys, a well-appointed home and more time than she knows what to do with. Life is perfect. Until her husband, Finn, is killed in a car accident and everything Nina thought she could rely on unravels.
Alone, bereft and faced with a mountain of debt, Nina’s life of luxury quickly disappears and she begins to question whether she ever really knew the man she married. Forced to move out of her family home, Nina returns to the rundown Southampton council estate—and the sister—she thought she had left far behind.
But Nina can’t let herself be overwhelmed—her boys need her. To save them, and herself, she will have to do what her husband discouraged for so long: pursue a career of her own. Torn between the life she thought she knew and the reality she now faces, Nina finally must learn what it means to take control of her life.
Stirring and empowering, this novel from bestselling author Amanda Prowse once again plumbs the depths of human experience in this tale of one woman’s loss and love."

Title:  The Art of Hiding
Author:  Amanda Prowse
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"The Art Of Hiding" by Amanda Prowse

My Thoughts....

What a wonderful story this author gives to the readers that will definitely put one into its storyline. We find that Nina McCarrick had it all...a wonderful husband [Finn], two sons, beautiful home living the life of the rich and wealthy.  However, what will happen to Nina and her sons after the death of her husband and all that had seemed right in her world comes tumbling down.  Will Nina be able to pick herself up and move on with her life after bankruptcy hits her hard?   Will Nina soon learn that possessions aren't the most important things in her life as she is forced to return to her roots in South Hampton where they will have to adapt to a newer surrounding?  This is definitely a story of  grief, loss, hope, and redemption, drama, recovery as one will be able to see just what is so important in ones life as Nina begins a journey of self discovery and taking back her life in order to survive and be their for her sons Connor and Declan.

I found this novel well written emotional story definitely showing just what the difference is between materialism and spiritual values and the power of love and courage that will leave you with some provoking thoughts long after the read.  .

I received this book from Netgalley and chose to voluntarily review the book with an honest book review.

It Hurts Me To Love You 3 by Ms. T. Nicole

Book Description....

"When everything you love is suddenly taken from you, it’s easy to feel as if revenge is all you have left. But when you finally realize that the only way to truly be free is to sit back and let things unfold at its own pace, in time, you will forget all the pain, tears, and all the reasons why you want vengeance. All that really matters is the person who is standing beside you is willing to take every risk to be with you despite all your flaws, mistakes, and imperfections. It is in that moment that you fully understand that love overpowers hate, and your true happiness is based solely on that one decision: to let go of the past, or continue on a path that can ultimately cost you everything that you love once again.

After being shot, Yam struggles to put the pieces of his life back together. But when the one person who stood by his side is taken away from him, leaving behind an emptiness in his heart, Yam finds it even harder to trust the people in his life. His past has come back to haunt him in more ways than he could have ever imagined causing him to possibly lose everything that he loves. Could this be his Karma? Is he being punished for all the pain he has caused in the past? As the truth about Yam’s past comes to surface, it’s found that everything is not always what it seems, and there is more to Yamuel Bradley that makes everyone aware of the man he really is.

Now that he knows that Yam is responsible for D-Money’s death, DJ would stop at nothing to his revenge. But as Yam fights for his life, DJ sees the pain that he would cause Paisley if he carried out his plan, and it causes him to question his decision, which means he must break the promise that he made to his father. At the same time, he finds out some information that complicates things even more, making protecting Paisley and their unborn child his priority.

Paisley is looking forward to motherhood and the future that her and DJ are planning for themselves. But when an unexpected tragedy occurs, the bubble that she once lived in suddenly bursts, and her life has been nothing but a lie. Paisley learns that no one in her life can be trusted, including DJ.

With secrets being revealed and betrayal hitting them from all angles, DJ and Paisley finds that all they have to hold on to is their love for each other and their unborn child. But would that love be enough for them to let go of the past, or would the truth tear them apart, causing them both to understand why It hurts to love? Get ready for all the twist and turns and an explosive ending that would prove that everything is not always black and white, sometimes there’s a gray area in between. It Hurts Me to Love You 3: The Finale."

Title:  It Hurts Me to Love You 3

Author:  Ms. T. Nicole

Publisher: Royalty Publishing House

Series: #3

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"It Hurts Me To Love You 3" by Ms. T. Nicole

My

Beautifully written!  I enjoyed this whole series and I would definitely suggest if you haven't read the first two series please do so. It will bring you up to what has gone on earlier in this story.  The author really did a wonderful job at bringing this story to a close.  Not wanting to spoil anything but just say all questions and answers were given and I loved how it seemed that there was even some forgiveness after all was said and done.  The characters were simply off the chain....being well developed, portrayed and so believable giving us a well developed story that will keep your attention to the very end. All that is left to say to the author... you write some well written stories that always leave your readers wanting more!

VIRTUE (Sons of Scotland #1) by Victoria Vane

Book Description....

"A man without a past…

Abandoned at a monastery as a young child, Alexander serves two masters—God and the fading memories of his past life—the one he never got to live. As he nears the day to take his vows, he’s sent on a last sojourn into the real world, but what begins as a test of faith becomes a journey to manhood.

And a woman who doesn’t know her own heart…

Born from the line of two kings, Lady Sibylla Mac William is abandoned by her sire as a child and then ruled illegitimate. Though she lives a happy life under her uncle’s protection, Sibylla craves something more, but never could she imagine losing her heart to the would-be monk who unexpectedly arrives to tutor her brother.

Together, they will forge the future of a kingdom…

When dark secrets from the past come to light, Alex and Sibylla’s fates become inextricably entwined. Will Alex choose the safe and secure path he knows, or will he reject holy orders to embrace his true destiny… and the woman he loves?"

Title:  Virtue

Author:  Victoria Vane

Publisher:  Dragonblade Publishing

Series:  Sons of Scotland # 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Virtue" by Victoria Vane

As always this author gives her readers another well written read that will keep one thrilled and intrigued with a story that also keeps one turning the pages to see what will happen next in this Highlander Scottish Romance series.  The story features two main characters...Sibylla Mac William and Alexander.  It was very interesting that when these two meet you will be able to feel the connection that is their between them.  We find Alexander not really knowing of his heritage, left to leave as a monk but goes as a teacher to help a Highland family that needed a Tudor.  After arriving and seeing and meeting Lady Sibylla his finds that his heart is conflicted.  Now, why is that?  This is where I say I don't want to spoil it for you so, you will have to pick up this read to see if these two will get their HEA.

    

  I liked how the twist and turns, fast pace and surprises that were feed into the story  that really keeps the reader on the edge of there seats wondering how this story will come out in the end.  Be prepared for a little bit of it all from... 'secrets, betrayals, danger, passion and love' that will take the reader into the next series of  'Sons of Scotland.' 

Put It in Ink By: Danyelle Scroggins

Book Description....

"Nikiya Barnett is no spring chicken and she is too smart, too independent, and too wise to see the truth and ignore it. With every ounce of strength she has, she lets go of the only man she thinks she'll ever love. Just when she is convinced that moving forward, means moving into the arms of someone new, God intervenes and the real truth emerges. Raja Abrams lost the love of his life, and all because of a one night adventure with the woman who is now his wife. As he builds his future, a key business decision to let God in his business, opens the door for not only prosperity but also problems and possibilities. Sappora Ink is only doing what she is called to do when she leaves her job and becomes the host of blog talk show Real Folks, Real Truths. Never in a million years would she have ever imagined God to do the exceedingly and abundantly and all because of obedience. Will her talk show be in the middle of a huge scandal or will it expose secrets that need to be exposed?"

Title:  Put It In Ink
Author:  Danyelle Scroggins
Publisher:  Divinely Sown Publishing
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Put It in Ink" by Danyelle Scroggins

My Thoughts....

What a wonderful amazing read that you might even find yourself praying and even praising God as you read through this beautiful well written novel 'Put It in Ink.' Yes, this is a beautifully written Christian fiction read.  This author really know how to keep the readers attention turning the pages to see what is coming next.  I loved how the 'love, betrayal, lust, greed, heartache, revenge and woven relationships' that was all brought into this story and coming out with such powerful scriptures that would help all that wanted it in there lives there in Shreveport.  The characters presented in this novel from Nikiya, Raja, Monica, Marcus, Sappora,  Delena, Patrick, Michelle, Jerome, Leslie, Pastor Strong to name a few and some of their friendships were all so well developed, portrayed and oh so believable giving the reader one good read with this story that mainly started because of a beauty shop owner. My favorite part o the read was learning about 'Sappora Ink blog talk radio show- Real Folks, Real Truth.' Now that was something that was really interesting in this read that really brought in what was so needed for so many.  Thank you to the author for sharing such a remarkable story with your readers that I would definitely recommend to all.  It was wonderful seeing how one can 'triumph over adversity and how faith can bring one through every situation.'  Thank you to the author for a wonderful good read.

It Hurts Me To Love You 2 by Ms. T. Nicole

Book Description...

"Torn between his love for Paisley and his thirst for revenge, DJ must seek help from someone in his past to find out all he needs to know to make a decision that could possibly ruin his relationship with Paisley.

Paisley's new found attitude is starting to drive Yam crazy, but when she finally stands up to him and makes a life changing choice, a wedge is driven between her and her beloved father. As she struggles with the life that she chose and her love for her father, she finds that her whole life was a lie, and it changes everything for her.

Snake feels that he can't stand behind Yam and his decisions any more. He struggles with his love for his family and the love he has for his woman. He finds that he can no longer live with a promise that he made so many years ago. It's time for him to reveal the truth and face his consequences."

Title:  It Hurts Me To Love You 2

Author:  Ms. T. Nicole

Publisher:  Royalty Publishing House 

Series: # 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"It Hurts Me To Love You 2" by Ms. T. Nicole

My Thoughts...

What a read that will present many secrets that did come out presenting problems especially for Yam Snake and DJ.  Now, how will this cause some deep problems for poor Paisley?  Will DJ be able pull back since Paisley has his heart?  Be ready for plenty of action that will present many twist and turns that will keep you turning the pages to see what will happen next. Since there is more to come of this story we will have to catch part 3 to get the rest of the story.

What I Gain Through His Pain by Nicole Benoit-Roy

Book Description...

"In a society filled with easy Christianity and cheap grace, Nicole Benoit-Roy takes her relationship with Christ to a much deeper level. Since becoming a Christian, she has been learning about her newfound Savior, Jesus Christ. She is an educator who vows to be a student for as long as she lives. The more she learns about the cross of Christ, the more she realizes the importance of it in her life. As she meditates on His suffering, she concludes that His pain is the reason for every blessing in her life. In this book, "What I Gain Through His Pain," she shares her story about the benefit of the cross as she expresses gratefulness for His pain."

Title:  What I Gain Through His Pain
Author:  Nicole Benoit-Roy
Publisher:  Lorekeeper Publishing Services; 1 edition
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"What I Gain Through His Pain" By Nicole Benoit-Roy

My Thoughts.....

What a wonderful testimony this author gives of her life and her relations with Christ.  "What I Gain Through His Pain," author Nicole Benoit-Roy 'shares her story from childhood to the present time 'about the benefit of the cross as she expresses gratefulness for His pain.'

This story will start off with.... where you will only have to read it for yourself to get the complete understanding of "What I Gain Through His Pain."  I am only leaving a few notes that really got my attention.

Invitation     Nicole Benoit-Roy born November 26, 1968 in Leogane, Haiti to Marie Rose Renee and Andreus Benoit

Introduction
     A Clash of cultures     Coming to America from Haiti
     In Retrospect   Education
     My Early Years     Somewhat spoil by her father
     Something Fishy     Voodoo practiced
     Understanding My Dad    The love of a grandmother
     Mom's Influence

Chapter One  "His Pain Guarantees My Future"
     My Origin
     My Existence
     Finding My Purpose   'An actress wannabe'  how will this fit unto her many plans?
     My Destiny  "To know Jesus is to share Jesus"  Amen!

Chapter Two  "His Pain Speaks"

     A Special Announcement to the Church: Revelation Through Prayer
   
Chapter Three  "His Pain Teaches Me That Forgiveness Beats Hatred" *I loved this!*

     What I Gain Through His Pain

Chapter Four  "His Pain Helps Me Endure Loss"
     Why Hanging?
     A Tribute to My Brother:  Jean-Baptiste Darly Benoit, also know as Bobby

Chapter Five  "His Pain Teaches Me to Love under Persecution"  Beautifully told story!
God was there with you!

     The Meeting
     Formidable Task  When it seems like you are alone...our God will step in and be there for us!
     Very Interesting Case  Through it all you will come out of it shining!
     Reverse Effect

Chapter 6  "His Pain Empowers Me to Forgive Self"
   2 Years, 8 Months in PA  I loved that Thank You Note!

Chapter 7  "His Pain Carries Me Through Marital Difficulties"
     Meeting My Husband    A Tuesday afternoon in 1994, the day after Labor Day
     Saved by Grace  Indeed God is so good!
   
Chapter 8   "His Pain Provides Angelic Assistance"
     Stranded in Long Island  Again You were not alone!
     JFK Parking Lot

Chapter 9    "His Pain Saves Me From Presumptuous Faith"
     A Psychiatric Disorder

Chapter 10  "His Pain Restores My Mind from Chaos"
     Shaken From Afar:  The January 12, 2010, Haiti Earthquake  Her Mom and Dad were OK!
     Spiritual Advice for Your Spiritual Needs  This was another one of my favorite parts of the read!
'Share Him in small gestures...do at least one good deed for the people you meet daily.'
'A smile, saying good morning and have a good day, hold a door open for someone and ask somebody how they are doing today.'

Loved that ending.....

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  {Matthew 11:29-30}

References
About the Author...


"Nicole Benoit-Roy is pursuing her doctoral degree in educational leadership at Andrews University.  S'he directs the Children Ministries Department at her church...works as a special education teacher by day, a literature evangelist by night and writes during the wee hours of the night and enjoys reading and playing the piano. Another goal is to become a best selling author to the glory of God."

Endorsement

This was quite a interesting read.  When In first started out I wasn't sure what all it involved but now after reading this authors non fictional Christian Read I can say it was one good read.  There were things that I did ponder about and will think about long after the read.  Would I recommend this read as a good Christian read.... YES!  The best to you and all that you pursue in your life.  I am sure that will God's help you will get there!

 

The Golden Lie by B.M. Hardin

Book Description....

"Have you ever told a lie?

Yaya Ramsey dedicated her life to being a good wife. She loved her husband with everything in her, but everything isn't always enough. She'd thought that she'd married the exception. Needless to say, she'd thought wrong. Her husband, Dakota, isn't the man he portrayed to be and after finding out a few of his heartbreaking secrets, Yaya is forced to come up with a plan.

What do you do when the person that you love the most, no longer loves you back?

You tell a Lie!

Hurt and full of rage, Yaya wants revenge and she becomes apart of a Lie that changes life as she knows it and things for everyone around her will never be the same.
She'd forgotten to consider one little thing...
What if the Lie actually worked?

Twists and turns, sex and deceit, Yaya's world is turned upside down, and she learns a cold, hard truth, that isn't always the easiest to accept and that is: No matter how well you think you know someone, the truth is...you just don't know everything! Even if it's about your husband!"

Title:  The Golden Lie

Author:  B. M. Hardin

Publisher:  Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"The Golden Lie" by B.M. Hardin

My Thoughts...

This is definitely one of those reads that you will not want to put down until the end.  The story will be filled with so many lies that you will simply have to keep up with all of its twist and turns.  I found all of the characters simply off the chart bringing so much to this story that will have you shaking your head and saying wow...I didn't see that one coming.  At the end I was left wondering just who the truthful person was in this read.  There was so much damage that had been done would there be a any room for a healing?  I will only say this author has done it again and that is given the readers another good read.