Colors of Christmas Two Contemporary Stories Celebrate the Hope of Christmas by Olivia Newport

Book Description...

"Celebrate the joyful hope of the Christmas season as characters find healing in the midst of heartbreak.
New from Olivia Newport!

Christmas in Blue
In the wake of a personal loss deeper than anyone realizes, Angela plans to bypass as much of the season as possible and get through her duties as the church organist by going on autopilot. Instead, she finds herself in charge of the town’s celebration. After a mysterious young man arrives, townspeople suspect he is the reason that one set of plans after another disintegrate until little is left of their traditions. Yet Angela warms to Gabe because she suspects they share a secret—his real reason for coming to town. Even when all they have to work with is a garish supply of blue Christmas decorations, Gabe helps Angela discover the hidden beauty of hope.

Christmas in Gold
After eighty years, change is nothing new for Astrid. By the time she was twenty, she survived the destructive Nazi regime, caring for her family under brutal circumstances, moving to America, and losing her husband. At forty she was widowed again and left to build a new life with her children. Now, when she faces a move into an assisted living community and meets a young woman on the brink of despair, she resolves to stir up hope through tragedy one more time."

Title:  Colors of Christmas

Author:  Olivia Newport

Publisher:  Barbour Publishing, Inc.    

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Colors of Christmas" Two Contemporary Stories Celebrate The Hope of Christmas By Olivia Newport

My Thoughts....

Two Contemporary Stories Celebrate The Hope of Christmas:

Christmas in Gold
What a story that had me in tears...What will happen when a older woman [Astrid] falls and breaks her ankle.  Then her family wants to put her in an assistant living facility.  Wow, what  a family!  You will just have to pick this one up to see how it will all come out as she meets a Physical Therapist named Carly.

Then next we have....

Christmas in Blue
This was such a wonderful contemporary heartwarming story of 'love, loss and the beauty of family and friends.'  What will happen as a mysterious stranger [Gabe]  appears in town to help Angela.  How will this take a turn and instead of dread there will be 'joy and tenderness in Angela's heart' for this holiday.

Both of these stories are well written and will contain a message that is only for the reader to receive. I found these stories tender, so endearing and hopefully one hearts will be lifted for this Christmas holiday season from the read.  I was left to be reminded to be 'thankful and never take anything for granted.' 

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Lonestar's Lady By: Deborah Camp

Book Description....

"Lonestar. His name fit him perfectly. It fed every fantasy that Gussie Horton had conjured about Indians and forbidden love. His neighbors whispered that he was a murdering half-breed, which was true. But Gussie believed in second chances, and more importantly, her heart told her to believe in Max Lonestar. Was she a fool to hitch her wagon to his star? Would he be her one true love or her final downfall?"

Title:  Lonestar's Lady
Author:  Deborah Camp
Publisher:  D. C.
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Lonestar's Lady" by Deborah Camp

My Thoughts...

This was quite a endearing story that will help your interest turning the pages to see what was going on with Gussie Horton who had found herself in a horrible situation.  No what was that? Well, it seems like a [Bob Babbitt] was not been there to receive her in Ft Smith and now she has make her way to Pear Orchard, Arkansas to learn he [Babbitt] was was in the Van Buren jail for disorderly conduct where he had  "Drank too much and tore up a saloon."  What was somewhat interesting about this whole situation was that Gussie was a 'mail-order letter bride' who hadn't formally met only having a agreement to this marriage.  Now, what will Gussie do?  Well, she gets help from the
a sweet family the Karlsson's...Susan...her husband Erick and her half brother Max Lonestar.  What proposal will be made to Gussie from Max that she will not be able to refuse?  The author will present the reader will one interesting story of just how hard it was for Max and Gussie especially since he was a 'half-breed.' It was intriguing to see how this town treated Max and how it took Gussie to bring it out up front and center to how these town people really were a group of very self righteous people. It seems like when all was going well for these two something would always seem to happen.  Why and who were those particular people?  Now to fully understand this well written read you will have to pick up "Lonestar's Lady' to see for yourself how well this story whole situation is all brought out.  I did have a few questions in how the ending ended but I was able to live with my thoughts on how I hoped it would all did come out in the end.  One will definitely want these two Gussie and Lonestar to have that HEA because they indeed deserved it. Would I recommend "Lonestar's Lady?'  YES!

Undone by Deceit by Falon Gold

Book Description...

"Split decisions and daring anyone to challenge the path he took made Chance Middleton a successful architect. The reason for one of his decisions made when he was just a boy was a mystery that Mahogany Jefferson could never solve. However, he had no way of knowing that his fierce determination would become a fatal flaw, turn his closely guarded secret into a breeding ground for deceit, and push Mahogany’s love for him to a breaking point. 

Chance wasn’t surprised when it snapped completely or when she packed her bags. He let her go, well aware that she can be counted on for two things: doing what she thought was right and bouncing back when things went sideways. Her troubled past and heartbreaking present unbeknownst to him demanded she be tough, but a recent tragedy just may break her. Her belongings weren’t all she took with her when she left.

Thinking she was doing the right thing for everyone, now she had a secret of her own and it was always only a matter of time before things went left. That was the story of Mahogany’s life and to right things again, she had only one option: call on Chance, which required her to reveal an accident that elevated many lives to a level he never wanted to exist on. His reaction might just be incendiary, but the mystery of Chance will be unraveled at last.

No one will be exempt from heartache, heartbreak, and being let down. Love will be tested. Lines will be crossed. Lives will be endangered. Blood will be spilled. Everyone will learn what they're truly made of. Happily-ever-afters will. Be. Fought. For." 

*No cliffhanger.

Title:  Undone by Deceit

Author:  Falon Gold

Publisher:  Imperial Publishing House

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Undone by Deceit" by Falon Gold

My Thoughts...

This was quite a lovey story involving Mahogany. Majesty and Chance along with some other very interesting characters that will keep you turning the pages from the beginning to the end to see what was coming next.  You will find a lots of hilarious moments that will have you laughing out loud. It is so interesting to see these two [Mahogany & Chance] go back and forth until finally they seem to get it.  Be ready for a lots of drama, secrets and family issues that will keep coming until they get the message that they love each other no matter what all the reasons that had happened.  In the end will Mahogany and Chance get their HEA?  Well to see how well this author brings it all out to the reader you will have to pick up this well written story and see how well this it was delivered. I loved the ending!  

Charm School Night Play: Lesson 3 by Lynn Carmer

Book Description....

"She wants a sizzling fling…

Athena Calvo is as tough as nails.
She’s also newly divorced and emotionally vulnerable. To get herself back out on the dating scene, she volunteers to teach the next charm school class: Sensation Play. She immerses herself in blindfolds, silk scarves, wax play, and more! She knows Tommy Lagos wants to help her with hands-on research, but she’s looking for a short term commitment. There’s just one problem.

He wants forever…

Tommy Lagos never takes life too seriously.
He is a beast in the ring and between the sheets. His shredded muscles and wicked charm have taken him far, but behind his cocky grin lives ambition, fire, and a drive to fight for everything that matters—especially Athena. He knows he can seduce her into giving him more than a few days.

He will own her body, one blindfold at a time, but will he be able to seduce her into risking her guarded heart?"

Title:  Charm School Night Play:  Lesson 3

Author:  Lynn Carmer

Publisher: Lynn Carmer        

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Charm School Night Play:  Lesson 3  by Lynn Carmer

My Thoughts.....

I found this novel a very good read where you will find Athena one control person that will find at times  leave you shaking your head.  And then their was Tommy who you may find him him losing his temper at times but when it came to what he wanted he would definitely be found going after it and not taking no for a answer.  I did find several scenes that had me laughing so very hard.  Yes, this was quite a enjoyable read.  I liked the way this author wrote and separated the l's.  I could read it and thoroughly understand the story quite well and even thinking it was uniquely done.
I found most of the characters somewhat complex but still so very interesting that will definitely keep you turning the pages to see what is coming next.

So, will Athena finally get the happiness she so well deserved?  With these two having that sizzling chemistry will they both who have had some many personal problems be able to finally get their HEA?  To find out you will have to pick up "Charm School Night Play:  Lesson 3" to find out.  Would I recommend?  YES!

She Said Yes (Falling For A Rose Book 6) by Stephanie Nicole Norris

Book Description....

"No man enraptured Martha Jean Richards. Not since her scoundrel of a late ex-husband left. Men came with problems, and she didn't believe in happily ever afters. But even Martha Jean’s hard exterior couldn't hold after meeting Christopher Lee Rose, a multimillionaire mogul. 

He was the father of her recently acquired son-in-law, and Christopher wooed Martha Jean every time he entered a room. Now with a change of heart, Martha Jean decides it’s time she marries a gentleman, but there is one person who stands in her way, Adeline Stevens.

Also, newly joined into the Rose family through marriage, Adeline’s spunky no-nonsense attitude affected everyone she met. For years, Adeline had lived by the rule that men could not be trusted. That was until she met Christopher. Baited by his charismatic charm, Adeline aspires to be the woman at the altar when it’s all said and done. And if it’s war that Martha Jean wants, it’s war she will get.

The Falling for a Rose series follows each member of the Rose family as they explore this thing called love. However, each book is just as enjoyable if read as a standalone as it is if read in the series order."

Title:  She Said Yes  'A Holiday Edition'

Author:  Stephanie Nicole Norris

Publisher:  S.N.N.

Series: Falling For A Rose Book 6

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"She Said Yes" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Thoughts.....

What a beautiful series this "Falling For A Rose Book 6...She Said Yes" was that will keep you turning the  pages to see who said Yes!  You will definitely get caught up with this entire family of Roses and let's not leave out the mess that Martha and Adeline presented. It was quite a delight seeing who Christopher Rose finally ending up with after all was said and done. This story definitely ended very enjoyable and now we will be looking forward to the next series that is about another Rose family member..... Phoebe Alexandria Rose and Quentin.   

Soul & Diana 3 by Jade Jones

Book Description....

"Soul and Diana are back for the biggest fight of their lives! Skeletons are reveals and secrets are exposed. The wounds they cause seem incapable of healing, but will these two persevere in spite of it all? After all, finding out your cheating husband had a baby on the side is not that easy to deal with. 

Diana has had her fair share of heartbreaks but she isn't prepared for another one, and she most certainly isn't ready to handle the baggage that comes along with it. When she vowed for better or worse, she had no idea that those very words would be put to the ultimate test. Can she overlook Soul's misdeeds for the sake of their marriage and family? Or will she spiral out of control and wind up in the clutches of an old enemy?

If you enjoyed the first two installments, you'll love this rollicking ride full of romance, secrets, and juicy drama! Hold onto your seat belts! This is gonna be an emotional one!"

Title:  Soul & Diana 3

Author:  Jade Jones

Publisher:  J.J.

Series: # 3

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: 5

Review:

"Soul & Diana 3  by:  Jade Jones

My Thoughts....

This was another good series dealing with Soul & Diana.  All I can say is wow leaving the reading with another cliffhanger that was simply off the chart being so well done wondering what all has happened. All of these characters are well developed and portrayed with one never being disappointed as you continue to turn the page to see what is coming next for these guys as this author knows how to keep our attention.  All that is left to say is be ready for lots of action and drama that seems to be everywhere for the reader of this series. I definitely would recommend you pick up the first two series to fully understand what all has gone on with all of these characters.

Her 13th Husband By B.M. Hardin

Book Description....

"Ivy Raye had more than enough problems, but finding a husband wasn’t one of them. 
With 12 dead husbands in her past, she promised to make her 13th marriage last.
Unfortunately, before she could get used to her new last name, fate started in on her, but this time; it played a different game.

In Ivy’s world, things had always been the same:
First comes Love. Then comes Pain.
Yet, through lies, lust, murder and the unseen.
She finds herself with a familiar problem:
Who wants to kill Husband Thirteen?"

Title:  Her 13th Husband

Author:  B.M. Hardin

Publisher:   Savvily Published LLC   

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Her 13th Husband" by B.M. Hardin

My Thoughts....

If you are looking for a good mystery, thriller and suspenseful read you have come to the right place because this authors novel "Her 13th Husband" was quite a read full of secrets that were simply off the chart being very well done!  I thought that Ivy's 13th husband was something but their was one more that was simply crazy.  With all of the twist and turns you will be kept turning the pages to see what was happening next.  That Mama Kay was simply one not to be messed with as she showed how well she was definitely was a protector and 'sister's keeper.' This is definitely one of those reads that will keep your attention all the way to the very end.  Thank you, thank you to the author for not giving us a cliffhanger!!!  You did a wonderful job in presenting and giving your readers a well written story that worked its all the way through by answering all the questions that needed to be answered in the fantastic read.