All About Her Thighs (The Claire MacDougal Series Book 1) Kindle Edition by Lola Beverly Hills

Profile:

"Nineteen-year-old Claire MacDougal prides herself on being sexy, independent, and noncommittal. She shows off what her mother gave her in a scantily clad uniform, getting big tips at the restaurant where she works. Then, she encounters an old classmate with educational ambitions who invites her to his church, and she finds herself falling for him despite the fact that they come from two different worlds. Stuart Jacobs had always had feelings for Claire in high school, but never pursued her because his extracurricular activities would not permit him the time to have a relationship…nor was he her ideal. Now his mother is adamant on him meeting and pursuing a relationship with the daughter of a highly esteemed mayoral candidate, but after running into Claire after graduation, he sees it as fate and will stop at nothing to be with her. However, when he finds himself competing with a friend for her attention, she becomes the talk of every concerned mother at Renewal Baptist Church. Meanwhile, Cecelia Faulks, First Lady of Renewal, is dedicating her summer to instilling faith and wisdom into a group of young adults, all while trying to keep the church and her marriage together with a smile. Cecelia sees the bond forming between Claire and Stuart and tries to talk down the bad rumors swirling about her, but when the rumors are confirmed, will it be too late to change for the girl who was all about her thighs?"

Title:  All About Her Thighs
Author:  Lola Beverly Hills
Publisher:  L. B. H.              
Series:  The Claire MacDougal Book 1
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Four
Review:

"All About Her Thighs" by Lola Beverly Hills

My Thoughts....

What a read that will definitely keep your attention will all of the various storylines that are presented.  Be aware that these are a lots of things that happened in the story go on in today's society as well as 'the church.'  We have a little bit of it all from a waitress whose family don't care about her, church mom wanting her son to date a particular type of girl, sexual abuse, adultery premarital sex, love story, cheating preacher not only with the single ladies but turns out to have been a pedophile. Be prepared for many surprises and twist and turns in this story.  

I enjoyed how this author gives the reader quite a spectrum of what can happen to the good and the worst of what can happen with church folk.  I found the characters for the most part well developed, believable and even repairable where the story 'teaches faith based principles as well as dealing with real life issues.'

I Liked you Better, Though: Part two of I Liked you Better When I Didn't Like You (REFLECTION COLLECTION Book 2) Kindle Edition by JHORDYNN (

Profile:

"Everything is perfectly aligned in Desiree’s life. Bitterness, hatred, and anger have all been evicted; she finally accepts that she will never be enough for her mom. Desiree has a successful medical career, on the brink of becoming an author, and is newly engaged to Kentarion. Nothing is wrong… except that her ex Craig is now newly divorced. Desiree's and Craig's desires for each other are palpable. Craig lies awake wondering if she still wants him. Desiree's temperature rises at the thought of confirming his feelings for her. They’ve agreed to be just friends, but time and yearnings reveal that that is an impossible task. After Desiree restores the love between Craig and his mom, Craig has no choice but to do the unthinkable... Will Desiree leave the past in the past? Does “EX” boyfriend mean an Example of what she doesn’t need? Or does it mean the Exception to the rule?"

Title:  I Like You Better, Though:  Part 2 of I liked you Better When I Didn't Like You
Author:  Jhordynn
Publisher:  Jhordynn                       
Series:  Reflections Collection Book 2
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"I Liked you Better, Though: Part two of I Liked you Better When I Didn't Like You (REFLECTION COLLECTION Book 2)"  by JHORDYNN 

My Thoughts....

I found this story a interesting read that connected so well with part one of this read. I would definitely suggest you read part 1 before starting on this novel so you don't miss what all has gone on earlier.  This story is definitely one of lots of emotions from 'bitterness, hatred and anger.'  Even with all of this one may still get a laugh from all that goes on in this well written story.  The characters were all very well developed and so  believable giving one a lot to ponder over long after the read. Many questions will be answered as we find out  'will Desiree leave the past in the past? Will Desiree finally get her HEA and if so who will this luck person be? To find out this and so much more you will have to pick up this 'part 2' to see how this author brings it out to the reader.  The author really knows how to give the reader a very interesting read that will keep you turning the pages to the end.      

Arise From The Ashes, Paulette Harper

Profile:  

"Arise from the Ashes, are stories of hope from women from all walks of life. These women who have gone through the fire, walked in places that others dare not tread, but women who are not ashamed of their scars and willing to bare it all.
They share their journey of going from trials to triumph and pain to purpose. Arise from the Ashes is filled with inspiration, wisdom and life’s lessons from women who have endured personal pain and have come through empowered, encouraged and victorious."

Title:  Arise From The Ashes
Authors: Paulette Harper, Yolando Cooksey, Donna Moses, Cassietta Jefferson, Angie Jones, Sydney Delatorre and Michelle Mills
Publisher:  Thy Word Publishing 
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Arise From The Ashes" By... Paulette Harper, Yolando Cooksey, Donna Moses, Cassietta Jefferson, Angie Jones, Sydney Delatorre and Michelle Mills 

My Thoughts....

Seven beautifully told anthologies of women who have gone through the fire, walked in places that others dare not tread."

For Paulette Harper in  'Losing to Win"  in how she dealt with it all after her divorce. 

"Divorce was a painfully difficult choice.  However, once the decision was made, I had to make plans for my new future."  How did she begin this process?  Read along and see how this process worked out so well for her.  "Never Let Disappointments in Life Define Your Purpose."

For Yolando Cooksey in 'Unfailing Love' what happens after she gives her life truly to God? Definitely trying to 'distract myself with drugs, alcohol and men...too many men' was not the way to go in life.  What happens when Yolando makes a change in her life?  

For Donna Moses in 'Unexpected Life's Transitions' ...Will God deliver her god sister in this battle of sickness? What happens when it seems like everything changes where a bereavement class on death helps?  What happened while  attending church was brought back in her life by rekindling her relationship with the Lord?  

For Cassietta Jefferson in "Not Forgotten: After The Storm" What will happens after a ectopic pregnancy ruptured?   How was this lucky for her to have happened?  After some time would there be another 'second dilationa and curettage? ' Why was I so angry with my husband and myself?  After another pregnancy...was this to be?  What will happen as she began to forgive herself and forms a new relationship with God in learning there is life after miscarriage and peace after the storm?

For Angie Jones in "God Sees What We Cannot See" After surgery [hysterectomy] when thinking all was well only to see I was finally back at the emergency room due to illness 'masses on her pancreas and liver' that needed to be checked out.  So, what was happening to her?  Was it cancer? Why was this happening to Angie?  What lessons came from all of this situation was truly their for Angie?   

For Sydney Delatorre in "Hope Exists"   A story "an account of how pain hardened my heart against my heavenly Father and the destructive path I chose before returning home to Him." For there exist  Hope through his son Jesus."  

For Michelle Mills in "Back Down Memory Lane" with her mother was dealing with 'the unpredictable and dreadful diseases:  Dementia, Congestive Heart Failure and COPD.  How will this change lives around her with the mom being so strong willed and stubbornly set in her ways?" What will happen as life goes on with Michelle's mom and her daughter?  Since Plan A didn't work would Plan B work with full blown dementia.   Then on to a residential home and not worry so much by the what ifs...now she [Lillie Mae Christopher] is safe even though her mom doesn't know her. What a story! 

Wow, is all I can say because these were some wonderfully told inspirational anthologies that will definitely give the reader much for thought long after the read.  "Rise from the Ashes is filled with inspiration, wisdom and life’s lessons from women who have endured personal pain and have come through empowered, encouraged and victorious" that I would definitely recommend to all as a good read!

WOMBMATES Kindle Edition by JHORDYNN

Profile:

"Twin brothers Kilgore and Corrigan have shared everything their entire lives: rooms, beds, cars, food, jokes... Unbeknownst to Kilgore, the one thing that he has kept to himself, Corrigan is tending to-- Kilgore's ex wife. In the blink of an eye, the twin brothers transform from best friends into faithful enemies. When one brother takes revenge too far, their bond is fixated at the point of no return."

Title:  Wombmates
Author:  Jhordynn
Publisher: Jhordynn
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Wombmates" by Jhordynn

My Thoughts....

What a beautiful written story that can leave you in tears.  This was a story with a bond between the two brothers [Kilgore and Corrigan] that had been broken for a while but by the end it was good to see that this 'irreplaceable bond between the brothers' was  back. What a mess the story endured in that it seems that they really tired to share everything!  The story had quite a lots going on with the characters having to deal with marriages, divorce, family issues, spiritual guidance, health issues and death that had plenty of emotional drama all over the place. With all of that being said by the end this author presents to us a a good story that will give one provoking intriguing thoughts long after the read.  

The Underground Railroad Brides Collection 9 Couples Navigate the Road to Freedom Before the Civil War by Barbara Tifft Blakey, Ramona K. Cecil, Lynn A. Coleman, Cecelia Dowdy, Patty Smith Hall, Terri J. Haynes, Debby Lee, Darlene Panzera, Penny Zeller

Profile:

"Join the journey as nine couples employ daring resourcefulness that leads them along the Underground Railroad in search of freedom and justice for all."

Love Guides Hearts Along the Road to Freedom
 
Nine historical couples walk the road to love even as they dare to escape and help others break free from the injustices of slavery between 1849 and 1860. From Southern states of Georgia and South Carolina to above the Mason-Dixon Line in Indiana and Pennsylvania, they work within the network known as the Underground Railroad.
 
Emma Underground by Barbara Tifft Blakey
Follow the Christmas Star by Ramona K. Cecil
Under the Sails of Love by Lynn A. Coleman
The Bakery Bride by Cecelia Dowdy
Place of Refuge by Patty Smith Hall
Free to Love by Terri J. Haynes
The Winter Quilt by Debby Lee
The Song of Hearts Set Free by Darlene Panzera
Freedom’s Flight by Penny Zeller
 
There is hope for the future when people come together to fight evil, and when men and women find love in the midst of great challenges. And through it all, faith is the key to victory in these stories from nine inspiring Christian authors.
 
Emma Underground by Barbara Tifft Blakey 
Schenectady, New York—1851
Emma Trebor desires to reconcile with her husband, but he is hiding something from her. How could she know the investigator she hires is secretly a bounty hunter and her husband is his target?
 
Follow the Christmas Star by Ramona K. Cecil
Madison, Indiana—1850
Deeply involved in the abolitionist movement, Edith Applegate struggles to reconcile her desire to help bring people out of bondage and her growing affection for a former Southern slave owner.
 
Under the Sails of Love by Lynn A. Coleman
Savannah, Georgia—1860
Charlotte Kimbrel, a Southern Belle, has been smuggling slaves. Captain Zachery Browne’s ship sails slaves to freedom. Hostilities between the states are developing. Will Charlotte successfully travel the Underground Railroad by sea?
 
The Bakery Bride by Cecelia Dowdy
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—1859
Grieving over her beau’s unjustified death, Ruth—a recently manumitted slave who is illiterate—assists her upper-class boss as an abolitionist. Can she heal from the pain of slavery and learn to love again?
 
Place of Refuge by Patty Smith Hall
Abbeville, South Carolina—1857
Underground conductor Hudson Wallace is surprised when Jorgine Emerson asks him to transport her slaves to freedom, but is it a trap? Can Jorgine’s deep conviction win Hudson over?
 
Free to Love by Terri J. Haynes
East Towson, Maryland—1850
Winnie is hiding a secret—Hiram, a fugitive. Their lives cross at an Underground Railroad station. Can they overcome danger and find freedom in love?
 
The Winter Quilt by Debby Lee
Newport, Indiana—1840
Relocated to an unfamiliar town, Coral Martin yearns for stability. Carpenter Josiah Williamson helps her find meaning working on the Underground Railroad. Will their love survive when forces threaten to tear them apart forever? 
 
The Song of Hearts Set Free by Darlene Panzera
Jersey City, New Jersey—1851
Budding abolitionist, Annie Morrison, discovers the man she’s fallen in love with may be a slave catcher in disguise.
 
Freedom’s Flight by Penny Zeller
Tennessee—1850s
When she discovers the handsome Reverend Matthias Sorenson assisting runaway slaves, can Annalise Van Houten convince him to allow her to help? Or will mistrust prove fatal for all involved?"

Title:  The Underground Railroad Brides Collection 9 Couples Navigate the Road to Freedom Before the Civil War
Authors:  Barbara Tifft Blakey, Ramona K. Cecil, Lynn A. Coleman, Cecelia Dowdy, Patty Smith Hall, Terri J. Haynes, Debby Lee, Darlene Panzera, Penny Zeller 
Publisher:   Barbour Books                                
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

" The Underground Railroad Brides Collection 9 Couples Navigate the Road to Freedom Before the Civil War"   By Authors:   Barbara Tifft Blakey, Ramona K. Cecil, Lynn A. Coleman, Cecelia Dowdy, Patty Smith Hall, Terri J. Haynes, Debby Lee, Darlene Panzera, Penny Zeller 

My Thoughts.....

"Nine historical couples walk the road to love even as they dare to escape and help others break free from the injustices of slavery between 1849 and 1860. From Southern states of Georgia and South Carolina to above the Mason-Dixon Line in Indiana and Pennsylvania, they work within the network known as the Underground Railroad."
 
Emma Underground by Barbara Tifft Blakey  
A beautiful love story as a wife who wants to reconciles with her husband.What had happened up to this point to caused this situation for Emma and Paul?

Follow the Christmas Star by Ramona K. Cecil
How will  'Edith Applegate struggles to reconcile her desire to help bring people out of bondage and her growing affection for a former Southern slave owner' all turn out for her in the end? 

Under the Sails of Love by Lynn A. Coleman
What happens when Charlotte Kimbrel finds herself  traveling the Underground Railroad by sea on Captain Zachery Browne’s ship?

The Bakery Bride by Cecelia Dowdy
Will Ruth be able to get over her grieving for Thomas?  Will she accept a new love as she heals from the pain of slavery and learn to love again? 

Place of Refuge by Patty Smith Hall
What will happen when Hudson Wallace is asked by Jorgine Emerson to help her transport her slaves to freedom?  

Free to Love by Terri J. Haynes
What happens as Winnie starts having feeling for the Hiram, who was a fugitive as their lives cross at an Underground Railroad station?   Will  they be able to  overcome danger and find freedom in love?

The Winter Quilt by Debby Lee
What happens when Coral Martin after moving with her parents will want to help Josiah Williamson with the working of the Underground Railroad movement?  

The Song of Hearts Set Free by Darlene Panzera 
Will Annie Morrison, discovers the man she’s fallen in love with may be a slave catcher in disguise?

Freedom’s Flight by Penny Zeller
Why did the Reverend Matthias Sorenson who assisted in runaway slaves need assurance that Annalise Van Houten is to be trusted?  

Now to get all of these questions and so much more answered you will have to pick up this  Barbour novella collections of  'The Underground Railroad Brides' to get all of the answers.  

I found each of these stories so very well written even though some of the reads for me were somewhat painful in all that its particular story was about.  It was very hard reading the lengths both the slaves [runner] and conductors went through in helping these slaves get their freedom.  I will also say I did learn a lot from the read especially in finding out how important Canada was the freed slave.  Overall I will say this was a pleasant read.   I would have liked to have known a little more about the  research accuracy  for each of these historical reads. However, one can tell from the reads that these authors really put in a lots of work in bringing all of this out to the reader in all of the reads having a HEA. So, we are given some history along with some clean sweet faith filled romances[love story] that will keep your interest turning the pages to see what will be coming next.  

Blaque Orchid: Sometimes Your Environment Can Determine Your Future Kindle Edition by Niki Jilvontae (Author)

Profile:

"The environment in which a person lives in can often determine the path they take. This is true for many people growing up in urban ghettos around the world. It's proved itself true for the four very different but similar young ladies in this story as well. Each of them, facing their own demons at home find themselves in life or death situations that lead to life changing decisions.
Meet Blaque Daniels the 17-year-old, nonchalant math whiz with a fetish for knives and an abusive daddy who will go to any lengths to break her down.
And Frankie "Fe Fe" Donnovan a 19-year-old, pre-op transexual with a smart mouth, the body and face of a goddess, and hands like a prized fighter.
Next there's Rose St. Clair, a 18-year-old black, white, and Irish mixed quiet girl with a natural nac for computers and the mind of a business woman.
Finally there's Trouble Walker the oldest of the bunch, a 20-year-old bad ass who fears nothing, is loyal to a fault and is a natural leader. She doesn't care about anything but money, power, and respect.
All of these girls live in the same neighborhood but really have no ties to each other besides their struggles. When the volitile situations in all of their lives erupt at one time, the girls find themselves in jail on murder chargers and are given a choice. Do life in prison or channel all of the bad attributes their environment has given them and become paid killers. Come on this turbulent thrill ride through the eyes of each girl and find out which path they choose and whether or not your environment can truly influence your future!"

Title:  Blaque Orchid

Author:  Niki Jilvontae

Publisher:  True Glory Publications           

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Blaque Orchid" by Niki Jilvontae

My Thoughts...


This was quite a read for me in being a true urban fiction read...so be ready!   It seems like every one  of the main characters from Blaque, Frankie [FeFe], Rose to Trouble were all over their head in some kind of trouble and they sought to take care of it in one way or another.  It was quite a read how at the end how each of the stories seemed to connect with all of the suspense that came from each individual challenges and hardships. The ending was quite different in that it ended in a cliffhanger leaving you having to pick up part 2 to see was was coming next of these four people.  I am sure more answers to many of my questions will come out because I was really wondering what in the world was going to happen with and to  these four people as one can see from the read each one has quite a hard road ahead of them in their present situation.    

An Alpha's Captive: A Brandt Wolf Pack By: Amarie Avant and Deanna Richmond

Profile:

"It’s been six months since Gerard Brandt lost his brother in a tragic accident. Gerard left home, years ago, after relinquishing his title as Alpha due to personal demons. He’s looking into the spike of deaths and deceit in his small town but in the center of it all is the dangerous and alluring Teegan Dean. He’ll do anything to keep her safe.
Teegan guards dark secrets and doesn’t believe she’s worthy of Gerard’s protection. While one wolf wants to save her another ruthless Alpha, Kano Hok’ee, has laid claim to her.
For centuries these two clans have been enemies; the Brandt’s - known for their unscrupulous manipulation and the Hok’ees - notorious for murder, lies and deception. Now a power struggle has finally erupted. As past secrets come to haunt the town of Silverton, the Heads of each clan must meet in order to cease this impending war.
Teegan is the key to one pack's destruction, as she is, strength to the other.

Title: An Alpha's Captive
Authors: Amarie Avant & Deanna Richmond
Publisher: A.A & D.R.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"An Alpha's Captive: A Brandt Wolf Pack" By Amarie Avant & Deanna Richmond

My Thoughts....

I love this story! It was quite interesting how this author brings these two [Gerard Brandt and Teegan Dean] together. With Gerard having lost his brother [Gabriel] in a 'tragic accident' we find that Gerard had left home and also giving up his title as a Alpha who was a blood descended from Germany and a prominent line of lycanthropes. Why had he left Silverton, Oregon? Now Gerard is back home in Silverton and their he meets the 'the alluring Teegan Dean.' What was it about her that he felt he needed to keep her safe? What dark secrets did Teegan have that she felt so 'unworthy of Gerald's protection?'

We find from the read that two clans 'the Brandt's known for their unscrupulous manipulation and the Hok'ees know or their notorious murders, lies and deception' had been enemies for centuries. Why was this? What will happen as 'the Heads of each clan meet in order to cease a impending war?'

How is it that Teegan Dean will be the 'key to one pack's destruction and is also the strength to the other?' Will Teegan be able to except her life as it is now that she is with Brandt? Will Brandt be able to prove to Teegan that she is a good person in spite of what all she had been through and that she is worthy of his protection?

There will be a lots going on in this well written paranormal story that these authors give the readers. Be ready for some very well developed and defined characters in this read from Gerard, Teegan, along with Sylvia, Odessa, Mato, Hanna, Eddie, Adrian, Tony, Kano, Remy, Damien, Phillip, Celia, Melinda, Brianna, Adrian, Donald, Dr. Weinstein, Eleonora, Vincent Brandt, Sheriff, James, Rhonda, Juanita Cross, Xavier Walter, Seke, Costantino Dioli, Dassan, Liliana, Ms, Everly, Ward, Rebel, Landon, Kilian, Rendal, Phillip and I am sure I have missed someone. However, all of these characters were well played and so very believable in one way or another giving this read of werewolf's, shapeshifters, witches and sorceress such a captivating and entertaining read that will keep your attention as you are turning the pages for more.

To get all of the answers you will have to pick up "An Alpha's Captive" to find out to the above questions and so much more... like in the end will these two Gerard and Teegan get their HEA? As I said earlier I loved this paranormal romantic story and the book cover is beautiful!