Before I Fall (Moore Friends) by Celeste Granger

Profile:

"Sanaa Chase, high-powered stock trader, had never been one to settle down, preferring to live life on the edge, committing only to making herself happy. The last few failed relationships scarred Sanaa in such a way that she didn’t even share the depth of her pain with her best friend, although she trusted their friendship implicitly. 
Kingston Wells, timber magnate, and philanthropist was an astute businessman with a generous heart. A chance encounter with Sanaa Chase did more than pique Kingston’s curiosity. He was traditional. Kingston desired to pursue her, to get to know Sanaa, and woo her.
She was resistant. He was convincing. Could Sanaa be swayed?"

Before I Fall is a short story with a happy for now!

Title: Before I Fall
Author: Celeste Granger
Publisher: C.G.
Series: Moore Friends
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Before I Fall" by Celeste Granger

My Rationalization:

This was a sweet teaser of what will be a good read. Sanaa will find out more about herself as it seems that Kingston will be there to help her through it all. I can't wait to read the rest of this story. 

Chosen: A Story of Love (Novella) Kindle Edition by Ms. T. Nicole

Profile:

"Chosen-
Having been selected as the best or most appropriate.
This is a Novella that encompasses the true meaning of the word CHOSEN"

Title: Chosen
Author: Ms. T. Nicole
Publisher: Mentoring Gems
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Chosen" by Ms. T. Nicole

My Rationalization

I found 'Chosen' a very hard read in how Tahini was treated by her mother and cousin. However, Tahini finally had someone and it wasn't just her brother Juston but a Darold. Who was this Darold that took to Tahini after first meeting her and her son? My main thoughts as I read through this story was why in the world was Tahini's mother and cousin be so mean to her? What will happen as Tahini becomes a stronger person and the answer to many of her questions come out? Well, to find out all of these questions and so much more you will have to pick up this novella to see how this author brings out this story of finally giving Tahini the love she so well deserved. 

The Power of the Cookie: This is Why They Call Me SUNSHINE Kindle Edition by Niki Jilvontae

Profile:

"There's power in the cookie. .. That's the motto many live by. That's the exact words that helped band together the pack of bad bitches in this urban series who call themselves The Cookies. Sunshine, Creme, and Honee are those chics and their only mission in life is to break men's banks. Each from different backgrounds with different personalities and problems, the girls will have to put the blueprint of using the power between their legs to the test while maintaining their health and sanity. 
In this book, you will meet Sunshine, the cocky, money hungry, pretty girl with a big mouth, insatiable appetite for attention, and total misconception of what love really is. After finally relinquishing the power of holding the cookie she's quickly hooked and goes on a downward spiral through lies, careless sex, betrayal, and murder. So consumed with making men wonder why they call her Sunshine she wagers it all, one decision at a time. Come on this turbulent ride through the streets of Memphis and Find Out why they call her Sunshine and maybe you'll see if there really is Power in the Cookie!"

Title: The Power of the Cooke: This is Why They Call Me SUNSHINE
Author: Niki Jilvontae
Publisher: N.J.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"The Power of the Cookie: This is Why They Call Me SUNSHINE" By Niki Jilvontae

My Rationalization

What a ride this novel will take you on as you see how the power of the cookie was for [Sklar] Sunshine. I will say the having friends like Creme and Honee was a plus for Sunshine. We see where Sunshine had been taught well by Jelly, Sunshine's older sister who had given Sunshine several rules to always follow: "Go to school, get good grades, stay away from messy hoes, and break these niggas' but when things changed for Sunshine, not for the good, Jelly had rethought a lot of what had been shared with Sunshine. When Jelly tried to get Sunshine to change her way of thinking, this wasn't what she wanted to hear and things certainly didn't go well for her due to her not listening to her sister. Things will definitely 'going in a downward spiral through lies, careless sex, betrayal and murder.' And as you read through this captivating story we will be left wondering at the end who is still alive. Well, you will have to get the rest of the story as Sunshine has been snatched as we are left in a cliffhanger. So, you will have to pick up the next series..."The Power of The Cookie 2: Anything For The Creme!!" I guess we will find out more about where this power of the 'Cookie' will lead Creme. 

Never Moore: (All That & Moore Series Book 5) Kindle Edition by Celeste Granger

Profile:

"He was her best friend. She was the girl of his dreams. 

Charity Moore is on the cusp of becoming the neurosurgeon she has always dreamed of becoming. As a student physician for world renowned Emory University Hospital, Charity demonstrates her intellectual prowess in the classroom and in the operating room. Charity has been plotting her course of becoming a surgeon for as long as she can remember. She plays by the rules, colors within the lines and does what is necessary to make her dreams come true. 

O’Shea Ali, is also a student physician at Emory Hospital. As the son of international industry giants, financial security has never been an issue. For O’Shea, becoming a neurosurgeon isn’t about prestige or financial gain. His desire stems from O’Shea’s passion to charter new medical territory and save lives. O’Shea lives his life passionately without restriction. He fights for what he believes in and is a fierce protector of the one’s he loves. That includes Charity. 

But emerging desire crosses the friendship line, catapulting Charity and O’Shea out of the friendship zone and into dangerous territory. Charity fears their new entanglement is risky and may cost her the very relationship she treasures most. While O’Shea’s unbridled yearnings for Charity become harder to contain, he doesn’t want to lose what they have in pursuit of what he craves."

The All That and Moore series follows each sister in the Moore family as they navigate through the entanglements romance brings. Each book can be enjoyed if read as a standalone or if it’s read in the order of the series.

Title: Never Moore

Author: Celeste Granger
Publisher: C.G.
Series: All That & Moore Series Book 5
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Never Moore" by Celeste Granger

My Rationalization.....

This was another beautiful story of a 'Moore' sister.' What will happen when Charity Moore decides to take a chance with her best friend [O'Shea Ali]? Could there be even more to this 'best friendship?' Truly O'Shea was their for Charity through it all. This is definitely one good captivating sweet romantic read that will keep you turning the pages to see what will be come next for these two as best friends. I love these two how they bantered with each other giving the story some funny lines. I loved how the Moore sisters were there for Charity giving her some good advice. In the end the story comes together so completely giving the reader a good romantic read. 

Lily (A Miss King Novel Book 1) Kindle Edition by Cheryl Robinson

Profile:

"Ten-year-old Lily King and her mother are being forced from their home in 1952 as part of Detroit’s planned “slum clearance.” With nowhere to go, the prospect of losing her home is just part of Lily’s mistrust of almost everyone, including her bed-bound mother—all 627 pounds of her. Young Lily learns quickly to hate washing each and every inch of that enormous body. She’s full of resentment toward her unloving mother and is searching for a way out. 

Two bright spots in Lily’s life are Miss Jackson, a numbers runner who also sells home-cooked dinners, and Miss Jackson’s boyfriend, London “Shorty” Biggs, a self-proclaimed gangster and jazz trombonist with a big heart. While they watch out for Lily, she’s worried that one day they may leave, too, like everyone else who’s been good to her—including her dad.

Spend time with Lily, the first in a series and a decades-long journey of heartbreak, tragedy, and most of all—survival, and get to know how Lily becomes Miss King."

Title: Lily
Author: Cheryl Robinson
Publisher: Rose Colored Books
Series: A Miss King Novel Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Lily" by Cheryl Robinson

My Rationalization...

All I can say about "Lily" is that this is quite a read that will keep your attention until the end. I felt so sorry for all that Lily had to go through in her treatment from someone who was supposed to love and cherish her...but that was not what she got from her mother. I will say Lily's father wasn't too much better but at least he was there for her in the end. Lily seemed to have gotten much comfort from certain people: Miss Jackson, Shorty, and James. It is only too bad they were not around for her in the end. You will just have to read and see how they were there for Lily. I had often wondered why 'Miss King' was the way she was...now from this read one will find out all that this poor person went through during her childhood. Much of the story will simply break your heart with all of the 'heartbreak and tragedy' that happened around Lily in losing someone she loved. I don't want to tell too much of the story but I will say this is quite some read that will only leave you wanting more of how this story will turn out and giving us the true Miss King. 

Women Who Soar Kindle Edition by Paulette Harper (Author), Meiah Shaun (Author), C. Marcy Thomas (Author), Katrina Shaw (Author), Roni Teson (Author), Shurvone Wright (Author), Elaine Gattis (Author)

Profile:

"Women Who Soar is a book collaboration project of women who stepped out on faith, launched their own businesses and released their dreams and purposes into the world. These powerful women have dispelled lies, overcome difficult challenges, refused to take no for an answer and are now soaring and creating the life they deserve. Their stories are moving, revealing, encouraging and empowering. They have resolved to use their testimony to pave the way for other women to soar into their destiny."

Title:  Women Who Soar
Authors:  Paulette Harper (Author), Meiah Shaun (Author), C. Marcy Thomas (Author), Katrina Shaw (Author), Roni Teson (Author), Shurvone Wright (Author), Elaine Gattis (Author)
Publisher:  P. H.                                                                                                   
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review:

"Women Who Soar"  by Paulette Harper (Author), Meiah Shaun (Author), C. Marcy Thomas (Author), Katrina Shaw (Author), Roni Teson (Author), Shurvone Wright (Author), Elaine Gattis (Author)

My Rationalization.....

These seven anthologies from some wonderful authors  give us something to truly think about  whether it is 'depression,  violence, divorce, illness to even death' we will be able to make it.

We have some good stories of each of these authors in their 'past experiences, hurts and pains' and how they make in during their emotional ride.  Through it all each one will make it out of their situation with one scripture..."I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."  

Be ready for some interesting adversity  stories in how they made it out of it all.  

Paulette Harper...  "Soaring Through Adversities....Still I Rise...I loved this poem!  Here is a little bit of it...
I've been beaten, scorned and battered...Still I Rise.  I've been devalued...Still I Rise.  My spirit has been crushed..Still I Rise...My heart is broken...Still I Rise...Oppressed by people...Still I Rise...Homeless... Still I Rise...Faced Death...Still I Rise...Storm, rain, and floods...Still I Rise...In debt, discouraged and broke...Still I Rise....[and there is more]...

Rev. Dr. Elaine Gattis, DMin... Soaring into Purpose...presents a beautiful story of how she learned .... 'Through her journey, I learned that the Lord, my God, would be with me wherever I go.  Now, I know and now, I soar!"

Katrina Shaw... Unshakable Faith  From Surviving to Thriving...a survivor of breast cancer...having to watch everything I eat.  Watching her stress levels...losing a parent wasn't easy.  Then losing her job leaving her with a lots of mixed emotions....but being lead on the scripture..."Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean on your own understanding, in all your way acknowledge him and he will direct your paths." Opportunities came for Katrina and her stories continues.  "It's blessed to be a blessing!"

Roni J. Teson...My Life Reboot...what was her future?  "For three months, I walked around with a lump in my breast and did nothing about it."  Now Chemo...  forced into disability, now back to writing.  Her Stage 4 cancer goes into remission with more trails coming...where she survived cancer but her relationship didn't.   Good and bad news...Will she be able to deal with it?  Another surgery needed!  Would she survive "from two cancers, a career collapse, and a broken heart...all within a twelve month period?"
What is left for Roni?

March Thomas...Tears For My Sister...Christine.  This was a abusive relationship stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat in this Domestic Violence read.

Shurvone Wright...Flying About The Storm...Confidence Without Regret...Soaring...Never Give Up on Anything where she 'decided not to let her fears hold her back and fly above the storm.'
"Forgive yourself for past mistakes, know that failing is not the end, but a lesson  to better your tomorrow."

Meiah Shaun...A Crown Of Beauty...The Key to Forgiveness...'Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.'  Reject Fear...Receive Your Healing...Prophecies...Beauty for Ashes...
The Oil of Joy and No More Sorrow...Wear Your Garment of Praise...Soar in My Army...Declarations..."The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?"...

These are seven beautifully written anthologies of Faith that will definitely give one much thought long after the read.  Thank you for your words that can only give a reader much hope through your 'scriptures, stories, poems and much direction through prayer as we listen and wait on God.'

12 Day's In December By: Roy Glenn

Profile:

"In Hostile Takeover and Changed Man, Mike Black returned to his past to tell you more of the story that you only thought you knew. That story continues in 12 Days in December. 
December is Black and Bobby's birthday month, they’ve been celebrating with Wanda since Thanksgiving and the celebration won’t end until well after New Year’s. It was also the first December following the tragic death of their friend Vickie Payne and each of the three deals with it in their own way.
In spite of that, they were hunting for Gun because he tried to kill them, looking for O, so Black could kill him and Simon Parrish owed them a hundred thousand dollars, so they were hunting for him too.
With an expanding business to run, the police coming for him from all sides, and enemies that need to be dealt with, the not so changed man deals with it all the Vicious Black way."

Title: 12 Day's In December
Author: Roy Glenn
Publisher: Escapism Entertainment
Series: The Viscous Black Years Book 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"12 Days In December" by Roy Glenn

My Rationalization.....

This was another captivating saga that will only leave the reader wanting more. We will have not only Mike Black but Bobby and Wanda in this story of the '12 Days in December.' We have two birthdays that are being celebrated by Black and Bobby in December that doesn't end until 'well after New Year's.' What was somewhat sad about this period of time was that this was 'the first December following the tragic death of their friend Vickie Payne. How will the three be able to deal with this? How will these two [Mike & Bobby] as there will be 'plenty of sex, women, drugs, and alcohol as they expand their business taking on new challenges and enemies.' I enjoyed reading how these three [Mike, Bobby & Wanda] got started in this 'family business' and how important of Detective Kirkland who was set on his intent to only bring Mike Black down. In the read be prepared to get a bit of not only 'personal, and business relationship of these three but to even the transformation of the new Mr. Mike Black.' The ending only leaves the reader wanting the next series.