Bitter With The Sweet Kindle Edition by Debra Phillips

 Book Excerpt:

"Family drama breaks out between three once-close sisters that have to deal with their ailing mother that ask them to do the "unthinkable."

Title: Bitter With The Sweet

Author: Debra Phillips
Publisher: D.P.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Bitter With The Sweet" by Debra Phillips
My Opinion:

'Bitter With The Sweet' was quite an exciting story of how this family treated each other. Of the three sisters, it only looked like one had any good sense of treating one another. Yes, this was quite a dysfunctional family that will leave one shaking their head and saying, wow! And with them having a sick mother, this gives the reader a complete package for this family. Although it was awful what one sister did to her child and husband, I can say she did receive her karma in the end. For the other sister Pearl, wow is all I have to say about that one. It was good to see one sister finally taking charge of her life and doing what she wanted to do with her writing. Yes, it was about time that the two sisters eventually grew up. At least it seems like Leeray finally got loose from that crazy wife. I am still not sure about that sister at all! I still think she is hanging on by a thread. As for the other sister Pearl, now she has responsibility for a .... all is left is to wish her the best. Glad to see the mom doing better because they will need her prayers for this family.

This author gives a complete story with twists and turns and drama all over the place that will leave the reader saying, wow... now that was some story...'Bitter With The Sweet.'

Courting Mr. Cutthroat (Campy Romances Series Book 3) Kindle Edition by Deborah Camp

 Book Excerpt:

"Deborah Camp penned her third Campy Romance after the success of "Bedding Mr. Birdsong" and "Nailing Mr. Nasty." Now comes "Courting Mr. Cutthroat." Campy Romances are flirty, fun, and feature characters that are so real you'll feel like they're friends of yours. Come meet Cutter and Gemma...

Cutter Forsyth was a hell-raiser in his youth. He's returned to his Georgia hometown as a noted and jaded artist, contracted to create a special sculpture to honor the Cherokee. He was Gemma Summerhill's big crush. When they see each other again, their passionate feelings for each other come rushing back. Cutter, however, has no interest in sticking around, and Gemma has no interest in living anywhere else. He disappeared on her before, and there is every reason to believe he'll do it again. Yet, Gemma also believes that "home" is where loves grows, and her love for Cutter knows no bounds."

Title: Courting Mr. Cutthroat
Author: Deborah Camp
Publisher: D.C.
Series: Campy romances Series Book 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Courting Mr. Cutthroat" by Deborah Camp

My Opinion:

'Courting Mr. Cutthroat' was another excellent series by this author featuring Cutter Forsyth and Gemma Summerhill. Since high school, these two had known each other when Gemma used to Tudor him; also, she had a crush on him. Those were the old days because Cutter had left his Georgia hometown, but now he was back due to the fact he had 'created a special sculpture to honor the Cherokee.' With Cutter having no thoughts of staying in Georgia after this presentation has been made and Gemma's having no interest in living anywhere else, what will happen as there seems to be something going on between these two? Especially with Gemma believing that 'home is where love can grow and with Cutter feeling no bounds for any of it.' What will happen that will change for these two? To find out what all is going on, the reader will have to pick up this good contemporary romance and see where this author takes the reader.

It Starts With A No: The Christmas Entanglement Book 1 (The Anderson Entanglement) Kindle Edition by Trisha Grace

 Book Excerpt:

"Christmas is around the corner. It’s the season of love, joy, and hope.

Not for Clary Fiore—because some people just can’t take no for an answer.

A home invasion made Clary Fiore an orphan, but her benefactor made sure she was looked after and lacked for nothing.

Now, her benefactor has handed her the key to a banking empire. A banking empire that is a complete mess, and one that comes with a long list of enraged customers.

Instantly, she’s on top of the list of most hated people—both inside and outside the bank. Everyone’s questioning her ability to lead and speculating about what she did to get her position. The las
t thing Clary cares about is a billionaire needing an immediate loan.

But of course, billionaire Seth Anderson doesn’t take no for an answer.

Seth hates her benefactor, and by association—Clary. The need for a fast loan, however, triumphs over everything else. They just need to survive a gun-toting lunatic long enough for him to ask her for it.

Love, joy, and hope? Clary will settle for getting through the year without killing anyone.

Seth and Clary are two people on two very different sides. Amid the threats, secrets, and a complicated past, a gun-toting lunatic threatening to end their lives is the least of their worries.

Or is it just the beginning of what is to come?"

Title: It Starts With A No
Author: Trisha Grace
Publisher: T.G.
Series: The Christmas Entanglement Book 1...The Anderson Entanglement
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"It Starts With A No" by Trisha Grace

My Opinion:

"It Starts With A No" was a captivating story with lots of twists and turns, and then, in the end, we are given a cliffhanger. So, I just wanted you to know what to expect in the end. The story had some alluring characters...Clary and Seth, along with some secondary characters that will keep your attention as they interact back and forth, will entertain the audience. The story will give the reader quite a read in how Clary was very well, while the brothers weren't so lucky, having had a lot of trauma in their life due to a certain... I didn't quite understand the thought process of this benefactor. I am sure there will be more about him in future reads. Will the benefactor honor and do as he had promised to Seth? The reader will have to pick up "It Starts With A No" to get more of the story to get this and more. We find as the story continues, there will be threats, suspense, Christian expectations, and some romance involved in the story that will keep one turning the pages to see what is coming next. As we get to the end...well, to get the next part, we will have to get book 2 to see how things will turn out for Clary and Seth, and I guess the rest of his brothers.

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

 Book Excerpt:

"Destined to be a modern classic from “an original and a canonical presence in Irish fiction” (Colm Tóibín), Small Things Like These is Claire Keegan’s landmark new novel, the tale of one man’s courage — and a remarkable portrait of love and family.

It is 1985 in a small Irish town. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Bill Furlong, a coal merchant, and family man, who is father to five girls, faces into his busiest season. Early one morning, while delivering an order to the local convent, Bill makes a discovery that forces him to confront both his past and the complicit silences of a town controlled by the church. 

Already a bestseller in France and certain to be read worldwide for generations to come, Small Things Like These is a deeply affecting and inspiring story of hope, quiet heroism, and empathy from one of our most critically celebrated and iconic writers."

Title: Small Things Like These
Author: Claire Keegan
Publisher: Grove Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Small Things Like These" by Claire Keegan
My Opinion:

"Small Things Like These" is a novella in an Irish town in 1985 where Bill Furlong, faced with 'community pressure,' decides compassion. Be ready for a quick read that showed the depth and humanity of what was going on as Bill rescues Sarah from the convent. This story depicts the heroism of one man that opened the 'hidden sins of the Catholic Church and its parishioners.' This author gives the reader an excellent short story with an uplifting message: making good decisions in the face of adversity, optimism, and humanity showing there are good people even when bad things happen.

Thanks to Netgalley and Grove Press for sharing a digital copy of this book with me in exchange for an honest review.

Signature: Legendary African American Distinctive Signatures Paperback by Rubin Benson/ Bashir

Book Excerpt:

"In the year 1830, the state of North Carolina adopted into law the Act to prevent all persons from teaching slaves to read or write. The teaching of slaves to read or write has a tendency to excite dissatisfaction in the minds of slaves and will produce insurrection and rebellion, to the manifest injury of citizens of this state of North Carolina. Any free person, who shall hereafter teach, or attempt to teach, any slave within the state to read or write or give or sell such slave any books or pamphlets, shall be liable to an indictment in any court of record in this State of North Carolina. And the slave shall be imprisoned; and whipped at the discretion of the court, not exceeding 39 lashes and not less than 20 lashes.

"Act Passed" by the General Assembly of North Carolina at the Session of 1830 (Raleigh:1830). Despite the racism of North Carolina and other united states in America, slaves did learn to read and write. Even though many slaves were not literate, they would sign documents using ascribed "X" in lieu of a signature. The courts permitted this as long as the X-mark was witnessed.

The individual signatures enclosed in this unique presentation are not a critique of their "penmanship." On the contrary, our intention is only to show an individual style of "handwriting" their name. Iconic as these African-Americans are, their signatures reveal a vibrant brand attached to their personality.

Inspired by my grandchildren, I remember how proud they were to show me how they could write their name; this book was created. And like a fingerprint, their signature is their only."

Title: Signature: Legendary African American Distinctive Signatures
Author: Rubin Benson / Bashir
Publisher: BookBuzz.net, First Impressions Design
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Signature" by Rubin Benson/Bashir
My Opinion:

"Legendary African American Distinctive Signatures noun. The Act of signing one's name, or distinctive mark."
We find this author is quite a 'creative director...an avid collector of original African-American fine art and Memorabilia.' What a good job that was done as he 'thirsts to give focus to recognizing and authenticating various African-American signatures.'

This author did an excellent job of collecting through research as many handwritten reproductions of 'Famous Black folks' as possible that took up to three years to complete. What was unique about this process was that this signature 'could be used to equal their own personal fingerprint.

As I was reading through 'Signature,' I found this author's search included 239 signatures. One will have to admit this was a lot of good work that was able to be done. What an exciting story as you read about each of these signatures and the process in which it was all done.

I made a list of some of the signatures that caught my interest:

Starting with Legendary African American Distinctive Signatures... Miles, innovation to the elevator industry

on to Alexander Murry Palmer Haley, American writing and the author of Roots

Althea Gibson, an American tennis player, professional golfer, and the first black athlete to cross the color line of international tennis.

Alvin Childress as Amos and Spencer Williams as Andy [Amos 'n' Andy] first radio comedy series

Andrew Jackson Young Jr... American politician, diplomat, and activist

Angela Evelyn Bassett...American Actress and activist

Arthur Ashe...nade a career out of tennis...won his first U.S. Open in 1968

Barack Hussein Obama... American politician who served as the 44th President of the U.S. 2009-2017

Riley B. King... professional as B.B. King...An American blues singer, electric guitarist, songwriter, and record producer.

Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr. American, the United States Air Force general and Commander of the World War II Tuskegee Airmen

I will stop here and just add the name...that I enjoyed reading about...you will have to pick up this good read and see how well this author presents all of this to the readers.

Bessie Coleman, Beyonce Giselle Knowles-Carter, Eleanora Fagan [Billie Holiday], Cab Calloway, James Charles Evers, Charles Wade Barkley, Cicely Tyson, Colin Luther Powell, Corette Scott King, Deborah Kaye [Debbie Allen],

Denzel Hayes Washington, Diana Ernestine Earle Ross, Diahann Carroll, Dick Gregory, Dorothy Jean Dandridge,

Edward Kennedy 'Duke Ellington, Ethel Waters, Frederick Douglass, George Washington Carver, Halle Maria Berry[born Maria Helle Berry]. Henry Louis Aaron [Hammer or Hammerin Hank], Harry Belafonte, Hattie McDaniel, Herbert Jeffrey 'Herbie' Hancock, Jack Roosevelt Robinson, James Joseph Brown, Shawn Corey Carter [Jay-Z],

Jesse Louis Jackson Sr., James Cleveland [Jesse Owens], Jimi Hendrix, Joseph Louis Barrow [Joe Louis], John William Coltrane [Trane], Josephine Baker, Horace Julian Bond, Kamala Harris Vice President of the United States, first Black person, and Asian to hold this position.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bean Bryant, LeBron Raymone James, Lena Mary Calhoun Horne, Richard Wayne Penniman [Little Richard], Louis Daniel Armstrong [Satchmo, Satch, & Pops], Louis, Farrakhan Sr. [Louis X], Sarah Breedlove [Madam C.J. Walker], Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, Miles Dewey Davis III, Michael Joseph Jackson, Michael Jeffrey Jordan ] M.J.] Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama American lawyer, and writer who served as the First Lady of United States from 2009-2017...married to the 44th U.S. President Barack Obama, and was the first African-American First Lady.

Morgan Freeman, Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. [Muhammad Ali], Nathaniel Adams Coles [Nat King Cole], Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Oprah Winfrey, Sean John Combs [Puff Daddy], Pearl Mae Bailey, Prince Rogers Nelson, Ray Charles Robinson [Ray Charles], Robyn Rihanna Fenty, Rosa Louise McCauley, Samuel George Davis Jr., Samuel Leroy Jackson, Sarah Lois Vaughan, Serena Williams, Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal [Shaq], Shirley Chisholm, Sidney Poitier, Shelton Jackson [Spike], Lincoln Theodore Monroe...Andrew Perry [Stepin Fetchit], Stevland Hardaway Morris [Stevie Wonder], Thurgood Marshall, Eldrick Tont Woods [Tiger Woods], Tupac Amaru Shakur [Tupac], Venus Ebony Starr Williams, William Edward Burghardt ['W.E.B.' Du Bois], Whitney Elizabeth Houston, Willard Carroll Smith Jr., Winnie Madikizela-Mandela [Winnie Mandela], and Wynton Learson Marsalis.

As you read through 'Signature,' you get a short bibliography of their story...including a photo and their signature. The author did a fantastic job with his novel that I would highly recommend.

I didn't get everyone put into my review of this inspiring and motivational read, so you will have to grab a copy of what excellent work this author did in putting together all of this great information for the reader to take in and doing this for his grandchildren and letting them know the importance of one's signatures. One can only imagine what it was like for our slave ancestors to be denied the privilege of reading and writing. I can only imagine how hard this would be for me because I enjoy reading and reviewing what I read.

I would definitely recommend this read...the bibliography, photos, and signatures are really something to cherish.

Things I Never Told Kindle Edition by Debra Phillips

 Book Excerpt:

"THINGS I NEVER TOLD

After surviving a brutal attack on New Year's Eve, Perchelle Prentice wants to push the horrible incident to the farthest corner of her mind. Too embarrassed to come clean, telling anyone would only expose how unaware and foolish she had been that fateful night. Things look like they are going well until Chelle discovers that Torrie, her best friend, has a secret boyfriend. Once Perchelle finally meets him, she realizes that he has an eerie resemblance to the man that assaulted her. The situation snowballs into a dangerous nightmare when the new boyfriend realizes who she is and begins to stalk both women."

Title: Things I Never Told
Author: Debra Phillips
Publisher: D.P.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Things I Never Told" by Debra Phillips

My Opinion:
After reading 'Things I Never Told,' I was left thinking by the end of this story...only if it had been told maybe a lot of things wouldn't have gone array the way, things ended up for Perchelle, Torrie, and baby Casmere. The story was sad and started with Perchelle Prentice on New Year's Eve, where some horrible happened. For some reason, Perchelle [Chelle as she was also called] didn't tell a soul this secret, and it seems her life went down from there. Also, it seemed like Chelle was one for holding on to secrets...not only from her brother who had his own secret but her best friend, Torrie, who also carried secrets too. With both of these ladies having a secret that only if they had shared would their life have gone somewhat better and in a different direction than it did? It was so hard to believe that both of the girls who were best of a friend didn't want to share something that would have changed their lives completely...oh well, I guess that is the way life can be. It brought tears to my eyes as I kept reading and hoping things would change by the end.

Now, I will stop here and say this is an excellent read to pick up and see how well this author brings it out to the reader. The story gives the reader something essential to realize long after reading why it was so important to know when it's time to share...I don't care how hard it is...find someone to talk to, and maybe help one along the way. The title: 'Things I Never Told' was precisely what the story was all about, with the first five chapters actually happening...and I would highly recommend it for reading.

An Unsavory Mess (Eugeena Patterson Mysteries Book 5) Kindle Edition by Tyora Moody

 Book Excerpt:

"Eugeena Patterson usually doesn't have a problem putting her nose where it doesn't belong. But, after her last mystery-busting incident, she's determined to hang up her amateur sleuth hat. Or at least that's what she's telling Amos and her family.

When her long-time friend, Rosemary Gladstone, encourages her to attend their high school reunion, Eugeena decides it wouldn't hurt. All is well until Eugeena and Rosemary face off with their number one enemy from high school. What should have been a celebration hits a sour note when their nemesis is found dead, not too long after a very public disagreement.

There is no rest for the weary as Eugeena dives into another mystery. But, she doesn't have a choice since she has to clear her and Rosemary from being considered murder suspects."

Title: An Unsavory Mess
Author: Tyora Moody
Publisher: Tymm Publishing LLC
Series: Eugeena Patterson Mysteries Book 5
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
An Unsavory Mess" by Tyora Moody

My Opinion:

'An Unsavory Mess' was another excellent story that involved another one of Eugeena's stories. We find that Eugeena had promised her husband that when would stop with all of the investigations she had been doing in earlier series. But will she be able to keep her word when a friend is thought to may be involved in a murder that happened at their 45th class reunion? Will Eugeena be able to help solve another murder that has more or less been brought her way? Well, to get another good story from this series, the reader will have to pick up this novel and see what all Eugeena gets herself involved in and out of 'An Unsavory Mess' once again. Would I recommend this series? YES!