Bitter and Sweet A Novel by Rhonda McKnight

 Book Excerpt:

"From the beloved author of The Thing About Home comes a dual timeline tale of family, grief, secrets, and the sweet redemption within the bonds of sisterhood.

-The Present-

When summoned to Georgetown, South Carolina, sisters Mariah Clark and Sabrina Holland assume their ailing grandfather's health has gotten worse. Neither expects their grandmother's undeniable request to save the family restaurant.

Mariah is at a crossroads in her life. After being dumped by her husband and forced to walk away from the diner that she helped rescue from bankruptcy, bitter feelings consume her. Even though the restaurant has been in the family for eighty-six years, she doesn't want to give her all to another struggling business.

Living out of her van and striving for a fresh start, Sabrina yearns for stability for herself and her daughter and a chance to turn her baking hustle into a bona fide business. The family restaurant may be just the blessing she needs, but as old tensions and angry disagreements resurface, Sabrina wonders if her sister will let her have a say.

-The Past-

After falling victim to a love she thought would last a lifetime, Tabitha Cooper finds herself away from home and struggling to survive in Charleston in the early twentieth century. She is determined to turn corn into cornbread and take care of her children the best way she knows—by serving food that's good for the soul—and along the way, she forges a path that leaves a legacy of success for generations to come.

Through letters that reveal Tabitha's complicated past, the sisters discover truths that might be the right recipe to mend their hearts--if they can find a way to savor today's blessing and leave the bitter aftertaste of old memories behind them."

Title: Bitter and Sweet
Author: Rhonda McKnight
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Bitter and Sweet" by Rhonda McKnight

My Perception:

'Bitter and Sweet' was an interesting, powerful story about grief. The main characters gave the reader much to think about long after reading. We are given a story of 'several generations of a family that had their secrets, struggles with marriage, life, disappoints, self-discovery, forgiveness and healing, grief, sorrow, redemption, and struggles.' The story was about how this grandmother tried to restore peace and love in this family. Will it happen? I enjoyed reading about Mariah, Sabrina, and Tabitha's stories. These Gullah people were very interested in reading about their recipes and community way of life in the trials and tribulations that families endure. I loved how the power of forgiveness turned out to be such a wonderful thing for this family.

You must pick up this good read to learn why these two sisters came home in the first place.

Thank you, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley, for allowing me to read this book.

Love is Kind: A Christian Romance Kindle Edition by Faith Arceneaux

 Book Excerpt:

"He was the one who fired her, the last person she should extend her kindness to.

But she did. She believed that no matter the circumstances, kindness was applicable.

Despite her situation, she knew God would work it out for her good—at least, that's what she trusted.

As a millionaire businessman, kindness didn't help him gain his riches, so it was the last thing he extended in any situation.

Could her lesson in kindness lead to everlasting love?"

Title: Love Is Kind
Author: Faith Arceneaux
Publisher: Not the Last Page
Series: Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Love Is Kind" by Faith Arceneaux

Love Is...

When you know that God is with you all the steps of the way, to be able to forgive isn't hard because one knows it will always come out the way it is supposed to do. This is what happens to Leah in this story. It came out so beautifully for her as she had been unemployed due to being falsely accused. God was with them because, during all this happening, Leah found someone to love and love her. I only want to tell a little of the story other than to say. Pick this good read-up and see how well this author brings it together for Leah and Deshaun. When it looks like everything is turning against you, but through your trust and faith, there is someone there to help you through it all, as it was for these two.

Love is Patient: A Christian Romance Kindle Edition by Faith Arceneaux

 Book Excerpt:

"Trusting another man with her heart may take time, but thankfully he has the patience.

The man Morgan trusted with her heart wrecked her. He diminished her dreams, belittled her accomplishments, and mocked her success. She had nothing to give when she found the strength to leave him.

It had always been Cody's dream to return to his alma mater to teach, and when given the opportunity, he never imagined he'd run into her on the very campus where they met.

Although she was still the same beautiful girl over a decade prior, she wasn't as vibrant; something was missing. He didn't care how long it took; he was determined to help her find what she had lost.

Love is Patient is a Contemporary Christian Romance.

Content Warning: This story includes details about domestic abuse. I acknowledge that this detail may be complex. I also encourage you to care for your safety and well-being first and foremost."

Title: Love Is Patient
Author: Faith Arceneaux
Publisher: Not the Last Page
Series: Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Love Is Patient" by Faith Arceneaux

My Thoughts:

Reading how Morgan and Cody met up again after ten years was beautiful. Morgan had been in an awful, abusive relationship with Elijah, and she finally saw it was time to let him go. Also, she had let God go in her relationship with her ex. Meeting back up with Cody was good for her because he was a man with patience and loved God and Morgan. How will this all work out? The one thing I didn't like was that I felt that Elijah should have gotten some punishment for how he treated Morgan...but that's my story.

To find out how things worked out for Morgan and Cody, you will have to pick up this good read to see how God was there and worked so well with the situation that was going on with Morgan in bringing her back to God's will. Also, the part with Morgan's mother was interesting in how that situation was finally turned around. I will stop here and say pick up 'Love Is Patient' and see how well this author brings it all out for Morgan and Cody.

Stronger (Romantic Suspense) Kindle Edition by Suzanne Jenkins

 Book Excerpt:

"Karen lives in the U.K. with her three children. Her handsome FBI Director ex lives in Manhattan. When his fashion-model girlfriend is invited to walk in London Fashion Week, it can only lead to trouble, right?

A former marriage is tested to its limits when Michael's team puts a mobster behind bars, and no one in his circle of colleagues or his family is safe."

Title: Stronger
Author: Suzanne Jenkins
Publisher: S.J.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Stronger" by Suzanne Jenkins

My Thoughts:

'Stronger' was an enjoyable read featuring Karen and Michael, who had divorced. However, because of a kidnapping that included Karen, Michael is back in the picture since he worked for the FBI and had a mobster going for revenge on him and his family. It also seemed like Karen had a weird man [Carl] with whom she worked, which was all crazy. And let's not leave out the young woman named Gina, a model Michael had been dating since his divorce.

To understand what and how things tie together in this story, you must pick up this excellent read to see how it will turn out for this group of people. I don't want to give too much of the story away. The story will keep you turning the pages to see what is coming next, especially for Karen, Gina, and even Elsa, [Carl's wife]. After all is said and done...it was a good read.

M.Z. Potts Two-Book Cozy Mystery Set by M.Z. Potts

 Book Excerpt:

[Table of Contents for these two-book cozy Mystery sets]

Hannah Huntsford and the Case of the Freshly Baked Murder

and

Hannah Huntsford and the Case of the Missing Daughter

Title:  M.Z. Two-Book Cozy Mystery Set

Author:  M.Z. Potts

Publisher:  M.Z. P.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'M.Z. Potts Two-Book Cozy Mystery Set' by M.Z. Potts

My Perception:

Hannah Huntsford and the Case of the Freshly Baked Murder...his intriguing mystery revolves around the opening of Flourish Bakery by Veronica Pilkington and the following unexpected events. The story turns surprising when an investigator starts looking for a woman named Samantha Stimson, known as Emily Montgomery since her arrival in town working at the Flourish Bakery. As Detective Tyler O'Connor and Hannah Huntsford work to uncover the truth behind Emily's untimely death, readers are in for an exciting read. Join them in solving this captivating murder mystery.

Second part...

Hannah Huntsford and the Case of the Missing Daughter...

In Book 2, "Hannah Huntsford and the Case of the Missing Daughter," private investigator Hannah Huntsford is hired to look for Kayla Boswell, who has been kidnapped. Despite being unable to involve the police, Hannah diligently investigates three particular people in her quest to find Kayla. You will have to pick up this book, as one is left wondering if Hannah will be able to find the kidnapper and bring them to justice. This story is compelling and suspenseful.

Experience the suspense and thrill of these compelling mystery novels!

Adak's Silent Witness: An Island of Secrets Legal Thriller (Island of Secrets Legal Thriller Series Book 2) Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood

 Book Excerpt:

"Taking refuge on the Adak Islands, Benjamin Wolfe has tried to build a new life. But now, the ghosts of his past are about to resurface with a vengeance…

When he takes on the defense of a domestic abuse victim against the island's most powerful man, he discovers that this isolated haven is anything but safe. As he battles to protect his client and himself, the accused reveals a chilling secret: he knows about Benjamin's tainted past and is ready to use it as leverage.

In Island of Secrets, the past is never truly dead, and Benjamin Wolfe must face the ghosts that haunt him or risk losing everything to the darkness….

Adak's Silent Witness is an exciting, blood-pumping legal thriller written by Freya Atwood and published by Cobalt Fairy.

If you are an avid fan of strong characters, action-packed courtroom drama, and mind-blowing murder mystery, then you'll love Freya's intriguing story."

Title: Adak's Silent Witness

Author:  Freya Atwood

Publisher:   Cobalt Fairy LLC

Series:  Island of Secrets Legal Thriller Series Book 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'Adak's Silent Witness' by Freya Atwood

My Perception:  

'Adak's Silent Witness' proves to be a captivating tale centered around lawyer Benjamin Wolfe, who becomes entwined in aiding a wife subjected to domestic abuse by her husband, the Police captain of Adak. As Benjamin endeavors to assist Evelyn, he is confronted with a predicament from his past, resurfacing after a decade and threatening to engulf him. Will Ben manage to extricate himself from this predicament? The extended epilogue leaves much to be desired at the conclusion of this series, except for the indication that Benjamin is now immersed in the depths of despair and alcohol.

How To Talk To Your Spirit Guides: Ten Simple Steps to Receive Unconditional Love, Protection, and Support in Every Area of Your Life and Unleash Your Ultimate Potential Kindle Edition by Will Almando

 Book Excerpt:

"Would you like to receive love, protection, and guidance that improves every aspect of your life? Do you need help connecting with your spirit guides and understanding their messages? Are you ready to unlock your ultimate potential and evolve into the most authentic version of yourself?

Navigating life's challenges on your own can feel overwhelming.

You're never truly alone, though. Your family of high-level spirit guides has supported you since your birth.

They're always there for you and know exactly what's best for you. They offer you a lifelong relationship of unconditional love with no strings attached.

You can start talking to them and tapping into their wisdom today!

Everyone can learn to communicate with spirit guides and angels. There are no prerequisites. You don't have to be a spiritual guru or a naturally gifted medium. You don't need years of meditation practice.

All it takes is your time and commitment.

Whether you're a beginner or an advanced practitioner, "How To Talk To Your Spirit Guides" equips you with all the tools you need for your spirit communication journey.

By the end of the book, you will understand how to initiate conversations with your spirit guides, comprehend their messages, and permanently raise your vibration.

Their loving guidance will lead you on a journey of self-discovery and improvement, empowering you to reach your highest potential and become the best version of yourself.

This book provides a safe, simple, and effective ten-step method to connect with your spirit guides and talk to them.

You'll also learn

• who high-level spirit guides are,
• what you can ask them,
• how they talk to you,
• how to ensure your safety,
• when and where to practice,
• how to ground yourself,
• how to raise your frequency,
• how to overcome blockages,
• how to go deeper toward constant connection and a blissful, guided life.

I learned to talk to my spirit guides more than 25 years ago. My wonderful relationships with them are the best thing that ever happened to me.

Despite my amazing early spirit communication experiences, it took me a long time to apply their suggestions and turn my life around. I had become an unhappy workaholic who had fallen into anxiety, depression, and addictions.

It took a major life crisis and a change of continents to intensify my spirit communication and truly implement all the valuable advice I received from my guides.

Under their constant guidance, I gradually managed to completely get rid of my anxiety, depression, and addictions. My spiritual journey is now my top priority, and I'm building my dream life.

My mission is to help you connect with your spiritual guidance. I have extended and fine-tuned the proven ten-step method presented in this book for many years. That's the most valuable thing I could ever share with you.

Talking to your spirit guides can be the breakthrough you seek. It can boost your personal and spiritual growth, help you release emotional baggage and implement positive changes in your life, improve your relationships, and lead you to experience amazing synchronicities and Divine grace."

Title: How To Talk To Your Spirit Guides
Author: Will Almando
Publisher: Success Publications Sar
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
'How To Talk To Your Spirit Guides' by Will Almando

My Perception:

"How To Talk To Your Spirit Guides" by Will Almando provides a clear and practical guide for connecting with spirit guides. The book's step-by-step methodology for communicating with spirit guides and the author's personal experiences offer valuable insight and comfort for those seeking to connect with the spiritual realm.