Such Good People A Novel by Amy Blumenfeld

 Book Excerpt:

"An emotionally gripping, character-driven novel about the ripple effect of a split-second decision to protect a friend.

"A poignant story of love, loss, loyalty, and being torn between right and wrong. You won't be able to put this one down."—Emily Liebert, USA Today best-selling author of Pretty Revenge.

"One of those multi-dimensional must-reads that wins both as a page-turning legal story about social injustice, prejudice, and redemption, and an emotional character-driven tale of love, family, and lifelong friendship. Fans of Tayari Jones' An American Marriage, Rebecca Searles' In Five Years, and Allison Larkin's The People We Keep will devour Amy Blumenfeld's latest triumph. Such Good People is Such a Good Book!"—Samantha Greene Woodruff, best-selling author of The Lobotomist's Wife and The Trade Off.

It's 10 p.m. on a Thursday in the spring of her freshman year of college, and April is standing at the back of a crowded Manhattan bar waiting for her friend, Rudy, to arrive. Their eyes lock the moment he enters the room, and in an instant, lives and legacies are altered forever.

Within hours, Rudy is arrested. Within days, April is expelled. Within weeks, he's incarcerated. And within months, she meets Peter, a prodigious young attorney who makes her world recognizable again.

Nearly fifteen years later, April is happily living in Chicago, married to Peter, a mother of three with a fulfilling career and a standing yoga date with her girlfriends. On the eve of Peter's election for local office, Rudy is up for parole. Headlines explode about April's past, jeopardizing Peter's campaign and everything they hold dear. Suddenly, April is faced with an impossible choice: protecting the life she created, or the person who sacrificed everything to make that life a possibility. Such Good People is a captivating portrait of blurred lines, divided loyalties, and what it means to love purely, steadfastly, and interminably."

Title:  Such Good People

Author:  Amy Blumenfeld

Publisher:  SparkPress

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Such Good People" by Amy Blumenfeld

My Insight:

'Such Good People' is a beautifully crafted and captivating read. The main characters, April and Rudy, lifelong best friends, find themselves ensnared in a heartbreaking tragedy that sets the stage for a profound exploration of loyalty and sacrifice. The narrative masterfully weaves together the past and present, offering multiple perspectives that pull you deeper into the emotional complexities of their lives. With each turn of the page, you'll find yourself completely absorbed in the story, as the voices of April, Rudy, and Peter intertwine to create a rich tapestry of human experience. This multi-dimensional tale is not only engaging but also thought-provoking, making it impossible to put down until the final word is reached.

Thank you, NetGalley and Sparkpress, for the advance reader's copy.

Save Me by Mona Kasten

 Book Excerpt:

"Money, glamour, luxury, power—Ruby Bell couldn't be less interested in these things if she tried. After being awarded a scholarship to one of England's most prestigious and expensive private schools, Maxton Hall, all she wants is to keep her head down, work hard, and get accepted to Oxford. She keeps her distance from everyone, especially the arrogant, rich, and extremely handsome James Beaufort, ringleader of the school's party boys.

When Ruby discovers a scandalous secret about the Beauforts, she is suddenly on James's radar. It only gets worse when James is forced to work with her to plan the school's annual gala. Yet the more time they spend together, the more they realize they share much more than they thought.

Falling for James Beaufort was never part of her plan, yet Ruby can't help but let her feelings sweep her away. But James must make a decision for himself: will he choose what's expected of him, or what he feels for her?"

Title:  Save Me

Author:  Mona Kasten

Publisher:  Berkley Publishing Group

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

'Save Me' by Mona Kasten

My Insight:  

"Save Me" is a mesmerizing romantic tale that intricately weaves together Ruby's fierce determination and James' insufferable arrogance. To fully appreciate the profound connection that unfolds between these two compelling characters, I wholeheartedly encourage you to immerse yourself in this captivating narrative. It masterfully illustrates how Ruby's humility challenges James, while he, in turn, introduces her to the joys of living fully. The story envelops you in its charm, ensuring you are enthralled until the very last page. Moreover, the rich tapestry of secondary characters adds layers of depth and intrigue, enhancing the overall experience and making this a truly unforgettable read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

Until Death Do Us Part: What Did You Vow? Kindle Edition by Lakisha Johnson

Book Excerpt:

"Nehemiah found his good thang in Eden Lynette Crawford. They met, dated, and married all within six months. Eleven years later, while they are thriving in their careers — Nehemiah as Executive Pastor of Unlimited Grace Church and Eden as an Investigative Reporter with JMT Broadcasting — the fire has gone out in their marriage bed.

Eden can't understand why, and Nehemiah isn't eager to rekindle it. Frustrated, tired, and without answers, the last time Nehemiah pushes her way is the first time Eden walks away.

Until she returns home early from an out-of-town trip to discover Nehemiah has been keeping a secret. One that may just test their vow of Until Death Do Us Part.

In the final book of the What Did You Vow series, find out if Nehemiah and Eden's marriage survives or will Until Death Do Us Part be taken to heart."

Title: Until Death Do Us Part: What Did You Vow?

Author: Lakisha Johnson

Publisher: Twins Write 2

Series: What Did You Vow? Part 6

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Until Death Do Us Part: What Did You Vow?" by Lakisha Johnson

My Insight:

All I can say is 'Wow... this book left me breathless from start to finish.' The author masterfully illustrates the complexities of a love that, while deep, can falter without the foundation of communication. In the end, despite all they shared, Nehemiah's silence becomes a chasm between him and Eden. He thought he was shielding her from his struggles, not realizing that the very act of sharing his burdens could have helped heal the rifts that had grown between them. When the truth began to unravel, it moved me to tears.

Until Death Do Us Part is a poignant story that everyone should experience; it beautifully highlights the vital importance of honesty and connection in any relationship. The writing is both compelling and impactful, leaving a lasting impression. The story is one you must read to appreciate how well the author delivered it. You will gain a great deal from it. Thank you to the author for an outstanding read!

 A heartfelt thank you to the author for delivering such an extraordinary read.

The Girls Who Grew Big A Novel by Leila Mottley

 Book Excerpt:

"Adela Woods is sixteen years old and pregnant. Her parents banish her from her comfortable upbringing in Indiana to her grandmother's home in the small town of Padua Beach, Florida. When she arrives, Adela meets Emory, who brings her newborn to high school, determined to graduate despite the odds; Simone, mother of four-year-old twins, who weighs her options when she finds herself pregnant again; and the rest of the Girls, a group of outcast young moms who raise their growing brood in the back of Simone's red truck.

The town thinks the Girls have lost their way, but really, they are finding it: looking for love, making and breaking friendships, and navigating the miracle of motherhood and the paradox of girlhood.

Full of heart and life and hope, set against the shifting sands of these friends' secrets and betrayals, The Girls Who Grew Up confirms Leila Mottley's promise and offers an explosive new perspective on what it means to be a young woman."

Title:  The Girls Who Grew Big

Author:  Leila Mottley

Publisher:  Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor | Knopf

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"The Girls Who Grew Big" by Leila Mottley

My Insight:

"The Girls Who Grew Big" is a profoundly moving and captivating tale that follows the lives of three young teenage mothers in a small Florida town. Each mother brings a unique perspective shaped by her distinct upbringing, creating a rich tapestry of experiences. The narrative delves deeply into the complexities of pregnancy, birth, motherhood, abortion, and miscarriage, woven together with heartfelt prose that resonates long after you turn the final page. The author paints vivid portraits of these young women's struggles and triumphs, allowing readers to feel their joy, sorrow, and resilience. However, given its sensitive subject matter, this poignant story may not resonate with everyone; therefore, it's essential to consider whether it aligns with your reading preferences.

Thank you, NetGalley and Knopf, for providing me with an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Finding Grace A Novel by Loretta Rothschild

Book Excerpt:

"A twisty, gripping novel that wraps around a profoundly moving love story, from an electric new voice in upmarket women's fiction.

SHE THOUGHT IT WAS F TE. I KNEW IT WASN'T....

Honor seems to have everything: she adores her bright and beautiful daughter, Chloe, and her charming, handsome husband, Tom, even if he works one hundred hours a week. Yet Honor's longing for another baby threatens to eclipse all of it―until a shocking event changes their lives forever.

Years later, Tom makes a decision that ripples through their families' lives in ways he could never have foreseen. As the consequences of that fateful choice unfold, the two women's paths become irrevocably intertwined. But when old love clashes with new, who will be left standing? And what happens when your secrets come back to haunt you?

Blending a page-turning moral dilemma with satisfying emotional poignancy, Finding Grace is a sweeping love story that explores the price of a new beginning, how the ghosts of our past shape our future, and whether redemption can be found in the wreckage of what we've lost."

Title:  Finding Grace

Author:  Loretta Rothschild

Publisher:  St. Martin's Press

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Finding Grace" by Loretta Rothschild

My Insight:

"Finding Grace" is an enchanting love story that beautifully weaves the lives of Honor, Tom, and Chloe. This novel is brimming with unexpected twists, masterfully exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and family secrets. From the very first page, it grips your attention and pulls you into a whirlwind journey where tragedy strikes and life spirals out of control. By the time you reach the final chapter, you'll be left in awe of how the narrative unfolds, with shocking revelations that will leave you breathless. It's an absolute must-read that showcases the author's extraordinary talent for crafting a compelling narrative, leaving you yearning for more once the last word is turned.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance reader's copy.

Prime Suspects (A Rain City Legal Thriller Book 5) Kindle Edition by Stephen Penner

 Book Excerpt:

"A high-society dinner. Served with a side of murder.

When successful real estate entrepreneur Alexandra Pruitt is poisoned at her own retirement dinner, there are many suspects to choose from. Too many.

Alexandra's long-term boyfriend and the five women Alexandra mentored over the years all have reasons to want her dead. The police quickly pick the most obvious, one of Alexandra's mentees, Meredith Beauchamp.

Attorney Daniel Raine thinks they've got it wrong and sets out to prove it.

Who benefits most from Alexandra's murder? The answer isn't as straightforward as it seems. A missing will, forged business documents, and secrets in the past all serve to muddy the waters.

Raine knows he has his work cut out if he is to untangle this web of deceit. But he is willing to do whatever it takes to save an innocent woman from a life behind bars.

Even if that means bending the law a little…"

Title:  Prime Suspects

Author:  Stephen Penner

Publisher:   Inkubator Books

Series: A Rain City Legal Thriller Book 5

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Prime Suspects" by Stephen Penner

My Insights:

"Prime Suspects" is an enthralling legal thriller that will grip your attention and keep you flipping pages as you wrestle with the question of whether Meredith Beauchamp is truly guilty of two murders. In a race against time, the brilliant attorney Daniel Raine, alongside his savvy private investigator Rebecca Sommer, embarks on a relentless quest to uncover the truth behind the shocking murder of Alexandra Pruitt. As if one murder weren't enough, the plot takes a thrilling twist with the revelation of another death—Alexandra's attorney, which adds a rich layer of complexity to the unfolding drama. With every turn of the page, the story deepens, weaving a tapestry of intrigue that makes it impossible to look away. Prepare to be astounded as the pieces fall into place, revealing how a seemingly innocuous party involving the Fab Five—Meredith, Rebecca, Fiona, Julia, and Caroline—fueled a web of betrayal and ulterior motives. To truly appreciate the brilliant craftsmanship of this narrative, you must dive into "Prime Suspects." The journey taken by Attorney Raine to unearth critical evidence and unravel the reasons behind Alexandra's demise is a captivating adventure. This fifth installment in the Rain City Legal Thriller series is not just a good read; it's an electrifying experience that will leave you breathless and eager for more.

This book, part of the Rain City Legal Thriller series [Book 5], was definitely worth reading.

Super Easy Diabetic Air Fryer Cookbook with Color Photos, by Alexander Robinetti

 Book Excerpt:

This is a beautifully told book, especially for those with diabetes.

Title:  Super Easy Diabetic Air Fryer Cookbook with Color Photos

Author:  Alexander Robinetti

Publisher: A.R.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'Super Easy Diabetic Air Fryer Cookbook with Color Photos' by Alexander Robinetti

My Insight:

'The "Super Easy Diabetic Air Fryer Cookbook with Color Photos" is an outstanding resource, particularly for individuals with diabetes. One of its notable features is that it includes recipes specifically designed for air fryers. Many of these recipes are accompanied by color illustrations, making it easy to visualize the final dish.

You'll find a diverse range of recipes that help create well-balanced meals throughout the day.

I plan to get the Claim Your Free Bonus: The Guide to 10 Secret Spices that Enhance Flavor! 

Thank you so very much!

I received a free book from LibraryThing, courtesy of the Author, and these are my thoughts about this wonderful cookbook.