Tuesday, August 31, 2021

When Two Souls Defy Destiny: A Historical Western Romance Book Kindle Edition by Aurora Hanson


 Book Excerpt:

"Melinda’s twin sister may be utterly in love with a local man, but her family is set on her becoming a mail-order bride. As Melinda is saying her final goodbyes to her beloved sister, a brilliant yet risky idea presents itself. Melinda will take her place on the train instead, allowing her sister to stay in town and have a chance with her love. By the time their ruse is discovered, Melinda will be walking down the aisle with her future husband…

What could possibly go wrong with such a perfect plan?

Reginald Dawson started out in life with nothing and built a fortune from the goldfields in Cripple Creek, Colorado. Now, with a large hotel and success within his grasp, he is on the brink of having it all. When he posts an ad looking for a wife, he only has one thing in mind: to find someone sweet and genteel to be his companion and partner in life. With a lady of refinement at his side, even his tainted past could be overlooked, right?

The problem is, lies have a way of being exposed...

Both Melinda and Reginald have their fair share of secrets and neither is what the other expected. Melinda’s daring new husband seems to have a sinister secret in his past and Reginald’s perfect wife turns out to be a feisty suffragette. With danger looming and past mistakes catching up to them, can they even dare to imagine a chance at true love?"

"When Two Souls Defy Destiny" is a historical western romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.



Title: When Two Souls Defy Destiny
Author: Aurora Hanson
Publisher: A. H.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"When Two Souls Defy Destiny" by Aurora Hanson

My Opinion:

"When Two Souls Defy Destiny" was quite an adventurous, captivating, curious read featuring a twin, Melinda for Chicago, and Reginald, a Cripple Creek Hotel owner in a mining town from Colorado. What will happen when Reginald sends for a mail-order bride, thinking he is getting a twin named Margaret but ends up with her twin sister, Melinda? What will happen when he finds out who this Melinda wasn't Margaret? It will be a long story with lots of twists and turns because even Reginald has a checkered past that he was carrying around for a long time. So be ready for an entertaining storyline and characters that will keep you turning the pages to see what was coming next. What will happen as these two finally discover each other? Will they find HEA? Well, this is where I say you will have to pick up the read, along with the extended epilogue, to find out.

WHY AND HOW WOMEN ARE EXPLOITED BY MEN WORLDWIDE Kindle Edition by Tolu


 Book Excerpt:

"Do you often find yourself not being able to keep a man or get your own man? If so, in this book, you will find the tools to keep a man addicted to you. Learn how men think, and acquire the skills to continuously keep themselves sexually, emotionally, financially, and mentally satisfied. Let this book serve as one of your personal life guides, and start living a happier life today. This book is the gift that keeps on giving."

Title: Why and How Women are Exploited by Men Worldwide
Author: Tolu
Publisher: Tolu2Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"WHY AND HOW WOMEN ARE EXPLOITED BY MEN" by Tolu

My Opinion:

I can say what a read this author gives the readers to think about long after the read. The table of contents says it all as the author gives a personal life guide for all women starting from [table of contents] ...A Woman's Work, Empty Magnum Wrappers, The Male's Need to Control, Cultural and Legal Practices, Break Me off a Piece, Father's Roles in Determining Daughter's Self-Worth, Are You on the Same Page, Women's Participation in the Enabling of Other Women's Exploitation, My Babies' Dady, Goals Diggers, Pressing Flesh, Trading One Kind of Footblinding for Another, Who Is Thy Vessel, Before You "Jump the Broom," Love Him But LeaveYour Assets in a Trust, Everybody Loves A Winner, Know When to Fold Them, Just Stop Talking About Other Women's Business and Life to Men, Reflections in the Mirror, Mount Rather Than be Mounted and lastly Covering Your Backside- to Quick Reference. From this read, I was left shaking my head and saying this is a read that 'empowers women of all ages to take and stand, no one's power, claim and safeguard it.'

The read gives one 'personal life guide for females from 9 to 109' that all women should hear at least one time in their lives. I enjoyed how the author explores this subject from all around the globe that is there for all cultures to read and relate to. The reading may seem a little harsh on the male side of things, but as one keeps on reading, what is being said is possibly true as one more or less accepts the male as the dominant figure.

The author wants the women to open their eyes and see what is happening around them and, above all, "encourages women to stop, look, listen, and change the way things have always been."

"Why and How Women Are Exploited By Men" would be a book recommendation for any culture, as many of one's questions will be answered for the reader why the author thought and said what she provided the women.




Friday, August 27, 2021

For Such a Time as This Kindle Edition by W Mason Dunn


 Book Excerpt:

"Keisha Jackson‘s peaceful life is about to change!


Her mother receives military orders to Afghanistan. Keisha goes to live with her grandparents in Magnolia, Florida. The new high school principal is far more concerned with protecting her career than protecting innocent students. When Keisha unintentionally breaks the school's zero-tolerance policy, she enters the school-to-prison pipeline.

Will Keisha muddle in the injustice of it all? Or will she become a conduit for change?"


Title: For Such a Time as This
Author: W. Mason Dunn
Publisher: W.M.D.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"For Such a Time as This" by W. Mason Dunn

My Opinion:

'For Such a Time as This' was indeed a good story of what happened to Keisha after her mother, Shirley Jackson, took her to live with her parents[Ernest & MildredWyatt]...after she had 'received marine military order to Afghanistan.' What will happens after 'Keisha unintentionally breaks the school's zero-tolerance policy and ends up in the school-to-prison pipeline?' The author did a wonderful job that showed what can happen through the 'injustice of it all' if there is no change. With the help of Keisha, her grandparents, the lawyer, and some friends, Christopher, Darren, Maddie.. with petitions being presented, will there be a break in this chain in this school system? Be ready for a good read to find out all the answers to these questions and more. I like the discussion questions that were included at the end of the read.

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Their Childhood Promise (The Heart of Dorset Series: Book 3): A Clean & Sweet Regency Historical Romance Novel Kindle Edition by Fanny Finch


 Book Excerpt:

"

When she was forced to betray him, she became miserable. But now she has the chance to change that.



When William Stanley attended his sister’s wedding he shared his first kiss with his true love Theresa Brooks. They were both at a tender age and they ended up promising to wait for each other until they are old enough to marry.

Four years later, William has finished school and will be going to university. During his visit home, he learned that Theresa has gotten married. He had planned to study for a couple of years and return soon, but this changed his plans. He, finally, decided to extend his stay in Oxford.

A few days before William turned twenty-four, he returned to take his place as the Duke of Dorset. His sisters convinced him to throw a grand ball for his birthday, and they mentioned that he should invite his friend, Theresa, saying that her mourning period has been long over. William was stunned as he had not heard that Theresa was widowed, but he was still disappointed at her for breaking her promise and never even sending a word.

William and Theresa’s first meeting at the ball is tense, they are distant and polite. But afterward, all the feelings they had both buried resurfaced.

How will they manage to overpass this betrayal as they meet during the season?"

Title:  Their Childhood Promise
Author: Fannie Finch
Publisher:  F.F.                                
Series:  The Heart of Dorset Series:  Book 3
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review:
"Their Childhood Promise" by Fannie Finch

My Opinion:    

"Their Childhood Promise" was a sweet read that featuring William and Theresa. Who knew what will happen for these two when they presented their love for each other at William's brother-in-law's wedding at such a young age? And a promise is made, but things will take a turn as he goes off to school. Then we find out that Theresa's brother forces her into marriage with another man. What will happen when William finds out about this marriage that breaks his heart? This author does a beautiful job at giving the reader some well-developed and defined characters that will keep your attention as pages are turned. What will happen when things get to be set right for William and Theresa? Be prepared for lots of drama, twists, and turns, along with excellent family connections and love. It was good when Theresa finally sees her brother for who he was that did open her eyes to what he had been doing for most of her life, Sorry he wasn't punished for what he had done to his nephew's trust fund. All in all, this was a good storyline, and the extended epilogue put the icing on the cake as the story ends with there being a new addition to the Stanley family with a HEA.




















The Red Bike by Tara Delaney


 Book Excerpt:

"When wildlife photographer Abbey captures the protective bond between a gorilla and her newborn baby, she becomes determined to restore her relationship with her own mother. Unfortunately, the anger she holds after her mother's affair has bled into Abbey's romantic relationships, stopping her from embracing love. Shortly after she returns to Austin, her mother is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. The secret layers of her mother's life are peeled away, and unsettling truth is revealed. Will this new revelation allow Abbey to forgive her mother and release the hurt and anger that has held her back from living her life?"

Title: The Red Bike
Author: Tara Delaney
Publisher: Treaty Oaks Publishers, AuthorBuzz
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Red Bike" by Tara Delaney

My Opinion:

"The Red Bike" was quite an exciting story about Abigail Gallagher and her mother Rebecca, who couldn't get along. Now, why was this? Well, believe it or not, sometimes children are placed into a situation of hearing things they should not have heard! And this is what had happened to Abigail, and it seemed to mess up her life with anger toward her mother. This author works to get the reader to understand what had gone on earlier from the read; it is found that maybe there is more to this story that Abigal thought she knew, but had she gotten it all wrong? While all of this is going on, it seems that Abigail has problems with commitment. What was going on with her and Ryan? Was she committed to the relationship with Ryan or not? One would feel sorry for poor Ryan because one could tell he loved Abigail, but the way she acted still had a lot to do with her upbringing. As the story continues, Abby finally realizes how wrong she had been about her mother's past. It was so good to see that ...well, I will stop here and say this is a story; I would recommend it being picked up and see how well this author brings it all out with a great understanding of how much love and protection this mother had for her child. The interweaving about 'The Red Bike' was so beautiful as it is brought into the story of its essential. All in all, this story will keep your attention as one keeps turning the page to see what is coming next.

Thank you, NetGalley and Treaty Oaks Publishers, for the opportunity to read this novel and leave my review.









Courageous Faith A Lifelong Pursuit of Faith over Fear by Debbye Turner Bell Net Gallery Aug 24th


 Book Excerpt:

"When you feel like giving up, seek God and ask for Courageous Faith. Setbacks, failures, and fatigue impact us all. And at times we don’t feel like going on. But we must! In this book, you’ll discover faith-filled principles to use as a blueprint for perseverance and a new definition of success for your life."

Title: Courageous Faith
Author: Debbye Turner Bell
Publisher: Our Daily Bread Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Courageous Faith A Lifelong Pursuit of Faith over Fear" by Debbye Turner Bell
My Opinion:

'Courageous Faith' was a beautiful story by Miss America 1990. The story gives the reader of Debbye Turner Bell, who 'shares her life principles that lead to her success.' The chapters start with Faith and move on to Determination, Excellence, Authenticity, Courage, Purpose, Patience, Overcoming, and Perseverance. Each chapter was emphasizing what and how Debbyne was able to make it through that particular situation. Debbye's mother, Gussie Turner, taught her well that prayer and faith were essential in the life that continued with her through all of the struggles that came upon her as she succeeds in success.

The read was indeed a good story of 'Courage Faith' where it's not the absence of fear but being able to move forward despite it as it was for Debbye who made it through it all as God will never leave or forsake you on your journey.

Thank you to Daily Bread Publishing and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.





Saturday, August 21, 2021

Following an Untamed Heart: A Historical Western Romance Book Kindle Edition by Aurora Hanson


 Book Excerpt:

"As the daughter of a Scottish trapper and a Native woman, Kanu Abey’s life is shared between two worlds. She is always in demand as a translator and as a trader of goods to the white people. When she finds an unconscious white man in the forest and brings him back to her tribe, the careful balance of her life is shattered… Kanu never expected her heart to be captured by this stranger, but she can't ignore the fact that there is something special about him. With his presence causing increasing tension, will she dare to stand up to her own tribe for a chance at love?

John Maclean’s love of adventure and riding horses has led him to the northwest, working on a wagon train. Yet his biggest adventure is about to start when he wakes up in a teepee with a Native woman caring for him and no memory of anything before this moment. His first glimpse of Kanu takes his breath away and in time he is enthralled by her kind spirit and unfaltering strength. As he recovers, he immerses himself in the ways of her tribe, and before long a yearning for love and life awakens in him… Will he be strong enough to follow his heart’s desire when echoes of his old life come chasing after him?

Kanu and John’s paths cross serendipitously and their fates take an unexpected turn that changes them forever. Caught up in a whirlwind of battles, separations, and unforeseen dangers they will need to find the courage to face the consequences of their feelings. Can they bridge the chasm between their two worlds and find a soul mate in one another, against all odds?"

"Following an Untamed Heart" is a historical western romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.



Title: Following an Untamed Heart
Author: Aurora Hanson
Publisher: A.H.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Following An Untamed Heart" by Aurora Hanson

My Opinion:

"Following an Untamed Heart" featuring Kanu Abey was the daughter of a Native American Indian woman and a Scottish trapper and finding an unconscious man, due to head injury, John Maclean. He was white, and Kanu brings him back to her Perce tribe [lover of horses] from the forest. While with this tribe and healing, what will happen as a relationship develops between Kanu and John? Be ready for an action, adventure, romance, thrilling, suspenseful, and captivating story of fighting rogue Indians. The army forces Indian tribes onto reservations, along with some horrible white men causing chaos. While reading this story, one will see how the story had some exciting parts...' good, bad, and ugly' that will keep one turning the pages.

The secondary characters, especially how one mother from New York, brought in an intriguing part of the story that showed just who she was and how well she fitted in this story. The extended epilogue added to the story showed 'happiness and good fortune,' giving the reader a good and inspiring ending.















Sweet Pea A Novel by Kit de Waal

 Book Excerpt: "A profoundly compassionate novel of devastating power and emotional complexity.” ―Bernardine Evaristo A beautiful portr...