Arlena

Author: Vanessa Davis Griggs
Published By: Kensington Books
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5


Review:

"The Other Side Of Goodness" by Vanessa Davis Griggs never ceases to amaze me. Ms. Griggs' novel seem to really be right what you need to hear...about trust, love, divorce, politics, health issues....'bone marrow transplant,' breast cancer and above all the love of God. Definitely this was a Christian fiction that gets right to the heart. To see how Ms. Gabrielle has given her heart to the Lord was simply wonderful. Just seeing how she handles all that is going on around her was just beautiful in how this author has Gabrielle so well focused on doing the right thing.


The characters... from Gabrielle.. Zachary, Pastor Landris, Johnnie Mae Landris,Congressman Lawrence Simmons, Malachi, Paris, Imani, Dedra, William, Jessica to Jasmine and many others... made this novel such a wonderful read.


From the Author..."It’s been eight years since Gabrielle Mercedes gave up her baby for adoption. But when she learns the child desperately needs a bone marrow transplant, she doesn’t hesitate to contact the congressman. Like Lawrence, Gabrielle will fight for what she wants, even if it means the truth could ruin someone else’s life and career…." Now, I know that makes you want to pick up this wonderful read to see just what it is all about. You will not be disappointed!


"The Other Side of Goodness" was truly a enjoyable ride that you will not be able to put down until the end... definitely showing how God can take a sinner and put them on the other side of 'goodness.'


I recommend this book to all who would like to see how one can change and truly be of help to those in need.

Author: Maya Banks
Published By: Ballantine Books
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Seduction of a Highland Lass" by Maya Banks was just another one of her excellent emotional, hot, sexy romantic reads that only she can produce for us. This was another Scottish historical novels...the second in the McCabe Trilogy where Alaric has been attacked and gets in the hands of an 'Angel or his devil' by the name of Keeley. Keeley was a 'healer' and tends Alaric wounds. Later, Alaric brothers comes and not only take Alaric to their home but also takes Keeley...against her will, however since she had been tossed out of her clan...and had some feeling for this man who was unconsciousness...she goes with the McCabe brothers and this wonderful read takes off to give us only a excellent amazing read that only this author can give to us.


The characters were all well defined with such personalities that only will kept the reader reading to only get more. Though Keeley had saved Alaric in the beginning...will Alaric be able to save her in the end? Will Alaric accept his responsibilities? Now, this is where I say in order to find out the answer to those questions you must pick up this second series.."Seduction of a Highland Lass" to find out what is in store for both of these two people. Be ready to laugh and even tear up some on the ride in this wonderful read.


I found "Seduction of a Highland Lass" a read that I could not put down until the end. If you are in for a excellent 'Scottish' romance you have come to the right place and I would definitely recommend this novel to you.

Review:

"Never Love a Highlander" by Maya Banks was as always a wonderful read. This novel was a conclusion to a wonderful trilogy that only this author..Maya Banks can deliver. The novel was of a 'Scottish' historical romance of the McCabe trilogy. What would become of Caelen and Rionna as he takes over the McDonald Clan...where there had been a marriage out of the sense of duty...returns to take over the McDonald clan. Ms. Banks offers us a relationship between Caelen and Rionna only causing this to be a very hot, steamy and sexual read...all the characters were so very strong and well developed that would only keep the reader on the edge of their seat. You will find from the read that this hero and heroine both "had been wounded deeply by their pass and nothing could heal it but only each other." Now, for you to found out how this will play out you must pick up "Never Love a Highlander" to find out just what Ms. Banks has in store for the reader. I felt this novel flowed very well...especially with it being the last of this series...being very interesting and even suspenseful. Be ready for a novel presenting..."romance, betrayal, a bit of mystery" and a over all excellent read.

If you are looking for a 'McCabe Series' that only Ms. Banks can give us... you have come to the right place and yes I would recommend "Never Love a Highlander" as a excellent read.

Author: Brenda Jackson
Published By: Harlequin
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5

Review:

"Promises of Seduction" by Brenda Jackson was another awesome romantic stories. This was two classic Westmoreland series and a great love read and this is what can happen from a 'one night stand.'

The Durango Affair....

Savannah Claiborne (heroine)was a free lance photographer ...sister to Jessica...now she had found herself pregnant...she must inform the father...how would he take it? She leaves Philadelphia for Montana to visit... Durango Westmoreland (hero)from Montana...was a ranger...brother of Chase and sister in law...Jessica. What would happen when he found out about the baby?

Now what happens when two people who have been hurt in different ways by love will be able to find the everlasting love in each one. Now, we will have to see what will happen in this novel...and this is where I say you must pick up this awesome read to find out just what will happen between these two people!

and now...

Ian's Ultimate Gamble...Ian Westmoreland...would this person remain single even after seeing Ms. Chamberlain after she had once betrayed him?...

Brooke Chamberlain...now what was going on with them at this time? Now, again this is where I tell you in order to find out you must pick up the wonderful read to find out what is in store for Ian and Brooke? For this author will keep you turning the pages till the end with such good writing.

As always, Ms. Jackson produces such awesome read and I would definitely recommend "Promises of Seduction" to you as a excellent well written read.

Review:


"In Bed With a Highlander" by Maya Banks was a good historical fiction and interesting romance read. This was the beginning of a new highlander series by this author. Only Ms. Banks can write these kind of novels that simply keep us on the edge of our seats. All the characters were well presented and developed. For Mairin (heroine) and Ewan (Laird) ...hero... were just off the chart good. Let me not forget the two McCabe brothers(Alaric and Caelen) and (Ewan son)....Crispen.


The novel was very enjoyable with enough tension and humor that simply couldn't put the novel down until I had finished it. Only Ms. Banks can present such erotica...sex scenes that you just call romance that will keep your attention. Be prepared for a lots of action packed, steamy and even a suspenseful read. I was kept guessing just what was going to happen next. This is where I say you must pick up the well written novel and see what is in store for this highlander.


If you are looking for a good fantastic Scottish highlander romantic novel...you have come to the right place...for "In Bed With a Highlander" I would recommend this novel as a excellent read.

Author: Vanessa Davis Griggs
Published By: Dafina
Age Recommended: YA+
Rating: 5
Reviewed by: Arlena Dean


Review:


"Ray of Hope" by Vanessa Davis Griggs was another wonderful novel.This beautiful story of a seventy-five year old grandmother who kept her two granddaughters during the summer who had some major issues she had to deal with. This grandmother who was called Ma Ray was deeply rooted in memories of her own past and common sense and with all of this she was there to help her two granddaughters.

This novel was definitely one of those that once I started reading "Ray of Hope" I could not put it down until I finished...so 4 and 1/2 hours later...I finished a truly wonderful, beautiful well written book. This was truly a read that you you will see in the end that the granddaughters maturing and seeing things in life quite differently.

The characters are something...from Ma Ray, Sahara, Crystal, Lenora, Andre, June Bug, Erin and a few others... making this novel simply off the chart a good read. If you have never read any of Ms. Vanessa Davis Griggs reads...be sure to pick this one up. You will not be sorry.

Ray of Hope is about a grandmother trying to give advice to her out of control granddaughters. "Each time the girls were in a predicament, Ma Ray always had a solution." Ma Ray wanted the girls to have a positive outlook on life and not move on only impulse and most of all the granddaughters learned that their grandmother was not a push over...being unable to pull crazy stuff with her. YES! What a grandmother.. that always had a good solution. Now, this is where I say you must pick up this read "Ray of Hope."

"Ray of Hope" is a story definitely that will benefit today's youth(teens) and I would highly recommend this for a excellent read for all.

Author: Vanessa Davis Griggs
Published By: Dafina
Age Recommended: Adult
Recommended by: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5

Review:

"Forever Soul Ties" by Vanessa Davis Griggs was another good VSG read for me. I really enjoyed this novel for several reasons. One was for the 'Bible quotes and mini-sermons' along with the beautiful story that only Ms. Griggs can give us. In this novel there is a old flame love interest.... now was this leading to a adulterous relationship?...the mistreatment of the wife for over twenty years..... and the many family problems that came about in this story.


Now, getting back to this 'Soul Ties' was really something in that this Ethan's character was really something...and I am so glad the way Ms. Griggs brought this novel out to us. I do not want to say to much and give the story away...just pick this up and see just how "Forever Soul Ties" and this 'Butterfly' will turn out.


This novel will leave you being able to see how 'soul ties' can be a good or a bad thing but the decision will be all yours. I love Ms. Griggs books and this one was right up there with all of the others... great! You will truly be blessed by reading "Forever Soul Ties." and I do recommend it to you.

"The Help a novel" can only be summed up by saying it was a Wonderful audible to listened too. I was a little afraid of picking it up to listen to, but I am so glad I did. I found the story really very believable and wonderfully written. I found at times I was very angry but soon I found myself laughing and then realizing that this was a great read. By being an Afro American women and growing up during this period I found this book a real eye opener for what went on at this time. I found that I was able to hear it and maybe even understand some of the thought patterns of some of the people in the book. I would recommend this to all that want to really know how people felt and were treated during this time in American. Ms Kathryn Stockett I think you did a wonderful job at bring those ideas out for us all to see. Thank you for your work!

By Arlena (Broken Arrow, OK) United States, May 25, 2011
This audible Wings of Grace was more than Excellent. Truly Pastor George Landris and Johnnie Mae were made for each other. I found myself laughing and crying while listening to this story. This was truly a novel that l loved listening to and will be sharing. Wings of Grace is truly a Must Read for All of those who loves God.

By Arlena (Broken Arrow, OK, United States)
I found Can I Get a Witness? a very interesting audible to listen too. I believe Ms. Billingsley did a wonderful job in bringing out how many of us need a higher power in our daily life. For sure this was
true for Vanessa and Thomsas. The sisters and aunt were interesting people in this story too. This audible was a bit long but good and it kept me interested until the end. I was glad the way the story ended. Truly forgiveness was very important.