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Arlena

Broken Arrow, OK, United States | Member Since 2011

10
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 14 reviews
  • 14 ratings
  • 72 titles in library
  • 5 purchased in 2013
FOLLOWING
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FOLLOWERS
9

  • When You Dance with the Devil

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 3 mins)
    • By Gwynne Forster
    • Narrated By Susan Spain
    Overall
    (33)
    Performance
    (17)
    Story
    (17)

    Fannie Johnson has seen darn near all the world has to offer at her Thank the Lord Boarding House. It is home to a variety of interesting people who regard each other as family. One such is Sarah Jolene Tilman, who is ready to strike out on her own. In stark contrast, Richard Peterson has done more than his share of living and is looking for simpler pleasures. Under Fannie's watchful eye, each will embark on a path of self-exploration and find that life is nothing if not a wildly unpredictable journey.

    Dee says: "I did not want this book to end..."
    "When You Dance with the Devil"
    Overall
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    By Arlena (Broken Arrow, OK, United States)
    I really enjoyed When you Dance with the Devil. It was again for me another good novel to listen to. I thought the narrator Susan Spain in her delivery did a wonderful job on this one. It was long but I was kept interested in getting through the story. Keep on doing what you are doing Mrs. Forster! I loved it. I have now listened to all of your audibles and have truly loved them all. Hopefully, your next audible will be out soon.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Seduction of a Highland Lass

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 4 mins)
    • By Maya Banks
    • Narrated By Kirsten Potter
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (548)
    Performance
    (502)
    Story
    (506)

    Fiercely loyal to his older brother, Alaric McCabe leads his clan in the fight for their birthright. Now he is prepared to wed for duty, as well. But on his way to claim the hand of Rionna McDonald, daughter of a neighboring chieftain, he is ambushed and left for dead. Miraculously, his life is saved by the soft touch of a Highland angel, a courageous beauty who will put to the test his fealty to his clan, his honor, and his deepest desires.

    Benoibe says: "Better than the first book. Love those Highlanders"
    "Another one of Ms. Banks steamy novels!"
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    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.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Never Love a Highlander

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 28 mins)
    • By Maya Banks
    • Narrated By Kirsten Potter
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (546)
    Performance
    (492)
    Story
    (496)

    Caelen McCabe's young, reckless heart nearly destroyed his clan. Now, putting family loyalty above all else, he steps up to marry his older brother's jilted bride and salvage the uneasy alliance between two clans. While beautiful Rionna McDonald is a fit wife for any man, Caelen trusts no woman, especially not this sweet temptress who torments him with white-hot longing. As the sacrificial lamb in her father's power game, Rionna will do her duty but vows to protect her heart and her pride from humiliation.

    Heather says: "Always Love a Highlander!"
    "Never Love a Highlander"
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    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.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Promises of Seduction

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 21 mins)
    • By Brenda Jackson
    • Narrated By Madison Vaughn
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (47)
    Performance
    (41)
    Story
    (40)

    Savannah Claiborne's simple statement sets off an avalanche in Montana ranger Durango Westmoreland's carefully ordered life. Suddenly an unforgettable night of passion with the hazel-eyed beauty has turned into a lifetime obligation for the confirmed bachelor.

    Tosha says: "Entertaining but lacking"
    "Promises of Seduction"
    Overall
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    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.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • In Bed with a Highlander

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 10 mins)
    • By Maya Banks
    • Narrated By Kirsten Potter
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (787)
    Performance
    (717)
    Story
    (723)

    Ewan McCabe, the eldest, is a warrior determined to vanquish his enemy. Now, with the time ripe for battle, his men are ready and Ewan is poised to take back what is his-until a blue-eyed, raven-haired temptress is thrust upon him. Mairin may be the salvation of Ewan's clan, but for a man who dreams only of revenge, matters of the heart are strange territory to conquer.

    marlene says: "Steamy as only a Maya Banks can be!!!"
    "In Bed with a Highlander"
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    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.

    3 of 3 people found this review helpful
  • Ray of Hope

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 5 mins)
    • By Vanessa Davis Griggs
    • Narrated By Patricia R. Floyd
    Overall
    (22)
    Performance
    (21)
    Story
    (21)

    Best-selling author Vanessa Davis Griggs pens compelling tales eagerly devoured by fans. Here spoiled teens Crystal and Sahara get sent to live with their grandmother, Ma Ray, for a summer without cell phones, Internet, or boys. Upset their summer is ruined, the girls attempt to rebel against their grandmother’s strict rules. But they don’t succeed, because Ma Ray was once a wild child like her granddaughters—and she knows every trick in the book.

    A. Montgomery says: "That Missing Old School Grandma... She's Back!"
    "Ray Of Hope"
    Overall
    Performance
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    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.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Forever Soul Ties

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 3 mins)
    • By Vanessa Davis Griggs
    • Narrated By Patricia R. Floyd
    Overall
    (19)
    Performance
    (16)
    Story
    (17)

    Essence best-selling author Vanessa Davis Griggs is not afraid to tackle controversial subject matter in her faith-based fiction. Forever Soul Ties follows Butterfly and Ethan - two high school friends mired in unhappy marriages. After a chance encounter, they embark on an illicit affair. But when Butterfly is found out, stress is placed on her already struggling marriage and her standing in her church.

    Arlena says: "Forever Soul Ties"
    "Forever Soul Ties"
    Overall
    Performance
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    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.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • The Other Side of Goodness

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 6 mins)
    • By Vanessa Davis Griggs
    • Narrated By Shari Peele
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (14)
    Performance
    (13)
    Story
    (14)

    A luminous figure in both Christian and African American fiction, Vanessa Davis Griggs pens gripping faith-based tales eagerly anticipated by fans. In The Other Side of Goodness, 50-year-old Alabama Congressman Lawrence Rudolph Simmons is facing an uphill battle in his bid for re-election. His chances are further jeopardized when a woman from his past resurfaces with terrible news: the love child they gave up for adoption needs a bone marrow transplant. Helping the child could ruin Lawrence’s career, but that may be the only right thing to do.

    Arlena says: "The Other Side of Goodness"
    "The Other Side of Goodness"
    Overall
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    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.

    2 of 2 people found this review helpful
  • The Help

    • UNABRIDGED (18 hrs and 19 mins)
    • By Kathryn Stockett
    • Narrated By Jenna Lamia, Bahni Turpin, Octavia Spencer, and others
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (24174)
    Performance
    (10887)
    Story
    (10911)

    Why we think it’s a great listen: The most celebrated performance in all of Audible’s history, The Help has nearly 2,000 5-star reviews from your fellow listeners. We hear the print book’s not bad, either. In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three extraordinary women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women - mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends - view one another.

    Jan says: "What a great surprise!"
    "Help"
    Overall
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    "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!

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Wings of Grace

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 16 mins)
    • By Vanessa Davis Griggs
    • Narrated By Lizan Mitchell
    Overall
    (21)
    Performance
    (12)
    Story
    (12)

    Pastor George Landris and his one true love Johnnie Mae have faced many obstacles on their journey to the altar, and now they are finally about to be married. But while Landris is planning the wedding, his fiancée gets wrapped up in the mystery of a valuable necklace and a mix-up in a hospital nursery that occurred more than 50 years ago. Johnnie Mae knows that it all has something to do with the enigmatic Sarah Flemming, an elderly woman she met in Alabama.

    Brenda says: "Outstanding"
    "Wings of Grace"
    Overall
    Performance
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    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.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Can I Get a Witness?

    • UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 48 mins)
    • By ReShonda Tate Billingsley
    • Narrated By Kim Brockington
    Overall
    (28)
    Performance
    (14)
    Story
    (15)

    Vanessa Colton-Kirk is a divorce court judge who's seen it all, but nothing prepares her for her own husband Thomas asking for a divorce. Vanessa's career has driven him to a woman who can satisfy his needs - and give him a child. Now a mandatory spiritual retreat is the last chance to save their marriage - but can Vanessa and Thomas mend their broken bonds?

    T & J says: "FANTASTIC"
    "Can I Get a Witness?"
    Overall
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    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.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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