Book Review Alert: Multiverses

Book Review Alert:  Multiverses
Author:  Celia Lissett
Published:  n/a
Publisher:  n/a
ISBN-13:  n/a
Rating:  5

Multiverses is a collection of poems that consist of pain, trauma and strength all in one. This piece resonated with me on a personal level. I was able to relate to much of the authors pain, raw emotions and even deepest desires. Multiverses is what I would label as healing!! I truly appreciate how the author put great detail in the pain, the trauma and the journey of losing a child. Highly recommend for any grief counselors to incorporate as a tool in their therapy sessions as well as possible support groups. This contemplation of poetry speaks to the heart of mother's and/or father's who have experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage or stillborn. It takes strength to share the most intimate parts of oneself. Kuddos to this author for her bravery and transparency.  Each section was vivid, full with raw emotions and the author did an impeccable job of sharing the pain and journey a mother experiences with loss.

(Reviewed by Harmonyrayne)

Book Review Alert: The Road to Success In Life

Book Review Alert: The Road to Success In Life
Author: Michael Maliele
Published:  December 25, 2016
Publisher: Kindle Edition
ISBN-13: 978-1539765011
ASIN: B01NCPZJ9Y 
Rating: 3 stars
 


 
 
The book was about Michael’s Road to his personal success, with the details of where he began and what he went through and when he actually found success. The author gave specific accounts of each and every struggle he faced on his road to success. The book was a little difficult to follow and understand in the beginning, but towards the middle of the book it got a little easier to follow and understand. When he writes, he talks about everything and how it made him feel. From reading this book you can always tell who the key people are in his life. This author is very open about events and writes them in chronological order as they happen. Although the writing style of the author was different, you could understand where he is going if you read slowly and paid close attention. The things that I liked about the book are the events mentioned are ones that do happen to many people and its reality. Some of those events are the ones that helped Michael grow as a person. Overall the book is a good read for someone who likes reading different genres of books that have you feeling for the characters in the story. 


 
My feeling of the book is that it would be great for someone who likes to read books that makes them feel the author's story as if it were theirs. Also, the focus is on the struggles and pains of life. He is a very open book about his religion, family, friends, and strangers that he meets. I would not have chosen a book that the authors made the book difficult to read until the middle of the story. It wasn’t until the end of the story he received what he needed. Maybe I am too critical about this book and the way it was written. I suggest that the author write using a little less details and more generalizations.
(Reviewed by Felicia)

Book Review Alert: Amanda (A Golden Jewelry)

 Book Review Alert: Amanda (A Golden Jewelry)

Author:  John Amarachukwu Ezeakanihu

Published:  N?A

Publisher: N/A

ISBN-13: N/A

ASIN: N/A 

Rating: 5 stars

The book begins with the wonderful characterization of Amanda herself. We learn about her likes and dislikes her, the people she knows and loves and the way that the mother watches over her daily with unconditional love. We are brought into the presence of the family as they sit down to eat and prepare for the attending of school the next day. She begins school and is a fantastic student. She enjoys her teacher and adores her classmates. An incident occurred that shows that Amanda’s character is outstanding. As a young girl, it was a very nice thing to do. Eventually Amanda has to go to another class. She is older and is reading and growing fast. She is a favorite in her calls and graduates with accolades. Amanda is a great gift to the people she knows, exhibiting kindness and consideration to those she comes in contact with. She is always helpful and giving. She loves to see others smile and tries to make sure that there is a reason for someone to do so in her presence. When she is not around, she is missed. Her parents are very proud of her and the things that she does both at home and at school. I gave it such a high rating because it is the example of how we should train our children to be and how they should conduct themselves in the home, in school, and in the community at large. We are to be productive citizens in our sphere and Amanda was the epitome of a good girl. Her parents raised her up well and her upbringing shows how she is brought up at home. I am proud of Amanda and how she goes forth in life, beginning early to impact lives of the people around her. I was glad to be a reader of this book and hated that it was over, wanting to see where Amanda went in life.

(Reviewed by Stephanie)

Book Review Alert: The System and Purple

Book Review Alert: The System and Purple
Author: Rijan Maharjan
Published: 2020
Publisher: self-published
ASIN-13: B08NV3TP5J
Rating: 5

 The System and Purple is a poetry book including 12 poems. The poems are about the system that we as a society currently live in, and the life we have created.

This poetry book was extremely well written. It’s not my particular type of book, but it was still good. The poet takes the current state of our society and uses metaphors and concrete ideas to display it in a beautifully crafted format.

(Reviewed by Chantel)

Book Review Alert: FAME

 

Book Review Alert: FAME

Author: Robert L. Horton

Published: June 26, 2020 

Publisher: Truth Book Publishers

ISBN-13: 978-1937089603

Rating: 4 stars

FAME is a collection of various poems by Author Robert L. Horton. Poems in this book cover many subjects. I have to say that if the author was going for a well-rounded book; he did achieve that with this novel. Each poem has either a quote or a scripture reference at the end of it. This seems to drive the poem or subject of this poem a little further for the reader or in some terms giving clarification. If I had to pick at least two poems in this book that stood out to me they would be Burdens In Life and How To Make It Through Each Day. 

Burdens In Life is a poem that is relevant for this time that we are living in. It is a poem that speaks of death. With so much death around us in large numbers, the poem will be will received. While reading this poem, I could see the RIP t-shirts, bookmarks, and social media posts. 

Secondly I chose How To Make It Through Each Day. All I can say is simple and to the point. Who would have thought that a six lines with 2 words a piece would make a huge statement. They would make great affirmations to speak every morning. 

(Reviewed by Patrice)

Book Purchase Link- https://www.amazon.com/Hiding-Place-Mary-Skinner-Crane/dp/1937089606/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=fame+by+robert+Horton&qid=1612455608&s=books&sr=1-1

Book Review Alert: I Am What You See

Book Review Alert: I Am What You See

Author: Shante Reed

Published: September 26, 2020 

Publisher: Independently 

ISBN-13:979-8685755377

Rating: 5 stars

Poetry, Christ, and self empowerment is found in between the pages of I Am What You See. Shante Reed writes poetry on how her self confidence grew to make her the woman that she is today. She shows how the love that Christ has given to her brought her from a place no one should be.

If I had to pick my two favorite poems in this novel it would be I Am Because Of You and Push. I is a poem praising Christ for what he has done for her. How he has brought her from a mighty long way, as the old mother's of a Pentecostal church would say. 

The second poem Push is a female's anthem. It should be made into a song. Something that sets a tune for a change that will happen in someone’s heart if they truly comment on a change or want a change in their life.

 

(Reviewed by Patrice )

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/i-am-What-You-see/dp/B08JR9MMCD

Book Review Alert: The Destroyer

Book Review Alert: The Destroyer

Author: KR Bankston

Published: April 5, 2020

Publisher: Kirabaco Publishing 

ISBN-13: B086PRJQV2

Rating: 5 stars

What do you get when you have a serial killer with a conscience? Well you have the latest novel by KR Bankston entitled The Destroyer. A community is devastated by a serial killer that is out to make those that are entangled in a web of lies and deceit. He/She is determined to bring their transgressions to light.  Exodus is a God-fearing man that learned at a young age that it is not a good idea to disobey God. He takes his conviction very seriously and makes sure he lives by. That is hard to do since he is in love with Petra and wants to make love to her. Shall he wait or will he give in? Walter and Lorene have been married for sometime but what happens to this couple when one is no longer in love with the other. Tim and Henrietta have been married for years and both attend the same church where Tim is on the usher board. Something mysterious happens to Tim. Where is he and what has happened to him? Moses and Brody are detectives on the case of the serial killer but things come a little too close to home for one of them. Who and why?  Ronald and Faith have a secret that they are hiding from Miranda. Will this secret destroy their family and what does it have to do with everyone else in this small but very sinful circle? George, Josefina, Jeremiah, Charles, Salena, Stacey, Carmela, and Daruis all play a huge role in this book but if I continue to tell you I would be giving the book away. Let's put it like this: reading this book placed the fear of God in me. I  BECAUSE I NEVER WANT TO MEET THE DESTROYER!!! 

KR Bankston you are a bad mutha- shut my mouth. This book was C-R-A-Z-Y!!!! Like OMG the twist, turns, lies, plot changes, the what the hell moments are all throughout this book. The character development was that of a season author. It was smooth to read. Many spots had me saying ok I feel that I need to remember this and then you read a little further and realize ok that is why I needed to remember that. Now I am a girl that loves a good sex scene but I am so thankful that there were some but not much which was good for this novel. The little community setting of the novel was one that I could really sit back and imagine as I read the book. I could see the coffee shop that was around the corner from the church but right down the street from the houses that the characters live in. A girl of mystery that I am not but this book is the book that changed my thought pattern. Thank you KR Bankston for this soon to be bestseller that needs to be turned into a BET/ Lifetime/ Aspire indie movie. 

(Reviewed by Patrice)

Book Review Alert: Final Harvest by Barbara Howard

Book Review Alert: Final Harvest Author: Barbara Howard Published: August 1, 2020 Publisher: Independently published ISBN-13: 979-8655968134 Rating: 3

Tracinda Simmons, better known as Traci, is a twenty-five year old young woman who lives alone. Growing up, she lived an unstable life. She had been passed from foster to foster home until she aged out of the system. Living alone as an adult has not been stable either as evidenced by living a in a fixer upper home that she can’t afford to fix up to city code, obtaining dead-end jobs through a temp-service and trying to cope day to day with anxiety issues. With the assistance from the temp-service she works for, a job that she normally would not have entertained, became available to her at at time when she had no choice but to accept. She became a bike courier. Overtime, she learned to appreciate the job and became a valued employee. In her neighborhood, she meets Rowena Garrett and her workers in a huge field where they are working. While Rowena seems to be a little rough around the edges, she provides hospitality by feeding and providing shelter to the workers who otherwise, would have no place to go. After the mysterious death of Rowena Garrett, Traci focuses on what really happened to Rowena. This comes about after her conversation with Milo, a young boy who depended on Rowena before her untimely death. He expresses to Traci that Rowena may have been murdered. The officer investigating the crime, Officer Wells, listens to Traci’s theory, but warned her to stay out of the way of police business. However, her also takes a liking to Traci. The curiosity behind Rowena’s death overwhelms Traci. Will she leave well enough alone or will she find herself in a web that she is unable to untangle?

This book was a great read and it earned an overall rating of eight. I felt this book deserved a rating of eight because I liked the advocacy of the main character, Traci. I liked how she found for others in her community. She saw the importance in something much bigger than herself regarding her community. I loved how the author incorporated anxiety issues with the main character in this story and showed that she was able to utilize coping strategies during her time of need. This proves the stigma of mental illness to be false. Individuals with anxiety issues can live independently with proper supports and resources. I particularly loved how the character came into her own and was able to make positive decisions for her life.

Book Review Alert: Million Dollar Bill

Book Review Alert: Million Dollar Bill 

Author: Sherrod Tunstall

Published: December 5, 2020

Publisher: SJT Entertainment

ISBN-13: 979-8690832551

Rating: 5

Victoria Harrison is a single woman, with two children (a set of twins) and a career that keeps
her family, as well as her expensive tastes, taken care of. Outside of her career and her weekly
Friday appointments, her life is a bore, not spontaneous in the least. She has everything that
she wants in life, except a love of her own. Her best friend, Jenel, has been pushing her dear
friend, Victoria, to add some love spice to her life. However, her heart has been broken. Years
ago, the father of her children ended the relationship when she was pregnant and he has been
a deadbeat dad ever since. Giving her heart to another man was not in the cards. Besides,
other than her children, she has a one-track mind: her career at Image Magazine, caters to plus-
size women. Image is the dream career that she has wanted ever since she was a child. She
has proven herself to be a top employee. At a time when she has an opportunity to advance all
the way to the top in the company, life throws curve balls in her direction: one, a possible love
interest; two, a blast from the past. Will Victoria step out on love, go full throttle in her career, or
will it all blow up in her face?

This book was an awesome read. I gave the book a five-star rating. I love that the book
displayed black women in a positive light. This story is relatable to black and plus-sized women
who are trying to make it in a light-skinned, slim body society. The character, Victoria Harrison
was a very successful woman and had additional streams of income. She also had a very
strong support system within her family and best friend. Victoria was very independent and took
care of her children as a single mother. I also love that the character was a plus-sized woman
who was very confident in herself. Characters like her proves the stigma of big women to be
false; big women are beautiful and can be successful. They also deserve love too. Love is not
only for skinny women. The author’s unique writing style painted a vivid picture of the characters
and the settings of the novel.

(Reviewed by Kela)

For more information on Sherrod Tunstall’s book, follow him on Instagram by clicking the following link- https://www.instagram.com/sherroddaauthor/?hl=en

Book Review Alert: Get Up & Get Out Your Own Wa

Book Review Alert: Get Up & Get Out Your Own Way 

Author: Aquinas Jones

Published: April 20, 2020

Publisher: Amazon.com Services LLC

ISBN-13: B086ZN9RKL

Rating: 5 stars

 

Self-help, Self-love, and self-motivation is this novel plus so much more. Every chapter starts off with a scripture and ends with an affirmation. In the middle of these two are explanations of why you place this scripture in your life and why it is placed in this chapter. Short, sweet, and to the point this book is a great read for any female that is at a point in her life where she needs to feel guidance from the word of God.

 

As a reader, this book was my eye-opener. This book had me evaluating myself. A feeling of pride and acceptance came over me when finishing each chapter. I find myself rereading chapters to take notes to keep with me when those hard and tough days come along. The author really felt the soul of the woman and made a book that is one for all that wants to be picked up and lifted up.

 (Reviewed by Patrice)

 

 

 For more information on Aquintas Jones’s book, check out her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/aquintas.jones

Book Review Alert: The Power of The Bayou

Book Review Alert: The Power of The Bayou  

Author: Dana Littlejohn

Published Date: January 28, 2020

Publisher: Dana Littlejohn

ASIN: B084BZY6YK

Rating: 4 starts

 

Wow this is a fast-moving plot! The author did not hang around with pace. I liked that, I enjoyed this little novella story. What pulled me in was the book’s blurb, genre, and the location it’s set in. We follow the hero’s story—Reynaud after he is cast out by ‘his people’, who are magical beings that have been alive for centuries, living undetected in this realm. His punishment handed to him is because, he is accused of a crime. As the story develops we learn he was set up, while he spends time in this realm as part of the punishment. He then falls for the heroine— Kameryn which sets him the path he needs to be. There are some twists here, no spoilers from me!

I was gripped from the first few pages, the opening scene with Reyanud’s situation had me reading quickly. I found the characters Kameryn and Reynaud both to be likeable. Kameryn has a backstory of her own, which weaves nicely into how her path crosses with Reynaud’s, it was easy to see why the two would find love given Reyanud’s ‘situation’ and punishment.  The ‘bad guys’ and other secondary characters to me I enjoyed reading. Reyanud’s enemy was not likeable and he was not meant to be! Kudos to the author here.  Like I said, I found as a reader that the plot moved quickly, which was good for me. That said I felt that some areas could have been developed more as I read. Such as Kameryn and Reyanud’s first year together. Literally as one chapter ended, the next started stating they had been together a year. As a reader rather than being told this, it would have been lovely if the author showed it— show don’t tell. This would have been a good reading experience for me, and filled in gaps regarding questions I had. Such as how did their love, relationship, life, and business partnership etc. develop over that year? At this point it would have been nice to see and experience this. As well as them actually falling for one another and love bloom, rather than being told or it just happened as a new chapter started.

Now I read very closely especially in genres where the world is ‘made up’ like paranormal stories, the timestamps within the plot caused a bit of confusion. Right at the end at a critical moment, in the last few pages one of the elders stated fifteen years had passed since the hero had been away, but, a moment ago it was just one year that he and Kameryn had been together. I got a little confused. Given the genre, this could be natural that time passes faster in the ‘other realm’ than the human realm. If so, I would have loved it if the author made this clearer. But it was no massive issue for me, nor did it take away reading enjoyment. It just raised a question, like ‘gosh how wonderful would it have been to see what had happened in this timeframe, rather than being told again.’ It just boils down to a bit more plot development, which could have brought this to a full five star read for me—readers (especially me) love it! Give us more! Overall as a reader from my reading experience this was a lovely introduction to the author’s work, I would recommend it to those who love paranormal romance, especially with African- American characters as leads. I would also read more from this author without a doubt, it was enjoyable. Even if I would have loved some parts more developed, rather than skimmed. Four enjoyable stars from me, I am pleased I read it! It was my cup of tea at the end of the day.

(Reviewed by Kim)

Book Review Alert: The Muted Cage

Book Review Alert: The Muted Cage 

Author: Milagros “Lotus~BeYouTy” Romero

Publisher: Self-published

Published: 2018

ISBN: 978-0-359-03447-5

Rating: 4 stars

 

For me this book represents those women who suffered at the hands of their abuser Because a lot of  women are in a place where they cannot tell their stories but want to. It's a powerful moving book of poems that connects us all to the victims and makes you really evaluate and think about your own life

(Reviewed by Julie)    

For more information on Milagros “Lotus~BeYouTy” Romero, check out his Facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/milagros.romero.568089.

Book Review Alert: Zortega's Qualum and the Shadow Walker

 

Book Review Alert: Zortega's Qualum and the Shadow Walker 

Author: Lagina Weaver & Darryl Johnson

Kindle Edition

Published: February 29, 2020

Publisher: Luniverse Inc.

ASIN: B085L73PRD

Rating: 4 stars

 

Zortega and the other council members are in danger. Deveraux feels that he has to do something about it. Deveraux, Anthony, and Harley have to get on it. While on the earth Dev and all others are attacked. Damage has been done and now the war is on the horizon. Dev use. Magical powers fight until the job is down. But will the job get done?

 

To not be an individual who reads fantasy,I must say this was a very smooth read. A book that anyone in the family can read and enjoy. The storyline is moving and understandable. Dev’s development as a character complements the storyline of the book. It is like the character was created and then the story. 

(Reviewed by Patrice)

Book Review Alert: Stop!

 

Book Review Alert: Stop! 

Author: Colleen Williams

Publishing Date: March 2020

Publisher: Shar-Shey Publishing Company

ASIN: B086CVP6NN

Rating: 5 stars

 

Stop tells the raw truth of Colleen William’s life story. She has endured sexual abuse and domestic violence by the people she once loved and trusted. After years of being knocked down, she finally made a decision to stop and do something. She put pen to paper, using her power and perseverance to pour it out. Stop will take you on an emotional rollercoaster where you can feel her pain, and some may even be able to put themselves in her place.  Come take a ride with her and see how this young woman turned her pain into power. You have to make peace with your past to have a successful future.  We all have stories to tell and this is mines.

This is a touching, emotional, and in every sense very raw memoir. It is a detailed account of the author’s experience and survival of abuse from a number of abusers, from pre-teen to adulthood. While this may seem like hard reading, I personally found it very insightful, and took away valuable lessons about self-worth and ‘red flags’, when it comes to relationships that could potentially become abusive. Even as a reader that has never walked in the same shoes the author has, I saw the message, understood it, and then quickly started to admire the author’s bravery. Firstly, for turning her life around, secondly, for being brave enough to write the memoir. There are some very shocking events the author shares surrounding past relationships, which highlighted the length abusers will go to when it comes to control. It pulled on my heart strings yes, but I was turning the pages very quickly! 

The writing style was easy to follow, personal and natural. I really felt as though the author was conversing directly with me, I liked this. Within the personal accounts and story-telling of the author’s personal journey, are a number of beautiful and frank poems. I loved them and found them touching.

Overall, enjoyed the emotional journey as a reader, I recommend this book to every woman who has or is currently in an abusive relationship to help with healing and moving forward. I also recommend it for anyone who has not experienced this, but has an interest in subject matter. Five stars from me, a touching memoir that is well worth a read.

(Reviewed by Kim)

Book Review Alert: Lifestyles & Situations: From the Streets to a Single Father

 

Book Review Alert: Lifestyles & Situations: From the Streets to a Single Father 

Author: Corey Palmer

Publisher: Independent

Kindle Edition

ASIN: B08634C7KB

Rating 4

There's a few things I like about the book. For starters, it was simple and heartwarming. Secondly by the writing you can tell that the poet was in his feelings. That was portrayed throughout the novel. This makes this book related to many fathers. Would make a great book for first time dads or even single dads.

(Reviewed by Julie)

For more information on Corey Palmer’s book, check out his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/corey.palmer.967 

Book Review Alert: How to Resolve Any Relationship Issue

 

Book Review Alert: How to Resolve Any Relationship Issue 

Author: Angela Walker

Kindle Edition

Published: September 14, 2019

Publisher: Amazon Services

ASIN: B07XM4M6NB

Rating: 3 stars

We are surrounded by relationships in everything that we do. This book gives pointers in relationships from how to start one to how to get what you want from it. There are examples that are given throughout. From how to deal with personal situations between you and your mate to employer to employee. Resolving issues in relationships is something that we all strive for and with this novel, some information can be given to help achieve this goal. 

Great information could be found throughout this novel. As a reader, I would have liked more pointers/information. There were plenty of examples but not enough information/pointers. As a reader, if the author placed more context, this would greatly improve the rating. 

(Reviewed by Patrice)

Book Review Alert: Marrying Outside of God’s Will

 

Book Review Alert: Marrying Outside of God’s Will 

Author:  Frances Dupree

Kindle Edition

Published: June 2, 2020

Publisher: Frances Dupree

ASIN: B089NG27V4

Rating: 4 stars

 

This is a great down to earth book because it’s truthful and people can connect to what the author has to say.

 

I love the fact the author herself has a strong connection with God and uses that in my opinion to teach others what she has learned.  This book should be recommended to women groups to read and discuss.

(Reviewed by Julie)

 

For more information on Frances Dupree’s book, check out his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MzladyDupree .

Book Review Alert: Major Repercussions& Book Giveaway

Book Review Alert: Major Repercussions

Author: Pugh

Kindle Edition

Published: October 31, 2017

Publisher: Turtle Pu Books

ASIN: B076VXDXST

Rating: 5 stars

 

Runny Clem aka Mini-size when we first meet him is in the fight for his life.  Mini-size was involved in a car accident that left him unable to move pleading not to die. Well, this is far from where the fight starts. Mini-size finds himself now as an inmate at West Jefferson Correctional. But is not determined to stay down for long. As his body heals, plans come together for the great escape. 

 

Detective Crook cannot believe that Mini-size has escaped and he is determined to get him back in prison or else.

 

Mini to get things right in his eyes and it does not matter who it is. With the body count growing, who is Mini gonna have at the end? Who or better yet will he have anyone to turn to? What will be the MAJOR REPERCUSSIONS???

 

Talking about a fast-moving novel. Twist, turns, and those OMG moments. I love the continuing speed of the novel. As I stated before it never slowed down. Steady pace with great character growth even though it was not much. You with the information that was given let you know why they got the fate that came upon them. 

 

 (Reviewed by Patrice)

 

 

 

For more information on Author Pugh’s book, check out his facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/author.pugh.5.

 

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Book Review Alert: Different Sides of the Same Coin: A Collection of Poems

Book Review Alert: Different Sides of the Same Coin: A Collection of Poems 

Author: Chyrel J. Jackson & Lyris D. Wallace

Published: September 21, 2019

Publisher: Independent

ISBN-13: 978-1723998348

Rating: 5bstars

 

 

 

As a poet myself, I think getting the reader to hear your voice and see you could be hard but was achievable with in this novel.  What I love about this book is the use of everyday people and events that is true to the poet. Although this is a book of poetry it also connects on a story level because the poets are doing just that… telling a story.  I think the book is entertaining and inspiring for all ages. It does have a lot of other great highlights like the use of words that metaphor for symbols in life or may mean something else. I think the poets should teach a class because the book can use in schools for children to read and learn from.

(Reviewed by Julie)

 

 

For more information on Raitta Rogers's book, check out her facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DSOTC

Book Review Alert: I Broke Out of Prison

                                                         Book Review Alert: I Broke Out of Prison 

Author: Raittia Rogers

Published: November 28, 2019 

Publisher: Independent 

ISBN-13: 978-1691314881 

Rating: 4 stars

 

This book was very insightful and entertaining. Some parts of this novel made me want to cry. I really didn’t think I could relate to this author but I did on a whole different level. The content is good and to the point. I love the way the author described and explain things that I was uncertain of. There was such a message that was given throughout this novel. 

For more information on Raitta Rogers's book, check out her facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/raittia.rogers 

(Reviewed by Julie)