SCBookGal & Friends

Book Review Alert: The Player in Me

Book Review Alert: The Player in Me

Author: Hezekiah Morris

Published: October 29, 2019

Publisher: Kindle

ISBN: B072ZR1WN45

Rating: 5

Z is a man that any woman would want. Sexy, intelligent, gentleman, just everything. To put the icing on the cake he knows his skills in the bedroom. How can any woman resist him? But this is where the trouble starts. Z is juggling 3 ladies that we know of in this novel and keeping them all happy until he decides that it is time to settle down. Z decided that Sapphire is the lady that he wants in his corner. Other players in the game of life such as LaQuitta, Smok , and Deja all will have a say so in the relationship between Z and Sapphire. Who will be left in the end? What will happen when all the roads meet?

This book was a dozy. It kept me at the edge of my seat. When you think why is this character here or what is the purpose of this character, the next sentence or page answers that question. It's crazy how the characters are intertwined with each other and no one knows until you get to the end of the novel and things start to fall apart. The author leaves you with a cliffhanger that makes you go and read the second novel. This is the work of a skilled author.

(Reviewed by Patrice)

Book Review Alert: Tales of Elhaanai

Author: Nicole Thomas

Published: April 14, 2020

Publisher: Nicole Thomas

ISBN: 978-1734919219

Rating: 3

Fantasy and magic comes together in this debut novel by Nichole Thomas. King Kaison and Queen Alanna rule the kingdom. And for years, they have been trying to produce a child. Well the time has come for a king but there is someone in the kingdom that is not too happy with this joyous occasion. You have those around that want the power that is waiting for the new king. Family is not always for family. She (Devona) wants her son to become king but time will time about that idea. By the way, did I forget to say that she is the King’s sister. You have Alric and Elhaani sent to the Oracle to receive guidance. Others in the story such as David and Akronius are looking for Alanna’s and Kiason's child. Who will become the ruler of this kingdom? Who will come join forces and become allies for the greater good? WHO WILL WIN???

I needed more from this novel. Chapters were short and had little depth. The reasoning for this statement is because there is no conflict that went past two chapters. It was a conflict present and then solved. I wanted to keep hanging for a little while at times. I wanted to see the story unfold and come together a little smoother. I would have seen the characters have a defined purpose in some chapters. With a little more seasoning in this novel, I feel that the rating could have been a little higher.

(Reviewed by Patrice)

Book Review Alert: Poems from the Cloud of Reality: BIW Anthology of Poems

Book Review Alert: Poems from the Cloud of Reality: BIW Anthology of Poems

Author: Benn Ahwayevu, James Victory, S.C. Akio, Nathaniel Okeke, I’Prince D’Poet, and Henry Amani

Published: July 27, 2020

Publisher: Independently published

ISBN-13: B08DRWSKKX

Rating: 4

Poems from the motherland is the vibe that I get when reading this anthology. I have never really been a fan of anthologies but this was great. Reason being is that they all were on the same wavelength. This book was just not a random group of just placed in a book but thought out poems that are supported by a similar subject. The descriptions and wordings all made you feel as if you were in a little village enjoying a great book.

My favorite poem was Heart Apart by I’Prince D’ Poet. A breakup poem. My very first time reading one I must say. This poem was sweet but to the point telling the reading that no matter what they might do; they are just never meant be together

(Reviewed by Patrice)

Book Review Alert: Birds Don’t Swim in the Winter

Book Review Alert: Birds Don’t Swim in the Winter

Author: Kenyatta Garner

Published: 2020

Publisher: Paperback

ISBN: Unknown

Rating: 5

Enter the life of Dakota. She is the all-around teen. Smart, pretty, slick mouth but nothing less than a typical teen. We all know that things change with those older teen years. Well Dakota is now in the 11th grade and her life is far from perfect. She has a friend well used to being a friend that has problems at home and doesn’t know how to handle it. Her own parents are in the process of getting a divorce and Dakota has to deal with that on top of all the other craziness that is happening at home.

A great storyline and character development is something you would not see in a debut author. I went to see if any other works were published and I was unable to find any. I was blown away by the style and grace. Ease to read because of the great flow. I love a book where I can sit back and see the book play in your mind.

(Reviewed by Patrice)

Book Review Alert: If I Can't be the Cake I won't be the Crumz.

Book Review Alert: If I Can't be the Cake I won't be the Crumz.

Author: Delbra Brown (aka Mrs. Debbie Cakes)

Published: June 12, 2017

Publisher: D.A. Brown Consulting

ISBN-10:0-9990738-9-3

Rating: 5 stars

Thank you Mrs. Debbie Cakes for this amazing interactive book. You poured your time, energy, thoughts and love into this book. Your transparency to share to educate, empower and encourage others to having a “HEALTHY LONG LASTING RELASTIOHSIP”. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

So this book is 8 chapters of pure knowledge past from her grandmother “Wise Woman of Humor & Wisdom Mrs. Violetter VanHoose (her jokes)…,

What is the Cake Chronicles 80/20 relationship challenge? Wow….woot..woot… Is all I can say you have to go get the book because I will tell too much but I tell you this you learn about the fall, the “struggle”, church folks yes “church folks” vs Christians and so much more and that’s just the 1st chapter……… 7 more chapters packed full of the E3Experience (Educate, Empower & Educate ©AngelaThomasSmith) is what I call it. I tell you this book is definitely one I would suggest to those seeking to marry or those seeking to improve relationships period.

Author Delbra Brown, how you use humor and the cake to teach important L.I.F.E. lessons was amazingly refreshing and gives a lighter side to a serious and challenging part of life. You made me the reader feel like I had hope and could love more and more freely. Thanks for sharing your book with Aspiring Authors Magazine Review Team.

I would suggest this book not only to those singles looking to marry, but to married couples working on growth & development and last but not less I definitely would suggest this book as teaching totals for ministries and groups. Excellent work, I look forward to seeing more of your work in the near future. I hope this it’s it for your wisdom and knowledge its need in this present time.

(Reviewed by Angela)

Book Review Alert: Thorns of My Past!

Author: Arrelle Thomas

Publisher: Amazon

Publication Date: March 7, 2020

ASIN: B085N78C47

Rating: 4 stars

The Thorns of My Past is a set of memoirs that explains the trials and tribulations of a young Christian woman. For example in chapter one the author opens the scene with her grandmother trying to explain something to her but as a young woman, Arielle does not understand. We can understand this as women right? The response to her grandmother questions with respect and shows the reader how she as a young woman back then dealt with problems by consulting with grandmother . In this example Arielle told in so many words about her womanhood choices. At one point, she thinks about everything and she finally gets the message. By chapter 2 the guides the reader’s attention as she takes back to a class where a boy is being bullied and she becomes his friend.

She becomes the unspoken superhero. And with this the whole message of the memoirs take on another meaning. She's sassy and resourceful and she's young women to be themselves because she uses herself and her memoirs so the reader can relate to her

(Reviewed Julie)

Book Review Alert: Money, Blood and Disloyalty

Book Review Alert: Money, Blood and Disloyalty

Author: Stephanie Wilson

Published: February 21, 2020

Publisher: Kindle Edition

ISBN-13: B084V4WHQ3

Rating: 5 stars

Life was great to Zamion but one night everything changed. First, his father is killed in a drug deal gone badly and then his mother dies of a broken heart. This leaves Zamion alone to take on the world. But never think that you are alone in the world. And to Zamion this was so true. He falls in love with Rayleen. She is more than gold in his eyes. Zamion and his friends become a new crew with Zamion in control. Later Zamion is taught a valuable lesson. Gold is not always the best and there is almost always a snake in the camp. Zamion has to deal with both of these issues when he is caught up in the game. Is money worth more than a friendship? Will Zamion be able to keep his head above water? Who in the crew will become disloyal to him? Is the love that Rayleen has for him real and worth the wait?

The beginning, middle, and end of this book was MARVELOUS! The author really as they said put her foot in this novel. A true example of a well thought out book being less than 150 pages. Each character had a purpose in the storyline. Wilson did a great job making this story very believable. Now there were some twists and turns that added to the greatness of this book. Because Lawd knows I did not see what was coming from some of the players in this book. Stephanie Wilson BRAVO on this novel. I can’t wait to read more of your work.

(Reviewed by Patrice)

Book Review Alert: Talitha Koum! Girl Get Up and Write…

Book Review Alert: Talitha Koum! Girl Get Up and Write…

Author: Sherrie “D” Lon

Published: Sept 22, 2020

Publisher: Kindle

ISBN-9781076440020

Rating: 3 stars

Talitha Koum! Girl Get Up and Write…is full of expressions, ups & downs, high & lows, good & bad times, happy & sad times…….

This book allows you to experience L.I.F.E(what we call LIFE). You get to see the author grow from a child to a young girl, from a young girl to a women. The author uses poetry to speak to the challenges that are plaguing our African American families/communities (spirituality & family issues).

In, closing I like how the author incorporated a sneak peek of her new book as a close to this book. Leaves the readers wanting more now because they see another side of you other than poetry. I want to see what Naomi is up to now.

However I rate this book a 3.5 because interior design, a little more color, change your fonts character & size you are well on your way to a successful 1st book. (If you decide to revise great, If not note for future projects). I recommend this book to youth, young ladies and women book clubs and any one looking for strength.

(Talitha Koum!- Means “little girl, I say to you , Get Up!”)

(Reviewed by Angela)

Book Review Alert: Squilly Sorts It Out

Book Review Alert: Squilly Sorts It Out

Author: Tashia Beaty

Published: June 23, 2020

Publisher: Kindle Edition

ISBN-13: B08BT7Z7PL

Squilly loves to sort and count and he is the best at what he does. Join Squilly as he helps the gardener sort her fruit and get the garden back in line.

This is the cutest book to help a little one learn how to sort and count. A straight to the point tutorial on sorting by type and counting. Another great addition to this book was the illustrations. They are great and vibrant. It makes it easy to read and to engage the child.

(Reviewed by Patrice)

Book Review Alert: Broken Essentials

Book Review Alert: Broken Essentials

Author: April Harper

Published: March 11, 2020

Publisher: Kindle Edition

ISBN-13: B0857GV172

Rating: 4 stars

Every girl wants the love of her mother, but what happens to the girl that doesn't get it. Meet Denise. The relationship that she has with her mother, Terry, is nothing less than a nightmare. There is no love for them and Denise is determined not to have the same relationship with her unborn child. Now we have Terry. Who for no fault of her own is a TERRIBLE mother. Denise then meets Tyrell. But the love of her life has his own issues. But because of the love that Denise has for him, his issues become her issues. When this happens everything comes to the forefront. Worlds collide. Issues come. Who will be the last female standing? What about Tyrell will he come to his senses? But most of all what will become of Denise’s daughter?

This book was a good read. All the characters were able to bring a true identity to the storyline. I do not know if the author did this, but in my opinion it seems like the storyline was built around the characters. The development of the characters and storyline went hand in hand. For situations in the novel are very believable and that was a great addition to the novel. A storyline that you can really see happening. The only thing that keeps this novel from getting 5 stars is some questions that were left unanswered for the reader. Please author come up with a part 2 or give a conclusion because I would love to see what happens to Denise as a woman and to Denise and Tyrell as a couple/parents.

(Reviewed by Patrice)

Book Review Alert: I Wanted Peace: A Divorce Memoir

Book Review Alert: I Wanted Peace: A Divorce Memoir

Author: D. Lynn X

Published Date: September 12, 2018

Publisher: Honorable MENCHAN Media LLC

ASIN: B07HB875T8

Rating: 4 stars

I’d like to thank the author for sharing her insight, and personal experience on her road to a better place. As I read I could easily see how this memoir might be inspirational to others, who are considering leaving a marriage, trying to work up the courage to, or recently have left a marriage and are on the road to recovery. This was clear to me. However, for me I Wanted Peace: A Divorce Memoir is an extremely short read of about fifty pages, for a memoir, at times it felt like it was just the surface of the author’s experience I read. More like a justification for the actions taken. While this is personal content that was enjoyable and inspirational to read, I felt as a reader and outsider I would have loved to read more around the author’s actual experiences, this could have been enhanced. This could have helped the narrative to not seem like just the surface or an overview. For example what she did, how she did it, and who helped her and her children survive, also her ex-husband’s responses etc. would have been lovely to read in more detail. The rawness and emotion I felt was left out, adding to the smaller page count, or feeling of an overview of the memoir. I would have loved for this memoir to be a little more ‘raw’ and from the heart, but don’t get me wrong it’s certainly a good and worthwhile read! I recommend it to anyone who has been faced with the decision to leave a marriage, on the road to recovery or who has an interest in the subject matter. I could fully understand why the author did what she did, and how I this short read could help others. Four stars from me, thank you for sharing your story.

(Reviewed by Kim)

Book Review Alert: The Alpha Centaurians: The Beginnings (Volume 1)

Book Review Alert: The Alpha Centaurians: The Beginnings (Volume 1)

Author: Lizzy Landon

Published: January 5, 2018

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

ISBN-13: 978-7986398415

Rating: 3 stars

Paranormal, romance, and hints of a sexual appetite are only part of this novel. Skye is delivered to a location where she meets her mate. The scent of her blood has power and is wanted by the wrong people. Balen is a prince that falls for a half-bred. When consuming her love he gains strength and speed. Will this source of power be his downfall? Ryan will do anything to have Balen, even if it means deceiving others or breaking their hearts. Which love will prevail? All is fair in love and war.

The novel was a good combination of paranormal and romance. The flow of the novel was a little difficult at times but at certain points, it would come all together. I would like to see the author use a little less description and to streamline all components of the novel to keep the reader interested.

(Reviewed by Patrice)

For more information on Robert Horton’s book, check out his website at www.damoodypoet.com

Book Review Alert: Lynching Calendar

Book Review Alert: Lynching Calendar

Author: Jessica Starks

Published: October 18, 2019

Publisher: Onion Publishing

ISBN-13: 978-1733764704

Rating: 5 stars

I’d like to thank the author for sharing this book, wow what an emotional read. Within this short read are a number of stories from past times. Tales of people of color who suffered at the hands of racism, across the United States of America in a time when racial tension was even more charged than it is in the present day. I found all the stories to be page-turning, heart breaking, and at times while hard to read they are all a must read. I had to read this book in small doses even though I wanted to lap it all up in one siting, as it is a short read. I had to pace myself, this was not because they are badly written or uninteresting, to the contrary. They are so beautifully written they can and at times did draw tears. The most memorable story for me was one of the first I came across, about a man who was basically a target of a local white woman, and a pretty loose woman. She set about sleeping with as many men of color as she could, she came across one who did not fall for her hypnotic ways. He was a man of God, all he wanted to do was to enlighten her about the word of God, while he helped her chop some wood. To my surprise, she set him up and had him killed by the KKK for a rape and abuse that he did not do. Thing is the local people even though then knew what she was like, they believed her. It felt like reading To Kill a Mockingbird all over again. I can’t really put into words how I felt reading it without being rather disrespectful to this female character, who had a hidden agenda against men of color, but I will say it was a good read even if sad.

Overall for me I enjoyed every single story. Beautifully written, engaging, the characters also resonated the speech and manners of those from the Deep South during the time the stories are set. For this I’d give props to the author for good character development. Five stars, a must read.

(Reviewed by Kim)