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: Can’t Let Go

Book Review Alert: Can’t Let Go

Author: Donna Michelle Ramos

Published: Oct 14, 2020

Publisher: Donatella Publishing Company

ISBN-13: B08L8F23C5

Rating: 3

Can’t Let Go is an interracial love story between a white man named Shane and a black woman named Shauna. Shane has been interested in Shauna for what seems like forever, but being a faithfully married woman she never bothered to look his way. Shane longs for her from a distance believing that they will forever be destined to just be friendly coworkers, but things take a change in Shane’s favor when fate changes Shauna’s relationship status from married to divorced. From the moment they get together their relationship is an up and down emotional rollercoaster filled with disloyalty, racial discriminations, and heartbreak. Jump into this book for the ride.

I gave this book a 3, because there were quite a few grammatical errors. Some parts I needed to reread a couple times in order to understand what the author was saying. That really broke the flow of the overall story. Also, there were some parts that the author chose to skip over that I wish were explained in more detail, and on the other side there were some things that the author went into depth about that I felt could have been skipped. Overall, the book was decent, but the ending was very disappointing to me. I wished it ended a different way, because I felt that the main character deserved better. It also needs to have an editor take a second look, because some of the grammatical issues were very distracting. I would still recommend this book, because I think it’s best if you read it for yourself and come up with your own opinion too.

(Reviewed by Chantel)

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: A Time To Love A Time To Hate

Book Review Alert: A Time To Love A Time To Hate 

Author: Tracey D. Harris

Published: November 9, 2020

Publisher: FeedARead.com    

ISBN: 978-1839455483

Rating: 4

I found this story very captivating and I felt as though I could feel the characters emotions, thoughts and actions throughout the book. In this book readers have the opportunity to see how love truly conquers all even hate. I found myself gasping for air as the author was very descriptive in how she depicted the raw emotions of the main characters. I would recommend this book for a cultural awareness course or even for a young adult who may wonder about loving someone from the opposite side of the fence and color. I would love to see a part two or a trilogy for this phenomenal piece. 

(Reviewed by Harmony Rayne)

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: 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

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!

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)