Review: The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:

A powerful, revealing story of hope, love, justice, and the power of reading by a man who spent thirty years on death row for a crime he didn’t commit.

In 1985, Anthony Ray Hinton was arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder in Alabama. Stunned, confused, and only twenty-nine years old, Hinton knew that it was a case of mistaken identity and believed that the truth would prove his innocence and ultimately set him free.

But with no money and a different system of justice for a poor black man in the South, Hinton was sentenced to death by electrocution. He spent his first three years on Death Row at Holman State Prison in agonizing silence—full of despair and anger toward all those who had sent an innocent man to his death. But as Hinton realized and accepted his fate, he resolved not only to survive, but find a way to live on Death Row. For the next twenty-seven years he was a beacon—transforming not only his own spirit, but those of his fellow inmates, fifty-four of whom were executed mere feet from his cell. With the help of civil rights attorney and bestselling author of Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson, Hinton won his release in 2015.

With a foreword by Stevenson, The Sun Does Shine is an extraordinary testament to the power of hope sustained through the darkest times. Destined to be a classic memoir of wrongful imprisonment and freedom won, Hinton’s memoir tells his dramatic thirty-year journey and shows how you can take away a man’s freedom, but you can’t take away his imagination, humor, or joy.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton is an informative nonfiction read. It is a memoir of one man’s experience and suffering of the injustice of our justice system. Political issues and racial issues were used to put innocent black men into jail. Some never got out of there. Very few ever regained their life back from the mistakes of the justice system. The messages in this book were strong and the author’s viewpoint can easily persuade others why. Having suffered under this injustice himself, he is speaking out about it. So much time was stolen from innocent men, like Anthony Ray Hinton. Overall, this memoir was powerful and should be read by all readers regardless of racial background.

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Review: Planez

Synopsis:

Essence Brown is a beautiful fashion magazine editor-in-chief living in New York City. When she meets Malcolm Hill, a handsome real estate agent from Chicago on a business trip, things began to heat up. They say you shouldn’t mix business with pleasure, but what happens when you do? 
Planez will take you on a ride of your life, full of sex, thrill and betrayal. This isn’t your ordinary flight…fasten your seat belt and prepare for take off. 

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Planez by Mariah James is an alluring read. Hot, spicy, and full of action. The heat spread like a wild fire. Consuming the reader whole. The plot was interesting. Mariah James created an adult fictional piece that had me riding a rollercoaster. The emotions were everywhere. Intense and exciting. New. Both Essence and Malcom kept me guessing. The pages were entertaining to keep on following the pair. Mariah James also included each protagonist’s viewpoint. I think that made this book a good read. Overall, it was enjoyable to watch as the characters struggled and fell in love. 

Review: Even When It Hurts (Seventy Times Seven)

Synopsis:

Maxine Hunter and Reverend Claude Jacobs have been engaged for a year and unable to decide on a final wedding date. The delay for their marital bliss comes in the form of Claude’s longtime friend, Geneva Shade. Geneva is in love with Claude and has decided she’s going to do whatever it takes to be with him, even if it means damaging his life. Claude is unaware of Geneva’s mental illness, which makes him oblivious to her sinister tricks to break up him and Maxine. Maxine’s eyes are wide open to Geneva’s games, but after one incident too many, Maxine is finally pushed to her breaking point. Claude finally sees Geneva for who she really is, but it’s seemingly too late. Will Claude and Maxine be able to forgive Geneva and each other, Even When It Hurts? 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Even When It Hurts: Seventy Times Seven by D.A. Kelley is an African American novel that shows how hard life can be. The characters struggle just like the rest of us. Choices are made. Sometimes more often than not, they make the wrong decisions. This, then leads them to instant regret. A torn relationship and insecurities. Taking the steps to accept, forgive, and move on will be hard. If they can forgive where will that leave them? Anger, lust, and evil planning are just a few things keeping the characters apart. But what God pushed together, might be fixed…or not. D.A. Kelley wrote a book that all women can relate to…even most men. We all have had something similar happen in our lives. I enjoyed how she combined real life and issues like mental illness into an entertaining read. Overall, I recommend to to readers everywhere.

Review: Bold Love (A Letter To My Young Sisters)

Synopsis:

Bold Love: A Letter to My Young Sisters is a love letter full of personal experiences, science and deliberate encouragement to help one move through the challenges related to self-esteem, absent relationships and racial challenges. This body of work is written through the eyes of the writer as if she were her younger self. Bold Love speaks to young ladies and women that may not understand the pathology of their behaviors. Bold Love uses poetry and anonymous testimony to normalize any reader that may feel like their problem is one that only they have faced. Bold Love creates a platform to encourage self-reflection and makes a plea for one to accept their reality and not live in fantasy by holding on to what one believes should have been. The love letter is to encourage a young generation to learn who they are and where they come from and to not allow unfavorable circumstances stunt the promise that was put on their lives.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Bold Love: A Letter To My Young Sisters by Terri M. Bolds (MS, LPC) is a book of empowerment and self-esteem for young African American women everywhere. The writer gives readers a personal ride through the book. In this journey, challenges are presented. From relationships to racial conflicts, Terri M. Bolds gives a deeper meaning to these group that she targets in her pages. Exploring the behaviors of young women and opening their eyes. Moving forward is the main theme of this encouraging book. Reflections, deep thoughts, and questions to help these young African American women claim their future. I found it awe-inspiring. Overall, this was a great book to explore. 

Review: My Soul Looks Black

Synopsis:

In this captivating new memoir, award-winning writer Jessica B. Harris recalls a lost era—the vibrant New York City of her youth, where her social circle included Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and other members of the Black intelligentsia.
In the Technicolor glow of the early seventies, Jessica B. Harris debated, celebrated, and danced her way from the jazz clubs of the Manhattan’s West Side to the restaurants of the Village, living out her buoyant youth alongside the great minds of the day—luminaries like Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison. My Soul Looks Back is her paean to that fascinating social circle and the depth of their shared commitment to activism, intellectual engagement, and each other.
Harris paints evocative portraits of her illustrious friends: Baldwin as he read aloud an early draft of If Beale Street Could Talk, Angelou cooking in her California kitchen, and Morrison relaxing at Baldwin’s house in Provence. Harris describes her role as theater critic for the New York Amsterdam News and editor at then burgeoning Essence magazine; star-studded parties in the South of France; drinks at Mikell’s, a hip West Side club; and the simple joy these extraordinary people took in each other’s company. The book is framed by Harris’s relationship with Sam Floyd, a fellow professor at Queens College, who introduced her to Baldwin.
More than a memoir of friendship and first love My Soul Looks Back is a carefully crafted, intimately understood homage to a bygone era and the people that made it so remarkable.

Rating: 3.5-stars

Review:

My Soul Looks Black by Jessica B. Harris is a great memoir. Her book is about famous African Americans featured in New York. Yet, I felt this Read fell flat. She spoke about the people but didn’t give more details about them that would have made this more of a fascinating read. It seemed like she mostly talked about those around her and not about having direct contact with these people mentioned. When she mentions a little bit about herself, it was okay. Still Jessica B. Harris could have done more for this memoir. I was interested in the title of this book and was curious as to what it held. After reading it, I’d say it’s okay but not exceptional. 

Review: Perfect Pleasures

Synopsis:

World famous MMA champion Zachary Barrett has returned to his home in Phuket, Thailand, and his elite training camp, Revolution. Thanks to his twin brother, a renowned pro trainer in Colorado, Zachary is primed and ready for his next title bout—but his toughest match may be with the sports journalist assigned to write an exposé on him. Not only is she gorgeous, she’s after a well-guarded secret that Zach soon realizes makes her off limits in every way…

 

It’s true that Kenzie Monroe has an ulterior motive for pursuing Zachary. The half-Asian beauty believes he’s connected to her estranged father, a former MMA fighter who disappeared years ago. And the more Zachary avoids her, the more determined she is—and the hotter their game of cat and mouse becomes…until they both surrender. But as lust, love, and friendship combine, Zachary knows he has to answer all of Kenzie’s questions—because outside of the ring, the heart makes the rules… 

 

“Mello hits all the right notes…A smart heroine, a sensual hero, witty repartee, and complex family dynamics.” – Publishers Weekly on Playing for Keeps 

Rating: 3.5-stars

Review:

Perefect Pleasures by Deborah Fletcher Mello is a contemporary African American novel. It’s heat level is packed full. The charcaters’ chemistry ignites with every page. Lighting a fiery passion within them. One is after the other for answers. She won’t stop until she gets what she wants. However, neither charcater expected the raw desires to flare up…

This novel looked good. It’s written fine. But there’s really no personal connection from the reader to the charcaters. The story is all sexual which is fine, since the title suggests that. It just felt like the emotional connection between characters wasn’t really developed. They struggle with their issues. It’s like they are hiding from reality by having sex. Other than those issues, the book was fine. Entertaining read overall. I haven’t read any previous novels by Deborah Fletcher Mello so, I can’t compare how her writing fell from the others. But her novel holds promise, just needs more work. 

Review: Luxe 2

Synopsis: 

In Luxe Two: A LaLa Land Addiction by New York Times bestselling author Ashley Antoinette, there is only one thing more powerful than anything…the love of the high…
Bleu is addicted…addicted to the luxe life and it has led her down a road of self-destruction. She knows what it feels like to be turned out by the game. With a crack cocaine addiction that she can’t seem to escape, she is desperate for a savior. Her problem is she has two great loves that want to come to her rescue. When her best friend, Noah comes searching for her she is faced with a dilemma. Will she let him save her? Or will she stick with the kingpin, Iman, who has loved her since their first encounter? Or will both men lose her to a love she can’t get rid of…one that abuses her…and one that will be the death of her… 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Luxe 2 by Ashley Antoinette is an urban fiction tale that nailed my attention. Immediately, the main charcater’s life was hitting rock bottom. The life of drugs over taking her. Luckily, Bleu had two men in her life and several friends to help her. One man is a kingpin the other is a best friend who wants to rescue her. But only if Blue lets him. Noah is the man that is good for the main charcater. I can’t say too much without giving away the plot…next, there’s Iman. He loves Bleu but her heart says Noah. Yet he’s still a major part of life in more than one way. Bleu is a strong heroine that will need to make major decisions soon before it’s too late for her. Surprises and plot twists are ahead for readers. I enjoyed reading this African American novel. It portrayed real lives in a fictional sense. Everything was believable. Overall, I recommend Luxe 2 to readers. 

Review: Dear Yvette

Synopsis:

All sixteen year old Yvette Simmons wanted was to disappear. Problem is: she has too many demons for that. Yvette’s life changed forever after a street fight over a boy ended in a second degree murder charge. Forced to start all over again, she’s sentenced to live in a group home far from anything or anyone she’s ever known. She manages to keep her past hidden, until a local cutie, known as Brooklyn, steps in. Slowly, Yvette lets him into her heart and he gives her the summer of her dreams…

 

But in Yvette’s world things are never as they seem. 

 

Brooklyn has a few secrets of his own and Yvette’s past comes back with a vengeance. Will she face life head-on? Will she return to her old ways? Or will an unexpected letter decide her fate?
“Simone’s story is reminiscent of Sistah Souljah’s groundbreaking The Coldest Winter Ever…a hard hitting tale of the inner city’s unforgiving streets.” —Library Journal 

 

“Simone knows how to tell a story…and she can also bring the drama.” —RT Book Reviews

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Dear Yvette by Ni-Ni Simone is an interesting YA novel. An urban fiction read that has all of the drama, action, and stakes readers want. Criminal activity, past murder charge, and the difficulty of restarting a life. Yvette Simons will have a challenge at every corner. Staying away from everything she knew will prove hard. Then to add to the intensity of the plot, she finds herself attracted to a good looking guy. But whether he will break or make her new life is for readers to see…

Ni-Ni Simone has a way of capturing the street life of young adults inside of her books. The teens come to life. Their choices are scary and drastic. I was left to holding my breath waiting for anything to tilt Yvette’s life. A life that felt like is was hanging onto a thin thread. Intriguing, exciting, and believable. The plot was like a rollercoaster ride. Overall, I recommend this to readers. 

Review: Heels, Heartache, & Headlines

Synopsis:

It’s a showdown for the spotlight as Hollywood’s elite Pampered Princesses scramble to outshine each other for the ultimate crown. But being on top is never what it seems…

Heartbroken and humiliated, teen supermodel London Phillips is done with her pity party and ready to move on. But between the mean-spirited media, a shocking realization about her billionaire ex, and a vengeful obsession, London’s discovering that while confessions are good for the soul, deception is so much sweeter… 
When it comes to juggling her cuties, Rich Montgomery is the queen. But now she’s fallen for a bad boy who comes with more drama than she ever did–and her fairytale love affair soon turns into a nightmare. Will she find a way out, or will pride get the best of her? 

Spencer Ellington could teach an advanced class in revenge. So when she’s shunned by her frenemy, Heather Cummings, again, backstabbed by her bestie, Rich, and sucked into her parents’ sordid antics, she’s ready to roll up her designer sleeves and pull out all the stops. After all, frenemies fight. Divas wage war… 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Heels, Heartache, & Headlines by Ni-Ni Simone Amir Abrams is a juicy YA read. A Comtemporary African American piece of literature that speaks real teenage language. The drama is high and the risks…make this a hot read. Nobody likes a diva. After reading this tale, I saw why. All the trouble that comes a diva’s way can turn her faster than a blink of an eye. The three divas inside were different but similar in ways. 

Ni-Ni Simone Amir Abrams has created three realistic queen bees. All trying to win the top place. However, that will prove most difficult as each girl has a secret. That could make or break them. Love enters their worlds and complications arise. Matters will need solving or they’ll escalate further than the girls thought. Betrayal, romance, and frenemies are popular themes found in this entertaining novel. Exes, bad boys, and revenge…are in the air. Heels, Heartache, & Headlines is full of action, drama, and some adult like material. I was fascinated with London’s, Rich’s and Spencer’s lives. One big emotionally exciting ride from beginning to end. Overall, I recommend it to readers. 

Review: The Gay Preacher’s Wife

Synopsis:

The deeply personal memoir of Lydia Meredith, a woman who spent almost thirty years married to a preacher—only to have her husband leave her for a MAN —and how her life becomes a testimony of tolerance and a theology of love and acceptance.
After being married to Reverend Dennis A. Meredith for almost thirty years, Lydia Meredith discovers a shocking truth: the love of her life left her for a MAN. Now, Lydia opens up for the first time about how that revelation shattered her world—and strengthened her faith.
With her life turned upside down, Lydia struggled to put the pieces of her broken heart back together and that led her to pursue understanding through an accredited theological education. She wanted a way to put her family back together and she found Jesus’ ministry and teachings were “actually” about teaching tolerance and love for people who are labeled different.
Candid, honest, and incredibly touching, Lydia Meredith shows that faith and perseverance can get you through any challenge life throws your way.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

The Gay Preacher’s Wife by Lydia Meredith is a deep memoir. Inside, I followed her journey as an African American women. Just being in that category is hard enough. Then, to add to the fact her husband had lied to her for the past 30-years. Well, it was easy to sympathize with her. I can only imagine how hard that was to deal with after finding out. Having a man lineage his wife for an reason is hard on the soul and heart. Lydia Meredith’s husband left her for another man. Wow. I wouldn’t know how to handle that scenario myself, if placed in the same situation. Her journey was emotional and interesting. I believe the writer dealt with the situation in the best ways possible. I can’t judge her nor her husband. Life is complicated, messy, and hear shattering. Readers can easily connect with Lydia as her words engage them further into her life. Overall, this personal memoir took great faith and courage to share. I recommend it to others. 

Review: Why Am I Still Single?

Synopsis:

Have you been asking yourself the question, Why am I still single? Do you find yourself repeatedly dating the same types of men over and over again? Have you felt like giving up on love and happily ever after? Are you tired of settling for less than you what you truly want and deserve in your relationships? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you cant afford NOT to read Why Am I Still Single by author, life coach, speaker, and therapist, Giovanna Burgess Geathers. Discover what may be holding you back from finding the love you want and learn how to identify your unhealthy relationship patterns and how your past issues and experiences may be directing and determining your current behaviors and decisions. Written from a practical, spiritual and psychological perspective, it is a combination of the author’s experiences, theoretical knowledge and insight as she seeks to help women gain a deeper understanding of their relationships with men, with others, but most importantly, with themselves. 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Why Am I Still Single by Giovanna Burgess Geathers, LPC is a great self-help read. Inside, I found well-written book by a woman expert. Many relationships fail. Due to that people feel hopeless in finding love…and even go as far as to believe love doesn’t exist. Questions pop up when one is in this situation. Giovanna Burgess Geathers, LPC is experienced in giving mental, emotional, and behavioral health services. After reading her book, I can tell that she knows what she writes. This book helps guide readers like myself to better understanding ourselves and our relationships. There are many thought provoking questions that made me really think…as well as scenarios to look through and find insights as to what is happening. Exploring, understanding, and learning…can be done by following the writer through every page. I highly recommend Why I Am Still Single to readers everywhere.

Review: Madame President

Synopsis:

The harrowing, but triumphant story of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, leader of the Liberian women’s movement, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, and the first democratically elected female president in African history.

When Ellen Johnson Sirleaf won the 2005 Liberian presidential election, she demolished a barrier few thought possible, obliterating centuries of patriarchal rule to become the first female elected head of state in Africa’s history. Madame President is the inspiring, often heartbreaking story of Sirleaf’s evolution from an ordinary Liberian mother of four boys to international banking executive, from a victim of domestic violence to a political icon, from a post-war president to a Nobel Peace Prize winner. 

Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and bestselling author Helene Cooper deftly weaves Sirleaf’s personal story into the larger narrative of the coming of age of Liberian women. The highs and lows of Sirleaf’s life are filled with indelible images; from imprisonment in a jail cell for standing up to Liberia’s military government to addressing the United States Congress, from reeling under the onslaught of the Ebola pandemic to signing a deal with Hillary Clinton when she was still Secretary of State that enshrined American support for Liberia’s future.
Sirleaf’s personality shines throughout this riveting biography. Ultimately, Madame President is the story of Liberia’s greatest daughter, and the universal lessons we can all learn from this “Oracle” of African women.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Madame President by Helene Cooper is an inspiring read. Women everywhere will be awed at the work done by one woman, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. She has gone beyond any other woman of her time in a country that mistreated women as objects. Here, I got to follow the brave and clever woman as she rose from just a mother to a president of a nation. Going to prison, suffering like every other woman has done…,yet she managed to rise dispite the hardships that fell upon her. I was amazed. She kept on going even when it might have meant the end for her. Writer, Helene Cooper, has brought Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s life alive on these pages for All to see. Just when I thought I have seen, heard, and know it all…this book brought out more than just a woman struggling to rise among men of her country. It’s a story of survival, courage, determination as well as breaking barriers. Overall, I recommend this nonfiction piece on one of the most compelling stories of a woman to readers everywhere.

Review: The Invisible Leader in Montgomery

Synopsis:

There was a powerful invisible leader of consequential significance in Montgomery during the bus affair, December 1955-December 1956. The invisible leader was unknown to the public. Visible operatives executed the strategy of their leader, who directed activities from behind the scene. The chief subordinate of the invisible leader was Martin Luther King, Jr. King was hand-picked by the invisible leader because of recognized qualities. The belief that an invisible leader existed surfaced five weeks into the bus undertaking. 

City leaders, and many citizens, were of the opinion that the youthful newcomer to Montgomery lacked the community status, credibility, or experience to garner a following of fifty thousand residents overnight and launch such a crusade. Politicians in Montgomery ruled out seasoned leaders in the community of the oppressed, E. D. Nixon and Rufus Lewis, as the boss to whom the young newcomer answered.

The efforts of city leaders and supporters to identify and apprehend the invisible leader were unsuccessful. Several visitors to Montgomery concluded that an invisible leader existed, annotating their position in writing. Various concerns forced the consequential personality to function in the capacity of the invisible leader, while subordinates publicly implemented tasks. 

The bus affair lasted over one year, but the invisible leader went uncaptured. The chief subordinate of the invisible leader, young King, ascended to fame during the axial bus affair. The invisible leader who functioned and commanded from behind the scene remained in obscurity.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Invisible Leader in Montgomery by Wally G. Vaughn took me pack into the heart of history. A time when the black people were struggling with being mistreated by whites. Everyone is a human being yet the skin tones set them apart. Whites did everything to keep blacks out of their circles. Separation of schools, different drinking fountains, and giving up one’s bus seat for a white person. Cruelty like nothing we have seen. Despite their horrible treatment a leader rose among them. Teaching them violence doesn’t end the cruelty. They continued to use non-violentapproaches and it seemed to work. People were taking notice. Blacks were rising up to defend themselves. Martin Luther King Jr. was the man that would make his people proud. Not black and not white, but both people proud. A true leader who made significant outcomes for those suffering. Wally G. Vaughn has created this historical piece, diving readers into the mess of that time. I enjoyed reading this book. I believe that the writer has done an excellent job showing readers the facts. I found it quite interesting to read. Overall, I recommend The Invisible Leader in Montgomery to all. 

Review: Stolen Lives

 

Synopsis:

Three fourteen-year-old boys, Brett McGovern, Stephen Bailey and Michael Erickson are inextricably linked by the abduction and murder. Brett, who was abducted from Indianapolis, fears that his captors will decide to kill him. More recently, two boys from a Milwaukee, Wisconsin suburb, Stephen, and Michael, have been abducted, and the detectives on the case know that if they are not found within 24 hours, any chance of finding them is remote and they will be gone forever. A fourth boy, George Tokay, a Navajo, holds a key piece to this puzzle and doesn’t realize it.

Pete Kelliher and his team of FBI agents from the Crimes Against Children Unit have been tracking the murders of children for the past two years. He believes that if they can find these two boys, they might find the answers to the questions that have been eluding them. He and his team race to find Stephen and Michael before they disappear forever. There isn’t much to go on, and each time he gets a break, potential witnesses are found dead. As Pete and his team investigate, the stories of these boys are like loose threads on a sweater: pull the wrong one and it unravels completely. Slowly, Pete comes to the realization that one or more members of his own team might be behind it all. There are injury and death, some of which is Pete’s fault and that causes him to question his effectiveness and his future.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Stolen Lives by Joseph Lewis is a remarkable piece of fiction. It takes things that have happened and puts it into a new twist, inside this fictional world. The terror and events are similar to ones we find in our world, today. Real stories inspired this talented writer to bring about the issues into a work of fiction. Readers will be trapped within the walls of every scene once they opened up the book. The plot is full of intrigue, danger, and suspense. Crime fiction at its best.

Here inside this thriller, Stolen Lives, brings to life real problems in a way that will have readers on the edge of their seats. Dark, sad, and definitely an eye opener. Joseph Lewis brings to readers’ attention that boys too are abducted and sexually abused just like girls are. The world is never a safe place, but when those who should be protecting may be the cause of danger…everything spirals out of control. The story has a way that wrapped itself completely around me. It sucked me in from page one and wouldn’t release me until the last page. There’s plenty of action and mystery that hooked me right away. The ending was great…and left me wondering what’s to happen next. Joseph Lewis’s writing was superb. His characters drew me into the plotline. The dialogue was easy to read and follow along. Overall, I highly recommend this masterpiece to readers everywhere.

 

Review: Money, Power & Sex

 

Synopsis:

Four Lives, four separate motives, one unbelievable outcome. Follow this twisting tale, full of romance, action, suspense, and drama. Watch each person desperately try to reach their desires and discover why they are willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to answer one question. How far are you willing to go for Money, Power, and Sex?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Money, Power, & Sex by Norian Love is a powerful love story. Instantly it wraps readers into its depth. It was easy to lose myself, within this novel. Danger, greed, power and loyalty are all wrapped up in this dark read. Some people chose their lifestyles and others force some to fall into the darkness. The characters are both liked and hated. Their lives are messed up from the beginning to end. There only was safe is if you’re dead. Love causes people to do things to protect the ones they care about…and love can also carry a death sentence to those around you. Sad, well-written, and suspenseful. The action kept me turning the pages. Drama can also be found in the urban romance. Norian Love also incorporated a little street life dirt into the story. Street life can be a deadly game. Never know what will or won’t happen. Money, Power,  & Sex is all it takes for motive…overall, this tale is one that readers won’t want to miss. The characters are only left with choices…choices that can drag them down or pull them back up…I highly recommend this edgy read to readers everywhere.

 

Review: Sky (Me Against The World

 

Synopsis:

We got a glimpse of Sky in “I Hate That I Love You” but now we get to hear her full story. Lauren was dealt a bad hand from birth but when she runs away and finds the life she always wanted, things start to change. Her life changes overnight when Sky’s born. Sky had the things Lauren would stay up at night crying, and dreaming about… A family that loved her, anything she wanted at her fingertips but most of all Sky had a safe home. Lauren never felt safe at night until she met Mrs. Carter and Jalen but one day that was all taken from her and her life as she knew it would never be the same. Sixteen, with a heart full of pain and revenge on her brain Sky’s forced out in this cold world trying to find her way. Will she find her way in this mean world or will she get swallowed alive?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Sky (Me Against The World) by Keyanna Ford is truly a deep insider’s view, to the ugly side of our world. Sure we know about crimes that are committed but when a family turns against a child…that’s the worst kind of crime of all. A seven-year-old girl runs away from after her mom’s boyfriend tries touching her in a way no man should. Yet the mother knows and let it happen anyway. Luckily, the little girl finds an elderly woman who takes her. Once she’s safe inside with the older woman, the little girl’s life changes forever. For once she is treated like a child and loved. However, happy endings never last in real life. Again the world has returned to blow Sky a cruel hand. The elderly woman is now suffering from cancer and is dying…then, there’s the elderly woman’s son, who has become an uncle to little Sky. While they’re at home they get a terrifying call…Uncle was shot and didn’t survive the surgery…Little Sky is now a teen and lost the only good she had in life. Now, it’s up to her to find a good life or to fall back in the dark.. Keyanna Ford’s writing is superb. Her novel is African American literature but it presents real life scenarios, that all need to be more aware of… and I loved how well-developed the tale was. This was a fast-paced story that will grab readers’ hearts and suck them in whole. I loved reading every page…addictive, sad, and well-written. Overall, I highly recommend Sky (Me Against The World) to readers everywhere.

 

Review: Love’s Legacy

 

Synopsis:

Love’s Legacy continues Luke and Naeerah’s epic love story. They’ve found their way back to one another in spite of the insurmountable odds that threatened to keep them apart, but no one is ever fully prepared for the storms life brings. Luke and Naeerah are no different.

Follow our favorite couple as they fight to weather the storms of life while desperately trying to hold on to each other and their family.

Will their marriage ship sink or stay afloat in the sea of life’s process and prove their love is unbreakable and worthy to be branded a lasting legacy?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Ngozi M. Obi has beautifully created a tale that brought the realities of life and the hardships that we face into a world of fiction that we all can enjoy. Highly  entertaining and inspirational…Love’s Legacy lured me in deeply. The characters are so real with issues that make this novel 3 dimensional. The emotional journey was definitely one exciting thrill ride.I have found myself completely enjoying and waiting to experience again when I read this story once more. The love that the main characters Luke and Naeerah have for another is something, as a reader, that amazed me. Their love went deep both physically and emotional. Both made sacrifices for the other…in today’s world with all that we have it’s rare to find a love like these characters had. Despite all obstacles, they held through with through declaration of love for another. Life always threatens to take away what we have and it’s not any different where Luke and Naeerah are concerned. True love may have or may not have won in this brilliant piece by Ngozi M. Obi…readers have to read it to find out for themselves. I absolutely loved reading Love’s Legacy…the most inspiring, heart melting, and intriguing novel I have read. Overall, I highly recommend this title to readers everywhere.

 

Review: Harlem Heroine

 

Synopsis:

Tonia Taylor’s life changed forever on the night that her friend and brother
Jermaine “Baby Jay” was murdered. But Jermaine was actually the last of a
long line of real, smart, and handsome street dudes she encountered growing
up in Harlem. In the early 80’s she became intrigued by the fast life despite growing up in a strict and disciplined household. That curiosity eventually led her, to becoming, one of the popular girls in Harlem who obtained luxury cars, money, diamonds, and furs. In this tell-all memoir, she takes us on a journey back to her life on the streets of Harlem, a journey that intertwines the stories of many Street legends.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Harlem Heroine by Ms. Tee is a deep memoir that sends readers on a journey into what a street life was really about and like for many. Heartbreaking and courageous tale in sharing the past of hurt, pain, regret, and the violence that came with it all. It was enchanting to read about the bad life and what comes with it from someone who has gone through each stage of that particular lifestyle. We all make choices. Sometimes for the best and sometimes for the worst. The drama felt like I was there actually experiencing first-hand.The events take place in Harlem around the 80’s and 90’s time era. It was quite an interesting and educational experience. The fact that this was real and not one’s everyday urban fiction novel, made the connection to the story being told that much more important. Ms. Tee is a talented writer and whose story will stick forever in the minds of every reader. One has to be a strong person inside and out to survive the street life or else risking it swallowing one whole. Overall, I recommend this novel to readers everywhere.

Review: Bed of Lies

 

Synopsis:

Secrets and scandals are a way of life for the Murdochs of Chesterton, Virginia. But the lies that bind them may end up tearing them apart…

With his drama-filled marriage behind him, Evan Murdoch has finally found happiness with his longtime friend turned fiancée, Leila Hawkins. But when his party-boy brother, Terrence, is seriously injured in a car accident, a gossiping press puts the family back in the spotlight. Soon Terrence could face a lawsuit–and much worse, if his vengeful half-brother, Dante, has his way. Terrence’s only bright spot is journalist C.J. Aston–but is she really on his side, or does she have another motive?

While Terrence struggles to recover from his injuries, Paulette, the little sister of the family, is struggling with a secret: she’s pregnant, and unsure whether the father is her blackmailing ex or her husband. Amid the turmoil, Evan does his best to stay above the fray, but a shocking revelation makes that impossible–he’s a Murdoch after all, and trouble seems to be their business…

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Bed of Lies by Shelly Ellis is her second best novel yet. I was amazed how she keeps all the drama, trouble, and scandals afloat in this new exciting book of hers. Once again readers are brought back to the irresistible family, the Murdochs. As we have seen in book one scandals are just one major pain in the side that the family has yet to endure. Evan Murdoch and his fiancee finally get through the first round of trouble that headed their way and now it’s coming back. However, it will be his friend Terrance, Terrance’s half brother Dante, and Evan’s sister who will be stirring up a bee’s nest. Can Evan Murdoch keep his wits this time or will it all be too much for him to handle?

Bed of Lies is exactly what’s inside this new title. Shelly Ellis is a talented writer whose plots have readers coming back for seconds. This time, readers get second helpings on the Murdoch family and their friends. A woman carrying child but not sure who the actual father is and receiving blackmails from a man that may be the father of the baby will keep readers in suspense all the way until the last page. Readers will love the buzz of excitement, betrayals, and lies as the Murdoch’s dig their way through the drama that life keeps tossing their way. Shelly Ellis’s novels are juicy with enough action, heat, and spice to lure readers every time. Overall, I highly recommend this romance novel to all.

 

 

Review: Shoe Fetish (book 2)

Synopsis:

These three friends continue to find their way through life, love, and its relationships transferring all power and emotions via their shoes, which hold secrets. Some harmless and some deadly; and, though Carmen is untrusting of men and their secrets, she has a few deadly secrets of her own. Women love their shoes for varied reasons. Shoes are not only for protection, beauty, and sex; but, for the life that they can transcend you to, and the secrets that may not have been shared with another person are sometimes within the soles of the shoes.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Inside Shoe Fetish 2, readers will get a glimpse into three women’s lives. Friends who have to go about their life journey finding their way through it all. Romance, shoes, men, and everyday life struggles all part of growing up and learning how to balance. I love how both writers, Sharon Bennett, and Beatrice Moore have bought out a woman’s love of shoes and men into a beautifully woven story that will capture readers everywhere. Going through men is exactly like trying on a pair of shoes, to see, if they fit. Women’s shoes can tell you exactly how she’s feeling…because they bring out certain sides to each and every woman. It’s like dying one’s hair or putting on a particular shade of lipstick. We all have those inner dark secrets that make us who we are.  The tight-knit group of friends helps each woman go through each step of her journey. The ending is just as beautiful as they beginning. I loved reading this tale and following each woman as she changed throughout the book. I  think this portrays a realistic side of women and men in relationships that makes it easy for readers everywhere to connect to…as well as to enjoy. Overall, I highly recommend Shoe Fetish 2 to readers worldwide.

Review: Gaikokujin – The Story

 

Synopsis:

外黒人 is a spiritual rag, to riches adventure. I have been blessed to live a ‘storybook life’ but not in any glamorous way. Writing this book has allowed me to examine my role as a person of color—which I refer to as ‘melanin-rich’—in a society which has proven itself to be hostile toward non-Caucasian people. Because this is part memoir, part historical treatise, and part survivor’s guide, it is my intention to stretch the parameters of a conventional novel.

In Japanese, the word Gai-koku-jin, literally meaning outside-country-person; i.e.  the foreigner, is traditionally written as「外国人」. I, however, am coining terminology by replacing the middle character with「黒」, which is pronounced identically but means ‘black’ instead of country. Not only does this symbolize my own cultural perspective, but it also represents a set of circumstances which is not limited to any race or country.

Book 1 of this trilogy is told through the eyes of a confused child. A stranger in my own home, like so many neglected children, I found a surrogate family in the street—mainly at our neighborhood basketball courts. After learning how to ‘make a dollar out of fifteen cents,’ I was headed down a tried-and-true path for disaster until, ironically, a Beast and a Serpent came to my rescue.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Gaikokujin-The Story by Taknan Amarn is one powerfully yet captivating story. A novel like this is a must read. Taknan Amarn gives his readers a story rich in culture, history,  and philosophy. His characters give readers a show not tell, version of life and how society operates. Society doesn’t always operate in a way to benefit all people.  Those of color and gender were mistreated in ways none of us can expect. That and the issues of poverty didn’t help these groups much either.

Gaikokujin – The Story is told by the Taknan Amarn’s point of view. His fictional world allows readers to see a side of the world most of us choose to ignore. Society’s norms take control of us like the Devil having complete control over what we say or do. Readers will follow a survivor’s journey through these troubling times. A refreshing and symbolic novel that readers will enjoy reading. I look forward to reading more by this talented writer and highly recommend his novel to readers worldwide. Gaikokujin – The Story is the story readers won’t want to miss. Absolutely inspiring…and suspenseful.

 

Review: Success Is Your Birthright

 

Synopsis:

Life resembles a roller coaster. It has suspense, intrigue, smooth moments, hairpin turns, sudden twists, plummets, loopty loops, near misses, excitement, and anticipation. Life consists of countless moments. Moments that make us smile, experience tingling sensations, laugh until we can hardly breathe, and leave us speechless with wonder and admiration. As beautiful as those moments are, our memoirs hone in and linger on the moments that leave us in tears, wincing, grinding our teeth, and asking for Divine Intervention. It is that part of life’s roller coaster that makes you want to get off, wonder why, and feel psychologically queasy. Questions like “What do I do? Where do I go from here? How will I bounce back or can I bounce back?” surface.

This book offers hope, love, and lessons to cope with those not so great moments and the people who instigate and perpetuate them, including ourselves, using the biblical Joseph Story as a platform. Why the Joseph Story? His story mirrors our own. He too experienced life’s roller coaster. Joseph’s story is not just a testament to resilience, but one of faith in and reliance on God.

Success Is Your Birthright: God’s Success:
• Offers a spiritual awakening
• Builds confidence
• Prods introspection and growth
• Encourages during difficult times
• Challenges misconceptions
• Opens a closed heart and hands
• Demonstrates love, hope, selflessness, and forgiveness

Success Is Your Birthright: God’s Success is a captivating appraisal, making it hard to put down. We discover life’s beauty and the confidence to bounce back from life’s unpredictable moments.

My Rating: 5 stars

My Review:

Success Is Your Birthright (God’s Success) by R. Stanton Tucker is the first book I have read by this amazing and most talented writer. He brings a book that is not just inspiring to read but one that will leave an imprint upon his readers forever. Success is a loose term that can be described by both indivduals and society in different ways. Yet, this beautifully told guide leads readers onto a journey in exploring what really matters and what they are doing now versus what they should be doing with their lives. Success is defined as not letting life’s many curves balls throw us off from achieving our dreams. That meaning we should try our very best to be the best we can be. If we can do that then no matter what, we will be successful and successful in God’s eyes too. This is not a bibical guide telling you to give up your sins and pray, but it does have some very wise sayings from the Bible throughout to lure reader’s into a long moment of wondering what they are doing and what they will do next. Each chapter is realistically well-written in a way that allows readers to follow a self-journey of hope, love, and a confidence that they would not normally find. R. Stanton Tucker’s book takes not only our minds but our hearts and very souls deep into this rollercoaster ride that will keep readers coming back from time to time. I have found this to be a great read, and I highly recommend it to all.

 

 

Book Review: Down Home Blues by Phyllis R. Dixon

Down Home Blues by Phyllis R. Dixon is an interesting novel. Readers will follow back and forth between different characters and their lives. Life is never easy and Phyllis R. Dixon carefully portrays real life issues in this well-written story. Not everyone has a happy ending or the perfect life. There are no perfect heroes coming to a woman’s aid. There are real men who treat women like pieces they own instead of a human being who deserves respect. Then, there’s a mother’s unease as her son goes off fighting a war right after Thanksgiving. New Years being spent all alone by one woman and one man. A cheating husband and a man who just got out of prison as an addict. A father who is meeting his kids and trying to be the best father he can for them. A son who doesn’t like his father and has every right to feel angry.

Readers will be brought deep into a world of reality. Some never see the ugly side of life and this novel shows what it can be like. Phyllis shows how her characters struggled and how they tried to overcome their situations. I liked how easy I could see and sense what was going on in the scenes with the characters and their families. A journey unlike any other. I do recommend this to readers and I rate Down Home Blues a four out of five stars.

Book Review: Baby You’re the Best by Mary B. Morrison

Baby You’re the Best by Mary B. Morrison is indeed the best romance novel readers will read. Mary B. Morrison is a best-selling author and once reading this highly amusing and addictive novel written by her, readers will have no doubts of her magic ability as a writer. Her book features love, insecurities, and lies all within one family of five women. A mother and her four daughters will go head to head battling each other for things they want and need. One intriguing drama after the other.

Baby You’re the Best is a tale of a going to be fifty year old woman who is bedding a younger man to pleasure her in bed. She has everything in life and is successful, plus she has four beautiful daughters. Then there’s one of her daughters who has fallen into the same path as her mom, with multiple bed partners of which none so far have been successful in pleasuring her in bed. So, Alexis Crystal goes after her mother’s bed partner. Alexis dosen’t care. But what she does care is that one her birth certificate and on each of her other three sisters the father is unlisted. This really bothers Alexis. What child doesn’t want to at least know who her father is? This is one romance story that readers won’t want to miss! Brilliantly put together by a master. I highly recommend this novel to readers everywhere. Overall, I rate this book a five out office stars.

Book Review: Come & Get It by KlyMaxx

Come & Get It by Klymaxx is a novel intended only for mature adults. The language and sexual scenes are not recommended for anyone below eighteen. Inside this sexually explicit book, readers will find eight well written stories that cover every fantasy one could possible think of. Each story has a different ring to it and readers will find themselves deep into the world where orgasms are nothing but explosive and repeatedly given. Both the men and women characters are addictive, strong, and passionate. This is indeed one journey readers everywhere won’t be forgetting. Each tale is just as bold as the one before it if not better, wetter, and hotter. There’s a wide range of different scenes for readers of every taste to enjoy. Whether you like the passionate lovemaking or a forceful tryst or anything in between, you will be sure to find it all within this one remarkable book. Mind blowing is just one word to describe the journey readers will take once they open to the first page. Beware and be prepared, Klymaxx has given readers all of the world’s pleasures in just one sitting.

What’s Happening?

The life is just buzzing here at Universal Creativity Inc. We are in the process of beta reading a wonderful romance novel called, An Unfortunate Journey.

The June 2015 Issue is being placed together as we speak. Gathering all the book reviews, author interviews, new literary agents listing, as well as the free short short stories for our readers to enjoy. I have received the author interview of a best-selling author, Jacob Appel. His interview is positively amazing. I have no doubts that everyone will love reading his interview and all of his brilliant works as well.

I was very fortunate to have had Jacob Appel send me one of his novels to review. It was called The Wedding Wipeout. This novel is very funny, well written, and the characters are just out of this world. The mystery/ humor/ comedy novel will definitely get your attention have you falling in love with this writer’s incredible unique writing style. Each of his books, he has put a little of himself into it. And once you read several of his works you will learn how and in what ways. The Wedding Wipeout is a five out of five stars novel and can be found on Amazon and Goodreads.

His other novels such as Phoning Home, is a collection of essays that will definitely be read and re-read by readers everywhere. This is the one book by this talented author who pour a lot of himself and his family into his writing. I would to share more with you, but I know you will want to read it yourself. Trust me his novels and books are a must read.

There are three reviews that Universal Creativity Inc. is doing to submit to the San Francisco Book Review that are due on June 13th. We are also working on three reviews for AAMBC, which we will be featuring inside the June 2015 Issue. Two reviews for Reader’s Favorite are also being written.

As for new short stories to read, Love that Burns Part 2, will be coming out next week. Lucy Mitchell’s famous Enid story will be featured in June 2015 Issue. It will be the last and final installment for the most popular fiction piece that we have featured so far. So, you will have to sign up for your free copy in an exchange for a review and or rating on Amazon and Goodreads or buy the issue on Amazon to find out what happens in this exciting series.

Modern Girl Part 3 will also be featured next week. A sneak peek of Beautifully Flawed will also be featured next week in June 2015 Issue.

Nancy Thayer has recently accepted to do an author interview for Universal Creativity Inc. as well as letting us feature a book review or her novel called, The Guest Cottage.

Author interview has been sent to best-selling author and award winning journalist, Bruce Henderson.

Also, Laura Griffin will be doing an interview for us as well as letting us review one of her novels.

Author Interviews for Grant Boshoff, Marie Force, and Kevin 11 are currently in the works of being sent out soon. Grant Boshoff’s debut novel, The Copy, will be featured in our magazine issue as well as Kevin 11’s new debut novel which is book 2 of his trilogy series. His latest novel is called, Frankly Twisted (The Lost Files).

Universal Creativity Inc. has a beta reading program and a reader’s reward program as well. Be sure to email us at: universalcreativityinc.2014@gmail.com for the details on how to enter the programs, if you missed our previous announcements.

Until next time, Happy Reading Everyone! 🙂

Book Review: Indebted Part 3 by Sadie Black

Indebted Part 3 by Sadie Black is the last and final installment in this exciting interracial romance series. In the first part we have learned about how both Matthew and Kendra met and their different backgrounds. Both all heads over heels in love with each other. Then in part two we have explored their struggle as a couple. Secrets that were hidden and were finally released. Now, in part 3 we as readers will find out if they have overcome everything or if they have failed individually to grow past the secrets that ere tearing apart at them. Kendra has finally achieved her dreams of graduating and leaving behind her job at the dinner for a better one. But then she feels all alone in the big world despite her success and determination. After going through all of the secrets she finally sees the real Matthew and has decided to stop running away. But will Matthew still want her or will she finally have exhausted his love for her?

Sadie Black has a raw talent in placing her readers deep into her world where romance is anything but easy. Portraying the reality and real difficulties that everyone in real life goes through when in love, readers won’t want to stop reading. The tension has finally built up and leaving readers holding their breath as they finally find out the make it or break it moment that they have been waiting for. Characters are strong and so life like that readers will have difficulty telling fiction from nonfiction. A great masterpiece for the ending of a new brilliant series that crosses so many social ladders and barriers. A gripping suspenseful romance unlike nay other that will leave readers gripping their seats wondering what happens next. Overall, I rate this novel a five out of five stars and highly recommend this to readers all over.

Book Review: Indebted Part 2 by Sadie Black

In this exciting part 2 of Indebted, Sadie Black has once again done an outstanding job with keeping her characters and plot fresh, new, and alluring. Readers will find out many new things in book two such as the secret that Matthew is hiding from Kendra. Kendra Cole was a waitress who worked on completing her Master’s degree in Business and one day having met a rich, hot, and white billionaire. She has Matthew hooked  just as she has him lured in but in this second part, Kendra digs for the truth only to find out more hidden secrets. The big question comes in the form of Kendra being able to let go of the past and embrace the future. As readers we can easily slip into Kendra’s shoes and understand what she’s going through emotionally and we also can see the different side of things as they happen. Can Kendra and Matthew make it through everything or will their connection completely crumble apart.

Sadie Black has masterfully woven together an interracial story that explores all of a woman’s fears as she struggle to find out what’s real and what’s not. As well as finding where she wants to be in life. Finding yourself is a huge theme in this series. A successful black woman making her way through life only to be thrown curveballs from a sexy as hell white man who’s richer than most. Where and how this relationship will work is for readers to find out by reading the next incredible part 3 of Indebted. Kendra isn’t the only character needing to learn things about herself. Matthew has a lot to go through as well. Overall, I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading part 3! I rate Indebted Part 2 a five out of five stars.

Book Review: My Naked Truth by Freda L. Mays

My Naked Truth by Freda L. Mays is a stunning book that instantly takes readers through her journey of being a single woman who is battling cancer. An easy read that all readers can relate to. At one time or another we have lost someone in our lives due to cancer. It is the hardest and most emotional journey anyone especially this author can take in life. Sometimes we want to give up but then something always keeps us moving forward with our chins up.

Freda L. Mays has beautifully written a book that is inspirational to all women. Whether we ourselves have experienced that cancer or someone we know has, this book makes for the perfect read. As a reader, I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s reflections on each of her actions. It was peaceful and intriguing in its own way. A motivational guide for everyone. I highly recommend this book to all readers. I was able to finish reading this spectacular book within one sitting. Overall, I rate it a five out of five stars.

A New Book to Review

Dear Viewers,

Today, I recently received a hardback copy of a novel called, Forty Acres. In this novel, a story unlike any other takes place.  A story that leaves a chill running down your spine. The author wrote a story about a place where black men who are wealthy and have high positions in life created a world in which the white men are the slaves and the black men are called “masters”.  Slavery of any kind is a chilling and horrific thing to happen. This unique novel tells us what happens when the opposite races switch positions. Now the white men are suffering through what the black slaves suffered for so long.

A black high profile lawyer makes new friends. These new friends take him to a place where he is separated from those he loves and placed in a position to join the ranks of these “new friends” or to be killed. A place called Forty Acres.  I highly recommend all of you to pick up this thriller and read on what happens next. Will the lawyer choose to become a “master” or will he be chased for opposing his “new friends” in a world so completely different than the one we all know today.

Sincerely,

Universal Creativity Inc.