Cilla

• Rated 4 stars

“Amazon Rating: 4

One Bad Apple Does Not Spoil The Bunch

In Sandella’s Soldier, Sabrina McAfee has written an interesting romance story with a little bit of suspense. Major Braylon Wexler was excited to return to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina to see his grandparents and to begin his new job as Lead Criminal Investigator for the Marines. Braylon was even more excited when he saw that the caretaker for his disabled uncle, Royce, was Sandella Summer.

Sandella had been caring for Royce for several years. She loved working for the Wexler family, taking care of her brothers and dad, after her mom died, and baking pies. But, the Summer’s family hates the military and they decided never to discuss their reasons. When Braylon met Summer, he was determined to get to know her. Yet, in order to do that, he had to show her that all men in the military are not the same. As he tried to gain her trust, he began to investigate a cold case. As he got close to solving it, things became dangerous for both him and Sandella.

McAfee did a good job of mixing romance and suspense in this story. The beginning of the story was slow but it built up to a wonderful climax and romantic ending.

Priscilla C. Johnson
APOOO BookClub
”

Cilla wrote this review Friday, April 3 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Amazon Rating: 5

Love, Romance And More

Fashion model, Tia St. Claire was every man’s dream. But she did not want to have anything to do with men. A few acquaintances were all she believed that she needed. Tia was asked to model for Camille Davis, owner of CK Davis Designs. Tia loved Camille’s designs and was eager to help her, until she found out that she would walk the runway with Trenton Donovan. In Defying Desire, AC Arthur gives readers a very romantic story.

Trenton Donovan was the last of the Triple Threat Brothers to be single. Trent was a former navy SEAL. He loved his job and still accepted special assignments. When he was asked to model in Camille’s fashion show, he thought it would be fun. After meeting Tia, Trent realized that there was another type of danger he wanted to explore and he was not about to let her slip through his hands.

Arthur brought together two unlikely people who could not deny their attraction. Tia struggled to accept Trent, first as her friend and lover while Trent showed that he was more than his career. I enjoyed this installment of the Donovan brothers.

Priscilla C. Johnson
APOOO BookClub
”

Cilla wrote this review Friday, April 3 2009. ( reply | permalink )

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 5 stars

“APOOO Rating: 4.75
Amazon Rating: 5

Having Enough Blessings To Go Around

Beverly Jenkins, who is best known for her historical and contemporary romance novels, brings readers yet another story to fall in love with. Bring On The Blessings is the story of Bernadine E. Brown and the blessings she brought to Henry Adams, Kansas. The town was in desperate need of money and they had no clue how to raise the money. Trenton July, the Mayor, decided to put the town up for sale on eBay. After all, it was worth a try. Bernadine was blessed with money, good looks and smarts. She decided to put her money to good use and purchase the town.

When she arrived in Henry Adams, Bernadine was not prepared for the warm welcome she received. However, underneath the warm smiles and gestures, everyone wanted to know what she intended to do. First, she brought in contractors to restore and rebuild. After all, they could not let one of the country’s oldest all-Black towns disappear. Second, she had to sell them on her idea of bringing in foster children to raise and love. Not just any foster children; there was an eight-year old pastor, an eleven-year old car theft, a fourteen-year old fly-girl, an overweight genius, and a ten-year old mute.

Beverly Jenkins has written a story like none I have ever read before. Bernadine was confident and determined to bring love to a group of unwanted children. She wanted to restore a piece of history. Like all of Jenkins novel, she revisits favorite characters from her historical novels, the July Family, and the history her fans crave. Jenkins brings a cast of new characters that are funny, loving and admirable. Even though it was not her typical romance novel, I dove into the novel and cheered and cried with each blessing that was brought to this town. She also left room for sequels, which I am sure her fans will surely want after reading this novel. Jenkins proved that there is more to her than just romance.

Reviewed by: Priscilla C. Johnson A
POOO BookClub ”

Cilla wrote this review Tuesday, December 30 2008. ( reply | view 1 replies | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Amazon Rating: 5

More Than Meets The Eye

Charleston, South Carolina, 1821, is the setting for Altonya Washington’ novel Passion’s Furies. The McIver family were freed blacks, who were able to do many things that blacks only dreamed of doing at that time. Jacinta McIver wanted to see all blacks free and she wanted them to be able to do the same things that she was accustomed to doing. Jacinta was also very involved in the teachings of Denmark Vesey and the discussion of an upcoming slave rebellion. Her father, Jason, tried everything to keep Jacinta away from the secret meetings and her plan to be apart of the revolt.

Solomon Dikembe, who was also a freed black, traveled to Charleston to meet Jason McIver to discuss business dealings. He did not know that he would meet a dark beauty that he had previously met. The problem - Solomon was a mulatto and no blacks wanted to trust him.

Washington’s story raised some issues for this reviewer. I did not like the length of this book (it was 403 pages long). For me, at times, the story dragged in sections and I had to push myself to continue reading. However, the positives outweighed the books weaknesses. I liked the historical background. Washington gave a wonderful account of Denmark Vesey’s teaching, his planning and his death. I also loved how Washington discussed the ways in which blacks discriminated against each other. Slaves were distrustful of freed blacks, freed blacks looked down on slaves and both groups did not trust mulattos or half –whites. There was also discussion of entitlement and class between the blacks. I really loved the way that Jacinta, as a freed black, took an interest in the stories of the slaves and began to record their stories. Solomon also discussed the manner in which he was mistreated and the hatred he had to overcome. In between all of that, Washington put together a wonderful love story where the characters had to overcome their prejudices in order to embrace their love they had for each other.

Wow!! Being a devoted fan of Beverly Jenkins, I was very skeptical of reading this book, but I genuinely wanted to read and embrace it. Well, I can honestly say that Ms. Jenkins will be very pleased to know that someone has stepped up and has joined the ranks of historical romance writing.

Reviewed by: Priscilla C. Johnson
APOOO BookClub

”

Cilla wrote this review Monday, September 29 2008. ( reply | permalink )

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 4 stars

“APOOO Rating: 3.5
Amazon Rating: 4

Feuding Lovers

AlTonya Washington introduces Vivian Desmond and Caesar Morrison in her latest novel, Rival’s Desire. Vivian is the sexy lead singer of a singing group, Intrigue and Caesar is a handsome, 6’8” eight professional football running back. Vivian and Caesar have known each other since they were kids and they have shared a love/hate relationship. That is until their grandmothers’ decide to put their matchmaking plan to work. As Vivian and Caesar began working together, their relationship blossomed into something that was unforgettable –except, Vivian held a secret that continued to keep them apart.

Rival’s Desire is a wonderful love story. It will make you laugh and say “Awww” as the characters work through their differences. I recommend this book for all romance readers.

Reviewed by: Priscilla C. Johnson
APOOO BookClub
”

Cilla wrote this review Wednesday, September 17 2008. ( reply | permalink )

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 5 stars

“Amazon Rating: 5/4.5

Tragedy That Lead to A Romance

In the second installment of Gwyneth Bolton’s Hightower Honors Series, readers are introduced to Joel Hightower, in Make It Hot. Like the other male members of his family, Joel has made a career as a fire fighter. Not only is he an outstanding fire fighter, he is also a community activist, little league coach, and big brother. Tragedy struck when Joel was seriously injured and the entire city of Paterson, New Jersey waited to see if he would survive.

As he recovered from his injuries, Joel was scared that he would not be able to return to the career that he loved. Joel began physical therapy with Samantha Dash. Samantha is young, attractive and strictly work-oriented. Even though she was attracted to the handsome fire fighter, she refused to give in to the heat that was building within her every time he walked into a room.

Make It Hot will make you feel the heat between Joel and Samantha as their relationship goes from patient/client, friends to lovers. As their relationship developed, both characters were forced to make drastic decisions about their careers and about themselves. I enjoyed the first book and found this one to be twice as entertaining. This is a series that should not be passed over and I eagerly wait to read the next story.

Reviewed by: Priscilla C. Johnson
APOOO BookClub

”

Cilla wrote this review Tuesday, August 12 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Home Is Where The Heart Is

Gwyneth Bolton introduces readers to her new miniseries, Hightower Honors. In the first novel, Protect and Serve, Penny Keys returns to her hometown of Paterson, New Jersey to bury her grandmother, Big Momma. With her best friend, Terrill, by her side, Penny just wanted to settle Big Momma's affair and return to California as fast as she could. But before she can leave, Penny had to figure out what to do with her mother, Carla, who was more like a child than a mother. She also had to face Jason Hightower.

Jason was a police detective that prided himself on finding out the truth. His latest case involved finding out why Penny broke his heart fifteen years ago. In order to get the answers he wants, Jason had to help Penny with her mother.

Protect and Serve was a real life story that answered the question of whether home is really where the heart is. Bolton addressed many issues that suddenly pop up while preparing for a funeral and some issues that families simply try to hide and not discuss. The story was funny, a bit of a mystery and romantic. Once you meet the Hightower family, I am sure you will look forward to reading the other books in the series.

Reviewed by: Priscilla C. Johnson
APOOO BookClub
”

Cilla wrote this review Monday, June 30 2008. ( reply | permalink )

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 5 stars

“Father Knows Best Ta-Nehisi Coates introduces readers to a new and intriguing coming-of-age story, The Beautiful Struggle: A Father, Two Sons and An Unlikely Road to Manhood that takes place in Baltimore during the height of the Hip-Hop and Drug era. Paul Coates was a Vietnam Veteran who returned to the chaotic streets of Baltimore and became a leader in the city's Black Panther Party. Armed with determination, Paul Coates was a disciplinarian that strived for success and knowledge. Ta-Nehisi discusses his father's emphasis on knowledge and understanding your history in order to succeed. Ta-Nehisi admits to struggling in school as he attempted to find his way; yet he maintained the teachings of his father. He also discusses the path chosen by an older brother that teetered on self–destruction and then recovery. Paul Coates' story is very refreshing. It is not the story of a former Black Panther but of a father's determination to raise his sons. Armed with knowledge, consciousness, common sense and self-worth, Ta-Nehisi Coates tells of his failures and triumphs into man-hood that were guided by his father and aided by his mother and teachers. Though his father was strict, you could feel the love in all of his actions. Ta-Nehisi Coates' writing style is simplistic and engaging. Each page encourages you to continue to the next. Everyone that reads it will appreciate this story but it is especially recommended for young men and those raising young men. Reviewed by: Priscilla C. Johnson APOOO BookClub ”

Cilla wrote this review Thursday, June 5 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Title: A Taste of Java Author: L.J. Wilson L.J. Wilson introduces readers to Inga Tyler and Nathaniel Gates in A Taste of Java. Inga and Nathaniel have been best friends for eight years. They work together, hang out together and share all kinds of dark secrets. The problem – Nathaniel is engaged to Rochelle Parson and he is also dating Kimberly. One day while getting her daily cup of Chai tea, Inga bumps into a tall, dark handsome construction worker, Charles Smith-McAlister. Inga is a little uncertain of whether she is ready to start dating but she decides to take a chance. Before her first date, Nathaniel confesses that he is in love with her. Inga finally admits to herself that she also loves Nathaniel; yet she is very attracted to Charles. A Taste of Java is a different type of story. It is a romance story that will make you laugh between all of the drama as you try to figure out who Inga will fall in love with. Wilson also gives readers very colorful and interesting side characters that encourage you to turn the page to see what will happen next. I laughed and yelled at certain parts of the story. There were other parts that I thought made the story drag. Nonetheless, I turned each page to see what would happen. Wilson’s debut novel is definitely one that will be talked about and passed on to others to read. Reviewed by: Priscilla C. Johnson APOOO BookClub ”

Cilla wrote this review Friday, May 9 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Title: Grace After Midnight: A Memoir Author: Felicia “Snoop” Pearson and David Ritz This is Her Story …and Hers Alone Felicia was born in Baltimore to a drug-addicted mother and a drug-dealing father who she never really knew. She was placed in the foster home of Mr. and Mrs. Pearson in East Baltimore, considered to be roughest section in the city. The Pearsons, who were old enough to be her grandparents, raised Felicia in a Christian home. She was a smart child who observed everything, including the open and often secret world of drug dealers. Even with all the attention she received from the Pearsons, Felicia was simply drawn to the glitter and hustle of the streets. Felicia “Snoop” Pearson tells her story in Grace After Midnight. Despite what you may have heard or read about Felicia Pearson, Grace After Midnight sets the record set. She tells her story in her own words for anyone that wants to read it. It is not a pretty picture but she owned it and she did not and does not have to apologize for the way her life turned out. This is a story of family, curiosity, drugs, death, murder, incarceration, grace, encouragement, despair, hope and love. Just when she was about to return to a life on the streets, fate stepped in and she was asked to come to the set of "The Wire" for an audition. Being from Baltimore and having worked in the foster care department, this reader has seen firsthand many children like Felicia who have had to overcome so much. I applaud her for the courage to tell her story. Grace After Midnight is recommended for everyone, particularly for troubled youth who are looking for a light of encouragement. Reviewed by: Priscilla C. Johnson APOOO BookClub ”

Cilla wrote this review Thursday, May 8 2008. ( reply | permalink )