Promises Made by Bernice Layton

Why do fools fall in love?

Craig, an intelligent, single businessman, found out that his grandfather left him a $3 million dollar inheritance, but with a stipulation: he has to be married to receive it. Craig thought he had the perfect solution by digging up the past, a childish promise he and Renee, a childhood friend, made to marry one another when they were younger. Will the promise suffice the terms of the inheritance? Or, will the problems that rise test why fools fall in love?

The author effectively developed the book’s concepts and chain of events, which helps to engage readers in the characters' lives. The ideas and characters presented were not outlandish, but reasonable and credible, which made it much easier for me to relate to the story and to be captivated by the drama. The content was also non-offensive, and can be enjoyed by many readers from various walks of life. After reading my first book by Bernice Layton, I am now compelled to purchase any book written by her in the near future, and will gladly persuade others to do the same!

Sistah Shauna

Once You've Touched the Heart by Iris Bolling

Iris Bolling's Once You've Touched the Heart was a book full of romance and suspense that would provoke you to probe through the pages with eagerness and curiosity from the beginning to the end!

Jeffrey and Tracey came from two different types of backgrounds, but destiny would have its way by placing these two together as one…but not without challenges, downfalls, and of course, enemies. Will their love be strong enough to endure the "skeletons", jealousy, and danger that they’d face? Well, once you've touched the heart, there could definitely be a chance.
Iris Bolling provided a traditional, thought provoking romance that touches the hearts of readers in various ways throughout the story. Tracy and Jeffery have the ability to captivate one's soul through their stories and roles. Once You've Touched the Heart was a fairytale with roller coaster twists and turns; a ride that will have your mind racing quicker than you can turn the pages!

Sistah Shauna

It's Morning by Elaine Flowers

It's Morning, Torn Lovers & Their Stories by Elaine Flowers was quite an intriguing compilation of stories. The book consisted of three mini-stories involving lovers that were wounded by either fault of their own or unfortunate circumstances. All of the stories were developed well, and they allowed the reader to temporarily live in the shoes of the individuals who were hurt in some form or fashion. The author captivated her audience by involving it in stories it can relate to, stories with a real effect. The characters in the book were all credible, and they may shimmer hope into those who may feel as if true love no longer exists. The stories lacked shallowness, and persuaded me to want to read more. I would definitely recommend this book; it would make great discussion for various types of groups (mixed gender, singles, married, etc).

Sistah Shauna

Lady Preacher by K.T. Richey

Can you overcome adversity by being in bondage? Can you forget that you are human just because you are a minister? It is so refreshing to read a book with familiar Southern settings.

Shante Dogan is a minister with the New Pilgrim Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Living a life of secrets and privacy, she is always dependent upon her church members, and always falls short of getting spiritual guidance for herself. She is so secretive and so private that she puts her relationship with her love interest, Max, in jeopardy. In Shante’s life, pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. Will she be able to free herself of the past and continue to walk and balance her faith in God and romance? Will she continue to earn respect in the community?

The characters in this novel carried Christian values, and the author represented that very well by offering each character a challenge in his or her life that we, as real people, experience everyday. The emotions were there, and I could visualize each character. Even though the main character in the book was Shante, my favorite character was Max. He was the sweetest man I never met, yet I truly believe a Max certainly exists in real life. He was almost too good to be true. K.T. Richey wrote an insightful Christian Romance about the different types of abuse, romance in the pulpit, and how to handle negative press while being a strong female leader in a male dominated community.

Sistah Sheila

In Love With A Younger Man by Cheryl Robinson

Robinson won me over as a fan with Sweet Georgia Brown, and as I anticipated, she didn’t disappoint with the stunning Olena! Pronounce “O-Lay-na,” this wealthy business diva has what some women consider “having it all.” Over the age of forty, she has youthful beauty and money to buy whatever she desires. Yet, there is one thing she can never purchase: unconditional love. Yes, she has paid many prices with her heart . . .the tragic loss of her first love at his own hands and the loss of her unborn children by the demands of an authoritarian lover, to name a few. Despite her wounds, Olena wants more, deserves more. With an one year sabbatical from her demanding job and two young suitors at her feet, in more ways than she could ever imagine, her heart is paid in full.

I was snagged from the beginning and gracefully led through a torrid romance riddled with themes of self discovery and women empowerment. Robinson’s smooth writing style enhanced an emotionally profound tale that will speak to women who battle issues of self worth. As evident by Olena’s life, a dash of intellect and a sprinkle of fortitude can bring about a satisfying life. However, proper measurements of patience and logic, coupled with the latter, are the true keys to happiness.

In Love with a Younger Man was thought provoking with a clever mix of romance and suspense. Cheryl Robinson has definitely earned a pink diamond on my bookshelf of authors to watch.

Sistah Tasha

Mind Games by Dionne

Mind Games will have YOUR mind playing the game of 'Guess Who' as you try to figure out the missing pieces to the puzzle of jealousy, rage, and revenge. Parris Reed is a smart, young, and attractive woman that has everything a single woman would want, except a "good" man. When she finally meets the "man of her dreams", demons from her past resurface and have her mind playing games that could cause her to lose. . .everything.

Dionne has not only created an entertaining book, but also a reality check for women and wisdom for them to implement in a budding relationship: If you don't have trust in a relationship, you have nothing.

This book contained well-developed characters and a unambiguous message. Mind Games truly reflected the effects of those who allow jealousy to take residency in their lives, and how it only leads to destruction in not only yourself, but also in others.

Sistah Shauna

Not His Type by Chamein Canton

I felt that Not His Type by Charmein Canton accomplished its goal of conveying that readers should not be afraid of rejection and should be confident in their skin. It also encouraged its audience to take a chance on love no matter the shape or size of an individual, because you could easily be missing out on what's best for you. However, due to message being revealed within the first few pages, to me, the remainder of the book was redundant and unentertaining. Considering the message was already implied prematurely, I felt the 450+ pages of the book were predictable. Although the author's writing style was intelligent and well-developed, as a seasoned reader, this one would not be in my top recommended books.

Sistah Shauna