Arlena

Excellent Read

Revisado: 03-23-24

Title: Sisters with a Side of Greens
Author: Michelle Stimpson
Narrator: Susan Spain
Audible Logo Audible Audiobook
Reviewed by: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Sisters with a Side of Greens" by Michelle Stimpson
My Thoughts:

'Sisters with a Side of Greens' is a well-written book that sometimes makes readers laugh and even tear up. From the read, one can see how the read brought out what happened between these two sisters, Rose and Marvina, which made them act as they did toward one another. And seeing how their mother brought on a lot of anger between the two girls had me shaking my head.
With Rose wanting her mom's recipe for this unique spice and only her sister Marvina being able to give it to her, we can see how Rose had no choice but to confront her sister about it. The story is mainly about what will happen with this. Also, will these sisters be able to finally talk and see what the problem was that caused all this rip with them not being able to get along over the years? There will be a lot going on in this story, and one will find out about these two sisters. Their lifestyle, death in the family, husbands, exes, children...[dead and alive], and even helping a young girl with what was going on in her life.
Be ready for a soulful read that will keep you turning the pages to see what is next for these two sisters and a few other interesting characters from the minister, ex, and others.
I loved the ending, especially how they [the sisters] came up with the appropriate name for this unique seasoning. Were these sisters now getting along?
If you are looking for a story about family, southern home cooking, exciting side characters, and, above all, a Spice that only one person had..then you have come to the right place to get it all.
To get all of the story, you must pick up 'Sisters with a Side of Greens' to see how well this author tells it all to the reader.

Yes, I recommend this novel to you.

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Bound For You

Revisado: 09-03-21

Title: Bound For You
Author: Amarie Avant
Publisher: A.A.
Series: MacKenzie Crime Family
Narrated by: Aure Nash & JT Farrell
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Bound For You" by Amarie Avant

My Opinion:

'Bound For You' was quite an excellent audio read that keep me up late in the night, not wanting to put it down until the end [over eight hours]. Was it packed with lots of drama, secrets, and, oh yes, a hot and steamy romance? Yes, yes, and yes, it was loaded. The two narrators...Aure Nash and JT Farrell were outstanding with their deliverance of the story that featured Ava and Kieran. The author did an enormous job of giving the readers a good read about 'a stand-alone dark, Irish Mafia romance.' Be prepared for a long story, but you have the whole story and NO extended epilogues at the end!

Indeed the MeKenzies and McFalands are not to be played in this story! This series was one of the best ones!

What all poor Ava had gone through was quite a trip with her ex, but will Kieran still be there for her in the end? Also, Kieran had some demons too! So, will there be an Ava and Kieran with a HEA, and if so, what did they have to do to be able to get to that point?

This is where I say you will have to listen to the story or pick up this good read to see how well this author will bring it all to a head by the end.

Was this a dark story where 'extreme therapy' was needed, and let's not leave out a story with many triggers? Well, yes, but all and all, the story comes out... So I will stop here and say pick up and listen or read this good novel and see for yourself how well this author delivers it to the readers.

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Good Story

Revisado: 10-21-19

Title: Bad and Boujee: A Love Story
Author: Sasha Davenport
Publisher: Jaded Publications
Series: Band and Boujee. Book 1
Narrated by: Lacy Laurel
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Bad and Boujee: A Love Story" by Sasha Davenport

My Rationalization:

This one was quite some read. I found all of the characters simply off the chart crazy. I'm not sure who was the worst of the bunch from Miracle, Chole, Zane, Claire, Ahmad and I will stop there with a few others I was left to wonder about. Definitely, I can't say who was the worst of this group but it seemed like there was someone there to protect poor Alaia but will he be enough? I will say Alaia really did need someone she could trust because those friends were definitely not the ones.

I was left feeling like this was a good read, however, we will need to get the second part of this love story in 'Bad and Boujee' book 2 to find out who is still standing!


Thank you to the author for the audible read.

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Something To Really Ponder Over

Revisado: 04-06-19

Title: Casket
By: Lou Kane
Narrated by: Jeff Werden
Length: 24 minutes
Unabridged Audiobook
Publisher: Moore & Poesy Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five

"Casket: Pronounced as That's It" by Lou Kane

My Rationalization:

I found this a beautiful collection of some personal poetry and yes it was all about the journey that has now ended giving 'the emotions that life gives to the world closing its door.' The author really brings it all out to one that 'Casket: Pronounced as That's It.' From listening to all of this poetry is where I found a few of my favorites from 'A Rose, Before, Agreed, Moments, Steps, Night Flying, Waited, Breath Me, Discover, Block Peace, For, For, For, Dark Path Love Under, Surrender, Things, Greetings, Simple, Now, Promise This, The Man Of, Closer View, Beside You, to lastly Casket...and That's It' giving the reader something to ponder over long after the read. As I said earlier this was beautiful poetry that was well-written and the narration was great!

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Intriguing Story!

Revisado: 03-29-19

I found "Gourmet' an interesting story that got even better as you continued to listen on about this heroine Amillion. There were times I did get a little bored at the beginning of this audible but still continued on listening till the end and I was glad I did. I will say Amillion definitely had me shaking my head and wondering when it would come through to her as she seemed to be on a roller coaster ride going back and forth with her thoughts. Was it about her ex-boyfriend, her weight, her job, her blog, or her true friends and now a new person appears? When the hero Everett came into the picture I was so glad there was someone who seemed to have some sense and good advice for Amillion. Will she take the advice he gives? Well, this is where I will say you will have to get on audible and listen to 'Gourmet' for and see for yourself. I did enjoy hearing from some of the characters from this author's other reads [the Ray series] which tied in so well to this story. Overall, this was a good story. I only wished there had been an epilogue so we would have gotten the rest of the story.

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Good ending to a series!

Revisado: 08-22-18

Title: After Ray Audible Audio book – Unabridged
Author: Cheryl Robinson & Narrator
Publisher: Rose Colored Books
Series: Until Ray Trilogy Audio
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"After Ray Book 3" by Cheryl Robinson

My Thoughts....

I found this last series quite a interesting one where we now find Ray is now trying to get Sarita Saint back. We have come from Book One, 'Until Ray,' then Book Two, 'Ex-Ray' and now 'After Ray' Book Three where Sarita is wanting answers from Ray into why he left her on their anniversary in the first place. As I sat and listened to this author's very well done narration of this story I kept wondering why it was so important for Sarita to know the reasons why Ray left her and will Ray be willing to share the truth to why he left? The story will take on some twist and turns that brought in the death of Sarita's parents of how much she missed her mother and even though she had sisters she wasn't close to them. After the death of her best friend Sharon her only close friend was Boone Sawyer and now he was her lover. Now there will be a lots going on that you will have to read or listen to this story to fully understand how we get to the end. Will Ray be able to give Sarita the answers that she needs so that she would finally get the closure she wanted? I will say that Sarita did get on my nerves at times in the way she dealt with what was in front of her but in realizing she really didn't have anyone to talk to except Boone and naturally he wasn't for a lots of what was going on in her mind especially when it came to Ray. I was sorry to see how that friendship ended for Ray and Boone but again not surprise. It was interesting in how I could see the light finally come on for Ray in knowing that Sarita wasn't well...I will stop here and say you will just have to pick up this good audio read to see how well this author brings it out so well to the reader. My favorite part was at the end when Sarita was going through Ray's phone and finally she gets the closure she needed. The only thing I would say about the ending would be I wished there had been a epilogue. I would have loved to know what happened a year later.

This was a beautiful story that wasn't always happiness at times but definitely having some moments with 'family, heartbreaks and love.' Thank you to the author for the audio read and my giving my honest opinion of the read.

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Book 7

Revisado: 03-24-18

I will start this final book review by saying again that Jim Dale has given an excellent presentation of this book series and all of the characters a personality that drew you into listening to every detail possible from chapter to chapter.
The three main characters have decided to surrender all of their energy to a quest to find horcruxes to concur the rising evil led by Voldemort and his band of Death Eaters. They worked with very little clues and their natural smarts to carve out a path to destroy those items containing a portion of the soul of Tom Riddle. It was not easy and the sacrifice was great, even to the point of seeing their love ones, close friends and innocent muggles and people from the wizarding world harmed or even killed. The many days of wondering and deciphering the stories and information was not an easy task while being hunted and avoiding curses, traps and spells set for them by unknowns. The attention to detail and the ability to stay committed to a goal even when they challenged each other was also difficult. There were characters that received more attention in this book and that you may have thought incidental but had a great impact on Harry’s ability to complete his task. You will be surprised as you read their impact.
Voldemort’s knowledge and trickery were always in the forefront of keeping themselves safe, but as it causes others to fail, it also caused others to strengthen and join in the quest to defeat the movement by the death eaters. Various forms of communications channels were established and being on guard was absolutely essential. Voldemort was singularly focused on the elder wand, but there was more to the importance of the Deathly Hallows than just the wand.
The story becomes clearer as the lineage of Voldemort, Dumbledore and Harry is exposed and the importance of how to use the items of interest in the story of the Peverell family. The realization of and the view into the thoughts and needs Voldemort and the reason Harry were on the same path was key. The meaning of” Neither one could live without the other”, was finally given its true explanation.
The final battle scene and the revelations prior to the vanquishing of “He Who Must Not Be Named” was so revealing and well done. The defeat of Bellatrix by Mrs. Weasley was especially a highlight. I was more excited from about the middle part of the book, because it was making clear so many unanswered questions that had held our attention for so long in the series. I would highly recommend this series and for me, I really read the book twice before writing this review. I did not want to miss the details or explanation of the little questions that sometimes bug you when reaching the conclusions of this wonder story.
Again, Jim Dale’s descriptive reading of this book was oh so wonderful and it kept you wanting more and more. In my case, I just decided I would listen to it again.

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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Book 6

Revisado: 03-24-18

I continue to compare the books with the movie and again, it is a much more detailed and exciting adventure in the book. The audible narrator continues to make the listening experience worth it all. The story continues to provide an exciting plot leaving you wanting more and more. I could not believe I listened to the book a second time just because it was such a great presentation.
This book begins to further explain many of the unanswered questions and storylines in more details. There are plenty of actions and fights that help generate a greater understanding of the activity of those characters that had sub-stories associated with their lives. The fact that now more understanding is given and more bravery by those you may have had some doubt of how their part in the story would be compiled into flow of the storyline. Also, those things you may have wondered about are answered about the backgrounds of characters like Voldemort and professor Snape.
Unanswered questions of communications with muggles, spell usage, controls, etc. and the abilities that were use due special training for good and bad reasons.
The path was set for the next book with some understanding, but something is missing and that creates the journey to be taken in the future.
Finally, getting to the meaning of the “Half-Blood Prince” is disclosed. It also has laid out a few objectives and guidance for a set path for the future journeys to be taken by Harry, Ron and Hermione.
Now on to the next book in the series “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”
Ilene Prince and Tiberius Snape – parents of professor Snape __hint _hint!

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Wonderful Read!

Revisado: 10-17-17

This book answers a number of questions and gives insight into presumptions made in this entire series. It opens the mind for others to see the reasonings used by each character and the choices and decisions for how they view their life experiences. This book goes to some dark places, and it opens up the understanding of issues we have only had speculations. You get a view into the powers Voldemort has and the things he can do. Things happened to Harry and company for some unknown special purpose. The power of survival and the power mind control is strong, but so is the will to fight against it. It was a deeper look into the history of some characters that truly shines light onto their lives and the meaning they put into this storyline. This clear definition for these characters shows the bond that binds their coexistence and contribution to make this book series more thrilling and leaves you wanting more chapters. The answer to the feeling of why someone have to be better than the next, right versus wrong and who should or should not exist, continues. What a pity? To me, this book is an eyeopener and it answers so many questions and opens so many roads to understanding the why behind a lot of mystery, except why people are so mean to each other.
I continue to compare the books with the movie and again, it is a much more detailed and exciting adventure in the book. The audible narrator continues to make the listening experience worth it all. I could not believe I listened to the book a second time just because it was such a great presentation. Now on to the next book in the series.

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esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Exciting Book 2

Revisado: 10-11-17

Title: Eidolon
Author: Grace Draven
Publisher: G. D.
Series: Wraith Kings, Book 2
Narrator: Grace Draven
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Eidolon" by Grace Draven

My Synopsis....

I really liked this sequel that continued on featuring Brishen, Ildiko, Anhuset and a some more characters [Wraith Kings] with their own personalities that will keep you turning the pages with this author giving the reader a well developed written tale about the world of the Kai. The story did indeed keep me enthralled as the reader will see what Brishen does in order to try to save his people that could possibly cost him his life. Be ready for a story that will have a little bit of it all which features a "world ending struggle, ongoing tale of romance, emotional rollercoaster, magic, fantasy, loyalty, sacrifice, friendship and honor. along with suspense, political intrigue and the impossible mission to save the world." I will say you really should listen the first 'Wraith Kings, book 1 in Radiance" to truly enjoy this fabulous second book 2 "Eidolon" that will give the reader a captivating read at its fullest in tragedy and triumph.

In the end the reader gets one awesome fantastic read filled with romance, action and intrigue that will leave you wanting more of the 'Wraith Kings Series.'

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esto le resultó útil a 2 personas