Book Review: The Light on Halsey Street by Vanessa Miller

 Title:  The Light on Halsey Street

Author :  Vanessa Miller

Genre:  Women's Fiction

Publisher:  Thomas Nelson

Publication Date:  September 5th, 2023

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About the Book:

Two girls’ lives are irrevocably intertwined the summer of 1985 in the streets of Brooklyn, New York, and neither will ever be the same in this coming-of-age story that spans decades.

In the summer of 1985, Lisa Whitaker is a church kid headed to college on a scholarship while her best friend, Dana, is floundering in the wake of her mother’s latest eviction. Though Lisa tries to help, their paths diverge. Fifteen years later, Lisa has a beautiful family and is stepping into her dream job as the director for a social services organization. Everything is going right—until her future is snatched away by identity theft. Her life begins to unravel, and Lisa wants nothing more than to see the woman responsible pay for her crimes.

When she was a teenager, Dana Jones always felt alone in this world. Her mother was addicted to drugs, her boyfriend was entering a life of crime, and it seemed Dana, too, was heading down the wrong path. The only bright light was her friendship with Lisa. Now, in the new millennium, Dana finally gives herself permission to dream—to believe she is stepping into better days. But when the betrayal of their friendship comes to light, it will take a lifetime to forgive the destruction that youthful summer in Bed-Stuy set in motion.

In this latest story from beloved author Vanessa Miller, two girls from the Bed-Stuy neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, find that their paths have been woven together by the love of community and a friendship that is tested by time, betrayal, and unforgiveness.

• Inspirational Christian fiction
• Stand-alone novel
• Perfect for fans of Tara M. Stringfellow, Terry McMillan, and Kimberla Lawson Roby
• Book length: approximately 85,000 words
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs

My Thoughts:

The light on Halsey street was one of those books that I absolutely loved, but have been struggling to find the words to describe how much I absolutely loved and enjoyed this book.  The author takes you back to the 80's and on such a journey of living life, making mistakes, owning up to those mistakes and eventual forgiveness.  This book was a quick read for me, and totally took me on such an emotional roller coaster ride.  I mean the way she wrote these characters and how they moved throughout the story and grew had me shedding tears a couple of times.  And we must not forget the power of friendship and forgiveness.  This book will have you looking at things in a different light.  A book you will not be able to put down until you are finished and one where the characters will stay with you long after you're finished.  

About the Author

Vanessa Miller is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, playwright, and motivational speaker. She started writing as a child, spending countless hours either reading or writing poetry, short stories, stage plays and novels. Vanessa’s creative endeavors took on new meaning in1994 when she became a Christian. Since then, her writing has been centered on themes of redemption, often focusing on characters facing multi-dimensional struggles.

Vanessa’s novels have received rave reviews, with several appearing on Essence Magazine’s Bestseller’s List. Miller’s work has receiving numerous awards, including “Best Christian Fiction Mahogany Award” and the “Red Rose Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction.” Miller graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication. She is an ordained minister in her church, explaining, “God has called me to minister to readers and to help them rediscover their place with the Lord.”

· Essence Bestsellers’ List March 2008; May 2008 (Former Rain)

· Essence Bestsellers’ List September 2008 (Rain Storm)

· Black Expressions Book Club Alternate Selection 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010

· #1 Ebook for fiction on Amazon.com November 2010 (Long Time Coming)

· #1 on BCNN/BCBC Bestsellers’ List November 2010 (Long Time Coming)

She has worked with numerous publishers: Urban Christian, Kimani Romance (Harlequin), Abingdon Press and Whitaker House. She is currently working on Something Good with Thomas Nelson (HarperCollins) which releases in March 2022.

In 2016, Vanessa launched the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat in an effort to bring readers and authors of Christian fiction together in an environment that’s all about Faith, Fun & Fellowship. To learn more about Vanessa, please visit her website: www.vanessamiller.com. If you would like to know more about the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat that is currently held in Charlotte, NC during the last week in October you can visit: http://www.christianbookloversretreat.com/index.html

Vanessa lives in North Carolina with her husband and family. She graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication.

Most of Vanessa’s published novels depict characters that are lost and in need of redemption. The books have received countless favorable reviews.

“. . . Heartwarming, drama-packed and tender in just the right places.”—Romantic Times Book Review.

“Recommended for readers of redemption stories.” –Library Journal.

www.vanessamiller.com

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Blog tour: I know by Stephen Bratcher

 Title:. I Know

Author:  Stephen Bratcher

Publication Date:  February 4, 2022

Genre:  Suspence Urban Fiction 

Rating:  💥💥💥💥

My thoughts:

I know is a compelling story of three individuals separated by six degrees of separation, and how one decision can impact many lives.  The storyline was exciting and full of intrigue and drama.  Full of lessons, this was a powerful read that kept a hold on my emotions and had me in an emotional vice grip from beginning to end.  Ti would be the perfect story that would be so good on a movie screen.  

Blog tour: Just like old times

 Title:  Just Like Old Times 

Author:  Chichima Cherry

Genre:  Second Chance Romance 

Publication Date:  March 22, 2022

Rating: 💥💥💥💥

About the Book 

Trey Dalton is charismatic, thoughtful, and accomplished, but every year, he’s sorely reminded of how he left the love of his life, Tristyn Miller, without so much as a goodbye. Now, due to a healthy dose of fate and his mama’s prayers, he’s run into Tristyn and is determined to prove to her that she’s the one. Will he be able to convince her that he’s changed or will his past keep him from his future?

Tristyn’s life is practically perfect. She has a good job, great friends, and an incredible boyfriend that she’s kind of in love with. But now that coincidence has plopped her ex boyfriend, Trey, right in front of her, she’s second guessing everything. Life with Trey was always fun, steamy, and felt right, but fears of him leaving again plague her thoughts. Will she stick with her safe life, or will she give into her feelings so things can be just like old times?

My thoughts 

For a short read, it was very good.  I loved the characters, as well as the supporting characters.   And there was enough drama that was not too much, and made the story line enjoyable.  It was relatable and had themes with lessons woven throughout the story.  The author did very well with this story, and I'm hoping to see this couple in future books (assuming some of the characters that I could tell were starting to have feelings for each other get their own stories)

About the Author

Chichima Cherry resides in Cleveland, Ohio, with her husband and daughters, where she writes real life with a scoop of spice. Her passion for romance and writing was passed down through her late mother and grandmother, and she loves creating characters with true to life issues. In addition to writing fiction, she writes children's books under the pen name of Karen Mae, and runs writer's classes. In her free time she enjoys reading, baking, puzzling, and chilling.

Review: The Other Princes by Denny S. Brice

 Title: The Other Princess

Author: Denny S. Brice

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Publisher:  William Morrow

Publication Date: October 3, 2023

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About the Book:

A stunning portrait of an African princess raised in Queen Victoria’s court and adapting to life in Victorian England—based on the real-life story of a recently rediscovered historical figure, Sarah Forbes Bonetta.

With a brilliant mind and a fierce will to survive, Sarah Forbes Bonetta, a kidnapped African princess, is rescued from enslavement at seven years old and presented to Queen Victoria as a “gift.” To the Queen, the girl is an exotic trophy to be trotted out for the entertainment of the royal court and to showcase Victoria’s magnanimity. Sarah charms most of the people she meets, even those who would cast her aside. Her keen intelligence and her aptitude for languages and musical composition helps Sarah navigate the Victorian era as an outsider given insider privileges.

But embedded in Sarah’s past is her destiny. Haunted by visions of destruction and decapitations, she desperately seeks a place, a home she will never run from, never fear, a refuge from nightmares and memories of death.

From West Africa to Windsor Castle to Sierra Leone, to St. James's Palace, and the Lagos Colony, Sarah juggles the power and pitfalls of a royal upbringing as she battles racism and systematic oppression on her way to living a life worthy of a Yoruba princess.

Based on the real life of Queen Victoria’s Black goddaughter, Sarah Forbes Bonetta’s story is a sweeping saga of an African princess in Victorian England and West Africa, as she searches for a home, family, love, and identity.

My thoughts

Some books are so good, it takes me longer than I would like to do the review because I don't want to spoil how much I enjoyed the book.  This was one of those books.  I'm no stranger to the author's writing and she knocked it out of the park with this book.  The way this story took on so many surprises and twists and turns that had me wanting to slow down because I didn't want it to end, but also me wanting to hurry up because I really wanted to know what happened next.  This was such an emotional read and an important part of black history that for the most part has been forgotten.  The fact that it was also based on a true person made this book all the more enjoyable.   This was such a phenomenal story and we need more like these written by marginalized authors.   The story will be one of those that will forever be etched in my memory.   

About the Author

Denny S. Bryce is a best-selling, award-winning author of historical fiction. A former dancer and public relations professional, Denny is an adjunct professor in the MFA program at Drexel University, a book critic for NPR, and a freelance writer whose work has appeared in USA Today and Harper’s Bazaar. She is also a member of the Historical Novel Society, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and Tall Poppy Writers. Originally from Ohio, she likes to call Chicago her hometown but currently resides in Savannah, Georgia. You can find her online at DennySBryce.com.

Nalini Akolekar, Spencerhill Associates, represents her.

Blog Tour: Love In Winter Wonderland by

Title:  Love  In Winter Wonderland

Author:  Abiola Bello

Genre:  Black YA holiday Romance

Publication Date:  October 3, 2023

Publisher:  Soho Teen

Rating:  💥💥💥💥
 

About the Book:

The Sun Is Also a Star meets You’ve Got Mail in this YA Christmas love story set in a London Black-owned bookshop.

Charming, handsome Trey Anderson balances the pressures of school popularity with a job at his family’s beloved local bookshop, Wonderland.

Quirky, creative Ariel Spencer needs tuition for the prestigious art program of her dreams, and an opening at Wonderland is the answer. When Trey and Ariel learn that Wonderland is on the brink of being shut down by a neighborhood gentrifier, they team up to stop the doors from closing before the Christmas Eve deadline—and embark on a hate-to-love journey that will change them forever.

Heartwarming and romantic, this read is the gift that keeps on giving, no matter the season

My Thoughts:

This will be my most favorite ya read of the year.  I absolutely loved most of the characters, Including Ariel.  She was absolutely my most favorite character.  This story has all the holiday feels and is so charming and heartwarming.  It kept my interest from beginning to end.  The plot was enjoyable, as well as the development of the characters.  Such a delightful and beautiful read just in time for the holidays.  

About the Author

Abiola Bello was born and raised in Stoke Newington, North London. She is a Nigerian-British author and first began writing the Emily Knight saga at 12 years old.

Abiola received rave reviews for her debut middle-grade book series. Emily Knight I am, published by Hashtag Press which she has written under A. Bello. Emily Knight I am...Awakened was released in September 2017, published by Hashtag Press. It was nominated for the Carnegie Medal 2019, winner of London's Big Read 2019 and a finalist for 'Best Children's Book' for the People's Book Prize 2019.Emily Knight I am..Becoming, published by Hashtag Press is the third book in the award-winning series was released in September 2020 to strong reviews. Book 4 and the last in the series is due by 2023.

The Very Merry Murder Club published by Farshore on October 28th 2021 is a number 1 bestseller, The Bookseller 'One to Watch' and was featured in The Guardian's Children's and Teens Novel Roundup. It was Waterstones November Children's Book of the Month and shortlisted for The Diverse Book Awards 2022.

Abiola signed a 6-figure 3 book deal with Simon & Schuster in September 2021. Her YA debut Love In Winter Wonderland is a number 1 bestseller, The Bookseller 'One to Watch,' an Amazon's Editor's Choice and was featured as one of the Guardian's Best New Novels. Love In Winter Wonderland was featured on the Leicester Square billboard throughout November as part of Amazon's Amplify Black Voices Campaign for Black History Month.

Abiola won The London Book Fair Trailblazer Awards 2018 and is currently on the advisory board for World Book Day UK.

As well as being a writer, Abiola is a professional dancer. She has performed for more than a decade in prestigious venues including The Royal Opera House, The Barbican, Sadler's Wells, Hammersmith Apollo, Stratford Theatre Royal. Abiola has also appeared on The Apprentice, Got To Dance and Street Dance AllStars The Movie.

Follow on Instagram @abiolabello & Twitter @ABelloWrites

www.a-bello.com

Blog Tour: Clued In Christmas by Mia Heinztleman

Title:  Clued In Christmas

Author: Mia Heintzleman

Genre:  Interracial Holiday Romance

Publication Date:  October 12, 2023

Publisher:  Tule Publishing

Rating:  💥💥💥💥

About the Book:

Nadia Sikes usually loves the holidays—cozy game nights, snowy mountain girls’ trips, hours decking the halls at Love & Games. But when her two best friends and co-owners find love, all she wants is to tuck away her heart and make it through the season.

Quietly handsome bookstore owner and single dad Micah Hamilton is determined to a) build lasting Christmas memories with his little girl and b) avoid Nadia. When his daughter asks to attend the holiday festivities at Love & Games, though, Micah is forced to introduce the woman who broke his heart, to his child she never knew existed.

The scene would drive anyone to plot their romantic reunion…and someone does. Between turkey dinners, tree decorating, and mistletoe kisses, mysterious notes begin showing up at the game store. As Nadia strings together clues, motives, and suspects for this twisty whodunit, she and Micah are blindsided by the return of their desire.

Is it a mistake to lose themselves in each other again? Or will a Christmas miracle bring them back to where they belong

My Thoughts

This series was an absolute joy and pleasure to read, and the finale in the series fit right in.  The last standing co owner of  Love and Games store, Nadia,  is shocked when an old flame, Micah comes back into her life just down the street as the owner of a bookstore.  Add in the mix Micha's 11 year old daughter and you have a story that will bring romance, as well as laughs.

My absolute favorite thing about this book is the chemistry between Micha and Nadia.  You could just feel it jump off the page.  And little Ms. Gillian stole the show a couple of times.  And the mystery game that was apart of the story took it to a whole different level.  The nerd in me is so happy that this book is being released.  This was such a charming and entertaining read.

About the Author

Mia Heintzelman is a polka-dot-wearing, horror movie lover, who always has a book and a to-do list in her purse. When she isn’t busy writing fictional happily-ever-afters, she is likely reading, or playing board games and eating sweets with her husband and two children. She writes fun, unforgettable, more than just laughs romcoms about strong women and men with enough heart to fall for them.

You can find her online at MiaHeintzelman.com or at @MiaHeintzelman on Twitter or @MiaHeintzelmanAuthor on Instagram and Facebook