Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Blog Tour: Flames of Wrath by J. L. Campbell

 


Title:  Flames Of Wrath

Author:  J. L. Campbell 

Publication Date: November 28, 2023

Publisher:  Black Odyssey Media

Genre: Thriller/Suspence 

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥




A mother’s quest for justice turns into a race against time to stop insidious murders that mysteriously begin populating throughout the city. Fans of Lisa Jewell and Ruth Ware will be enthralled by this emotionally chilling thriller!

The need to right a wrong against an innocent victim triggers a hailstorm of revenge!
 
In less than twenty-four hours—before Alexia Leighton is scheduled to return to Miami from spring break in Jamaica—a group of friends betray her in a grisly assault that stops a heartbeat away from murder. The seventeen-year-old prays for the mercy of death. She survives. While on the road to recovery, Alexia's attackers become victims of mysterious acts of violence, leaving authorities confounded and racing against time to prevent another deadly attack. Concern looms, as the perpetrator has proven to be two steps ahead of them at every turn.
 
When the attention swings to Alexia's mother, a cyber-security expert, the family closes ranks. Geneva Leighton must quickly eliminate herself as a suspect, but not without handing down more punishment. The offenders fear for their own safety and the secrets that plague them. Can they trust the police to find the killer before someone else dies, or has their fate been sealed—leaving them with no place to run, and no place to hide . . .


Wow.  I have been a fan of the author's for years because of her romance stories.   And now in recent years that I have become a fan of Thrillers, this book makes me love the authors writing even more.  This was such an emotional read that for the life of me would not let go.  Not until I was completely finished with the story.  It was entertaining and captivating and took me on a journey like no other.  There is a saying Hell hath no furry like a womanscored, and add to that a Black mother that would do absolutely anything to vindicate her children, God help anyone in the path of her rage.  This is also the third book I've read from this publisher, and it is one that you should have in your radar.  









About the Author

National Bestselling Author, J.L. Campbell lives in Jamaica and writes across several genres. She is a certified editor, and book coach, who has produced over forty books. When she’s not writing, Campbell adds to her extensive collection of photos featuring Jamaica’s natural beauty. 

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Blog tour: Glory Be by Danielle Arceneaux

 Title:  Glory Be

Auhor: Danielle Arceneaux

Genre:  Cozy Mystery

Publisher:  Pegasus Crime

Publication Date :  October 3, 2023

Rating:  💥💥💥💥



About the Book

The first in a vivid and charming crime series set in the Louisiana bayou, introducing the hilariously uncensored amateur sleuth Glory Broussard. Perfect for fans of Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club.

*A Washington Post Best Mystery Novel of the Year*

It’s a hot and sticky Sunday in Lafayette, Louisiana, and Glory has settled into her usual after-church routine, meeting gamblers at the local coffee shop, where she works as a small-time bookie. Sitting at her corner table, Glory hears that her best friend—a nun beloved by the community—has been found dead in her apartment.

When police declare the mysterious death a suicide, Glory is convinced that there must be more to the story and, with her reluctant daughter, with troubles of her own, in tow, launches a shadow investigation in a town of oil tycoons, church gossips, and a rumored voodoo priestess.

As a Black woman of a certain age who grew up in a segregated Louisiana, Glory is used to being minimized and overlooked. But she’s determined to make her presence known as the case leads her deep into a web of intrigue she never realized Lafayette could harbor. Danielle Arcenaux’s riveting debut brings for an unforgettable character that will charm and delight crime fans everywhere and leave them hungry for her next adventure


My Thoughts:

If you're looking for an older lady sleuth, then this is the series for you.   Glory was such a hoot and a mess throughout the book, but you can tell she really goes hard for those she loves and cares about.  This was such a delightful read.  And in older lady fashion, no one was going to stop Ms. Glory once she had her mind set on something.  And with the story taking place in Louisiana,  that made the story and characters all the more charming.  This was such an enjoyable and delightful read, and I can't wait for the next book in the series.  

About the Author


Danielle Arceneaux is a mystery writer who lives in Brooklyn, NY with her border terrier, Birdie, and an ungovernable

cat. When not writing, she enjoys traveling around the world to flyfish. For more information, visit www.daniellearceneaux.com

Friday, November 17, 2023

Book Tour: Worthy by Jada Pinkett Smith

 Title:  Worthy

Author:  Jada Pinkett Smith

Genre:  Memoir

Publisher:  Dey Street Books

Publication Date:  October 17, 2023

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥




About the Book:

A gripping, painfully honest, and ultimately inspirational memoir from global superstar and creator of the Red Table Talk series Jada Pinkett Smith. In a media driven landscape that crafts narratives for our celebrities, Smith recounts her story in an intimate conversation with readers. Along the way, she explores her path to accepting her power as a woman, and her discovery that a strong sense of self is every woman’s right and saving grace.

An impactful and rare memoir that engages and educates, Worthy is a courageous love song to self, to family, to life, and to the world.

From an unconventional upbringing in Baltimore, to an unconventional marriage to one of the most famous men in the world, adhering to the status quo has never been a familiar road for Jada Pinkett Smith. In Worthy, Smith strips herself of all the labels and stories crafted by others, and reclaims her narrative with radical self-love. Worthy teaches us who Jada is, and how to embrace our most authentic lovable souls.


My thoughts:

Resilient, Powerful, courageous, strong.  These are just some of the words that came to mind while reading this remarkable book.  growing up in the streets of Baltimore, to living in california with a successful career, Jada Pinkett Smith gives us a raw, gritty look into her life from the earliest memories until now.  A book that would have normally only took me hours to read, took over a day, with some of it being so sad, I had to stop.  I loved the fact that she just told her truth, her life, not a bunch a media propaganda and scandals.  It makes it more relevant and authentic to me.  And in the midst of tears, there were comedic moments to help lighten the mood at times.  


About the Author

Jada Pinkett Smith is an American actress, singer-songwriter, talk show host, producer, and businesswoman. Jada Pinkett Smith has appeared in more than 20 films in a variety of genres, including Menace II Society, Set It Off, Scream 2, Ali, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, the Madagascar series, Hawthorne, Gotham, Magic Mike XXL, Bad Moms, and Girls Trip. Currently, she is the co-host of the talk show Red Table Talk, for which she has received a Daytime Emmy Award. Time named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2021. Jada is married to actor Will Smith and shares three children with him. Together, the couple founded the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation, a charity organization which focuses on inner-city youth and family support. The couple also owns Westbrook Inc., a media company that aims to empower artists to tell their stories and connect with the world.

https://ourworthyjourney.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jadapinkettsmith/
https://www.facebook.com/jada/
https://twitter.com/jadapsmith
https://www.tiktok.com/@jadapinkettsmith

Sunday, November 5, 2023

Blog Tour: The List by Yomi Adegoke

 Title:  The List

Author:  Yomi Adegoke

Genre:  Mystery

Publisher:  William Morrow

Publication Date: October 3, 2023

Rating :  💥💥💥💥



About the book:

GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK!

Recommended by The New York Times • Vogue • People • NPR • Vulture • The Guardian • Cosmopolitan • Rolling Stone • Publishers Weekly • The Sunday Times • and many more!

In this sensational, page-turning debut novel, a high-profile female journalist’s world is upended when her fiancé’s name turns up in a viral social media post—a nuanced, daring, and timely exploration of the real-world impact of online life, from award-winning journalist and internationally bestselling authorYomi Adegoke.

“Brilliantly written, intricately plotted and incredibly clever. Once I started, I could not put it down, and I am sure I'll be thinking about this book for a very long time.” — Abi Daré, New York Times bestselling author of The Girl with the Louding Voice

Ola Olajide, a celebrated journalist at Womxxxn magazine, is set to marry the love of her life in one month’s time. Young, beautiful, and successful—she and her fiancé Michael are considered the “couple goals” of their social network and seem to have it all. That is, until one morning when they both wake up to the same message: “Oh my god, have you seen The List?” 

It began as a crowdsourced collection of names and somehow morphed into an anonymous account posting allegations on social media. Ola would usually be the first to support such a list—she’d retweet it, call for the men to be fired, write article after article. Except this time, Michael’s name is on it.

Compulsively readable, wildly entertaining, and filled with sharp social insight, The List is a piercing and dazzlingly clear-sighted debut about secrets, lies, and the internet. Perfect for fans of Such a Fun AgeLuster, and My Dark Vanessa, this is a searing portrait of these modern times and our morally complicated online culture.

“Topical, heartfelt, provocative and wise, Yomi Adegoke’s characters are tenderly realized . . . the entire cast of this ultimate millennial novel springs vividly to life.” — Bernardine Evaristo, Booker Prize-winning author of Girl, Woman, Other

 The List asks ‘what if?’ and the answers will surely get people thinking. A vibrantly told exploration of the messy interface between virtual and offline relationships. A page-turning tale!” — Charmaine Wilkerson, New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake


My thoughts:

If you want a book that will make you mad, this might be the one for you.   Althought it was an enjoyable ride, all of the characters, piss3d me off at different times in the book.  The book also highlights some of the bad parts of social media.  It was messy and entertaining at the same time. And I wasn't expecting it to end like that.  

About the Author



Yomi Adegoke is a multi award-winning journalist and author. She is currently a columnist at The Guardian and British Vogue and is the former host of the Women's Fiction Prize podcast. In 2018, she co-wrote the bestselling book Slay In Your Lane and the same year was named one of the most influential people in London by the Evening Standard. She also was awarded the Groucho Maverick and Marie Clare Future Shaper awards. In 2021, she was named on the Forbes 30 under 30 list.

Book Tour: You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Toni Shiloh

 Title:  You make It Feel Like Christmas

Author:  Toni Shiloh 

Publication Date:  September 5, 2023

Publisher :Bethany House

Genre: Christmas Romance 

Rating:  💥💥💥💥



About thr books

It's the most wonderful time of the year--for everyone except Starr Lewis.

As if going home for the holidays jobless and single wasn't bad enough, she's dragged into a holiday season full of activities leading up to her sister's uber-romantic Christmas Eve wedding--to Starr's ex-boyfriend. But when her brother's best friend, Waylon Emmerson, attends their family Thanksgiving, she starts to wonder if maybe coming home for Christmas isn't so bad after all.

As Starr finds the perfect distraction in helping Waylon make over his late mother's Christmas shop, the most wonderful time of the year works its magic and the spark between them grows. But with the holidays fast approaching, Starr must decide what she wants out of life after the gifts are unwrapped and the ornaments are put away--to go back to New York City or to open her heart to a love that will last beyond Christmas Day?


My thoughts

For me, I start celebrating Christmas on November 1st, which includes Christmas movies and books ( Although truthfully, I will read Christmas books all year around), and I enjoyed my first holiday book of the season.  I loved the growth of Starr.  She started to stick up for herself, and I was so happy for her and proud of her.  This was the perfect novella to kick off thr season with.  This story was just right and so enjoyable.  This was not my fords book by this author, and every book I read from her seems to get better and better.  Great job


About the Author 



Toni Shiloh (www.tonishiloh.com) is a wife, a mom, and an award-winning Christian contemporary romance author. Her novel In Search of a 
Prince won the first ever Christy Amplify Award. It has also been praised by 
Oprah Daily, POPSUGAR, Library Journal, and Booklist, and is a 
Parable bestseller. Her books have been finalists for the HOLT Medallion and 
the Selah Award. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), 
Toni loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media. 

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Book Tour: The Queer Girl Is Going To Be Ok by Dale Walls

 Title:  The Queer Girl Is Going To Be Ok

Author:  Dale Walls

Genre:  LGBQIA+ YA Fiction

Publication Date:  November 21, 2023

Publisher:  Levine Querido

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥



About the Book

Queer Love. Something Dawn wants, desperately, but does not have. But maybe, if she can capture it, film it, interview the people who have it, queer love will be hers someday. Or, at least, she'll have made a documentary about it. A documentary that, hopefully, will win Dawn a scholarship to film school. Many obstacles stand in the way of completing her film, but her best friends Edie and Georgia are there to help her reach her goal, no matter what it takes. 

A touching and joyous story of queer friendship and girlhood set in the vibrant city of Houston, THE QUEER GIRL IS GOING TO BE OKAY will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you believe that eventually, everything will be okay.


My Thoughts

Man, this was such an emotional read.  To read what each character had to deal with was so emotional and heartbreaking.  I felt bad many time for all of the three main characters and what they had to go through.  The book also showcased the power of having a good friendship with others, the type that will be there for you when you can't be there for yourself and ones that won't let you completely quit, no matter how hard situations might be.  I hope the author features these characters in a future book.  I would love to see what happens for them next.  


About the Author:


Dale Walls is a culture writer, curator, and art historian based in San Francisco. They are currently pursuing an art history PhD and are a Knight-Hennessy Scholar at Stanford University. Dale has written for Teen Vogue, Artsy, and Google Arts and Culture and is a Lambda Literary Fellow. The Queer Girl Is Going To Be Okay is their debut novel.

When they're not writing, Dale can be found hanging out with their hairless cat, collecting taxidermy mice, or drinking matcha lattes. You can visit Dale at dalewallsauthor.com