Quick Look!

Last Updated: Jan 10th, 2012

NEW REVIEWS POSTED

>> The Blacks: Love Politics: New Beginnings

>> Sinners And Saints

>> Wimby's Corner

>> Truth Or Dare

>> Tethered

>> Never Dead

>> Larger Than Lyfe

>> Wounded: A Love Story

>> The Freshman Fifteen... And A Whole Lot of Other Stuff They Didn't Plan For

>> The Black Hand of God

TRR Favorite Books Reviewed

Those books rated at the top of our scale have been identified as TRR Favorites.  Check them out via the FAVORITES link.

The Blacks: Love Politics: New Beginnings by Angelia Vernon Menchan

Cinnamon and Malcolm Black are on their honeymoon when Cinnamon receives the call that her ex-husband William Brown is ill and it may be terminal. Without hesitation she tells Malcolm they have to return to the States and leave Jamaica behind, not knowing Brown’s condition plus he is her children’s father. Brown is not happy his former friend is now married to his ex, so when he finds out she is there to see about him, he is ecstatic.  While he is not happy to leave Jamaica, Malcolm loves Cinnamon, and Brown was his friend at one time, so he supports his wife without question.  

Sinners And Saints by Victoria Christopher Murray & Reshonda Tate Billingsley

Jasmine Larson, as she is called by her longtime frenemy Mae Frances, tried to stay on the straight and narrow path, but it’s hard to do that in her Jimmy Choos. Rachel Adams doesn’t have a restrained bone in her body, but is still not as flexible as her new nemesis whose stripper, man-stealing past she is happy to expose. Divas in their own right, both women have their eyes on what they consider to be their husband’s prize and are willing to do whatever it takes to be the next first lady of the world. 

Wimby's Corner by David Covin

WIMBY’S CORNER opens in Bardwell, Kentucky where we meet Wayne Hunter, an unassuming giant of a man who is not much to look at, but has a big heart.  Wayne feels stifled in Bardwell, yet his opportunity to get out by joining the army is thwarted by his inability to read and write.  After that embarrassing incident, he obtains a job where he learns to read and write.  His gentle nature mask a deeply raging temper that is seldom seen, but when placed in a situation where he is disrespected in front of his girlfriend, this side of him is revealed and Wayne knows then that it was time to move on. 

Truth Or Dare by Dwayne S. Joseph

Their commonality is an online class; one which requires the students to log into an instant messaging site to communicate with one another during their class sessions.  A simple private chat between two classmates is the catalyst that will affect their lives in ways they can never imagine. 

Tethered by Angela Nicole Parker

Madison Baldwin is the daughter of a publication mogul, although she’s an editor for her fiance’s father’s magazine.  Bucking against the plans her parents have mapped out for her life, the only constant is her friendship with Spencer Newman and Craig Barnett.  Madison and Spencer have dated since junior high school and Madison can see him as part of her future.  Her marriage to Spencer is one aspect of her life her parents totally support.  That is, until Spencer fails to complete the wedding ceremony at the altar.

 

Never Dead by Jumata Emill Jones

Emerson McGee moves his new bride, Danielle, back to his hometown, Baton Rouge, to live in the house he inherits from his deceased grandmother, while he attends law school.  During his high school years, he was a star football player, yet since returning to Baton Rouge, he shuns any associations with his former classmates.  Danielle is dealing with issues of a different manner.  Something sinister is dwelling in the house with the couple and the entity is making its presence known to Danielle. 

Larger Than Lyfe by Cynthia Diane Thornton

Keshari Mitchell has outgrown her past and is looking for a more successful and legitimate future.  As the owner of Larger Than Lyfe Entertainment, she is signing some of the most promising up and coming acts and her ranks are growing in the entertainment business.  One problem is her ties to the drug world.  She is also at the reins of The Consortium, a drug empire created by former lover, Richard Tresvant, who is currently incarcerated and awaiting trial.  Keshari wants out and expresses this to Richard who is not willing to accept her desire to walk away.   This causes conflicts for Keshari as Richard’s trial becomes more high profile and her ties to him can potentially be exposed and he ensures she stays so deep in the game there is no way to escape. 

Wounded: A Love Story by Claudia Mair Burney

Gina Merritt is a down and out single mother who attends Vineyard Catholic Church, and has a whole list of medical and psychological ills attached to her persona.  In fact, the congregation at Vineyard has dubbed her as being insane.  On Ash Wednesday during services, she experiences something so divinely spiritual and hard to explain, that everyone feels she has stepped off the deep end.  The only person to believe in her is a down on his luck journalist turned junkie.  Anthony Priest reaches out to touch Gina during her experience and his life is literally changed in that instance. As Gina tries to escape whatever happened to her and the church, Priest follows her and the two set off on a path of discovery, revelations and love.  

The Freshman Fifteen... And A Whole Lot of Other Stuff They Didn't Plan For by M. H. Taylor

It has been said that college can pack on the weight in the first year.  But, the weight gain is the least of what a freshman takes on in that first year.  Being away from home for the first time without parental supervision and making your own decisions leaves a lot of room for miscues.  There are a lot of adjustments to make during the freshman year, both emotionally and physically.  How do you keep it all together and stay in school at the same time?  

The Black Hand of God by R. S. Basi

The story of Donna Beatriz Kimpa Vita is one that was virtually unknown to me.  That is, until I read THE BLACK HAND OF GOD by R. S. Basi.  This story evolves with the Kongo as the backdrop and an obviously grieving parent, recalling the significant memories of what transpired.  According to Basi’s fictional account, Christianity was well established in Africa prior to the slave trade era.  However, the Europeans introduced Catholicism to the region and it spread, gaining many followers.  With a civil war going on among the Kongolese, the Catholic teachings were used to control and aid in the exploitation of the natives and the slave trade in the area.  A young child, baptized as Donna Beatriz, believed she was possessed by the spirit of St. Anthony, a very popular Saint.  She became a polarizing religious figure, who inspired many followers to pull away from some of the basic Catholic teachings and treatment that the priests provided, only to have her actions determine her fate.