New Review : Saving Ruby King : Catherine Adel West

4 out of 5 books

Ruby King and her mother, Alice, are faithful members of the local church so the shock of Alice’s murder not only rocked the residents in southside Chicago but the members of Calvary Hope Church as well.  Alice’s husband, Lebanon owns a bakery and is known to be mean and abusive towards Alice. Everyone sees the bruises and welts she tries to cover up. Although Ruby is twenty-four years old and works as a law clerk, she still lived at home with her parents, experiencing and attempting to hide the horrifying secrets that dwell within. 

Lebanon King gets his anger and abusive ways from his upbringing. He was raised by a mother who didn’t love him and took every opportunity to let him know. His anger led him to kill a man where he served time in prison.  It comes as a surprise that Pastor Jackson Potter is one of Lebanon’s closest friends.  The bond of their friendship is based on the sins and secrets of their mother’s pasts. Jackson’s daughter, Layla is Ruby’s best friend, and she knows the potential fate of Ruby’s future if she remains in the home with Lebanon. Despite Layla’s father telling her not to get involved with Ruby after her mother’s death, she remains devoted to Ruby and saving her from a bad situation. 

For this to be West’s debut novel, it was very mesmerizing. It is written from different points of view (everyone’s except for Ruby’s interestingly), but the most remarkable point of view was Calvary Hope’s. That is when the layers of the story fit into Lebanon’s, Jackson’s, Alice’s and eventually Ruby’s.  I initially rated the book 3.5 out of 4 stars but later changed it to a solid 4 star read. SAVING RUBY KING is about generational trauma, closely held secrets and the impact it can have on a person, a community. A complex and gripping mystery!

Reviewed by Paula Allen

Get your copy of Saving Ruby King today!

 

New Review : Mirror Girls : Kelly McWilliams

5 out of 5 books

Jeanette Yates dying wish is to return to Eureka Georgia to right a wrong and be buried in her hometown.  Her granddaughter Charlie , an organizer within the Civil Rights Movement is somewhat reluctant to visit the Jim Crow south but she wants to honor her grandmother’s final wish.  Upon her arrival in town, she is shocked to find out the secret of her heritage and that she has a twin sister, Magnolia who is passing as white. Their parents were killed in a racially motivated hate crime which caused them to be separated soon after they were born. Connecting with her twin is not an easy task especially with their racially ambiguous appearance in a segregated town and a long-held curse that other worldly beings want resolved. 

The twins’ mother, Marie Yates, a black woman, and her white lover, Dean Heathwood, the heir to a cotton plantation were on their way to get married when they were murdered.  This left the girls motherless and the Heathwood Plantation without an heir.  Shortly after their birth, a visit from Dean’s mother set in motion a curse that can only be broken with their self-identity and the assistance of the ancestors. She chooses the fair skin Magnolia as her heir and raises her as a proper Southern Belle to find a suitable and wealthy spouse to salvage her financially struggling plantation. Charlie and her grandmother were ordered to move far away to keep the secret of the twins’ existence from the residents of Eureka. Her plans are thwarted when Magnolia discovers her life has been based on a lie. Magnolia’s reflection disappears as she struggles to stay alive while determining the truth about her identity and history. The sisters have to work together to save Magnolia from the devastating curse.

MIRROR GIRLS is young adult read that truly delivers.  With elements of the supernatural, racial tensions and colorism, it was a well-written and engaging adventure. McWilliams writes a gripping thriller that touches on acceptance, tolerance, and grace.

Reviewed by Paula Allen

Get your copy of Mirror Girls today!

 

New Review : Mulidego: Memoirs of a Black Sicilian : Ty B. Moore

 

3 out of 5 books

Sylvester Armstrong is a young biracial male, who is the only child of a single black mother Dahlia, living in the harshest, most segregated part of Chicago in the 1930s.  His mother works at a salon but without a consistent clientele, she takes on odd jobs to support her and Sylvester.  Sylvester’s uncle Percy teaches him to commit petty crimes and pickpockets at the age of eight which helps the family to make ends meet.  Sylvester introduces his friends to his schemes and a bond is formed between them.  After a tragic accident that took the life of Sylvester’s mom, he is on his own and his activities are starting to attract the wrong attention. 

In steps Christiano Benetti, the head of well-known Mafia family that runs the Extension.  Christiano is Sylvester’s father who remained in the shadows much of his life.  He takes Sylvester under his wing, teaching him Italian, the family business and grooming him for a position in the Mafia. Sylvester Christiano Armstrong Benetti is a natural, impressing his father and gaining the respect of the rest of the members of the Extension. Working his way up the ranks, Christiano gains his place his father’s family.  Upon his rise to the top, there is one wrong that Sylvester wants to avenge – the tragedy that was orchestrated by his father’s wife. 

MULIDEGO is well-written but at times failed to keep me engaged. There are some parts of the novel that is too wordy or provides too much background information on the minor characters which causes the story to lag.  The story became interesting in the last seventy-five percent of the book which is actioned-packed and engaging.  

Reviewed by Paula Allen

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New Review : Blue Like Me : Aaron Philip Clark

4.5 out of 5 books

Blue Like Me is book 2 in this police drama series focusing on the haps and mishaps of African American Detective Trevor  “Finn” Finnegan.  Book 1, Under the Color of Law set the stage in introducing us to Finn and the seemingly impossible odds he faced being part of the LAPD and being a Black Man in the department.

Things didn’t end well and in Blue Like Me, we find that Detective Finn is no longer with the LAPD (in an official capacity) but is now doing private investigating for a firm.  We learn more about Finn’s private life and the personal problems that he’s dealing with.  And just when he thinks things are getting back on track (we do too), he witnesses an event that pulls him right back into the LAPD cesspool.  

He is faced with having to clear his name, working with a former partner who has a vendetta to score, solving a murder, satisfying his girlfriend, and dealing with his father’s addictions.  Enough?  Sounds like a lot and in theory it is.  And there are a few twists that I haven’t mentioned because well, you just need to read the book.  Author Clark plays the story out in magnificent form.  He moves the plot along while keeping you guessing, wondering how Finn is going to work things out, to a great set up for the next volume in the Detective Trevor Finnagan saga.

Like James Patterson has done with the Alex Cross series, Aaron Philip Clark is going to do with Trevor Finnagan.

Reviewed by Josephine Winfrey

Get your copy of Blue Like Me today!

The Forthcoming : You Never Know : Connie Briscoe : Release Date : March 14, 2023

Alexis Roberts is asleep one night when someone breaks into her home and tries to assault her. Though she manages to escape serious harm, the invasion has left her scared and shaken. The police are investigating, but Alexis has few details to share with the detective on the scene. She’s hearing impaired and could not find her cochlear implants in the darkness, which left her unable to both see and hear the intruder.

Was her attacker a stranger or someone whom she knows—a person who may have once been close to her?

Flashback to a year earlier when Alexis meets the man of her dreams. Marcus is handsome, successful, polished and everything she’s ever wanted. Attentive, charming, and fluent in American sign language, he’s unlike any man she’s ever known. Believing he is the Mr. Right who was meant to be her forever partner, Alexis says yes when he asks her to marry him. Why wouldn’t she?

But once they’re married, Marcus grows distant and resembles little of the charming man who swept her off her feet. Who is this stranger she’s married? Determined to uncover the truth, Alexis begins to carefully unearth the secrets in her husband’s life. When she makes a horrifying discovery—his first wife is missing and suspected dead—Marcus suddenly disappears without a trace.

Now, in this gigantic house in an isolated neighborhood with no family and friends nearby to help, a terrified Alexis waits for her intruder to return. She’s trapped in the dream home that has become a nightmare, unsure who Marcus really is . . . and what he’s capable of doing. 

Pre-order your copy of You Never Know today!

The Forthcoming : The Black Queen : Jumata Emill : Release Date : January 31, 2023

Nova Albright, the first Black homecoming queen at Lovett High, is dead. Murdered the night of her coronation, her body found the next morning in the old slave cemetery she spent her weekends rehabilitating.

Tinsley McArthur was supposed to be queen. Not only is she beautiful, wealthy, and white, it’s her legacy—her grandmother, her mother, and even her sister wore the crown before her. Everyone in Lovett knows Tinsley would do anything to carry on the McArthur tradition.

No one is more certain of that than Duchess Simmons, Nova’s best friend. Duchess’s father is the first Black police captain in Lovett. For Duchess, Nova’s crown was more than just a win for Nova. It was a win for all the Black kids. Now her best friend is dead, and her father won’t face the fact that the main suspect is right in front of him. Duchess is convinced that Tinsley killed Nova—and that Tinsley is privileged enough to think she can get away with it. But Duchess’s father seems to be doing what he always does: fall behind the blue line. Which means that the white girl is going to walk.

Duchess is determined to prove Tinsley’s guilt. And to do that, she’ll have to get close to her.

But Tinsley has an agenda, too.

Pre-order your copy of The Black Queen today!

 

New Review : Bars for Days : Mic Nickels

 

4 out of 5 books

Mic Nickels wrote a very passionate true-to-life story about his life, upbringing, and journey in the music/rap industry. He came from humble beginnings yet saw many triumphs and losses early in life.

Mic painted a perfect picture that anyone who reads can lose themselves and become one with his travels and relate to familial issues. Nonetheless, he never lost his passion or drive for success. Sharing the story of many who have endured the same hardship but are still able to remain intentional in making their dreams come true.

The story is an inspiration to all who are aspiring to achieve success in the music industry. Perseverance and tenacity can prove advantageous to anyone determined to create a new legacy for their children and children’s children who keep the faith.

I recommend this book to all the dreamers of hip-hop, and rap and even those who are wanting a career in modeling, and arts industries to read this book. Be encouraged to know that walking by faith when you can’t always see the fruit of your labor eventually will reap a harvest.

Reviewed by Lacha’ J

Get your copy of Bars for Days today!

New Review : The Last Minute First Lady by Tinia Montford

                                                             

5 out of 5 books

                             

Show of hands, who loves a good fake marriage/ relationship? *Raises hand* Hey, who doesn’t love a juicy story, am I right?

Cassian is a lawyer / politician running for governor, and Jolie is an investigative journalist, on her way to receiving a well-deserved promotion. They’ve got so many complications, getting married could solve all their problems, right? This book has all the makings for a good Thursday night drama series, the kind where everyone knows not to call or text you during that hour, and it’s all the topic around the cubicles the next day. You’ve got relationship drama, family drama, scandals, love, steamy sex, and mystery, a little “Please, baby, please!” What’s not to like? 

The first chapter of The Last Minute First Lady pulls you in, the remaining chapters hold you hostage, barely allowing for snack / bathroom breaks. I wanted to read fast to see what happens next, but I also wanted to read slow to extend ending the book. This was my first read by the author, Tinia Montford, and it definitely will not be my last!  She described the various locales to the point it made me feel like I wanted to travel there.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who’s like me, and loves a good read with lots of drama, laughter, a relatable plot and characters you fall in love / hate with, this book is for you.

 I received an ARC copy of this book from Book Funnel, and am voluntarily providing an honest review.                  

Reviewed by  Kiera Northington    

Get your copy of The Last Minute First Lady today!                                        

The 15th Annual Great Midwest Book Fest : June 17, 2023 : Tickets are on sale now!

 

 

The 12th Annual Great Midwest Book Fest

This book event was held on November 7, 2020. Below are the list of of authors in the order that they appear. Enjoy! Intro : Radiah Hubbert J.D. Mason Sierra Kay LaJill Hunt Michelle Mitchell Naleighna Kai Stacy-Covington Lee Brenda Jackson Obelia Akanke Shakir Rashaan Portia A. Cosby Pat Simmons Bonnie J. Edwards Shana Burton Patricia Balentine Sheila Bell LaShaunda Hoffman T.C Blackwell Altonya Washington Vivian King Nakia R. Laushaul Lalanii Wilson Jones Treavion Davenport Wrap Up : Radiah Hubbert

New Review : Reparations : Style + Soul : James R. Sanders

4 out of 5 books

Reparations : Style + Soul is a beautiful coffee table book by James R. Sanders. What’s interesting about this book is the way that African American history & African American fashion history is mixed in between the pages of the pictures of high fashion African American models. Sanders also does a great job of including his personal history of how his grandmother influenced his own fashion and personal style.  This book is delightful to look at and is educational as a bonus. Reparations : Style+ Soul is a perfect gift for lovers of fashion & history.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert 

Get your copy of Reparations : Style + Soul today!