Here is the list of books that I have read so far by indie and new authors. I have included a review of the books and links to the book so you can give it a look and check them out. There's some really great stuff here. If you find something in the library list that you like, give it a go and tell me what you think in a post below! Also, make sure to leave that author a review (amazon, goodreads, or here if you like!)
(5 Stars)
Madison has had a rough life and the worst luck, but nothing will keep her from marrying the love of her life, her stepbrother, Justin. After surviving a traumatic past, they are finally getting married. During their trip, more bad luck occurs when her dress is lost on the flight and a tragic death puts a damper on their soon-to-be wedding. After making adjustments, they decide on a new venue and get their dream wedding. For a while, things are going great. Everything is calm and good in life. Madison loves her daughter Justice, who is wise beyond her years. Their happy life is interrupted by a series of events including her sister, Tayna going missing. Madison later finds that it seems Justice may have a clue to finding her. No matter what happens, Madison and Justin will remain a team and fight together to protect their family.
B. Truly's, As the Secrets Turn, is the third book in the My Darkest Secret series. I did get to read the first book in this series so I appreciate getting to know what has happened to Madison and Justin once they grew up. If you haven't read the other stories I would definately recommend because it is an amazing series, but you can still read this one even if you haven't read the others. I am never dissapointed with Truly's writing. She does a great job of developing compelling characters that are believable and setting up the stage for the story. There's enough backstory that you can understand whats going on and Truly jumps right in with action and drama from the first page. A story full of love, drama, action and a little spash of crazy, check out B. Truly's, As the Secrets Turn. You won't regret it!
(5 stars) "Great Read!"
I really enjoyed this collection of inspirational poems. They were more like reading her diary of thoughts, reflections, and prayers to Christ. Prayers of repentance, reflections on decisions, and thankfulness for God's Neverending grace. I connected with these lines and reading them blessed me. I would definitely recommend for anyone that loves poetry.
(3 stars)
This story was about three girls who became best friends in middle school. They entered a talent show in high school and a representative from a record label found them and got them a record deal. The girls faced different challenges while being super stars, and some of those challenges threatened to break their friendships and family life.
Now, I am a band-geek, music buff, musician, all of that, so I really was wanting to love this book. The story-line was pretty good, but the story jumped around a lot. There wasn't much narration happening to let me know what characters were doing or anything. It would just jump to the next scene. Like I said, I liked the story-line; the book just needs some more time in the editing process. It's not too late to fix it and it would be a really great story. Great potential.
(5 Stars)
Carissa and her mother, Lisette work for Lucille after Carissa's father and brother die. Lucille runs a brothel and seeks to have only the best prostitutes available for the highest price. Lisette is her best gal and she keeps her high on drugs and keeps all her money. Lucille is looking to start working young Carissa soon too. Lucille and her girls move to Tombstone and there Carissa finds favor with the doctor, sheriff, and most importantly, China Mary who runs the town like the godfather. Lucille has plans for Carissa, but will her new friends be able to help her?
Let me tell you I LOVED THIS STORY! It's set like a western around silver mining. The characters and language are appropriate and believable. Even though the story is fiction, it's based on a lot of facts. Benson's writing is engaging, exciting, vivid, and entertaining . I loved China Mary's character. She made the story for me! Definitely a must read!
(4 stars) "Short & Sweet!"
Case files was an interesting short detective story. It caught my attention very quickly and as soon as I got into it, it was over. Very quick read. Kind of wish there was a collection of them. But I enjoyed reading it
(5 Stars)
Amy Watkins’, Cute, for a Black Girl, is a powerful story of faith, love, and family. The story opens with Chloe, a young African American girl, in the hospital unconscious and fighting for her life as her family diligently work at solving the mystery of what happened to her during a house party. The story shifts point of views from past to present, making its way back to the act that resulted with Chloe in the hospital. Chloe ends up in foster care because of physical and sexual abuse at home. Mr. Wilcox, a white middle-aged attorney, adopts Chloe and they build a loving and trusting relationship. Despite her harsh beginnings, she grows to be a happy, well-behaved, and highly intelligent student. While attending school, Chloe meets Cadence, a white girl who later identifies as a lesbian, and they become best friends. The duo has different experiences of racism in society. People in stores and other public areas are nice to Cadence but are always suspicious of Chloe. Cadence learns how their lives do not have the same set of rules.
Throughout the plot, Amy’s characters battle dealing with low self-esteem, acceptance, racism, bigotry, faith in God, and faith in the goodness of people. This story shines a light on many of the racial, social, and even religious injustices that are still very prevalent today. This story may seem controversial to many but is very relevant to what is occurring in our world today with the current Black Lives Matter movement, police brutality on people of color, and unfair treatment of people in the LGBTQ community. Amy’s story is raw, honest, and unapologetically authentic! Cute, for a Black Girl forces us all to look in the mirror and really look at our actions, thoughts, beliefs, and I can say, it has inspired me to want to be an agent for change. We are all beautifully and wonderfully made in his image and called for a purpose.
(5 stars)
As ZaZa follows the sounds of the steel drums beating across Sokahland, and during her walk, she meets some new and amazing friends. Carnival, a colorful Parrott who loves to fly high and fast through Sokahland; Turtle, who is the largest in the world, but his leatherback is smooth and helps him swim fast in the water to catch fish; Hippo, who is told she is large, but can use her strong jaws to open coconuts; Skunk, who stinks but uses the smell to keep away dangerous bears; and Tree, who is so tall that everyone can see the beauty of Sokahland from above. ZaZa meets all these amazing friends and they all are different. What adventures will Zaza and her friends go on in Sokahland?
Kai-Nneka and Soyini Townsend and A. Xavier Johnson's, Different and Amazing is the second children’s picture book in the A-Z of Good Character Series. The story is beautifully illustrated and has a representation of the various types of animals and human characters of all colors. Different and Amazing is a story that brilliantly celebrates diversity and explores the importance of self-love, friendship, and acceptance. A book that would be a great Social and emotional resource to add to any classroom or home bookshelf reinforcing the importance of acceptance of our uniqueness. Join ZaZa and her friends as they discover what makes Sokahland so Different And Amazing!
Coming to Amazon April 2nd
(5 Stars)
In E.I.Q’s EUNUCH, Glenda is a brilliant young woman that works doing research in science and technology. She comes from a privileged home, but as she experiences college and the workforce, her experiences change her perspective of the world and world issues. She evolves into a passionate feminist who lives in a world that is rapidly making a turn for the worst. Women are being raped, molested, and made to continue with unwanted pregnancies. The world holds a double standard between men and women, where if a woman is raped, it was something she has done to lead him on. Many women have been mentally scared, and some have died from birth complications. Also, the double standard of a woman’s place in the workplace. Hearing these stories of how women have no control or choice over their bodies inspires Glenda to try to do something to create a change that would hopefully work out for the better. Glenda implores the help of her friends to help with the creation of EUNUCH, a device that could serve as an alternative form of birth control, but designed for men. Of course, the introduction of this device created a buzz of sorts, creating a cult of people in support and a separate group against this project. Their lives are at stake, but they are committed to the cause. Will their efforts be enough?
E.I.Q’s EUNUCH is packed with emotion, controversy, politics, passion, and power. This gripping story of this group of ladies’ experiences and challenges throughout the story keeps your attention. I honestly couldn’t put it down. Even if you have a different viewpoint on some social issues, this gives another vantage point, and I could appreciate that. Everyone has their own truths based off their experiences and life paths.
(5stars)
Tanner goes to live and train with Queen Amora and her people.
their families are supposed to be close but something has happened to put a rift between them. In their homes, once you reach a certain age, your abilities go away unless you either get married or make a blood bond with a group. Tanner feels moved to help Anna get out of marrying a guy she doesn't want, and this makes Amora furious. She likes to have complete control, and Tanner is a hindrance that must be stopped.
I really enjoyed this story. I wish there were more details, but overall a well written book. Short, sweet, and to the point. I look forward to reading the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
(4 Stars)
Jasmine is bullied in school and her neighbor, bibi (bebe) gives her a pet, Jackson, chameleon. Jackson ends up being a huge monster that protects her from her school bullies, but there's more to Jackson than meets the eye. Things start to change between him and Jasmine. (Don't want to tell the whole thing LOL).
This story reminds me of Stephen King stories, so if you're into those kinds of stories it's definitely for you. I thought there was a great storyline. Very intense. I wasn't a fan of all the cursing. It's supposed to be high school. Also, sometimes, I couldn't understand all the language. I know BiBi is supposed to be from Tanzania, so I could understand her having incoherent ramblings in another language, but sometimes Jasmine or the other girls would say things and I couldn't (or it took me a while) to understand what they were supposed to be saying. I guess it was supposed to be ebonics, but I found it wasn't necessary. Like I said, overall, it was a good read.
(5 Stars)
Great compilation of African American women's life experiences. Some good and some bad, but they all helped shape them into the women they are today. Their life experiences taught them lessons that they will forever keep with them. A compilation full of a message of hope and survival. A great and insightful read.
(4 stars)
I thought Scribbles of the mind was a nice collection of poems. Mostly love poems or reflections on relationships, both good and bad. I liked the art that was displayed with the poetry as well. I'm not sure that the description gave the collection much justice. I don't know what I was expecting to read, because the description mentioned not being able to express feelings, and emotional burdens? But the poems were beautiful and I thought Elie did a great job of expressing their feelings and emotions through the poetry.
(5 Stars) "Great story of life experience" I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read and kept my attention. He is a great story teller. I could vividly imagine those exercises and crazy events that he described.
Temple of Ice
(5 Stars)
I really enjoyed this book! Full of action, suspense, betrayal, passion, love, hate, and full of all types of twists and turns. This action-packed fantasy story will keep your attention from the very first page. Can't wait to read more by Christian Cura! Would definitely recommend.
(4 stars)
Great Adventure Story for Kids!
Lara and and her brother, Oliver, have found themselves on an island that they have drawn using a magical sketchbook. How to use the sketchbook is a mystery to them as they navigate the island trying to find their way back home. They continue to discover new places and things on the island, but their adventure doesn't end there.
Dorian's imagination and inner child is portrayed beautifully in this story. I'll definitely read this story to my son and I am looking forward to following his work and reading the next one!
(4 stars)
The story of the witch and the wolf was a short and sweet one. It reminded me of Romeo and Juliet. They were both married but bound by a curse and the story tells of how the witch tried countless times to free Elias from being bound in a wolf's body. They manage to share some precious moments together, but, like the classic Shakespearean story, that moment was short lived. I can appreciate Julia's depiction of cursed lovers fighting to be together.
(5 stars)
Victoria Liiv's, Through Hell & Highwater, is a magical action-packed adventure that features a group of unlikely companions comprised of different types of fantastic creatures that normally wouldn't cohabitate, let alone be friends. The groups anchor, a dainty little elf named Evyline, is admired for her bravery, tenacity, and concern for others over herself. Different circumstances and previous relationships brings the group to secure their unsuspected partnership while attending Volo Noscere University. Evyline initially turned out to be the most overlooked among the group because of her petite stature and mild-manners, but they, and many of the professors at Volo Noscere, are learning that little Evyline is more powerful than anyone anticipated.
This story kept me flipping the pages into the wee hours of the night and early morning. A sprinkle of Harry Potter, Twilight, Percy Jackson, and Lord of the Rings, this story definitely fills your fantasy tank with a ride of thrills and I can't wait to read the next one! If you haven't read the brilliant writing of Victoria Liiv, then you definitely want to read this book!
(5 stars)
Byron, Tina, and Carlos are best friends in middle school. The trio make it their daily goal to come up with ideas to cheat in class and make money hustling up the other students. I enjoyed the way Gregg tells their story from the perspective of an immature child. The language is appropriate for their characters. I found if amusing that they worked so hard to just get by in school, but if they put half the effort they put in scams in classwork, they would be doing way better. I enjoyed reading their story and watching them make such immature and hilarious decisions. Great read.
(4 stars)
Great self-help on interpersonal relationships
Rosemary really gave great insight to the importance of understanding yourself and others. Understanding yourself enough to be confident in who you are regardless of others opinions, and being understanding and having empathy for others. To have compassion and extend grace to those we may have disagreements with. I think the world would be a better place if we all lived by these principles. Rosemary challenges us to really consider how we relate to people and urges us to be more understanding of others. I really enjoyed this book. Would definitely recommend.
I really enjoyed reading it. Was very eye opening. I liked that it gives many examples of how the US expands their resources, influence, land, and power at the expense of others. The literature is very relevant to what we are still battling today; institutionalized racism, socialism, and how the hierarchy of power is established. I think it may be a tough read for some who are in denial but very straightforward and honest with the facts.
(5 Stars)
I really enjoyed this book about Maeve's life and struggles with her family, and her young love. She was a college student and exotic dancer and wouldn't date due to past hurts in her life. She reconnects with an old crush, but they were childhood bestfriends as well. Jacob and Maeve's story really captivated my attention and I honestly wasn't able to put the book down until it was finished. I'm glad she was able to tear down those walls and allow love to heal her. The story was so well written and I connected with the character. Would definitely recommend.
