The Readers' Suite

A Powerful Story of Change & Healing

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Sat, 22 Apr 2017 16:17:00 +0000

Having read Mirrored Hearts, I was very interested in seeing how Chandler's story would unfold. He comes across as a complex character and reading his story was like peeling back the layers on an onion and seeing what situations made him the man he became. He's a classic case of someone who has it all together, but is hiding a major case of insecurity. I enjoyed seeing his gradual conversion and the writer did an excellent job of conveying that the struggle between our flesh and mind is real.

The characters are engaging and I liked most of them, even when Chandler was pulling back and playing the fool. And there was Kayla – a case of cuteness overload! The attraction between Chandler and Sab was well done and realistic. I admire them for their wonderful rapport and for praying together.

The writer's inclusion of the charisms as displayed in this story is a reminder that God gives gifts and when He speaks, can be taken at His word. Love the pastor and his powerful prayers and the fact that he also sees something in Chandler that he doesn't see in himself.

One particular prayer was said over Chandler that brought tears to my eyes. I think A Place For My Heart will help people who have been in similar situations to understand what is at work on a spiritual level in their lives, and that things are not always what they seem at first glance. I am hoping readers will allow the book to touch them, because there is some serious anointing in the prayers.

Overall, this is a great book. A wonderful testament that people can and do change when God enters their lives.

I bought A Place For My Heart on Amazon.

Cover: Cute. I guess the display is all about one bruised heart and the other that's in support and helps with healing. The clouds, for me, are a reminder of the heavens.

A Refreshing Tale of Conversion, Loss & Restoration

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Sat, 22 Apr 2017 00:52:00 +0000

His Last Hope is a refreshing story about conversion, loss, and restoration. Both Daniel and Hope are thrown together after Hope's accident, in which she loses her memory. They tiptoe around each other and their attraction until they can no longer avoid what is obvious to everybody around them.

A time or two I wanted to slap Daniel for being underhanded and stubborn. Aunt Ruby, Jasmine, and Ryan provide a wonderful foil for Daniel and Hope. Jasmine's story is poignant and will touch the hearts of women who have experienced the same kind of loss. Her testimony, which flows from her pain, is powerful and well executed by the writer.

The story went at a sedate pace and then picked up in the middle. It continued at a great pace which kept me tied to my Kindle until the end. I have since downloaded a copy of His Last Resort and like those characters already.

I purchased a copy of His Last Hope on Amazon. Love the play on Hope's name in the title.

Cover: Nice representation of the story.

Every Christian Entrepreneur Should Get This Book!

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 16:37:00 +0000

If you’re a believer or a Christian entrepreneur, Pursuing Your Passion in a Godly Fashion is a book you should invest in. It is divided into fifteen topics that are important, both in our walk of faith and to our businesses.

Ms. Lockley discusses each segment in a frank way, which leaves the reader in no doubt as to what time it is. The truths she shares are things we know, but may not want to hear as we scramble to achieve our individual idea of success. One home truth, and my favourite nugget from this book, summarizes the entire text: ‘To pursue your passion in a Godly fashion means putting God first and everything else in its proper order.’ Easy to say, but hard to do without proper guidance. This handbook-cum-devotional provides the guidance you'll need.

The prayer at the end of each chapter is a wonderful way to absorb and make the reading personal. The anointing on the writer is evident in this gem of a book. I bought a copy of Pursuing Your Passion in a Godly Fashion in January and have read it several times over. The price may be a little more than most of us are used to paying for an e-book, but I believe it is worth every penny.

Ms. Lockley—with the Lord’s help—has created something that readers will use over and over on their journey. Do yourself a favour and buy this book. The insight and wisdom you stand to gain by putting the things you’ll learn into practice will be of far more value to you than the money you spend.

A Must-Have Resource For Writers

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Fri, 23 Sep 2016 00:11:00 +0000

TheLiterary Entrepreneur's Toolkit–Building and Managing an Online Presence forAuthors is my latest discovery and another resource I'll be consulting regularly. I picked up the book because I'd come across the writer's online business a time or two in the past, so I figured she'd know her stuff.

This book is a must read for anyone who wants to build and maintain an online presence. It covers important subjects such as branding, finding readers, and building a community, plus it explains the various social networks, how they differ, tips for using each platform and how writers can use them to their advantage. There are links to 'follow worthy' individuals/influencers for each network, also links to resources such as web hosting, trailer making, audio platforms, file storage, video editing and a host of other cool tools. At the end of the book, there's a reading list.

I've been using The Literary Entrepreneur's Toolkit as a kind of refresher course on must-dos and don'ts, and gathering ideas for my own marketing and promotion. Did I mention how much I've learned about the various networks, even the ones I'm on, but have been neglecting like LinkedIn and Google+? I'm glad I purchased this book and would recommend it for every writer who is struggling with establishing their presence online.

Source: I purchased the book on Amazon.

Building Online Relationships ... An Excellent Resource

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 00:51:00 +0000

When Building Online Relationships One Reader At A Time came out, I added it to the other marketing and promo books on my Kindle. With a range of novels that needed to be promoted, I was floundering and unsure what to do about getting them in front of readers. Ms. Hoffman's book changed that when I got around to opening it. The title of the book says exactly what it's all about, with tips and examples to steer readers in the right direction.

It covers things many of us don't put into practice and breaks them down into bite-sized chunks that are achievable. Setting goals, attracting readings and proper scheduling are problem areas for me. After going through the book several times, it is now easier to wrap my head around why it is critical to create a plan and execute it a little at a time.

I wouldn't say I no longer feel overwhelmed by the thought of promoting my books, but it's certainly more manageable with this great resource I can reach for time after time.

If you're a writer who needs to know where to find your readers and/or how to build relationships with them, plus schedule your promotion wisely, buy yourself a copy of this book. It's an investment you won't regret.

Source: I bought Building Online Relationships One Reader At A Time on Amazon.

Gerrod & Swan ... Great Chemistry in Ruined

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 20:44:00 +0000

I bought Ruined based on the blurb and didn't regret this purchase. Gerrod Stone is quite the ladies man and wants to make a change, but along comes Swan, who throws a spanner in the works.

Ruined is an easy read that has some funny moments. Despite Gerrod's 'doggishness', I found him likable and Swan is a go-getter who reaches for exactly what she wants. They have great chemistry and I wouldn't mind seeing this couple again in the future.

Cover Note: Definitely like the cover. Something of him and something that represents her.

Enticed by Chanta Rand

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 20:32:00 +0000

At first, I wasn't absorbed by the story, but when I tried it the second time around I hit my stride and enjoyed it.

Lucas has a larger-than-life ego and Nyla is determined to cut him down to size. Loved the verbal banter between these two and Nyla had some witty lines that made their conversations lively.

Although the story isn't very long, the writer does a good job of showing why the characters are the people they've become.

Will definitely read other books by this writer.

Cover Note: Nice representation of the story line.

Source: I purchased Enticed on Amazon.

The Realest Christmas Ever

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 01:06:00 +0000

I read this story in a couple of sittings and for a novella, it covered a whole lot of ground. Kyra's issues can be summed up in one word—family. Hers consists of a colourful cast of characters that come to life on the page when the reader meets them at the hospital where Kyra's sister is in critical condition.

Love, love, love the way her husband, Donovan supports Kyra as she comes face-to-face with her demons from the past. He's the ultimate good guy, who could have come across as sappy, but didn't.

What I found refreshing about this novella is that it introduced me to ordinary working-class people going through real struggles. And there were some who we all have in our families and choose to avoid.

I enjoyed The Realest Christmas Ever and have The Realest Ever in the queue to be read.

Source: Purchased on Amazon.

Inevitable Conclusions - Review

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 15:45:00 +0000

Inevitable Conclusions was an interesting read for me because of the story concept, in that 'friends with benefits' is an alien concept in my culture. However, as the story progressed I understood how Tariq and Kora were a source of constant strength in each other's lives, kinda like a male and female Rock of Gibraltar scenario.

Their getting together was indeed an inevitable conclusion and their histories so intertwined that they were extensions of each other. Great storyline, well-drawn characters and a fair amount of heated moments.

I love me some Nubia—a compelling character whose story I look forward to reading.

Cover Note: Lovely story representation, as always

Source: Amazon

Amore: Damaged Beauty Review

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 15:30:00 +0000

This book is a poignant and yet entertaining object lesson in how not to raise children. The title of the book is fitting and hits at the heart of the storyline. While the story is short, it covers a host of realistic themes that are not openly spoken about within families—including the effects of addiction and hopelessness.

The characters were realistically drawn and the way the story is told helps the reader figure out why the protagonists become the people they do. Like or hate them, Amore, Amelie, April and Nelson will have you amused, depressed and rooting for them to win their individual battles.

I'm on to the next read to see what becomes of the family.

Cover Note: Good representation of the damaged characters who make up this book.

Source: Amazon.

Afterwards ... Intriguing Story, Unique Characters

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 21:57:00 +0000

I enjoyed so many aspects of this story, including the way it began. Robyn shows who she is as a character in how she treats Chris when they meet. Though she's her own woman and does things her way, the selflessness she displays when the reader meets her continues to the end of Afterwards. She's a nurturer, even to the point where it's detrimental.

What I enjoyed most about her character is the lack of expectation. I've read a lot of stories where women want something from a relationship and turn petulant when their expectations aren't met. Robyn was the opposite. She is self-possessed, dignified in the way she deals with her relationship and yet extra-ordinary in the way she gives of herself.

Chris. What a character. Having read only two of Nia's books, I see a pattern of strong, driven men who are doing their thing and aren't keen on being interrupted while they're on their chosen path. In The Come Up, Chris comes across as a focused and distant man, who is feared by many.

In this book, he comes across that way, especially on the job—until Robyn gets past his grim exterior and starts chipping away at him. Her lack of demands, acceptance of their situation and freely-given love is not anything he's experienced and it all makes him unsettled. It was interesting to watch him move from taking certain things for granted – like being used because of what he can provide – to realizing that Robyn genuinely appreciates him. Her impact on him as a father is another talking point, but anyway …

Despite knowing and accepting that Robyn is a special kind of woman, Chris still has his own issues, but though everything that happens, he remains an upstanding guy who comes to terms with his failings. The good thing about reading this late in the series is that I picked

up Afterburn right away and I'm looking forward to reading it.

Good storytelling, unique characters, great writing.

Cover Note: Not sure I would have gone for this cover if I were the writer, but it's a good fit for the major themes in this story.

Source: I bought Afterwards on Amazon.

Vic & Mona - A Couple in Crisis

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 20:15:00 +0000

I've been waiting for Vic's story and I wasn't disappointed. After twelve years of marriage, his wife Mona has grown resentful of his long hours as Chief of Surgery and the fact that he's basically missing-in-action on both marital and parental fronts.

Vic finds it difficult to understand that Mona needs more than the generous trappings his paycheck provides, and that's how the discord in their marriage escalates. When Mona rebels, Vic does the unthinkable to try and save his marriage.

In Mona and Victor's story, I was able root for both of them because they are both likeable people. At times, I thought Vic was clueless, but that's the mark of a nicely-drawn character. The book explores – among other themes - the need inside each of us to have something to call our own, something we excel at, and it's that something Mona reaches for when things turn difficult.

It was good seeing the members of the Stafford family again and I look forward to Nick's romance.

Source: Purchased via Amazon

Baby Love – Hope & Healing

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 19:41:00 +0000

This year, I've tried a bunch of authors who are new to me and Suzette Riddick is another. Baby Love is a quick read that took me though a range of emotions. Bianca is a woman after my own heart who is kind and compassionate, but takes things into her own hands and deals with her business. Still, it is possible to try and take the coward's way out when we don't want to deal with major issues in our relationships.

Her husband, Wesley, comes across as demanding and unwilling to listen, but his love for Bianca is clear. The writer gradually strips away Wesley's defenses and shows his vulnerability when he realizes his attitude might cost him his marriage.

Baby Love is a story of love, healing, forgiveness and determination. I'm looking forward to Book 2.

Cover Note: Appropriate cover for the story line.

Source: Purchased via Amazon.

Book Review: Made to Love You

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 01:31:00 +0000

Vivian Michaels visits Jamaica and can't avoid her ex, who's a member of the wedding party, where she's a provider/guest.

She tries to avoid Devin, because of their aborted relationship, but he has other plans. As far as he's concerned, Vivian isn't getting away without telling him why she broke things off without an explanation.

I liked both characters and the great chemistry they shared. The story is exactly what happens when people assume how someone else will react when there's critical information that should be shared. There were other background issues that added meat to the story and the setting is an added bonus.

This is my first read from Sheryl Lister and I know it won't be my last.

Cover note: The cover conveyed the essence of the story.

Made to Love You on Amazon.

One Delicate Night by Joy Avery

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 18:02:00 +0000

Joy Avery's One Delicate Night provided a great reading experience. Let's say I've never understood the concept of a one-night stand, but I set out on an adventure with the female lead, Kassidy Monroe, who was after just one delicate night, as she put it.

Kassidy came away from her scorching-hot encounter with less-than-delicate thoughts of Jaxon Prescott on her mind. After they met again, the couple made a serious connection in a short time, but I've reminded myself that people have met and fallen in love with their soul mates in no time. Plus, this story is not the usual 60K fare, but its smaller sister.

What I enjoyed most about this novella is that the writer told a complete tale, with some interesting back story thrown in to explain why the characters are the people the reader meets. It's not easy to do that with a limited word count, but this writer did it competently.

I enjoyed Ms. Avery's writing style and have no doubt I'll read her other books. Loved the cover on this book!

One Delicate Night on Amazon.

Baby Love by Tia Kelly

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 02:46:00 +0000

After downloading a sample of this book and reading the first couple of pages, I knew I had to read the entire thing. Although it's listed as a romantic comedy, there were many touching moments in Baby Love … when Trent is falling in love with his baby girl, when the reader gets to see some of his family history and the effects his father's actions have on the man Trent becomes.

I liked the casual meeting when we first see this couple and the funny exchange between them. It was fun seeing how Trent and Brandi got together. The attraction was there from the get-go and Ms. Kelly allowed it to build into a kind of friendship and then move to the next step. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, which has a little bit of everything, and breezed through it in no time.

Good job, Ms. Kelly.

Baby Love on Amazon

The Come Up ... Compelling, Poignant, and Satisfying.

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 13:36:00 +0000

So now that I've dried my eyes and reabsorbed this story a little bit, it's time to put down my thoughts. I first read The Come Up a month or so ago and then picked it up again last week to refresh my memory before writing the review. One thing led to another and before I knew it, I was deep inside the story again, which surprised me because I can't remember when was the last time I re-read a book.

Anyhoo … Jamal – a man's man and a woman's dream-come-true. Although he wasn't about making a commitment and fought it somewhat, he had to be true to himself eventually. Like a man who's busy getting ahead, certain things take precedence, and making the right connections and having the

perfect partner are among those.

Well, Ms. Mackayla turned all of that upside down. Young, but mature in her own right, she sticks to her principles and doesn't stand for foolishness. Not many women will display the kind of loyalty and strength she does in standing by her friend, Devin, despite knowing what she stands to lose careerwise.

In this novel, the writer uses 'the other woman' not in a catty role, but in a way that highlights Jamal's desirability as a partner. Plus she deftly paints a picture of the 'quiet desperation' that grips some of us when we feel we're getting to what we think is our expiration date. The author did this with style and grace, making me sympathetic although of course, I didn't want Madison mucking up the romance between Jamal and Makayla.

For me, these two lead characters made the book enjoyable reading. I also like Ms. Forrester's writing style, which has a literary feel, and have no doubt I'll be backtracking to the books that came before The Come Up. If I was asked to confine my thoughts on this story to three words, I'd chose compelling, poignant, and satisfying.

Don't Stop Till You Get Enough by Chicki Brown

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Mon, 11 May 2015 01:38:00 +0000

Rhani Drake meets television personality Greg Stafford when he’s referred to her for mandatory therapy. She knows what the rules are as it pertains to client/therapy relations, but resisting Greg is another matter. The road to happiness is never smooth, so of course, things go haywire.

Although it was clear from the get-go that this relationship was a huge problem waiting to happen, Chicki Brown took the reader there. The relationship between Rhani and Greg developed nicely, despite the problems both characters had to overcome.

Brown kept me on the edge of my seat waiting for the plotline to explode and when it did, I was right there in the middle of the blowout with the characters. I experienced Rhani’s loss and devastation as if they were my own.

One of the best things about this story was meeting the hero’s family. The Stafford clan is a warm, engaging group whose stories I can’t wait to explore. . Now that I’ve read Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough, I’ll have to backtrack to Till You Come Back To Me, which is already on my Kindle.

IMO, Chicki Brown has a winner with this series.

Don't Stop Till You Get Enough on Amazon

Beautiful Monster: The Exchange

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 22:40:00 +0000

What do a recently-dead human and a soulless creature have in common?

Love.

Lev and Carly are star-crossed lovers from different sides of the human divide. When Carly passes, Lev has no intention of giving her up, but has limited time before she's lost to him forever.

He seeks help from his devious brother Alexei and together they come up with a plan, but are stymied when they go to a powerful vampire, for help. Boris, the smelly and dreadful (as I call him) is nasty, wily and as evil as they come.

Bannon's tale is skilfully written and one in which the reader will somehow sympathise with a creature of the night. Paranormal stories are not my favourite, but throw in a little love and romance and I'm happy. The writer paints vivid pictures that put me on scene with these creatures and their messy habits, but at the end, I left the story satisfied with the resolution of the challenge set before Lev.

Paranormal stories will never be my first choice for reading material, but Beautiful Monster is a good tale that I devoured in one sitting.

Catch Me If You Can

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 17:54:00 +0000

I was privileged to read Catch Me If You Can before publication and just finished reading it again yesterday. Let me just say, Christina C Jones is big on talent and imagination. I'm more than impressed with this, her first foray into the romantic suspense genre

In Marcus and Christina, she has created realistic characters that I wanted to shake a time or two, especially Miss Naomi, who is single-minded and wrapped up in her mantra of 'Diligence. Focus. Agility.' to the exclusion of almost everything.

Marcus is running close to taking over from Roman in terms of my favourite male character written by Jones. He's brash and self-assured, but is also considerate and sensitive. I had some laugh-out-loud moments when he was trying to decide what to do with Miss All-Out-Badness who insisted on challenging him physically.

I like what Mrs. Jones has done with the plot twists in this novel. There are intricate threads that provide many 'aha!' moments in the story when they come together. Once you've finished this book, take my advice and pick up the next in the series, 'Release Me If You Can'.

While this is a series and I detest cliffhangers, I admire what the writer has done in terms of continuity. Although there's a kind of cliffhanger at the end of this story, the reader has the satisfaction of knowing what's happening with Marcus and Naomi before moving on to the next leg of the adventure.

Well done, Mrs. Jones. Five thumbs up!

Holiday Hotel ... Smooth & 'Moreish'

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 16:44:00 +0000

This is my first read by Barbara Joe Williams and I know it won't be my last, since I have another book written by her on my Kindle.

Holiday Hotel is a fast, smooth read which reminds me that relationships only last if we work to keep them fresh and vibrant.

Janna, a wife of fifteen years is looking forward to a getaway with her spouse, who disappoints her (or so the thinks). She resigns herself to a relaxing evening alone, until her husband turns up and brings the heat with him.

This short story is well-written and piques my interest in what Ms. Williams has come up with for the second installment. If I have any complaint, it's that I would have enjoyed reading more about this couple. Where I come from, when you'd love to have more of something, especially food, it's described as being 'moreish'.

A Painful But Uplifting Read

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 18:45:00 +0000

Going into 52 Likes, I figured it would be a painful read and in a way it was. Valerie is in high school and experiences one of the worst things a female can - rape and near murder. What's worse is that she's been struggling after being bullied over a bad decision she made during the previous school term. After her rape, she's plagued by forces beyond the grave that prompt her in a certain direction.

In a sense, Valerie is a victim but she's far from being a shrinking violet. She takes on her bullies and is proactive in seeking to identify the man who raped her.

Sharif has created a realistic teenager, who is isolated by bad choices but courageous in the face of violation. At several points in the book, I was in tears because of Valerie's suffering but this girl is a fighter and handles her business.

All told, the book took me several hours to read, but it will stay with me for a while. Good job, Ms. Sharif.

Source: I purchased 52 Likes from Smashwords.

Packed & Ready to Go

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 20:51:00 +0000

Packed And Ready To Go is a story some women may be able to relate to, from one side of the fence or the other. It details the lives of Tracy and Walter, a couple in their forties whose lives carry the veneer of success. Beneath that lies mental abuse heaped on the wife and downright foolishness on the husband's part.

The story gives an up-close-and-personal look into the thought processes of a woman who knows her marriage is in serious danger, but can't summon the will do to anything about it. She finally makes a move only when forced to, but redeems herself way too late, in my opinion.

By way of overbearing men, Walter stands head and shoulders above most I've met in fiction. At the end, I don't believe he got a third of what should have come to him.

The story kept me engaged and teed off and wanting to slap both husband and wife senseless. This is probably the one time I'll feel justified in saying the other woman did the wife a favour. Tracy deserved so much more than the sleazy, worthless man she married. If I have anything negative to say about Packed & Ready To Go, it's that Tracy needed to grow a backbone much earlier in the novel.

Brick House 2 - Brick ... Brick ... Brick!

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 17:40:00 +0000

I'm not sure I've ever come across a hero as full of crap as Brock "Brick" Avery, but the thing that makes him unbearable also makes him a character who stands out. Brick is happy with his achievements and all too aware of his importance, which he wields as a weapon over those unfortunate enough to cross him.

Brick House 2 is an interesting look at mature love. Brick and his empress, Korah, are in their mid-forties and are king and queen of their separate construction empires. Things get complicated when Brick hires Korah's company as a sub-contractor on the multi-million dollar project he's been contracted to do. Family dynamics play a big part in this story, along with lessons to do with pride, humility, taking the high road and knowing when to back down.

The characters are varied and each has their own thing going on, which is great if a sequel is in the offing. The heat between Brick and Korah is enough to break the mercury out of a thermometer and these two do take the reader on some wild rides.

If you haven't read anything by this author as yet and like a steamy read with intense characters, Brick House 2 will suit your taste.

Dangerously in Love ... An Adrenalin Rush

noreply@blogger.com (J.L. Campbell) — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 21:42:00 +0000

In Dangerously in Love, Michele Kimbrough has crafted a story that begins with a bang and then moves into deceptively-calm waters before morphing into a waterslide that creates an adrenalin rush

Kimbrough's characters are interesting and varied, running the gamut from decent and upstanding to deceptive and sinfully wicked.

The reckless actions of Hill, the main character, kept me on the edge of my seat and I was invested in his story, which even drew a few tears from me at one point. Kimbrough did a great job with plotting and executing this action-packed novel that will keep you glued to the pages.