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T. A. Beasley's Reviews By Rating
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Sit or Stand: Living Successfully Beyond Your Shadows | 9/10 |
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Author: Cory George
Genre: General FictionIn today’s society, many people are struggling with finances, different forms of abuse, as well as with just living. In Sit or Stand: Living Successfully Beyond Your Shadows, author Cory George, provides inspirational messages that help readers overcome obstacles that are holding them back. The author’s personal testimonies, combined with end of chapter assignments, encourage readers to learn more about themselves and their expectations in life.
The book’s method of teaching touches the mind, body, and soul of the reader. It includes how not to give into depression by eliminating its power, to accept that an issue or problem is present and how to work through it; how to build a support system; how to define forgiveness and how it can ultimately give freedom; and how to understand that you will never know why people do the things that they do. Embracing Sit or Stand as a guide, the reader will learn self-love, self-worth, and that believing in yourself and not being a victim can help you reach your true potential. By the end of this book, the reader will understand what makes them function as a human being.
Sit or Stand is a book of empowerment that leads the reader to make choices that will help him or her live without negativity and builds on the strength within them. I enjoyed reading Sit or Stand; it gave me the message I personally needed to receive. The author’s ability to express meaningful explanations of success was refreshing to me. My favorite chapter of the book speaks on forgiveness and what I took from this particular chapter is that if I hold onto grudges and anger I am only doing harm to myself. I recommend this book to those that are struggling and need encouragement.
APOOO Rating: 4.5
Amazon Rating: 4
This book was provided to me courtesy of the author for review purposes.
Teresa Beasley
APOOO BookClub
Reviewed: July 09 2010
Rating: 9/10 - 1 review
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Secrets and LIes | 9/10 |
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Author: Rhonda McKnight
Genre: General FictionSecrets and Lies is the story of Faith and Jonah Morgan. A couple struggling with different issues within their marriage. Faith's struggle is with her faith in her marriage, God, and herself. Jonah's struggle is more complex in that his struggles are not only with himself but with events from his past. This married couple will receive a crash course in forgiveness, renewed love, strength, and family ties. A test is coming to the foundation of the Morgan's marriage. Will they be strong enough to keep the devil away no matter in what form he appears?
The story was built on character and told by an exceptional writer. I am still in shock that this is the debut novel from this author. I pray that she blesses readers soon with more of her message filled, inspirational, and overwhelming talent. The grace of the writing is wonderful. The messages come across loud and clear. McKnight gives readers a close and personal look and what forgiveness really means. If your a reader that loves being filled with inspiration to carry into your own lifes purpose than Secrets and Lies is the book for you. Read it and see for yourself and its ok to tell me and others who have been blessed to read this book. You told me so. Pleasant reading! Reviewed: March 17 2010
Rating: 9/10 - 1 review
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Tempered Justice | 7/10 |
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Author: Helen J. Smith
Genre: General FictionIn this spellbinding novel, author Helen J. Smith weaves a story of broken marriages, kept secrets, and revenge. Dan Cambridge is an unemployed married man with three children who thinks solely about the love of his life, whom he deserted in his younger days. Ann Cambridge is a loving mother and a tolerant wife, who wants to fix her broken husband while taking care of their children.
Steffi is married to Jack a businessperson at heart, but a loving husband and wonderful provider. Jack believes his wife is happy until she starts nagging about having children. In addition, you would think the constant talking about the ex-love of her life would drive Jack crazy, but no, it makes him love her even more. What is Jack willing do for Steffi’s love?
Dan and Steffi happen to meet again, which starts the change of events in both of their lives. The love they previously shared ignites again and neither can control it. Dan and Steffi do not realize how their love affects everyone around them. Will they stay in their marriages? Or will their love forsake all others?
Tempered Justice is a novel of drama and suspense that will keep you turning the pages for more. The author’s well-hidden twists keeps you interested in what the book will offer. The characters were unique and strong. The plot was well thought out and flows throughout the book. I hope this is not the last installment from this author. I recommend this book to the readers who love drama and unexpected twists.
I received a complimentary copy of Tempered Justice as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.
http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin.clink?dorrance+7XZRvv+index.html
Teresa Beasley
Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team
Reviewed: July 08 2010
Rating: 7/10 - 1 review
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Trouble Down the Road | 7/10 |
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Author: Bettye Griffin
Genre: General FictionIn Bettye Griffin’s novel, Trouble Down the Road, Suzanne and Brad Betancourt seem to have it all; they are financially stable and living in a nice, upscale neighborhood. Suzanne has even overcome her fear of living next door to her husband’s ex-wife. However, Lisa and Darrell Canfield are not the neighbors they should be worrying about. The Betancourts have neighbors down the road that will soon change the lives of everyone with the tangled web they have woven.
Errol and Micheline Trent seem to have a comfortable marriage until Micheline’s hidden secrets start to resurface. Errol tries to decide on what to do with the news about his conniving wife, while Micheline has her eyes set on another and is willing to do whatever it takes to get the prize. Flo and Ernie Hickman have worked hard to become part of the neighborhood circle, but seem to keep falling short. The couple’s son, George, is everyone’s dream and just might be their ticket, if only he would make better choices in women.
The saying goes, “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you,” and Suzanne’s family members are not getting the clue. They put the “M” in mooching but when family takes it too far will Suzanne be strong enough to make a choice? Will she choose her marriage or her family?
Trouble Down the Road is a page-turner of “No, she didn’t” and “You have got to be kidding me.” The twists in the story are not over the top even though the reader sees them coming. It has a strong storyline and characters the reader can follow throughout the book. The enjoyment of the read and the ending make you overlook the characters that were getting on your nerves. I recommend this book to those who love suspense and a good drama.
APOOO Rating: 4
Teresa Beasley
APOOO BookClub
Reviewed: July 08 2010
Rating: 7/10 - 1 review
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The Girl Who Fell From The Sky | 7/10 |
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Author: Heidi Durrow
Genre: General FictionRachel father was a African American GI and her mother a Danish woman. The family has been hit by a tragedy in which Rachel survives. She than has to move in with her African American grandmother. Rachel is forced to deal with her biracial heritage around kids that are not accepting. But there is more to Rachel's story than meets the eye. A neighbor named Jamie later known as Brick lived in the same building were Rachel's family tragedy occurred. Brick sets out on a journey to find her while under going his own family issues. Rachel makes foolish choices as she tries to understand who she is while establishing her lifes path.
This story has a way of memorizing the reader with the emotions that Rachel feels. The reader can truly understand what Rachel is going through. Her story takes you from loosing a big part of her life to living with a grandmother she barely knows. I recommend this book to others who would like to discover how it feels to work toward overcoming racial issues and building a stable life. Reviewed: March 17 2010
Rating: 7/10 - 1 review
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Dreams That Won't Let Go | 6/10 |
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Author: Stacy Hawkins-Adams
Genre: General FictionIndigo Burns is planning her wedding and enjoying her new career. She has an supportive fiance and all is well. Reuben her long lost brother has decided to move his family back home, which has been overdue. When he comes back alot of emotions start flairing and Indigo and younger sister Yasmin's selfish ways start evolving. The sisters feel they are being pushed aside for Reuben and they both harbor feelings against him.
Everyone starts coming to their senses when Yasmin runs away to pursue her modeling career, Reuben finally discloses why he ran away long ago, and MaMa Irene realizes that she has neglected to be involved in Indigo's wedding plans while pushing Yasmin away by trying to control her career choices. Once all truths are laid on the table the healing starts to begin.
I have enjoyed the first two books in this series and once again the author has written a great story. The book touches on different issues that a family may go through. From emotional unstability to bad behavior and judgment, and even handicaps that are overcame. I would recommend this book to others especially those that can relate to familys that need to rebuild. Reviewed: March 08 2010
Rating: 6/10 - 1 review
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Smoke: Three Years In Time | 4/10 |
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Author: J. Hunt
Genre: General FictionThe book Smoke by J. Hunt looks into the relationships of four individuals and told from their point of view. Jerry starts talking with Alice, only to end the night with her friend Mary. Alice finds out about Jerry and Mary and decides to leave it alone because there are other fish in the sea. Mary does not mean to fall for Jerry, but he provides her with a comfort that she has never had before. The one night of passion between Jerry and Mary sparks a love that neither want to let go. On the other hand, Mary soon finds out that her secrets will come to the light and she will have to answer to them sooner but definitely later.
Jerry is not as innocent as others believe. He has some questionable behaviors that could ruin friendships. Judy, a friend of Alice and Mary, finds out that her boyfriend is breaking up with her and she needs a shoulder to cry on. Who will she find to listen to her sorrows?
Smoke: Three Years In Time is a quick read. The main characters were not fully developed and the ending was not believable. It also seemed as if additional characters were randomly thrown into the storyline. I would recommend this book to those just wanting a fast book to read.
I received a complimentary copy of Smoke: Three Years In Time as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.
http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin.clink?dorrance+7XZRvv+index.html
Teresa Beasley
Dorrance Book Review Team
Reviewed: July 29 2010
Rating: 4/10 - 1 review
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DayDreams | 4/10 |
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Author: Tonisha Jones
Genre: General FictionWe have no control over who our parents are and this is the case for Daydre Collins in Daydreams by Tonisha Jones. Regina, who is Daydre’s mother, wants to grow up early and chooses the wrong mate. She becomes a young mother with no clue about being a parent. Regina reaches out to drugs causing her daughter to be placed with her grandmother. Daydre grows up without her mother but with her grandmother’s love and support. She enrolls in college and meets Monica who becomes her best friend. Daydre pursues an education in music and songwriting and lands a job with KJ Records after graduation. It is obvious she has a crush on the owner Kel Stevens but his sister Keisha does not want them to be together. Daydre decides to keep her feelings hidden so she starts a relationship with Odog, one of the labels artists, which leads in disaster. When she is ready to give up her knight in shining armor comes to her rescue. Daydre’s songwriting skills earn her success, a love she has been waiting for, and her secrets are not the only ones being revealed.
The storyline jumps around and moves away from the main characters many times throughout the book, to the point you are lost while reading it. The intimacy in the story is not believable as well as some of the characters. The book can be an excellent read with some copy and content editing. Overall, I would recommend this book to others.
I received a complimentary copy of Daydreams as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.
http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin.clink?dorrance+7XZRvv+index.html
Teresa Beasley
Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team
Reviewed: July 08 2010
Rating: 4/10 - 1 review
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Proceed With Caution | 4/10 |
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Author: Pat Tucker
Genre: General Fiction-From Back Cover-
For Naomi Payne, privacy is a must. She needs it in order to carry out the secret affair she’s been having with State Representative Calvin Davis, one of the most powerful men in Texas. Touted as the “family values” candidate, Calvin’s chance at a twelfth term in office would be destroyed if word of his infidelity were to get out. Too bad Naomi told her friend Sheila about it, and Sheila likes to gossip. News of the affair is leaked to the press, and Calvin’s team goes into overdrive to protect his reputation, dismissing the relationship as mere rumor. Calvin stops taking Naomi’s calls, and she’s left alone to pick up the pieces of her life. But what she quickly learns is that this was no simple affair, and there are people out there who are not willing to let it go so easily. After a local murder hits too close to home, Naomi is afraid that she might be next.
The book is good don’t get me wrong but you see were the plot is going and know the ending before you reach the middle of the book. Naomi’s friend Sheila is behind many of her troubles that have gotten her into a mess she will have a hard time getting out of, which turns out to be the high point of the book. I would recommend it to others to read. It just did not have any meaningful twist for me.
Reviewed: February 12 2010
Rating: 4/10 - 1 review
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Somebody Else's Man | 4/10 |
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Author: Daaimah S. Poole
Genre: General FictionNicole and Tia are best friends until a car wreck comes between their friendship. Tia listens to her boyfriend Lamar to sue Nicole's mother and insurance company, which leads to a beat down. Nicole also devotes her time to a married man, Malcolm, that likes to play games. Once Nicole finds her own man and engaged to be married her ex-girlfriend Tia resurfaces with a baby in tow and a broken heart. It seems that Lamar moved her out town and left her to fiend for herself. Nicole forgives her just to break off the friendship again because Tia wants to stop her marriage to Dre. I mean Dre with the crazy baby mama turn lesbian lover that just happens to be Tia. Go Figure!
The story was slow and couldn't keep my attention. It did have some grammatical errors as well but I got passed those. I must say that I was disappointed with this book. The plot was good not carried out well for me.
Reviewed: February 12 2010
Rating: 4/10 - 1 review
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