Press Release : 16th Annual Great Midwest Book Fest

New Review : The Other Mistress : Shanora Williams

 

4 out of 5 books

The Other Mistress is a thriller by Shanora Williams that explores themes of infidelity, abuse, and revenge. Adira Smith-Cortez, a wealthy lingerie designer, suspects that her husband Gabriel has been cheating on her. She does some snooping around and finds out that Gabriel is cheating with not just one, but two women. One of the women he is seeing is Jocelyn who discovers that Adira knows about their affair. The other mistress is Julianna who has no knowledge of Adira or that Gabriel is involved with any other woman. Adira teams up Jocelyn, who has professed that her affair with Gabriel was over, to destroy Gabriel and Julianna’s relationship. But things are not as they seem, and when the revelation is disclosed, it changes everything.

The book has a fast-paced plot. Williams is quickly gaining a fan base with the thrillers she pens. The novel was well-written, although Adira could easily get on your nerves. While the ending held a surprising twist, I kind of figured out where the story was headed. Great read, that I would recommend to others. 

Reviewed by Paula Allen

Get your copy of The Other Mistress today!

New Review : In Their Shadows : Briana Cole

 

4 out of 5 books

April Garrett knows how to lie and manipulate others. She is taught the art of deception from her mother. The schemes began when she is married off to a much older man in her teens. The plan was for her mother to steal his fortune. Taking matters into her own hands, April set off a series of events that has her assuming new identities and staying on the run.  

 

April starts a new life - or rather, two new lives. As Michelle Evans, she is the wife of Carter, a successful architect. As Erin Duncan, she is the wife of Ramsey, a talented artist and restaurateur. But someone is on to her game. Someone who knows her real name and her dark past. Someone who wants to make her pay for what she's done. April is running out of time and options. She can't trust anyone, not even her own mother. She must find a way out of this mess before it's too late.

 

Briana Cole is a master of African American thrillers. IN THEIR SHADOWS is a gripping story of deception, greed, and revenge. It will keep you on the edge of your seat until the shocking finale. If you love mysteries and thrillers, you don't want to miss this book.

Reviewed by Paula Allen 

Get your copy of In Their Shadows today!

New Review : All the Sinners Bleed : S.A. Cosby

 

4 out of 5 books

ALL THE SINNERS BLEED is a gripping and disturbing crime novel by S.A. Cosby that explores the themes of racism, violence, faith, and love in a small Virginia town. The protagonist, Titus Crown, is the first Black sheriff of Charon County, where he was born and raised. He faces a nightmare scenario when a Black student, Latrell, shoots and kills a white teacher, Mr. Spearman, at the high school. Latrell is then killed by Titus' deputies in a tense standoff. Titus soon realizes that this tragic incident is only the beginning of a horrifying revelation: a serial killer who targets Black children has been hiding in plain sight for years in Charon County.

 

As Titus and his team try to catch the killer before he strikes again, they also have to deal with neo-Confederates who want to disrupt the town's annual Fall Fest, political pressure from all sides, and Titus' own personal demons. Titus' faith in God is shaken by the evil he encounters and the loss he suffers. He also struggles to maintain his relationship with his girlfriend, who is afraid for his safety.

 

ALL THE SINNERS BLEED is a dark and compelling thriller that blends horror and psychological suspense. It also tackles relevant and complex issues such as the legacy of racism in the South, the role of religion in society, and the impact of trauma on individuals and communities. It is a novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat and make you think long after you finish reading it. 

Reviewed by Paula Allen

Get your copy of All the Sinners Bleed today!

New Review : The Thing About Home : Rhonda McKnight

 

4 out of 5 books

Casey Black is a former model and currently is a social media influencer with millions of followers. She often posts about her daily life and since she and her husband Drew have plans for a vow renewal, she sees her platform as the perfect opportunity. Casey’s life falls apart when Drew failed to show up for the ceremony, embarrassing her in front of her millions of fans. Guided by an overbearing mother who controls her life and career, Casey has really had to think about what she really wanted to do in life. The implosion of her social media account and negative comments she is receiving let her know it was time for a social media break.

 

She flees to South Carolina to find her long-lost relatives on her father’s side and reconnect with her roots. Her father died in a car accident before Casey was born, and her mother shared very little about his family. She enjoys the farm life, the Southern cuisine, and the friendship of Nigel, the farm manager. She also uncovers secrets about her family history from her grandmother and her great-grandmother's journals. She realizes that she belongs to the Lowcountry and its rich culture.

 

I loved the premise of THE THING ABOUT HOME. Rhonda McKnight is an excellent storyteller, and this novel was engaging as well as inciteful. I enjoyed each character in the book except for Casey’s mother. The book was told in dual timelines: through Casey’s view and the journals of her great-grandmother. A lot of history was shared about the legacy of her family and the love that comes with it.  A great novel with historical references, this was a great read.

Reviewed by Paula Smith

Get your copy of The Thing About Home today!

New Review : Recipe For Disaster : Montoya Epperson

 

3.5 out of 5 books

Jasper and David are two broken people who lost everything because of love. Jasper is a successful caterer who is trying to build her brand by gaining a big contract with a successful business. Without the support of her parents and an old friend who seemed to be one step ahead of her attempting to sabotage her efforts, she is overwhelmed. David is a former heir to a billion-dollar corporation. He gave up his fortune for the love of the wrong woman. His father needs him back in the family business although his brothers are a bit reluctant. Jasper and David meet and fall in love, but their pasts and fears threaten to ruin their chance at happiness.

RECIPE FOR DISASTER is a realistic and slow-burn romance. There is strong character development, and I like the element of suspense. The characters are flawed and broken but together Jasper and David can grow. Filled with conflict and drama that would cause anyone to want to give up, Jasper and David remain resilient and work towards receiving success. And the chemistry between them is smoldering. I recommend this book to others.

          Reviewed by Paula Allen 

           Get your copy of Recipe for Disaster today!

 

New Review : Soldiers of Love: Beautiful Scars : N'Tyse & Untamed

4 out of 5 books

Liberty and Zion started out as a young couple throughout their childhood. However, Liberty and Zion will soon find out that the road to romance can be bumpy. Fast forward to years later and Liberty is now a married woman with a family. Her life with her husband is good and the memories Zion is long gone. Zion still regrets that he let Liberty get away. But now that he desperately needs her help, how will Liberty respond?

N’Tyse and Untamed did a good job with Soldiers of Love: Beautiful Scars. This is a story about a young love affair  that started from elementary and well into high school. However, readers will find out that this is not your typical love story. Zion and Liberty are literally joined at the hip and it's good to see how their relationship matures as they grow up. But again, this is not your typical love story which will foster interesting discussions between readers and book clubs. The 90’s backdrop gives this book the right dose of nostalgia.  Soldiers of Love: Beautiful Scars is a fun and entertaining read by N’Tyse and Untamed.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert

Get your copy of Soldiers of Love: Beautiful Scars today!
 

Save the date : 16th Annual Great Midwest Book Fest : Saturday June 22, 2024

 

UrbanReviewsOnline.com presents the 16th Annual Great Midwest Book Fest. 

The Great Midwest Book Fest will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 1pm to 4pm at 

Xchange Event & Creative Space 3334 N. Holton Street, Milwaukee, WI.

 Great Midwest Book Fest is a three-hour book fair that is open to the public with a $10 admission. This year's headline authors will be New York Times Bestselling author Kimberla Lawson Roby, USA Today Bestselling author Naleighna Kai and more! 

There will be 10 to 12 authors selling their own books. The first hour will be dedicated to author introductions. Each author will get five minutes to either read an excerpt of their book or to tell attendees more about themselves or their books. This will be followed by a 10-15 minute Q&A session with the attendees. Go to www.greatmidwestbookfest.com for the complete author line-up and sponsorship information. Both will be posted shortly.

 

New Review : Overcoming Obstacles : Tiffeny L. Marsh

 

4 out of 5 books

Overcoming Obstacles is a story about triumph and survival. Tiffeny L. Marsh shares her story about the trials and tribulations that she survived throughout her life. Marsh shows readers how different experiences from her childhood and adulthood made her the person that she is today. Marsh does a good job of showing that no matter what you’re going though, God is on your side. She also shares her favorite Bible verses that not only helped her on her journey but can also help you on your own journey as well. Overcoming Obstacles is an uplifting book by Tiffeny L. Marsh.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert 

Get your copy of Overcoming Obstacles today!

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert

Get your copy of Overcoming Obstacles today!