Before The Storm (Arabesque)

Book Description

The Deveraux clan is a powerful and imposing New Orleans family. So when Maya Simpson married the eldest son, Julian Deveraux, the union quickly succumbed to the social pressures surrounding the young couple. Convinced of her husband's infidelity, Maya filed for divorce and later learned that she was pregnant.

Four years later, Maya, now a successful physician, runs into her former sister-in-law who insists on reuniting her and Julian, and the daughter he doesn't know exists. Set against the backdrop of Hurricane Katrina, will the reunion bring the family together or tear them apart?

Customer Reviews:

What a storm.......2007-06-13

I give this book 4.5 stars. Great continuation of the Deveraux series. Tall, handsome, black men who appreciate woman in all shapes, colours and sizes. I loved the story of Julian Snr and Ruth more than Julian Jnr and Maya, maybe because it was tagged on at the end, they deserved their own book to flesh the story out or because father finds secret baby has been done to death in this genre? I found Maya to be a bit of wimp to be honest. This book needs to be read right after The closer I get to you which is Paris and Titus story for some of the events tie in.
Looking forward to reading about Wade and the twins Lucien and Phillipe.

Loved it--2 for the price of one.......2007-05-05

Two Deveraux's are spotlighted in this book, Julian, Sr. with the blossoming of middle age romance and Julian, Jr. with the story of first love. Each story was well written with tenderness and passion. This book was great reading. I loved the two different story lines going on. I also liked the follow-up on the Parris story line. I love the Deveraux clan which I have followed from the beginning. I love the way this author writes her characters, the women are not all model thin and the men are strong, passionate men who love their women. It was nice to see middle age love blossom also.

(RAW Rating: 4.5) - Never too late..........2007-05-02

I try desperately not to judge a book by its cover; front or back. And with BEFORE THE STORM that was a good thing. The story was far more involved than what was expressed on the back cover.

Readers are re-united with the powerful Deveraux clan of New Orleans. This story centers on Julian Deveraux, senior and junior. Fifty-seven-year-old Julian, Sr. has been widowed almost twenty years; he has successfully raised his children and is content with his memories. Thirty-three-year-old Julian, Jr. has been divorced for almost five years, and has sworn off love and marriage. He has not talked to his ex-wife since she left. Paris Deveraux has other ideas for both of them, and has dusted off her bow and arrow. Paris' friend Ruth is age-appropriate and perfect for her father. And while planning for her own wedding, Paris crosses paths with her brother's ex-wife, and stumbles on a secret. She seizes the opportunity to become a savior of sorts for each of them. Can she really pull it off?

BEFORE THE STORM is two stories in one, about two sensitive men who need to overcome past losses. A reference to the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina adds realness to the story. What I love most about Ms. Schuster's writing is that the adults are truly adult, and the stories are passionate and real; they make you believe in overcoming all odds. There are several more Deveraux stories and I eagerly await their arrivals.

Reviewed by aNN
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Two books in one!.......2007-04-03

I really enjoyed this book, despite the false advertising on the back cover. This is really Mac and Ruth's story. Julian & Maya are kind of added on as an afterthought. I know I gave the story 5 stars but Mac & Ruth have such a beautiful love story. It's not often you see such a sensual love story between 50-somethings. They were hotter than the youngsters. I feel Julian & Maya should have had their own book or at least their part expanded. It was wrapped up rather quickly, though a bit comedically. I still really liked it though. The old folks were a lot of fun. And the reactions of the kids to them was hilarious. The scene with the cat and the strapless bra was great! Despite the wrong info on the back cover, I would definitely recommend this book.

Two For the Price of One.......2007-03-20

I have to agree the back of the book was a little deceptive. But it was still a good read and you got two romances for the price of one. And boy do those Deveraux men know how romance and sex a woman up. I enjoy reading about all of them and their loves.

Average customer rating:

A Lover's Dream-A Joyfully Recommended Title
Silent Giants
I loved this book
Loved it!
Love Times Love

A Lover's Dream (Arabesque)
Altonya Washington
Manufacturer: Kimani Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 1583147055

Customer Reviews:

A Lover's Dream-A Joyfully Recommended Title.......2007-02-08

Well-known author, Michaela `Mick' Sellers, finds herself on a flight to Seattle to meet with members of the Ramsey family because her best friend/publisher secretly sent a biography proposal (under Mick's name) to the Ramsey family. Surprise! Surprise! Twins, Quest and Quaysar Ramsey agree to meet with Michaela to discuss the proposal in further detail. However, upon arrival, Mick encounters resistance from the twins when she is told that some members of their family do not want the book to be written. Although greatly disappointed about the biography deal gone sour, Mick could not resist the alluring charms of Quest Ramsey. So, she agrees to remain in Seattle for awhile in order for them to explore their growing desire.

When Mick uncovers a devastating Ramsey secret, it puts a huge wedge in her newly found relationship with Quest. Now, Mick has to choose between maintaining her professional demeanor by investigating a secret that could possibly destroy the Ramsey family name or following her heart's desire.

A Lover's Dream is a sensational page-turner that has the right mixture of romance and suspense to keep you glued to your seat until the arrival of the cliffhanging conclusion. A Lover's Dream is about love, heartache, misunderstandings and hurtful buried secrets. Quest has done and will continue to do whatever it takes to protect his family name; which is why he refuses a book being published about their family history. However, Quest did not count on falling head over heels in love with a woman who could demolish everything. From their very first kiss, the passion quickly heats up between them and when they finally do come together in an intimate manner it is intensely sensual and vastly explosive! The progression of the storyline is highly intriguing and will keep you hanging on until the very end of A Lover's Dream. In fact it will have you begging for more. With a great plot and well-written, passionate characters, AlTonya Washington has crafted a wonderful masterpiece that I am proud to bestow as a Joyfully Reviewed Recommended Read. I can't wait until the next exciting, thrilling installment!

Nikita
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Silent Giants.......2006-11-24

Twins, Quest and Quaysar Ramsey head the Ramsey Group in Seattle Washington and are known among their female employees as "the gods". Quest, 3 minutes older than his brother is considered the stick in the mud and protector of the family secrets. Michaela "Mick" Sellars is sent to do a book on the family; however, once Quest sets his sights on Mick, the book is almost forgotten until Mick is asked to investigate a murder that might involve Quest and end their growing relationship.

Quest and Mick's story was an enjoyable read and although I am looking forward to reading Quay's story and hoping to find out what happened to Sera Black, I also hope that Ms Washington will keep up the good work and keep them coming.

I loved this book.......2006-07-25

This was the first book I read by Altonya Washington. I could not put it down. I loved reading about Quest and Michaela. I can't wait to read the sequel about Quest's twin Quaysar.

Loved it!.......2006-07-23

Altonya is definitely an author on the rise. The dynamics between Quest and Mick was very strong and clearly described. I know we were left hanging for a reason so I can't wait until the Quaysar's story.

Love Times Love.......2006-07-04

Writer Michaela Sellers is beautiful, successful and single and loving it. Life could not be better until she takes a trip to Seattle to do a biography on twins Quest and Quasar, Seattle's most eligible bachelors. From day one the outgoing twin, Quaysar, sets his sights on Michaela. Unexpectedly, the strong silent Quest is charmed by Michaela as well. Although Michaela has no desire to mix business with pleasure, one of the twins draws her to him like a tide to the sea shore. Combine a family secret and Michaela's reluctance to become involved, the road to love becomes a difficult one to travel.

I found this book to be an excellent read. The characters were lovable, fun and believable and the plot unfolded at a nice pace. The author's ability to insert just the right amount of tension and conflict into the story is commendable. If you are a lover of romance, grab a cool drink, a quiet spot and embark on A Lover's Dream.

T. RHYTHM KNIGHT
APOOO BookClub
______________________

Average customer rating:

Back in 1990
A Beautiful Book
A masterpiece
You must be up to the challenge...
Wonderfully written, poetic and imaginative. Unputdownable!

Arabesques: A Novel
Anton Shammas
Manufacturer: University of California Press
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Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0520228324

Book Description

Available again, Arabesques is a classic, complex novel of identity, memory, and history in the Middle East and points beyond--including Iowa and New York City. Anton Shammas, the first Arab to write a novel in Hebrew, has given us a riveting look at a people we hear too little about: Palestinian Christians. Arabesques was chosen as one of the best books of 1988 by the editors of the New York Times Book Review.

Customer Reviews:

Back in 1990.......2006-03-10

Coping with sudden change is the subject of the Palestinian-Israeli writer, Anton Shammas, in his beautiful, labyrinthine debut, Arabesques, translated from the Hebrew by Vivian Eden. He begins with Sub-Marquezian tales, sometimes veering close to the exotic, that describe the little Arab village of Fassuta, one that chose not to resist the Zionist annexation of 1948. In describing different generations of his family, he moves between time and place at high speed, interweaving history and autobiography through chains of subordinate clauses, but still achieving clarity. The book becomes progressively more complicated as the focus turns to Paris and America, where the narrative line turns precarious. It is an important novel in that Shammas's pointillist Palestinian history is today intertwined with the present world crisis. Its outcome will partly be measured by how we in the West grasp that the plight of the Palestinians is our plight too.

A Beautiful Book.......2003-10-14

This book is one of the few that gives an outsider's look from the inside of the Arab-Israeli conflict. It is deeply moving and insightful, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in broadening their views on the topic.

A masterpiece.......2000-08-15

Shammas's "Arabesques," a masterpiece of modernist writing, concerns the lives of members of a family that has three strikes against them: they are Israeli Christian Palestinians, each element of which is in conflict with the others. The author's writing technique, mirroring the difficulties of his theme, is modelled on the "arabesque," a stylized calligraphic icon much of whose meaning lies in its great aesthetic complexity. It is through the densely interwoven "arabesque" patterns of many generations of this rich and complex family that the author is able to encompass the rich and complex meanings of such an awful subject position in today's world. While its complexity is daunting, the author's style is wonderfully readable. Written in 1988, this book is unfortunately long out of print. FIND IT!

You must be up to the challenge..........2000-04-06

"A piece of the Palestinian fate that would confuse even King Solomon," writes Shammas. This book is an enchanting but difficult read. The presence of the Irish writer in Iowa City reminded me of this book's similarity to James Joyce's A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. Both novels are written in a sometimes confusing stream of consciousness style and are filled with symbolism. I would need to read Arabesques at least one more time before I could begin to comprehend much of the imagery. The author attempts to convey certain images of the Palestinian people, including the differences amongst this very non-monolithic group, and the complex inner thoughts of an enigmatic refugee. The main character's lack of a single identity can be seen as symptomatic and/or symbolic of the Palestinian people's historical experience.

Wonderfully written, poetic and imaginative. Unputdownable!.......1998-06-05

Arabesques is one of the finest novels I have ever read. It is highly poetic prose and a magical exploration of childhood. The kinship thicket is sometimes difficult to unravel, but it provides wonderful insights into Palestinian culture and its built-in conflicts.I highly reccomend it to fellow readers. I do certainly hope Shammas has written other novels since then, and, if so, I would like to see them translated.

Average customer rating:

Is this hero abusive
Disappointed
The morning after
Sexy Has No Dress Size
What Could Have Been

After The Loving (Arabesque)
Gwynne Forster
Manufacturer: Kimani Press
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ASIN: 1583146210

Customer Reviews:

Is this hero abusive.......2007-01-25

3.5 stars - Having read other reviews and just finished the story Russ does not come across as real romance hero but too arrogant. What man puts a woman down who has issues with her weight? Yes he likes Velma, is attracted to her, wants her sexually but finds her lack of self confidence in this matter a turn off rather than be there to encourage her and help her? Plus from the first he knew his friend was in competition with Velma he should have supported her straight away. No wonder she upped and left him. Ok things work in the end. But in the real world with a man that kissed you and was pushing you away at the same time would not get a girl like Velma.
However glad the heroine was a full figured woman, her lack of self confidence in this regard is no surprise, one can be successful professionally but still lack confidence in other areas of life. Especially in this case where one has a sister - pretty, tall, slim as per society's standard of beauty and one has emotional issues with ones parents. If Russ was more understanding he would have been the perfect hero , glad to see that his character grew and he learned to stop fighting fault with Velma and just enjoy being with her.

Disappointed.......2006-08-19

When I read the preview of the book and discovered the female lead character was a full-figured woman I bought the book instantly, since I am a full figured woman also. This book was simply unrealistic, boring, and just all around not good.

The morning after.......2005-11-18

AFTER THE LOVING, the sequel to Once In A Lifetime, continues with
the saga of the Harrington brothers. I immediately thought of the
popular ballad, 'After the Lovin', by Englebert Humperdinck, "So I'll
sing you to sleep after the loving," because the story raises issues
about the aftermath from emotional entanglement versus physical
dalliance.

Russ Harrington, an enigma of sorts even to his brothers, is a
loner who has always been afraid to love. Because of his laconic
nature, his friendly reaction to Velma, the sister of his brother's
wife, is untypical. But even Russ, who capitalizes on lustful
interludes, knows Velma is different. She makes him wonder how
strong his feeling would be, after...

Velma uses her flirtatious nature to best Russ each time she visits
her sister. She is attracted to him, but her plus-sized figure gives
her no false hope; men prefer tall slim women. Russ is attracted
to Velma, all of her, but he hates her lack of self-confidence. What
he doesn't know is that Velma's insecurities run deeper than her full
figure or even men. They stem from the belief that her parents did not
love her or her sister. Russ wonders if he's up for the challenge of
changing Velma's perception of herself, and I wonder if they can
override their insecurities and find what happens the morning after?

AFTER THE LOVING is a wonderful exploration of the lives and loves
of two people overcoming their blind spots. Ms. Forster again displays
her talent for writing a believable storyline and human bcharacters,
especially the children who literally steal the stories.

Sexy Has No Dress Size.......2005-05-15

In After The Loving by Gwynne Forster, we explore the budding attraction between Velma Brighton and Russell Harrington. Velma is a full figured, educated caterer with a growing business and growing insecurities due to her weight. Velma's weight issues hit their peek the day she watches her sexy and thin sister (Alexis) walk down the aisle to the man of her dreams.

Russ Harrington is the strong silent type. Russ was raised as part of a loving and open family but he always remained the loner that is until Velma enters his life. With Velma, Russ is able to laugh and enjoy life. He even begins to envision himself with a family of his own. Things would be perfect if Velma would stop obsessing over her weight.

Will Velma find the true root to her weight obsession? Will Russ be able to stand by Velma as she struggles through her weight issues? You will have to read to find those answers.

After The Loving was a sweet romance story with interesting character's made real in true Gwynne Forster style. I applaud the way Forster depicted the struggles many plus size women experience through out their lives. Velma's weight insecurities were never underplayed. Velma's character was real, with real life issues and feelings. And Russ was the man of every woman's dreams. As a plus size women myself it was nice to see the strong handsome man that truly loved the woman with curves.

Reviewed by Desiree
for BBW Reviews

What Could Have Been.......2005-05-13

When I read the synopsis for this story I thought finally a book about someone that's not a size 6 with long legs blah blah blah. You know the kind of story. What a major major disappointment. I only read maybe a good five chapters from this book and I made myself read those few and still did not miss a beat. There was so much that could have been done with this story.

Average customer rating:

Ms. Ray does it again!
Francis Ray Rules
First story - ok the rest good
"Whatta Novel"
I can't wait to read more

Falcon Saga (Arabesque)
Francis Ray
Manufacturer: Kimani Press
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Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Hideaway Saga (Arabesque)
You and No Other (Grayson Novels)
$Madaris Saga: Tonight And Forever\Whispered Promises\Eternally Yours$ Madaris Saga: Tonight And Forever\Whispered Promises\Eternally Yours
Dreaming of You (Grayson Novels)
Until There Was You (Arabesque)

ASIN: 1583144900

Customer Reviews:

Ms. Ray does it again!.......2007-03-21

Francis Ray is one of my favorite authors. Great stories, and great characters. I love to curl up with a glass wine and enjoy a great evening with Francis Ray's characters. A must buy!

Francis Ray Rules.......2007-03-20

Francis Ray always captures me with her writing. Sometimes I find it may start a little slow, but once she gets rolling the story always flows. And these three stories were full of romance and steamy intimacy. All I can say is thank God I'm not single or I'd be lookin' for a man after each one of her novels. Keep 'em coming Francis!

First story - ok the rest good.......2006-11-08

Only hers - 3 stars; ok Shannon was a weeping willow wimp, Matt a brooding idiot. The best characters were Daniel Falcon and the ranch staff.
The Heart of the Falcon- 3.5 stars- Daniel supposedly a man of integrity behaved abominably at first but I suppose he came good in the end. Madelyn well I suppose she loved him,if it was me from the time he denied the baby he wouldn't see me for dust. Best characters- John Henry Falcon and Felician Falcon. Kane and Matthew acted like hypocrites and as if their sister was a small child not a 24 year old woman.
Break every rule - best story 5 stars! Love story handled well, with good emphasis on characterisation rather then the physical sex which is different but nice.

"Whatta Novel".......2006-07-06

Here's my review: "Only Hers" (3 stars), this book was o.k. Octavia was my favorite character because she was so down to earth, Cleve made you just want to hug him. The main characters, Shannon and Matt really got on my nerves, with Matt's bullying, and Shannon crying every other paragraph. "Heart Of The Falcon" (3 stars), this book was so funny to me. Daniel was hilarious...and I don't mean this in a good way. Mr. Big-time Businessman strutting around Texas, people fearing him saying..."You don't want to cross Daniel Falcon", but at the same time singing his praises like he's a god or something. The way Ms. Ray describes how Daniel dresses, with his Stetson hat, tight pants, and cowboy boots and his hair in a ponytail....I bet he looked like I don't know what. Madelyn's pregnant at the drop of a hat, hoping and praying that Daniel will love her. Ms. Ray what are you doing to the women in these stories. Give the ladies backbones PLEASE!!!! The only interesting characters in this novel were Daniel's parents John Henry and Felicia, Higgins(Felicia's driver), and Madelyn's parents Bill and Grace. I liked how Kane and Matt took Daniel off to the side for a "talk". The ending pissed me off because all Daniel had to do was get mushy, tell Madelyn all the things she wanted to hear, she cries, excepts his ring and BOOM! they get married, after everything he's said and done to her, especially denying that he was the father of their baby. "Break Every Rule" (5 stars), this book I really liked. Trent and Dominique were nothing like Shannon and Matt, and Daniel and Madelyn. Trent was all that without being a bully, Dominique had a "BACKBONE", and the storyline got right to the point without being boring. I liked how Trent was nice and respectful and looked out for Janice. Trent's background should have been dealt with more. All the characters were a joy to read, from Trent all the way down to Isaac. To me all 569 pages of this book should have been "Break Every Rule".

I can't wait to read more.......2005-09-28

I had heard alot about the "Falcon" series and how good it was so when I cam across the opportunity to buy 3 at once I jumped at the chance. Needless to say I am just as hooked just like a fish to a hook on this family tale. It is so much fun to read, it has excitement and the tastest relationships you ever want to read about. Now I am not a mushy kind of person but I found that Francis Ray's stories keep me coming back for more.

I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

$Unforgettable Passion: Sealed With A Kiss\Against All Odds\Ecstasy (Arabesque)$
Average customer rating:

Unforgettable Passion: Sealed With A Kiss\Against All Odds\Ecstasy (Arabesque)
Gwynne Forster
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$Perfect Passion: Heart's Desire\A Magical Moment\The Look Of Love (Arabesque)$ Perfect Passion: Heart's Desire\A Magical Moment\The Look Of Love (Arabesque)
$Endless Passion: Night Magic\Tender Touch\Sweet Mystery (Arabesque)$ Endless Passion: Night Magic\Tender Touch\Sweet Mystery (Arabesque)
Stranger In My Arms (Arabesque)
$Sweet Passion: Bands Of Gold\For All Time\Between The Lines (Arabesque)$ Sweet Passion: Bands Of Gold\For All Time\Between The Lines (Arabesque)
Risky Pleasures (Kimani Romance)

ASIN: 1583147241

Book Description

Sealed with a Kiss

For artist and free spirit Naomi Logan, sexy call-in radio host Rufus Meade is the wrong man at the wrong time. His conservative views drive her crazy--especially his ideas about working women. But after telling him what she thinks--on air--the last thing she expects is to see him standing on her doorstep.

It seems that opposites not only attract, they ignite! His kisses leave her breathless; hers awaken feelings he's never had before. But a failed marriage and the responsibility of raising two sons alone have made Rufus wary of becoming too close. Will tomorrow bring heartbreak or happiness for two people who are very much alike…in their desire for love?

Against All Odds

Struggling to keep her Manhattan-based company afloat, executive headhunter Melissa Grant has no time for love. Then Adam Roundtree walks into her life. But the charismatic businessman is no ordinary client. He's the man who can bring Melissa's career--and her heart--to life…until a shocking discovery jeopardizes their blossoming relationship.

Ecstasy

School teacher Jeannetta Rollins was about to lose something very precious--her eyesight. Only surgeon Mason Fenwick has the skill to perform the delicate operation to remove the tumor that is causing her blindness; however, because of a tragedy the brilliant surgeon was powerless to prevent, he no longer practices medicine and has refused to take her case. But Jeannetta is nothing if not persistent.

Mason has to admire a woman who would risk anything for a chance to see again--even her heart. But it is his emotions that are on the line. Now, her happiness and their future are in his hands. All he has to do is trust himself, and trust his heart….

Customer Reviews:

Okay Read.......2007-03-20

I must say I was a little disappointed in the first and the last story in this book. Sandra Kitt's tale 'Serenade' was interesting, but I found it left a lot of things up in the air. And Eboni Snoe's tale 'Beguiled' was good, but too wordy at times and took to long to get to the good parts. Now, 'Fovever Yours', by Francis Ray definitely made the book worth reading. I am a huge Francis Ray fan and all I can say is she did it again! I love the romance between Tory and Kane. I love the way the families and friends are involved with the couple story.

Thanks!!.......2005-07-08

Loved having all three books together. Yes they were once available as individual
books. That is no reason to give this book a bad review. That being said these are great books and as always I loved the Sandra Kitt book the best. These are great romance/mystery writers at their best. Thanks again.

Previously released novels...repackaged........2005-03-17

After receiving this anthology, I realized that I'd read each of these books almost 10 years ago as single novels. Some of the first to debut from then Pinnacle's line of Arabesque novels. The sad part is that the way Af-Am literature (and my own self for that matter) has developed, I wasn't nearly as enthralled by these stories as I was 10 years before.

Serenade, originally a 1994 release by Sandra Kitt, tells the story of Alexandra and Parker. Lovers more than 10 years before the current story, Alexandra was crushed when Parker left without warning or explanation. Now Parker is an accomplished musician and Alexandra a struggling singer. Passion reignites between the two. Although Alexandra's younger sister, a spoiled brat at the least, presents a formidable obstacle for these two to resume their relationship where it was abort 10 years ago, the story tells of their path back to each other. Sandra Kitt is a wonderful writer and it shows in this story, despite the annoyance of the baby sister's interference to the main storyline.

I first read "Forever Yours" when it was released in 1994. One of the first in the line of Arabesque novels (then published by Pinnacle). The story of Kane and Victoria was intriguing. Victoria, a woman who has been scorned many times, refuses to be hurt by love again. After her grandmother insists that she marry or lose her beloved business due to Victoria's inability to repay a well-timed loan from her grandmother, Victoria takes matters into her own hands and looks for a husband-for-hire. Kane, a strong stubborn brother, agrees to consider marriage to Victoria, but he doesn't want to play by her rules. The tension that ensues carries this somewhat less than realistic story nicely. You'll enjoy watching the two strong-willed lead characters struggle for power as they both try to get want they want from the relationship.

"Beguiled" also originally released in 1994 was not a favorite of mine as a single book and was the weakest of the anthology her. It tells the story of Raquel who loses her job and decides to go dancing at a Miami nightclub ?!? I guess she wants to dance her troubles away. Instead she ends up being swept into a totally unrealistic adventure that drifts from the Caribbean to Central America. This story includes Snoe's trademark foray into otherworldly, magical scenarios. All in all just not my cup of tea...

Average customer rating:

an enjoyable book
The wrong place at the right time...

Treasures of the Heart (Arabesque)
Jacquelin Thomas
Manufacturer: Kimani Press
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Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 1583143483

Customer Reviews:

an enjoyable book.......2006-08-23

This is not the best Jacqueline Thomas book, but it was still great. The characters are enjoyable and you can see the love forming between the couple. I love th fact that though Eric is a pastor, he was betrayed in a way that made you relate to him and just see him as a regular guy, but his love for God was so strong that you just have to love him. Some of the history aspect of the novel, I could have done without. Overall, its worth the time, but it doesnt fill you with emotion like some of the others

The wrong place at the right time..........2004-09-07

For many years, Kemba Jennings has been searching for a diamond that has been in her family for generations, and one that her father was killed for. When the perfect opportunity arrives to restore the diamond to its rightful owner, Kemba jumps at the chance. When a tragic turn of events take place during the heist, Kemba seeks help, and it comes in the form of the handsome, and single, Pastor Eric Avery.

At first, Eric is not quite sure that he believes Kemba's story, but as time progresses, his feelings change. He also finds himself undeniably attracted to her and wants nothing more than to develop a relationship with Kemba. Due to the fact that Eric is a minister, Kemba is a little hesitant about forming a relationship with him. Will Eric be able to convince Kemba that her fears are unfounded, or will she step out on faith and embrace the love of a good man that God saw fit to bless her with?

Full of mystery, murder, intrigue, suspense, and of course romance, TREASURES OF THE HEART was a truly wonderful read. Jacquelin Thomas never fails to deliver! Her stories are beautifully written, complete with characters who quickly become favorites of her loyal fan base. Although this was Thomas' last romance novel, I will still be a loyal follower of her as she forays deeper into the genre of Christian fiction novels.

Reviewed by Renee Williams
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Average customer rating:

ok addition to the series

Will To Love (Arabesque)
Doreen Rainey
Manufacturer: Kimani Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0373830041

Book Description

Investment banker Caryn Stewart grew up in a loving, working-class family, but is determined to enjoy the financial success and lifestyle her lucrative profession affords. Traveling around the world and negotiating mergers and acquisitions, she has little time for romance. However, all that's about to change when she meets Dr. William Proctor.

When his father became deeply depressed after his mother's death, Will Proctor saw firsthand what losing someone you love can do. He is determined to never let that happen to him. But the never-get-in-a-serious-relationship doctor is terrified when he finds himself falling in love with the beautiful Caryn Stewart, who, like him, avoids commitment. Can these two find a way to overcome their fears and find the love and passion they both so desperately need?

Customer Reviews:

ok addition to the series.......2007-07-08

It could be me but another upper middle class workholic woman and commitphobe man finding love and romance has been done to death in this genre. Maybe there are limitations to what one can write about. I did enjoy the Love series but was more interested in the secondary characters Jeff and Sherisse both doctors in Will's partnership. If the series continues I hope ther story is more interesting. But better to borrow this one than to buy it.

Average customer rating:

Loved It!
Let it be Me
True Love
I loved it!!!
Kudos to Ms. Schuster

Let It Be Me (Arabesque)
Melanie Schuster
Manufacturer: Kimani Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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British | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

Multicultural | Romance | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1583144242

Customer Reviews:

Loved It!.......2006-11-06

I love every book that Ms. Schuster writes, and Let It Be Me, was wonderful!
I love romances and was not disappointed. Marcus was the bomb! Vera was a little
slow in the beginning to realize her love for Marcus but when she saw the
light, it was on. I also liked the sub-characters and the previews to characters
in upcoming books.

Let it be Me.......2006-05-17

This was the first book I read by Melanie Schuster, and I feel in love with her. I think she is a very good Author. After reading this I called the bookstore and ordered all of her books she had to date. This is one of my favorites.

Keep it coming

True Love.......2005-06-10

Platinum Review 4
Melanie Schuster has done it again bringing the Deveraux clan from Michigan and the Cochran clan from Georgia into our lives. Melanie first introduced us to this family with Lucky In Love with Bennie and Clay but as her readers continue to demand more from the family she keeps them happy but continuing to produce wonderfully told stories dealing with the two families. This time we go to Detroit to visit Marcus Deveraux and his coworker and best friend Vera Clark Jackson.

Marcus Deveraux has been in love with Vera since he was eighteen but when he finds out she's married his heart is devastated but he continues to live with the love for her and becomes her constant companion after her husband passes never allowing the love for her to show more than it was necessary. Vera Jackson knew she had loved Marcus but knew it had to remain her secret she had too many secrets that she would continue to keep to maintain the balance her and Marcus shared. However, when Marcus proclaims his love for her she is set on pushing him away. Marcus could never find out about all the secrets or how much she really loved him. Marcus and Vera go on a rocky ride as they go through the trials and tribulations of discovering their love for one another but not before varies secrets could pop up that would cause turmoil in the relationship.

Melanie Schuster continues to provide off the top stories with each one out doing the one before it. Not only does she keep you in touch with the varies family members from books before she introduces you to new characters that keeps her readers wanting more.

I loved it!!!.......2005-05-03

Marcus found his dream woman when he met Vera, but she was already taken. Fate stepped in and Marcus got his chance to claim the heart of the one woman who always held his. Vera couldn't ask for a better friend than Marcus but little did she know that the man she loved as a best friend and brother would actually become the love of her life. I absolutely LOVED Vera. Marcus is the epitome of a Devereaux man. Together, they are amazing!

Kudos to Ms. Schuster.......2004-08-13

This is less of a review and more of a thank you to Ms. Schuster for yet another wonderful story! I've avoided reading romance novels for years because the story lines and situations have always seemed so far fetched. I've truly enjoyed reading about such "real" characters as the Cochrans and Deveraux's, and the colorful cast of friends and acquaintances that add flavor to an already strong story.

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