Truly her heart's desire
935289
Charlotte truly loves to sing worship songs to the Lord.  Her compositions come straight from the scriptures.  Her voice is rich and beautiful.  She's been one of my favorite singers for many years.
4395771
I was fortunate enough to hear Em Claire recite her poetry a year ago when she was in Pinehurst, NC. Wow. She is a beautiful woman, inside and out, and her gifts are freely shared as is her obvious respect for all people. Her poems touch me deeply and are so appreciated.
4167374
I love her books. I am always searcing for something new. This one is a wonderful story about love, despite being in an abusive relationshipe with her ex-husband, who stalks her, controls here, has several double lives--she still finds true love, the everlasting kind. She is a mother always protecting those closest to her. Missing home, and family, she makes the journey back home; but she isn't the same scared young woman that left before, she's grown in so many ways. This is a wonderful story of love and relationships.
828562
Alessandrina is a gifted, spiritual being who is able to put her true emotions into words that teach us all that life is a gift to be cherished, studied and shared. Her words lighten our hearts while opening our eyes to not only our own potential but to the world around us.

Alessandrina's books are the kind that should be "on the table" so you can reach for them often.  I had the opportunitunty to speak with Alessandrina on Page Readers, where she opened up even more about her own journey that has brought her to this latest chapter in her own life as author.  She is a passionate woman who has so much love to share, and it is evident not only when she speaks, but when she writes too.

Thank you Alessandrina, for sharing such touching poems and thoughts with us!
4674115
Sheikh Sayed of Zeena is ready to make the ultimate commitment, marry and be happy, but then suddenly his fiance calls off their engagement.

His 'drowning of sorrows' comes in the form of a hotter than the desert sun night with chambermaid Liyah.

Liyah 's father refuses to acknowledge her and she has had more than just a rough life, so of course getting down and dirty with a sexy irresistible sheikh is just what she needs to forget a road she failed to find a happy ending to.

But in their haste to forget their troubles they forget the most important rule of one night stands, and when morning comes Sayed makes the decision to take Liyah and the possible child she might be bearing back to his home.

And if she is carrying his child the answer will be a simple one of marriage. But will his people except Liyah into their lives and more importantly will Liyah be prepared to marry a man who does not love her?

The character of Sayed was kind, caring, sweet and sensitive and not the over bearing ' I am all powerful and you shall do what ever I want you to do simply because of who I am ' kind. Yes he does all but command Liyah to travel back with him, but he does it is what I found a very gentle manner. I loved that he takes everyone's feeling into consideration, a true gentleman that makes your heart melt with every word. Him not revealing feelings before he is absolutely certain was a stunning touch from the author. It showed that it is always important to never mislead people when we ourselves are not sure of what is going on. Keep it under wraps till you are certain or else only heartache will come, lies are never the answer.

The character of Liyah was the one that broke my heart. I wanted to cry my eyes out for her past and just hug her and tell her that she has a place where she belongs , she just needs to give it time. She was also very strong yet vulnerable at the same time. This showed me that we can all be strong but not so strong that we come off as mean. There is a certain balance needed when trying to show you are not strong enough to break apart at the slightest problem but that you are not made of steal and still have a heart when it comes to other things in life when caring is needed.

I am no big fan of sheikh related reads, but ever so now and then I do find a author that does it all just right. Bringing me a sheikh hero that hits all the right notes, and from now on Lucy Monroe will be on my auto to buy list. I enjoyed the drama unfolding between Sayed and Liyah, it had the right balance of dramatic emotional upsets and romantic passion and that perfect hint of sweetness.

I am taking away a message of life will take us to the one we are meant to be with when we least expect it to happen, and even if seems the forces are against you, hang in there. There is light at the end of the tunnel or in the case of this read there is water at end of a long dry dessert road.

I highly recommend this read for all fans of romance reads with a sweet flare and heartfelt emotion.

4.5 star review
" One night of scandalous behavior leads to a lifetime of love, passion and a new life"

**** Store bought copy
2615708
It truly is a lovely story. The heroine, Valancy, is 29 and downtrodden by her mother and various relatives who knowingly, or unknowingly, drain any joy out of her existence. She is "the old maid" whose opinions don't matter and her rut of a life is killing her emotionally. When her heart palpitations cause her to seek medical advice, she learns that she has a year to live via a letter from the doctor. This dire diagnosis breathes new life into her! She no longer holds her thoughts to herself and stands up to her family. Of course, they think she's losing her mind. When she decides to move in with a disreputable old man to care for his dying daughter, it is the final straw as far as her relatives are concerned. What will everyone think?
Valance gets to know another "shady" character, Barney, while on her new journey of self-discovery and happiness and eventually asks him to marry her. Why not? She has such a short time to live, and they get along so well. (She's grown to love him as well.)
There are glorious passages that describe nature interwoven with internal and external dialogue that is so real. I loved Valancy and Barney and being the fly on the wall that got to watch their burgeoning love story.
This gem of a novel is definitely a keeper.
4912434
This is an amazingly beautiful, touching book.  I savored every line.  Pearl Buck so skillfully builds this story, beginning with the "perfect" Madame Wu's 40th birthday and her monumental decision to live separately (in the same house, but a different court) from her husband.  Outwardly, she is being generous, seeking only her husband's happiness, but in reality, she also longs for freedom from being crushed under the burden of constant duty.  She relishes her new freedom, but she has no intention of giving up her power.  She is in charge of a huge, extremely wealthy household, and she has several sons whose futures she needs to determine.  Along the way, she comes to understand, through the gentle words and selfless dedication of a foreign priest, her true nature, the meaning of love, and what is important in life.

The story gently and smoothly unfolds and is never preachy.  I was completely enthralled by the characters and couldn't stop reading.  It is the first book I have ever read by Pearl Buck, and I can't wait to read another.
4743473
Maria has a way of inviting you in to her world, one that seems peaceful and full of love.  She truly is a beautiful example of the wife, mom, neighbor and friend I aspire to be.  She is gentle yet unwavering in her beliefs and you often don't see the two go hand in hand.
One of my favorite lines of the book comes from a chapter talking about a reverse economy.  She says, Ability is what we can already do; an ambition is who we want to become. It speaks to me so much right now as a mom of two little ones.  I constantly battle between working and being with my kids.  I only work part-time, yet sometimes I feel as if Im failing my family because I don't have a career, and truthfully, I most likely never will.  Maria reminds us that its ok to be just a mom. My life work, which for now happens to be my two children, is exactly what God intended for me to do right now.
This book was fun for me to read as you get to step into everyday life of the Goffs.  Its a family you come to admire and love and I sincerely hope Maria will have another book someday.
3278542
At first glance, the Goddesses of Kitchen Avenue may not seem like the likeliest of friends, but it's their different viewpoints and experiences that make their friendship as rich and inspiring as it is. Trudy, in her forties, is separated from the husband she dearly loves, after discovering his infidelity, and can no longer deny her burning desire to travel to Spain and let poetry soothe her soul. Roberta, in her sixties, has just buried the love of her life, and must discover her own identity now that she's on her own for the first time in decades. Her granddaughter, Jade, bristles with anger at her convict ex-husband, which she harnesses to prove herself in the sport of boxing. Shannelle, a shy young wife and mother in her twenties, must find her own voice, as a writer and as a woman, rather than bow to the demands of others. Together, they help each other make difficult decisions, navigate changes and celebrate themselves as the goddesses they are.

This was my first Barbara O'Neal book, after loving the author's Barbara Samuel romances, and was instantly hooked. All the rich emotion is there, the heart-deep connection to the characters, and as for romance? Definitely making a strong showing. Though the emphasis is on the relationships among the women, each of them have their own heart journey to make. Will Trudy and her husband mend fences or break ties, a choice complicated by a man who embodies all of Trudy's dreams. Roberta looks back on a lifetime of love, while Jade finds a shot at a new romance where she least expects it, and what's that her new gentleman friend said about celibacy, when she's found her comfort zone in the physical? Shannelle wrestles with feelings for her husband and her need for him to understand who she truly is, a battle in which she is going to need the support and wisdom of the varied women who have walked this path before.

This book is a wonderful celebration of the friendships among women, the true power of embracing one's true self, and the wide variety of women's experience. Definitely a book to be read, reread, and shared with friends.
56258
This is a love story that will touch the heart of many. Not only were the life event of the hero so on point and common in today's society but his self doubt was a total turn on. Matt knew in his mind his past may be a problem of securing the woman he pined after for four years but that didn't stop hos sexual urges to please the hunger in her eyes. Gina was a fierce woman who knew what she wanted and had a heart big enough to take care of the world.

I was in awe of the book and it kept me engaged from beginning to end and wanting more of what is to come and hopefully a book two. I feel this is a HFN book and there should be MORE.... I thank the author for the referral because I was so not disappointed. Although I am a fan of another series in which she write. J.M. Madden is wonderful and she captivates you from beginning to end. Make you feel that you are the characters or know someone who has lived her stories. I give this book 4 1/2 hearts.
2867134
God has anointed her voice and her soul. I have never never met someone who exemplifies Christ the way she does.  You can hear her testimony in her voice. True lover of God.
1365137
This female character exemplifies honor, courage, kindness and honesty. It's a pleasure reading her journey despite all her hardships such as the betrayal of her father, the loss of her mother and the fact that she is barred from experiencing the beauty of kissing the man she loves, she greets the day. She moves on. This story is heart wrenching and you want so much for Maia to get her just desserts, at all costs. I rooted for her to rebel against her father and take him down.

Like many, including myself, she believes it's best to let the universe handle the wretched souls who cheat, lie and steal. She must concern herself with her success through personal achievement. Faith is good and honor always wins in the end. Karma. What's awesome is how Wheeler developed her, creating this young woman who despite her heartache remains pure of heart and honorable. It makes sense. If she chooses to harm, she is no better than her enemies. If she's to be Queen, her followers will remember her kindness and fairness. Leaders must lead by example.
3107012
Ms. Allende's passion, spirit & deep understanding of the human heart & soul come to life in her best novel yet. It was impossible to do anything else while I was reading her book, including going to a personal  appearance & book signing in my city. My testament to my favorite  author.
3602843
For those of us who treasure this wonderful woman and her unerring ability to touch lives in a positive way, this is a real treasure. A trule special look at a really powerful woman who shaped the world around her and never let go of her intrinsic and very noble principles. She has a very special place in my heart.
658455
I love this story by Leanne because it is true, faithful, honest, and beautifully written.  Leanne is a blessed woman who has put her heart and her family's heart on the line to share it with the world and we are so blessed to have it in printed form.
639902
Her continued prayers to Baby Jesus for an opportunity to go to America were answered years after she was abandoned at an orphanage in East Africa by her parents.  How did her heart survive as she endured a series of goodbyes, constant discipline and an attempt by some of the Sisters to weaken her self-esteem.  Thank goodness Nhambu, along with her inner friend, realized the value of her studies.  Her story woos you into how she managed to learn qualities, such as loyalty, independence, faith, open mindedness and generosity.  Her inner strength and commitment to personal growth and integrity would earn her the path she dreamed of all of her early life.  I will read this book again, in case I missed something the first time around.
3659346
In J Kahele's latest novel, she doesn't disappoint. What I enjoyed most about this novel is the heart that was put into developing the characters. Violet was wounded after witnessing her fiance(ex-fiance) Harrison cheating on her. It captures the true human emotion of how anyone would react to such a stress. Violet was hurt and and wallowed in her sorrow a bit, then she was tired of being the "nice girl" and rebelled a little bit. She was hesitant with sharing her heart again, and all of those emotions lead up to a strong story. Chain's character shows that people can change when first, they want to and second, with there's a good reason to. I highly recommend this novel to readers who are looking for a well developed romance. This novel will draw you in and make you want to see what happens next. FIVE STARS!!!