MaryAnn Koopmann's Reviews: Unleashing the Spirits (Volume 1) Review

MaryAnn Koopmann's Reviews: Unleashing the Spirits (Volume 1) Review: Unleashing the Spirits (Volume 1) by  Adrienna Turner  (Goodreads Author),  Dream 4 More Firm  (Editor), Laura Shinn  (Cover Designe...

MaryAnn Koopmann's Reviews: Unleashing the Spirits (Volume 2) Review

MaryAnn Koopmann's Reviews: Unleashing the Spirits (Volume 2) Review: Unleashing the Spirits (Volume 2) by  Adrienna Turner  (Goodreads Author),  Dream 4 More Firm  (Editor), Laura Shinn  (Cover Desi...

MaryAnn Koopmann's Reviews: Unleashing the Spirits (Volume 3) Review

MaryAnn Koopmann's Reviews: Unleashing the Spirits (Volume 3) Review: Unleashing the Spirits (Volume 3) by  Adrienna Turner  (Goodreads Author),  Dream 4 More Firm  (Editor), Laura Shinn  (Cover Design...

C Alease "The Fosters" Review

The Fosters by C. Alease

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


When I started reading "The Fosters," I wasn't sure what to expect. The story started in a facility called Haven Of Hope, which was an orphanage for unwanted kids--at least how they pictured it. Roberta was able to take the lettering of the facility, calling it "Have No Hope." Somehow regardless of their differences, a chosen few became like family. But with every good thing, separation happens, and learn to fend for themselves. Eventually Chrissy was placed in a home, leaving Till behind, and years later reunite in their college years.

Can twins really be apart? Beryl left the orphanage to a home without her sister, Cheryl. Although Beryl wrote her sister a letter of her happiness, Cheryl had a bitterness lingering in her heart and decided to end that pain in an unsettling manner.

Chrissy (Chris Collins) after two years of helping launch and making Till magazine become a success as they agreed, it was time for Chris to step out and pursue her dream as well. But had no idea what emotional roller-coaster would resurface to write such a book about the Facility.

Alfred had some things that he had to bury, and quite contrary, we see the transformation he had to make which best suited him. He also shares his story for the book that Chris Collins is writing and hopefully will share with the world. Unbelievably, Till and Alfred, had one thing in common. Even after the speculations, you will see how these two openly share their hidden secret when they were once in the Facility. Alfred, later Cleo, tells it all and sat there with my mouth agape.

Roberta, the one who held the "family" together while in the Facility, had a turn for the worse. Hopefully, she will find resolution.

I would highly recommend this for Young Adult to read, those who experienced separation or parting from families to new families, and even moves into college years (New Adult). Adults can see this as a learning tool, especially since I used to work as a Big Sister (Amachi program), mentor/tutor for disadvantage children, and also as a Youth Development Specialist with at-risk youth.

Dream 4 More Reviews has received "The Fosters" (eBook Kindle version) by the author for a book review.

Dream 4 More Reviews,
Sweet Dreams!
Adrienna Turner
www.dream4more.org




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Dream4More Reviews on Dream4More Radio on BTR

Join us on Dream4More Radio: www.blogtalkradio.com/dream4moreradio

Details about the radio at www.dream4more.org

We will come on August 24, Saturday, 5:30 PM Central Time.

We hope to have two ladies to join us: C Alease and Ayani Meli (which we've also reviewed their books).

God Says...I've Changed your DNA by Ayani_Meli Review

God Says I've Changed Your DNA: Walk as Children of the Light by Ayani _Meli

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book in the "God Says" series written by Ayani Meli shares on the adoption process in a child's eye. This was dear to me, how the author also shared her experiences with the adoption process in a children book for the world to know. There is an unknown fear, hoping that the worse doesn't happen because of other adoption cases that didn't turn out so well. Jakhayri luckily has his close friend June to share this grand process with, while waiting for the adoption process to be completed.

It is a heart-felt, touchy aspect on adoption but more importantly on DNA from a natural and spiritual perspective. One mother may have given birth to this precious child, yet another one takes him in their home to raise him as their very own. He also learns about the spiritual DNA=adopted as joint heirs with Jesus Christ and how he changes our DNA. Term used that is "Divine Nature & Anointing"! He also received a "new" name like we receive a "new" name in Christ.

Additionally, this is based on the biblical passage: Ephesians 5. Therefore, I would highly recommend this for your children who have special needs, or uniquely made, and Christian parents to read to their children. This is the second book in the God Says series by Ayani Meli.

Dream 4 More Reviews has received "God Says...I've Changed your D.N.A." by the author for a book review.

Dream 4 More Reviews,
Wooed Me Dream!
Adrienna Turner
www.dream4more.org




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God says the Struggle is Over by Ayani_Meli Review

God Says the Struggle Is Over by Ayani Meli

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I am still a "child" at heart and love children books. I also used to be a caregiver for small children, as well as private school teacher for PreK to Kindergarten. So I was glad to receive a copy of the God Says series by Ayani Meli, which is written with a purpose about children with special needs but doesn't limit them or change their identity of who God sees and says them to be!

Jakhayri (Juh-ki-ree) starts his first day at Kindergarten and already prepared to face the harsh remarks by his peers until he meets June, who was noted as "needy" due to her special need that made her seem incapable. But their parents had faith in their abilities to be placed in a regular classroom and not to be labeled as such because of their disabilities. What I loved most about the children's book (memorable moment): is that we cannot do it alone and have to work collectively such as team work to make the plan work!

Most children books have a moral of the story and this book surely has it! It is also packed with godly wisdom that you can clearly see and use in your own life as well. I will have this book on the shelf for my niece and nephew to read or read to them too!

At the end, I found myself singing, "This little light of mines. I'm gonna let it shine!"

Additionally, this is based on the biblical passage: Ephesians 5. Therefore, I would highly recommend this for your children who have special needs, or uniquely made, and Christian parents to read to their children (or allow them to read on their own).

Dream 4 More Reviews has received "God Says the Struggle is Over" by the author for a book review.

Dream 4 More Reviews,
Wooed Me Dream!
Adrienna Turner
www.dream4more.org




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Audio Recording: 'DYRP123 - Pressured to Work' From 'DYRP Midnight Hour'

Audio Recording: 'DYRP123 - Pressured to Work' From 'DYRP Midnight Hour'

Phyllis Hyman - Somewhere in My Lifetime

North Mystic by M J Evans

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The opening of the book starts off about a wealthy parent, Mrs. Callahan seeking a new sitter, but oddly doesn't have to interact with the kids. The new sitter has state-of-the-art technology to monitor with video footage and speak to the children on a microphone. Reading this bothered me dearly since I used to be a caregiver, no interaction, touch, but only directing and seeing children on technological equipment and expecting them to behave practically on their own.

A chapter later, the adventure begins...what's behind the door to explore. This takes me back to when I first read C.S. Lewis' children novel "Chronicles of Narnia." Although the adventure starts with precious jewels, gold, and meeting Leprechauns and hearing about the horrid stories of the trolls who kept requiring their gold even though the Vikings are no more, this former teacher (M.J. Evans) finds a way to not only make this novel adventurous but a tool for showcasing historical events around 1062AD where the Vikings were destroyed by the King of England. It also teaches independence, to fight for what you believe in and hold so dearly, and strategically as well as collectively unite as a unit to win the battle that lies ahead. Each person uses their talents, intellect, or former learning skills to stand against their worst enemy with speaking up for their rights or simply will have to physically fight. This adventure finds a way for young people to see and utilize their talents collectively and freely to do what is right for the common good.

Dream 4 More Reviews has received North Mystic by the author for a book review.

Dream 4 More Reviews,
What a Dream!
Adrienna Turner
www.dream4more.org



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Seasons of Purdah by Anjuelle Floyd Review

Anjuelle Floyd sophomore novel, Seasons of Purdah, Floyd embraces love, friendship, and relationships in a triangular scope. Sahel has deeply cared or loved her two male best friends: Titus and Carl; however, she married Titus. Once she loses her sight, she has past memories that alarms her heart and wishes she'd picked the one she loved, not who her mother felt was best for her. A stranger, James, raises the heat because of the conviction of his health condition versus Sahel reminds him of his past lover that didn't choose him. It's like reverse psychology at its best in relationships.

The readers sees the depth of the relationship between the two best friends and did she choose the wrong one but as James suddenly comes into her life, she sees how it happened in reverse and he's left holding the hurt and pain from a major decision not based on love.

If you love romance and psychological aspects coming into play, then you will enjoy this read. Relational readers that can see the connection, the binding forces and factors that untangle, then you will be inspired and heart transpires the most important aspect in relationships--love. Moreover, if you believe in DREAMS and able to see each other realities through each other eyes, then this will be a sweet dream journey read for you.

My only issue with the novel was the redundancy with the dream about the Kingdom of Purdah, Sahel's blindness in relation to her love for Titus, and a few other incidents reiterated throughout the novel from beginning to end.

Dream 4 More Reviews has received Seasons of Purdah  by the author for a book review.

Dream 4 More Reviews,

What a Dream but Sweet! (3.5)

Adrienna Turner

www.dream4more.org

"Mists of Darkness" by M.J. Evans' Review

Mists of Darkness: Book Two of the Mist Trilogy by M.J. Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had the pleasure of reading the first book of the Mist Trilogy and now reading the next installment of the three book series. Once again, the author writes a sensational book with a fairytale twist of good and evil with a mixture of horses, unicorns, fairies, and mystical beings in Celestria. Now the darkness takes a toil in Churchill Downs race track in Kentucky, where in the dark mist several horses disappeared without a trace. The suspense draws the reader in and wonders how the dark leader, Hasbadana, cunning demeanor will cause chaos and havoc in the land of Celestria now on earth.

Moreover, there were valuable lessons shared on love, redemption, and even forgiveness where one can turn from their evil ways. Yet sometimes it will take time before they can become trustworthy.

This book touched me on so many levels, mostly morally and spiritually. The unicorns mission is to fulfill their assignment on earth, just like as humans we are called to do. Once the transformation has been completed, we'll receive new names and even new positions like Lazari (once named Jazz) to help others develop and transform into who they are called to be. I would highly recommend this book for 12-17 year olds. Adults with childlike spirits are also welcome to read this literature.

Dream 4 More Reviews has received Mists of Darkness by the author for a book review.

Dream 4 More Reviews,
Wooed Me Dream
Adrienna Turner
www.dream4more.webs.com


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Dream 4 More Reviews and Adrienna Reads

Since December 23, 2012, on Sunday at 5 PM Central Time, Adrienna Turner shares reviews and reads on Dream 4 More Radio. Catch it every 4th Sunday, monthly unless otherwise noted to hear the latest books read, reviews, and book club reads. Announcements and more coming in 2013.

LinkedIn Connection Tonight

Adrienna Turner will be on tonight a talkshoe program about the things I do, ministry radio and book reviews for example. Welcomed to join us at 724-444-7444 code:19503# pin1# at 8 PM EST/7 pm Central Time. Archives will be available on talkshoe.com/tc/19503

Audio Recording: 'DYRP99 - Wife 101' From 'DYRP Midnight Hour'

Audio Recording: 'DYRP99 - Wife 101' From 'DYRP Midnight Hour'

Dream 4 More Reviews update

We have updated our review process, please check out our site at Dream4More w/ Adrienna Turner for 2013 reading.

How to Quench a Thirst Born in the Wilderness by Ophelia Brown (Review)

How to Quench a Thirst Born in the Wilderness by Ophelia Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Once I saw the title of the book, I was intrigued to read it to quench my curiosity. As soon as I opened the pages, I could feel the compassion that the author felt for young women who are in uncommitted and unhealthy relationships in the first section of the poetry book (Encounters). Ophelia Brown may be sharing her own past experiences of heartache, not receiving the love she longed for in her past relationships, and heartbroken overall. Many young girls can relate and have been either naive or vulnerable to the meaning of love. I see this book for 18+ mature young women.

This is one of the first poetry books where I was captivated and sympathized with every word that I read of a hurting woman especially seeking for love in all the wrong places. These poetic words sung deeply in my soul (mind and emotions); which made it harder to chose my favorite ones. Finally, I concluded that in the section entitled Celebrate Myself had motivating and encouraging poems to continue to celebrate your feminist side or uniqueness. There were life-altering and life-changing with affirmation poems in which I loved the most: Requiem (p. 148), Midnight Walk (p. 31), and Once Tangled Wings (p. 131). The most compassionate and sensual, somewhat erotic ones were found in Colorful Nights. Overall, the shorter poems touched my mind and heart the most that were enriched with passion, sweetness, and bit of bitterness from past hurts or emotional pains which humankind is able to get a grasp of their own existence. Lastly, some of the selected poems (to my likings) in the section called Creator and Created were geometrically, mathematically interweaves God with His creation so symmetrically how it all aligns to His magnificent being.

Dream 4 More Reviews has received "How to Quench a Thirst Born in the Wilderness" by the author for a book review.

Dream 4 More Reviews,
Sweet Dreams
Adrienna Turner
www.dream4more.webs.com


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Thomas Jefferson Pimped by Mc Ill Lee Jest Review

Thomas Jefferson Pimped: Vodun Strikes Back by Mc Ill Lee Jest
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Thomas Jefferson Pimped has three books in one which all refer to the curse of Ham. Book 1 has ghostly transitions taking place in the Alley, mystical place where superstition and ancestors connect to the young painter’s mind. Moreover, the Oracle allows him to see each person’s souls. Gamma Emma argues how Caucasians have replaced the Black Jesus who was crucified on the fake white copy one for their own selfish greed, where it justified their cruelty done to African slaves while explaining it to the young painter—main character of every book, Juda Stash. These slave owners trusted and used the Bible for their greedy ill-gotten gains, blasphemous accounts to enslave African men and women from their lands by justifying this as their inheritance. This is the first explanation I’ve ever read for the past accounts of our predecessors. Book 2 gives a broader visualization of what’s going on for the main character but as shown in the first book, overload of dialogue with historical, theological facts based on Egyptian, Hebraic, Judaism, and other religious beliefs. There are also mythologies to give the reader a spiritual awakening as well as political, which acclaims the Bible stole concepts from Black Egyptians spiritual texts. I wondered if there is a separation among the Egyptian race: White versus Black Egyptians. Book 3 focused on Juda leaving the Ville in St. Louis to attending St. Katharine Drexel College in New Orleans and then the Air Force while facing racial slurs and incidents that he had to undergo; including a connection to the traces of Ham’s curse that still ties into slavery in the 21st century. In this book was less dialogue with historical-theological concepts and was drawn out into narration of which also connected to the synopsis or blurb on the back of the book. Finally, the title about Thomas Jefferson pimped his own slave children to do his bidding and gain wealth on his plantation, as well as being part of the Declaration of Independence but later Andrew Jackson took on some of his concepts in his reign as a presidential candidate. Moreover, this book argues the Bible is the formula for sacred loathing and where Scribes like Ezra was the master magician of deception (including others) to condemn Blacks to a lifetime of manic depressions and walking death in relation to the unworthy sons of Ham, the Black race, and the cursed (p. 152).

The books were well-written, hardly any typographical issues in 421 pages, but strongly believe it needed developmental editing with transitions. As a writer/author, reader, and reviewer, I prefer to see the book split into two separate books instead of combination of three books in one. One book should have all the historical, theological, mythologies insight in an orderly manner for African history (or Africology classes in college), Egyptian mythology, and other religion courses or readers with another title, or can use this catchy title but with more correlation to Thomas Jefferson using slaves for his ill-gotten gains. The other book will only focus on the storyline with minimal mythologies and historical-theologian concepts but stick to the mystical and Vodun mysteries with the characters like Juda, Gamma Emma, etc. with the title (subtitle of book already): Vodun Strikes Back. Additionally, the author can focus on the evil spirits that feeds on Black blood, where the curse pays homage to the demon in the slave trade. Some good examples of past books I’ve reviewed are One Blood by Qwantu Amaru, Antebellum by R. Kayeen Thomas, Kindred by Octavia Butler, and Resurrection of Nat Turner by Sharon Ewell Foster. These books were able to show current day, or combination of history, slavery, and street literature without jamming too much narration or dialogue telling the reader of historical-theological concepts.

The sexual scenes introduced in the book doesn’t have much substance and at times wondered how it came about, which each characters has enormous private body parts which doesn’t seem rational to me. Yet, this is all taking place in the superego of Juda. There were passages I questioned if it was factual or fiction in relation to the Egyptian, Hebraic, Jewish, and Muslim-related content. However, it was captivating and intriguing of which I underlined and questioned as a whole. The author definitely challenged my intellect on historical versus theological events taking place throughout past and present. It also reminds the reader of political gain and power of White predecessors banking their wealth on the backs of slaves’ and why some West Africans were connected in the Slave Trade among the Spanish and English captors.

The author provided a complimentary copy for a book review.

Dream 4 More Reviewer,
Adrienna Turner
Dream Rating: Okay Dream.

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Redeem Yourself by Jerome Livingston Jr. (Review)

Redeem Yourself to Thy Own Self be True by Jerome Livingston Jr.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Title of book: Redeem Yourself: To Thy Own Self be True
Author’s name: Jerome Livingston
Publisher: PJ Communication
Release date (or anticipated release): June 13, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-9849455-0-4
Specs: paperback, 201
Website (optional): thestrongwillsurvive.com
Category: Nonfiction
Review Summary:
Jerome Livingston Jr. introduces the reader to the social and economic issues such as President Obama inherited the fall of America and how educational institutions are also failing our children. Moreover, our current president is expected to deliver us from such a failed nation. Livingston tackles on economic alternatives and practical reasons to meet the destructive behaviors that led many to the new slavery—prisons in America with cheap labor to increase the economy; new plantation.

This book is powerful, whether it seems factual or opinionated, and voices his views on the prison system boldly and confidently without any restrictions.

Dream Moment(s): “…realize the power behind every single choice; you begin to think more long term about your decisions (p. 13).” There are valuable lessons given in order to change negative behaviors such as stop blaming people and believing someone views about you which can change one’s perception on life. We need to be prepared to face what we dish out based on our choices. He also shared his life turmoil briefly on drugs/alcohol addictions and working on getting his life back on track—no more excuses. He shares his faith in God that all things are possible with Him and truths on building character as well as learn from your mistakes to become a better person.

Nightmare(s): I would suggest a proofreader since there were typographical and minor grammatical issues. Sometimes the flow of the book tends to jump around but able to jump back to where I left off.

Dream 4 More: This is a self-help book with life examples with wealth of insight and reminders that will keep us encouraged, uplifting key points, and raw truths. “Use that same hustler’s spirit to elevate your game legitimately (p. 19).” Jerome Livingston Jr. has self-improving points on social issues, education, politics, poverty, employment, success, and domestic violence to name a few. He even touches on the cycle of abuse among Black families—breaking the generational curse cycles.

Dream 4 More Reviews has received Redeem Yourself by the author for a book review.

Dream 4 More Reviews,
What a Dream! (3.5)
Adrienna Turner
www.dream4more.webs.com

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DDBS by Tremayne Moore REVIEW

Deaf, Dumb, Blind & Stupid: Michael Anderson's Fight For Life by Tremayne Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Title of book: Deaf, Dumb, Blind & Stupid (Michael Anderson’s Fight For Life)
Author’s name: Tremayne Moore
Publisher: Maynetre Manuscripts, LLC
Release date (or anticipated release): May 1, 2012
ISBN: 0-985-44634-X
ASIN (if applicable):
Ebook ISBN: 0-985-44635-8
Specs (optional, eg. 6x9 paperback, mass market, 240 pages): 6x9 Paperback, 112 Pages
Website (optional): www.maynetre.com
Category: Fiction based on a true story
Review Summary:
Tremayne Moore wrote a novel based on a true story. This is the first time I ever read a book that started at a funeral where Brother Freeman highlights the main points from the journal of Michael Anderson—the abuse head on for all to know and feel what this young man suffered and experienced. Overall, there were so many valuable lessons shared in this novel and highly recommended to young adults of both genders and adults who experienced any type of abuse.

Dream Moment(s): “…failed to understand was that she sinned and is forgiven by God (page 60).” Michelle was a pregnant teen, and needed wisdom and valuable lessons from the church women instead of the slander, gossip, and bad-mouthing this young female. Moreover, usually in the church, we say casually, “hate the SIN, not the sinner.” Some would use the word hate/love in the place of this phrase: “hate the sin but love the sinner.” How can we do this when we criticize and judge instead of encourage and edify? I loved this phrase mentioned in the book as a wake-up call hopefully for judgmental Christians.

Dream 4 More: Michael met two special ladies in his youth: Michelle and Janice. He liked them both but neither seemed to like him more than just a friend. Michelle could relate to his sexual abuse only because she was also fondled by her mother’s boyfriend; however, Janice was unable to relate to his sensitive side due to the abuse and even allowed others to make fun of him by sharing his past experiences. Therefore, we have to be careful who we share our secrets with, even with the people you care about.

Dream 4 More Reviews has received DDBS by the author for a book review.

Dream 4 More Reviews,
Sweet Dreams
Adrienna Turner
www.dream4more.webs.com


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