Camille Alexander and the Golden Period Violin is a first book in the novella series. The pace moves rather quickly, minimal conflict between the characters, and issues resolved without any substantial verbal altercations or physical contact, which for some readers can seem a bit odd based on the circumstances. Yet the storytelling reminds me of a Disney special where Cami received a prized-possession from her parents while they were on a business vacation. Unfortunately, her parents return flight ended in a plane crash and Cami only had this golden period violin as an inheritance from them. Therefore, Cami cherished this 1713 Strad violin and she remarkably flourished greatly as a skilled or talented violinist that desired to pursue her dream-goal by attending one of the most prestigious schools with great hopes of obtaining a full scholarship to Ken-Khort in New York. She fosters a not-so-healthy relationship with Jackson but there is a Boaz in the making that clearly wants to protect her and sell everything to be with her, and this Boaz is a close-friend and teacher, Jim.

Although I felt the story and romance moved quite abruptly and rapidly, I also noticed the dialogue primarily tells the story and story movement relying on a narrative voice instead of the story flowing naturally by building the scenes/chapters or showing instead of telling through character development.

However, the strengths of the story was the confidence that prevailed the years of violin training and experience Cami developed over time, and boldly believing in her dream and talent regardless of the critics. The love interest was expected, which the story ended on a positive note. I love to see people pursue their dreams and overcoming their fears or obstacles. The main character also was advised to focus on her talent, not her prized-possession—the violin. Her skill didn’t rely on having her possession but believing in herself and that she could play regardless of who the violin belonged to.

The story did leave me with a thought-provoking question: Are there still problems for interracial couples in the South (Mississippi)? I guess I will have to find out in book 2 of the novella series.

I received a complimentary eBook copy from the author for an honest review.

Dream 4 More Reviewer,
Adrienna Turner
Sweet Dreams

MTMS1_Tormented Dreams

Pre-orders on Amazon.

Throughout this series of apocalyptic novels, there will be references to things you know to be true, and extrapolations to things that are likely to occur. This first book of the Miss the Mark Series places, in a fictional setting, things that do occur in the lives of people who follow Christ, along with miracles and gifts from God. We are never perfect, but we know the One who guides our lives.

Terror Stalks an Angel starts off rather strong, intense, and wondering if Wilson and young girl will survive after bullets are whizzing and ricocheting nearby. The story pulled the chords of my heart strings, seeing unconditional love being displayed and how Wilson opened his home to a precious young child not to experience any more abuse. But instead getting more than she could imagine and expect whereas a young girl's dreams comes true by receiving everything she asked for.

Wilson seems like a dream come true, who opens his home to those who have been abandoned, abused, homeless, and hopeless; including the right connections (people from social services, police chief, etc.) to do what is righteous among those he can help in need. He genuinely loves people and cares about their welfare. Is this man real? Does a Mr. Wilson walk among us?

It is an easy, quick e-short read that a person can complete in one sitting...do not want to put it down due to the suspenseful adventure taking place before your very eyes while reading. I anticipate more to come in the series as stated on the last page. Let the adventures begin.

Adrienna Turner
Dream4More Reviewer
Wooed Me Dream

Dream4More Review: Anjuelle Floyd "When Drum Major Died"

When the Drum Major Died by Anjuelle Floyd

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Florina was previously and secretly married to a Vietnam soldier who died on the battlefield in 1966. She then remarried Redmond, a black surgeon, whom her parents approved of this union. However, it greatly bothered Florina for not telling anyone except her first husband's mother Melinda and unsure to share this previous marriage with her current husband Redmond. She meets an eccentric woman named Agnes once moving to Redmond's grandparents’ home. Shortly later, as the reader, I was able to see secrets between the married couple where they both had previous engagements such as Florina married to Ennis and Redmond dated Agnes. Yet I am waiting to see how the couple will either boldly tell one another about their past or previous relationships openly or keep each other guessing.

The only setback that I had with this novel (and previous work I've read by this author) is the redundancy of an important incident or episode of the character's inward secret kept being stated or re-said throughout the book. However Anjuelle Floyd taps into the inflection of the main character, intricately shares the psychological transitions of the character, and dysfunctional aspects of relationships when facing racism, prejudices, skin color complexities or inferior complexes, and other injustices.

Floyd also gently touched on the importance of education, its values and goals as a surgeon during the Civil Rights movement, and benefits of being the only Black surgeon in a small town of Poinsetta. Moreover, Redmond being a prominent figure in his community and well-educated didn’t have to marry someone of the same or similar status as others would expect like Agnes. Is education the ticket to a better life? The questions that kept being addressed or aforementioned in the novel, I was also waiting for the answer or some closure such as the significance of Redmond’s response to being with Agnes. Yet Agnes defined her meaning of the “love she had for him” and belief of “how he viewed her in reference to love” but was it enough for his wife, Florina.

Moreover, the novel itself took quite some time for me to complete and didn’t pick up for me until about 40% in the eBook version. But when it did, I couldn’t stop reading and desperately wanted questions unanswered to be answered. Although it had it slow pits because of character development and understanding the delicacy of the relationships between the characters, there were some valuable lessons taken from this read such as religious concepts, race during this era, Civil Rights Movement, and establishing relationships between married couples as well as others who play a part in making this union a success. How people married so quickly and loved so easily back then...I love a novel with historical aspects as well as relational bonds that can last a lifetime.

Love this line in the novel: “If only we could let go of each other and allow those whom we love be who they are, and we all become the people God wants u to be.”

Adrienna Turner
Dream4More Reviewer
www.dream4more.org
Sweet Dreams/Wooed Me Dream, 4.5 stars
Reviewed Kindle Version.



View all my reviews

Dream4More Review: I just came to dance by Susan Malone

I Just Came Here to Dance is literary fiction. The synopsis is what caught my interest. For me, the prologue read more like a first chapter. But as I read the first few chapters, there was very little that kept my attention. Paula Anne Fairbanks is married to Martin aka Marty, who no longer has no interest in and keeps fantasizing about that kiss with Taylor Jo who seems to be no-good-man. She has a young ten year old son named after her husband: Martin Douglass. Finally things come to a fold when she catches her husband in the adultery act, and moves in with Diana, known as the Sociable witch. But it seems to be rumors of the town since I didn't read anything that indicated she was such (a witch). And also, Mrs. Paula Anne is not so innocent herself.

Oddly I didn't really like this read in the beginning but some parts made me wonder how it will end. It picked up about midway. However, I did like Mama character (Paula Anne's mother). She was relatable to me. Overall, I am glad that things worked out for Paula Anne in the end.

Dream 4 More Reviews has received "I Just Came Here to Dance" by the author for a book review.

Dream 4 More Reviews,
Okay Dream
Adrienna Turner
www.dream4more.org

Pieces of Me by Tremayne Moore Review

Pieces of Me: Finding Heather Jones by Tremayne Moore

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


"Pieces of Me" is a story about Heather Jones who is facing various types of abuse that may be overlooked. Tremayne Moore clearly shares her story about sexual abuse in the home of her parents caused by her father, and learned she could get out of the household if she got pregnant. Therefore, she did just that and hoped life would be better by moving in a neighborhood friend, Marvin, whom she's know since third grade. Her life still went down a rocky-road after the birth of her son, Jaden.

I also liked how the Mr. Moore touched on male domination and women subordination, which is actually taught by the leader, the Bishop of that church home where the couple attends. Moreover, Heather was in a roller-coaster of a relationship with a fiancé like Marvin, who always made her feel guilty, condemned for a sin since everything she did was wrong in his eyes.

There were some minor issues in the storytelling that I brought to the author's attention. Yet it didn't distract me and still was able to get the gist of it. I believe Mr. Moore's had good intentions to share what goes on in the mindset of someone being abused overall and executed some of those tales rather well; but Heather tells the story to a women's conference as if she's have a conversation with someone as scenes linger.

Most of all, I loved how he challenges the reader at the end with discussion questions in reference to domestic violence and abuse in general. He also includes valuable resources for domestic abuse/violence. Tremayne Moore is a man who writes about things that needs public attention. He is a man with a voice and hopes to get justice for the unjust. Overall, his voice was heard once again in this piece, and able to see the pieces of Heather Jones from her viewpoint; which can be a voice for many voices that are not heard. 

Dream 4 More Reviews has received "Pieces of Me: Finding Heather Jones" by the author for a book review.

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




View all my reviews