Title: Searching for Ever Land
Author: Karen Sloan-Brown
Publisher: Brown Reflections
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Searching for Ever Land" by Karen Sloan-Brown

My Thoughts.....

Now this was one of those reads that will definitely keep your attention. Keeping up with Portia Roberts who 'struggle to recover from a tragedy that cause separation from her husband.' I found this read quite a interesting one as this author lets the reader see deep into Portia's life. In doing so we are able to see deep into her mind as she seeks release using a drug called propofol, Now this is quite a story of how Portia hears about this drug...from the death of 'Michael Jackson.' Was this what he had used that ending his life? Well, it seems that after the death of her son Nickolas and with her husband leaving her she had a horrible time sleeping and after hearing about propofol Portia was left wondering about its experience she would having in taking it. This story will get real deep presenting the reader with what all Portia did in order to get this drug. Would you believe she even left her investment job for a job working in a hospital in order to meet the right doctor who could possible get this drug for her? Well, we get quite a story of how Portia meet up with Keith, David and George. From those three characters we get quite a intriguing story. Take my word each one had their own story to tell. Will Portia be able to get this drug and if she does what affect will all of this have that will affect on her life [with her daughter, husband and even her sister]. Will a therapist be able to understand what in the world is going on with Portia? Well, I don't want to tell too much more other than saying as the story goes on as her husband will reenter back into the picture after two and a half years that will present some other tensions into this messy story that leads to a divorce. I found all of the characters well developed, portrayed and very believable giving the reader one interesting page turner of a read.

The author did a wonderful job in presenting this story to the reader. I was able to learn quite a bit about the drug 'propofol' through this read.

Being able to zoom out of your mind and see past images, present, future and to have sweet dreams but I know again this is quite a dangerous thing to do. What one will go through to seek relieve in ones life but in the end will they have the happiness and the release they need? Will this be enough for Portia as the read will show what she will do in the end? Even though Portia thought this would be her last time using this drug if it wasn't for that nosy neighbor....well you will just have to pick this one up to see for yourself as Portia "Searches for Ever Land." will she finally get that HEA? I did feel that the ending was rather rushed but interesting where the reader will get one 'dramatic, sexy, funny story that is full of surprises that will keep your attention.

I wanted to add that the book cover is simply beautiful and Thank You to the author for the gift of "Searching for Ever Land" for me giving my honest opinion of the read.

Title: Always a Bridesmaid
Author: Karen Sloan-Brown
Publisher: Brown Reflections
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Always a Bridesmaid" by Karen Sloan-Brown

My Thoughts....

This young lady Tia Annette King had several goals in her mind but will she be able to get that 'total package' that she so dearly wanted. Being a educated woman with a Ph. D. from Tennessee State University, surely getting a job wouldn't be a problem for her...or would it? Also after being a bridesmaid so often in her girlfriends weddings, surely she would find 'the man of her dreams.' Or was that to be for Dr. Tia King? Truly having boy friends had never seemed to be a problem for Tia even though she was a little on the heavy side, but it seemed like it never got passed that step [boyfriend] for her. Now, why was this? Let see...it has been truly a journey for Tia with all of the boyfriends she had in her lifetime and she was in her thirty's and definitely wanted more out of life. Let's travel through a few of Ms. Tia's guy friends...now their was Wayne, Tim [her first serious boyfriend], Charles, Reggie, Tony, Curtis, Gary, Jason [just friend], Stephen, Kevin, Earnest, [Randy, Earl, Darnell...from online] and finally Michael [I hope I didn't leave anyone out]! Now, I can only say you will have to read this well written story to see for yourself just how particular Tia was in finally landing someone who 'was tall,dark, handsome, employed, educated, trustworthy, dependable, and sexually attracted to her.' I definitely have to mention that Tia had several girlfriends that were wonderful [Yvonne, Denise] however, one friend that truly stood out [Jazz] who was their with her along this long tedious journey of being their for her in the midst of it all. I would say I only wished for such a person in my life [a true friend]. That may not make a whole lot of sense but it does to me and I am sure the reader will see this thought pattern also as you read through from this wonderful novel. It was quite interesting as this author brings it all out to just why Tia's relationships had never lasted. I will close now and only say Wow...what a read! You will have to keep up because this author gives the reader a lot to absorb...from a ailing mother to a daughter finally 'listening to her Pastor..."Let the man find you, and don't go chasing every Tim, James and Larry." So, will Dr. Tia Annette King finally get her HEA? You will just have to pick up the read to see for yourself!

Thank you to the author for the gift of the novel for me giving my honest opinion of "Always a Bridesmaid."