Showing posts with label Brian W. Smith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brian W. Smith. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Mailbox Monday and It's Monday What Are You Reading - November 15, 2011

~Mailbox Monday~
Hosted this month by

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks and audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists!




If These Trees Could Talk by Brian W. Smith.

Brian W. Smith is one of my favorite authors and I couldn't wait to get this one! He is coming to Lansing on December 10!

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We discuss the books that we've read and what we're planning to read for the week.
Book Reviews/Posts Last Week:

NONE

Currently Reading:




I Am Going Where I Belong by Hans Lindor
I read this book once, but I am reading it again.  It was an awesome book.
Aggie's Nine Heros by Diana Laurence

I bought.


Read and Need to Review:
Up Next to Read:





© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission

Friday, August 12, 2011

Brian W. Smith "King of Drama" Book Tour - posted August 10, 2011




I am shocked!!  One of my favorite authors, Brian W. Smith, just posted on Facebook that he is going on tour!

So far the cities are: Dallas, TX; Jackson, MS; New Orleans, LA; Baton Rouge, LA; Memphis, TN; and Lansing, MI.   :lol:

He only has 6 slots left!  If you want him to come through your city on the "King of Drama" book tour to celebrate the double book release "Larry's Got a Secret Too" and "If These Trees Could Talk"...SPEAK UP NOW!  Visit him on his Facebook page and let him know.

I can't wait to get those two books!  I've read many of his books!  Just do a search and you can find my reviews!



2011 - Cheryl Francis of Black Diamond's Book Reviews

Monday, June 27, 2011

Book Review - Differences: Sibling Rivalry is Bad... But it's Worse When There's Money Involved by Brian W. Smith

Differences by Brian W. Smith
Source: Purchased from Hollygrove Publishing
Paperback, 224 pages
Published June 6th 2011 by Hollygrove Publishing

About the Book

A wealthy man dies and leaves his dysfunctional kids $100,000 each. But in order to get their inheritance, they have to team up and go on a scavenger hunt to find the money. They have forty-eight hours to find the money or it will be donated to charity. Can these six malcontents deal with their differences long enough to find the money?

About the Author


Brian W. Smith is president of Hollygrove Publishing, Inc. He is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and currently lives in the Dallas, Texas, area with his wife and two sons. His educational background consists of two Bachelor of Science degrees in business administration and criminal justice and an MBA from the University of Dallas.

Read my Interview:          Smith, Brian W.  2/6/11

My Review
I pre-ordered Differences back at the beginning of the year and couldn't wait to read it!  When I came, I had to stop everything and read it!

It's a tough situation when a parent dies.  The children each think that they should be entitled to certain things, but then they listen to the reading of the will to find out what the verdict really is.  The children in this book have a big surprise when their father's will is read.  They each get a certain portion of money, but there is a string attached.  They have to go on a scavenger hunt to find the money, and time is ticking!

I thoroughly enjoyed the situations brought up in the hunt for the money.  Secrets were revealed, and Beulah's was something I never expected at all.  I liked how the children were forced to work together.  Their father gave them more in the end than any money could have bought them.  Did they find the clues in time?  I will never tell because you NEED to read this book!

Of course, this just wouldn't be a Brian W. Smith book without humor added in.  Here is an example of what I mean:  "She looked more disinterested than a gay man getting a lap dance from a female stripper."  p.8    Brian W. Smith always writes about deep issues, but he has a way of incorporating humor into the story to keep you smiling!

Brian W. Smith never fails to bring readers something new with each book.  You can always bet that he is going to keep you entertained, but teach you something at the same time.  Just when you think you have a favorite Brian W. Smith book, he comes out with a new one that tops it!   This is a must-read for book clubs.  If I was in a book club, this would definitely be one that I would recommend for a good discussion.  No matter what type of book you like to read, I recommend that you purchase this book and read it.  If you haven't read anything by Brian W. Smith (is that even possible?), then I guarantee after you read this book you will want to read more of his work!

My Rating

5/5 Diamonds - Perfect!  Highly Recommend!


Where can you buy it?

I would recommend:

If you click on that link, you will be able to see and purchase all of the other great Brian W. Smith titles.  I've read several of his books.  Here are links to my reviews (they are all 5/5 diamond books):


Disclaimer:  My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist. They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book ReviewsUrban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.





Sunday, June 12, 2011

Mailbox Monday and It's Monday, What Are You Reading


~Mailbox Monday~
Hosted this month by

We share what books that we found in our mailboxes last week.

Here is what I got
It's Simple
It's Simple by Michelle Richardson

The general consensus is that relationships are easy to start but challenging to maintain. Although we may not think so, our choices ultimately determine the types of relationships we have. It's truly funny how after we've contributed to the chaotic state of the relationship, we hire therapists to fix us, to tell us it's not our fault when it typically is. The truth? Therapists don't fix us; they provide tools that guide us. Ultimately, we find the solutions ourselves and, for the most part, we really need to forget what we've heard. Relationships can be complicated, littered with challenges and that preventable thing called drama. Just ask Tia and Chase. 

They met as teenagers. Upon graduation from college, things got complicated. Chase was drafted to the Los Angeles Lakers; Tia was offered a position in the Obama administration. Despite the geographical distance, Tia and Chase stayed together. 

But how easy is it to make love last? It's simple--if we can be honest, forgiving, and patient with each other. Here's a unique look at a progressive couple and how their choices impact their journey; providing a truthful and sometimes painful look at real life scenarios and how two fiercely driven and stubborn lovers choose to handle them. Experience life from a different perspective

Sent to me by the author for Review

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I Want To Know My Future
I Want To Know My Future by Linda Dipman

What Happens when God fights for you!

What do you do when your family, friends and church turn against you?   What happens when everything you were taught by your church and family about God is suddenly turned upside down and has to change in order for you to survive? This is a true life story! Every chapter keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next! “I want to know my Future?” Elizabeth pleaded as she was thrown in jail, denied justice and deprived of her children by an unjust Judge. She was attacked by members of her own church. Her life became a living hell and her only hope of reprieve came from the supernatural intervention of the Almighty God. “My Ways are not human ways. Trust in Me, God has Spoken!” Elizabeth studied the words that were at the end of every written message. She read her Bible and sought scriptures to understand what it all meant. She prayed and within the chaos of her life she found an unbreakable faith in God. She held the hand of God and He took her life and preformed miracles. He gave her supernatural strength, confidence and a determination to stand up to everyone who rose up to fight against her.

Sent to me by the author for review

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Baby, Put That Gun Down
Baby, Put That Gun Down by Leander Jackie Grogan

Put That Gun Down introduces the greatest legal mind to ever come out of the know-all, show-all state of Missouri. He's been shot, cut and scaled with hot grits, and is tired of getting beat up by women. If producing his own iconic version of Joe Millionaire will free him from the grips of the the double-dealing, gun-running, pot-peddling, throat-slashing Honey Ho motorcycle gang, then lights, camera, action ... let the show begin. Baby, Put That Gun Down is a wacky, quick-humored roller coaster ride over the Georgia Pines, through the Louisiana Cajun-infested swamps, and into the awaiting arms of ill-tempered female gang members who might mow you down with an AK-47 or even worse, choke you to death with a yard of tongue. Of course, no hapless, Harley Davis scatter-brains are going to keep the manly duo of Attorney Frazier (Shaft’s daddy) and Dr. Hadley Peabody III (Shaft’s white step-daddy) from their shameless rendezvous with the A-list gold diggers awaiting them in New York and LA; that is, unless somebody does something stupid and falls in love; which brings us to the true essence of this hilarious journey. In the end, the story is about the awkward quest for companionship in a contemporary world of disappointing relationships, and the ultimate reward of finding love in the eye of the storm. Every reader that has loved and lost and even won in the eHarmony, Match.com crapshoot called dating will see the flickering light of hope beckoning them to open their heart and climb aboard the old romance bus one more time.

Purchased

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The Deal, the Dance, and the Devil: A Novel
The Deal, the Dance, and the Devil: A Novel by Victoria Christopher Murray

What would you do for five million dollars? Adam and Evia Langston have lived in their own little garden of Eden since the two married at the age of seventeen. Working their way up from the humblest of beginnings, the Langstons have thrived beyond anything they could have ever imagined. Now they live in the finest home, drive the best cars, and indulge in all the trimmings that signify their massive success.  

But then the recession hits and rips apart the family’s financial stability. Unable to support their three children and other relatives, Adam and Evia find themselves drowning in financial trouble and teetering on the brink of complete disaster. With nowhere to turn, the Langstons have no idea what to do. 


Until Shay-Shaunté, Evia’s multimillionaire boss, comes to the Langstons with a five-million-dollar offer that seems so hard to refuse. Will the Langstons make this deal? Or will they recognize that the glitter of five million dollars may be far from gold?

Purchased - I will be meeting her in July and getting her autograph in it!!!!!  I already read and reviewed this one!


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Derailed
Derailed by D. Skies

Ever have dreams that took your mind to places reality couldn't? Kristle wanted it all, money, power, and lavish possessions. But being a poor girl from the South side of Chicago, she had no idea how she was going to get it all. She busts her butt to get her finances to a generous amount using her dope girl skills when it is all whisked away on a whim. Kristle is left without a pot to piss in and has to regain her life back by fending for herself anyway she can. She finds a way to make some money and learns to live off civil means. But as things are starting to look up again they come tumbling back down with a house fire. Just as Kristle is about to give up she encounters a man that gives her a strange note. The note introduces her to an opportunity of a lifetime with a few stipulations. It's a game that needs to be played in a timely fashion or Kristle is a dead girl. If she successfully completes her task she gets more money than she's ever seen before in her life. What she doesn't know is that the tasks are not ordinary and the person making her play the game is someone she least expects.

Purchased

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Differences: Sibling Rivalry is Bad... But it's Worse When There's Money Involved

A wealthy man dies and leaves his dysfunctional kids $100,000 each. But in order to get their inheritance, they have to team up and go on a scavenger hunt to find the money. They have forty-eight hours to find the money or it will be donated to charity. Can these six malcontents deal with their differences long enough to find the money?

Purchased


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We discuss the books that we've read and what we're planning to read for the week.

Book Reviews/Posts Last Week:


This Week:

Mon., 13      The MPire: Death Cometh (Book 2) by T.L. James –NURTURE Book Tour
Tues., 14      Revelations (Jane Perry #3)  by Laurel Dewey Pump Up Your Book Virtual Tour

Wed., 15      Flesh and Bones" by Paul Levine Review  pumpupyourbook.com 

Thurs., 16     Paul Levine Interview

Fri.,    17      N.H.I. (No Humans Involved) by Ray Ellis (Pump Up Your Book Tour)


Currently Reading:
N.H.I. (No Humans Involved) (A Nate Richards Novel)


Up Next to Read This Week:
Wikked
Growing Pains;Kendras Diaries
Upcoming review will be on 
Week With An Author - K.P. Smith (6/20-6/24)



© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book ReviewsUrban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Book Review - Mama's Lies - Daddy's Pain by Brian W. Smith




Mama's Lies-Daddy's Pain by Brian W. Smith



Book Details:

Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher:   Hollygrove Publishing (January 1, 2007) 
ISBN:  0977793915 (ISBN13: 9780977793914)
Source: Purchased this signed copy
Reading for Oosa Book Club 13 week challenge: book 6 of 13


About The Book:
Jamal Simms is the loving father of Jada Simms. He struggles to raise Jada with her mother (Tracy) whom he can't seem to get along with. Shortly before Jada's 18th birthday, a DNA test reveals that Jamal isn't Jada's biological father. Feelings are hurt, lies are told, loyalties are tested, and lives are forever changed.

My Review:


Brian W. Smith begins this book with a chapter called: The Characters.  I loved that I got to find out who the characters are and how they relate to each other before diving right into the story and trying to figure everything out.


Even though he talks about tough issues, Brian never fails to bring humor into his stories.  You can see that in the following quotes:  


Lead us not into temptation, but forgive us our trespassers as we forgive those who mess over us and be trippin'.  Lord I don't care what you do to me just please don't let this girl be pregnant.  In the name of the father, the son and the holy spirit...Lord pleeeeease don't let this girl be pregnant.  p27
"why you wanna join the Marines?  Who you think you are - Rambo?  They gonna call your black ass RAMBRO!" p 41
Okay, so Tracy was pregnant, and Jamal was the father--so he was told.  He wasn't sure, but he didn't question anything.  He treated Jada like his flesh and blood.  He paid child support to Tracy so that Jada could have what she needed.  What a surprise when he found out her teeth weren't being taken care of and she had to have all kinds of dental work done.  Tracy just seemed to keep wanting more money all the time, but where was it going?


This kind of goes off the subject, but the story takes place in New Orleans.  On page 89 Jamal and his mom were eating breakfast at a New Orleans bistro.  Jamal states how he hates beignets because of the powdered sugar--he gets more of it on his face than in his mouth. I had to look these up and see what they look like.  Here they are (and I see why he would avoid these like the plague!) (I changed my Facebook profile picture to this picture just to see if anyone wonders why!):


(photo from tripadvisor.com)


Anyway, Jamal questioned his friendship with Greg.  Greg just wanted to be with all these women and not take care of his own child.    Jamal was trying to be the best father he could and just didn't feel right having a friend like this.


If you want to read an excellent book with real life issues and characters, I highly recommend this book!  Watch out for Tracy though!  I did not like her at all.  She turned things around to make it look like Jamal is the bad guy.  He was such a good father to Jada.  The nerve of her to say that Jamal dropped the bomb and really hurt Jada...are you kidding me?  


Wow, and I can't even believe who the father was.  It was totally unexpected--and the letter and the event that happened at the end--well actually both of them--I really almost cried. I had tears in my eyes.  Just thinking that this book was based on real events is even more heartbreaking.


Brian W. Smith never fails to deliver an awesome book with issues and characters that are real.  This was a book that made me laugh, made me mad (at Tracy! Ugh!), and brought tears to my eyes.  I highly recommend this book! 


My rating
5/5 diamonds
Highly Recommend!

Read my review of Deadbeat and Interview with Brian W. Smith HERE

How to Contact Brian W. Smith:
facebook.com/HollygrovePublishing


Disclaimer: I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist. They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.

 © 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book ReviewsUrban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.