October 19, 2025

Series Sunday: Calling All Blessings

(Blessings #12) 


Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.
  • Read an installment of a series.
  • Share your review/recommendation below.
  • Include the title, author and series name.

My Series Sunday pick is Calling All Blessings, the 12th book in the Blessings series by Beverly Jenkins. The matriarch of Henry Adams, Tamar July, has a recurring dream of her humiliating wedding day, sixty years ago. Why does she keep having this dream and what does it mean today? She is forced to confront the past. Meanwhile, another resident is having trouble too. Devon has been a trip since he showed up in Henry Adams as an 8-year-old preacher. Now he is a teenage James Brown wannabe, wig and all! Tamar takes Devon on a spirit quest to help them both find peace within themselves.

"Forgiveness is a choice, as is kindness." ~ 55%

Oh, the growth of Devon July! He was one of those characters I rolled my eyes at while reading his scenes. I surprisingly enjoyed that this 12th installment focused on his journey and found myself empathizing with him. What a redemption arc! It was a bonus that this book equally focused on Tamar, as she is an honorary Great Aunt in my head. And as usual, there is a lesson to be found within the pages of a Blessings novel. Calling All Blessings teaches forgiveness of others and yourself. Whew—this is literally a WORD!

Ms. Bev never misses. Blessings is one of my favorite series that I look forward to reading every year. It is heartwarming, wholesome and celebrates Black culture. Every single character has an individual story yet it is not confusing or hard to follow. But Calling All Blessings hit a little different. It has a finale vibe as if the series is ending. Every storyline is wrapped up in a neat bow and gives the satisfying feeling of being complete. Well done but selfishly, I am not ready to let this town or its people go!

I recommend Calling All Blessings to anyone looking to read a feel good family story. You will nod in agreement, chuckle at inside jokes, suck your teeth at certain insufferable characters then welcome them into a group hug in your head. Go ahead, brew some sweet tea and read this new release!

Happy Early Pub Day, Beverly Jenkins! Calling All Blessings will be available Tuesday, October 28.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Author: Beverly Jenkins
Published: October 2025
Pages: 288
Edition: Galley
Genre: Family Fiction
Rating: πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€

October 15, 2025

Make My Funk the P-Funk


"SUPERGROOVALISTICPROSIFUNKSTICATION!" ~ 50%

If you sang the title of this post and continued with "I wants to get funked up," then this book review is for you. I grew up on P-Funk. Their concert was the most outrageous stage performance I have ever witnessed. I jam to George Clinton and 'nem to this very day. Their sound is so distinct that it is impossible to sit still when the bass hits my soul. Their discography spans 70+ years making Parliament-Funkadelic the longest-running music band in history. The year 1975, twenty years into George Clinton's musical journey with the group, became a pivotal year. 

"It's all designed to take us to the sky." ~ 13%

Make My Funk the P-Funk by Daniel Bedrosian, the longest-tenured keyboardist for Parliament-Funkadelic, details the rise from Chocolate City to Let's Take It to the Stage to Mothership Connection. It gives a historical view of things happening in the world during the release of these three (3) classic albums in an 8-month timeframe. With detailed overviews of each album, lyric breakdowns, analysis of the group's dynamic and interviews with living members, this book is a deep dive into P-Funk through their 1975 album releases.

This book is for the hardcore P-Funk fans. The music lovers with funk running through their veins. The women who wore diaper dresses. If you cleaned the whole house on Saturday morning to these songs then went to a house party that night. Music buffs looking for more in-depth information about P-Funk's trademark sound. Those who saw the group's style transition from suits to psychedelic outfits. Aspiring producers wanting a success guide. Those who lived through Watergate, the fall of Saigon, riots and know they STILL funky in the White House. *mic drop*

"It is no wonder most people had no idea that these two different-sounding bands on different record labels with totally different album art were actually one and the same." ~ 30%

Bedrosian took great care in writing MMFTPF including info that has been the subject of controversy or rumors over the past several decades, brief biographies of key members, origin of lyrics, stats and a thorough listing of samples and interpolations. He really pulled back the curtain and gave credit where it is due. The time and effort spent researching is obvious. I learned so much about the P-Funk era. It enhanced my reading experience by streaming the featured songs as I read along. Bookhearts, need I say more? Read it and be funkatized!

Happy Early Pub Day, Daniel Bedrosian! Make My Funk the P-Funk will be available on October 16.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Title: Make My Funk the P-Funk
Author: Daniel Bedrosian
Published: October 2025
Pages: 187
Edition: Galley
Genre: Music Biographical
Rating: πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€

October 12, 2025

Series Sunday: The Proving Ground

(Lincoln Lawyer #8) 


Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.
  • Read an installment of a series.
  • Share your review/recommendation below.
  • Include the title, author and series name.

My Series Sunday pick is The Proving Ground, the eighth book in the Lincoln Lawyer series by Michael Connelly. In this new legal thriller, Mickey Haller files a civil lawsuit against an artificial intelligence company whose chatbot told a teenage boy it was okay for him to kill his ex-girlfriend. The case explores the unregulated and uncharted waters of AI.

"I mean, I don't know what that's about, but I'm beginning to wonder where I stand." ~ 33%

I barely started and finished this book. Let me explain. I was lost with the technology jargon within the first chapter. As I read further, I got more confused and closed the eBook a few more times. It wasn't until around 22% in that I was motivated to read further because something happened I'd been wishing for in the series. Then I gained more momentum halfway through when the trial began. Still it was a struggle until the end.

I appreciate Connelly keeping up with the times by incorporating artificial intelligence technology, losses from the California fires and ASMR. But it comes across as if there was a checklist of current-day topics that Connelly had to include. It all seems forced so The Proving Ground does not flow like a usual Lincoln Lawyer novel. 

"The point is, I had done some good work since I left the courtrooms and hallways of the Criminal Courts Building and crossed the street to civil." ~ 49%

Not to mention a change in the main character. And I do not mean organic character growth. The Mickey Haller I know would not even represent the victim's family. The Mickey Haller I know is an asshole and ever since his "resurrection walk," his change to defense is jarring. He is an attorney that once had a Lincoln as his business address. That is all I kept thinking while reading the court scenes and dialogue. I understand it but I miss the old Mickey personality and cases.

This book was not for me but I am looking forward to the return of the television series. That is where I will get my Lincoln Lawyer fix. However, Bookhearts, I encourage you to try reading The Proving Ground for yourself. Don't take my word for it because I am clearly in the minority. Most people are raving about how good this new release is. 

Happy Early Pub Day, Michael Connelly! The Proving Ground will be available Tuesday, October 21.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Author: Michael Connelly
Published: October 2025
Pages: 400
Edition: Galley
Genre: Legal Thriller
Rating: πŸ–€ πŸ–€ 

October 8, 2025

Black History Is Your History


"There should be more about Black people in this textbook. It's a desert out here! Where are my people?" ~ 7%

Black history enthusiast Taylor Cassidy wtote a book based on the TikTok series Fast Black History. Her videos are engaging, fun and informative. She is educating our community in quick reels that are easy to digest and addicting to watch. Now she brings this same format to literary form.

Black History Is Your History features the stories of twelve (12) Black American historical figures. Some are familiar and others are lesser-known but just as impactful. In addition to the figures' narratives, Taylor shares stories from her own past and the lessons learned from them. Each chapter includes this section titled Taystory! Benjamin Banneker (And How to Never Shrink Yourself), Ledger Smith (And How to Find Confidence in Nerve-Racking Moments) and Maya Angelou (And Why Your Energy is Never Too Much) are just a few examples.

"In your life, you can take defeats and see them as fresh opportunities to walk victoriously toward the destiny you're meant to thrive in." ~ 81%

Thanks to my attending Bates Academy, a public application school for high-performing gifted and talented students, I knew the history of most of the people featured in this book. We would play an annual competition called Bates Battle where we studied Black History facts, battled teams and earned "Bates Bucks." It was the highlight of the school year. And here I am, 30+ years later still able to recall who's who in my history. Everyone is not so lucky to have such a program so I appreciate Taylor Cassidy bringing awareness to our history and reaching over two million followers. Amazing!

"Are you starting to understand why positive representation is important?" ~ 63%

Black History Is Your History is recommended for readers of all ages. Younger readers will be able to connect with the author and hopefully draw upon their own experiences. Older readers can refresh their knowledge, learn about someone new and reflect. You know the clichΓ©s: when you know better, you do better; you have to know where you're from to know where you're going. Black History Is Your History is a good resource to help you. Add to your personal library!

Happy Early Pub Day, Taylor Cassidy! Black History Is Your History will be available Tuesday, October 14.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Title: Black History Is Your History
Author: Taylor Cassidy
Published: October 2025
Pages: 208
Edition: Galley
Genre: Historical Nonfiction
Rating: πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€ πŸ–€

October 7, 2025

Boom Town


"I do this thing sometimes where my curiosity will get the best of me, and I'll either ask the wrong question or one question too many." ~ 67%

Gone Girl meets P-Valley? Sign me up for the ARC!

In Nic Stone's adult thriller debut, a woman is determined to find two missing exotic dancers from Atlanta's most notorious gentleman's club. When new daytime dancer "Charm" misses a shift, vet dancer Lyriq suspects more than a no call, no show. Her former headline partner, Lucky, disappeared under similar circumstances. This doesn't seem like a coincidence. Lyriq's search to find them leads to and through Atlanta's underworld, blurring the lines of safety.

I give Nic Stone kudos for venturing into a different genre. It takes focus and faith to try something new, hoping fans will follow. However, Boom Town may not be for everyone. It is a good premise but missing elements of a page-turning thriller. It was way too easy to put away at bedtime. I did not connect with any of the characters. The suspense didn't faze me. The story is a bit wordy; perhaps the writing style is purposefully verbose for the intended adult audience but it only made the story drag. As a Nic Stone repeat reader, I am disappointed.

Be warned this is for grown readers and much different from her previous books. This is not a light subject. Societal issues relevant to today are a main focus making this an ideal pick for book clubs. It will certainly spark conversation and bring awareness. Author's goal accomplished? Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if read in a group setting or with a buddy. I appreciate Nic Stone's effort but Boom Town fell flat this fall.

Happy Early Pub Day, Nic Stone! Boom Town will be available Tuesday, October 14.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Title: Boom Town
Author: Nic Stone
Published: October 2025
Pages: 272
Edition: Galley
Genre: Thriller
Rating: πŸ–€ πŸ–€

October 5, 2025

Series Sunday: The Bluest Night

(Trevor Finnegan #3) 


Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.
  • Read an installment of a series.
  • Share your review/recommendation below.
  • Include the title, author and series name.

My Series Sunday pick is The Bluest Night, the third book in the Trevor Finnegan series by Aaron Philip Clark. Former LAPD Detective turned Private Investigator Trevor Finnegan just learned he has an adult half-brother that has gone missing. From working in law enforcement, Trevor knows that missing Black people are on the bottom of the priority list. When his brother's girlfriend is found dead, Trevor springs into action. And like any other mystery main character, he comes dangerously close to being dead himself. 

"Well, I'm tired of pretending. I'm tired of smiling and acting as if everything that's happening around me is OK. It's not OK, dammit." ~ 83%

Well, Bookhearts, I don't know whether to recommend this book or not. The first two books in the Trevor Finnegan series were so good. The characters were well developed. The police procedural style drew me in. The story was suspenseful and flowed. But I struggled through The Bluest Night; it was not as interesting. Aaron Philip Clark is a great storyteller but this third installment of the series was a miss. However, it is important to support authors of color so think about giving it a try. It could just be me. 🀷🏽‍♀️

Happy Early Pub Day, Aaron Philip Clark! The Bluest Night will be available Tuesday, October 7.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Author: Aaron Philip Clark
Published: October 2025
Pages: 256
Edition: Galley
Genre: Police Procedural Mystery
Rating: πŸ–€ πŸ–€