Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

After losing his position at a major automotive design firm, Miles Walker retreats from his family and from himself in I Want To Go To Yellow by D.T. Liburd. When a childhood sketch titled A Road Map to Yellow suddenly ignites in his loft, he is drawn into Kitrinos, a shifting realm that responds to memory and belief. There, the terrain reshapes around his private failures, forcing him to relive the pivotal moments that defined his ambition, his marriage, and his sense of worth. As he moves deeper into this world, he becomes entangled in a larger conflict involving a blood-bound pact and a rising force known as Fear that threatens to consume more than his own life. To reach Yellow, Miles must confront what he has become and decide which voice will define his future.

I Want To Go To Yellow by D.T. Liburd is a unique premise for a story, and the author does an excellent job of pulling readers into a labyrinth of questions and answers from Miles' point of view. Miles himself is a fully fleshed out protagonist, flawed but infinitely more likable as the story progresses, the pinnacle for me coming when he stands before a full arena, which includes people he knows, and does something the old Miles would not have done. Fear is a primary antagonist, positioning evil as something empowered by human consent rather than random chaos. And in these intelligent scenes, Liburd shows his skill as a writer, including a Christian identity. There's an inscription stating that strength is made perfect in weakness, directly quoting 2 Corinthians, a principle that becomes literal when Miles builds upward. Overall, this is the perfect book for readers who appreciate stories of spiritual warfare, expressed through engineered landscapes. Liburd's work is distinctive and unmistakably its own.

Reviewed by Stephanie Lynn for Readers' Favorite

Dockside Secrets by Terry Overton is an entertaining adult cozy mystery. In the first installment of The Finley Burke Mysteries series, we meet the core group who affectionately term themselves 'The Sunset Sleuths.' As the series' name suggests, the main character is Finley Burke. Along with her neighbors, Birdie, Amelia, Lynn, and Clay, they set out to unravel a mystery, one that seems to grow more complex the longer they spend wandering around Sunset Cove. Once the wealthy Kent family name comes in relation to the toolbox Finley finds at the start of the story, the group starts seeing a trend, and Finley’s investigative instincts kick into high gear. Will they be able to solve a crime, one that might just reveal a motive for murder? You’ll have to read the story to find out!

Dockside Secrets by Terry Overton is an amusing story with a delightful cast of characters and a captivating mystery. The mystery deepens as the story unfolds and the stakes begin to rise with each passing chapter. I loved following along and hearing the ladies discussing the clues they found along the way. They have such unique personalities and made for an enjoyable read. Amelia quickly became my personal favorite of the cast, but I loved seeing each of them learning to work together as a valuable part of the team. The Sunset Sleuths certainly know how to keep things interesting! Dockside Secrets has a little bit of everything, and kept me glued to the pages. This is a fun cozy mystery, and a clean read that kept me guessing until the end.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Shadows Among the Peaks (The Shephard Chronicles Book 1) by R.D. Smithson is a modern-day story of the fight against institutional corruption and cartels in Mexico. When a well-respected and lauded not-for-profit organization that focuses on uplifting children’s lives in education, welfare, and food security is suspected of being a front for child exploitation and trafficking, the powers-that-be move quickly to shield the Carrington Foundation from any possibility of suspicion. High in the Sierra Madre mountains, in an obscure little village called Valle Oscuro, one man is making an immense difference in the minds and hearts of the villagers who have long trembled under the yoke of a repressive and violent criminal gang controlled by the wealthy and entrenched political scions in Mexico City. Eli Shepard brings more than his fighting prowess to Valle Oscuro; he brings something that has been sadly lacking for a long time: he brings hope. The courage of Diego, a young boy, and the other villagers will be rediscovered and ultimately shine as they adopt Eli’s mantra of rebellion – small, defiant acts of courage and people with hope in their hearts are ultimately unstoppable.

Shadow Among the Peaks is R.D. Smithson’s debut novel, and it is a resounding success. The writing style is descriptive and extremely well developed, carrying readers, with Eli, into that tiny village and conveying the palpable fear felt by the villagers. The character development is deep and meaningful, giving readers great insight into the psyches of the leading players. Eli Shephard’s deep faith and his desire to bring peace and goodwill to the villagers were also allied with his prowess as a fighting man who could dispense justice swiftly and fiercely. I know this is listed as Christian fiction, but this is a very minor part of the actual story and adds to it, rather than detracts from it, although it is clear that faith does underline the actions of Eli and the villagers. Ultimately, this is much more a book about hope, redemption, and the ability of the ordinary man to stand up against the bully, whether in the form of an individual or an organization. As this is Book 1, I am sure there is more from Eli Shephard and his mission to save people, especially children, from the horrors of modern-day slavery, drug cartels, and sex trafficking. I look forward to the next book. This is a fantastically exciting and fast-moving story that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

In 14 Hours of Saturn by Mike J. Kizman, Saturn Syres arrives in Oakfield at twenty-four to begin work at All Ways Advertising, determined to move beyond the voice roles that defined her early career and claim a place shaping campaigns of her own. Living alone for the first time, she balances a new job in billboard design with a lifelong devotion to building intricate craft stick structures that trace back to her childhood in Hohman, Indiana. Memories of family rivalry, first romances, campus parties, church departures, and hard-won returns to faith influence her present as she decides who she intends to become. When a chance meeting with Janus Rings links her professional ambitions with her personal life, Saturn must determine how her past will inform the future she is now constructing.

Mike J. Kizman’s 14 Hours of Saturn is a gentle, searching work of Christian literary fiction set on a single rain-soaked Saturday that reshapes a young woman’s understanding of herself and her faith. Saturn and her kitty, Muffin, are in a storm beyond what's rattling the windows in the apartment. Kizman gives Saturn a voice that is wry, observant, and quietly defiant, whether she is stirring black coffee to outwit Venus or showing repentance spoken directly to God. The Christian elements are not ambiguous, and Kizman shows us outright which Scripture aligns, or doesn't align, with Saturn's choices. Faith is not a decoration in the story; it is an active participant even when Saturn is not. The writing is simple and straightforward, with well-executed settings that range from a partially underground apartment just above the grass line to the glow of a backyard telescope. Readers who appreciate character-driven Christian fiction grounded in ordinary spaces will enjoy Kizman's work, as much as I have. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

In D.I. Telbat's Eve of Chaos, book one in The ELM Series, after the Meridia Virus leaves San Diego broken, nineteen-year-old Levi Caspertein lives with his father, Titus, inside a fortified high-rise. Titus turns the building into ELM, a Christian refuge named for the belief that Every Life Matters, then sends Levi into the city to find survivors whose need for help begins with food and shelter before it reaches burial and rescue. Levi’s missions draw him toward Carla Criswell, a reporter trapped inside a crashed presidential aircraft, while General Galt Brogdon builds a Pacific States force from Coronado Island. As armed factions press hungry civilians into a fight for power, Levi must decide how far mercy can go when enemies need rescuing too, and ELM’s promise begins to matter beyond one building in a fallen city

D.I. Telbat’s Eve of Chaos is post-virus Christian speculative fiction about San Diego survivors whose rescue work becomes open evangelism. The world-building centers directly on the Every Life Matters movement, and its Christian refuge, where a balcony guard protects the building, residents grow food above the ruined streets, burial work gives the unnamed dead a record before God, and rescue trips bring the hidden into a community built on the belief that every life belongs to Him. I like Levi, who is remarkably brave at nineteen. In the hotel district, he saves starving families from red-coated killers, which is an exciting scene. Something I did find interesting is that Titus draws him forward as a leader, the same way the antagonist pulls his own son Kip forward. It would have been nice for that similarity to be scrutinized a little. The landscaping is amazing, the standout being a militia ranch where a valley corral sits below armed hills, while Levi enters alone, praying for God’s words. Readers who love apocalyptic fiction with evangelism themes will adore this book.

Reviewed by Jessica Barbosa for Readers' Favorite

Hiking along the trail in the middle of nowhere was an adventure, but not having any significant memories to guide her along the way made it seem more like a punishment. Kenna was in a place of decision; the place of in-between, of what is and what will be. Everyone who came this way was given a choice: to stay and make the journey or not. There are many challenges and dangers, but also great rewards at the end. All were given an invite, but very few were worthy to continue. The Path wasn’t easy, but, ultimately, Kenna decided to walk it. What path will she choose? What truths will she uncover? And where will it all lead her in the end? Read The Fire and The Serpent, Book One: Sojourners by Dieta Scheidecker to find out!

“Is one way good and the other bad?” Throughout her journey, Kenna was constantly thinking of what choice would be the right choice and what path would be the right path to follow. The narrative was so compelling that I was drawn in from the very start. Scheidecker has a gift for crafting a captivating narrative that left me wanting more with every chapter I finished. She breathed life into the characters with her writing, and her creations were the heartbeat of the story. Kenna’s unique perspective put a mysterious spin on the tale that had me flipping the pages faster, wanting to know more, and wondering how this could all end. Overall, Sojourners by Dieta Scheidecker was an absolute page-turner that left its mark on me, and I can’t wait for book two! Exceptional work!

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Robin’s Way: Reverend Robin Topham Adventures by Kate Robins and Artemis Taylor is women’s crime fiction that is both innovative and fresh. Reverend Robin Topham is a beautiful young cleric whose first posting is to a quiet diocese in the English countryside. For Robin, the change of pace from the hustle and bustle of London is exactly what she needs. As a female cleric, in a church that has only in recent decades accepted women into the ministry, she is at the forefront of a changing environment. When the son of the local lord of the manor shows a romantic interest in Robin, she is intrigued, excited, and genuinely interested until a young Ukrainian woman tells Robin of a major web of human trafficking that her boss and Robin’s paramour are involved in. Feeling betrayed by this man, Robin is determined to help the young woman escape and expose her boyfriend for the fiend he is. So begins Robin’s dangerous journey out of rural tranquility and straight into a twisted web of lies, deceit, and violence. 

Robin’s Way is a cleverly constructed and intricate crime mystery adventure. Authors Kate Robins and Artemis Taylor have carefully woven a series of sub-plots and red herrings into a narrative that will have readers asking; who can be trusted here and who is betraying who? I particularly appreciated the dilemma Robin faces as both a woman and someone uncertain about their sexuality. As a woman in a still predominately male environment, she was constantly having to prove and justify herself in a way that a male vicar would not have to. I loved that she pointed out the hypocrisy of the church in condemning same-sex relationships whilst not applying a similar standard to sexual promiscuity between heterosexual couples. I found the position of Robin’s Bishop particularly interesting where she was forced to decide what was more important; her career or her sexual orientation. I did enjoy the romantic scenes which were incredibly sensual without being crude or vulgar. What makes this story stand out for me is the clever plot twists and constant uncertainty as to who was telling the truth, who was loyal, and who were the betrayers. This constant tension kept me reading to discover more. I hope this is not the end for the lovely Reverend Robin and that the authors already have her next adventure planned. This well-written, well-thought-out story was extremely satisfying and I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Keana Sackett-Moomey for Readers' Favorite

Intercessor by John Robert Still revolves around Jim Hampton, a former North Carolina lawyer who travels to New Orleans, hoping for a fresh start. Jim, a religious cynic, meets Myriam, a young bartender who is highly spiritual and vocal about her faith. Unknown to him, their profound interactions and the events destined to unravel following their meeting will change his life forever. As the story evolves, Jim meets two women in a bar near Pirates Alley. Their amicable conversation quickly turns ominous, foreshadowing further bizarre and supernatural exchanges destined to take place between him and the other characters and entities. Subsequently, in a shocking twist of events, Jim is pursued through New Orleans in a death-defying chase of a lifetime. Fascinatingly, these enthralling events all transpire in the wake of a looming hurricane, and each character and experience brings his faith to the forefront.

Intercessor is an engaging and elegantly penned tale that impressively merges spiritual elements, mystery, and a healthy dose of horror. The setting and evocative storyline make this an unforgettable read that supernatural aficionados will enjoy. The plot is fast-paced and packed with twists, especially when Jim crosses paths with a group of religious fanatics. His wild escapades on the streets of New Orleans culminate in a heart-racing and exhilarating chase through the French Quarter. John Robert Still is a master at illustrating the uncanny intrigue of New Orleans and its atmosphere. The impending hurricane, compelling characters, and gloomy alleys add tension to Jim's venture. Jim himself is an enigmatic but identifiable main character. His spiritual awakening is well-timed in light of the ordeals he witnessed and experienced. His renewed faith serves as hope despite the pandemonium that ensued mere moments prior. This novel will be well-received by fans of supernatural thrillers and Christian suspense. I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Danelle Petersen for Readers' Favorite

A Certain Man by Linda Dindzans is a beautiful story based on the life of Abraham’s descendant Samuel. When the young Mara lays eyes on the handsome carpenter Samuel, she is immediately smitten; he is everything she could want in a man. Sturdy and hardworking, she knows that he will be able to provide for her and their offspring. However, the High Priest’s son, Achor, a cruel and wanton young man, threatens to ruin everything when he asks for Mara’s hand. Mara’s father, seeing Achor as an opportunity for a life of leisure, immediately agrees to Mara’s union with the vile Achor. Pleading with her father is of no use; he still blames her for his wife’s untimely death. Frustrated at the sudden turn of events yet eager to fulfill his mother Ruth’s prophecy, Samuel is determined to fight for Mara. But will he succeed? After all, there are evildoers just as determined to break the prophecy as he is to fulfill it.

Linda Dindzans’ powerful narrative drew me into Mara and Samuel’s story instantly. The emotions displayed by the characters had me deeply invested in their troubles and dilemmas. But what impressed me most was how neatly Linda’s story was woven into that of the Bible; she did an outstanding job of interpreting the events and characters. Intriguing and filled with drama, A Certain Man held my attention till the last page.; it is sure to leave a deep impression on its readers. What I also admired was the characters’ development, especially Samuel’s as he was so quick to anger. I also liked Mara’s prophetic question about the woman at the well; it was certainly endearing. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would like to read more of Linda’s works; she certainly has a knack for engaging storytelling. I recommend A Certain Man to fellow Christians, and, of course, those looking for an awe-inspiring read.

Reviewed by Stephanie Lynn for Readers' Favorite

The Blindsight of Grace by R.A. Williams tells the story of a young woman named Grace living in rural Tennessee. Due to an accident as a child resulting in brain damage, Grace Sinclair is blind. An interesting turn of events finds Cody Blevins at her door one day, and that is when the story takes off. The story is rich in culture and has a timeless feel unique to the families and residents of the Appalachian area, offering a taste of down-home living. It is an inspiring tale of budding love and distinctive characters with a hint of mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. Steeped in themes of faith, family, and hope for a brighter future, the simplicity of basic human desires is as old as time. Williams’ skillful storytelling brings out these themes and more in this powerful reminder of what it means to love your neighbor and walk in faith.

The Blindsight of Grace by R.A. Williams took me by surprise and captured my attention from the opening pages. This delightful story has a little of everything and packs a powerful message. Williams has taken a daring approach in putting into words the culture of eastern Tennessee, painting a touching and poignant image of life in rural East Tennessee while also highlighting some of the hidden shadows and struggles faced by the families of the region. This story beautifully and powerfully captures the heart and nature of what it means to be an Appalachian. Many changes and constant fear-mongering on the news can cause a whole host of problems. The story takes that concept on one side and a look at what it is like to live as a blind American on the other, producing a dynamic tale of overcoming and survival, and at what cost. Cody comes into the story as an outsider, only meeting the Sinclairs seemingly by chance at first. As the story continues to play out, we see that he is just the friend Grace needs at the time. The creative approach brings readers along for the ride as they witness the story unfold. I enjoyed this style and learning along with Cody as he seeks to prove what is true and follow God’s calling in his life.