Reviewed By K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Both Sides of the Border is a work of realistic fiction penned by author Terry Overton. The work is suitable for the general reading audience and contains non-graphic references to drugs and violence. Written with a strong sense of faith and Christianity, this touching and often heart-breaking journey follows events on either side of the U.S./Mexico border as three young people try to flee from danger in Honduras and start a new life in the States. Dolores, Ernesto, and Emilio Sanchez fight for their survival in dubious partnerships, dangerous weather, and damning political difficulties. At the same time, newly graduated Ph.D. student Eva Jordan travels down into Mexico from the other side of the border to see firsthand the difficulties survivors and immigrants face.

Author Terry Overton brings to light many heartfelt and genuine pleas from the voiceless thousands trying to find freedom and peace in this world. Although the book is Christian in its morality and showcases characters who are bound tightly to their faith, you don’t have to be a religious reader to empathize with the desperation, hardship, and emotion of every harrowing moment of the Sanchez family’s journey. Having two women at the center of the action brings this emotional resonance home with even more power, and I especially felt for Dolores and the burdens she had to bear at the tender age of twenty. I thought the dialogue and cultural references were masterfully and sensitively penned to give the tale more personality and realism. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Both Sides of the Border to any reader of contemporary drama who appreciates fine writing and souls laid bare.

Reviewed By Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

Death is always an unwelcome presence, especially in the home. Once he knocks, it could leave an open wound that festers and makes everyone vulnerable. Such is the story of We Go On by Regina Walker. The first installment in her Then Comes Hope trilogy, this story is about when one family untimely loses its oldest son. That leaves three members: Josh, Liz, and their youngest son Tyler. They try to settle and adjust to the rhythms of a new life in the absence of Colby. But grief is a house guest that often overextends its visit, especially when everything is saturated by the presence of the one who passed away. And in Colby’s wake, he leaves a pretty mare named Dusty, and her upkeep may well become the tool that leads the family’s deteriorating relationship and faith in God on a path to healing. The surviving son watches it all unfold before his eyes as he tries to make sense of his own pain.

The novel’s core circles around the complexities of love and faith. There is no doubt that Josh, Liz, and Tyler still love one another, but the grief that clouds the family relationship causes this love to become inarticulate and, at times, distant. The love between the parents is still there, but it is taken for granted. Regina Walker has written a profound study on that untalked-about issue that besets families faced with a tragic event. We Go On is a brilliant emotional standoff that grows in intensity over every chapter. What I admire most about the story is the way the characters are developed and the changes they go through. We Go On transcends drama. It is a solid reflection of people undergoing an existential crisis, and it shows them relying upon their own human faculties to learn, change, and grow. Such work deserves an audience, and you should not miss out on reading this tale.

Reviewed By Natalie Soine for Readers' Favorite

Divine Return by Jeff Walton tells the story of two friends: Dan Lucas, a former employee of US Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), and Professor Ben Chernick, who died of a heart attack but came back to life after a Near-Death Experience (NDE). Ben describes the NDE that he survived and his journey to heaven through hell. Ben feels compelled to share his experience and the word of God and decides to do so with the help of Dan and Pastor Tim Williams of Radiant Love Church. Pastor Tim is slowly losing the members of his congregation as they stop going to church and Ben offers to help bring them back. Ben also reconnects with a past love, Nicole, and discovers that they have a son, Keith, who was adopted by Nicole’s aunt and uncle, a wealthy surgeon Dr. Schmidt. Keith has gone missing and Ben asks Dan for assistance. Dan discovers that Keith was Jewish and abused by his German parents who were born into The Order of the Illumined Wise Men. It is up to Dan and Ben to find and rescue Keith, but they are up against an unseen force.

Divine Return is a suspenseful story, well researched, and well presented. The interesting variety of characters are clearly defined including those which are spiritual or from a different realm. The scenes, places, and events are vividly described, including those that no person would ever wish to visit and those that many of us hope to reside in. The story is smooth flowing and quick to read with an index and acknowledgments for reference. Divine Return by Jeff Walton was a thoroughly enjoyable read that I would recommend to all adults.

Reviewed By Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

Paint Me Fearless (The Shady Gully Series Book 1) by Hallie Lee is an emotionally engaging contemporary Christian novel about female friendship. On the outside, Desi, the new girl at school, and Robin, her not-so-popular lookalike, forge an unlikely friendship that carries them through high school and beyond. Raised differently--Robin in a strict religious home; Desi in a non-religious one--they find common ground amidst the challenges of coming of age in a small-town high school, as well as some hard family issues. But can their friendship survive the secrets, lies, and revelations that threaten it now that they're adults?

This is the kind of book that takes you on a journey with the characters from high school to adulthood, showing all the growth and change in between. The character development by Lee is exceptional. She really knows her characters and shows their dynamics, and allows them to tell their own story. The pacing of this novel is pitch-perfect. You glide through the scenes and events effortlessly, even though the characters face some daunting obstacles on the way. This author is as fearless as her characters, taking you into territories that some writers shy away from. You will connect with Robin in high school, and Desi and the others, and by the time you reach adulthood with them, you are fully invested and as impacted as they are when things get dicey. I like that the characters have some flaws, some quirks, insecurities, and fixations. They feel like real people. I like the study of friendship and how it behaves over time. I wish I could divulge some golden nuggets, but that's for you to discover when you read this book. Paint Me Fearless (The Shady Gully Series Book 1) by Hallie Lee is a standout novel for contemporary women from all walks of life.

Reviewed By Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

I Never Knew You, by award-winning author Patrick Higgins, is a compelling and provocative work of Christian fiction set against the backdrop of faith, mega churches, humble churches, underground churches, and the true nature of Jesus Christ from a Biblical standpoint. Whatever stripe of Christian you are, or even if you aren't Christian or religious at all, this novel can stir thoughts and ideas abut what you believe the Bible really says, and Christ really teaches. This could easily have been a non-fiction guide or a Bible study, but is so much more compelling and illustrative when wrapped in an intriguing fictional novel. The interesting plot centers around Charmaine, member of prosperity-preaching megachurch, The Blessed and Highly Favored Full Gospel Church. She had the perfect life in all the ways that were important to her worldview and brand of faith, until Mark Lau, a visiting pastor from China, brought messages that caused an upheaval in her church and was ousted. Unsettled, Charmaine goes to China with Meredith, her best friend, and sees a big difference between her glam church and their humble underground one, especially the messages that were preached, but were from the same Bible. How could such a disconnect be? Even the two best friends, Charmaine and Meredith, were divided. Charmaine's interest was piqued, while Meredith wanted no part of it and returned to the States. Pastors from the megachurch went on a mission to "save" Charmaine from being "brainwashed" by Lau, not realizing that the prosperity gospel they lived by was the real false teaching.

Quite a plot, and an intriguing one for Christians and church critics alike. Higgins exerts his talent in all the right places. He builds an edgy premise, lets the characters play it out, and offers truths for the characters and his readers alike. This novel will definitely have you asking questions about faith, church, and what true Christianity is all about, but it is a thoroughly entertaining work of suspense, with a riveting ending. The media is full of bad actors from Christianity. But are they really followers of Christ, or are they followers of Mammon? Christ says you can't follow both; you have to choose Mammon or Him. Christ exposed false teachings when He walked the earth, and warned the world and His followers about them. Suffice to say, I Never Knew You by Patrick Higgins could be a much-needed caution light at the intersection of your faith journey.

Reviewed By Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

Judy Kelly pens a story of self-discovery in her novel Blessings and Curses. Olivia did it; she’s ready to graduate from the seminary. Even though she is thrilled, a dark cloud hovers over her excitement. Olivia has decided not to become a priest after all. She knows this decision will disappoint Father Wilson and, most of all, her parents. Yet, deep inside, Olivia carries a heavy burden, a dreadful feeling, a curse lurking in the shadows of her mind. If only she could remember. Olivia struggles with darkened memories, dimmed remembrances of life before she was adopted. All she knows is she isn’t priest material, she is tainted. Olivia meets with Father Wilson and tells him her decision. He is understanding but wants her to continue being a prayer team leader. He gives her the assignment to pray with a death row inmate nearing his time of execution. Fr. Wilson suggests that praying with the prisoner might possibly help her find herself and direction. Olivia feels completely unqualified but takes on the task. God indeed has a plan. The next two weeks uncover what has been hidden deep inside Olivia all her life.

Blessings and Curses by Judy Kelly is much more than a story; it is a journey into an elusive past. In the opening chapters, I felt slightly confused by the mysterious narrative hook. Honestly, I was baited by curiosity only, not really hooked. However, as the chapters unfolded, the vagueness gradually dissipated, revealing what was hidden deep inside each character. The cast of characters is woven together by the past. The conflict results when the present exposes what is hidden within them, and they are forced to face it. Each has a choice; to believe or deny the truth. The characters are real and relatable; they tug at each other while tugging at the reader’s heartstrings. Blessings and Curses reveals the effect of childhood trauma, proving that what we don’t understand, we reject and, in this case, we bury. For the young heroine, her childhood is veiled, but when the curtain is ripped aside, she discovers a transforming beauty, blessings, and freedom residing within the fear and ugliness. Judy Kelly vividly reminds us to let go of the past and choose to live life to the fullest. “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19)

Reviewed By Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Weapons of Remorse by Chevron Ross features Hank Phillips, an ex-Marine who comes back home as the pride of the nation, decorated with a Medal of Honor. While everyone sees him as a hero, he carries a heavy burden of guilt and struggles to reconnect with his God. Hank works for Armed and Ready, one of the most powerful rights organizations in the country, but one night is about to sink him into an even greater misery of conscience with a confrontation with LaRonda Cage, a respectable police officer. Meanwhile, the grandson of an influential businessman has been kidnapped and the only trace left is a mysterious ransom note. David Tischner wants to find and bring home his grandson but his desperation to find Andy pits him against his best friend, Vern Saginaw, who is the CEO of Armed and Ready.

Weapons of Remorse by Chevron Ross is a thriller with strong social and political themes, a story that explores the conundrum of gun violence and its consequences. Gun violence is a reality that has been at the center of both political and social discussions across the country. The conflict is developed at multiple levels. From the internal conflict that happens in Hank Phillips' mind, it moves to physical confrontation and escalates into a struggle for a new social and political consciousness. Weapons of Remorse is cleverly plotted and skillfully written, featuring richly developed characters and prose that is crisp and precise. Chevron Ross's novel is exciting and thought-provoking, a real page-turner.

Reviewed By Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Scattering the Ashes by Paul Russell Semendinger is the story of a young man who had to go on a quest that would change his life forever. Sam Holmes was a 28-year-old school teacher who was living a contented life. All he wanted was to train for the New York City Marathon and try something new. However, his plans changed when his father passed away and left a special quest for Sam. To gain his inheritance, he must travel to specific places and spread the ashes wherever his father wanted. With his summer plans ruined, Sam had nothing else to do but to fulfill his father’s wishes. But what started as a journey to gain his inheritance turned out to be a journey to change his life. He met someone special, he gained a better perspective of life and finally understood what it means to be happy.

Oh, the way Sam grew in this story and how he developed into a mature man right in front of my eyes! I loved his development and his journey to find depth inside him. I got to visit Sam’s memories of his father as he went through it all, as he traveled far and away to complete the quest. I got to experience his growth first hand and understand why his father wanted him to go through all this. The narrative was perfectly paced and incredibly rich with details. Sam’s voice proved to be exactly what the reader needed to immerse themselves in the narrative and feel each part of the story resonate inside their heart. Scattering the Ashes was just as self-reflective as it was entertaining. I enjoyed the descriptions of the places where Sam went, I enjoyed the way the story flowed and I loved the way Sam over thought everything (that was common and human of him!). Scattering the Ashes by Paul Russell Semendinger was phenomenal.

Reviewed By Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

The Jealous Son by Michele Chynoweth begins in the Navajo Nation as Eliza’s father, unhappy with her behavior, bans her from her home forever, along with her friend Alex. They suddenly are forced to live in a new world that they know little about and have only each other to lean on. They soon find themselves in love, married, and expecting a child. Cameron is their first son and next comes son number two, Austin. The boys share a happy childhood living a somewhat normal family life. As the boys become teenagers, and young men, Austin lives a charmed life, getting everything he wants and more as everything goes his way. Cameron, on the other hand, has to struggle for the things he wants and often he doesn’t succeed. After many disappointments, Cameron comes to blame Austin and believes the only way he will get love from his parents and the things he desires so badly is to get rid of Austin.

I felt as though I was on an emotional roller coaster as I read The Jealous Son. My emotions went from happy to sad to angry to surprised to inspired in a matter of a few pages. The story is mainly told via Eliza, wife of Alex and mother to Cameron and Austin, in a very real and heartfelt way. The Jealous Son is clearly taken right out of the Bible and transformed into a contemporary story of what if Cain and Abel were alive today. Eliza tells the story with all the joy and pain of a mother wanting only the best for her sons in a way that only a mother can feel. Michele Chynoweth has written a book that will quickly become a classic in the inspirational fiction genre. This is without a doubt a book one should not pass up.

Reviewed By Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

When Mountains Sing (The Mosaic Collection) is the first book in the My Father's House series by Stacy Monson, an emotionally rich and inspiring story that follows a woman’s journey to uncover her real identity. Thanks to a health crisis, the secret about her family is unveiled and Mikayla Gordon sets out to discover the truth about her real identity. She goes in search of her biological father and wants to know if her heart condition is genetic or not. Her journey leads her to an encounter with Dawson, a rugged man who runs the Colorado Outdoor Youth Camp. She finds acceptance and begins to learn deeper lessons about God from nature, friendship, and love. She is drawn to Dawson, but does he have the same feelings for her?

This is a story of love and faith, and I loved the author’s take on the many ways that God reveals Himself to questing souls. The protagonist is a woman who has been accepted into a family and who has grown up not knowing the truth about who she really is. Her reaction when she learns the truth is very normal, and I felt bad that she has to move away from a family that seems to love her deeply and that cares about her. The author’s descriptions of the Rocky Mountains, the features of nature, and the characters are gorgeous and filled with beautiful imagery. The plot is well-written, starting with a strong premise. The protagonist’s journey towards union with God, her experience of love, and her relationship with nature — and the dog called Lula — are elements that enrich the plot. When Mountains Sing (The Mosaic Collection) is a riveting story with memorable characters and deep religious insights.