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.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

The Twitter Gospels by David H Parish is a realistic Christian novel that takes readers on an invigorating journey of questions and discovery. The story follows Paolo Venticinque, an expert in the psychology of religious fanaticism and a Jesuit high school teacher. His regular life was disrupted when the Vatican dispatched him to Jerusalem to interview men who believed they were Jesus Christ. The men were kept in a mental facility, but that was not the only task Paolo had. He also had to vet a Twitter account claiming to be the returned Messiah. Paolo had to discover the identity of the person behind the Twitter account who was challenging the Vatican’s authority. All his leads came from the men in the mental institute; Paolo was left questioning everything. Was Jesus Christ really back and operating a Twitter account? Or was it some religious fanatic playing with the minds of religious Christians?

Beautifully written with crisp imagery and vivid descriptions, The Twitter Gospels by author David H. Parish was everything I wished for and more. The story is a religious thriller with a fascinating plot and an even more interesting protagonist. I loved Paolo and his open mind. While he was religious, he didn’t let his beliefs get in the way of his investigation. He kept an open mind to the best of his abilities. I loved his interactions with his mother, Leonella. Viterbo was a great sounding board for Paolo, and the two worked well together. The story was a whole religious/cultural experience that I was not expecting. Parish blends religious intrigue with the fast-paced world of social media. We see the power of faith and the challenges it faces in the modern age. The tweets themselves, advocating for a more inclusive church, become a central mystery, sparking both fear and fascination within the Vatican. A fantastic story, and I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite

One early September morning, Meg Reynolds was heading to a medical appointment after a night shift at the plant. Meg hit a little girl named Jessie Carter at a crosswalk near an elementary school with her car. Meg didn't have a phone with her and couldn't call 911. Instead, she put the seemingly unconscious child in her car to take her to the nearest emergency room. Meg couldn't find Jessie's pulse. She made the questionable decision at the entrance of the hospital. Since then, sixty-one-year-old Meg has done everything to escape the dire consequences of her choice, despite Jessie's devastated parents and Meg's own family falling apart. But Sheriff Tom Braxton and the Highland Ridge Police Department's Captain Carl Winchester are in hot pursuit of the suspect in the affair that shocked the community. Will self-indulgence suffice, or will divine Providence show Meg the right way? Justice for Jessie by Brenda C. Poulos is a breathtaking read for fans of Christian suspense, crime drama, and psychological thrillers.

Justice for Jessie pulled me in from the first page. It is a character-driven story narrated from different perspectives. Brenda C. Poulos did a tremendous job of crafting the characters. Meg is in the center of the narrative. Brenda skillfully describes different traits of her personality and lets us decide whether Meg is right or wrong in her choices. Meg's character is relatable. I could easily comprehend the mental anguish of the person who faced so many challenges. Thoroughly exploring Meg's character, Brenda even touches on the dramatic events in her childhood. The plotline is logical and offers many unpredictable twists and turns. Although the author allows us to see through the characters' intentions, she manages to create a very tight intrigue. The author explained the legal procedures in simple terms. The main themes of the book are guilt, responsibility, and forgiveness. Brenda asks how far we can go in our self-justification and what it really takes to forgive ourselves and those who have wronged us. Justice for Jessie sends out a powerful message of hope to everyone lost and carrying the horrible burden of guilt.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Immerse yourself in a gripping sleuth murder mystery with Lacey's Star by Kay DiBianca. Airplane pilot Cassie Deakin travels to her Uncle Charlie's farm in Tabor County with Deputy Frank White. She finds her uncle on the verge of death after an encounter with two nefarious strangers. Cassie and Frank soon begin to investigate what prompted the attack on Uncle Charlie's life, only to discover links with Charlie's old friend from Vietnam, Sinclair Alderson, whose eight-year-old sister, Lacey, died under mysterious circumstances forty years ago in 1970. The search for Sinclair takes them through three different counties. But following the clues, Cassie and Frank eventually find themselves entangled in an even more insidious conspiracy whose perpetrator seems to be hiding in plain sight. Now, Cassie must be wary before she confronts a dangerous murderer.

Lacey's Star is one of those whodunnit stories where you're constantly second-guessing yourself and still fail to guess the killer right until the end. Author Kay DiBianca has crafted a delicious murder mystery tale that any sleuth lover will devour with relish. The narrative hooks you in from the very first page, and it's a non-stop thrill ride from there. Apart from the intricate plotting, the characters keep your eyes glued to the pages. Each character is well-developed, with multiple layers to their personality, exhibiting actions and motives that make sense to the reader. Cassie and Frank have palpable chemistry, and you can't help wishing they end up together. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and urge whodunnit readers and crime fiction enthusiasts not to miss out on this one!

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

R.A. Williams' Cradle of Life is based on a true story. Dr. Paul Eisen had shown that unguided evolution is impossible, and he was now waiting for validation of his hypothesis from an unbiased laboratory. Dr. Eisen used to live next door to Nathan Buchanan, who was now earning a Ph.D. in biomolecular engineering. Paul and Nathan became friends over time, and he invited Nathan to be the first to peer-review the details of his discovery. Paul had made plans to meet with Nathan over dinner to discuss his findings, but Paul never showed up. Paul was the target of a murder attempt, but Nathan was also the target of one while hiking with Julia. Julia's mother, Amari, wanted Julia and Nathan to be protected, so she set out to solve the attempted murders.

The phrase “In the beginning, there was nothing. And then nothing became everything, all by itself” in Cradle of Life had me intrigued. R.A. Williams went into great detail about evolution based on faith and evolution based on scientific facts. I found the blend of fact and fiction in the book to be so intriguing that I was unable to put it down. The plot flowed fast and with a sense of intensity, fusing romance, facts, and moral quandaries. The characters all had endearing and authentic personalities. While some of the story's characters and events are made up, others were inspired by real-life occurrences. My favorite character was Julia because she bravely faced peril. This is such a well-written story that I will remember it for a very long time.

Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite

Erica and Magnus Winthrop were a wealthy Caribbean couple who also ran the only mega-church in Barracuda Cove. They were the epitome of influence, class, and godliness. What could go wrong? Unfortunately, behind the curated exterior lay dark secrets. Erica was a perpetual victim of abuse by Magnus, who immersed himself in greed, self-absorption, and all the crimes and social vices one could imagine. He also accused Erica of dating a boy half her age whom she doted on as a son. Erica wanted a divorce before she lost her life, but Magnus would not see her walk from the stellar reputation and wealth he supposedly built on the island. Who would believe she lived with a demon? Will Erica escape the marriage with her life? Married to the Devil by H. H. Fowler has the details.

Wow! Married to the Devil by H. H. Fowler is a lot to unpack! I would recommend this novel to everyone, especially Christians who idolize their spiritual leaders. No one is infallible, and a lot happens behind closed doors. The author wrote this unique story with such depth that I self-reflected through every chapter. The characters were authentic, and the dialog was so profound. Erica languished in a nest of vipers, and Magnus could tutor the Devil on wickedness. However, did Erica groom Dean? Perhaps. The author portrays Dean as an easy-going 'people person' in this story, but I felt differently. He came across as a passive-aggressive, self-serving, manipulative opportunist, hiding behind a laid-back and sweet persona. Lily is in my prayers. Tavian was my favorite character, and I want him to feature more in the second book. As for Netty, people with friends like her don’t need enemies. May the snares of enemies never catch us. Great work with the cliffhanger. Give us book two soon.