Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

Otzi’s Curse is a blend of science fiction and history for a really interesting and chilling story. Adam Barfield is a neuroscientist and his son, Gene, is the victim in a scary and almost believable scenario. When Adam takes a sabbatical from his teaching position at U.C. Berkeley and heads to the Italian Alps, no one ever suspects the life changing events that will take place. Adam is about to change his life and the well-being of the world in just one quick moment of taking something from the newly discovered ancient iceman, an act that should never have happened. His son Gene is soon born from a surrogate mother in India and becomes the result of Adam’s life-long experiment. Adam discovers a new immune serum that cures HIV and cancer and quickly becomes a hero, sought after by many. Adam manages to keep the details to himself, telling no one, not even his wife, son, and daughter of the particulars of his discovery. Adam knows and dreads that someday the truth will catch up to him and, when it does, his life will never be the same.

I found Otzi’s Curse to be chilling, exciting, and wondered could this really happen. Author Mary June is brilliant in her character development and story line and it is hard to believe that this is her first novel. I was fascinated and drawn into the story quickly and totally surprised by the ending. Otzi’s Curse is science fiction at its finest. I am usually not a great fan of science fiction stories, but this was an exception to the rule and is a book I really enjoyed and highly recommend.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

I picked up Come to the Garden by Jennifer Wilder Morgan out of curiosity, in the same way that I picked up For One More Day by Mitch Albom, but my curiosity in both instances has proven to be my best guide. Come to the Garden is a warm and beautiful story that will inspire readers to look farther than their immediate environment to connect with a power far beyond them. The author states that the book is based on facts and written as a personal story. Jenn is a woman with a powerful need to connect with God and with others --- regardless of their faith. She thinks that God has been talking to her in many different ways, but how can she be so sure and how can she understand the signs she receives. On her birthday, an angel, Margaret, appears to her, and walks with her each step of her life’s journey, helping her understand how God has been part of her history.

Come to the Garden is an inspirational story that will edify many people who are seeking answers, and who want to understand how God speaks to the human heart. With a voice that is reassuring and gentle, the author shares conversations with her guardian angel and offers spiritual insights and wisdom that allow readers to open their hearts to the mysterious and healing power of God. One feels that the author is versed in scripture. Whether this is fiction or not, it is true that Wilder Morgan has the gift of capturing the hearts of readers and this book will create the spiritual awareness that seekers and dreamers need to connect deeply with their creator. I loved the author’s use of the garden as a powerful symbol of the soul in which God’s word is planted. In the heart of this inspiring tale is the powerful message that God never tires of reaching out to connect with humanity. This book will change the way you think about the world, your history, and your relationship with God.

Reviewed by Gracie Bradford for Readers' Favorite

Filthy Fishermen: How God Uses Weakness for His Glory is by Luke Holter. Everyone has met a "prodigal" in their family. This 224-page Christian based book is well written, describing the repeated screw ups of some of the most famous biblical forefathers such as Abraham, Jacob, Moses, King David, etc, who were no strangers to failure. Yet, God saw through grace to make the forefathers mighty fishermen of men. Comparing the restoration of biblical forefathers, the author (a prodigal son of preachers) weaves a beautiful thread of redemption, grace, and love through the sharing of his own near death experience at the age of 25, as well as the story of four friends. An adult reader can identify with their journey of redemption and restoration. A quote worth remembering that I think will resonate with parents is: "Loving a prodigal is a marathon, not a sprint."

Filthy Fishermen: How God Uses Weakness for His Glory by Luke Holter has impressive endorsements, foreword and cover which will attract readers. The author starts his book by talking about the love and devotion of his wife, Grace, and ends by talking about the strength that Grace gave to him. This is a lesson for married couples and may appeal to couples struggling with relationships. It is refreshing how the author refers to humans as God's masterpiece. One quote worthy of mentioning is: "If you always do what you have always done, you'll always be where you've always been." A quote that may get the attention of business leaders is: "Our success and worth are based on HIS love for us and our love for HIM," as opposed to worldly accomplishments. The author brilliantly explains the whole package of loving with our hearts, souls, minds, and strength.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Winter Trees: Seasons of Marigold Manor by Kim Stokely is a delicate and beautiful love story that reiterates the power of love in relationships and the presence of God in everyone's lives. Ginny wants to make the holidays exciting for all the residents and staff of Marigold Manor Assisted Living. Though she is still getting over the death of her fiance, Ginny puts her grief on hold to give the residents an enjoyable time. Edith and Frank try to bring Ginny and Chester, the chef, together. Will Ginny and Chester finally let go of their past and fall in love?

I found the story heartwarming and it touches readers in many ways. It is a story of loss, hope and love and it captures the struggles of life well. All the characters in the book, be they Ginny, Chester, Rachel, Frank, Edith or Margaret, are portrayed well and readers can relate easily to them. The spiritual undertones that run through the story work wonders and give it a good aura. God's compassion and grace in our daily lives is conveyed very subtly by the author as the story progresses. The spiritual undertones add to the plot. Readers will feel all the emotions of the characters as the author pulls them into the story. The beautiful message is that there is always hope in one's life if they believe in God and let Him into their lives. It's a simple and clean love story that will stay in the minds of readers for a long time.

Reviewed by Charity Tober for Readers' Favorite

Despite Your Circumstances by Candida Sullivan is a motivational and inspirational book designed to help readers endure and overcome life’s hardships. Whether because of relationship issues, unexpected grief, declining health or financial troubles, obstacles are a routine part of life. Sullivan presents readers with concise, inspirational and Christian-based advice on how to not only overcome hardships, but also prevail over them in a positive manner. Topics covered include embracing your faith, positive thinking, making a difference, overcoming stress, discovering motivation, and how to find your happiness in life. The author explains to readers that life is a lesson and what we learn from it and how we react to it depends largely on our beliefs and attitudes.

Despite Your Circumstances is a powerful and empowering book. I liked how each chapter began with a relevant Bible verse and each chapter ended with a brief self-questionnaire, giving readers a chance to apply the information learned to their own lives. The author takes great care in explaining each scenario in practical terms, as well as giving readers concise and easy-to-follow advice. The advice that Sullivan provides in the book revolves largely around her strong faith in God and her belief that positive thinking can get you through tough times. In chapter three of the book, titled “Positive Versus Negative,” the author states: “The secret to happiness is really all in our head. Our joy is simply the difference between positive and negative thoughts. It is a decision we must all make.” I would recommend Despite Your Circumstances by Candida Sullivan to anyone – whether going through a hardship or just looking for inspiration and motivation during the journey of life.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Revenge Interrupted is an intense drama novel by author T.L. Tucker. Our central character is Savannah, a law associate at a prestigious firm, whose life is turned upside down by an unexpected job switch, and the arrival of a mysterious new man, Langston Carter. There are many things in Savannah’s past that she likes to pretend don’t exist, especially in view of the classy new life she’s worked hard to build for herself. But in the face of new love, old wounds need closing, and Savannah’s journey takes her back to hustler and old flame Benji, as well as her broken family, reminding her that revenge has a way of seeking you out.

T.L. Tucker presents many dark and unpleasant realities of life in an accessible way that manages to subvert all fiction conventions, leaving out any graphic adult content that would make many readers uncomfortable. Savannah’s dark past and her rise to success is an uplifting yet heart-wrenching tale that family drama fans will adore, whilst romance fans will savour the sizzle of our heroine’s current and former flames. Revenge Interrupted never has a dull moment, with twists and turns, memories and new adventures sparking from every page, and the ‘will they, won’t they’ suspense for Savannah and Langston’s future holds up right until the story’s satisfying conclusion. Overall, I’d highly recommend Revenge Interrupted to readers looking for deep family drama, rags to riches themes, non-graphic romance, and well-written contemporary women’s fiction. A superb and highly engaging read.

Reviewed by Paul Johnson for Readers' Favorite

In Israel, archaeologist Grace Madison gets a message. Someone has kidnapped her daughter Maggie. Without hesitation she takes the information and, with no remorse, shoots her daughter's abductor. But, their troubles are not over; there's a second assassin. Suddenly a shepherd appears and kills the second shooter, freeing the women. However, that's just the beginning of their adventure. Who is this desert savior, and just what have they gotten into?

Unknown to them is an evil plot, a plot to control the one thing that is the truest sense of life in the Middle East and beyond. They soon find themselves drawn ever deeper into the plan when they are both abducted and manage to escape. Things escalate toward disaster in the Middle East and even further as the plot continues to unfold. Family and friends come to their aid, but have secrets of their own as millions of lives hang in the balance. Mother and daughter soon realize nothing is as it seems. 

In When Camels Fly, N.L.B. Horton has crafted an exciting novel of suspense, intrigue and mystery, with a little romance thrown in as well. The setting is the ever evolving world of the Middle East. Here she introduces her readers to the remarkable Madison family, each with their own special lives. Her characters are well defined and the plotting is great. I've always loved good adventure stories and this one doesn't disappoint. The story starts with a bang and just goes on from there with everything from Bedouin shepherds to high-tech weaponry. Very nicely done.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Deflowered Lyric by J.J. Staples is a disturbing novel that speaks about the realities of the society we live in. Sexual abuse is rampant in our society and this story is sketched around three characters, Lyric, Jada and Judith, who all undergo abuse at the hands of trusted people. The author explores a topic that is getting out of control in current society, where the abused carry that secret with them and end up being troubled. Readers are exposed to the pain caused by child abuse and it is a warning signal to parents, family members and friends to be watchful and careful with the society we live.

The author has done an excellent job of exposing the harsh realities of sexual abuse and the book is a good read for those who have experienced it and are healing from abuse. The book is thought provoking and an eye opener. The interspersing of poetry and prose in the writing makes it quite effective. All three characters, with their varied abuses and reactions, touch the hearts of readers. One keeps it a secret, but with the other two, an adult steps in to help. All three incidents reveal the trauma the victim goes through. I recommend this book to everyone. It is a must-read for all of us to be more aware of the dangers lurking around children and be more protective of their safety. It is indeed an inspirational book!

Reviewed by Mary C. Blowers for Readers' Favorite

I enjoyed reading The Da Vinci Code Revisited by Christopher H.K. Persaud. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown is advertised to be a novel, but comes across as based on truth. Great danger is at hand for Christians and unbelievers who may be taken in by its heresies. Drawing in influences like the radical feminist movement, and the surge in interest in paranormal, witchcraft, and supernatural thrillers, Brown spins a tale which is nothing if not controversial.

As Persaud writes, there is much false information in Brown’s book when compared to recorded and available historical accounts. There is much discrepancy between what is said to be the history of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi texts and what anyone can read in the news. Most shocking is the persistent rumor that the holy grail is actually Mary Magdalene as a vessel for the child of Jesus Christ since, as it states in Brown’s novel, they were married and continued the bloodline which survives to the current day. A number of these errors grew from some assuming the Nag Hammadi books to be equivalent to the canonized Christian Bible, and that the church had purposely left them out because they were at odds with its agenda. But as Persaud shows, these supposed “lost gospels” were written much later than the eyewitness period and do not even bear the names of the actual writers or agree with the canonized books. It was common in those days to take the name of a famous person, say the apostle Thomas, and apply his name to your book. People then gave it more credence and, ultimately, could drive people away from the church since it was not in agreement or support of the true gospel.

The first, larger section of The Da Vinci Code Revisited deals with the errors in the novel, and the second section deals with who Christ really is. It provides valuable instruction and many prophecies in support of the bodily resurrection of Christ which, of course, were later fulfilled. A chapter is devoted to a description of the true Christian and his relationship with Christ. Attributes include abhorrence of evil, an attitude of love, and continual prayer. This is not an easy or quick read, but contains all you need to debunk the popular but heretical book, The Da Vinci Code. Revisit it today and see the proof for yourself. 5 stars.

Reviewed by Michelle Robertson for Readers' Favorite

Favor in the Rough: Discovering God's Favor in Challenging Times" is written by Dr. Debra D. Givens. This book is very well-written with a Religious-Christian plot, based on scripture from within the Bible along with personal experiences. It would appeal to all readers who are pursuing questions on scriptures and other religious matters. There are many heroes within the pages of the Bible that God has appointed to serve him in a unique way. Dr. Givens helps her readers understand their actions and purposes during good and bad times. Dr. Debra Givens is a pastor within her church and is no stranger in the field of helping to understood the word of the Lord. However, speaking the word of the Lord and writing about it are two different matters. It is often hard to get a person to visualize the words you are speaking aloud. For some, if the words are being read by them their own visual understanding takes place. That very thing happens when Dr. Given's words are read. Through this entire book she elaborates on the meaning of different scripture segments, the stories behind them, and how each can relate to every individual person in their own way.

Reading the book is like being at a sermon where the pastor is offering a question and answer session, but the reader has the ability to review what is already stated and go over it again if needed. The passages, scripture, scripture explanations, and the personal experiences of Dr. Givens have allowed me to understand certain circumstances in my life where I was previously lost. This book is a great self help book when the topic is understanding God and his ways.