Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Cedar Woman: The Cedar Woman Saga, Book 1 is a contemporary cultural fiction novel written by Debra Shiveley Welch. Lena Cedar Woman Young Bear’s parents were married on the day that they met. Peter Spotted Eagle Catcher was leaving the reservation to go to work on Countryman’s 300-acre farm. Joseph Countryman’s declining health led him to seek help with the everyday tasks of farming. Peter would be taking on some of the more strenuous tasks, such as mending fences and helping with the dairy cows. Countryman had immediately answered Peter’s response to his advertisement with an acceptance, gasoline money, and a warm welcome. The twenty-one-year-old man had no wife or even any romantic interests, and he sought his mother’s advice on how to find the wife who seemed to be part of the job offer. Reva Two-Strokes Catcher knew she could find a girl for Peter, and she was pleased to be doing so. It was past time for her to experience the joys of being a grandmother. Mary One Feather Fools Bull was that girl. A quiet, unassuming and somewhat timid young woman, she calmed her fears about her trip and upcoming marriage with her attention to carefully packing her clothing, especially the ribbon dress her mother gave her for her wedding. She gently folded it with wild sage and her eagle feather.

When Peter met the bus, Mary was too terrified to look into his eyes. The sixteen-year-old felt paralyzed by fear and could only fix her gaze on her betrothed’s dusty boots. Reva felt compassion for her shy daughter-to-be, and her smiling gaze and warm hand were lifelines for Mary in her strange new surroundings. She numbly prepared for her nuptials, but deep within there was a core of steel that ensured she would leave this place if she wasn’t sure about Peter. She would know when she finally looked into his eyes. Mary felt as though she were in a dream as the wedding ceremony took place, and then she raised her eyes to meet his and she knew. She had found her other half. Their daughter, Lena, would become a legend when she was only seven and had rescued a trapped hummingbird, which became her erstwhile companion and friend. Her actions led the medicine man on the Rosebud reservation to give her a new name. She would now be known as Lena Cedar Woman, one who nurtures.

Debra Shiveley Welch’s contemporary cultural novel, Cedar Woman: The Cedar Woman Saga, Book 1, is a beautifully written and enthralling story about a Native American woman raised by her parents in Ohio, whose introduction to her culture in Keokuk, at the Annual Gathering of the People, is a life-enhancing experience. I loved learning about Lakota culture as Julie Spotted Eagle Horse becomes Lena’s mentor and friend. Welch includes a dictionary of the many Lakota words she uses throughout her book, but she also gives the reader the proper pronunciation within the text, which I found to be quite useful. As I read on, I began to appreciate how the language worked and was able to predict how new words would be pronounced, making me feel even more invested in her compelling story. Cedar Woman: The Cedar Woman Saga, Book 1 is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Betty Taylor for Readers' Favorite

Books having to do with the Middle East always interest me, and especially those set in Iraq. This is a region that the author says is “older than the flood.” It is a land that has been ruled at one time or another by the Assyrians, the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Parthians, Romans, Islamic Arabs, Mongols, and Ottomans. I was really enthralled with this part of the book. In The Kurdish Bike by Alesa Lightbourne, the protagonist, Theresa, is an American teacher working in Iraqi Kurdistan. Unlike the other expat teachers assigned to the school, Theresa yearns to get out and see the landscape and meet the people. Her purchase of a bicycle gives her the freedom to explore. On one of her trips out she meets a Kurdish family that becomes her “village family.”

I enjoyed the portions of the book that address some of the differences between the Arab and Kurdish cultures. The story addresses some traditions that have been banned in most of the world, but are still followed in the more rural areas (such as female genital mutilation). I felt like I had met the characters through Ms. Lightbourne’s thorough character development. Most of the story is based on the author’s actual experiences in the region. I can envision Theresa riding along on her bike; Ara and Theresa dancing and laughing; Theresa’s frustration with the love-smitten Bezma. I wanted to remain right there among these people with such open hearts. They know how to appreciate the small things in life.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

An unexpected treasure handed over from an ex-spouse via the divorce lawyer; a classic mother-son bonding experience on a roller coaster ride; tragic tales of survival of ordinary Cuban citizens in the 1960s; a paranormal happening in the Museum of the Weird, the Sad, and the Wretched; and a complex murder mystery – all of these stories in one volume. The Fish Tank and Other Short Stories by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra reveals life stories in the raw with a compassion for reality and the fantastical.

Maria Elena is a marvellous storyteller. She presents her narrative with overwhelming descriptive power and unexpected and surprising twists and turns. The plots are cleverly orchestrated with characters that come alive with compassion, both good and evil. Her protagonists are strong and endearing, particularly in her Cuban stories which depict an era of unspoken horrors and frightening scenarios. The suspense leading up to the climax pulls the reader along on a roller coaster ride filled with adventure to a climax that certainly doesn’t disappoint - it rather fills the reader with a sense of awe as the reader realizes the power behind the narrative and the unusual path that the author has followed. The resolution reaffirms the author’s intent: to provide the reader with a certain “wow” factor in the story itself. From suspense, to romance, to real-life stories from the author’s own past, the finely tuned craft of the short story is clearly evident in this collection. Each story is engaging, thought-provoking and memorable. This is clearly an author who writes with style and with class.

Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

Jalpa Williby exposes the horrific world of human trafficking in Girl Behind the Veil. Special Forces operative Kaden Reid goes undercover to rescue a young woman from a human trafficking ring in Pakistan. His mission objective - act as a client, buy her, get her out and return her safely to her father. The mission is a success, but the girl hidden behind the veil with the beautiful gray eyes pierces his soul. Salena Hamas is delivered safely to her father, but she is forever haunted by her kidnapping. Burying the tragic incident deep inside, Salena finishes college and becomes a successful journalist for the New York Times. But, Salena isolates herself behind an invisible veil. When she attends a charity event to raise awareness of human trafficking, her past collides with her present. Her hero, her savior, Kaden Reid, reappears. The opposite worlds of Kaden and Salena intersect once again. They spend a wonderful life-changing week together, but will their relationship survive another goodbye? Salena returns to work, Kaden goes on another covert mission. Their love is powerful, however, days apart turn into endless silent months; doubt, fear, and heartache overshadow Kaden’s parting words, "Wait for me.”

Girl Behind the Veil is the first book of Jalpa Williby’s The Invisible Veil series. Williby writes an unforgettable, gripping and passionate story of overcoming tragedy. Although suspenseful and romantic, the story focuses on the post-traumatic effect of sexual abuse on its victim. The heroine is beautiful and fragile, intelligent and defiant, desiring security and stability. She is paired up with a masculine, duty or die, honorable yet tender “restless soul.” The supporting cast consists of a doting traditional father, a vindictive woman from the past, new and forever friends. The plot turns predictable, then bam! Suddenly, it hits you with shocking surprises. It is an emotional landslide to the very end. Jalpa Williby writes to inspire. In Girl Behind the Veil, she raises awareness of human trafficking and cultural differences by creating dynamic characters and bringing their tragic story to life – from victim to victor.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Part Star Part Dust by L.M. Valiram is a well-crafted, unique, and multidimensional story that scores great success at different levels for a debut novel. First off, the characters are rock-solid and the author explores them well. Left in a dumpster on the streets of Mumbai, Radha refuses to die. She grows up, but what awaits her is more than she could have imagined. At sixteen, Mira is prepared — against her will — to marry a man she’s never met before. Gaurav is a wealthy man, but he suffers from a deep emptiness that even his wealth can’t fill. Can love complete him? Part Star Part Dust is an incredible story that brings together the destinies of three people with different and distinct backgrounds.

The narrative is incomparable and it is interesting that Time is the narrator, an idea that makes this story unique. The narrative voice is mellow, yet arresting in an irresistible way. The reader is pulled into a world where conflicting values exist, a powerful Indian setting. I enjoyed the social commentary that unveils the soul of India, its dynamic streets, the slums, and the occasional references to the local language, which add color and depth to the story. L.M. Valiram takes readers to an India they will love to know better, with incredible smells, sights, and customs.

The plot is beautifully imagined and punctuated with numerous dramatic and intense moments. The author writes with confidence and the dialogues are well-crafted, embellished with a rare touch of humor. Part Star Part Dust by L.M. Valiram is a brilliant story with great themes like love, destiny, and time, an entertaining story that captures the very soul of India. I couldn’t put it down.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

Veil of Walls by Patricia Panahi is a compelling story that plunges the reader into the heart of Persian culture and norms, exploring social issues and powerful themes like family, the rights of women, and marriage. A ten-year-old girl goes on a one-month vacation to Iran against her will. She would have loved to hang around with her friends or do stuff she loves in the US. Now, while in Iran and holed up in a compound with frequent bonfires, the vivacious girl couldn’t wait for the month to finish so she could return home to the US, but everything changes when her parents die in a tragic accident. There is no going back to the US for her. And this is just the beginning of her struggles because she will have to resist her grandmother’s determination to transform her into a proper Persian woman and resist being forced to marry someone against her will. Can she find her path back to the US and to freedom?

Patricia Panahi has crafted a story that reminds me so much of Khaled Hosseini, the author of The Kite Runner, because of the great setting. The author mesmerizes readers with the colorful setting, the wonderful evocation of senses, the keen attention to details about Persian culture and customs. The conflict is so strong that readers will find themselves rooting strongly for the protagonist, eager to see her grow and embrace her inner freedom. Veil of Walls will open the reader’s eyes to the beauty of Iran and some of the social issues the country faces. Told in a powerful, first person narrative, this novel will keep readers completely absorbed. Such a delight to read!

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

Isabella, the author of Razor's Edge, is one very prolific and clever writer. This lady knows how to plot a riveting story, full of action, nasty characters, crime and violence. But at the same time, she knows how to make her key players, in this case, Luce and her lover, Brooke, touch our hearts with their love and sensitivity so that good prevails in the midst of all the mayhem. Razor's Edge will intrigue readers who aren't used to seeing women wear the pants in both personal relationships and in corporate affairs. These are the women with roles and personalities society associates with men. These women are competent, intelligent and tough. They don't buckle or fall apart when the going gets rough. Instead the rougher it gets, the tougher they get.

As the head of the Yakuza organization, Luce is a no BS woman who can match any man. If a man messes with her organization or those she loves, as the evil Petrov and Frank do, the price they might pay is death at the end of a bullet. So too, her lover, Brooke, who initially appears as the softer side of the couple, surprises even Luce as she executes a solution that will bring down both Petrov and Frank and put an end, for the time being, to the turf wars between the two sides. What will be most pleasing to female readers is seeing that the men's usual tools of violence against women are no match for the intelligence of Luce and Brooke!

Isabella has written two previous books about the Yakuza organization that might be worth reading for background on Luce and Brooke before starting Razor's Edge. That isn't necessary to understanding and enjoying this gripping, high tension, cleverly plotted book, but readers might like to know where and how it all began. There is a list of Isabella's books provided at the end of the Razor's Edge. Occasionally, perhaps in the effort to keep the reader guessing, some scene changes and what might have happened between them cause a bit of confusion. And there are unanswered questions at the end of the book too. But perhaps that's exactly what Isabella wanted i.e. is there another book in the series already being planned? Who knows?

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

The Other La Bohème by Yorker Keith is aptly labeled literary fiction, an interesting story that explores the life and career of the Dolci Quattro. After their breathtaking performance of Puccini’s well-known opera, La Bohème, during their graduation, four friends form a band called the Dolci Quattro. Set in the very complex and rich backdrop of New York City, the Dolci Quattro pursues their dream and embraces a Bohemian lifestyle. But all is not sweet and easy. Readers will watch them as they fall in love, as they experience betrayal, and as they face obstacles and family challenges. What is it that keeps them together?

Yorker Keith writes beautifully and those who love music, especially fans of La Bohème, will be smitten by this story as well as those who just enjoy the opera. The author shows great knowledge of music and writes confidently about it. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’d not lived this experience personally. The writing is elegant, flowing like music, and polished. The plot is well-paced and the conflict developed around the career and the love experiences of the characters helps to give the entire story a strong dynamic. The characters are well-explored and I enjoyed the psychological depth of the story. One of the things I enjoyed about the book is how the author skillfully weaves elements of the original La Bohème into the story. The narrative is great and the prose so descriptive that it allows the reader to have a great feel for the characters. The Other La Bohème is, indeed, a real treat for music lovers.

Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite

Be Still the Water by Karen Emilson is a historical novel set against the backdrop of the tranquil shores of Lake Manitoba in the early 1900s, a story centered around the immigrant Gudmundsson family and their struggles to settle among the Siglunes in the early years of the twentieth century. But it’s not just about immigrants embracing a new life in a new country. Things would have been different if Pjetur's daughter, Asta, didn’t fall head-over-heels in love with the miller’s son. As if that wasn’t enough to cause trouble for the family, Asta’s younger sister disappears. Will Asta be able to accomplish her mission of locating and bringing her sister home?

Be Still the Water is a family saga involving love and secrets, a tale that is as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking, but one worth reading. The story is told by the old woman who is nearing her death bed, and in a voice that is warm and intelligent, full of the wisdom of age. The first person narrative is a style the author uses as a master and it draws readers in immediately. At the very opening of the story, the author introduces one of the powerful conflicts and issues that move the gripping plot, the disappearance of Freyja, which immediately makes readers start asking questions. “Oh Freyja, where are you? Not knowing your fate has tormented me for nearly seventy years. Before I go, I will make good on my promise to find you.” After losing her sister for nearly seventy years and at her ripe old age, readers could well wonder if she has the strength to find out the truth. They won’t be disappointed because the narrator will navigate her family’s history with them and lead them through unusual paths.

I loved the language, the vivid descriptions, the occasional bursts of wisdom, and the compelling characters. Karen Emilson has won my interest in her work and she skillfully establishes herself as an expert in the historical fiction genre. One striking aspect of this work is to see how the author allows the narrator to portray her age and state of mind, allowing her personality to come across powerfully without distracting the reader. The idea of an old woman looking back at her family history lends the narrative style a flavor that will delight many readers.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

One-Two is a psychological drama written by Igor Eliseev. They were born as conjoined twins; there had been talk of letting them die at birth, words whispered in the delivery room and its environs. The two infant females survived; however, the difficulty of the delivery and the shock of the news about her babies led to the mother's mental instability. Yielding to pressure from the hospital administration, she signed a certificate of death, and the father was notified of the fact while he was traveling on business. Rootless and without family, the twins were experimental subjects for the institutes of pediatrics and, later, traumatology, then they were sent to a boarding school. Faith would fondly remember those years spent there -- she and Hope felt like normal kids there. Being out of the institutional settings of their early life was refreshing. Their windows had no bars, the school was set amidst forests redolent with the scents of pine and moss, and they had Lizzie as a friend. For Hope, "Lizzie was an embodiment of fireworks bursting with thousands of emotional colors and shades never seen in one person before."

Igor Eliseev's psychological coming of age novel, One-Two, is set during the 1980s and 1990s as the time of the Soviet Union passed and present-day Russia was in its infant throes. Eliseev's tale is heady, compelling and magical. His twins are conjoined, but two separate and sharply distinctive personalities share that one liver which the doctors claim makes separation an impossibility. I couldn't help but feel for the more intellectual Faith whose love of reading enables her to rise above the challenges and restrictions of her existence, even as the more worldly Hope scowls and acts bored while Faith is lost in those worlds of words.

As I read One-Two, I was reminded once again why I’ve gravitated towards the great Russian authors throughout my adult life. And reading One-Two, I felt again in the presence of greatness, a word that's often trivialized yet so apt here. I delighted in the glimpses of Gogol's humor present in the nicknames and descriptive imagery that flourish throughout this work: the strange little man who seems like a flat pumpkin, and the supervisor, Compass Legs, who enslaves the twins. Within these pages lurk all manner of beings, some awful and stinking, others dispensing kindness, wisdom and even love. Witnessing the life Faith and Hope live is a humbling experience. Seeing the romance implicit in the world is a bright star in this profound and brilliant novel. One-Two is a modern Russian master work with just a hint of Robertson Davies' influence shining through here and there. It's an astonishingly good read, a rich and heady draft of life seen through the perspective of a perceptive and lonely young woman who never quite loses the ability to dream or love. One-Two is most highly recommended.