Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

On the Bank of the Chippewa: An Evocative Saga of a Midwestern Family by Steven Lomske is a captivating family story set in the tumultuous mid-1900s. Beneath a family saga of heroism, three generations of the Mertz family live on a Michigan farmland by the flow of the Chippewa River. This is a coming-of-age story as the author shows readers everyday farm life and gives them a glimpse of what the characters heard, smelled, tasted, and felt. Brothers Paul, Steven, and Gus--with their parents and grandparents--toil on the farm and hunt together until they grow up, fall in love, and choose completely different paths in life. The truth about their family legacy unravels toward the end of the narrative as the brothers struggle to keep their filial bond together.

Steve Lomske’s On the Bank of the Chippewa is a moving family saga narrated from the point of view of Steven Mertz. It explores the lives of three generations of men in a family of farmers from the uncertainties of the First and Second World Wars to the chaos of the Vietnam War in the United States. Moving seamlessly between the past and the present, author Steve Lomske successfully explores the emotional and physical landscape of war and the pains and joys of growing up in a rural setting. The central theme of this narrative, however, is the ties that bind a family together and it is a moving read. I highly recommend this book!

Reviewed by Amanda Rofe for Readers' Favorite

The House of Baric: Shields Down by Jillian Bald is a debut fictional novel set in 17th century Europe. Part one of a trilogy, it tells the tale of Mauro Baric, heir to a Venetian barony and his arranged marriage to Resi, the daughter of an Ottoman trader. Neither very keen to wed, they come to the marriage as strangers, having only met once. Mauro, with his small army, arrives straight from battle with little experience of love. His new wife, with no desire to marry a Venetian far away from the home she loves, is spirited and strong. She settles to her new position but finds her husband away more than he is at home. An historical romance, Shields Down portrays the life and times of the period as the Thirty Years' War comes to a close.

This is a captivating story of battle-weary men and wealthy pampered ladies who were used in marriage alliances to further family ambition. I was delighted with the exquisite writing and the two very engaging main characters. Jillian Bald provides an exceptionally well-researched account of the compelling lives of the aristocracy of the time. She includes intimate details of their style of dress, complex social conventions and a generous portion of political intrigue. Shields Down is thoughtfully written with a rich mix of history and romance. There is a timeless elegance to the writing which never faltered. If you like historical romance, you will absolutely love this book. I very much look forward to reading the remaining books in The House of Baric trilogy.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Everything Here Belongs To You by Saborna Roychowdhury is a coming-of-age story of a girl forced to grow up too fast and pay the price later in life. Parul was just 6 years old when her father Ahmed left her with the Sens family in the city to work as their housemaid. As the Sens were wealthy Hindus and their money was important to her family, Parul was asked to keep her Muslim religion hidden from them. Amid the hard work and sadness, Parul found solace in Mohini, the Sens' daughter. While growing up, Mohini was the only friend and companion Parul had, but the privileged life she lived was a source of envy for Parul who was nothing more than a source of income for her own family. However, things got worse when Parul’s secret boyfriend Rahim asked her to do something horrible, and Parul was stuck. Would Parul do something that would destroy everything she worked for or risk everything to make Rahim happy?

Shedding light on the social and moral dilemma of child labor that still occurs regularly in households in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other South Asian countries, Saborna Roychowdhury shows what truly happens to those children who are forced to stop living like a child and bear the burden of an adult. Parul’s life wasn’t pleasant, to begin with, and being away from her family was the last thing she needed. The isolation at first and then the detachment from her family made Parul unhappy and angry. She wanted and needed someone to pay the price for her lost innocence and childhood. Rahim was the first person who treated her as an equal. Even though Mohini was never cruel to Parul, the social imbalance was too wide for them to truly call each other friends. The narrative was powerful in its simplicity, it affected me and made my heart ache for Parul. I would highly recommend Everything Here Belongs To You to anyone who enjoys reading realistic fiction with an underlying social issues message.

Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite

The story begins with Jolie texting her friend Alicia. However, she misspells one digit, and the text message ends up on the phone of Carson, an ER physician. Carson is the father of two children. His marriage is on the verge of dissolution because his wife is cheating on him. But Carson continues to live with her in order to avoid a scandal. Jolie, whose marriage is also having issues, is depressed because she thinks her husband has lost interest in her. As a result, Jolie drinks a lot. However, after a protracted period of texting with Carson, they start a blind relationship with one another. Will Jolie's husband discover her flirting? Will the undeniable attraction between Carson and Jolie last after they meet in person? Read Wrong Number by Iris Trovao to find out.

When you look into Wrong Number, you see a reflection of Carson and Jolie that stays with you throughout the book. Their endearing emotional bond flows deep and cold through the valley and along the cliffs, becoming an eternal waterfall. The storyline is well-developed, and the plot moves quickly. Iris Trovao's vivid descriptions of events aided the plot's progression. From Jolie diving under her bed covers to fool John into thinking she was fast asleep, to Carson walking into the house while the sun shone over the horizon, the scenes captivated my attention and captured my mind and emotions. Each character's role in the book was carefully constructed by selecting the right words to convey their traits and set them up for their roles. This instilled in me an exhilarating sense of anticipation and an unavoidable affection for the characters. This book does a great job of illustrating the lengths people will go to in order to fulfill their hearts' desires, and it will appeal to anyone looking for a compelling narrative with a romantic undercurrent.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

Nunn So Mighty by Mac McClure is an intense family drama about family secrets. Angus Roy Murphy greatly admires his grandfather, Theodore Thomas Nunn. Angus’s story takes you back to his childhood, where he roams freely back and forth to where his grandparents live, and the only forbidden zone to his full rein is the attic that stays locked and the key is hidden. This only amplifies Angus’s curiosity to discover what is hidden behind the attic. Tragedy strikes that further pushes his curiosity to uncover the truth about his grandfather. A family secret will be revealed, one that will shed light on a conflict between father and son that has been the source of palpable violence.

Every once in a while you find a novel like this, that seems to flow as you read along, and you are taken by the peculiarities of the characters. Uncle Bo has that particular accent and the heft of an ordinary working fellow. With his nephew Angus thirsty for answers about the mystery surrounding his grandfather, you can sense how Bo walks a tightrope in making an effort to be honest yet cautious to make Angus know well enough but not too much. Nunn So Mighty does an interesting thing with the Irish immigration experience. Mac McClure shows you another side of the Great American Dream that is contrary to many of the common hopeful impressions. McClure’s gritty writing is as impressive in its own way as Puzo’s Fortunate Pilgrim. It’s a must-read drama that is strongly driven by characters motivated by a family mystery that screams for answers.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

McDowell by William H. Coles is the story of Dr. Hiram McDowell. A celebrated surgeon, Dr. McDowell is single-minded in getting what he wants. His climb to the top is not without casualties and is not without some questionable practices. Cold and calculating, there is no denying his brilliance but when tragedy strikes, his world comes tumbling down. Grief and anger put him on a criminal path that will see his life of privilege and wealth all but destroyed. Can Hiram rebuild his life? On the run, Hiram embarks on a journey that will change the very core of him, change the way he lives, but is it enough to rebuild life as he knew it or will he become a different man? This could be Dr. McDowell’s one chance at redemption but will he take it?

McDowell by William H. Coles is a brilliantly written masterpiece of literary fiction. A story that could so easily be true, riveting to read. The emotion pours off almost every page and you can feel it; you can feel the sadness, the humor, the anger at the main character to start with. In the beginning, you really do not like Dr. McDowell and his fall from grace will make you happy but that is the turning point of this story. From there on, the action really picks up the pace and takes you on a journey you will never forget. This book is for everybody. It is full of lessons on life and attitude. We can all learn something here and every reader will take away something different from this book. The characterization is excellent and William H. Coles has created a main protagonist that you absolutely hate from the start but grow to love. Be prepared for an intense read; there is so much going on but every single word is relevant.

Reviewed by Jessica Barbosa for Readers' Favorite

Patricia Leavy’s Shooting Stars centers around the love story of Tess and Jack. Tess Lee is a famous novelist who has won a slew of awards and has donated millions to public libraries and raised tens of millions more. One fateful night, she meets a man named Jack, who intervenes on her behalf when a stranger becomes too persistent in flirting with her. Jack Miller joined the military out of high school; Special Forces. Now he is a federal agent with the bureau, working in counterterrorism. His life changes when he meets Tess on that fateful night. Two seemingly different people brought together by happenstance, forming a bond that could last lifetimes. Like a puzzle, their broken pieces fit together. Join these two and their amazing friends as they embark on the journey of love, life, and the complications of their past and how it affects their present and future.

Shooting Stars is a story of trauma, healing, friendship, and love with a nice serving of domesticity to soothe the heart. Each of our characters goes through their own struggles and does their best to overcome their past. Patricia Leavy has managed to weave a love story that naturally develops and grips the heart. Love changes people to be a better version of themselves; it is protective, gentle, and can come in many forms: friendship or romance. The story unfolds in a gripping manner: Jack and Tess’ story starts sweetly and they each fall deeper for the other as days pass but both cannot escape their pasts completely. They help each other, support each other, and their friends are there for them too. These two are the main center points of the story and they have a beautiful relationship. Jack and Tess fit together in a way that most people envy but they have their struggles too and the story showcases their struggles as challenges that make their bonds with each other and the people around them stronger. Overall, Shooting Stars is a sweet story with lessons of love and healing that will reach the hearts of its readers.

Reviewed by Fiona Ingram for Readers' Favorite

The Walk of the Wandering Man by Ric Szabo is an epic story of humanity that starts 5000 years ago in the harsh environment of Central Europe. The story begins with the intertwining of the fates of a young boy called Konli and a young man, Vratu, a Mesolithic hunter, brought together by tragedy. When Vratu is sent on his rite of passage, to walk with the Earth Spirit, he has no idea what the gods have in store for him, and how his quest will bring him manhood, pain, suffering, joy, and ultimately love. He knows treachery and killing, finds his conscience and learns compassion, and discovers a moral certainty to do what is right. Who is the mysterious boy with the strange tattoo and the intriguing necklace? Why has Vratu been chosen to protect him?

Fans of Jean Auel’s Clan of the Cave Bear series will absolutely love this book. The plot is complex in that it encompasses the lives and deeds of a number of characters and their clans. The reader embarks on a journey with Vratu that informs as it entertains. The age of the hunter-gatherer was ending as the farmers began to assert their right to land. Clashes and killings, and some degree of xenophobia were inevitable as the fight over resources raged. Alliances are formed, then broken, then remade in an intricate story line. The reader who enjoys prehistory and its detail will be impressed, as I was, at the meticulous research done to bring the epoch to life. The author writes in a lyrical style that is appropriate for the genre, slightly archaic but most pleasing to read. A modern author voice would not have worked, and Szabo gets it just right.

I enjoyed the descriptions which are vivid and immersive; indeed, readers find themselves thrust right into the action, be it fighting to survive the elements or in the midst of battle. The story takes the reader back in time most amazingly. One wonders how early man managed to survive, how they learned to create tools, to make clothing, shelter, medicines, all the things that the modern reader wouldn’t give a second thought. Social constructs and mores, traditions, customs, and laws are explained by seamlessly integrating them into the plot. The themes of spirituality and worship, and the place of nature in an emerging society’s ethos are clear. The story unfolds at a leisurely pace, although the prologue starts with action and mystery, and death. This is an epic adventure and one that belongs not only to Vratu, but to the communities he encounters and the people he calls his friends and companions. A thought-provoking, instructive, and extremely enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Never Among Equals: A Novel by Fazle Chowdhury is the story of Firoze as he navigates life regardless of whatever curveball it throws at him. Set in 1913, Firoze Hazari is a Bengali man who finishes his education at Oxford University and decides to live on his terms instead of going back home to marry the woman his parents expect him to. Getting his flat in the heart of London and accepting a job that he loves proves to be the easiest decision of his life. However, fate truly challenges him when he loses his job and Firoze decides to join the British Army. From learning to live on the edge and embracing the unpredictable nature of war, Firoze knows that this is just the tip of the iceberg. With the Great War looming over him like death, Firoze takes on a mission that might just as well be suicide. Can he survive? Or will it be the end of the road for him?

There is a smoothness with which the narrative flows and allows the reader to just get lost in the story. Fazle Chowdhury introduces Firoze most subtly and effortlessly, two adjectives that perfectly describe Firoze. He is that kind of protagonist that seamlessly blends with the plot and adds cohesiveness to the story. He is not charismatic but he is reliable. He is a normal man who has strong opinions and is very determined (not very different from the people we know in real life). I love that there is never a dull moment in the story. Never Among Equals keeps moving forward without a hitch and comes to an end at the perfect moment. It is a must-read, very entertaining novel.

Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

In Overland by Ramcy Diek, Skyla is a young woman working in her father’s insurance agency. She has a happy family life, a boyfriend, and life is good. Until that rainy Thanksgiving eve when she is kidnapped. Rikkerson, the kidnapper, took Skyla to his shack in the woods and expected her to become a mother to his three young children. The police, private detectives, and friends and family search frantically for Skyla. She uses all of the strength and determination she has in taking care of the children, trying to do nothing to cause Rikkerson to go into one of his angry, scary fits, and trying to figure out a way to get out of the shack, through the woods and back home.

I loved reading Overland! The suspense never ended and kept me intrigued from page one until the final words. Overland is a must-read for all fans who enjoy suspense, crime thrillers, and a little bit of romance thrown in for good measure. It's a story that will keep you up way into the night. Skyla’s character is well defined as is Rikkerson's. Ramcy Diek is a talented author who has written a top-notch story. There is reality, fiction, family love, fear, and more. The three young children have no education and have no idea what is beyond their shack in the woods, but quickly learn to love and trust Skyla and the bond they form will bring tears and joy to your heart. Overland is one of the best books I have read in a very long time and I highly recommend it to all.