Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite

Mid-western born and raised, Jason Owens has an exquisite voice just like his late mother; and now in his twenties, he sings lead with a California band. He was just out of high school when he was befriended by a well-known singer with connections in the music world. He regrets the mistake he made loving, and then leaving behind, his beautiful neighbor, teenage Allison Dittmer. Jason is estranged from his father, an alcoholic who abandoned Jason when his mother was killed in an auto accident. When his beloved grandmother, and then his grandfather, pass away, Jason, still at odds with his father and his own past, grieves for these grandparents who raised him. He begins to deal with his memories and those startling words found in old diaries of his grandfather, parts of which are hidden away behind a locked basement door. Will the old oak tree with its three carved hearts at the top of Murphy's meadow give Jason insight into past wrongs as well as those he committed? Can Jason make things right with Allison who loved him dearly back in their teenage years?

Our Heart is a wordy, yet quite descriptive, telling of love stories that span three generations in a mid-western family, the Owens. Jason Owen's telling of his happy teenage relationship with Allison Dittmer is detailed, but readers will appreciate how, with carefully chosen words, the author slowly develops Jason and Alllison's budding love for each other. The characters in this story reach out to each other believably, and the use of the oak tree, where each Owen male carves a heart, is a good literary focus. The story tends to jump from past to present and back again but settles down to tell its tale very well. This is a good story of forgiveness and, yes, of love that is well written and, other than a few punctuation errors, well edited.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Single mother, Megan's, cancer was no longer in remission; it has spread throughout her body. Megan's Way by Melissa Foster is a story of a mother and daughter in the midst of a life and death situation. Fourteen year old Olivia has never known who her father is. She is uncertain what will happen to her if her mother dies. Who will she live with? What will life be like without her mother? Megan and Olivia have always had a very close bond, they could sense when the other was in pain or trouble. It is a closeness Olivia will miss.

Holly, Jack, Peter and Cruz were Megan's best friends. The reader watches as Megan prepares them for her inevitable death. She decided to stop the medication that would prolong her life. She wants to be remembered as a joyful and loving person not a shell of herself.

As I read this book I was reminded on one of my favorite movies, Beaches. I tried putting myself in Megan's place, would I make the same decisions she made? Would I tell the truth or withhold it? I'm not sure. This book has five key characters; they each have a strong connection. That connection is what makes this tale so special. Melissa Foster has done a superb job of placing just the right emphasis on the drama of the situation. Foster took a paint brush and dipped it in words to paint a beautiful canvas.

Before you start reading Megan's Way, I suggest you set a box of tissue next to your chair. You will need them.

Reviewed by Lynette Fowlston for Readers' Favorite

Angels Gate is a fictional story based on an actual monetary heist. The setting is California in the 1980’s. Drug smuggling was big business in the area. Four surfing buddies decided to buy property in Costa Rica, build a hotel and retire. Airline baggage handlers did not make that kind of money. They thought smuggling pot in from Mexico, by using the airline, was the perfect way to make the money. When the airlines made changes the plot fizzled.

Their next bright idea was to rob an airline shipment from Brinks. Everything went well except the shipment did not contain money; it contained stocks, bonds and certificates. The bonds totaled three hundred fifty million dollars. They were afraid of getting caught. They did not know if the bonds were traceable. They were not sure that they could trust their partner.

This is an interesting novel of suspense and intrigue. The book is well edited. The plot kept me turning pages.

Reviewed by Debra G for Readers' Favorite

One summer day, during the excitement of a baseball game, there was an accident, lives were changed forever. Peter Michael Henderson hit the ball and slid into first base. The second baseman and pitcher collided. One of them fell on Peter’s head and severed his spinal cord. At 8 years of age, Peter was paralyzed and on a ventilator. His best friend Steve blamed himself, although it wasn’t his fault. Peter’s mother was an incredibly strong woman and her life had changed forever. Alicia, Peter’s little sister, was a dynamo bringing a smile to Peter’s face and reuniting him with his best friend.

I was deeply affected by this book. I could barely see to read the text as tears blurred my vision. "Peter, the Pole and the Knob" is an incredible story. It is a tale of strength and courage. The characters in this story are well defined. The plot is fiction, based on actual events. Dr. Karen Pirnot has a talent for bringing her characters to life. She also successfully expresses emotions through her art. This book will stay with the you long after reading the last word.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

George-Ann has lived under her father’s control all of her seventeen years. She is not allowed to socialize with friends. She was forced to live a life of perfect or at least what her father considered perfection. She had no identity other than the one her father had created for her. Then came the big announcement. Her father was dying. He had prostate cancer and had only a short time to live.

While his death was devastating; it also allowed George the opportunity to spread her wings. However, she found it almost impossible. She had no idea how to interact socially, how to be more than the robot her father had taught her to be. Her ability to speak her father’s language perfectly was to her advantage in the international market. She has a passion for the children in China and fights for their rights. As she reminds her mother, she was a slave to her father and had no childhood.

Too often as parents we think we know what is best for our children. Most of the time our children rebel but Sam had such a strong hold on George’s being that she ceased to exist. Even as a34 year old adult he had hold of her life.

My Father’s Dream Wasn’t My Own is an emotional read. This excellent book is well written and will touch the reader’s heart. I could not lay it down. George-Ann came to life on the pages of this book. This is a must read.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

You can find more strength in yourself than you ever thought possible through love...

Kale Weaver is on a mission to help protect the environment. Living in America's last Frontier, Alaska, means she has her work cut out for her. This vast land with its odd mixture of superstitious natives, overbearing contemporaries, and the multitude of wild animals hands her many challenges. A fateful encounter on an icy road one evening begins her connection with wolves. This connection will ultimately lead her on a path of learning that will show her the way to fulfill the wish of her son. A wish she never expected to happen. Throughout this journey Kale shows us the strength that people find in themselves for the sake of love.

Mary Ann MacAfee has written a wonderful, heartbreaking story. Through her detailing of the characters and the landscape, I felt like I was right there with Kale, experiencing everything she experienced. The way the chapters were written and the quickness of the timeline made this book a fast read. Even though the story was written this way, I never felt that I was missing anything. The mixture of different characters was great. This is a book you'll want to curl up by the fire with.