BookAwards.com
Award-Winning Books from Today's Best Authors
A Free Resource for Book Lovers, Authors, Agents, Publishers and Journalists
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/muted-grey&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/411kjEW6oDL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Muted Grey" by Dianna L.Young is a very compelling novella that will leave the readers contemplative. When Marah Edom chose her path in life to become a doctor little did she know the path it would take her down. She had a reoccurring nightmare that she could not shake from her mind. All the drugs in the world could not ease her dream. In each c...){kind=link}
Muted Grey
Dianna L Young
2012 Finalist
120 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Lynette Fowlston for Readers' Favorite
"Muted Grey" by Dianna L.Young is a very compelling novella that will leave the readers contemplative. When Marah Edom chose her path in life to become a doctor little did she know the path it would take her down. She had a reoccurring nightmare that she could not shake from her mind. All the drugs in the world could not ease her dream. In each chapter we are introduced to a new character and we see what will eventually become their role in the life of Dr. Marah Edom. While attaining her goals in life, a great job, a BMW, and a beach front home, there was one thing she could not reach and that was peace. It was time she confronted the demons who had haunted her.
I read this small book in an hour. I was so mesmerized I could not put it down. The author introduces a new character in each chapter. At first I found it a bit perplexing. I soon realized there was a thread that would tie them all together. The plot takes a surprising twist about three quarters of the way through. This is a very thought provoking book. The size of this book prevents me from sharing a hint as to what happens in this tale. I do not want to ruin this real treat for other readers. I do know that the subject matter will not leave for a long time after you close the book. This book is a must read.
"Muted Grey" by Dianna L.Young is a very compelling novella that will leave the readers contemplative. When Marah Edom chose her path in life to become a doctor little did she know the path it would take her down. She had a reoccurring nightmare that she could not shake from her mind. All the drugs in the world could not ease her dream. In each chapter we are introduced to a new character and we see what will eventually become their role in the life of Dr. Marah Edom. While attaining her goals in life, a great job, a BMW, and a beach front home, there was one thing she could not reach and that was peace. It was time she confronted the demons who had haunted her.
I read this small book in an hour. I was so mesmerized I could not put it down. The author introduces a new character in each chapter. At first I found it a bit perplexing. I soon realized there was a thread that would tie them all together. The plot takes a surprising twist about three quarters of the way through. This is a very thought provoking book. The size of this book prevents me from sharing a hint as to what happens in this tale. I do not want to ruin this real treat for other readers. I do know that the subject matter will not leave for a long time after you close the book. This book is a must read.
Recommend this book:
Bella
Steve Piacente
2012 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Brenda Casto for Readers' Favorite
Hank Moss was a pro tennis player, but when the North Tower went down on September 11 and killed his only sibling, Catherine, he decides to put his career on hold and join Operation Enduring Freedom, even though his wife Isabel begged him not to. By May 16th, while fighting in Afghanistan, he is dead, killed by a homemade grenade. While the Army wants everyone to believe he was killed by the enemy, Isabel thinks otherwise, believing he was killed by friendly fire. When she contacts Danny Patragno, an investigative journalist, his initial reaction is that she is just another war widow who can't come to grips with the loss of her husband. When Isabel contacts Danny's boss and gets him assigned to the story, their lives quickly become intertwined as they try to uncover the truth of Hank's death.
This is one of those stories that drew me in hook, line and sinker. The author does a fantastic job of weaving a story that seems totally believable. The plot revolves around Isabel, a beautiful woman who knows how to catch a man's eye and isn't above using it to her advantage to get what she wants. And what she wants is the truth about the way her husband died. Danny is a married man who is having problems at home. When he decides to help Isabel, he finds himself attracted to her. The secondary story of his home life was quite interesting, and his son Robin really had me chuckling on a few occasions.
While I normally don't read a lot of political thrillers, this one is not to be missed. There are plenty of twists and turns along with a bit of mystery romance rolled together with characters that are easy to connect with. It's a book I couldn't put down. I will certainly be looking for more from Mr. Piacente!
Hank Moss was a pro tennis player, but when the North Tower went down on September 11 and killed his only sibling, Catherine, he decides to put his career on hold and join Operation Enduring Freedom, even though his wife Isabel begged him not to. By May 16th, while fighting in Afghanistan, he is dead, killed by a homemade grenade. While the Army wants everyone to believe he was killed by the enemy, Isabel thinks otherwise, believing he was killed by friendly fire. When she contacts Danny Patragno, an investigative journalist, his initial reaction is that she is just another war widow who can't come to grips with the loss of her husband. When Isabel contacts Danny's boss and gets him assigned to the story, their lives quickly become intertwined as they try to uncover the truth of Hank's death.
This is one of those stories that drew me in hook, line and sinker. The author does a fantastic job of weaving a story that seems totally believable. The plot revolves around Isabel, a beautiful woman who knows how to catch a man's eye and isn't above using it to her advantage to get what she wants. And what she wants is the truth about the way her husband died. Danny is a married man who is having problems at home. When he decides to help Isabel, he finds himself attracted to her. The secondary story of his home life was quite interesting, and his son Robin really had me chuckling on a few occasions.
While I normally don't read a lot of political thrillers, this one is not to be missed. There are plenty of twists and turns along with a bit of mystery romance rolled together with characters that are easy to connect with. It's a book I couldn't put down. I will certainly be looking for more from Mr. Piacente!
Recommend this book:
Our Heart
Brian MacLearn
2011 Finalist
484 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Drama
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
Megan's Way
Melissa Foster
2011 Gold Medal
298 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Drama
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
Wicked Good
Joanne Lewis and Amy Faircloth
2011 Bronze Medal
262 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Wicked Good is the story of a single mother raising a teenage boy with Asperger's. Rory walked the floor many nights considering suicide. His mother, Archer, was devoted, a brilliant lawyer, and tired as she balanced her demanding career with motherhood. There was constant stress from dealing with Rory's behavior. His father was little to no help. When Rory got an idea fixed in his mind there was no convincing or stopping him from doing what he wanted. When he discovered he was adopted he wanted to meet his birth-mother and there was no way Archer could convince him otherwise. What he discovered could destroy him.
Lewis and Faircloth are brilliant writers. I was quickly caught up in Wicked Good as the authors shed a much needed light on Asperger's. Too many do not know what it is or have never heard of it. The authors skillfully captured the behavior of a teen with Asperger's. What reader would not like Archer? Women will relate to the overwhelming feelings of inadequacy that she often faced. I found it sad that she turned to alcohol for comfort. Rory was an endearing character despite his behavior. It was obvious that he could not control his actions. My favorite character was Trish. In some ways she was the most mature person in the plot. When she reached out to Archer and offered comfort and wisdom, I had tears in my eyes.
The author is a master of characterization. The characters marched off the page and into my heart. I found myself wondering how much of a child's behavior comes from genetics and how much is environment. While much of the characterization may seem a bit hyperbole, it is necessary. The authors could not have made the characters lower keyed and successfully develop this tale. This book has a surprising twist towards the end that will please readers. I did not want this book to end. I'm hoping for a sequel. This would be the perfect plot for a movie. Well done!
Wicked Good is the story of a single mother raising a teenage boy with Asperger's. Rory walked the floor many nights considering suicide. His mother, Archer, was devoted, a brilliant lawyer, and tired as she balanced her demanding career with motherhood. There was constant stress from dealing with Rory's behavior. His father was little to no help. When Rory got an idea fixed in his mind there was no convincing or stopping him from doing what he wanted. When he discovered he was adopted he wanted to meet his birth-mother and there was no way Archer could convince him otherwise. What he discovered could destroy him.
Lewis and Faircloth are brilliant writers. I was quickly caught up in Wicked Good as the authors shed a much needed light on Asperger's. Too many do not know what it is or have never heard of it. The authors skillfully captured the behavior of a teen with Asperger's. What reader would not like Archer? Women will relate to the overwhelming feelings of inadequacy that she often faced. I found it sad that she turned to alcohol for comfort. Rory was an endearing character despite his behavior. It was obvious that he could not control his actions. My favorite character was Trish. In some ways she was the most mature person in the plot. When she reached out to Archer and offered comfort and wisdom, I had tears in my eyes.
The author is a master of characterization. The characters marched off the page and into my heart. I found myself wondering how much of a child's behavior comes from genetics and how much is environment. While much of the characterization may seem a bit hyperbole, it is necessary. The authors could not have made the characters lower keyed and successfully develop this tale. This book has a surprising twist towards the end that will please readers. I did not want this book to end. I'm hoping for a sequel. This would be the perfect plot for a movie. Well done!
Recommend this book:
Angels Gate
Andrew J. Rafkin
2010 Silver Medal
336 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Drama
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
Peter, the Pole and the Knob
Dr. Karen Pirnot
2010 Gold Medal
272 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Drama
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
My Father's Dream Wasn't My Own
Jeanette Hewitt-Bailey
2009 Silver Medal
258 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Drama
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
Frozen Tears
Mary Ann MacAfee
2009 Gold Medal
368 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Drama
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.
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.
Contact Author -
