Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Splintered Heart: A Red Dust Novel by Linda Dowling is a sweeping tale of abuse and heartache seen through the eyes of a thirteen-year-old girl growing up poor in the Sydney suburbs in the 1960s. Lisa was a typical, slightly rebellious girl until the day she realized her older step-sister’s fiancé appeared to have designs on her. After being brutally raped and assaulted by the fiancé, Lisa’s behavior became “uncontrollable” and she was shipped off to the infamous Paramatta Girls’ Home for rehabilitation. There, the abuse became even more violent and more horrific. Almost at breaking point and following some harrowing experiences, Lisa is rescued from the depravity by her father’s sister and her husband. Aunty Zena takes Lisa far from the city to a remote sheep station in the New South Wales hinterland, where she begins the slow process of healing and coming to terms with acts no young girl should ever have to experience. With the aid of some Aboriginal spiritual medicine and the love of her aunt and uncle, Lisa slowly begins the crawl back to normality, always knowing she will have to face and recount the trauma all over again if the accursed Girls’ Home Superintendent and her step-sister’s fiancé are ever to face justice for their horrific acts. When Lisa meets a sweet, loving, charismatic, and spiritual young Aborigine boy, her heart is slowly mended but she will run slap-bang into the intense prejudice that was the norm in 1960s Australia.

When you read as many books as I do in a year, it takes something special to make a real impact on you emotionally. Splintered Heart is exactly such a book. Author Linda Dowling has created a scenario that was not only heart-wrenching and in places gut-churning, but sadly incredibly real and true for the time. The author pulls no punches when describing the level of depravity faced by this poor teenager but she also gives us real hope and inspiration as to the indomitability of the human spirit to rise above such terrible injustices and to seek to right the wrongs. Her portrayal of the indigenous people, the much-maligned Aborigines, was sensitive and deeply moving. Their understanding of the human spirit and its needs comes shining through every page. In many ways, I found myself comparing this work to that of one of the great Australian authors, Colleen McCullough, and it did not suffer in comparison. I found the relationship between Lisa and her aunt and uncle to be the highlight of the story. I loved their liberal, caring, and loving attitudes, not to just Lisa but to all those around them. Alan especially typified the Australian hard-working sheep rancher of his time but his attitude toward the Aborigines was certainly rare for the period. In the lexicon of the time, one would probably describe him as a “real good bastard”. This is a fantastic story and I cannot wait to see where this goes in the next iteration of the tale. I particularly look forward to Book Two, as Lisa faces seeking justice for the crimes committed against her along with possibly finding love in the arms of Billy and what problems that relationship would have to endure in 1960s Australia. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is an absolute cracker.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Butterfly Tree: An Extraordinary Saga of Seven Generations is a work of fiction in the interpersonal drama, historical fiction, and family saga genres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Woody Woodburn, this highly engaging debut novel explores the enduring power of family ties across time. The story follows multiple generations, starting from the Mayflower and traversing through significant historical events such as the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, and the Vietnam War. The novel highlights how these diverse, multiracial lineages come together to form a single, majestic family tree. Told in short, fast-paced chapters, this sweeping adventure is anchored by a kitchen table that symbolizes the interconnectedness of love and friendship among the protagonists.

Author Woody Woodburn really knows how to show personality and emotion in crafting a deeply moving and enlightening novel. The interwoven narratives across different eras offered a rich tapestry of historical and emotional depth, and the confidence and control over different elements of the storyline were impressive. The complex depiction of how disparate lineages and races come together to form a united family tree was particularly inspiring, reflecting the beauty and strength found in diversity over the years, and every generation was so clearly influenced and molded by the last. Each generation’s story of overcoming adversity and rising to help the next was given the same detailed treatment of psychology and emotion in the narrative, with brilliant speech and thought presentation that brought every individual to life in their own right. The vivid historical settings, from the Mayflower’s journey to the jungles of Vietnam, showed history in a personal and relatable way, packed with atmospheric touches and well-researched detail. Overall, The Butterfly Tree is an incredible work of heartfelt drama that I would not hesitate to recommend.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

An Unexpected Ally: A Greek Tale of Love, Revenge, and Redemption is a work of fiction in the historical fiction, interpersonal drama, and intrigue subgenres. It is suitable for the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Sophia Kouidou-Giles, this enchanting tale follows the journey of Circe, daughter of the sun god Helios, as she navigates love, loss, and her divine heritage. After bidding farewell to Odysseus, Circe finds solace in a newfound love affair and explores her relationship with her mother, Perse, leading her to embrace her destiny alongside the amphibian god Glaucus. Their underwater adventures unveil Circe's knowledge of herbs and her ability to heal and harm, culminating in a fateful return to Aeaea. However, when trouble arises in Delos, Circe must confront the forces of evil using her extraordinary powers.

Author Sophia Kouidou-Giles has crafted a work that masterfully intertwines ancient Greek mythology with timeless themes of humanity, offering readers a captivating narrative filled with beauty and intrigue from start to finish. As I delved into the pages, I was immediately drawn into Circe's world of love, loss, and divine intervention by the sense of passion and imagination in the narrative voice. The author expertly weaves together elements of fantasy and reality, creating a balanced and well-paced narrative that feels both timeless and relevant to contemporary readers. Circe's journey is beautifully penned with close narrative skill, bringing her into reality with a resonant and relatable sense of attitude, speech, and thought. Through a rich tapestry of ensemble characters and settings around Circe, the author takes us back through history, offering readers a fresh perspective on familiar tales while addressing universal themes of love, vengeance, and the struggle between good and evil. Overall, An Unexpected Ally is a must-read for fans of Greek history, mythology, and interpersonal drama.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

These Things Happen by Michael Eon revolves around the life of Daniel Zimmer and the challenges he faces, centered on family dynamics, addiction, and personal growth. After a devastating opening scene, the story shifts between periods of Daniel's life, from tense family memories to Daniel's attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings and both old and new interactions with friends and family. Tragedy strikes when death occurs in an accident, leading to guilt and a reliance on self-medicating. Daniel's journey through addiction and recovery continues, marked by moments of relapse and self-reflection. With his relationship with his brother Max severely strained, and the declining health of his childhood friend and wife Brie continuing, Daniel's only chance at recovery will require complete surrender and the turning of his life over to a higher power.

Michael Eon does an incredible job of transporting readers to specific moments in New York City's past, creating a visual atmosphere through descriptions of its neighborhoods, his characters' roles in them, and the music scene in These Things Happen. From drives home after getting fresh haircuts and listening to ball games on the radio to the seven-floor walk-up apartment in Brooklyn that Daniel shares with Jill, they all feel real. Eon is also skilled in applying symbolism in nuanced ways, such as the interpretation of the song Dreamer Deceiver to explore the difficulty of adolescence, identity, and the allure of escapism, and champagne flutes that run the double edge of celebration and temptation. I grew up in urban San Francisco and even though the landmarks were different, the energy of being a child in a city that will eat you up, if you let it, seeps through the pages. Overall, this is an excellent piece of literary fiction. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Like No Other Boy by Larry Center is a poignant novel that explores the deep bond between a father and his autistic son, Tommy. Chris Crutcher, facing a bitter custody battle with his ex-wife, is determined to protect Tommy's unique world, where he finds joy in communicating with chimpanzees at a local primatology center. As Chris struggles to maintain custody, he must navigate the complexities of fatherhood, love, and the challenges of autism. This heartwarming story delves into the emotional depths of parenthood while also touching on scientific concepts of communication and the human-animal connection. Center beautifully captures the profound and unconditional love between a father and his son in this emotionally varied novel, and there’s a very complex journey at work that he’s thought about from every nuance and possible angle to get the most out of the tale.

The author’s sensitive portrayal of autism and the unique ways in which individuals connect smacks of deep personal experience and excellent research and empathy, and readers with any experience of having autistic people in their lives are sure to see all those details come to life with compassion and resonance. Larry Center also combines scientific insights into the well-paced beats of this compelling story, enriching the reader’s understanding of communication and human-animal bonds, educating as well as entertaining along the way. Despite some tricky and heartbreaking subject matter at times, the novel’s optimistic tone and heartfelt storytelling make it an inspiring and uplifting read by the time readers reach the highly satisfying conclusion. Overall, I would certainly recommend Like No Other Boy to fans of heartfelt, realistic drama as an accomplished work that tugs at the heartstrings from cover to cover.

Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

For Duke, the only place he had ever found enough peace and security to consider home was the circus. He learned the ropes and became a sword swallower, among other things, and with that skill, followed them and performed wherever they went. A stint in prison for burglary was an eye-opener for him but now in the twilight of his years, he looks back on how far he has come. Gary left home after school so he wouldn't have to see his mother denigrate herself, but his lifestyle takes him from one mishap to another until he gets into trouble with the authorities in the city of Chico. A chance meeting with Duke creates an opportunity for redemption in Gary Robinson's The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid.

You slowly come to anticipate the passing of the torch in the storyline of Gary Robinson's emotional novel. His characters are deep and faceted, carrying their hidden scars in a way that many men, irrespective of their backgrounds, will have no trouble identifying with. Gary's and Duke's numerous adventures are hilarious, if not downright frightening at times, but behind the laughs they dish out, they provide some much-needed comic relief in a novel whose undertones have the seriousness of the pitfalls that come with being on the wrong side of life. Once you get past the alcohol-fueled parties and the drug-induced incidents, you realize there are numerous nuggets of philosophical wisdom that are strategically placed in this novel. The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid is an impressive piece of work by Gary Robinson.

Reviewed by Adanna Ora for Readers' Favorite

One would think that at the ripe age of 80 plus years old, Seamus Damp would desire to live his last days in the company of his family and loved ones. Instead, Seamus wants to live on an island with his dog, Olivia, with no connection to the outside world, just doing what he loves best, writing. This he does, despite the protests from his son, Aiden, and doctors. While living on the island, he comes into contact with a young woman named Maddie, who makes his decision to live on the island worthwhile. The Islander by David W. Berner tells the story of Seamus, his family, art, and how his decisions have culminated in the life he has.

In a unique narrative style, David Berner exposes us to Seamus's life and its events. He uses simple and relatable language that makes us eager to read more. Most significantly, I love that the main character, Seamus, is out of the norm and shows that not everybody wants the same thing. The Islander also portrays the importance and joy of family. It shows that family sticks together no matter what. This is seen in the character of Aiden, Seamus’ son, who never stops showing love and care to his father, even when it isn’t easy. Nobody can do life alone, and I appreciate that Berner shows this in the clearest possible way. This story will entertain and educate you. Kudos on this one.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

'Til All These Things Be Done is a dramatic slice-of-life novel by Suzanne Moyers set in 1918 Texas. Leola Rideout was just a teenager when her father, Frank Rideout, lost his arm in a fateful accident in the local town sawmill. Frank leaves his family to look for work in Houston, only for him to lose contact with them soon after. Already reeling from the blow of their missing father, Leola and her little sisters Mae and Karla tragically lose their mother to an influenza outbreak. Leola must shoulder the responsibility of raising her two younger siblings while continuing to chase her dreams and navigate her relationship with a young Italian man in a place where the KKK was at the height of its powers. All the while she is plagued by memories of her father.

A captivating tale of forgiveness and sacrifice, 'Til All These Things Be Done is rich in emotional resonance and captures the complexity of human behavior perfectly. Suzanne Moyers sets the story in deeply segregated Texas, where white supremacy was rampant and her relationship with Joe Belfigli, a Catholic son of immigrants, is deeply frowned upon. Leola is a protagonist to whom readers will be attached from the outset, and her continued development as a character only makes you root for her all the more. Her relationship with her father provides the narrative thrust to the story and influences every decision she makes throughout her life. To readers who love character-driven dramas, this is a gem of a book.

Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite

In You can See More From Up Here by Mark Guerin, the story is set in 2004 but takes the reader back to the year 1974, the year the main character Walker Maguire was torn between getting ready to study medicine or choose another path. But things happened over the years that weighed him down. Walker Maguire needs to find answers to his questions as to what happened in the summer of 1974 - 1975. The other characters are Michael Maguire Piper, his mother, Frazier, Norm Detweiler, Patty, Gayle, Kurt, Manny Camarasa, Fernando, and Connie. The author uses each of his characters to bring out the best and the worst in his main character, Walker Maguire. They take the reader gently by the hand and lead them through the story, always holding on to them through the good and the bad and never letting go.

You Can See More from Up Here by Mark Guerin is about one of the most challenging subjects -- the relationship between children and their parents -- and how it affects their lives. They can sometimes take too long to accept that parents are also human and carry grudges that only hurt the person hanging onto them. Mark Guerin takes his reader on a heartfelt journey from chapter one to the very last page. The author holds the reader's attention right to the end because the twists never stop until the very last page in finding the solutions. It was a riveting, interesting read that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was a privilege to read this book.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Long Way Home from Crete is a work of fiction in the historical, military, and cross-cultural fiction subgenres. It is best suited to the adult reading audience and was penned by Isaac Kal. In this fascinating and socially relevant work of historical fiction, we explore the world through the eyes of father and son Abraham and Aaron in the time preceding, during, and after the Second World War. Based on a true story, we explore the life of an Israeli Royal Pioneer Corps member who enlists after escaping Germany in the 1930s, only to find that the pressures of global war put yet more strain on his family and relationships than he had ever thought possible.

Isaac Kal delivers a tribute to soldiers like Abraham from the 1930s through to the present. They were displaced from their homes and turned to a solid career in the army in an attempt to live a more stable life. This is balanced with the realistic and emotional struggles of his wife Genia, who was a standout character for me. She had a fighting spirit and a desire for hope and companionship that was powerfully relatable. Then along comes Aaron, born into a dangerous and difficult world on the precipice of destroying itself, which makes for a heartfelt narration and some cinematically described images of a lonely child in a broken world. The Long Way Home from Crete is a detailed and evocative read that relates personal, religious, cultural, and familial issues in a highly engaging, heart-breaking, and relevant way. I can’t recommend it highly enough.