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 by Tejas Desai is an anthology of stories that collectively form a novel, narrated by various individual characters from all walks of life and experiences, who are invited to the mansion of a wealthy billionaire. The men and women arrive from different parts of the country and a wide variety of so...){kind=link}
Bad Americans
Part I (The Human Tragedy)
Tejas Desai
2026 Gold Medal
388 Pages
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by Lex Allen for Readers' Favorite
Bad Americans: Part I (The Human Tragedy, Volume 2) by Tejas Desai is an anthology of stories that collectively form a novel, narrated by various individual characters from all walks of life and experiences, who are invited to the mansion of a wealthy billionaire. The men and women arrive from different parts of the country and a wide variety of social and professional statuses. Each is free to meet, mingle, and generally enjoy themselves throughout the day. Evenings are set aside for one guest to share their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The stories are as diverse as the guests and often elicit strong emotions, leading to fiery debate or commiseration among the listeners. The individual stories are as varied as their narrators, leading to discussions and the inevitable and variable change in each participant's sense of self and understanding of where or how they fit into the grand scheme.
Tejas Desai's book is unique in so many ways, not the least of which is producing a work of contemporary literary fiction that reads like a thriller, with emotions, situations, personal tragedies, and successes, as related by the individual storytellers navigating their lives through the horror and hardships of a global pandemic. Collectively and expertly, Desai presents characters who are as realistic as any I've ever "met" in a novel. Matching these characters with intimate scenes ranging from abject horror and pain to those who were hardly touched by the disease, but heroic in their efforts to help those deeply affected, physically as well as mentally. Bad Americans: Part I exudes verisimilitude, the "sense of reality" that defines every aspect of the individual stories and personal experiences that combine to create a masterpiece of literary fiction.
Bad Americans: Part I (The Human Tragedy, Volume 2) by Tejas Desai is an anthology of stories that collectively form a novel, narrated by various individual characters from all walks of life and experiences, who are invited to the mansion of a wealthy billionaire. The men and women arrive from different parts of the country and a wide variety of social and professional statuses. Each is free to meet, mingle, and generally enjoy themselves throughout the day. Evenings are set aside for one guest to share their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The stories are as diverse as the guests and often elicit strong emotions, leading to fiery debate or commiseration among the listeners. The individual stories are as varied as their narrators, leading to discussions and the inevitable and variable change in each participant's sense of self and understanding of where or how they fit into the grand scheme.
Tejas Desai's book is unique in so many ways, not the least of which is producing a work of contemporary literary fiction that reads like a thriller, with emotions, situations, personal tragedies, and successes, as related by the individual storytellers navigating their lives through the horror and hardships of a global pandemic. Collectively and expertly, Desai presents characters who are as realistic as any I've ever "met" in a novel. Matching these characters with intimate scenes ranging from abject horror and pain to those who were hardly touched by the disease, but heroic in their efforts to help those deeply affected, physically as well as mentally. Bad Americans: Part I exudes verisimilitude, the "sense of reality" that defines every aspect of the individual stories and personal experiences that combine to create a masterpiece of literary fiction.
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![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/later-days&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81KTkD2OuPL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=For Lucas "Luke" Millikan Burnett, life as a freshman at Stone Canyon Prep, an all-boys school in Southern California, was anything but smooth. Apart from dealing with Lance ‘D-Rex’ Drexx, the class bully, he grapples with academic pressure and the loss of his mother. However, things change when, on one of the many occasions of D-Rex’s aggres...){kind=link}
Later Days
Chip Jacobs
2026 Silver Medal
344 Pages
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
For Lucas "Luke" Millikan Burnett, life as a freshman at Stone Canyon Prep, an all-boys school in Southern California, was anything but smooth. Apart from dealing with Lance ‘D-Rex’ Drexx, the class bully, he grapples with academic pressure and the loss of his mother. However, things change when, on one of the many occasions of D-Rex’s aggressive assaults on Luke, a classmate called Denny Drummond comes to his rescue. Drummond’s brave act sets the stage for not only D-Rex’s academic fate at the school, but also the beginning of a long-lasting, significant friendship between Luke and Drummond. As the pair advances through school and into their careers, they learn about each other's private struggles and support each other in navigating them, all the while growing as individuals. Find out how their lives turn out in Later Days by Chip Jacobs.
Set in 1970s Southern California, Later Days by Chip Jacobs vividly captures the complexities of adolescence while mirroring the cultural and social dynamics of that era. Jacobs uses authentic dialogue, with teenage vernacular and pop culture references from the 70s. Told from Luke’s perspective as a retrospective account of his past, his introspective thoughts and the dramatic flair accompanying the narrative made the story witty, especially in the scenes where Luke suffers harassment at the hands of D-Rex. I still can’t stop laughing at the depiction of D-Rex’s lazy right eye, which moved erratically in its socket and often made his victims unsure about whether he was eyeing them or not. Through Luke’s journey, Jacobs explores themes of bullying, intimidation, friendship, identity, self-discovery, overcoming grief and loss, and growth. Lovers of historical novels blended with humor, drama, and a poignant coming-of-age tale will find this an enthralling read.
For Lucas "Luke" Millikan Burnett, life as a freshman at Stone Canyon Prep, an all-boys school in Southern California, was anything but smooth. Apart from dealing with Lance ‘D-Rex’ Drexx, the class bully, he grapples with academic pressure and the loss of his mother. However, things change when, on one of the many occasions of D-Rex’s aggressive assaults on Luke, a classmate called Denny Drummond comes to his rescue. Drummond’s brave act sets the stage for not only D-Rex’s academic fate at the school, but also the beginning of a long-lasting, significant friendship between Luke and Drummond. As the pair advances through school and into their careers, they learn about each other's private struggles and support each other in navigating them, all the while growing as individuals. Find out how their lives turn out in Later Days by Chip Jacobs.
Set in 1970s Southern California, Later Days by Chip Jacobs vividly captures the complexities of adolescence while mirroring the cultural and social dynamics of that era. Jacobs uses authentic dialogue, with teenage vernacular and pop culture references from the 70s. Told from Luke’s perspective as a retrospective account of his past, his introspective thoughts and the dramatic flair accompanying the narrative made the story witty, especially in the scenes where Luke suffers harassment at the hands of D-Rex. I still can’t stop laughing at the depiction of D-Rex’s lazy right eye, which moved erratically in its socket and often made his victims unsure about whether he was eyeing them or not. Through Luke’s journey, Jacobs explores themes of bullying, intimidation, friendship, identity, self-discovery, overcoming grief and loss, and growth. Lovers of historical novels blended with humor, drama, and a poignant coming-of-age tale will find this an enthralling read.
Recommend this book:
Butterfly Pinned
Leslie Liautaud
2026 Bronze Medal
264 Pages
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
Butterfly Pinned by Leslie Liautaud is a dark psychological thriller that tells the story of college junior Marin, who enters a respected Chicago university with the hope of escaping her broken Midwestern family and reinventing herself. She quickly becomes enchanted by Bette Winston, a wealthy, charismatic poetry major who seems to have the secret to the life that Marin desires. Bette promises to give her access to the city’s art elite and more. But not long into their friendship, Marin discovers that there is a rotting core of untreated mental illness beneath Bette’s glittery sophistication, and this includes calculated violence and drug addiction. Marin risks her scholarship and identity to become Bette’s “sister,” but revelations surrounding the drowning of Bette’s twin sister, Olivia, and a scheme of sadistic exploitation start to disturb Marin. A tragedy forces her to confront Bette and reckon with the painful truth.
Leslie Liautaud’s Butterfly Pinned is a suspenseful read, and I enjoyed the way the author explored the lives of these girls. The author infuses the writing with realism and cleverly captures the interaction of the students, their dreams, and hopes. This book deftly examines toxic dependency in young people and is set against the dark aesthetics of academia. The neo-noir elements made it a propulsive story for me. The plot is twisty, and there is a lot I never saw coming, like the transformation of Bette from a Pygmalion-like mentor into a sociopathic monster. While the key characters are well developed, readers will also enjoy the supporting characters, such as Harry and Sergei, the artist. Fans of Donna Tartt’s The Secret History and Kate Elizabeth Russell’s My Dark Vanessa, which also dissect grooming and long-term psychological manipulation, will enjoy this book.
Butterfly Pinned by Leslie Liautaud is a dark psychological thriller that tells the story of college junior Marin, who enters a respected Chicago university with the hope of escaping her broken Midwestern family and reinventing herself. She quickly becomes enchanted by Bette Winston, a wealthy, charismatic poetry major who seems to have the secret to the life that Marin desires. Bette promises to give her access to the city’s art elite and more. But not long into their friendship, Marin discovers that there is a rotting core of untreated mental illness beneath Bette’s glittery sophistication, and this includes calculated violence and drug addiction. Marin risks her scholarship and identity to become Bette’s “sister,” but revelations surrounding the drowning of Bette’s twin sister, Olivia, and a scheme of sadistic exploitation start to disturb Marin. A tragedy forces her to confront Bette and reckon with the painful truth.
Leslie Liautaud’s Butterfly Pinned is a suspenseful read, and I enjoyed the way the author explored the lives of these girls. The author infuses the writing with realism and cleverly captures the interaction of the students, their dreams, and hopes. This book deftly examines toxic dependency in young people and is set against the dark aesthetics of academia. The neo-noir elements made it a propulsive story for me. The plot is twisty, and there is a lot I never saw coming, like the transformation of Bette from a Pygmalion-like mentor into a sociopathic monster. While the key characters are well developed, readers will also enjoy the supporting characters, such as Harry and Sergei, the artist. Fans of Donna Tartt’s The Secret History and Kate Elizabeth Russell’s My Dark Vanessa, which also dissect grooming and long-term psychological manipulation, will enjoy this book.
Recommend this book:
Behind the Pickle Jar
Wendy McQuaig
2026 Bronze Medal
379 Pages
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Behind the Pickle Jar by Wendy McQuaig is a delightful story set in two eras. Amy Hewston is tired and anxious. When she is forced into taking time off, her husband rents a farmhouse where they can relax and spend time together with their teens. In the cellar, they find an old diary tucked away behind a pickle jar. Written in the 1900s by Isabel Huntly, the diary details her life, and, as Amy reads, she learns much about the old farmhouse and the people who used to live there, and it begins to make her see life differently. Should she go back to her fast-paced, stressful life or learn to live more simply? She has a dream – running a small-town piano bar – but how does she decide what to do? Whatever she decides, it won’t just change her life. It will change her family forever.
Behind the Pickle Jar by Wendy McQuaig is a wonderfully written, thought-provoking novel set over 120 years. There are two stories, each weaving its own web that intertwines with the other. The narrative slips seamlessly from the modern-day hectic lifestyle most of us lead to the quieter yet no less stressful times of yesteryear and back again, telling the story of one humble farmhouse that profoundly affects so many lives. The characters are amazing; real people with real-life problems and flaws that we can all relate to, and they are incredibly likable right from the first page. Plenty is going on here with three points of view – the modern-day Hewsons, the historical Huntlys, and the farmhouse itself, and the latter makes for a unique twist to this refreshingly original story. This novel will have you questioning your own life, asking yourself what is really important to you, and it will leave you with plenty to think about.
Behind the Pickle Jar by Wendy McQuaig is a delightful story set in two eras. Amy Hewston is tired and anxious. When she is forced into taking time off, her husband rents a farmhouse where they can relax and spend time together with their teens. In the cellar, they find an old diary tucked away behind a pickle jar. Written in the 1900s by Isabel Huntly, the diary details her life, and, as Amy reads, she learns much about the old farmhouse and the people who used to live there, and it begins to make her see life differently. Should she go back to her fast-paced, stressful life or learn to live more simply? She has a dream – running a small-town piano bar – but how does she decide what to do? Whatever she decides, it won’t just change her life. It will change her family forever.
Behind the Pickle Jar by Wendy McQuaig is a wonderfully written, thought-provoking novel set over 120 years. There are two stories, each weaving its own web that intertwines with the other. The narrative slips seamlessly from the modern-day hectic lifestyle most of us lead to the quieter yet no less stressful times of yesteryear and back again, telling the story of one humble farmhouse that profoundly affects so many lives. The characters are amazing; real people with real-life problems and flaws that we can all relate to, and they are incredibly likable right from the first page. Plenty is going on here with three points of view – the modern-day Hewsons, the historical Huntlys, and the farmhouse itself, and the latter makes for a unique twist to this refreshingly original story. This novel will have you questioning your own life, asking yourself what is really important to you, and it will leave you with plenty to think about.
Recommend this book:
The Dementia Diaries
A Novel
J. Timothy Damiani
2026 Honorable Mention
303 Pages
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
J. Timothy Damiani’s The Dementia Diaries examines the complexities of love and loss through the eyes of a psychiatrist grappling with early-onset dementia. The story follows Dr. Will Newman as he moves from a prestigious academic career to a role at F.R.E.S.H., a state mental health hospital, where he encounters a cast of unforgettable characters who challenge his perceptions of life and healing. The narrative centers on Will’s internal struggles and his interactions with patients, each presenting unique challenges and moments of unexpected wisdom. The author skillfully portrays the realities of mental illness and dementia while highlighting the power of connection and kindness. The novel’s exploration of Will’s evolving relationship with Danielle, the hospital’s medical director, adds tenderness and complexity, culminating in a bittersweet love story.
Readers who appreciate character-driven stories with emotional depth will find The Dementia Diaries captivating. Fans of authors such as Fredrik Backman and Elizabeth Strout will appreciate J. Timothy Damiani’s ability to capture the intricacies of human relationships and the beauty of everyday moments. The setting in a state hospital provides a unique, challenging, and inspiring backdrop, offering insights into the lives of those often overlooked by society. Damiani has penned a deeply human story that invites readers to reflect on the fragility and strength of the human condition and the importance of relationships. It is a book for those who value stories that explore life’s complexities with honesty, compassion, and tenderness. Damiani’s writing is impressive and immersive. It’s a story that is well deserving of five stars.
J. Timothy Damiani’s The Dementia Diaries examines the complexities of love and loss through the eyes of a psychiatrist grappling with early-onset dementia. The story follows Dr. Will Newman as he moves from a prestigious academic career to a role at F.R.E.S.H., a state mental health hospital, where he encounters a cast of unforgettable characters who challenge his perceptions of life and healing. The narrative centers on Will’s internal struggles and his interactions with patients, each presenting unique challenges and moments of unexpected wisdom. The author skillfully portrays the realities of mental illness and dementia while highlighting the power of connection and kindness. The novel’s exploration of Will’s evolving relationship with Danielle, the hospital’s medical director, adds tenderness and complexity, culminating in a bittersweet love story.
Readers who appreciate character-driven stories with emotional depth will find The Dementia Diaries captivating. Fans of authors such as Fredrik Backman and Elizabeth Strout will appreciate J. Timothy Damiani’s ability to capture the intricacies of human relationships and the beauty of everyday moments. The setting in a state hospital provides a unique, challenging, and inspiring backdrop, offering insights into the lives of those often overlooked by society. Damiani has penned a deeply human story that invites readers to reflect on the fragility and strength of the human condition and the importance of relationships. It is a book for those who value stories that explore life’s complexities with honesty, compassion, and tenderness. Damiani’s writing is impressive and immersive. It’s a story that is well deserving of five stars.
Recommend this book:
Unbroken Hope
Michael Wells
2026 Finalist
467 Pages
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
Unbroken Hope by Michael Wells follows a mother and daughter through life's trials and tribulations as they struggle to hold on to the hope that carries them forward. The story opens in the 1930s during the Dust Bowl in Oklahoma, with Erma and her daughter Barbara Jean trying to survive while the man of the house heads to California in search of work. When waiting for word about joining him becomes unbearable, Erma makes the bold decision to set out with her child and follow him, beginning a difficult journey across the country. After enduring many hardships, they eventually find a sense of stability with Vince. Barbara Jean is a lovely child, but she struggles to make friends at school. She and her mother are also worried about Vince, who’s fighting in Europe during the war. Along the way, the story traces their separations, reunions, and the quiet sacrifices that hold them together. Will Vince return safely from the war? And will Erma and Barbara Jean finally find the peace they have been searching for?
Unbroken Hope by Michael Wells drew me in with its grounded, heartfelt writing and the way readers can spend time with Barbara and her mother instead of rushing through their lives. At times, it was quite emotional to read; I felt deeply for the characters as they faced loss, fear, and the small moments of grace that kept them going. I also appreciated learning more about what day-to-day life might have been like during the Dust Bowl and into the war years, especially how ordinary families tried to survive when both the land and the economy failed them. The dialogue is natural, and the scenes are easy to picture. Readers who enjoy historical fiction about ordinary families facing hard times will likely find a lot to connect with here. I truly loved this story. By the time I finished it, I felt like I understood the characters, and it reminded me of a line from Harper Lee: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.”
Unbroken Hope by Michael Wells follows a mother and daughter through life's trials and tribulations as they struggle to hold on to the hope that carries them forward. The story opens in the 1930s during the Dust Bowl in Oklahoma, with Erma and her daughter Barbara Jean trying to survive while the man of the house heads to California in search of work. When waiting for word about joining him becomes unbearable, Erma makes the bold decision to set out with her child and follow him, beginning a difficult journey across the country. After enduring many hardships, they eventually find a sense of stability with Vince. Barbara Jean is a lovely child, but she struggles to make friends at school. She and her mother are also worried about Vince, who’s fighting in Europe during the war. Along the way, the story traces their separations, reunions, and the quiet sacrifices that hold them together. Will Vince return safely from the war? And will Erma and Barbara Jean finally find the peace they have been searching for?
Unbroken Hope by Michael Wells drew me in with its grounded, heartfelt writing and the way readers can spend time with Barbara and her mother instead of rushing through their lives. At times, it was quite emotional to read; I felt deeply for the characters as they faced loss, fear, and the small moments of grace that kept them going. I also appreciated learning more about what day-to-day life might have been like during the Dust Bowl and into the war years, especially how ordinary families tried to survive when both the land and the economy failed them. The dialogue is natural, and the scenes are easy to picture. Readers who enjoy historical fiction about ordinary families facing hard times will likely find a lot to connect with here. I truly loved this story. By the time I finished it, I felt like I understood the characters, and it reminded me of a line from Harper Lee: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.”
Recommend this book:
Kiss It Goodbye
Robert Lane
2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by K T Bowes for Readers' Favorite
Kiss It Goodbye by Robert Lane offers a thrilling plot that begins with a kidnapping in present-day USA and forces investigator Jake Travis to delve into the murky history of WW2 to solve it. When Hannah comes to him for help in finding her missing grandmother, she is snatched before Jake can hear her full story. But the real mystery begins decades earlier with the worst kind of inhumanity three frat boys could have committed. One has redeemed himself, but the other two will cling to their secret out of greed. This novel has everything from action-filled cross-country chases to painful, soul-wrenching goodbyes, with a dose of humor in between. Everything in this novel, like the precious necklace, comes full circle in an incredible twist of writing genius.
I loved the subtle opposing narrative threads. There is a fantastic tension between Claire’s tragic family history and Jake’s grip on his children’s future. He’s aware that everything can change in a moment, as demonstrated by his insistence on kissing his girls before he runs each morning and denying that he woke them. I appreciated this clever and insightful analogy as a skillful peek into his true nature. The narrative is wonderfully personable and speckled with Jake’s dry wit as he openly entreats the reader to stick with him. The theme of Kiss It Goodbye is cost, and how a person can be robbed of joy in a millisecond by another’s actions. Parallel to this pertinent theme is the presence of the beautiful and priceless heirloom found, lost, and then found again, as a constant reminder of life’s fragile cost. I enjoyed Robert Lane’s character depictions, which are delightful, raw, and engaging, at once plunging the reader into the depths of despair before launching them into hysterics through Jake’s dry retelling. My favorite line of Claire’s fits with the title: “Despite their pull, she was overcome with grief, for there is no sadder moment in life than the instant you kiss it goodbye.”
Kiss It Goodbye by Robert Lane offers a thrilling plot that begins with a kidnapping in present-day USA and forces investigator Jake Travis to delve into the murky history of WW2 to solve it. When Hannah comes to him for help in finding her missing grandmother, she is snatched before Jake can hear her full story. But the real mystery begins decades earlier with the worst kind of inhumanity three frat boys could have committed. One has redeemed himself, but the other two will cling to their secret out of greed. This novel has everything from action-filled cross-country chases to painful, soul-wrenching goodbyes, with a dose of humor in between. Everything in this novel, like the precious necklace, comes full circle in an incredible twist of writing genius.
I loved the subtle opposing narrative threads. There is a fantastic tension between Claire’s tragic family history and Jake’s grip on his children’s future. He’s aware that everything can change in a moment, as demonstrated by his insistence on kissing his girls before he runs each morning and denying that he woke them. I appreciated this clever and insightful analogy as a skillful peek into his true nature. The narrative is wonderfully personable and speckled with Jake’s dry wit as he openly entreats the reader to stick with him. The theme of Kiss It Goodbye is cost, and how a person can be robbed of joy in a millisecond by another’s actions. Parallel to this pertinent theme is the presence of the beautiful and priceless heirloom found, lost, and then found again, as a constant reminder of life’s fragile cost. I enjoyed Robert Lane’s character depictions, which are delightful, raw, and engaging, at once plunging the reader into the depths of despair before launching them into hysterics through Jake’s dry retelling. My favorite line of Claire’s fits with the title: “Despite their pull, she was overcome with grief, for there is no sadder moment in life than the instant you kiss it goodbye.”
Recommend this book:
Hope Verdad Presents: The Bench
A Parable About Life, Death, and Beyond
Francesca Flood
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Hope Verdad Presents: The Bench by Francesca Flood is a captivating collection of stories that explore the mysteries of life and death. Seated on a park bench, Kip, a man who has lost his wife and everything he owns, receives a sense of divine peace after speaking to a strange being. A grieving mother receives a message about unconditional love, while Liam, a boy who has lost his father, learns to forgive past mistakes. A prisoner comes to terms with his actions, becomes remorseful, and earns a chance to rebuild his life and bring happiness to others. Meanwhile, Cotton, an elderly man who fought in World War II, contemplates the ongoing issues of hate and violence throughout history. He meets a mysterious young man on the bench who reveals a deeper understanding of human nature, the concept of free will, and the potential for love to overcome hatred.
The Bench seeks to answer life's most profound questions, such as why bad things happen to good people, what happens in the afterlife, and why people harbor hatred for one another. Francesca Flood guides readers to these answers through relatable stories, conveying messages about loss, resilience, forgiveness, destiny, and free will. The stories also present a powerful message about redemption and the spirit of love in the afterlife. Our earthly perception of love is often limited and skewed, making us forget that we are all made of the same spirit and that death comes to everyone. The author discusses important concepts such as the seven deadly sins, heaven and hell, and coping with grief. The book contains religious themes that offer hope and comfort to the grieving and explore the afterlife. I enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates thought-provoking stories about life after death.
Hope Verdad Presents: The Bench by Francesca Flood is a captivating collection of stories that explore the mysteries of life and death. Seated on a park bench, Kip, a man who has lost his wife and everything he owns, receives a sense of divine peace after speaking to a strange being. A grieving mother receives a message about unconditional love, while Liam, a boy who has lost his father, learns to forgive past mistakes. A prisoner comes to terms with his actions, becomes remorseful, and earns a chance to rebuild his life and bring happiness to others. Meanwhile, Cotton, an elderly man who fought in World War II, contemplates the ongoing issues of hate and violence throughout history. He meets a mysterious young man on the bench who reveals a deeper understanding of human nature, the concept of free will, and the potential for love to overcome hatred.
The Bench seeks to answer life's most profound questions, such as why bad things happen to good people, what happens in the afterlife, and why people harbor hatred for one another. Francesca Flood guides readers to these answers through relatable stories, conveying messages about loss, resilience, forgiveness, destiny, and free will. The stories also present a powerful message about redemption and the spirit of love in the afterlife. Our earthly perception of love is often limited and skewed, making us forget that we are all made of the same spirit and that death comes to everyone. The author discusses important concepts such as the seven deadly sins, heaven and hell, and coping with grief. The book contains religious themes that offer hope and comfort to the grieving and explore the afterlife. I enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates thought-provoking stories about life after death.
Recommend this book:
Anywhen
Beth Duke
2025 Bronze Medal
320 Pages
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Anywhen by Beth Duke is a sci-fi and historical fiction blend that follows Baezy, a time-traveler from 2101 who visits Woodstock in 1969. Drawn by her love of the era's music, she also meets her great-great-great-grandmother Kelly Adams, a pioneering AI researcher. Duke's novel explores the contrasts between the past and the future, weaving themes of legacy and self-discovery into a vibrant, heart-filled narrative. The story masterfully captures the essence of both periods, showing how the past's idealism and the future's technology can intersect in unexpected ways. I was particularly moved by how Duke uses time travel not just as a plot device, but as a means to explore deep questions about family connections and the ripple effects of our choices through generations.
Author Beth Duke has created a story that spans centuries, yet has remarkable attention to detail in bringing both real history and the futuristic world to life with vivid authenticity. Duke's depiction of such an iconic music festival captures the spirit of pro-peace rebellion that defined the era, while the contrasting vision of the future feels both plausible and thought-provoking for our current technologically-driven times. The exploration of familial bonds across time is sure to resonate with readers, touching on the sense of family, belonging, and identity that is passed down through the generations. Duke's talent for blending genres shines in this masterful combination of sci-fi elements with historical accuracy. The emotional depth of the relationships, particularly between Baezy and Kelly, brings original character voices and energies to life as if they were real people we wish we could meet. The writing flows naturally between the past and the future, creating a story guaranteed to keep readers engaged throughout. Overall, Anywhen is a unique achievement in cross-genre storytelling that will appeal to fans of both historical and science fiction, and I would certainly recommend it.
Anywhen by Beth Duke is a sci-fi and historical fiction blend that follows Baezy, a time-traveler from 2101 who visits Woodstock in 1969. Drawn by her love of the era's music, she also meets her great-great-great-grandmother Kelly Adams, a pioneering AI researcher. Duke's novel explores the contrasts between the past and the future, weaving themes of legacy and self-discovery into a vibrant, heart-filled narrative. The story masterfully captures the essence of both periods, showing how the past's idealism and the future's technology can intersect in unexpected ways. I was particularly moved by how Duke uses time travel not just as a plot device, but as a means to explore deep questions about family connections and the ripple effects of our choices through generations.
Author Beth Duke has created a story that spans centuries, yet has remarkable attention to detail in bringing both real history and the futuristic world to life with vivid authenticity. Duke's depiction of such an iconic music festival captures the spirit of pro-peace rebellion that defined the era, while the contrasting vision of the future feels both plausible and thought-provoking for our current technologically-driven times. The exploration of familial bonds across time is sure to resonate with readers, touching on the sense of family, belonging, and identity that is passed down through the generations. Duke's talent for blending genres shines in this masterful combination of sci-fi elements with historical accuracy. The emotional depth of the relationships, particularly between Baezy and Kelly, brings original character voices and energies to life as if they were real people we wish we could meet. The writing flows naturally between the past and the future, creating a story guaranteed to keep readers engaged throughout. Overall, Anywhen is a unique achievement in cross-genre storytelling that will appeal to fans of both historical and science fiction, and I would certainly recommend it.
Recommend this book:
The Last Patient
Tudor Alexander
2025 Honorable Mention
375 Pages
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Fiction - General
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Tudor Alexander’s The Last Patient is a beautifully written story set against the backdrop of the historical upheaval of post-war Eastern Europe. The novel combines historical fiction with personal conflict, exploring a family’s struggles under communist oppression. The novel begins with the story of Kostea, a medical intern whose life is disrupted by the political upheaval of the time. Kostea’s personal struggles are closely linked to the wider social and political changes, making his story both intimate and expansive. Alexander expertly captures the era’s essence through detailed descriptions and well-developed characters, bringing the past to life with vivid realism. The book invites reflection on the impact of history on individual lives, making it a meaningful addition to the genre.
Tudor Alexander’s writing is strong with relatable and complex characters. Kostea is exceptionally well-crafted. The interactions between Kostea and his family, especially during moments of crisis, are portrayed with emotional depth and authenticity. One of the novel’s most compelling aspects is its exploration of the impact of political ideology on personal lives. Through Kostea’s experiences, Alexander delves into the moral compromises and decisions one must face under oppressive regimes. This thematic exploration is thought-provoking and deeply relevant, connecting with anyone interested in the intersections of personal integrity and political pressures. The Last Patient is a masterful blend of historical detail and personal drama. The narrative is both educational and emotionally engaging, making it a recommended read for those who appreciate historical novels that focus on the human element of historical events. The Last Patient is an excellent read for high school and college history classes. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and the ending is unforgettable.
Tudor Alexander’s The Last Patient is a beautifully written story set against the backdrop of the historical upheaval of post-war Eastern Europe. The novel combines historical fiction with personal conflict, exploring a family’s struggles under communist oppression. The novel begins with the story of Kostea, a medical intern whose life is disrupted by the political upheaval of the time. Kostea’s personal struggles are closely linked to the wider social and political changes, making his story both intimate and expansive. Alexander expertly captures the era’s essence through detailed descriptions and well-developed characters, bringing the past to life with vivid realism. The book invites reflection on the impact of history on individual lives, making it a meaningful addition to the genre.
Tudor Alexander’s writing is strong with relatable and complex characters. Kostea is exceptionally well-crafted. The interactions between Kostea and his family, especially during moments of crisis, are portrayed with emotional depth and authenticity. One of the novel’s most compelling aspects is its exploration of the impact of political ideology on personal lives. Through Kostea’s experiences, Alexander delves into the moral compromises and decisions one must face under oppressive regimes. This thematic exploration is thought-provoking and deeply relevant, connecting with anyone interested in the intersections of personal integrity and political pressures. The Last Patient is a masterful blend of historical detail and personal drama. The narrative is both educational and emotionally engaging, making it a recommended read for those who appreciate historical novels that focus on the human element of historical events. The Last Patient is an excellent read for high school and college history classes. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and the ending is unforgettable.
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