Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Reasons for Waking is a work of fiction in the Southern fiction, family saga, and interpersonal drama subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by author Karen Foster. In this heartfelt tale about family dynamics, secrets, hurting, and healing, we discover how life has turned out for Philip, a reclusive man with a lot of pain in his past. He’s brought back into family life by a young woman touched by the same tragedy that sent Philip off on a lonely road, and together they begin to unpick the complex web of misunderstandings, assumptions, secrets and lies that have led to a difficult and prolonged silence.

Author Karen Foster has crafted a truly unique family drama like nothing else I’ve read this year, and one which has a poignant message about openness, communication, and the danger of not speaking up when you really should. One of the features that most impressed me in this emotionally intelligent work was its commitment to character, as every figure in the family and those close acquaintances around them all seemed totally realized with their own personality, dialogue style, attitudes, and values. The layers of realism surrounding the estranged Philip make the impact all the more enjoyable when he’s able to dig deep and break down some of the walls he’s built for himself. Combining this with the hardships, struggles, and tearjerking moments of pure emotion, Foster delivers a stellar drama in Reasons for Waking that is both highly recommended and not to be missed.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

More Than Halfway There is a work of fiction focused on small-town drama and character-led story arcs, and was penned by author David Hartshorn. The central drama is based around Jake Taylor, who abandons a successful law practice to return to Jackson Meadows, New Hampshire, where he once grew up. Returning to the past in his current lonely state is bad enough for Jake’s psyche, but when complications arise with old friends, old flames, and a demented father who now lives in a nursing home, it seems Jake will never get his life back on track. However, maybe a small-town visit is just what he needs to get some real perspective, however happy or sad those are.

Heart-warming and superbly poignant in the writing, author David Hartshorn has created a literary styled slice of life that speaks volumes about the human condition. Central to the emotional powerhouse of the piece is the character work and devotion to the development of Jake, who is relatable in his conflicts, and the heartaches that he has carried from the big city back to the small world of his roots. Despite these serious themes and emotive truths, the novel is also layered with intelligent and subtle humor that keeps you smiling throughout, bringing the many simplicities and complexities of life into stark and humorous contrast. Jake’s story is well told and well settled, but beyond that, there is an even bigger message for readers to absorb. Overall, More Than Halfway There is a highly recommend and thoughtful work of fiction.

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.

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 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 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 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 Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite

In his office at Pocono Prep School, Pennsylvania, Mr. Griffin, the dean, collapses in the most unanticipated series of events. Once whisked to the hospital, Mr. Griffin was declared to have suffered a stroke. Mrs. Levering, being the only one in the dean’s office at the time of the event, was tasked with conveying the old man’s last words to his family before he became unconscious. “Piccolo and Goodman” were Mr. Griffin’s last words. Sandy Piccolo, the son of a mafia boss, was an accomplished and successful lawyer. Sandy, Goodman, and Laura, Sandy’s wife, had all attended the school while Mr. Griffin worked there. Goodman had left Pennsylvania and went incognito; it all had something to do with Sandy and Laura. What exactly did Sandy and Laura do to Goodman? Given their history, why would Mr. Griffin ask to see two of his former students who apparently were on the worst terms? Will Sandy Piccolo find Goodman? Find out more in Jeff Arch's Attachments.

I love being intrigued. I love being entertained. Reading Jeff Arch’s Attachments left me thoroughly pleased and yearning for more. His sentence structures are complex, comprising of long and twisted sentences yet very comprehensible. Jeff Arch gives aggressively intelligible depictions of his ideas. I loved how picturesque the story was. The characters in Attachments are exciting, amazing, and fun. They are portrayed lucidly and in the boldest way. This, coupled with the witty and intellectual conversations some of the characters had, made me feel like I could not get enough of them, especially Sandy, Laura, and Carmine, Sandy’s father. Jeff Arch undoubtedly has a strong command of all aspects of writing. The sarcasm, the irony, the humor, and the casualness with which he uses them in the story is just epic. I found myself laughing most of the time while reading. He also uses a lot of sentiment in his words. I could feel the pain, joy, longing, disappointment, resentment, loathing, love and so many more emotions in the book. The plot is amazing. I loved this book.

Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

Friendship Matters by Rona D. Drinkard follows the lives of three friends, all at different places in life and each facing different circumstances. After losing her husband, Euniqé was set on raising her son alone. She meets a man that she is unexpectedly attracted to. Still, she is cautious about the new relationship. Her best friend, Saisha, struggles to hide her unhealthy relationships from Euniqé, a psychologist who always sees through Saisha’s explanations. Their friend Kandace is in a picture-perfect marriage on the surface. Though her husband indulges her, her material possessions do not fulfill her innermost needs. She is unsure that sacrificing her dreams to be a stay-at-home mother is what she wants. Her patience toward her unfaithful husband is wearing thin.

The main characters in Friendship Matters are realistic, and each has a distinctive personality. Saisha is the sassy one of the three, while Euniqé is over-protective of her friends and often offers unsolicited advice. Kandace is a talented singer and is always available for a meet-up. The dialogue between the friends is entertaining and often hilarious. There are also some captivating, dramatic scenes in the novel. In the story, each character grows. They learn to confront the fears that have held them back and allow themselves to move forward. Their separate lives also contain life lessons about being honest with oneself, letting go of the past, and working toward achieving personal dreams. Friendship Matters by Rona D. Drinkard is a funny, profound novel about three friends who share a close bond.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

The King’s Sword: The First Novel of the Metzlingen Saga by Rebekah Simmers is a delightful journey back to 15th-century Europe, where small kingdoms and principalities were the way of the European continent. Matthias is a soldier, pure and simple, after having first been sold to the crown and then pledging himself in service to King Girault of Ewigsburg. After one particularly harrowing battle, in which his prince was killed, Matthias is tasked with a mission for his king; to travel to the far Kingdom of Leuceria and to plight the king’s troth to the beautiful princess Avelina. Avelina has lived a life of prestige and honor, as the rightful heir of the Leucerian throne since the death of her father and mother, so many years earlier. The Regent Niro, who has effectively ruled Leuceria since her parents' death at his hands, has no intention of giving up the throne to the young princess. The simplest solution for Niro is to get rid of Avelina, be it through death or a foreign marriage. Matthias finds himself riding into a hotbed of intrigue and political backstabbing as he seeks to fulfill his quest; a quest that includes a dangerous and hazardous journey through the mountains back to Ewigsburg and safety, all the while pursued by Niro’s vengeful and vicious son’s men, hell-bent on killing Matthias, the princess and Matthias’ band of soldierly brothers.

I am an immense fan of medieval historical literature and The King’s Sword fits this bill for me as a reader spectacularly. Author Rebekah Simmers has created a tale redolent of the very best of knightly stories of honor, political intrigue, romance, and love. The author’s vibrant and rich descriptive prose brings the environment of medieval Europe to life. Matthias and Avelina’s journey through the mountains is beautifully crafted and one can picture the towering peaks, waterfalls, and hidden dangers as the pair make their way back to Ewigsburg. The two principal characters are wonderfully supported by a cast that is easily identifiable and relatable. What I particularly loved was the author’s ability to use her characters to ask and question some of the big issues of life; self-determination, purpose, the nature and power of love, the importance of doing what is right rather than what is expedient, and perhaps most importantly, being true to oneself. The balance the author achieves between the action of the story and the development of the characters, their emotions, their dreams, their deep-rooted fears, and their self-doubts is remarkable. At no time does one want to take a break from this story; it keeps dragging you forward relentlessly to its ultimate conclusion. I can highly recommend this book and look forward to more tales of Avelina, Matthias, and Metzlingen as this story is just the first in a planned series.