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.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

When I reflect on Moss by Joe Pace, three words come to mind immediately: deep, unique, and extraordinary. All three adjectives apply to Pace’s characters, plot, themes, and style...in fact, everything about this novel. Quite honestly, I cannot get this exquisite literary novel out of my thoughts, and here's why. The style is primarily reflective narrative. In many novels, that approach slows down the pace of the plot. But Oscar Kendall, the narrator, is such a conflicting blend of emotions that, like a Venus flytrap, he grabs a reader’s psyche and won’t let go. The same applies to May: she fascinates both Oscar and the reader. What is it with her? Why does she behave as she does? And then there are the almost strange members of May’s family. Each character is unique; their motivations and actions are complex. But it is how all these characters’ lives intersect that gives readers a plot so extraordinary that few of us see the twists coming our way. When they do, Moss becomes unforgettable.

But Moss’s intense impact on the reader goes beyond its plot, characters, and style. Overshadowing everything in Oscar’s life is his father, Isaiah Moss, a famous author Oscar knows very little about until he inherits his father’s cabin and his old typewriter. Through letters that Isaiah has written to his estranged son, and through May’s experience, readers so thoroughly feel the devastating effects that war has on those called to fight that we are beyond moved. Pace’s ability to capture the emotional and physical suffering is unique: it cuts deeply into readers’ minds and hearts and holds us captive long after the story has ended. As a would-be writer, I felt compelled to make notes on some of the insights Isaiah Moss offered on writing, e.g. “My writing teachers were my eyes and ears and my imagination…ears are more important to writers than eyes or hands.” Moss is a deep and unique novel, and Joe Pace, like the fictional Isaiah Moss, is one extraordinary writer.

Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite

Waterbury Winter by Linda Stewart Henley takes place from 2008 through 2009 in a town called Waterbury, approximately an hour's drive from New York in Connecticut, New England. The main character is Barnaby Brown with his parrot Popsicle - a Green Amazon Parrot - who is his best friend and even goes with him to the watering hole O'Malley's. Other characters that cross Barnaby’s path are Sean who owns and runs the watering hole which Barnaby frequents. Then there is Sal, his boss at the hardware store. Barnaby has been on a downward spiral since his wife’s death, the loss of his teaching job, and having to move back in with his parents. He is an excellent artist but because he is always drinking, he has not painted since his parents passed. Barnaby also seems to think by moving to California and getting away from the cold winters of Waterbury, he would be better off. Certain things happen that cause him to rethink his life, life choices, what he is doing to himself, and allow him to start following his dream and getting back to painting. This is one of the few books I have read that has caught my attention from the start to the end and makes a person think.

The plot of Waterbury Winter by Linda Stewart Henley is very well laid out and takes you on a journey from the first line to the last. It does go on some side paths but eventually meanders back to the main route. Each character is important to Barnaby Brown on his journey to finding himself, being true to himself, and getting back to his painting. The pace is not too fast; it is like a lovely meander through a beautiful garden. The theme has been well written and gives the reader food for thought about life in general and what is available for the reader personally going forward. The action is more like interactions between all the main characters in the story as well as some sub-characters, so it keeps everything going forward and becomes a page-turner. I found I could not put it down until I had reached the end. It makes you think about how you are handling your life and if you are stagnating because you are too afraid to take a chance. I enjoyed reading this book from the first page to the last and found the ending the best, due to the fact that I had started rooting early for the main characters.

Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite

Surrogacy. It’s a hot topic in our world, opening a multitude of attached debates. The laws vary from state to state. The stigma stains every incident differently. When Maggie finds herself drowning in bills and unfulfilled as the unmarried mother of infant Wyatt, she is introduced to the idea of profiting as a surrogate to Chip and Donovan, a gay couple on the other side of the country. After giving birth to fraternal twins, Maggie and her family will reap the benefits of a sizeable payoff. Maggie can now afford a coveted college degree. She and Nick can get married. Wyatt’s future will be financially secure. Maggie is prepared to hand over the babies. As a result of artificial insemination, they are not her sons. Or are they?

He Gets That From Me by Jacqueline Friedland is a moving story that evokes a multitude of debatable emotions: LBGTQ rights, religious views on adoption, adoption legalities, and plain out human decency. Author Friedland tackles this controversial story with a passion that will resonate with readers for days after the final page is turned. Realistic narration dually told from the viewpoints of Maggie and Donovan adds an additional and necessary caveat to the flow of the plot. I like that this format balances character emotions, although it occasionally requires the reader to confirm the point of view. An impressive amount of author research is evident as Jacqueline Friedland exhibits knowledge of surrogacy laws and fascinating gestational facts. I didn’t know where to place my sympathy while reading He Gets That From Me: the children, the biological parents, or the adopting parents.