Reviewed by Caitlin Lyle Farley for Readers' Favorite

Thirteen-year-old Poppy Wainwright’s mother is a drug addict and drunk who roams the United States, leaving Poppy to be raised by her Grandma Lainey in Arkansas. When Lainey dies, Poppy is sent to live with her grandmother’s sister in Savannah. Aunt Sookie is an abrasive old woman whose chief joys in life are shooting her neighbour’s twin boys with her BB gun and tending to her vegetable garden. Sookie is uncertain how Poppy will fit in with the locals and forbids her to leave the yard at first, but the young girl gradually befriends a few of the local children and a woman at the church. Poppy even meets a handsome boy and develops her first crush. It’s only a matter of time before the secrets start falling from the Wainwright family tree.

Aunt Sookie and Me is a heart-warming tale with liberal sprinkles of laugh out loud moments. Michael Scott Garvin is a cunning writer and the plot of Sookie and Me is more layered than it appears in the first few chapters. Garvin confronts delicate issues surrounding gender equality and identity, sexuality, and rape culture in a matter of fact manner that keeps the story light while still providing food for thought. The characters in this novel are well developed and even mean old Sookie and Poppy’s disastrous mother are likeable. Sookie and Me is a coming of age story with a distinct difference that has all the makings of a classic. I think everyone should read this book.

Reviewed by Brenda Ballard for Readers' Favorite

No Greater Freedom is a page turning thriller set in Africa. From South Africa to Kenya, unscrupulous characters involved in gun running and animal poaching are intertwined and cross paths with the good guys who are investigating their goings on via land and water. Add unexpected romance to the pot, and you have drama and suspense. The author draws the reader into each plot line and incorporates the plight of the African dealing with government corruption, their hopes and dreams, the lows that people will stoop to in the name of money and power, and the highs of being in love.

Tom Edwards is a very talented wordsmith. No Greater Freedom is captivating; you will not be able to put it down as there is just no stopping point until the last word on the last page. Mr. Edwards writes of the lengths people go to for money and power, the sacrifices they will make in the name of love and the people of a land that has a history of war and famine. This story is believable and easy to fall into. The description of the landscapes, the scenes and characters are so vivid and real that the reader will find themselves easily able to visualize each page's words right down to the clink of a beer glass being set upon the ship's bar or the thud of the body as it finds its final fate...

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

They once dated as college freshmen, lost contact with each other, and recently reconnected via email before losing each other again through a tragedy. Now they have another chance to love each other, but a lot has changed since then. How will they handle this opportunity when they have memories of their old selves and the bodies of the young people they once were? Repeat: A Love Story for the Ages by A.J. Kohler is a paranormal romance, a story about an unusual second chance at love.

Paul Grainger has just lost one of his best friends, Angelina, a woman he once dated while in college and he loses her the same day he loses his wife. He is emotionally drained when he sets out to scatter his wife’s ashes. He wakes up in the plane to discover he’s rejuvenated. He is a young man going to Hawaii to start his freshman year in school. The curious thing is that he has lost his old age but not his memories. Just as he has secretly desired, Angelina turns up also, a young beautiful woman with all her old age memories. How can they love each other and move into a future they remember so well?

Repeat: A Love Story for the Ages is a story that stands out in its originality in plot and concept. The idea of a second chance is common in mainstream romance, but I haven’t read one where characters cease to be old, restart where they once were, many years back, and without losing their memories — sounds like time travel, but it isn’t quite like that. It’s like people walking into a future they already know. How this singular experience affects their thoughts, emotions, and sense of love is the heart of the conflict that moves this story. The characters are superb; both Paul and Angelina have lived with regrets at not seizing the opportunity after their brief romance as freshmen; both of them have had difficulties in marriage; and after her murder, Angelina makes the choice for both of them to return where they started.

The narrative is done in an arresting voice and in a prose that is crisp and exciting. A.J. Kohler explores the emotional depth of the characters with unusual skill. The story has powerful psychological hints, carried forward through the suspense. The author has the gift of sustaining the attention of the reader, each scene introducing a new level of conflict, each page building up steadily to the delightful climax. This is a very interesting, entertaining, and spellbinding novel. This is one of those stories you finish reading and feel as though you have just awakened from a delightful dream.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Cliff Walking is a contemporary literary fiction novel written by Stephen Russell Payne. Prominent Maine artist, Francis Monroe, had been keeping a daily vigil ever since his wife, Rachael, had disappeared a year earlier while windsurfing in Penobscot Bay. He would blow out the whaler's lamp he kept lit at night and head out into the bay to the spot where she had disappeared. As he watched the sun rise, he remembered his wife's love of the early morning, and the loving moments they shared. But this morning, as he rowed his skiff back to shore, he noticed a stranger on his property -- a young boy stood silently examining the picture he'd left on his easel. It bothered Francis that the kid was studying his rendering of his wife's body, particularly her breasts. Then, when he spoke, Francis felt he was in the presence, somehow, of a kindred spirit, an odd thing for him to feel after so long apart from the rest of the world, particularly children. The boy's name was Stringer, and he and his mother had fled the California coast and landed up here on the rocky shoreline of Maine in an attempt to finally free themselves of Leland, Stringer's violently abusive dad. Francis recognized Stringer's artistic gifts and began to mentor and guide him. Then he met Stringer's mom, Kate, and between the mother and her son, Francis began to live again.

Stephen Russell Payne's literary fiction novel, Cliff Walking, is one of those genre transcending works that will appeal to so many and on so many different levels. It's a marvelous character study of the grieving widower artist whose soul had been buried under the waves with his wife since her disappearance. Francis is apart from the world until he sees that image of the slightly chubby boy standing before his easel. Payne's also crafted a stunning coming of age novel that focuses on Stringer, who comes of age in both the most trying and exhilarating of times. Kate's tale is one of redemption and healing. The three of them are towering presences in this tale, joined later by the trial attorney who sees in his defense of Stringer a chance to make right his own son's untimely demise. Payne had me hooked into the world of Winter's Cove, an idyllic small town nestled among the rocky shores of coastal Maine, but then he totally astonished me by including in this most impressive tale one of the most exciting and moving legal thrillers I've read. I was unable to tear myself away from the dialog as the prosecution and the defense called forth their witnesses. When the jury announced that they had reached a verdict, I was holding my breath. Cliff Walking is a brilliant debut novel that left me satisfied, yet definitely hungering for more from this gifted writer. It's most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Bobbie Grob for Readers' Favorite

When the Serpent Bites by Nesly Clerge tells a riches to rags story of a man, Frederick Starks, who has anything and everything the money from his successful business empire can buy. Along with that, he has a beautiful wife, three children, a loving family and friends, and well wishers as far as the eye can see. Life is about to get a whole lot less pretty for Starks, though, as one night of rage leads to a whole different reality. Starks' well-heeled life takes a turn for the worst, and he goes from being a hugely powerful man in the corporate world to the newest inmate in a maximum security prison in what seems to be the snap of a finger.

I've always enjoyed a good legal drama so I was glad to grab a copy of Nesly Clerge's When the Serpent Bites, although I wasn't expecting to be riveted to the pages. I was sucked right into Frederick Starks' life and drama, and I had more than one late night when I had to stay up and read far later than I would normally have. This does not read like an amateur novel. The characters have real depth - something I am big on - and the drama on the pages made me feel as though I was right there watching it. The book is fast paced and, in my opinion, downright amazing. You will get to the end of this book and want more, more, more! This is less a legal drama than the story of finding a way through a new life, but it is no less worth the read for that.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

If I hadn’t checked Nesly Clerge’s bio, I might have concluded that When The Dragon Roars was written by someone with a degree in psychology and criminal studies, or that the author was at least a therapist of some kind. But the brilliant Nesly Clerge has emerged from a science-based background to continue following his lifelong passion of writing with this second book in a trilogy about one Frederick Starks in When the Dragon Roars.

In the first book, When the Serpent Bites, the lifestyle of the super-wealthy Starks comes to a crashing end when he is sentenced to prison for 15 years to face a world that is no longer his oyster. Six months after his incarceration, the Starks we meet in When the Dragon Roars has attempted suicide twice, been sliced mercilessly and beaten into a coma by other inmates. Now recovered, he shaves his head and tattoos his body with a dragon, an exterior symbol of new resolve to survive the next 14 1/2 years, using the smarts he acquired as a businessman. What he learns as When the Dragon Roars unfolds is that it will take a lot more than his business acumen to battle the challenges of dangerous cons with murder on their minds, guards whose protection must be purchased, and friends whose loyalties are never guaranteed. But the biggest challenge of all is the one he least wants to face: that of being honest with himself and admitting that he too is responsible for all that has happened to him. To his surprise, it is the con men themselves that best help him recognize his faults.

When the Dragon Roars is an absolutely riveting read, full of surprising twists and turns and brilliant writing. The chapters are short; the dialogue realistic; the characters believable and the plot gripping. But, for me, it’s Frederick Starks’ reflections on human nature that are the most engaging. As eager as I was to turn each page to see what happens next, I found myself lost in thought along with Starks. While Starks reflects and analyses what he is learning about himself, I found myself doing the same about myself. I couldn’t help but think how much Starks is like me and possibly everyone else out there. How hard is it for any of us to face the truth about ourselves? The answer is obvious.

The one thing that did disconcert me was the last few lines at the end of the book. I turned the page only to realize the book had ended! What? I must have missed something. I re-read that last page and smiled. Of course! When the Dragon Roars is book 2 of a trilogy. I’m going to have to read the third and final book to see what Starks ultimately decided to do. Clever, Nesly Clerge ... very clever. I hope you don’t keep this reader waiting too long for Book 3 of The Starks Trilogy.

Reviewed by Ray Simmons for Readers' Favorite

I just love new stories built around Greek mythology. Greek mythology gave me so many hours of pleasurable reading as a kid and I appreciate that. I have read a lot of Greek mythology. I mean the original tales from Greek history and religion. I have read even more stories that are based on Greek mythology or some of its characters. There are so many ways you can transmute these tales and these characters into something totally new and fresh. A lot of writers have done this. Some have done it really well and made a lot of money. I have read these stories and/or seen them on the big screen. I have never seen or read Greek mythology based fiction done better than Olympia by Kris Kramer, except for a book I read by Dan Simmons, a long time ago. Dan Simmons writes really well. Stephen King says so. I say Kris Kramer writes well too.

I was in when I read the title. I will stay in because Olympia is a great book. It is book one of a series called Olympus. I intend to follow this series. I know I will enjoy it. The story is interesting. The writing is good, and this world is intriguing. But most of all, I like Anthony Kensom. He is my kind of hero. He is young, but has been hardened by a rough life. This has made him strong and smart, but it has not made him bitter or callous. The story is great. The writing is great, and the hero is great. What more could you ask for?

Reviewed by Sarah Rollins for Readers' Favorite

Angie Gallion’s Intoxic is an intoxicating coming of age story that will appeal to many! The main character, Alison, is sixteen years old, with all the challenges of that age group – love, family, peer groups, school and more. The thing is, most of us could understand these challenges, and it makes for a teen style story. However, this author takes the story further and, as a reader, I was completely engaged in the character herself - we feel her struggles with her home life and her mother, as well as her self esteem and confidence. That internal struggle of whether you are meant to live the same life as your parents or find a different path is one that many young kids or teens will identify with quickly.

Angie Gallion’s style is a definite page turner. Her characters are real and authentic, and her style of writing is easy and comfortable. Intoxic is written in Alison's world, and you find yourself trapped inside her head, and longing for a positive outcome for this troubled but smart and heartfelt young woman. This is the first book in a potentially strong series of novels, and the way the author ends the book is both satisfying, but also clever, leaving the reader seeking to know more about Alison’s plight and what she may confront as she faces the next stage in her life. Without a doubt, the author has found her niche with this character and this storyline, and I would recommend this book to any reader. I hope to read more in this series.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

If you are a fan of sci-fi, futuristic, or dystopian stories, or novels that echo the game of power like Divergent, then Age of Order by Julian North would be the perfect fit for you. Set against the backdrop of a futuristic, dystopian era, this novel explores the inner workings of power and how a select few would do anything to keep it to themselves. The story explores themes that include the misuse of power, the inequality of men and women, and intrigue at the highest level. It’s a story that begins with a gunshot in the night, progresses through high-scale conflict, and ends on a very high note, leaving the reader rattled and entertained beyond measure.

When Daniela Machado gets the coveted slot at the elite Tuck School, she is thrilled and delighted to be among the chosen few to escape the hardship that is characteristic of Bronx City, but she is just about to discover a new world, luxurious but flawed with avarice. She could just become a statistic that contributes to the greed of those in power and that would help them keep power to themselves. That is, if she doesn’t act fast. Will she take the chance to change things or will she be absorbed into the system and be contaminated by its darkness?

Age of Order is a story with beguiling characters, a fascinating plot, and a conflict that will keep readers awake until they witness the denouement. The writing is great and the action intense. Your pulse will rise as you follow Julian North’s characters. I couldn’t ask for more from a book; it was an exciting and really thrilling ride. And what is most astounding is that readers will relate to the story and the drama as it is being played out in the real politics of our time.

Reviewed by Robin Goodfellow for Readers' Favorite

Clemenceau's Daughters by Rocky Porch Moore is an eerie, Southern Gothic novel that details the blood-soaked legacy behind cracks of innocence. The book is separated into three parts. The first part introduces Debbie, a young girl with a strange ability that has led to the death of both her babysitter and her beloved grandfather. The second part reveals the frightening history of why that ability attracts so much tragedy, and demonstrates just what happens when hatred goes unchecked. The third part finally describes the results of such a past, with Debbie losing yet another loved one. I loved the parallels Moore has drawn between the mothers in the book. Both Maisie and Carolyn did whatever they could to secure their daughter's happiness; Maisie in ensuring Clemenceau's fortune and reputation, Carolyn in keeping Debbie safe. But despite their efforts, that bittersweet ending still tied their stories together. From one secret to another, the determination of the mothers to try to secure their daughter's future was a consistent idea in the book, which made the prologue all the more terrifying.

I also enjoyed the symbolism. The ominous mountain, the foreboding deaths, and even the tree at the beginning of the book; with each different symbol comes yet another warning about the dangers lurking nearby. Even the colors and details were haunting; the pink walls and wide-eyed dolls in Debbie's room, supposedly every girl's dream room, something she can relish in the follies of her youth. But even so, the horrors of that legacy still tore that room down and shoved her into the open, with a large target painted on her back. The Southern Gothic feel forced me into a dreamlike daze, as Moore lulled me into a false sense of security through the eyes of a child. Coupled with the shattered innocence that hid the sinister shadows beneath, Moore showed the age-old lesson of what happens when hatred goes unchecked. I would thus recommend this book to readers who loved The Magnolia League series and Beautiful Creatures.