Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite

"Scent of Triumph" is a well-written novel that captures the drama of World War II and the people who lived and loved back in those threatening years. The main character Danielle Bretancourt has been raised in Paris as the daughter of a Jewish mother and Catholic father. Her marriage to a much older German aristocrat, Max, has produced a son, Nicky, and, shortly into the story, a daughter named Jasmin after one of the floral scents that the Bretancourt family uses to make perfumes in their home in the south of France. Max fights against the Nazis who are ruining his beloved homeland and Nicky is stranded in Poland with his grandmother Sofia. Surrounded by death and horror, Danielle takes Jasmin, her niece Liliana and her shell-shocked mother, Marie, who has also witnessed death, and flees to America and to Los Angeles where they are impoverished but free from war's harm. Can Danielle survive the horrors she has witnessed? And where does Jon Newell-Gray fit into her complicated life?

Jan Moran has created a novel of a young woman's triumphs after numerous setbacks and missteps that will recall the writings of Danielle Steele and Barbara Taylor Bradford. Danielle, her husband Max von Hoffman and addicted but charming Cameron Murphy, her true love Jon Newell-Gray, her family and friends like Abigail Newell-Gray and Lou Silverman are believable and seem real products of those wartime years. The plot line moves with resolvable twists and turns to the story's happy ending. I am sure "Scent of Triumph" will be a popular book for readers everywhere to place on their "must-read" lists.

Reviewed by Maria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

"The Year of the Horsetails" was first published in 1967. It is a brilliant historical novel that is most probably set in the vast Eurasian steppe, during the early Dark Ages, or late Middle Ages. The novel unfolds as Bardiya, a Saka tribesman, escapes from the feared Tugar army. He encounters some members of the Drevich tribe, in the rugged steppe landscape, and ends up living with them. Subsequently, he falls in love with Marissa, a beautiful tribeswoman. Under the threat of invasion from the dreaded Tugars, Bardiya trains the pastoral Drevich tribe in war techniques that he learned from the Tugars themselves. He has been a soldier in the Tugar army and was sentenced to death for desertion when he escaped. The description of the battle between the mighty army of the Tugars and the peace loving Drevich tribe is certainly the highlight of this novel.

Written by R. F. Tapsell, "The Year of the Horsetails" is a historical fiction novel that surely belongs to the list of timeless classics. There has been a lot of speculation about the time frame of this story and it is believed to be between 406 AD and 1162 AD, which is between the birth of Atilla the Hun and the rise of Genghis Khan. Those were interesting times when ancient warfare was perfected by great warriors. The author's amazing description of the steppe landscape and the battle scenes can bring the reader back to these interesting times. The plot of the story may not be that original but the author's descriptive style is nothing short of brilliant. There is no doubt that R. F. Tapsell is a gifted writer with a rich imagination, as he brings the reader to a time when survival and victory almost always belong to the strongest tribes. This is a book that not only provides the reader with important lessons in history, it is also a highly entertaining read.

Reviewed by Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite

In “Blood Shinobi” Edmund Kolbusz tells the story of a boy called Naki. He is the only survivor of an attack on his home village. The attack was ordered by Oda Nobunaga and the young boy swore revenge. He would not rest until Nobunaga would die at his hand. As the story progresses, he often comes close to his goal; however, he has to learn that you often will only succeed if you also can show patience and wait for the right moment – but can he wait? Naki has to learn a lot and slowly turns into a more responsible young man – mainly because he meets people who help him along that way, for example, the beautiful Sai, the daughter of a Ninja Chunin. While staying with her family, he learns more about his past and discovers a truth that explains a lot about his life.

“Blood Shinobi” uses many events in Japanese history to tell the story and moves the characters in those events without compromising actual history too much. I chose the book because I love Japanese history and novels that use it as a background without ruining it. Edmund Kolbusz is one of the authors who manage to combine fiction with history. You could almost believe that Naki really existed – and who knows, there might have been a boy just like him. The story is well written even though some events are a bit predictable but they are balanced by some that are quite a surprise. The number of characters is just right and they all have believable motivations and background stories. If you know a few things about Japanese history, some of the events will ring a bell and characters like Oda Nobunaga will be familiar to you. If you don't know much about Japan and its history or culture, then some things might be a bit confusing for you and there might be a few terms that are unfamiliar but it shouldn't have too much of a side-effect on your enjoyment of the story. I certainly enjoyed it a lot!

Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite

This is an entertaining, occasionally humorous and always delightful story of Galveston, Texas, in 1900. Before the Great Hurricane of that year tore this coastal city to shreds, Galveston was an elegant place to live and thrive, at least it was if a family was wealthy. But the author introduces the reader to the alley people of Galveston, the misfits, the blacks, the prostitutes, the nuns and the ninety orphans in their care. These people, Maxwell, Newt, disgraced Dr. Frank the vet and his raccoon Lucy, Fanny and her son Cody, Bishop, Elma and their three children, Sisters Ruby and Mary, Marbles and Burly Horse are delightful, believable and not totally perfect people who struggle daily against racism, prejudice, and the poverty to which they were consigned. Maxwell, one of the main characters, takes a stand against the corruption and greed of those in power in Galveston, and learns that his love of long ago wasn't quite as honorable as he thought. The people of Galveston's alley are beaten up, shot at, whipped, raped, and are forced to endure terrible things but they show their bravery and their frontier spirit when the Great Hurricane of 1900 struck without mercy.

"The Last Paradise" is a brilliant story of what life was like in the South in 1900 with the prejudice, the racism and the indifference to poverty that existed quite clearly back then. It is well-written and well-edited with characters that are totally believable and true to them throughout the entire story. The plot flows to the end of the book with moments of glory and also of horror. Maxwell and Fanny find love, Newt discovers he loves the local Catholic orphanage and cannot do enough to help, and Burly Horse and Marbles are deficient mentally but abound in love for those around them. The reader will love them all, but hate the bad guys, and will rejoice in their sorrows and celebrate their good times. "The Last Paradise" is a book to be remembered. It teaches the history of Galveston, Texas, in an unforgettable period of time but in a readable way that the reader will not soon forget. A book for everyone!

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Readers' Favorite

William Wordsworth wrote five poems inspired by a young woman named Lucy. Scholars have long speculated as to the identity of Lucy. Was she real? Could she have been a fantasy of William’s imagination? "William and Lucy" is a fictional work speculating on the identity and relationship of Lucy and William. Author Michael Brown used the clues provided in Wordsworth's poetry to piece together the fragments of the mystery, such as the location of Somerset. Michael Brown’s romantic tale is set in 1798 during a time of war between England and France. When we meet William Wordsworth it is a time of turmoil in his life. He seems to lack the inspiration to write, the crown suspects he is a spy for France, his landlord is evicting him, and his inheritance is tied up in the courts.

William is twenty-eight when he meets seventeen year old Lucy Sims. The two young people are drawn to each other. In Brown’s version of the myth, Lucy is a governess, plagued by her employer's unwanted advances, who eventually forces himself on young Lucy. The mistress of the home is angered and accuses Lucy of theft. The drama continues as William faces poverty, treason, and the threat of death by hanging.

Michael Brown is a brilliant author, whose style reminds me of Charlotte Bronte and Jane Austin. He allows the plot to form at its own pace and never attempts to lighten the desperation of the era. Brown brings depth and dimension to both the characters and the plot. There is an atmosphere of romance as well as a sense of desperation in the relationship of the characters. Wordsworth’s art was devalued in his lifetime; however, I suspect that will not happen with the works of author Michael Brown.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

"The Other Alexander: Book One of The Bow of Heaven" was written by Andrew Levkoff. This is a historical novel with a touch of romance, mystery, suspense and intrigue. The setting is 20BCE, Siphnos, Greece. Alexander was taken captive and given to Crassus. Alexander faces the many humiliations that come with the role of a slave. The former Greek philosophy student was intelligent and compassionate; he came to terms with his plight and came to care for his master. The master’s house was filled with intrigue and murder. Alexander had a difficult decision to make and either way he could be the one to pay the price. Levkoff draws on an actual person in his account. I was curious about the “real” Crassus and did a little research. Marcus Lionius Crassus was a Roman General and a politician. He was famous for his role in the Battle of the Colline Gate. Crassus crushed the slave rebellion that was led by Spartacus. He also financed Julius Caesar. The author has created a multilayered character in Crassus. This tale is told from Alexander’s point of view giving the reader a unique opportunity to see the real nature of the great emperor.

Levkoff is an expert at character development. I found the bits of Greek life fascinating. The author utilizes philosophy and history throughout this tale. The cast of characters could have gotten out of control but the author wisely stuck with a small group. Levkoff is a very talented author. He has plans for 'The Bow of Heaven' to be a trilogy. If the next two books are as well done as Book 1, Levkoff’s name will soon be rolling off the lips of the fans of historical fiction.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

DeAnn Lubell, author of "The Last Moon", transports readers back to May 8, 1902, when Mt. Pelee on the island of Martinique erupted in one of the most deadly and destructive events recorded in history. The pleasure of reading this book comes in the minute details. Lubell shares the philosophy, the Creole language, the routines, the topography, and the ecological phenomena with regard to the eruption. While Lubell accurately portrays the events, it is the people that make this book special. The tale begins with Captain David desperate to arrive in Martinique. The ocean around his ship was littered with human and animal bodies. He prayed Mt. Pelee had not erupted. Lubell skillfully weaves the threads of Yvette, Andre, David, Aza, Father Roche and the evil, greedy politicians together into a tapestry upon which the events are played out. The women are portrayed as resilient yet elegant. Voodoo and brothels are part of the accepted culture. Politicians can think only of what it will take to win a racially charged election.

It is obvious DeAnn Lubell spent much time researching the event she writes about. She brings the eruption to terrifying life. Her descriptions of the island before the eruption are magnificent. I have never been to Martinique but after reading the vivid descriptions I plan to vacation there. The descriptions of the aftermath are horrifying. "The Last Moon" is a historical novel but it also has intrigue, action and romance. I found the book riveting, mesmerizing and a must read tale.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

"Fission" by Tom Weston is based on a true story. Our tale centers on Lise Mietner, a Physicist. Women were expected to get married and raise a family, not to dream or pursue a career and especially not in a field like Physics. The year was 1906 when Max Planck was recruiting some of the most brilliant minds in the world. Meitner meets and works with several well-known men including Albert Einstein. However, the person she worked with the closest was Otto Hahn, a chemist. Their research focused on radioactivity and nuclear physics. Their research took Mietner in a different direction as she became a spokesperson on the topic. You may be asking yourself why you are not familiar with the name of Lise Mietner. She was born into a Jewish family in 1878. Hitler hated the Jewish people and removed her name from any of her published research. She barely managed to escape Berlin with her life.

Tom Weston brings Lise Mietner’s story to life. He depicts her in a positive light allowing her personality to shine through as well as her intelligence. Mietner is a shining example for young women today, clearly demonstrating that women can have a successful career. Since I was not familiar with Mietner, I truly appreciated Weston’s ability to show her as a multidimensional character. It is obvious that Weston spent much time researching her life. He did an incredible job of pulling the reader into this book allowing him or her to experience the culture of the era. Kudos to Mr. Weston.

Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite

The setting varies but begins in England in the 1860s. Martha was looking forward to the dancing, gowns, parties and balls. Her father had different plans. He forced Martha to marry Jebediah Whitaker. The man was a widow with 3 sons. Not only did Martha not want to marry him but she did not like him. He proved himself a cruel, heartless, scoundrel with no morals. Jebediah took Martha and his sons across the ocean to America. From there they traveled to Wyoming by wagon train. Jebediah was a slick character and convinced the others traveling with him that he was an upstanding man. Eventually they came to call him Pastor and built him a church. Little did they know the bible he carried was stolen.

When Martha's father realized Jebediah was a swindler, murderer and scoundrel he sent for Jeremy Whitaker (Jebediah's brother) and Austin Wells (Martha's best friend since childhood.) The two men headed to Martha's rescue. What they discovered shocked them. Martha and the boys had suffered repeated beatings, mental and emotional abuse.

Shirley Roe has written several books about the Whitaker family. This installment takes place before Return To Whitakerville and The Whitaker Family Reunion. Of Dreams and Nightmares is the beginning of the Whitaker saga. There are several characters but I had no problem keeping up with who, what, when and where. It was fascinating watching Martha grow from an immature, spoiled, impulsive socialite into a mature woman. Jebediah was determined to break Martha's spirit, he raped her, beat her and threatened her life. She was terrified of Jebediah and yet she stood up to him when he was beating Abraham.

Dreams and Nightmares is a delightful historical romance. Roe effortlessly transports readers back in time. I felt as though I was riding in the wagon with Martha. Together we stumbled through the snow and comforted the boys. I was right there with Abraham when he was hiding under a bush. This tale takes place in several different settings: England, on board ship, in a wagon, at a fort, Wyoming, and St. Louis. Martha was the lead character in each of these settings and each setting was responsible for another facet of her character. The protagonist in this tale was Jebediah. He was a frightening person. I suspect he was a sociopath. Isaac was a fascinating character. He was damaged by the things his father did. Watching the change in his character made me eagerly turn pages. While I have previously read the other two books in this series, I now want to go back and reread them. Each book stands well alone but I like to read books in order.

I'd like to mention Abraham's gift. He would dream something and it foretold the future. As he matured he considered it a gift from God. I would like to see Roe write another book with Abraham as the lead and share more of his story, including his gift.

I'd be remiss if I did not mention Bo the dog. He was a canine hero. This is a very special book. It is easy to highly recommend this book to both young adults and adults.

Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite

In Leap Beyond Blue Sky Veil, Sally Eccleston has created a highly readable, enjoyable novel that weaves the true story of an 1865 massacre of twenty-three Paiutes, mostly women and children, by a misled U.S. Cavalry with the modern day tale of an aged university professor, descended from those Paiutes, who befriends and ultimately saves the lives of three of her students. Those students, Kitt, Roycee, and Marian are certainly modern day girls; but they also seem to be reincarnations of sisters Elma, Mary, and lone survivor, Sarah, who were members of that group of Paiute women attacked so savagely long ago.

Leap Beyond Blue Sky Veil is well edited and well crafted. It will appeal to many different types of readers as it has an interwoven story line of many depths. Author Eccleston has created totally believable major and minor characters. Edwina, the university professor, is enchanting and believable as a shaman; and Kitt and her father, Police Chief Frank MacAdamir, come across to the reader as well-created, "warts" and all. Even the bad guy, Walter, is well delineated.

Leap Beyond Blue Sky Veil is a good, solid purchase for libraries and readers in general. It will have lasting value as a book years from now.