Reviewed by Heather Osborne for Readers' Favorite

West: Journey Across the Plains by David S. Larson is an amazing chronicle of the journey of the Jennings family. The family plans to travel from Pittsburgh to San Francisco, seeking out their fortunes like so many in the mid to late 1800s. However, tragedy strikes the eldest Jennings’ child, Sarah, in the form of a fever. Unbeknownst to the family, Sarah recovers, but is left without means to contact her family, so she must resort to drastic means in order to support herself. Finally gaining her freedom, Sarah travels west, desperately hoping to get in contact with her lost family. The Jennings family, on the other hand, is faring no better, struck down with many of the common things to befall travelers in covered wagons. Will Sarah be reunited with her family, or are they forever to be parted?

I was captivated by this novel from the very beginning. Mr. Larson states in the introduction that the story comes from letters and diaries of the actual Jennings family. True or not, this remains a mystery to me, but I wouldn’t doubt for a second that this actually happened. I am from the San Francisco area in California, and it was fascinating to read first-hand accounts of what life was like then. Sarah’s journey is fraught with so much pain, touching on many topics that were considered taboo at the time. David S. Larson covers almost every danger faced by pioneers at the time. West: Journey Across the Plains is certainly a must-read for anyone interested in this time period, and the diary entries will draw you right into the characters’ lives, trials, and tribulations.

Reviewed by Raanan Geberer for Readers' Favorite

Bela’s Letters by Jeff Ingber is a Jewish World War II story with a twist. The protagonist, Bela Ingber (Jeff’s father), never went to the concentration camps. Instead, he survived the war by being conscripted into a Hungarian-Jewish “labor battalion” after Hungary, allied with Nazi Germany at the time, took over his town, which had previously been Czech. While Bela and his fellow laborers may have escaped the gas chambers, their life was a living hell. At any time, they were subjected to beatings, whippings, being called “dirty Jews” by their Hungarian commanders, and worse. Other members of Bela’s family are also characters, and we can see they are a microcosm of the fate of pre-war European Jewry — two (including Bela) ended up in the United States, one went to London, one went to Palestine, and the rest were killed in Nazi death camps after Germany took over Hungary outright toward the end of the war.

The scenes in Munkacs, Bela’s town, reveal the complexity of Hungarian Jewry — you had Zionists, Czech patriots, Hasidim, non-Hasidic Orthodox Jews, and just plain “ordinary people” who lived for themselves and their families. For those interested in European Jewry, this book is not only a fiction/biography, but an important source of details. I had no idea that anti-Semitism was so pervasive in Hungary. The inclusion of actual letters from the family members to each other makes the book seem more real, as does the details about Bela’s romances, both successful and unsuccessful. American readers will get a kick out of the way Bela slowly transforms from someone who is totally European into a bona-fide New Yorker, aware of Sandy Koufax and the Beatles, and who even finds a job at the 1964 World’s Fair. All in all, Bela’s Letters is a valuable testimony about a segment of European Jewry that was somewhat different than the more widely recognized Polish and Russian Jewish experience.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Pianist In A Bordello by Mike Erickson is a satirical take on today’s political world and gives us a look at politics and politicians if they were truly honest with the voters. With the presidential campaigning going on, this was a refreshing read. I really loved this book. It was humorous and very entertaining.

The novel follows Richard Youngblood, an aspiring Congressman who becomes the true advocate of honesty when he decides to be honest with his voters. In his autobiography, we learn about his past, how his advisers and friends tried to stop him, and how he came to be. Given a name that was meant to be a stab at his absentee father and his colorful college days, we learn that Richard Youngblood is not as different from us as we think a politician is. He is human and, like all, he has faults too. Only he is strong and brave enough to share his faults with the rest of the world and not hide them.

Although I don’t really enjoy such books or novels, this was an exception. Pianist In A Bordello is a fine and funny novel that often made me laugh out loud. The way Mike Erickson handled the genre and made it entertaining for an average reader was also quite commendable. It was written in sync with the flow and the demand of the story. There is nothing that I wish could be improved because it is amazingly good just the way it is. If you are a fan of Fitzgerald, you will love this.

Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite

Ohhh, long sigh. That is what I did when I finished reading Dark Shadows, the first book in the Mercy Carver series by author Jana Petken. A stunning work of historical fiction, the book is heartbreaking and ultimately a story of redemption. Follow the story of Mercy Carver, a young woman whose mother dies in childbirth and whose father kills himself due to grief shortly thereafter. Mercy is raised in poverty by both sets of her grandparents, and is promised in marriage at the young age of fourteen to an unsavory, older and more prosperous man, and will be married off to him when she turns eighteen. But when she's being fitted for her wedding dress, she convinces the women there to allow her to leave so that she enjoys one day of freedom. And that's where the adventure really starts.

I enjoyed Dark Shadows to no end. Author Jana Petken has done a wonderful job at creating a lovely and sympathetic character in Mercy Carver; she's a character that the reader will truly feel connected to, and will hope for the very best for her. Jana Petken has also written with an authenticity and real knowledge for the time period and that adds to the very realistic feeling of the book. Dark Shadows would be enjoyed by anyone who loves historical fiction, action, adventure, or just a great work of fiction. I am happy to highly recommend Dark Shadows and am very excited to continue reading this promising series as soon as possible!

Reviewed by Mary T. Kincaid for Readers' Favorite

Outrageous: The Victoria Woodhull Saga, Volume One by Neal Katz introduces us to Victoria Claflin Woodhull and her sister, Tennessee Celeste Claflin, in their childhood. These women rose from abuse and extreme poverty. The sisters consulted spirit guides. Their father worked them as mediums and whores. They were involved in many struggles as they bettered themselves. The Claflins became madams, and introduced hygiene to their companions and other whore-houses. As their fortunes changed, they became friends with the rich and powerful. They kept ledgers of their clients, and set up an information gathering system. Eventually, they became confidantes of Cornelius Vanderbilt. By the book’s end, they owned a seat on the stock exchange.

I’m a fan of histories. The flowing prose makes this one easy to read. The characters are well defined, the backgrounds are vivid, and the period is well depicted. I was the beneficiary of many hours of research that went into the building of this world. Neal Katz’ prose style caught me in its web and didn't release me from start to finish. It is very easy to drift into a mere retelling of the facts of a person's existence and hard to make the facts interesting for the reader. I look forward to the next volume and the continuing saga.

Reviewed by Kathryn Bennett for Readers' Favorite

Forgotten Objects by Carlos Rubio introduces us to the life of Anna d'Amio who is the daughter of Louis and Francesca d'Amio, opera singers. The trail follows them from Mussolini’s Italy to the city of Pittsburgh during the roaring time of the mid-sixties. You will follow the story through three main sections of time and place; Italy, Cuba and the United States of America. Anna has a pretty exciting life in search of fame and fortune, and while looking for that, she finds the love of a second husband and family.

This was an interesting and touching story put together in a way that I have not seen before. The format of the book, the way the story is told, and how the end of it finds us with letters and other objects - what a touching way to tell a story. Carlos Rubio has found a magical way to tell a story of love, life and what you do when everything goes pear shaped. I cannot imagine having to flee not one but two countries due to war and things like communism. The ebb and flow of this book is perfect and there was not a single moment wasted. I felt connected and in touch with Anna and her story throughout the entire book. If you are looking for a book that is emotional, touching and will bring you into the world of the characters, this is a good read. Sit down, open up and be ready to enjoy yourself for hours because you will not want to put this book down.

Reviewed by Nandita Keshavan for Readers' Favorite

Wai-Nani is an exciting historical drama about a Hawaiian girl from a royal family, who runs away from her family to escape an unwanted wedding. She swims to another island, and there she meets and falls in love with Makaha, who is a son of the king. How she fares in a childless marriage and tries to gain the trust of the people, despite being the daughter of a rival king, adds to the suspense and intrigue. Author Linda Ballou writes beautifully and the pages of this book are filled with such vivid descriptions of the culture and imagery of old Hawaii that the effect of the writing is believable and compelling.

Ballou includes an informative preface which explains that the protagonists are based on important historical legends, but that the book is written with creative license. Significant research by the author on what is known of the Hawaiian psyche at the time shows clearly in the book, which is very realistic. The book also depicts an account of Captain James Cook's arrival at Kealakekua Bay, how he was taken at first to be a god, and how this perception changed later on, along with an unexpected turn of events. This is followed by the arrival of Captain Vancouver, although his interaction with the Hawaiians differs considerably. These passages are written very well and, despite the tensions in the islands, there is always a fear of unknown dangers which adds to the suspense of the interactions with the Europeans.

Wai-Nani rebels against customs for the sake of her own freedom, and during the story her character retains her innocent beauty whilst adopting traits of feminine grit due to difficult circumstances. Makaha is an interesting character who is bold, skilled and brave, while at the same time having a raw greed that drives him to supreme political heights. An invigorating aspect of the book is Wai-Nani's friendship with the dolphin Eku, who becomes a solace in difficult times. The relationship of Wai-Nani with Makaha goes through a range of extremes and it is a sub plot which alternates between love, suspense, loneliness and extra-marital affairs. The emotion, suspense and adventure are written wonderfully against the natural beauty of the islands, making the book colourful, gripping and dramatic.

Reviewed by Danielle Urban for Readers' Favorite

The Vintner's Daughter by Kristen Harnisch is by far the best historical romance novel that I have read in a while. It centers on a young woman growing up on a farm, whose family sells white wine until the fatal death of her father. Soon life on their farm becomes worse when Sara Thibault's mother chooses to sell the farm to the eldest son of a rival family who marries her eldest daughter. But then violence causes both Sara and her sister to flee their only home. Sara goes about making her life in the world of wine and it is there that everything once more changes. Will fate allow Sara that chance to have her home once more or will it be the death of her?

The Vintner's Daughter by Kristen Harnisch will completely sweep readers off their feet and deep into a historical romance of winemaking. This brilliant piece has everything readers will want in a novel. Danger, suspense, and romance are all wrapped up in a perfect story. A story that leave readers in awe as two young people make their way in the world of winemaking, a fast-paced and exciting world where the main character breaks out of the norm of her time period. Women were to stay in the kitchen, not work in the fields on the farm with the men. The words pop off the pages, making you feel that you are really there. Excellent piece! I loved reading this novel. The author has done wonders in creating such a rich and engaging world that is memorable. I highly recommend this to readers everywhere and rate it a five out of five stars. I look forward to reading more novels by Kristen Harnisch.

Reviewed by John Thornton for Readers' Favorite

The Road Home (The Letter Series Book 2) by Kathleen Shoop is a very well written and engaging book. I am a fan of historical novels, and The Road Home is a well-told yarn that held my attention and gave me a wonderful reading experience. Kathleen Shoop can paint vivid pictures with her words. I got the feeling of being immersed in the culture, the times, and the characters’ lives. Emotionally, this book hooked me.

The plot involves twins Katherine and Tommy Arthur but is in no way constrained to just them. The author weaves the tale of their lives and brings in supporting characters as needed to keep the flow of the story moving along at a steady and page turning pace. The opening situation with the twins’ mother is unforgettable, and in a way that dramatic event casts its shadows over the rest of the book. Life in the late nineteenth century and into the early years of the twentieth century was not easy, and those times are well described. So many things done by hand, and so much hard and long work.

The characterization is one of the stronger elements in The Road Home as each characters has his or her own quirks. Some are quite lovable, and some are people I felt like yelling at. Some characters are religious in a good way, some are spiritually abusive to others, and that accurately reflects reality, not only in times a hundred plus years ago, but also today. I found myself thinking about this story as I went about my daily life, more than I usually do with books I read (I read a lot).

The chapters are set up with a date, name, and location. I found this personally meaningful for I live in the areas described (my home is Sioux Falls). The setting and feel for these places rang true. There are 45 chapters. At first glance I felt this might be an issue, keeping track of the changing flow, but the author did a superb job weaving all the threads together to tell a tightly knit story. Dialogue was excellent. Phrasing and idioms sounded real to the era (although I am not a history teacher), and I did not find any anachronisms. The story truly felt like circa 1900. I liked the way the author used some varied points of view (consistent within each chapter) to tell the tale. That was done very effectively.

There are a number of different families, all with their own flavor, and the characters move in and out of the interactions with those families. That plays an important role in the relationships between the characters. This too was effectively done, and none of the people seemed too much like a card-board cutout. Even the minor characters had depth. A well told story, with quality dialogue, vivid descriptions, and an accurate feel for an historical setting.

Reviewed by Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite

The Scanlons, Fitzpatricks, and Quinns represent a segment of American society in the latter half of the 19th century and their interaction with friends, neighbors, and others broadens our view regarding what was happening throughout most of the United States. In Beyond the Divide, J.P. Kenna portrays the effects of major events on the everyday lives of people from the point of view of a New Jersey Irish family. From the reconstruction and post-Civil War growth of industry to the social issues facing the poor, women, unappreciated working men, unmarried mothers, African-Americans, and many more groups, the Scanlon family weathers the changes. Their conversations and letters provide a rich depiction of their lives. From the heyday of the family patriarch, the Irish immigrant James Fitzpatrick, to the adventures in the expansion of the west experienced by his grandson, the growth of the labor movement and the role of politics, religion and money in the events that have shaped the course of this country are creatively, informatively and engagingly presented.

J.P. Kenna has created an engrossing history lesson through excellent story-telling and well-developed characters in Beyond the Divide. Painting clear pictures of life in urban New Jersey as well as the nearly virgin Northwest through the lives of varied yet highly believable characters, Kenna sets the action of his story against the major movements and players of the second half of the 19th century. Kenna creates the basis of social commentary regarding the rise of the vastly wealthy industrialists in contrast to the lives of the working man and farmer. He outlines how government, religion and natural human prejudices were bent to influence the outcome of elections, the course of social policies and the overall future of the American people. This is an excellent novel that deserves a careful reading and deep contemplation.