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Recommend this book:
Forever, Now
Haleh Shahrzad
2026 Finalist
182 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Stephen Christopher for Readers' Favorite
While preparing for a party with her second husband, Ryan, and JD, her son from her first marriage, American-Iranian Darya finds a stack of love notes in her storage room that reminds her of her first husband and everything they went through. The reader is taken on this journey as they meet David, experience his and Darya’s early days, and ultimately see it through to its ghastly end. Right from the start, they’ll figure out that David is not a nice person; Darya feels this, too, but she’s determined to hang on to the good and ignore the bad. As the reader watches things deteriorate, they’ll be shocked and disgusted by how awful David truly is. Forever, Now by Haleh Shahrzad is a gripping tale of mental and emotional abuse.
Stories written in the first person, when done correctly, make for excellent reading. With Forever, Now, Haleh Shahrzad nails it. What an excellent book. We’re with Darya all the way and feel the rollercoaster ride of emotions as she does. For a first novel, it’s exceptionally well-written and perfectly edited; there’s a reason it’s won awards. Despite being a work of fiction (possibly based on some real-life experiences), this book could easily be read as a self-help novel for anyone currently in a narcissistic relationship who is trying to find the strength to break free. I believe Forever, Now could help those people take the necessary steps. I hope we read more from this author in the future.
While preparing for a party with her second husband, Ryan, and JD, her son from her first marriage, American-Iranian Darya finds a stack of love notes in her storage room that reminds her of her first husband and everything they went through. The reader is taken on this journey as they meet David, experience his and Darya’s early days, and ultimately see it through to its ghastly end. Right from the start, they’ll figure out that David is not a nice person; Darya feels this, too, but she’s determined to hang on to the good and ignore the bad. As the reader watches things deteriorate, they’ll be shocked and disgusted by how awful David truly is. Forever, Now by Haleh Shahrzad is a gripping tale of mental and emotional abuse.
Stories written in the first person, when done correctly, make for excellent reading. With Forever, Now, Haleh Shahrzad nails it. What an excellent book. We’re with Darya all the way and feel the rollercoaster ride of emotions as she does. For a first novel, it’s exceptionally well-written and perfectly edited; there’s a reason it’s won awards. Despite being a work of fiction (possibly based on some real-life experiences), this book could easily be read as a self-help novel for anyone currently in a narcissistic relationship who is trying to find the strength to break free. I believe Forever, Now could help those people take the necessary steps. I hope we read more from this author in the future.
Recommend this book:
The Carpenter and The Apprentice
Grace Zacaroli
2026 Honorable Mention
380 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
The Carpenter and the Apprentice by Grace Zacaroli follows a young wanderer trying to escape his past. Hoping to become an apprentice to an elderly carpenter, Danat arrives in a small town after losing his family in a devastating war. However, the carpenter has something more to offer Danat than just woodworking lessons. When the town is attacked by invaders, the inhabitants lose many of their loved ones. Danat and a brave young woman named Aryel play pivotal roles in fighting back against the invaders and rescuing the survivors. But now, they have to lead the townsfolk somewhere else. Through careful planning, dedication, and faith, the community works together to protect the innocent as they embark on their march as refugees.
Bittersweet and poignant, The Carpenter and the Apprentice shows the importance of resilience, faith, and hope in the face of overwhelming odds. The narrative is set against the backdrop of a catastrophic war and follows a group of refugees as they come to terms with their destinies. It's a survival story with a thematic emphasis on spiritual awakening. Author Grace Zacaroli has crafted an engrossing plot that is equal parts heartbreaking and enlightening. The conversations between the carpenter and Danat, as well as those between Danat and Aryel, were some of my favorite scenes in the book. One of the other highlights is how Zacaroli provides backstories for each of the main characters. It makes them feel like living, breathing people. I also found the author's social commentary on the futility of war to be spot-on. Highly recommended.
The Carpenter and the Apprentice by Grace Zacaroli follows a young wanderer trying to escape his past. Hoping to become an apprentice to an elderly carpenter, Danat arrives in a small town after losing his family in a devastating war. However, the carpenter has something more to offer Danat than just woodworking lessons. When the town is attacked by invaders, the inhabitants lose many of their loved ones. Danat and a brave young woman named Aryel play pivotal roles in fighting back against the invaders and rescuing the survivors. But now, they have to lead the townsfolk somewhere else. Through careful planning, dedication, and faith, the community works together to protect the innocent as they embark on their march as refugees.
Bittersweet and poignant, The Carpenter and the Apprentice shows the importance of resilience, faith, and hope in the face of overwhelming odds. The narrative is set against the backdrop of a catastrophic war and follows a group of refugees as they come to terms with their destinies. It's a survival story with a thematic emphasis on spiritual awakening. Author Grace Zacaroli has crafted an engrossing plot that is equal parts heartbreaking and enlightening. The conversations between the carpenter and Danat, as well as those between Danat and Aryel, were some of my favorite scenes in the book. One of the other highlights is how Zacaroli provides backstories for each of the main characters. It makes them feel like living, breathing people. I also found the author's social commentary on the futility of war to be spot-on. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Echoes of the Timeless
A Journey of Healing, Awakening and Inner Transformation Across Continents and Traditions (2nd ed.)
Catia Batalha
2026 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Echoes of the Timeless by Catia Batalha follows Sofia, a woman who leaves a conventional life behind to join a multi-year program of spiritual and experiential learning. She travels all over the world to accomplish this, including New Zealand, Jamaica, Portugal, India, Peru, and Nepal, studying everything from yoga to meditation, and chakras to shamanic practices. Communal living is the norm, which requires her to address consciousness and relational dynamics in intentional ways within each community. Along the way, she forges relationships, some of which help her better understand sexuality and past trauma, while she discovers new approaches to healing. With every new step of Sofia's journey, an expansion occurs with a change that permits a fuller awareness of herself and the world around her.
Catia Batalha’s Echoes of the Timeless is a quietly progressive story that tiptoes its way toward a full-on reawakening, and is probably one of the most powerful female-forward novels on self and world discovery that I have come across in some time. Everywhere Sofia goes has something to offer, but I was most moved by her time at the monastery. Her experience of recurring perceptions of a blue light gave me goosebumps, and her witnessing a male student experiencing an emotional release is incredibly moving. I loved learning about Lemurian quartz crystals. Beyond these moments, readers are indirectly encouraged to consider how choices ripple through human interactions and how attention to the softer currents of life can shift understanding in unexpected ways. Batalha’s writing style is warm and straightforward, with careful descriptions of time and space that never undermine the cultures that birthed them. Overall, this is a lovely read and very highly recommended.
Echoes of the Timeless by Catia Batalha follows Sofia, a woman who leaves a conventional life behind to join a multi-year program of spiritual and experiential learning. She travels all over the world to accomplish this, including New Zealand, Jamaica, Portugal, India, Peru, and Nepal, studying everything from yoga to meditation, and chakras to shamanic practices. Communal living is the norm, which requires her to address consciousness and relational dynamics in intentional ways within each community. Along the way, she forges relationships, some of which help her better understand sexuality and past trauma, while she discovers new approaches to healing. With every new step of Sofia's journey, an expansion occurs with a change that permits a fuller awareness of herself and the world around her.
Catia Batalha’s Echoes of the Timeless is a quietly progressive story that tiptoes its way toward a full-on reawakening, and is probably one of the most powerful female-forward novels on self and world discovery that I have come across in some time. Everywhere Sofia goes has something to offer, but I was most moved by her time at the monastery. Her experience of recurring perceptions of a blue light gave me goosebumps, and her witnessing a male student experiencing an emotional release is incredibly moving. I loved learning about Lemurian quartz crystals. Beyond these moments, readers are indirectly encouraged to consider how choices ripple through human interactions and how attention to the softer currents of life can shift understanding in unexpected ways. Batalha’s writing style is warm and straightforward, with careful descriptions of time and space that never undermine the cultures that birthed them. Overall, this is a lovely read and very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Dinner at God's House
Todd B. Lieman
2026 Silver Medal
210 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
In Dinner at God's House by Todd B. Lieman, on the night Erik decides he no longer belongs in his own life, a car ends everything he thinks he knows about himself. In the location that follows, his childhood dog waits beside a stranger who delivers a dinner invitation at God’s house. To understand why, Erik walks through a place shaped by the work he left too early and by the relationships and ambitions he kept postponing until they no longer seemed possible to him. Images of desert faces and a road fold into the bar where friends raise a glass in his honor, while a silent boy caught between a ward and whatever waits past it watches as the dining room fills and he takes his seat there.
Reading Dinner at God’s House by Todd B. Lieman is a fresh twist on the walk through an afterlife. Erik is the main character, but there are so many others who are on this journey with him, such as Jond, who refers to him in a way he had almost forgotten, and Ira opening the door to a Tuscan-style house. Moments like a Wiffle ball game and a walk in an aspen forest give both texture and really lovely nostalgia, with enough humanity to tap into and trust Lieman's emotional core. I appreciated how the book handles Erik’s long-held questions about faith through concrete memories, like praying on airplanes or trying to talk with Timmy, instead of offering long-winded theology. Between a unique premise and the surprise of a jester, Dinner at God’s House is itself an inviting experience. Recommended.
In Dinner at God's House by Todd B. Lieman, on the night Erik decides he no longer belongs in his own life, a car ends everything he thinks he knows about himself. In the location that follows, his childhood dog waits beside a stranger who delivers a dinner invitation at God’s house. To understand why, Erik walks through a place shaped by the work he left too early and by the relationships and ambitions he kept postponing until they no longer seemed possible to him. Images of desert faces and a road fold into the bar where friends raise a glass in his honor, while a silent boy caught between a ward and whatever waits past it watches as the dining room fills and he takes his seat there.
Reading Dinner at God’s House by Todd B. Lieman is a fresh twist on the walk through an afterlife. Erik is the main character, but there are so many others who are on this journey with him, such as Jond, who refers to him in a way he had almost forgotten, and Ira opening the door to a Tuscan-style house. Moments like a Wiffle ball game and a walk in an aspen forest give both texture and really lovely nostalgia, with enough humanity to tap into and trust Lieman's emotional core. I appreciated how the book handles Erik’s long-held questions about faith through concrete memories, like praying on airplanes or trying to talk with Timmy, instead of offering long-winded theology. Between a unique premise and the surprise of a jester, Dinner at God’s House is itself an inviting experience. Recommended.
Recommend this book:
Stronger than the Storm
Deena Adams
2026 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
Deena Adams keeps readers surprisingly off-balance in her character-driven, emotionally engaging Christian drama, Stronger Than the Storm. Beth Holbrook has what everyone thinks is the perfect family, built on love and faith. She loves helping other parents as a parenting coach, but cracks start showing in her own family in a place she never expected. Her eighteen-year-old daughter, Leesa, runs away in revolt. For a parenting coach and an associate pastor husband, this is a nightmare. The search reveals she is with a young man, Isaac, who has a questionable character, and that she is pregnant with his child. As the family deals with Leesa’s rebellion and Isaac’s abuse, Beth must confront her own darkness, a secret she has kept from her husband and family for nineteen years. What else can go wrong for this family?
Stronger Than the Storm is faith, grace, love, and surrender in a captivating novel. The story is tender, inspiring, and with enough pathos to have readers feel for the characters. Deena Adams's characters reflect the struggles of most families. In Beth, one sees the image of someone split between public competence and personal failure. Kevin was one of my best characters; he is wounded by the fractures in his family and his wife’s revelations, but he chooses the path of forgiveness. This author writes about the conflict between a rebellious daughter and her parents with grace and insight, and she cleverly explores what happens when a coming-of-age daughter sees her parents as controlling. Yet, freedom has a price to pay, always, and Leesa finds that out. The author’s ability to create fluid conversations in tense situations makes this book a compelling meditation on family and faith.
Deena Adams keeps readers surprisingly off-balance in her character-driven, emotionally engaging Christian drama, Stronger Than the Storm. Beth Holbrook has what everyone thinks is the perfect family, built on love and faith. She loves helping other parents as a parenting coach, but cracks start showing in her own family in a place she never expected. Her eighteen-year-old daughter, Leesa, runs away in revolt. For a parenting coach and an associate pastor husband, this is a nightmare. The search reveals she is with a young man, Isaac, who has a questionable character, and that she is pregnant with his child. As the family deals with Leesa’s rebellion and Isaac’s abuse, Beth must confront her own darkness, a secret she has kept from her husband and family for nineteen years. What else can go wrong for this family?
Stronger Than the Storm is faith, grace, love, and surrender in a captivating novel. The story is tender, inspiring, and with enough pathos to have readers feel for the characters. Deena Adams's characters reflect the struggles of most families. In Beth, one sees the image of someone split between public competence and personal failure. Kevin was one of my best characters; he is wounded by the fractures in his family and his wife’s revelations, but he chooses the path of forgiveness. This author writes about the conflict between a rebellious daughter and her parents with grace and insight, and she cleverly explores what happens when a coming-of-age daughter sees her parents as controlling. Yet, freedom has a price to pay, always, and Leesa finds that out. The author’s ability to create fluid conversations in tense situations makes this book a compelling meditation on family and faith.
Recommend this book:
Crossing Lake Pontchartrain
Arthur Byrd
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite
Life is full of both challenges and blessings, and one can seem to overshadow the other at times. In Larry's case, he happens to be swimming in challenges. Larry's marital problems receive the proverbial final nail in the coffin when his wife asks to bring another man into their marriage. Since his father's disappearance 20 years ago, his writing career and self-esteem have been anything but great. He eventually gets a job in New Orleans and meets a variety of interesting people who show him a different side of life and share insightful messages with him about art, clairvoyance, meditation, healing, and similar concepts. In Arthur Byrd's Crossing Lake Pontchartrain, a divorcee struggles to reconnect with his balanced, artistic self and accept his loss - a battle he gets closer to winning with each profound conversation he has with friends, lovers, and strangers.
It was fantastic! Arthur Byrd's realistic plot includes visual images, everyday activities, and insightful conversations that elevate you to a calm, meditative state like a monk on a serene mountain. Even after I finished the novel, I kept returning to it in my head to immerse myself in Larry's quest for wisdom. The absence of the protagonist's father and the book's depiction of clairvoyance create a sense of mystery and intrigue that makes it addictive. Larry appealed to me because he is a lovely, compassionate character who is interested in learning about everyone he meets and has a sweet relationship with his mother. Crossing Lake Pontchartrain is a deeply gripping narrative with resonant themes of family, Eastern philosophy, psychology, and art. Its cleverly placed messages will inspire you to "keep your eyes open for the roses starting to bloom" around you.
Life is full of both challenges and blessings, and one can seem to overshadow the other at times. In Larry's case, he happens to be swimming in challenges. Larry's marital problems receive the proverbial final nail in the coffin when his wife asks to bring another man into their marriage. Since his father's disappearance 20 years ago, his writing career and self-esteem have been anything but great. He eventually gets a job in New Orleans and meets a variety of interesting people who show him a different side of life and share insightful messages with him about art, clairvoyance, meditation, healing, and similar concepts. In Arthur Byrd's Crossing Lake Pontchartrain, a divorcee struggles to reconnect with his balanced, artistic self and accept his loss - a battle he gets closer to winning with each profound conversation he has with friends, lovers, and strangers.
It was fantastic! Arthur Byrd's realistic plot includes visual images, everyday activities, and insightful conversations that elevate you to a calm, meditative state like a monk on a serene mountain. Even after I finished the novel, I kept returning to it in my head to immerse myself in Larry's quest for wisdom. The absence of the protagonist's father and the book's depiction of clairvoyance create a sense of mystery and intrigue that makes it addictive. Larry appealed to me because he is a lovely, compassionate character who is interested in learning about everyone he meets and has a sweet relationship with his mother. Crossing Lake Pontchartrain is a deeply gripping narrative with resonant themes of family, Eastern philosophy, psychology, and art. Its cleverly placed messages will inspire you to "keep your eyes open for the roses starting to bloom" around you.
Recommend this book:
Dare to Dream
MacTire Legends
Andrews
2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite
Andrews’ Dare to Dream transports us to Luach, a beautiful island in the southwest of Ireland. The werewolves and other magical beings have been concealed from the rest of the world for millennia—until now. For three years, Adam, a Barr Alpha—the largest and strongest werewolf to lead a pack in over a thousand years and an immortal—has avoided leaving the island. When his adoptive father falls critically ill, Adam journeys to the United States with his wife, Kate, to reconnect with family for what could be their last meeting. However, tragedy strikes, thrusting Adam into the hands of shadowy operatives who are desperate to expose the existence of supernatural beings. Worse, a supermoon is fast approaching, its strong lunar energy threatening to reveal Adam’s grey fur and prominent canines. Disaster looms, and Adam’s very existence and the secrecy of the community in Luach and its sacred truths hang dangerously on the brink.
Dare to Dream by Andrews is ideal for readers who love magic, supernatural-driven stories, and intense romance. The characters are unique, layered, full of surprises, and a joy to discover. From Eithne, the formidable white magic witch head, to Darragh, the very first human in history to be cursed into a werewolf, each one is crafted to become a reader’s favorite. Then there’s the main characters' romance. Adam and Kate draw you into a love that asks you to feel. They’re more than just lovers; they’re best friends. The sizzle leaves you aching with longing. Sigh-worthy. There’s action, adventure, secrets, ancient curses, intense foot chases, deadly fights, love, and several edge-of-your-seat moments when Adam transforms into a massive grey wolf! Unforgettable!
Andrews’ Dare to Dream transports us to Luach, a beautiful island in the southwest of Ireland. The werewolves and other magical beings have been concealed from the rest of the world for millennia—until now. For three years, Adam, a Barr Alpha—the largest and strongest werewolf to lead a pack in over a thousand years and an immortal—has avoided leaving the island. When his adoptive father falls critically ill, Adam journeys to the United States with his wife, Kate, to reconnect with family for what could be their last meeting. However, tragedy strikes, thrusting Adam into the hands of shadowy operatives who are desperate to expose the existence of supernatural beings. Worse, a supermoon is fast approaching, its strong lunar energy threatening to reveal Adam’s grey fur and prominent canines. Disaster looms, and Adam’s very existence and the secrecy of the community in Luach and its sacred truths hang dangerously on the brink.
Dare to Dream by Andrews is ideal for readers who love magic, supernatural-driven stories, and intense romance. The characters are unique, layered, full of surprises, and a joy to discover. From Eithne, the formidable white magic witch head, to Darragh, the very first human in history to be cursed into a werewolf, each one is crafted to become a reader’s favorite. Then there’s the main characters' romance. Adam and Kate draw you into a love that asks you to feel. They’re more than just lovers; they’re best friends. The sizzle leaves you aching with longing. Sigh-worthy. There’s action, adventure, secrets, ancient curses, intense foot chases, deadly fights, love, and several edge-of-your-seat moments when Adam transforms into a massive grey wolf! Unforgettable!
Recommend this book:
Auto Antenna
An Enchanted Guide to Santa Fe & Vague Blueprint to the Cosmos
Stavo Mustang Craft
2025 Bronze Medal
188 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Auto Antenna: An Enchanted Guide to Santa Fe & A Vague Blueprint to the Cosmos by Stavo Mustang Craft blends elements of memoir, fiction, and inspirational guidance into a captivating narrative. Set against the vibrant and mystical backdrop of Santa Fe, the story follows Cybilline, a charismatic and enigmatic figure who has become part of the town’s artistic and spiritual fabric. As she navigates her life in a turquoise 1959 Ford Galaxie, she explores the rich tapestry of art, magic, and spirituality that defines this unique locale. The narrative structure is fluid, mirroring the exploratory and often whimsical journey of its protagonist. The book is rich with poetic observations and a charming sort of fantasia that invites readers to look at their own lives through a new, vibrant lens. Craft’s depiction of Santa Fe as a fertile ground for artistic and spiritual exploration makes the city a central character in the story, offering endless possibilities for discovery and self-expression.
Stavo Mustang Craft’s writing is lyrical and insightful, weaving complex themes of personhood, identity, and destiny with a light, engaging touch. Cybilline, a therapist for artists, offers deep psychological insights into the creative process and the construction of self, both humorous and heartfelt. Her experiences and reflections entertain and enlighten readers about living a life deeply intertwined with art and spirituality. Auto Antenna is a beautifully written novel that serves as a love letter to Santa Fe and the lives of those drawn to its unique cultural blend. It is an enchanting read for anyone interested in the intersections of art, identity, and the magic of a place that inspires both. Readers who enjoy Patti Smith and Tom Robbins will not want to miss Auto Antenna.
Auto Antenna: An Enchanted Guide to Santa Fe & A Vague Blueprint to the Cosmos by Stavo Mustang Craft blends elements of memoir, fiction, and inspirational guidance into a captivating narrative. Set against the vibrant and mystical backdrop of Santa Fe, the story follows Cybilline, a charismatic and enigmatic figure who has become part of the town’s artistic and spiritual fabric. As she navigates her life in a turquoise 1959 Ford Galaxie, she explores the rich tapestry of art, magic, and spirituality that defines this unique locale. The narrative structure is fluid, mirroring the exploratory and often whimsical journey of its protagonist. The book is rich with poetic observations and a charming sort of fantasia that invites readers to look at their own lives through a new, vibrant lens. Craft’s depiction of Santa Fe as a fertile ground for artistic and spiritual exploration makes the city a central character in the story, offering endless possibilities for discovery and self-expression.
Stavo Mustang Craft’s writing is lyrical and insightful, weaving complex themes of personhood, identity, and destiny with a light, engaging touch. Cybilline, a therapist for artists, offers deep psychological insights into the creative process and the construction of self, both humorous and heartfelt. Her experiences and reflections entertain and enlighten readers about living a life deeply intertwined with art and spirituality. Auto Antenna is a beautifully written novel that serves as a love letter to Santa Fe and the lives of those drawn to its unique cultural blend. It is an enchanting read for anyone interested in the intersections of art, identity, and the magic of a place that inspires both. Readers who enjoy Patti Smith and Tom Robbins will not want to miss Auto Antenna.
Recommend this book:
Leashes in Heaven
A Novel
Jeff Allen
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Mansoor Ahmed for Readers' Favorite
Leashes in Heaven by Jeff Allen is a gentle, heartfelt novel about love, loss, and the deep bond between people and their dogs. The story follows the main character as he looks back on his life with his wife and the many dogs they have cared for, especially through their work at a dog hospice called Monkey’s House. The book is filled with everyday moments—Sunday morning routines, playful dog antics, and quiet reflections—that paint a picture of a life well-lived and deeply loved. Through memories, both joyful and sad, the narrator shares his journey of grief, healing, and gratitude, showing how the love of family and pets can help us through even the toughest times. The story is not just about saying goodbye but also about celebrating the time we have together and finding comfort in the memories that remain.
Jeff Allen’s writing is warm, honest, and easy to read. The plot unfolds naturally, often moving between past and present, but the pace never feels rushed or confusing. The small everyday events, like waking up surrounded by dogs or climbing into a dusty attic, make the story feel real and relatable. The characters, especially the narrator and his wife Maddie, are drawn with care and affection, and the dogs each have their own personality that shines through. The themes of love, family, and resilience are woven throughout, making the book both comforting and inspiring. I found myself smiling at the humorous moments and touched by the heartfelt ones, especially as someone who has loved and lost pets. Leashes in Heaven is a book that reminds us of the simple joys and deep connections that make life meaningful.
Leashes in Heaven by Jeff Allen is a gentle, heartfelt novel about love, loss, and the deep bond between people and their dogs. The story follows the main character as he looks back on his life with his wife and the many dogs they have cared for, especially through their work at a dog hospice called Monkey’s House. The book is filled with everyday moments—Sunday morning routines, playful dog antics, and quiet reflections—that paint a picture of a life well-lived and deeply loved. Through memories, both joyful and sad, the narrator shares his journey of grief, healing, and gratitude, showing how the love of family and pets can help us through even the toughest times. The story is not just about saying goodbye but also about celebrating the time we have together and finding comfort in the memories that remain.
Jeff Allen’s writing is warm, honest, and easy to read. The plot unfolds naturally, often moving between past and present, but the pace never feels rushed or confusing. The small everyday events, like waking up surrounded by dogs or climbing into a dusty attic, make the story feel real and relatable. The characters, especially the narrator and his wife Maddie, are drawn with care and affection, and the dogs each have their own personality that shines through. The themes of love, family, and resilience are woven throughout, making the book both comforting and inspiring. I found myself smiling at the humorous moments and touched by the heartfelt ones, especially as someone who has loved and lost pets. Leashes in Heaven is a book that reminds us of the simple joys and deep connections that make life meaningful.
Recommend this book:
Bringing Sunshine Back to my Mind
A Story about overcoming Trauma & Finding Wholeness
Momoko Uno
2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Inspirational
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Bringing Sunshine Back to My Mind by Momoko Uno is a moving and insightful journey through trauma, healing, and self-discovery. Written with warmth and vulnerability, the novel explores the complexities of navigating life after devastating experiences, blending elements of fiction with therapeutic and spiritual truths. The protagonist, Sachi, embarks on an emotional quest to confront the fractures in her mind, heart, and soul caused by unresolved trauma. Uno paints Sachi’s struggles with raw authenticity, making her a relatable and deeply human character. The narrative skillfully weaves Sachi’s current challenges with memories of her past, creating an immersive story reflecting the intricate healing process. The therapeutic practices explored, such as Internal Family Systems and shamanic soul retrieval, add depth and authenticity, enriching the novel with practical insights for readers facing similar struggles.
The story’s pacing enables readers to engage with Sachi’s inner experiences while recognizing her healing journey’s gradual, nonlinear progression. Each chapter presents opportunities for reflection and development. The tone is realistic, balancing moments of revelation with humor and lighthearted anecdotes. Sachi’s conversations with her inner child, affectionately called Sunshine, are touching and blend humor with heartbreak. They emphasize the significance of self-compassion and the reintegration of lost aspects of oneself. Momoko Uno’s ability to tackle such sensitive topics gracefully and respectfully makes the story an empowering read. Bringing Sunshine Back to My Mind is more than a story; it’s a guide for anyone seeking to reclaim their sense of self and embrace the possibility of healing. Although fiction, Uno notes that the therapeutic modalities are real and practiced by therapists.
Bringing Sunshine Back to My Mind by Momoko Uno is a moving and insightful journey through trauma, healing, and self-discovery. Written with warmth and vulnerability, the novel explores the complexities of navigating life after devastating experiences, blending elements of fiction with therapeutic and spiritual truths. The protagonist, Sachi, embarks on an emotional quest to confront the fractures in her mind, heart, and soul caused by unresolved trauma. Uno paints Sachi’s struggles with raw authenticity, making her a relatable and deeply human character. The narrative skillfully weaves Sachi’s current challenges with memories of her past, creating an immersive story reflecting the intricate healing process. The therapeutic practices explored, such as Internal Family Systems and shamanic soul retrieval, add depth and authenticity, enriching the novel with practical insights for readers facing similar struggles.
The story’s pacing enables readers to engage with Sachi’s inner experiences while recognizing her healing journey’s gradual, nonlinear progression. Each chapter presents opportunities for reflection and development. The tone is realistic, balancing moments of revelation with humor and lighthearted anecdotes. Sachi’s conversations with her inner child, affectionately called Sunshine, are touching and blend humor with heartbreak. They emphasize the significance of self-compassion and the reintegration of lost aspects of oneself. Momoko Uno’s ability to tackle such sensitive topics gracefully and respectfully makes the story an empowering read. Bringing Sunshine Back to My Mind is more than a story; it’s a guide for anyone seeking to reclaim their sense of self and embrace the possibility of healing. Although fiction, Uno notes that the therapeutic modalities are real and practiced by therapists.
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