Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Spencer Margaret's 52 Lessons With Finn is a coming-of-age tale. Thirteen-year-old Lola Thune's life turns upside down when her father abandons Lola and her mother to fend for themselves in a small Minnesotan town. Plagued by anxiety and mood swings, Lola enters the rebellious phase of her teenage life completely unprepared. Seeking to get her back on track, Lola's mother forces her to spend time with her grandfather, Finn, as part of her punishment. Finn, a war vet, quickly takes Lola under his wind, giving her a deck of 52 cards, each representing a life lesson he learned along the way. As the years pass by, Lola uses those very lessons during her stay in college, in her relationships, and while opening up her own consultancy firm. But sometimes, the past can come back in unexpected ways.

An inspirational slice-of-life story about a young girl's journey into adulthood, 52 Lessons With Finn pulls on your heartstrings all the way through. Author Spencer Margaret tells a touching tale about a young girl's foray into the real world, using the lessons imparted by her grandfather to navigate through the ups and downs of life. This is a character-driven drama and slow-burn storytelling at its finest. Lola's relationship with Finn feels genuine, and the dynamic between the grandfather and his young protegee warms your heart, making you root for Lola in all her endeavors. I honestly didn't see the twist coming toward the end, and it certainly puts things into a new perspective. Anyone who loves coming-of-age stories will have a wonderful time with 52 Lessons With Finn.

Reviewed by Rich Follett for Readers' Favorite

Stork Lake: Tales From a Wall of Hats by L.C. Reid is a heartfelt, thoroughly engaging chronicle of a family’s experience as they establish, expand, and successfully operate a fishing camp in the wilds of northwestern Ontario from 1964 through 1979. L.C. Reid’s winning characters are portrayed in such vivid detail that readers will feel they know each one personally by the end of Stork Lake: the family members, camp workers, patrons, and business associates all live fully on the pages and, by the end of the story, in the heart and mind of the reader as well. Stork Lake is crafted upon the premise that each hat in a collection on the family’s cabin wall brings back memories for the daughter as she prepares to leave the camp for the last time on closing day – this unique framework carries the reader along effortlessly and keeps the pages turning. Each hat story is followed by an italicized bit of wisdom and reflection that leads the reader seamlessly into the next episode.

L.C. Reid’s writing style is graceful but never florid. Stork Lake is a captivating tale from a master storyteller, from the first page to the last. In addition to the sterling quality of its writing and storytelling, Stork Lake has a value-added feature: L.C. Reid provides her author's website where readers can find out how the principal characters’ lives progressed after the closing of the camp in 1979. Readers will no doubt delight in perusing the site and feeling even more closely connected to their favorite characters from Reid’s hat stories. Stork Lake is masterfully written, imaginatively constructed, and chock-full of all the qualities—drama, romance, suspense, tenderness, nostalgia, mystery, charm, supernatural overtones, and a host of others—that make reading this book such a grand adventure and a wonderful escape.

Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite

Four solitary people sit in a restaurant in Annapolis. It's Midnight Madness, and soon they will head toward the stores. They all have stories and these stories are sad. Eva Levoni's boyfriend, Kyle, left her for another woman. Reid Jones is devastated because his parents are selling his childhood home, and he can't afford to buy it. Lily Webster is confused with the abrupt turn her life has taken recently. Dimitri Vassos struggles with gambling addiction. His overly spoiled wife left him, pursuing a man with more money than Dimitri ever had. These four people don't know yet that around the corner, in a lovely bookstore named Brodie's Books, Meg Ellis, its owner, patiently waits for those who are brokenhearted and unhappy to support them with letters she secretly puts in the books. These letters will change the lives of Eva, Lily, Dimitri, and Reid for good. The Letters in the Books by Stephanie L. Verni is an uplifting story of love, friendship, forgiveness, and dreams coming true.

In The Letters in the Books, Stephanie L. Verni crafts a captivating plot and divides it into sub-plots to show the unfolding events from different perspectives. Characters play the biggest part, and Eva is my favorite. She is loving, strong, and highly professional but never controlling. And, of course, the centerpiece of the novel is Meg. Depicting this amazing character, Stephanie tells us that empathy and compassion require a high price, which an empath pays, but it is worth it. Stephanie touches on the topics of love and betrayal, leaving no doubt that love always wins. I appreciate a well-researched background, as Stephanie gives us a clear picture of how to run a small business. We see it through the loving eyes of Meg and follow the development of stores and boutiques from the professional perspective of Lily, a small business owner, and Eva, an experienced and dedicated PR manager. Stephanie's love for Annapolis shines through almost every page. The author speaks about mundane events almost poetically and surprises us with a dramatic accord at the end of this wonderful book. I highly recommend The Letters in the Books to fans of character-driven stories, inspirational novels, romance, family drama, and fiction with leading female characters.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Just City is a coming-of-age story by Olga Tymofiyeva. Twenty-one-year-old Nathan is excited to join the New Entrepreneur Incubator, with his friend Jack, to complete his vision of a start-up company. However, to be a founder, he needs $10000 as pre-seed money to enter the competition. Left with few options, Nathan enrolls to participate in an online multiplayer virtual reality game "rooted in political philosophy." With Jack and a couple of other friends, Nathan immerses himself in the game, only to become progressively frustrated as the days go by. Through his avatar, Nathan experiences the everyday lives of some of the most underprivileged people in society. After meeting others who have very opposite views of the world, Nathan realizes that he must find his own trajectory in life and do his part to change the world for the better.

How do you choose what's right? What's the difference between facts and values? Is it possible to balance science and holistic beliefs? These are some of the questions posed by author Olga Tymofiyeva in this captivating young adult novella that leaves you with a lot to ponder about long after you've finished reading it. Just City carries the underlying theme of the pursuit of a truly perfect society that is fair and just and showcases whether it is possible to attain it. All the characters have specific roles to shed light on the themes. If you love deep philosophical discourse, you will love Just City. Overall, a thought-provoking young adult novella.

Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite

Eleven-year-old Michelle Naget led a contented life with her family, basking in her profound faith in God. However, everything changed one fateful morning in June 1940, when the mass exodus of French refugees began. Soon afterward, the Nazis invaded the village of Braquis, setting up their headquarters in the Naget family home. With her eldest brother held captive by the Germans and another brother mortally wounded while aiding the French Resistance, Michelle and her parents tried their utmost to placate the Nazi soldiers occupying their home. Michelle became the Post, Telephone, and Telegraph officer, transporting letters, food, and medicine for the entire village. Yet, cycling through German camps each day was not safe for a girl on the cusp of adulthood. Would her faith carry her through the brutality of war? The Letter Carrier, a historical novel by L. C. Lewis, recounts Michelle’s story.

The Letter Carrier was a gut-wrenching read in which L. C. Lewis showed war’s ugly face unflinchingly. She also highlighted that the mindless violence and massive death toll were not the only consequences of war. There could be no way to repair the emotional scars it left, nor could anyone bring back the lost innocence of a childhood fraught with endless worry. I often found myself shaking, unable to hold back my tears. If reading the book could elicit such visceral reactions, I shuddered to think about what Michelle and her family endured. Lewis's writing made me feel constant fear and apprehension, where any little misstep could be disastrous. The entire book resembled a giant bated breath or a skipped heartbeat until the last quarter when I dared to hope, although it was fragile. While reading, I became a part of the Naget family, sharing every heartbreak and reveling in their family reunions. Michelle, our little letter carrier, commanded my respect as she braved her daily tasks even when the world around her crumbled. Her unwavering faith in God kept her strong in those trying times. I recommend this story to readers who appreciate books based on true WWII stories. Lewis deserves my sincere thanks for recording Michelle’s account because, as she rightly mentioned in the epilogue, this story needed to be shared.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

All My Roads: A Caribou Springs novel is a work of romance fiction penned by author Cortny Joy. The work is best suited to the mature adult reading audience due to the presence of intimately described sexual scenes and references to loss, violence, and abuse. In this heartfelt and emotive novel, we are introduced to protagonists Ken Holbrook and Stacey James. Ken’s life has been a maelstrom of grief and crisis for some time, so Ken is wary when newcomer Stacey arrives on the scene and immediately bonds with Ken’s young daughter. But as he learns that Stacey has demons of her own to slay, the pair begins to journey together on a path that could lead them back to healing, hope, and happiness.

Author Cortny Joy presents a deep and inspiring romance novel with faith and trust at its core, making for a really satisfying read overall. The darker content in the characters’ pasts is handled with grace and never overplayed for melodrama, and it allows us as readers to get an in-depth view of two people whose faith has been shaken as they turn to one another (albeit reluctantly at first) in order to heal. I felt for Stacey especially, and her turbulent story will certainly resonate with many people who come to this book looking for hope and love beyond disaster. As for the romantic scenes, they were elegantly penned, emotionally and physically intense, and will satisfy romance fans thoroughly. Overall, I would highly recommend All My Roads to romance fans and emotional drama enthusiasts alike.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Shoes on the Stairs by Jan Steele is the story of a mother struggling to face what she’s lost. Claire Blackwell is dead, taken too early after an accident but she can’t seem to find the white light and move on. Instead, she’s left watching over her husband and children as they fall apart. She watches her son struggling with being bullied, her eldest daughter feeling like no one ever notices her, and her youngest daughter never being able to find her shoes. She sees her husband struggling to cope with everything and another woman trying to insert herself into their lives. While Claire tries to find out why she is in limbo, she suddenly starts appearing to her family. Now is her chance to put things right, to help everyone move on, but not all the family wants to acknowledge her presence. As tensions rise and Claire’s time is nearly up, can she save her family before it’s too late?

Shoes on the Stairs by Jan Steele is a wonderful, heartwarming story that many mothers will likely relate to. You will feel Claire’s pain, her sorrow, and her struggles to pull her family together from beyond. The characters are so well-developed, you feel like you know them intimately; you feel like you are the one watching from above as the story unfolds. This will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride, all the ups and downs, sweetened somewhat by a little humor. It will leave you breathless as you wonder how the journey will end – you won’t be disappointed, I assure you. Multiple themes are covered here, not just death and having to say goodbye but also bullying, healing, and learning to live again. There is a lot going on in the story so you must keep your wits about you to keep up but, overall, a good read and it will keep you reading to the very end.

Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

Solomon's Porch by Janet Morris Grimes is a moving work of fiction about a man named Solomon struggling with dementia, but it also offers so much more. It's about the fight to survive, be remembered, and yearning to relive the past. This focuses on the protagonist's glory days when he lived in the lively military town of Ginger Ridge. All he has are flashbacks, memories, and yesterdays. He doesn't see himself as valuable, but he makes an impact on the future, nevertheless. They say everyone has a story to tell, and this book illustrates that concept in an unforgettable way.

The author skillfully weaves a multi-faceted story of self-worth, forgiveness, belonging, and hope. Though it has Christian themes, the powerful characters, situations, and plotline translate well for a general audience. The multiple POVs add an extra dimension to the characters, as it really brings you deeper into their thoughts, personalities, and lives. Some of the plot points overlap, and this makes for a more textured read. The issues can be painful at times, but Grimes handles them sensitively and respectfully. I like the message that we all have a role to play in life, and we never know how we may affect the lives of others. Another part I liked was Solomon's attachment to Ginger Ridge and what it meant to him. This book would be perfect for book clubs, classroom discussions, or a special gift, but most of all, it's an inspiring read for the individual. This author masterfully handles plot, setting, description, ambiance, character-building, themes, dialogue, subtext, pathos--all the things that go into a good story. Solomon's Porch, by Janet Morris Grimes, is one of those rare "Great American Novels" that you hope to come across and then pass on to someone else.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Mystic and the Secret of Happiness is a fictional journey intended to uplift and inspire, penned by author Anne-Claire Szubaniska. Though the author states that the book represents her own emotional journey to happiness, the plot is relayed through the perception of a cat called Mystic. When Mystic’s dear friend Bumpa goes missing, his life seems to collapse entirely. Losing his purpose and his desire to go on, Mystic is lost and directionless, constantly looking inward to the negativity he feels. When he looks at the world beyond his own whiskers, however, the world opens up again in a dazzling new way. The beauty of the world and the power of happiness is revealed to Mystic and the reader, with a bright promise for the future if you can change your thinking to be more like this delightful little cat.

As a straight novel, Mystic’s adventure could be viewed as simplistic in parts, but it’s the overall purpose of Anne-Claire Szubaniska’s writing which makes this work stand apart from its predecessors. Seen through the eyes of small, furry characters, the metaphors for life are stronger than ever by their distancing from the human brain. I found myself wanting Mystic to appreciate life, and in doing so highlighted the self-damaging processes that I know I and many others are prone to do. Mystic and the Secret of Happiness holds up a mirror to the reality of the cages we put ourselves in, and I’d recommend it as an essential read for anyone who knows they are their own worst enemy.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

A modern-day fable that is sure to captivate both young and old, Time and the Tree by Róisín Sorahan is about the value of wisdom, the sanctity of inner peace, and the mutability of time. After sleeping for a long period, a boy wakes up thirsty under a large tree. The tree directs him to a fresh spring that feeds the forest. The tree becomes a friend to the boy, providing him with shelter, watching him play in the woods, and witnessing him grow up. The tree experiences the different seasons and encounters different visitors seeking guidance. Every visitor has a different interest and agenda. But the tree, being as old as time can remember, has accumulated enough wisdom to understand the ways of the world, and as it witnesses many comings and goings, it continues to probe further, always toward that which lies just beyond its reach.

Róisín Sorahan’s story is reminiscent of beloved tales like The Giving Tree and Hope for the Flowers. But Time and the Tree takes a step further as it addresses the mystery of ontology and the agency of time. Philosophical but not complicated, its simple and crisp plot can only be described as sublime. This is the kind of story that you read because you want to. You are free to interpret it as a practical philosophy for life and work. Time and the Tree has the potential to gain popularity for the relevance of its message that we all need in this volatile, predictable, and emotionally draining society. As a protagonist, the tree as an immovable living entity has no control over external events and situations, but it puts emphasis on learning to understand and control what it can give and what is within its power. Sorahan’s enchanting prose has the ability to touch you in a way that no other stories can. It is not exactly a feel-good story, but it is brimming with symbolism and existential undertones that will move you to read it over and over again.