Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Margaret Anne: Child of the West Wind is a work of fiction in the historical fiction, Western, and interpersonal drama subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Ronan James Cassidy, this captivating historical drama delves into the life of its titular character, Margaret Anne Basseterre. Born as the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy plantation owner and a Haitian woman during a time of slavery and turmoil, Margaret Anne's life is marked by adversity from the very beginning. The novel explores her unique gifts and the dark forces that threaten her, painting a vivid picture of the struggles faced during the Civil War era in America.

Author Ronan James Cassidy has crafted a compelling and atmospheric tale rich with family secrets, social unrest, and the divine will that surrounds Margaret Anne. One of the most striking aspects of the book for me personally was the author’s command of a multi-perspective narrative, which offers a deep and poetic exploration of the societal and spiritual battles of the time. As readers, we witness Margaret Anne's journey as a guiding light in a turbulent period of American history, but we’re also treated to so many other unheard voices coming to the fore with their suffering and triumphs. Cassidy's storytelling is both evocative and thought-provoking, providing a unique perspective on an important period in American history whilst also offering a rich descriptive style that feels not just cinematic but visceral and multi-sensory, as if you’re really there at the time. Overall, Margaret Anne is a beautifully written novel that offers a multi-faceted view of the Civil War era and sets the stage for the Redemption Series. I am immensely looking forward to reading more.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

A Week of Warm Weather by Lee Bukowski is a powerful and compelling novel about addiction, codependency, and family secrets that will reverberate to the very core of your soul. It all begins with Tessa Cordelia, the main protagonist, living a life that seems close to being perfect. With her husband embarking on a promising dental practice, a beautiful baby girl nicknamed Ronnie, a fine suburban house, and a supportive family, she couldn’t ask for anything more. But she is about to discover that Ken has an addiction, and his choices will trigger Tessa’s own traumatic past to haunt her once again. To keep up with appearances, she tries to live as if everything is fine, concealing the truth from everyone except CeCe, a new woman in the area that Tessa befriends. But once she discovers CeCe’s true identity, she realizes that she is tired of being duped and that Ken is going to dupe her for as long as she lets him.

As the problem of addiction is real and terrifying, A Week of Warm Weather certainly hits where it hurts. The story unfolds in a way that slowly reveals that something in Tessa’s life is rotten. This theme makes a strong appearance in every chapter, consistently illustrating the ramifications when addiction and family secrets intermingle. Lee Bukowski’s narrative is all about character and behavior that are taken to a specific destination. This makes the conclusion so powerful and convincing. The plot, having succeeded in providing intense character conflict, is resolved with a good structure and doesn’t cut corners as Tessa tries to get out of her predicament in whatever way she can--a test of human courage that is masking deep wounds. This work commands more readership. Absolutely worth reading.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Susan: A Jane Austen Prequel by Alice McVeigh grants a fresh look at some of the characters of Jane Austen novels in their earlier years. Recently expelled from Mrs. Ansruther's school, sixteen-year-old Susan Smithson returns to London, only to find herself embroiled in yet another scandal. After vehemently rejecting a marriage proposal made by an older gentleman named Mr. Hawthorne, Susan places herself under the tutelage of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who accompanies her when she is sent to live in Kent County with her relatives. Reunited with her favorite cousin Alicia Collins, Susan inadvertently becomes the center of attention again when she joins Mrs. Inchbald's play. In the meantime, Alicia's blossoming romance with the Johnson family heir, Henry, threatens to create a major scandal.

Susan: A Jane Austen Prequel is a delightful rendition of Susan Smithson's earlier years that is bound to entertain fans of Jane Austen novels. Alice McVeigh's book is filled with romance, mischief, gossip, and drama that makes you breeze past the pages with absolute relish. I found the characters colorful and thoroughly entertaining. The dialogue is witty and laced with humor. Alice McVeigh writes with a flow and eloquence that makes the narrative as smooth as melted butter, and it perfectly captures the era that the book is set in. Susan's inner thoughts and her scheming with Alicia were some of my favorite aspects of the book. I had a wonderful time reading Susan: A Jane Austen Prequel. I will recommend it to readers who love books set in this era.

Reviewed by Lynda Faye Schmidt for Readers' Favorite

Where Butterflies Go to Die by Michael Ringering tells a story of transformation and redemption. It all begins when the protagonist, Bobby Lee Darrow, is arrested and charged with drinking while driving. Ringering fills in the details of the backstory, of Bobby Lee’s history of misguided choices and the tragic circumstances of his father’s death. Having served with him in the war, Judge Cannon knew and loved Bobby Lee’s father. He serves Bobby the harshest fine possible, including two hundred hours of community service at Timberland Assisted Living. A series of events have Bobby on a wild goose chase, driving across the country, obsessed with solving the mystery of veteran John MacDonald’s past. Along the way, Bobby meets Meredith, a nurse in training at the center, whose compassionate attitude sparks his interest. Bobby Lee wants to become a better man and discover his life purpose.

For me, Bobby Lee’s quest felt like a familiar story. There were plenty of life lessons and nuggets of wisdom weaved into the plot line. While a little predictable, Michael Ringering painted an empathetic portrait of Bobby Lee that touched my heart. I found myself rooting for Bobby Lee to take Judge Cannon’s one last chance at redemption and make the most of it. The pace held my attention and I was curious to find out how all the loose ends would come together. I could relate to the emotional responses portrayed by the characters as they dealt with loss and grief. Where Butterflies Go to Die ends with a final nod to the virtue of standing up for what you believe in, and reminds us that miracles can happen.

Reviewed by Amy Raines for Readers' Favorite

In Water Memory by Tom Strelich, Hertell noticed that there were a growing number of people becoming forgetful. They were unable to answer questions about simple day-to-day things that should have generated an automatic response. The magnetic compasses that pointed in the opposite direction were evidence of a polar shift that no one had seemed to notice. Others were noticing that they were losing their longer-term memories as well. MRI scans showed that something had changed in their brains, but Hertell remembered everything because of the copper shards inside his brain from the gunshot he had suffered. He took on the responsibility of setting humans back on the right path. Was the world ending for mankind, or is there something else waiting for people other than a mass extinction? Will Hertell be able to help the community of Mustard Seed, or will he be viewed as an insane scientist with bullet fragments in his brain?

Water Memory by Tom Strelich embraces the scientific concept that magnetic poles can reverse direction, which gives this story a mild, yet enjoyable, science fiction feel. The community above and below ground suffered ill effects from the shift in polarity that prompted Hertell to help the people in the best way he knew how. I loved the suspense and the fear of the unknown as the characters followed Hertell’s instructions and headed out of their underground world. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a mystery with layers of science fiction and suspense that will keep them reading to see what happens next.

Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite

From one reckless choice to another, Joe Palmer enjoys the spontaneity of a night out with his colleagues. However, he needed a break from his sales job, which had recently taken up much of his time and energy. Also, the situation at home with his wife is far from encouraging, with his wife grieving the loss of their unborn child. However, one arguably good outcome of his reckless decisions is meeting Frank, who offers him valuable advice on various subjects. Though Frank is homeless, he has a fantastic collection of books and a group of fans that stop to listen to him regularly. G. Edward Martin's The Flower from the Garbage follows Joe's transition from workaholism and marital issues to being more intentional at work and home. Will he turn his life around in time to save himself and his marriage?

The story is rife with intelligent, philosophical conversations that will make you think deeply about your life choices. One of my favorite questions helps you find your true self: "If the world didn’t see you, would you even like yourself?” The Flower from the Garbage also includes insightful discussions about family, forgiveness, charity, rules, honesty, and other topics. Furthermore, it weaves a captivating narrative around a reasonable number of characters and keeps us engaged by employing a moderate, natural pace. Frank is such an inspiring character, embarking on projects to help others and embracing people from different walks of life. Though G. Edward Martin's main story is engaging and deeply insightful, the book contains other minor stories built around various eye-opening philosophical topics. A must-read for fans of philosophical fiction and all seekers of wisdom!

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

The Drop and the Glop by Sanjiv Saran is an engrossing novel that takes place in a part of the world in upheaval: The India-Pakistan war in 1965 and the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. Against this turbulent period are intertwined lives that will come to define their existence as they journey to discover the fullness of their identities: Yara belongs to a nomadic shepherd tribe. She has all the trimmings of a young and innocent girl, but the war will turn her into a hardened soldier as she joins the Pakistan army. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto is the Foreign Minister of Pakistan who rises to become the president of his nation, where he will be facing mounting challenges on both internal and foreign fronts. Vikram is a high school graduate who is treading the path of self-discovery, and as he faces a crucial exam, he discovers the concept of divinity and tries to affirm his belief in Christ.

The Drop and the Glop starts off well and it ends well. Sanjiv Saran fleshes out his characters so clearly that their dialogues read like you are actually listening to the voices of these characters right in front of you. It’s a character-driven story that gives you a feeling of a first-hand experience. Saran has written this story from the heart, the product of his six-month isolation in a Kashmir valley, and continues during the pandemic years. He takes extra caution to present the historical backdrop of his story to give his readers an authentic feel for the plot. At over 500 pages, The Drop and Glop is the sink-your-teeth-into type of novel that will present you with a long but engaging reading activity. It is a heartfelt work of historical fiction that deserves to be read.

Reviewed by Marta Tandori for Readers' Favorite

Renowned food writer, editor, and publisher of the magazine, Sunshine Trails, Horace Button arrives in Tucson aboard his vintage private railroad car, his small entourage in tow. He’s looking forward to co-hosting the annual Best Chef Tucson Jail-and-Bail gala with his good friend, Bunny Lorillard, but when he arrives at the police station to assume his role as honorary police chief, his presence is met with hostility from a few senior members of the police force. Ever the unwavering optimist, Horace nevertheless launches into the weekend festivities but everything soon comes to an abrupt halt when the honoree of the Best Chef title is found dead. Ironically, an inadvertent error soon has Horace in the actual role of acting police chief, much to the disgust of some members of the Tucson police force who are demanding his immediate resignation. Rather than cave in to their demands, Horace stubbornly decides to use his temporary powers of office to launch an investigation into the chef’s untimely death, convinced that foul play was involved, with little regard for the chaos he’s about to unleash on Tucson’s tight-knit culinary circles.

Eric Peterson has delivered the perfect combination of great storytelling and an irresistible protagonist in his witty whodunit, Sunshine Chief. As far as sequels go, Sunshine Chief nicely holds its own against its predecessor, The Dining Car. The well-thought-out story is made near irresistible, thanks to the lofty likes of Peterson’s main protagonist, Horace Button. Eternal optimist, social critic extraordinaire, Button is a man of many excesses who downs enough wine and spirits daily to put most mortals under the table while unapologetically devouring rich sauces and fatty foods with little care for his heart or his liver. Horace is the epitome of charm or can be as venomous as a snake if provoked, but what makes him so compelling is that he looks at the world just a bit differently than everyone else.

Of course, every good sleuth needs a trusty sidekick and in Horace’s case, he has a small entourage ready to do his bidding. His thirteen-year-old niece, Jane, temporarily suspended from school and along for the weekend with her friend, Florabelle, eagerly carry out Horace’s assignments under the supervision of his manservant, Pierre. Former college football star-turned-biographer, Jack Marshall, is Horace’s right hand, adept at driving or bartending when the situation calls for either one, while Jack’s wife, Wanda, is Horace’s chef, doling out her gastronomic delicacies and sage advice with equal aplomb. Together, they all make a colorful cast of characters that elevate Peterson’s story to the next level. A smart, witty mystery, Sunshine Chief will leave readers eagerly looking for their next fix in what will hopefully become a series starring Peterson’s inimitable protagonist.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Strung by Roske is a musical foray that brings to life a world that weaves magic from music, beauty, and the enchanting presence of the Faye. Most people in Iodesh believe the Faye are legends but a few believe in their existence. Lady Lysbeth Haywood receives a Faye that was captured and gifted by a suitor seeking a marriage she doesn't want. Lysbeth has mixed reactions at the discovery of the Faye. She's eager to learn more about their society, has increased anxiety about the forced marriage, and the growing conflict within her society. As she learns more about the Faye's mysteries, revelations open up possibilities beyond anything she ever imagined, and a deep connection forms with an unlikely source.

The story is rooted in the allure of the Fayetales and the fascination Avon society has with them, which begins with the discovery of a being wrapped in silver. This opening creates a catalyst for Lady Lysbeth and society's introduction into this beautiful and magical world. The Faye brought into Lysbeth's society brings mystery, wonder, discovery, and romance into her life. She's introduced to a society that contrasts her own with beauty and magic, where men and women are equal, and enchantment beyond everything she's ever seen. Avon society is the opposite with a double standard where lords can do as they want (as long as its discreet) and ladies are expected to devote their lives giving heirs to their husbands. The Faye are treated as objects and are expected to behave like docile pets.

Music has a significant impact on the tone of the story, seen through the various terms that Roske incorporates and the rhythmic writing style. The writing style has a musical quality which is seen in the formatting and the inclusion of lyrics such as the opening featuring beautiful depictions of giant trees cut into vessels and blue bleeding into their roots. These lyrics provide a stunning background to introducing the world and add a uniqueness to the story that feels that you're stepping into the music itself. Various illustrations are dotted throughout with black and white images adding elegance to the prose and providing visuals. Strung conjures up its enchantment through eloquent prose, a musical tone, a vivid setting, and romance.

Reviewed by Tanja Jurkovic for Readers' Favorite

Still The Night Call is a novel written by Joshua Senter, whose main character Calem Honeycutt tells the story of his experience growing up and living on a dairy farm in rural Missouri, USA. Calem and his family run one of the last dairy farms standing in the Missouri countryside and their way of life, although seemingly simple to the outsider, becomes endangered by the political and social issues in contemporary America. When their livelihood suddenly becomes a part of the harsh reality of the world they live in, Calem's purpose in life is blurred, and he makes one of the toughest decisions in life to end his suffering.

Still The Night Call is a well-written novel with a contemporary voice echoing the attitudes and troubles of country people, caused by the relentless reality of the dark fate of the farm industry, due to the changes in the country's politics and economy. Author Joshua Senter creates a balance between the subjective point of view of the middle-aged white farmer and the objective view on contemporary politics and economical issues, describing in his own crisp and straightforward style the effect these events have on farm life in America. The bitter reality of our contemporary world comes forth through the equally dark atmosphere that Senter creates while writing. He raises current issues just enough to make the reader wonder, examining them according to one's own perception and point of view. Still The Night Call is an interesting read that questions the political and social problems from a writer's point of view, offering hope for change at its impactful ending.