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Recommend this book:
A Tuscan Interlude
Book 2 Alternate Realm Trilogy
Celeste Johnson
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
A Tuscan Interlude: Book 2 Alternate Realm Trilogy by Celeste Johnson sweeps readers into a sultry summer in Florence, where a blockbuster film production and a viral journalistic rivalry stir the passions of locals and visitors alike. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Tuscany’s hills and hidden sculpture gardens, old grievances resurface and new opportunities shimmer tantalizingly on the horizon. As characters wrestle with the tension between familiar comforts and daring possibilities, unexpected friendships bloom and darker undercurrents surface, including a crime ring that threatens to ensnare them all. This richly woven literary novel explores trust, transformation, and the eternal lure of the past in a land where every stone and sunset holds a story.
Author Celeste Johnson's descriptions whip the imagination into a cinematic frenzy, capturing Tuscany’s magic with a literary elegance that plants itself firmly in the mind and refuses to let go. The ensemble cast that populates the story brings the setting to life with realistic dialogue and a sense of warmth. This deft balance of personal introspection and suspenseful intrigue creates an immersive read where I felt invested in the characters’ lives. There’s something very sensory about the descriptions that makes you feel like you could reach out and sample every flavour, scent, and sight of Florence. The beautiful countryside and the close narrative perspective let you sit right on the characters’ shoulders as they experience everything. This makes the emotional points of the story hit all the more authentically, with a thoughtful exploration of how the past can both anchor and free us being rendered with emotional nuance. Overall, A Tuscan Interlude is a recommended read for fans of vivid and immersive storytelling.
A Tuscan Interlude: Book 2 Alternate Realm Trilogy by Celeste Johnson sweeps readers into a sultry summer in Florence, where a blockbuster film production and a viral journalistic rivalry stir the passions of locals and visitors alike. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Tuscany’s hills and hidden sculpture gardens, old grievances resurface and new opportunities shimmer tantalizingly on the horizon. As characters wrestle with the tension between familiar comforts and daring possibilities, unexpected friendships bloom and darker undercurrents surface, including a crime ring that threatens to ensnare them all. This richly woven literary novel explores trust, transformation, and the eternal lure of the past in a land where every stone and sunset holds a story.
Author Celeste Johnson's descriptions whip the imagination into a cinematic frenzy, capturing Tuscany’s magic with a literary elegance that plants itself firmly in the mind and refuses to let go. The ensemble cast that populates the story brings the setting to life with realistic dialogue and a sense of warmth. This deft balance of personal introspection and suspenseful intrigue creates an immersive read where I felt invested in the characters’ lives. There’s something very sensory about the descriptions that makes you feel like you could reach out and sample every flavour, scent, and sight of Florence. The beautiful countryside and the close narrative perspective let you sit right on the characters’ shoulders as they experience everything. This makes the emotional points of the story hit all the more authentically, with a thoughtful exploration of how the past can both anchor and free us being rendered with emotional nuance. Overall, A Tuscan Interlude is a recommended read for fans of vivid and immersive storytelling.
Recommend this book:
Water Music
A Cape Cod Story
Marcia Peck
2025 Honorable Mention
244 Pages
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite
Water Music by Marcia Peck will appeal to fans of literary, historical, realistic, drama, and social issues fiction. Almost twelve-year-old Lily Grainger is happy to spend the summer of 1956 with her family in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Her father, Weston, plans to build a house opposite his brother George's home. However, Weston and his wife, Lydia, do not have enough funds to complete the construction. They hope to borrow money from Lydia's parents. The tension between them grows, hurting Lily and her elder sister, Dodie. Lily practices playing her cello for a talent show and dreams of a new dress her mother cannot afford to buy. The rivalry between Weston and George threatens to split the two families, and many old secrets come out. As a hurricane approaches Cape Cod, Lily fears losing everything she treasures the most.
Marcia Peck's Water Music is a stirring family drama narrated by a perceptive twelve-year-old girl. The author creates a gripping storyline, masterfully stringing intense scenes together. Peck warns us that family relationships may be painfully fragile and uses the house under construction as a metaphor for hope, stability, and love. The author closely examines the theme of maternal love and crafts an intriguing relationship between Lydia and Lily with music as its integral part. The characters are complex and well-developed. Weston is the most inspiring of them and symbolizes resilience against all odds. Peck's writing style is clear and poetic, with a pinch of dry humor. As the well-structured narrative unfolds, a surprising turn of events results in a bittersweet, thought-provoking ending. I highly recommend this spellbinding novel.
Water Music by Marcia Peck will appeal to fans of literary, historical, realistic, drama, and social issues fiction. Almost twelve-year-old Lily Grainger is happy to spend the summer of 1956 with her family in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Her father, Weston, plans to build a house opposite his brother George's home. However, Weston and his wife, Lydia, do not have enough funds to complete the construction. They hope to borrow money from Lydia's parents. The tension between them grows, hurting Lily and her elder sister, Dodie. Lily practices playing her cello for a talent show and dreams of a new dress her mother cannot afford to buy. The rivalry between Weston and George threatens to split the two families, and many old secrets come out. As a hurricane approaches Cape Cod, Lily fears losing everything she treasures the most.
Marcia Peck's Water Music is a stirring family drama narrated by a perceptive twelve-year-old girl. The author creates a gripping storyline, masterfully stringing intense scenes together. Peck warns us that family relationships may be painfully fragile and uses the house under construction as a metaphor for hope, stability, and love. The author closely examines the theme of maternal love and crafts an intriguing relationship between Lydia and Lily with music as its integral part. The characters are complex and well-developed. Weston is the most inspiring of them and symbolizes resilience against all odds. Peck's writing style is clear and poetic, with a pinch of dry humor. As the well-structured narrative unfolds, a surprising turn of events results in a bittersweet, thought-provoking ending. I highly recommend this spellbinding novel.
Recommend this book:
Naked Girl
Janna Brooke Wallack
2025 Bronze Medal
352 Pages
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
In Naked Girl by Janna Brooke Wallack, Sienna “CeeCee” Jones and Siddharta “Siddhi” Jones live a life of complete insecurity. They are under the care, a term used quite loosely, of their dad, Jackson, who is their primary guardian since their mother is no longer alive. Their house in Florida is known colloquially as “Xandu,” and is a haven for the things two young children should not even know about, let alone have to live with on a daily basis. Violence and drugs, manipulation and sex, lack of food, and Jackson being the head of a cult are among some of the many things the kids grow up around. As the years go by and people filter through Xandu and the cult grows, the siblings learn to fend for themselves as much as possible, resorting to attempts at rehousing, education, and maneuvering through the storms to weather these to the best of their abilities.
“I had no substantive life plan. But wasn’t my one-way destitution the poetry of Xanadu?" The literary references and symbolism that Janna Brooke Wallack builds into Naked Girl really had me stepping back, knowing I was in for an intelligently entertaining ride. In this quote, we are looking into a full-circle moment of adulthood for Sienna, but in her childhood, we know that the choice to name the house "Xanadu" after Coleridge’s poem adds symbolic weight to the setting: themes of grandeur, decay, and the ephemeral nature of dreams and ambitions. The rugged elegance of Wallack's writing is everywhere, in which first-person accounts are both caustic and laden with style. I am reminded of Nell Zink's Nicotine in the chaotic nature of those who transit through the lives of Sienna and Siddhi, but with a panache that is singularly Wallack's. Very highly recommended.
In Naked Girl by Janna Brooke Wallack, Sienna “CeeCee” Jones and Siddharta “Siddhi” Jones live a life of complete insecurity. They are under the care, a term used quite loosely, of their dad, Jackson, who is their primary guardian since their mother is no longer alive. Their house in Florida is known colloquially as “Xandu,” and is a haven for the things two young children should not even know about, let alone have to live with on a daily basis. Violence and drugs, manipulation and sex, lack of food, and Jackson being the head of a cult are among some of the many things the kids grow up around. As the years go by and people filter through Xandu and the cult grows, the siblings learn to fend for themselves as much as possible, resorting to attempts at rehousing, education, and maneuvering through the storms to weather these to the best of their abilities.
“I had no substantive life plan. But wasn’t my one-way destitution the poetry of Xanadu?" The literary references and symbolism that Janna Brooke Wallack builds into Naked Girl really had me stepping back, knowing I was in for an intelligently entertaining ride. In this quote, we are looking into a full-circle moment of adulthood for Sienna, but in her childhood, we know that the choice to name the house "Xanadu" after Coleridge’s poem adds symbolic weight to the setting: themes of grandeur, decay, and the ephemeral nature of dreams and ambitions. The rugged elegance of Wallack's writing is everywhere, in which first-person accounts are both caustic and laden with style. I am reminded of Nell Zink's Nicotine in the chaotic nature of those who transit through the lives of Sienna and Siddhi, but with a panache that is singularly Wallack's. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Big Love and War Horse
A Novel
Shallen Anne Chitwood
2025 Silver Medal
250 Pages
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by Foram Vyas for Readers' Favorite
Big Love and War Horse by Shallen Anne Chitwood is a deeply moving story set against the backdrop of the 1942 bombings off the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Following the Deacon family during and after the Great Depression, the novel delves into their struggles and secrets. The story centers on fifteen-year-old Jonas and his younger sister Kay, who are left to fend for themselves after their father's abandonment and their mother’s sudden death. Their Aunt Linnie steps in to care for them, despite being haunted by her own painful past. The family’s journey through grief and hardship is poignantly mirrored by their loyal dogs, Big Love and War Horse, who symbolize the strength and resilience they need to survive. Chitwood paints a vivid picture of a family trying to rebuild their lives amidst chaos, with love and hope as their guiding lights.
Shallen Anne Chitwood’s writing in Big Love and War Horse is captivating! The story is well put together, with just the right mix of tension and tenderness that kept me hooked from start to finish. The pace is perfect too; it lets you get into the emotional journey of the Deacon family. Each character is so well-developed and has their own unique struggles and growth, especially Jonas and Kay. Their coming-of-age journey is incredibly touching as they deal with their loss and find strength in each other and their dogs. The themes of family, resilience, and love are beautifully woven into the story. Sure, there are a few moments where the writing feels a bit heavy, but overall, the storytelling is heartfelt and sincere. Big Love and War Horse is a moving and uplifting read that shows the power of the human spirit. I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters even after I finished the book. Historical dramas with deep emotional connections fans, this one is definitely for you.
Big Love and War Horse by Shallen Anne Chitwood is a deeply moving story set against the backdrop of the 1942 bombings off the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Following the Deacon family during and after the Great Depression, the novel delves into their struggles and secrets. The story centers on fifteen-year-old Jonas and his younger sister Kay, who are left to fend for themselves after their father's abandonment and their mother’s sudden death. Their Aunt Linnie steps in to care for them, despite being haunted by her own painful past. The family’s journey through grief and hardship is poignantly mirrored by their loyal dogs, Big Love and War Horse, who symbolize the strength and resilience they need to survive. Chitwood paints a vivid picture of a family trying to rebuild their lives amidst chaos, with love and hope as their guiding lights.
Shallen Anne Chitwood’s writing in Big Love and War Horse is captivating! The story is well put together, with just the right mix of tension and tenderness that kept me hooked from start to finish. The pace is perfect too; it lets you get into the emotional journey of the Deacon family. Each character is so well-developed and has their own unique struggles and growth, especially Jonas and Kay. Their coming-of-age journey is incredibly touching as they deal with their loss and find strength in each other and their dogs. The themes of family, resilience, and love are beautifully woven into the story. Sure, there are a few moments where the writing feels a bit heavy, but overall, the storytelling is heartfelt and sincere. Big Love and War Horse is a moving and uplifting read that shows the power of the human spirit. I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters even after I finished the book. Historical dramas with deep emotional connections fans, this one is definitely for you.
Recommend this book:
, a multiracial Atlanta journalist who acquires a neglected house from his deceased, racist white grandfather. God procures his charming nickname courtesy of his long white hair, lengthy beard, and larger-than-life personality. Restoring the old house wil...){kind=link}
Goodbye, Sweetberry Park
A Novel of City Life, Creeping Gentrification and Flesh-eating Snakes
Josh Green
2025 Gold Medal
364 Pages
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by David Jaggart for Readers' Favorite
Goodbye, Sweetberry Park by Josh Green revolves around Archibald Wesley Johnson (nicknamed God), a multiracial Atlanta journalist who acquires a neglected house from his deceased, racist white grandfather. God procures his charming nickname courtesy of his long white hair, lengthy beard, and larger-than-life personality. Restoring the old house will take a lot of work, but God is up for the challenge. It's a nice change of pace from his previous drug-bingeing and grief-induced lifestyle after losing the two most important people in his life. God encounters several formidable challenges along the way. Namely, a wealthy millionaire who plans to reform his community and a crazed zoo keeper who unleashes deadly snakes in the neighborhood. Can God garner the help of a solitary retired blues singer and other associates to help save their beloved Sweetberry Park?
Goodbye, Sweetberry Park aptly provides an engrossing historical overview of an Atlanta neighborhood torn between its illustrious past and undetermined future. It's an intriguing tale about urbanization that prolifically explores themes of loss, community spirit, self-identity, and gentrification. Josh Green is a master at highlighting the complexities of community relations and the actual effects of 'advancement' on an urban neighborhood. He does an astute job of exploring the social, racial, and class concerns that previous generations faced while also examining these issues in a modern setting. Readers will gain access to an authentic representation of urban development through the eyes and experiences of characters grappling with these challenges. Through it all, I admire how the protagonist, God, was able to see past his pain and connect with the struggles of others. This novel offers an incredible emotional journey. If you enjoy reading thought-provoking stories filled with humor, satire, and nuanced characters, grab a copy of this book today.
Goodbye, Sweetberry Park by Josh Green revolves around Archibald Wesley Johnson (nicknamed God), a multiracial Atlanta journalist who acquires a neglected house from his deceased, racist white grandfather. God procures his charming nickname courtesy of his long white hair, lengthy beard, and larger-than-life personality. Restoring the old house will take a lot of work, but God is up for the challenge. It's a nice change of pace from his previous drug-bingeing and grief-induced lifestyle after losing the two most important people in his life. God encounters several formidable challenges along the way. Namely, a wealthy millionaire who plans to reform his community and a crazed zoo keeper who unleashes deadly snakes in the neighborhood. Can God garner the help of a solitary retired blues singer and other associates to help save their beloved Sweetberry Park?
Goodbye, Sweetberry Park aptly provides an engrossing historical overview of an Atlanta neighborhood torn between its illustrious past and undetermined future. It's an intriguing tale about urbanization that prolifically explores themes of loss, community spirit, self-identity, and gentrification. Josh Green is a master at highlighting the complexities of community relations and the actual effects of 'advancement' on an urban neighborhood. He does an astute job of exploring the social, racial, and class concerns that previous generations faced while also examining these issues in a modern setting. Readers will gain access to an authentic representation of urban development through the eyes and experiences of characters grappling with these challenges. Through it all, I admire how the protagonist, God, was able to see past his pain and connect with the struggles of others. This novel offers an incredible emotional journey. If you enjoy reading thought-provoking stories filled with humor, satire, and nuanced characters, grab a copy of this book today.
Recommend this book:
The Broken Hummingbird
A Novel
Ann Marie Jackson
2024 Finalist
328 Pages
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite
Jane, her husband, Kevin, and two young sons, Liam and Connor, are part of a vibrant community of other ex-pats from the United States in San Miguel, Mexico. A local organization, Casa Mía, funds the construction of ten houses per year for families without a solid roof over their heads. Jane's heart aches for a hard-working woman named Nayeli. She wants her daughters, Dulce and Lupita, to get a proper education instead of making bricks with their mother. Jane vows to find additional funding to build them a house and soothe Nayeli's husband Pablo's violent temper. But Jane is trapped in a dysfunctional marriage with a bully husband who threatens to take her sons away. Jane cannot leave San Miguel, her true home, where her children are happy. An artistic soul, she has eerie dreams with heavenly messengers, hummingbirds. Will she be able to stand her ground against Kevin and help Nayeli? The Broken Hummingbird by Ann Marie Jackson is for fans of family and psychological drama, and novels centered around women.
The Broken Hummingbird shows us many sides of Mexico. Ann Marie Jackson creates an impressive background to reveal a dangerous world of domestic violence, kidnapping, and even "brujas," Mexican fortune-tellers, hidden behind the bright facade of a festive and beautiful San Miguel. Jackson's prose is psychologically profound and realistic, which makes us realize that she is familiar with San Miguel de Allende. I loved the powerful message of the novel. Jackson uncompromisingly raises the themes of women's rights, bullying, and domestic abuse, be it physical violence or psychological pressure on a victim. We follow Jane's development through many trials and confrontations with her manipulative husband. Also, we witness how passionately Jane absorbs Mexican culture, refining her inner world. Jackson crafted a reliable main character calling for our sympathy and compassion. Rich symbolism complements the strong plotline of this inspirational novel. Overall, The Broken Hummingbird is a remarkable debut of a talented author.
Jane, her husband, Kevin, and two young sons, Liam and Connor, are part of a vibrant community of other ex-pats from the United States in San Miguel, Mexico. A local organization, Casa Mía, funds the construction of ten houses per year for families without a solid roof over their heads. Jane's heart aches for a hard-working woman named Nayeli. She wants her daughters, Dulce and Lupita, to get a proper education instead of making bricks with their mother. Jane vows to find additional funding to build them a house and soothe Nayeli's husband Pablo's violent temper. But Jane is trapped in a dysfunctional marriage with a bully husband who threatens to take her sons away. Jane cannot leave San Miguel, her true home, where her children are happy. An artistic soul, she has eerie dreams with heavenly messengers, hummingbirds. Will she be able to stand her ground against Kevin and help Nayeli? The Broken Hummingbird by Ann Marie Jackson is for fans of family and psychological drama, and novels centered around women.
The Broken Hummingbird shows us many sides of Mexico. Ann Marie Jackson creates an impressive background to reveal a dangerous world of domestic violence, kidnapping, and even "brujas," Mexican fortune-tellers, hidden behind the bright facade of a festive and beautiful San Miguel. Jackson's prose is psychologically profound and realistic, which makes us realize that she is familiar with San Miguel de Allende. I loved the powerful message of the novel. Jackson uncompromisingly raises the themes of women's rights, bullying, and domestic abuse, be it physical violence or psychological pressure on a victim. We follow Jane's development through many trials and confrontations with her manipulative husband. Also, we witness how passionately Jane absorbs Mexican culture, refining her inner world. Jackson crafted a reliable main character calling for our sympathy and compassion. Rich symbolism complements the strong plotline of this inspirational novel. Overall, The Broken Hummingbird is a remarkable debut of a talented author.
Recommend this book:
When Banana Stains Fade
A Jamaican Family Saga of Adversity and Redemption
Frances-Marie Coke
2024 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
When Banana Stains Fade by Frances-Marie Coke tells the story of the women in a Jamaican family across generations. When Zarah returns home to Kingston, Jamaica, from the United States, she is full of regret over the past three years. She feels she has fallen into the trap of her family curse, which her mother and grandmother Naomi always warned her about. Every woman in her family had either fallen in love with the wrong man or made bad choices that led to severe consequences. Fortunately, Zarah's mother Esther, and her loving father Bradley, who are separated, help her get back on her feet. The book takes readers on Zarah's journey toward healing and also tells the stories of the women who came before her.
When Banana Stains Fade explores family dynamics, generational patterns, and the struggles faced by Jamaican women. The story delves into themes of infidelity, family secrets, sexual abuse, and the lasting impact of choices on our lives and families. It also touches on Jamaican culture and history, including societal divisions based on skin complexion and speaking tone. Frances-Marie Coke's rhythmic narration makes the story engaging and easy to read. She has included interactive questions at the end that can be useful for book clubs. Each character is from a different era, and the author perfectly captures the different cultural norms and how these changed over the years. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author. Her work is emotionally engaging and a life-changing experience.
When Banana Stains Fade by Frances-Marie Coke tells the story of the women in a Jamaican family across generations. When Zarah returns home to Kingston, Jamaica, from the United States, she is full of regret over the past three years. She feels she has fallen into the trap of her family curse, which her mother and grandmother Naomi always warned her about. Every woman in her family had either fallen in love with the wrong man or made bad choices that led to severe consequences. Fortunately, Zarah's mother Esther, and her loving father Bradley, who are separated, help her get back on her feet. The book takes readers on Zarah's journey toward healing and also tells the stories of the women who came before her.
When Banana Stains Fade explores family dynamics, generational patterns, and the struggles faced by Jamaican women. The story delves into themes of infidelity, family secrets, sexual abuse, and the lasting impact of choices on our lives and families. It also touches on Jamaican culture and history, including societal divisions based on skin complexion and speaking tone. Frances-Marie Coke's rhythmic narration makes the story engaging and easy to read. She has included interactive questions at the end that can be useful for book clubs. Each character is from a different era, and the author perfectly captures the different cultural norms and how these changed over the years. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author. Her work is emotionally engaging and a life-changing experience.
Recommend this book:
Life at the Precipice
R F Vincent
2024 Bronze Medal
300 Pages
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Life at the Precipice by R F Vincent is a fantasy that revolves around Travis Sivart, a former air navigator haunted by PTSD, who takes an interest in the mystery of The Segway, a secluded community formed after a catastrophic earthquake in 1959. Cut off from the world by landslides and nestled atop a seismic abyss, The Segway lures Travis in with a clipping detailing a mythical sea creature lurking in its depths. As Travis immerses himself in the eccentric world of The Segway, he encounters a diverse array of inhabitants, each harboring secrets and stories of their own. Through his exploration, Travis confronts his past traumas while seeking redemption, solace, and even answers that dance somewhere between the past and the present, against the backdrop of an unconventional existence.
Life at the Precipice by R F Vincent is an immediate drop into fantasy and a masterclass in subverting a reader's expectations and inviting them instead to consider the limitations of their own perceptions and interpretations. Whether it is Jub's posh tuxedo and reliance on outdated newspapers to convey The Segway's remoteness and detachment from the outside world, Travis's search for answers that reflect his sense of isolation and longing for connection, or the General's penchant for embellishment and forgetfulness that demonstrate the subjective nature of truth, nothing in Vincent's incredible storytelling is predictable. The dialogue is intelligent, with turns of phrase, innuendo, and patterns that distinguish one quirky character from the next, and all from Travis. No surprise is greater than the one Travis must confront in the search for his truth, and the mission that evolves as a powerful, albeit heartbreaking symbol of remembrance and closure. Very highly recommended.
Life at the Precipice by R F Vincent is a fantasy that revolves around Travis Sivart, a former air navigator haunted by PTSD, who takes an interest in the mystery of The Segway, a secluded community formed after a catastrophic earthquake in 1959. Cut off from the world by landslides and nestled atop a seismic abyss, The Segway lures Travis in with a clipping detailing a mythical sea creature lurking in its depths. As Travis immerses himself in the eccentric world of The Segway, he encounters a diverse array of inhabitants, each harboring secrets and stories of their own. Through his exploration, Travis confronts his past traumas while seeking redemption, solace, and even answers that dance somewhere between the past and the present, against the backdrop of an unconventional existence.
Life at the Precipice by R F Vincent is an immediate drop into fantasy and a masterclass in subverting a reader's expectations and inviting them instead to consider the limitations of their own perceptions and interpretations. Whether it is Jub's posh tuxedo and reliance on outdated newspapers to convey The Segway's remoteness and detachment from the outside world, Travis's search for answers that reflect his sense of isolation and longing for connection, or the General's penchant for embellishment and forgetfulness that demonstrate the subjective nature of truth, nothing in Vincent's incredible storytelling is predictable. The dialogue is intelligent, with turns of phrase, innuendo, and patterns that distinguish one quirky character from the next, and all from Travis. No surprise is greater than the one Travis must confront in the search for his truth, and the mission that evolves as a powerful, albeit heartbreaking symbol of remembrance and closure. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Dancing With Dragons
Jenni Ogden
2024 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite
Jenni Ogden’s Dancing With Dragons is a beautifully crafted tale set in the late 1970s on Western Australia’s Coral Coast, where teenagers Gaia and her brother Bron live a secluded life with their parents. Gaia is intensively trained by her mother, a former Principal Dancer of the American Ballet Theater, for a career in professional ballet. Her love for ballet is matched only by her passion for snorkeling over the coral reef. Her life is irrevocably changed when she discovers a rare pair of seadragons and witnesses their mesmerizing courtship dance, only to lose her entire family and her dreams of dancing that same night. Two years later, Gaia returns to her abandoned family property, determined to live off the land. For years, her only companions are the wild animals and an Aboriginal couple, Mary and Eddie, who work for a nearby racist farmer. Her solitude is broken one morning when Mary’s 11-year-old orphaned nephew, Jarrah, sees Gaia dancing on the beach, sparking an unlikely and healing friendship.
Jenni Ogden masterfully captures the emotional depth of Gaia’s journey from loss and isolation to healing and connection. The character development is rich and nuanced, particularly in Gaia’s transition from a traumatized teenager to a resilient young woman finding solace in nature and new relationships. The bond between Gaia and Jarrah is depicted with sensitivity and authenticity, showing how two scarred individuals can find strength and hope in each other. The setting of the Coral Coast, with its vivid descriptions of the reef and bush, adds a lyrical quality to the narrative, drawing readers into the natural beauty that surrounds Gaia’s healing process. Fans of literary fiction will appreciate the eloquent prose, intricate character arcs, and the exploration of themes such as loss, resilience, and the transformative power of friendship. Dancing With Dragons is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and flourish despite profound adversity, making it a deeply moving and inspiring read.
Jenni Ogden’s Dancing With Dragons is a beautifully crafted tale set in the late 1970s on Western Australia’s Coral Coast, where teenagers Gaia and her brother Bron live a secluded life with their parents. Gaia is intensively trained by her mother, a former Principal Dancer of the American Ballet Theater, for a career in professional ballet. Her love for ballet is matched only by her passion for snorkeling over the coral reef. Her life is irrevocably changed when she discovers a rare pair of seadragons and witnesses their mesmerizing courtship dance, only to lose her entire family and her dreams of dancing that same night. Two years later, Gaia returns to her abandoned family property, determined to live off the land. For years, her only companions are the wild animals and an Aboriginal couple, Mary and Eddie, who work for a nearby racist farmer. Her solitude is broken one morning when Mary’s 11-year-old orphaned nephew, Jarrah, sees Gaia dancing on the beach, sparking an unlikely and healing friendship.
Jenni Ogden masterfully captures the emotional depth of Gaia’s journey from loss and isolation to healing and connection. The character development is rich and nuanced, particularly in Gaia’s transition from a traumatized teenager to a resilient young woman finding solace in nature and new relationships. The bond between Gaia and Jarrah is depicted with sensitivity and authenticity, showing how two scarred individuals can find strength and hope in each other. The setting of the Coral Coast, with its vivid descriptions of the reef and bush, adds a lyrical quality to the narrative, drawing readers into the natural beauty that surrounds Gaia’s healing process. Fans of literary fiction will appreciate the eloquent prose, intricate character arcs, and the exploration of themes such as loss, resilience, and the transformative power of friendship. Dancing With Dragons is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and flourish despite profound adversity, making it a deeply moving and inspiring read.
Recommend this book:
The Taste of Her Silence
A Jensy Willett Novel
Sara Scott
2024 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Taste of Her Silence is a work of fiction in the LGBTQ+, interpersonal drama, and slice-of-life genres. It is best suited to the adult reading audience owing to some scenes of a sexual nature. Penned by author Sara Scott, this novel presents the unforgettable conclusion to the Jensy Willett trilogy, delving into themes of love, loss, resilience, and renewal. Jensy Willett reflects on the extraordinary events of her life over the past eight years, from her recovery as a school shooting victim to her success as a photographer and her deepening love for her wife, Sophie. However, an unexpected phone call shatters her world, forcing her to confront devastating loss and test the limits of her strength. Will Jensy succumb to despair or rise from the ashes to embrace the pleasures life still offers? This poignant tale explores the transcendent power of love in the face of unbearable sadness, making it a powerful conclusion to Jensy's story.
Author Sara Scott has crafted an emotional journey that brings together several threads of emotional storytelling to reach a strong conclusion against impossible challenges. The smooth flow of the narrative captures the complexities of love and loss with subtle realism, drawing readers into Jensy's world with vivid, descriptive prose and authentic emotion conveyed in speech and thought. The character development throughout the novel is exceptional, and I found myself deeply invested in Jensy's journey, thanks to the close narration that allows us to see every high and low and her reactions and processing. The unexpected twists and turns of the plot are placed well to keep the action fresh, but they never feel gimmicky or melodramatic, and the powerful themes of resilience and renewal resonated long after I finished the book. Overall, The Taste of Her Silence is a beautifully written concluding novel, showcasing Sara Scott's talent for storytelling and leaving readers with a profound appreciation for life's joys and sorrows.
The Taste of Her Silence is a work of fiction in the LGBTQ+, interpersonal drama, and slice-of-life genres. It is best suited to the adult reading audience owing to some scenes of a sexual nature. Penned by author Sara Scott, this novel presents the unforgettable conclusion to the Jensy Willett trilogy, delving into themes of love, loss, resilience, and renewal. Jensy Willett reflects on the extraordinary events of her life over the past eight years, from her recovery as a school shooting victim to her success as a photographer and her deepening love for her wife, Sophie. However, an unexpected phone call shatters her world, forcing her to confront devastating loss and test the limits of her strength. Will Jensy succumb to despair or rise from the ashes to embrace the pleasures life still offers? This poignant tale explores the transcendent power of love in the face of unbearable sadness, making it a powerful conclusion to Jensy's story.
Author Sara Scott has crafted an emotional journey that brings together several threads of emotional storytelling to reach a strong conclusion against impossible challenges. The smooth flow of the narrative captures the complexities of love and loss with subtle realism, drawing readers into Jensy's world with vivid, descriptive prose and authentic emotion conveyed in speech and thought. The character development throughout the novel is exceptional, and I found myself deeply invested in Jensy's journey, thanks to the close narration that allows us to see every high and low and her reactions and processing. The unexpected twists and turns of the plot are placed well to keep the action fresh, but they never feel gimmicky or melodramatic, and the powerful themes of resilience and renewal resonated long after I finished the book. Overall, The Taste of Her Silence is a beautifully written concluding novel, showcasing Sara Scott's talent for storytelling and leaving readers with a profound appreciation for life's joys and sorrows.
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