Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

Jellybeaners by Gene Scott is a heartbreaking story of the opioid epidemic, a story that captures the drug plague in the very heart of Appalachia. In this spellbinding story, readers will navigate the pains and peril and the despair that surrounds the use of the opioid. The story features a game of power and money, political corruption, untold misery resulting from drug abuse, and a lot more. In vivid and captivating prose and making compelling historical references, the author leads the reader into a vivid setting, a world cursed by drugs.

The reader is left in no doubt that the author has done his research very well, because he writes like an expert in the field, unveiling facts and scientific truths about the use of the drug that aren’t accessible to the ordinary person. The novel’s plot is very unusual, told in a highly descriptive style; it is focused and purpose-driven. I was drawn in, pulled irresistibly from the start, and having worked in a mental hospital, I could see the same drama I have witnessed in mental patients unfolding within these pages. The story has a realism that forces the reader to take note, to stop and contemplate the insidious events that literally rob millions of people of life and an abiding sense of meaning. The conflict is unique and strong enough to allow the reader to continue from page to page. This is a story that combines history with powerful social commentary to offer an exposé of a dark reality that is woven into the fabric of modern society. Jellybeaners by Gene Scott is a succinct indictment for the lucrative trade of drug trafficking.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Butts for Readers' Favorite

Beautifully Undone (The Beaumont Brothers Book 3) by Susan Griscom is a stand-alone book that is a part of a series. It does not end with a cliffhanger and can be read separately. This book follows Asher Beaumont, a damaged character who has just been dealt the blow of his mother's death. Outside of his mom, the only other 'family' he has is his best friend, Melody, and her brother, Teddy. Asher's dad was never really in the picture. Melody wants to be seen as a LOT more than best friend/little sister and, through some fun (and sexy) circumstances, starts turning Asher's head. One of the challenges Asher's mom put in his path before she passed was to find his half brothers. However, Asher grew up hating them, jealous of the relationship with their father that he believed they had. He is pushed to find them, hopeful that they will welcome him into their family with open arms, and not be one more rejection attached to the name of Beaumont.

Beautifully Undone is beautifully gritty. Asher is a wonderfully written character. He is damaged, broken, hurt, angry, loving ... everything you want your next book boyfriend to be. Melody is sunshine, warmth and open arms. She understands all his hurt and wants to do all sorts of things to help heal those wounds. I fell in love with these two as a couple. They were real in their imperfections. Susan Griscom painted a portrait of them that was easy for me to visualize and put myself in the scenes of the book. I highly recommend Susan Griscom's Beautifully Undone for anyone who enjoys a sweet romance with some grit.

Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite

According to college freshman Amy, there are three types of guys: forks, knives, and spoons. When she unpacks her belongings at Syracuse University, she also unpacks her father’s theory on the appropriate gentlemen types. Amy York’s roommate, Veronica, is skeptical at first, but soon finds comfort in her friend’s words. As the girls acclimate to college life, join a sorority, and collect more memories in friendships, break-ups, surprising romances, and common conflicts in their freshman year, the cutlery theory broadens to encompass every level of relationships.

The girls try to avoid all forks and are cautious amid the spoons. The knife is the way to go: “The knives are right in the middle, they have an edge and can be sharp when they need to be. Not too sharp and not too dull. They’re smart. They have drive, fortitude, strength of character, and they may not be as sure of themselves around girls as the forks are, but they will find their confidence.” Her father’s words became a silent anthem to Amy and her friends, making it their goal to find the perfect, shiny steak knife in the drawer of eligible Syracuse males.

Forks, Knives, and Spoons by Leah DeCesare is a plucky story relevant to any college coed. DeCesare expresses the fears, dreams, and insecurities of the modern day college student. From yearnings to be loved to the realities of loveless families, it is all here. As the characters come to realize that the bonds they make in college are so different from any they have ever forged, the reader will revisit their own college days.